HIGH CONTRAST BABY VISUAL STIMULATION PRINTABLE

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It's kind of an amazing thing that my sister and I had our babies exactly one month apart! We meet up often to go to the mall or for a walk or just hang at her house. It's the best that we can experience everything together. Earlier this week I discovered that Luca really likes to visit his cousin as that means he gets to play in her mamaroo. He was super content and absolutely loved the black and white mobile that hung over his head. It consisted of super cute black and white monsters.

I could not get over how much he loved it. He was smiling and cooing galore and he even cried when I took him off it! Babies love high contrast images because they can actually see them and they help them develop their vision...it's also key to developing their cognitive thinking (I got that from my teacher friend Renee...hope I wrote that correctly, ha!) So when we got home I searched the net and pinterest and didn't find the cutest images so I decided to make my own.

If follow me on snapchat (@lauraliira) you would see how Luca loved it. It was seriously the cutest thing to see him chatting away to the bear and puppy. I printed a couple for different spots around the house and as you can see above and below, it fits right into his nursery ;) I couldn't get a close up shot where he was in focus because we was so excited looking at it. The sweetest.

I edited the original to make the triangles higher contrast and he likes it even more! Scroll down to download :)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
(For Personal Use Only)

 

XO,
Laura

P.S. Luca's outfit is from Gap but I couldn't find it on the website (this one is similar) and change pad cover is from here!

 

LUCA THE LION // TWO MONTHS OLD

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LUCA AT TWO MONTHS

Sweet Luca is now two months old and on Saturday, he will be 10 weeks. My baby is growing so fast and it's breaking my heart. I love how he's getting way more interactive but can time just slow down pleeeeeaassee. Here is his two month update :)

WEIGHT: 12lbs 9oz
Goodbye newborn frame! The rolls have arrived! We thought that he was a chunky baby but after his appointment we found out he was only in the 55th percentile for weight...so relatively a normal baby.

HEIGHT: 22.8 inches
Grew another inch this month and is in the 50th percentile for height. His head is in the 97th percentile...thank goodness it wasn't that way at birth LOLZ.

WEARS: He's starting to grow out of some 0-3 month onesies and I'm freaking out!!! My little baby is getting so big, way too fast....like seriously. It's insane how much he has changed!!! I don't have a ton of 3-6 onesies, so I'm looking forward to buying him some cute new fall stuff. Joe Fresh has the cutest things...I got my eyes on this, this and this!

SLEEPS: He still sleeps pretty well. We've had a handful of 9, 10 & 11 hour straight nights...which have been unreal!! Going away combined with recovering from shots did a number on his sleeping so now I'm trying to get him more into a routine again. Last night he went down at 8:30pm and was up at 12:15am and 6am...hoping for those longer stretches again, ha.

HIGHS: All the cooing! Oh my goodness, I die every time he starts to talk. He has the sweetest little voice. He even has started to laugh with a single "HA" a couple times and that has melted my heart.

LOWS: The post shots aftermath. Firstly, I am VERY happy he got his shots. I am a strong believer in vaccinating your babes BUT the shots really affected my little lion. He had a fever, was crummy and even stopped taking the bottle :( All he wanted to do was nurse or be on me a lot of the time. Combine that with also going away = one cranky baby who refuses to nap and wakes up more in the night. But I know this is a short season so I will soak up those cuddles for as long as I can get them :)

PARENTING: Month two has definitely been easier than month one. It feels like our life has adjusted to having a baby. And don't get me wrong, being a mama is still the hardest job EVER. Yes, there are still crazy days when I burst into tears (the past three days for example lols) but we're getting better at this whole "raising a human being" thing. And it really is the most special thing. Last night as we were putting Luca to bed, he kept smiling and cooing at us. I told Luca he had a superpower, a very special superpower that emits laser beams of love into mommy and daddy every time he looks at us. It sounds super cheese but it's so true. When he looks at me and smiles, I feel a beam of love and my heart grows bigger. 

POSTPARTUM: Still getting used to this postpartum body, ha! I kinda just want summer to be over so I can wear my fall clothes. I went for my first run the other day and it felt great! Still haven't managed to figure out an exercise routine as there are a billion things to do when Luca naps buuut as he gets more consistent, I'm hoping to start running a few times a week.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: When he full on starts giggling. Oh my goodness, I don't even know how my heart will be able to handle that,

Month two has been a treat. Oh Luca, you have changed my heart forever. I love you so.

XOXO,
laura

YOU'RE HAVING A BOY

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All of my life, I've aways pictured being a momma to a little girl. I'm a girlie girl. I love getting dressed up and playing with makeup. I'm a passionate believer that girls can be preachers, presidents, etc, etc. For goodness sake, I started a conference for girls and have held it for 7 years because I believe in empowering girls!

