Harvest Party

Last weekend we went to Mike's folks house for the annual harvest party. For the last few years we have gone to Judy and Kirks following a day at the pumpkin patch. This year we scratched the pumpkin patch for a day of apple pressing, cooking, pumpkin carving and EATING! It was so much fun -- their property is so beautiful.

Judy who patiently waiting to hold Lucca

Apple Pressing

Heather and Hilda fighting over Lucca

The next day we went on a hike. Check out the gorgeous forest!

Milk Coma

Lucca Smiles!!!!

More Stripes

A couple more striped ideas. Chels and Amber, expect a call from me so we can coordinate. Also, blog about your fav's so we can come up with something. Would that be what you like to call a *tag* Chelsea.

Family picture ideas

There's some seriously cute kids stuff that I think would be so cute for pics. Check out these darling EGG baby cable knit layettes with these adorable hats on etsy. You can customize any color on the hats. Lucca is SO getting one of these hats. Chelsea I know you'll be all over these.




These Oeuf leggings would be SO cute on the girls!!!

Lack of Sleep

So we got maybe four hours sleep last night. I don't know if Lucca is going through a growth spurt or what but all he wants to do is eat and then cry until he gets to eat again. I fed him more yesterday than I usually do in two days combined. Needless to say, Shan and I are very tired. I'm only able to post this because Shan got him to sleep in his swing and instead of doing one of the ten things on my list today, I'm on the couch eating breakfast and planning our winter family photo session. Totally dumb, I know.

Anyhow, I've been obsessed over these family photos for a long time. We're going to SLC for Christmas and getting new family photos taken and I really want to do something like this. I just think it's so unique and fun.So, I'm in search of the sweaters and scarfs. If you come across some let me know.

Wish List for Lucca

I am so obsessed with these bean bags from Cocoon Couture. I know he's not even close to being big enough for his own bean bag but that's ok -- it gives me more time to decide between the owl, monkey or giraffe. So cute!!

Starr's pics

So Lucca has already had more photo shoots than most super models in his short life. I was so excited to get these teaser photos from Starr. These are just a couple and I'm dying to see the rest but I thought I'd share what I have. As always, Starr did an amazing job.

Also thought I'd share a few firsts:
1. First giggle while sleeping. He smiles all the time while sleeping but tonight he actually giggled.
2. First marathon walk in the Chariot. We walked to Ballard yesterday and he was such a trooper. We even had two outfit changes and one feeding on the road. All in all I think he really liked it. We can't wait to take him out on the skis and bike (in the chariot of course)!
3. First true snore -- just like his papa.
4. First smile!!! I don't know if it was gas or a true smile at me but I don't care -- usually he's crying or eating when he's awake so I'll take a smile any day.
5. First shopping spree. Shan went on a 200K bike ride on Sat. so Auntie Lulu and I took him on a marathon shopping trip. He did so great!

That's all I can think of for now. It's such a fun journey and we'll continue sharing it.

Pumpkin Patch

As my family knows, I love traditions! Shan and I have had a tradition of going to a U-pick pumpkin patch and corn maze since we met so I was so excited to take Lucca this year. I have to admit I had grand visions of cute pumpkin photos of Lucca which are really unrealistic until next year but it was still a gorgeous fun fall day.

Braving the hooter hider.

Aunt Christa and Lucca

Three Weeks...

It feels like 3 months. But in reality, our Lucca is exactly 3 weeks old. Is this an indication we are quickly getting accustomed to each another? It’s difficult to fathom that a few days back he was still inside Mommy. It seems ages ago when I would start bedtime stories to the belly with my best Darth Vader impersonation “Luuuucca, I am your Faaaaaather”.

But, he’s here now. Lucca Ryder Perera. Heather and I can finally touch, smell, cuddle and kiss him. He hasn’t wasted any time becoming the chairman of our house and the center of our universe. A close friend predicted I’ll discover new found mega-love when Lucca looks deep into my eyes for the first time. He was so right. If the eyes are the gateway to one’s soul, that was a life-defining moment I’ll never forget.

• I love touching his soft, perfect skin.
• I love his radiant grey-brown eyes and seeing how fascinatingly attentive they are.
• I love the way he pumps his fists and kicks his chubby little legs in the air.
• I love it when he falls asleep curled up like a ball on my chest, tiny hands draped across the neck.
• I love the gentle coos, sighs and sounds he constantly makes.
• I love the way sunlight illuminates the bronze highlights in his dark hair.
• I love how he sometimes startles himself when he sneezes or at unexpected noises.
• I love the frowns and funny faces he makes when trying to pass gas or poo.
• I love when he uses both his hands to grab my fingers tightly during diaper changes.
• I love observing how strong his grip gets with each passing day.
• I love the smell of his feathery hair right after a bath.
• I love admiring his delicate features like the miniscule finger nails.
• I love his frenzied head-bobbing as he begins to breast feed.
• I love his milk stained lips and the instant sleepy coma that follows a good feeding.
• I love his assorted array of baby clothes, most of which are still quite baggy.
• I love whenever I get to pick him up and hold him close to my heart.
• I love the way he continues to gaze at me even after I’ve handed him to Heather.
• I love giving him a good morning kiss, a good night kiss and dozens in-between.
• I love staring at Lucca and Heather when they are fast asleep.
• I love seeing Heather glow as a proud, blissfully head over heels in love mother.
• I sometimes get all choked up since I know this wonderful newborn phase is but a chapter in a long exciting journey ahead.

-Shan-

Precious new photos

Our good friend Dane Doerflinger came by last week to take some shots of Lucca. I couldn't be happier with the results. Talk about a proud mama -- drool over these.