Changing Tides

It's been so tough getting out to take outfit pictures lately.  Bianca and I were sick over the holidays (she unfortunately still is) and now I'm weaning her off breastfeeding so she has been a beast.  It's obviously much easier for me to get out in my backyard for a few minutes to snap a couple of pictures, but I'm staying true to my word by refusing to be lazy about these posts.  Once I start to feel pressure about posting, blogging stops being fun.  So I'm just getting out when I can and posting the next day.

Baby Came Back

This dress is both old and new.  I bought it about two years ago, excited because I had wanted it for such a long time.  It was a bit snug but I made it work.  It collected dust in my closet until after Bianca was born.  In a postpartum depressive state, I hastily sold it because it wasn't even close to zipping up at the time.  I regretted that decision ever since.  I scoured the internet for months until I found a used one in a size up.  It was a miracle!  This one is a little loose but I'm just happy to have it back in my closet.  I'll never take this dress for granted again!

Twelve Months

Is it weird that I have tears in my eyes as I write this?  I can't believe it's been an entire year with this little nugget.  She's changed my life so much.  I remember mothers telling me how different your life becomes after you have a child and that you truly don't understand that kind of love until you do... And I would give a major eye roll.  As annoying as those comments are, they're absolutely true.  Having a baby is all about giving a part of yourself for the well being of someone else.  As someone who can admit to being a pretty selfish person in the past, Bianca has changed me for the better.  Now I can't even picture my life without her!

Just like last month, Bianca has been on the move!  She falls a lot less these days and can walk much faster.  I might even say she runs!  She's also getting adjusted to walking in shoes.  She doesn't wear them very often so she looks like a little baby deer when she has her little ugg boots on.

Because she's been so focused on walking she's been a little stunted in the vocabulary area.  She talks all the time but in her own gibberish language.  She does say dada a lot, that's about as sophisticated as it gets.  She's great at understanding us when we talk though.  At least she knows when I don't want her to do something.  Whether she chooses to listen is another story...

Bianca is now completely on solids.  I still make her pureed food, but only because that's the only form of vegetable she will take.  Much like her parents, she enjoys a lot of "bad" food but compliments it with fruits and veggies.  I'm still breastfeeding, but only 2-3 times a day.  I'm hoping to have her completely off breast milk in a few weeks!

Now for the most exciting news: Bianca now sleeps in her crib!  Both at night and for naps.  I really enjoyed co-sleeping, but I never realized how little sleep both she and I were getting.  Now that she has her own space to sleep it seems like she's much more rested in the morning.  I'm still adjusting to sleeping more than 2-3 hours uninterrupted, hopefully I'll start to enjoy the solid nights of sleep Bianca is giving me these days.

These monthly updates have been such a joy.  I frequently look back at the younger months and can't believe I ever had a baby that small.  Now that she's moved into toddler mode, I'll probably update every six months or so.  Of course, you can always find super cute pictures of her on my Instagram too!  Thanks so much for reading my journey into mommyhood.  It's a bittersweet goodbye but I'm excited for our future together with a toddler :).

xoxo

Ashley

You Cottage My Eye

It doesn't happen very often but I had a baby free outing on Friday.  Kevin was sweet enough to spend his day off watching Bianca, so I took advantage by meeting up with Serli of Le Soleil Chic.  We had a nice shopping/coffee date at one of our favorite local shopping centers.  I knew Serli before she started blogging, but we've bonded even more now that she does.  There's a special place in my heart for my blogging friends because we truly understand the love and the struggles behind it.  She's always fun to hang out with but this was our first shoot together.  I love being behind the camera and it's rare when I get to photograph anyone other than myself.  Luckily, I had the prettiest subject and the pictures came out beautifully!  I'm sure you'll get to see them on her blog soon :).

Take It Easy

Happy new year!  I've actually just emerged from one of the worst colds I've ever had.  Bianca was sick and about 24 hours later I was just as miserable.  It ended up ruining my New Year's Eve (I was in bed by 8:30) but I'm finally starting to feel okay.  Trying to care for a sick baby while trying to take care of yourself is ridiculously hard.  Thankfully she's almost back to normal so I assume I should follow suit.