 In every daydream about the future, I'd have a few kids but a girl would always be my firstborn. I'd encourage her that she was loved and valued and that her voice mattered. She would know that she was more than just a pretty face, that God had an incredible purpose for her and that she could dream big and not let her gender limit her. I couldn't wait to raise my baby girl.

But then I found out I was having a boy. And to be honest, I kinda knew it was a boy but I was hoping for a girl. Right after God told me I was pregnant I found myself addressing my belly as "little guy"....it was natural instinct. But my hope for a girl outweighed my gut feeling that I was having a boy. Throughout the first 20 weeks, I mainly looked at girls' clothing...so many cute pink things. I envisioned a pink and gold nursery. I had convinced my heart that I was carrying a girl. 

Fast forward to right before our ultrasound...my guess was a boy but there was still a little piece of hope that we were having a girl. So we go in and marvel at the video of our beautiful baby. There is something so incredible about seeing your baby moving. It was also the first ultrasound that James' was able to attend, so that made it extra special. We had a student conduct the ultrasound and thank goodness we were finding out because she dropped "he" at least three times...haha. We were also pretty sure as we spotted what looked like a little boy part..ha! Afterwards I stalked my doctor's office until they could tell me the results and yes, they confirmed, I was having a boy.

I was having a boy. Not a girl, but a little boy. James and I had headed to the mall to grab some food and I remember eating Opa with tears running down my face. It was hitting me. I was having a boy. I had to shut the door (for now) on all my little girl dreams and honestly, that was a hard thing. BOYS! I knew nothing about boys. What on earth was I going to do with a boy!!?!?! I'm pretty sure James was a bit worried that I wasn't going to love our child...hahah. And obviously that wasn't the case, but I needed a couple days to grieve the idea of a little girl. It was all that I had imagined for the past 20 years so naturally it would take some time.

But I have the greatest friends BTW. As soon as I told my bestie, she started pinning incredible baby boy shower and nursery images to our pin board. I started to get a bit more excited. I also went and picked out some cute baby boy clothing because shopping always lifts my mood, ha. It took about two days for me to grieve the idea of the girl and fully embrace the idea of a boy. Who knew how much healing pinterest and shopping could bring...lols. Another friend gently counselled me and let me know that it was okay to be sad. She encouraged me that it would change and I would be excited but it's okay to cry right now. Oh, how I needed that.

And now, oh my goodness, God knew what he was doing in giving us a little boy first. I honestly, can't imagine anything else. 

Instead of raising a girl that is empowered, we get to raise a boy who will empower. We get to teach him what it means to respect the opposite gender, to fight for fairness and equality, to walk humbly and live life with integrity. I'm raising a moG (man of God) people and it is the greatest thing ever. I have fallen in love with my little prince and he has fallen in love with me. The little smiles and cooing he gives me melts my heart every time. I know as he grows he is going to bring so much out of me. He's going to make me bolder and stronger...he already has as I've embraced that mama bear spirit. I feel like I'm going to die the day that he tells me I'm beautiful. He's my prince, my little lion king and I am so in love.

As I was folding up his newborn clothes last week, I found myself hoping for another boy...ha. I seriously see myself like Lisa Bevere (or Helena Stones!!) raising four incredible boys. But who knows what the Lord has in store? What I do know is that we can make plans, but ultimately, God's plan is the best plan for our lives. He knows what's best. He knows what our hearts need even if we don't (which is often, ha).

Be encouraged today that if your plan is failing, that may be a good thing. God is at work and will give you the strength you need to handle the plan he has for you. God has given me and will continue to give me the strength I need to raise this boy (HELLO, I will be screaming for his help when Luca gets older, ha!!) He's a good father and knows our hearts more than anyone else. You can be sure that he won't fail you or let you down but give you exactly what you need because He loves you too much to give you what you want.

I'm over the moon in love with my little man and now I couldn't imagine it any other way.

XOXO,
laura

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

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image via

It takes a village to raise a child. I am a major believer in that phrase. In my pre-baby life I would hear the phrase and then smile and nod. Yes, it takes a village but 'I got this' was my previous mantra. Pre-baby, I would be so proud of the fact that I was an independent woman! Sure, I relied on God sometimes but help from others? no, it's okay, I got this. I didn't want to be a bother and I was confident that I could do things all by my lonesome. And then I had a baby.

Before Luca, I thought, oh a baby! It will be so darling! We'll just go to the backyard and lounge all day and instagram.....(insert crazy/crying laugh HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA). Sorry to burst your bubble (if you are a little bit naive like I was) but becoming a parent has been the hardest thing I have ever done. And I like to think that I have done hard things. Lead teams of volunteers, live in another country at 18, direct conferences, preach, missions trips, run a half marathon, etc, etc...yep, becoming a parent has been harder than all of those things put together. I have seen more tears in the past 6 weeks than in the past 6 months, heck, probably the past 6 years. Oh, how I needed (and still need) my village.

The first two weeks were INSANE. I was a teary, snotty, anxious mess. All of a sudden my world was turned upside down. I had been entrusted this tiny, crying baby who didn't come with a manual. Oh, and my body was feeling as if it had done 6 marathons. Oh and did I mention I was hardly sleeping, ha. I didn't like going into public because I would burst into tears if someone asked me how I was. I lashed out at James way too often. I constantly watched Luca because I was paranoid he would suddenly stop breathing. But my village intervened.

My village made meals when my only goal of the day was to feed my baby...shower if I'm lucky. My village helped with housework and laundry (true friends right there). My village answered my constant questions and gave advice with no judgement. My village held my baby so I could nap. My village gave me hugs, kind words from God and prayers that I needed so desperately. My village blessed my baby with clothes, diapers and toys. My village poured out love and brought flowers. My village reminded me that God chose me to be Luca's mom and that He would give me all that I need. My village loved on James too. My village reminded us that as parents, our need for God would be greater than ever and that's a good thing.

Oh, how I love my village.

My village showed me that it's okay to ask for help. My village showed me that it's essential to accept help. My village revealed how much I need my village. My village inspired me to look around and be a village to others.

We are not meant to be alone. God never intended us to do this whole life thing alone. I'm extremely extroverted and I still have to be constantly reminded that I can't do this alone. Community can be a messy thing...people are complicated but it can also be a very beautiful thing. I hope and pray that you have a village like my village.

My village reminded me of who I was and that I was capable. And I'm proud to say that at six weeks postpartum, I know with all of my heart that that is true. I'm doing this mom thing and I have confidence (imagine that!) and I don't cry everyday anymore, ha! It's still hard but I truly believe that 'I got this'....but not on my own...with the support of my amazing God and my village.

I love you my village and wouldn't be the momma I am without you...you know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

XO,
laura

NEWBORN ESSENTIALS

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Our little Luca is almost 6 weeks old and I guess that means that he's almost out of the newborn stage....wowza! During pregnancy, looking through baby stuff was so overwhelming. There are so many things and everyone has a different opinion on what you need. I'm no expert but this is what we've found so helpful for our little lion.

1. Milk Snob Cover- I use my milk snob every time we leave the house! It serves as a cover for the carseat, feeding cover and shopping cart cover for when your little one can sit in a shopping cart. Luca sleeps way longer in the carseat with this on. It blocks out sun, wind and creepers from touching your baby, ha. I seriously am in love with mine.

2. WubbaNub-  This was gifted to me by my sweet friend Lauren. It's a soother that doesn't fall out right away. For now we stuff it under a blanket and Luca is able to suck away and if he stops, it doesn't fall out. When he gets a little older, he will be able to hold onto the elephant's legs which will help the soother stay in his mouth. And it's soo adorable too. I got the lamb one for my little niece. If you're local to Victoria, you can buy this at Momease. 

3. Sleep Sheep On the Go- This is a white noise machine in disguise of a super cute sheep. We were gifted the travel size and I was so happy. I find the original to be a bit on the big size. This one comes with a velcro strap, so we often strap it to the stroller or car seat or wherever he's asleep! We use this every night and I personally get a better sleep with it too. Luca is a great sleeper, so I'm thinking this has something to do with it!

4. Summer Infant Sleeper- Luca sleeps in this little bassinet beside our bed every night. We only have a double bed, so we don't do this but it folds down so you can put your baby right beside you on the bed. It also folds up so you can take it on the go. I'm planning on having Luca sleep in this on our trip to Parksville.

5. Aden & Anais Dream Blanket- We received this as a gift and I love it so much. It's not entirely an essential but I swear Luca sleeps better when he's swaddled in it. It's incredibly soft and they also make them for adults too! 

6. Little Unicorn Muslin Swaddles- Muslin swaddles are such an essential for your newborn! We swaddle Luca up for every nap and bed time and often it's with these guys. They also provide a nice, lightweight blanket for the super hot days. I linked up to Little Unicorn because I love their patterns but there are many other (cheaper) brands that make muslin swaddles!

7. Summer Infant Swaddle Pod- I know I've mentioned swaddle like 10 times but these are amazing!! We were gifted two of these at our shower and he's almost grown out of them. We put him in this at night instead of pajamas and it keeps him all tightly swaddled. He's way less likely to wake himself up in the middle of the night when his reflexes throw his arm up. And oh my goodness, he looks so cute in it too...so sad that he's growing out of it :(

Oh and I forgot the Diaper Genie! I absolutely love it and could not live with stinky diapers in the trash!

So there you have it, my newborn essentials. I'd love to know what newborn essentials you couldn't live without!

XO,
laura