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30 Days of Merry | December

I thought it would be fun to end off the year with a “Photo a day challenge”. No specific template or parameters, just a little snippet of the beauty I find in every day. I will be uploading/updating every day with a new photo and a couple choice words. If you would like to join please share your photos with me! I would love to see them.
Jovana Padilla

Tuesday, December 1st, 2015

Day1ofdecemeber
“What’s it like to be a mom? I get asked this from time to time. While I don’t know how to respond or what the appropriate response should be, I can try to explain in a few sentences. To me, motherhood came at a perfect time in my life. I was not the strong person you see today. I was fragile and hurting. When I received the news I didn’t know how to take it. I was confused, scared, happy,.. Hopeful.. I didn’t know what this journey would bring, but I gave it all I had. Pregnancy came and went. My son was born. I can honestly say that in the moment when we first glanced at each other we fell in love. He was mine and I was his.. Forever.. Every sneeze was magical, every burp was adorable, watching him explore the world made my heart swell with pride. Once you become a mother you find a new purpose in life and everything changes. Never negativity, but a gentle change – a change that makes your senses more acute, in tune, and observant. You’re a momma bear and he is your little cub. Your life does not diminish, nor does it fade to black. Your life becomes bright and new with amazing experiences each and every day. That is how motherhood has affected me. That’s what being a mom means to me. Pride and unconditional love.”

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015

untitled shoot-0943
“& God said let there be coffee. Today was definitely one of those much needed caffeine filled days. Having a little one who’s still feeding every two hours through the night is getting the better part of my sanity. Coffee for breakfast. Coffee for lunch. Coffee for dinner. Just. Coffee..at least I have a cute mug by my side right?”

Thursday, December 3rd, 2015

day3
“So, here I am being ‘that mom’, letting my child run loose in the Toyota service center. He’s grabbing pamphlets, knocking over magazines, and running up to strangers just to give them a toothy smile. He’s only little for a little while. He’s only curious for a couple years. He’s exploring. He’s learning. He’s being a child. I’m proud to be ‘that mom’ with ‘that baby’. He makes every situation a little better (even if you’re sitting in the lobby for an hour for your car to be fixed).-insert all the heart eye emojis-”

Friday, December 4th, 2015

day4
“I think it’s safe to say that the holidays are now in full swing at our house. Last year we weren’t able to have Ani help us set up the tree, but oh boy did he help this time around. That tree only survived in that location for about 2 minutes before it was moved to the coffee table where he could no longer grab it. Thanks for the help my big boy! You did a great job decorating the couch, floor, and yourself! (He was covered in glitter from the ornaments) I think all in all it was a good christmas tree decoration event. ;)”

Saturday, December 5th, 2015

day5
“Today we had a nice trip around our small city, but I would like to share this quote with all of you following along… ‘For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.’-Viktor E. Frankl… live for today, friends. P.s. How cool is that old school santa? I mean.. come on.. that’s pretty legit.”

Sunday, December 6th, 2015

untitled shoot-1470
“Bed time. Our favorite time.”

Monday, December 7th, 2015

untitled shoot-1475
“Sometimes you just need a good night time bath in the winter to get a sleepy baby to give in. Each day is a blessing with you little cub. Thank you for teaching me about patience, kindness, and understanding. I love you.”

Tuesday, December 8th, 2015

day8
“While these photos might seem like nothing too special, to me they mean the world right now. The little sweater you see falling apart was Anakin’s when he was born. He wore it for his first christmas and he wore it all through the holidays. That little sweater was wrapped around my little one keeping him comfy and warm, much like I did. Now, this tiny piece of apparel is damaged and falling slowly apart. I know he’s growing up. I know these things will no longer fit him, but.. just maybe… I could hold on to them a little longer. From 2014 onward to 2016… I can’t hold on to time… I can’t slow it down or make things a little less worn out… I just have to appreciate the little moments and the little things in my life.. This sweater, while delicate and beautiful, is now just a reminder that as much as I would love to hold on to this stage in life, I must continue letting him grow… one sweater at a time.”

Wednesday, December 9th, 2015

day9
“Today was a hard day for me. As much as I want to stay strong and pretend like everything is okay, I will not. I cried, I broke down, I was hurt.. I realized that I’m allowed to feel these things. Yes, I am scared.. Yes, I am prepared.. Yes, I still have faith.. This post wasn’t going to happen, but I knew someone somewhere could be going through this right now and I owe it to them to let them know they’re not alone. It’s okay to feel, friend. You are still strong! With that said I wanted to write my littlest a short letter here on this blog:

A letter to my unborn child,

There will be days where I feel like I should have been able to do something. I know it’s just in my motherly nature to worry and blame myself for not being able to provide you with the protection you so desperately need right now. I have faith that, even though today we didn’t hear the news we were so hoping for, that god will guide us through this and we will be okay. We haven’t met just yet, but I already love you and all your little hiccups. I will continue to count down the days until I have you safely in my arms. We have an army of prayers and good people behind us, my love. Do not fret; we will do great. I cannot wait to count your kissable toes and stroke your soft hair. I know we will meet each other a little sooner than expected, but that just gives us a little more time to cuddle skin to skin and see each other with our own two eyes. I dream of the first look that you will gift me and I wonder what it will be that your thinking of. My baby.. we will be just fine.
Love,
Mommy

We are twice armed if we fight with faith.
Plato
Stay strong friends..”

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

day10
“I don’t know what it is about his Auntie Jess, but as soon as she walks in this boy turns to mush. I love it. They’re definitely the bestestest of friends forever. ;)”

Saturday, December 12th, 2015 I know, I’m a day late.

day1112
“Since I didn’t get to post anything yesterday I thought I’d post two things today. So this morning my little helper helped me put together his baby’s bouncer. He loves tinkering around and “fixing” things. I can’t help but to giggle at the sight.”
(Well that double post didn’t happen. Sick babies are tough.)

Sunday, December 13th, 2015 promised double post

day13“Waking up to cloudy weather and rain. Please excuse me as I stay indoors and cuddle my sick boy. I love this weather.”

day13.5
“Someone caught the cold and poor little thing just wants to rest. Where did my little baby go?”

Monday, December 14th, 2015

day14
“The best part of having a family is seeing the man you love care for a little piece of you two. He’s an amazing husband, but the part that makes me melt is that he’s an incredible father.”

Tuesday, December 15th, 2015

day15
“So today was not a fun day. I wasn’t able to photograph anything with my big camera, but here’s the only photo I took all day with my phone. We spent the day in the E.R. with my sick little dude and my mom who was also not feeling well… I love the bond they share.”

Wednesday, December 16th, 2015

day16
“Everyday that passes is one day closer to meeting our little baby. Ani is such a good big brother! He helps me with everything! Today he helped Daddy and I pack our bag, and double check that all the clothing was just perfect. Thanks buddy!”

Thursday, December 17th, 2015

day17
day17bonus
“Today we opened presents early! His uncle brought over some gifts and he loved them! I couldn’t wait any longer so I put him in his new jammies. How cute is that little camera?”

Friday, December 18th, 2015

day18
“Today we opened YET another gift early. Ani found his new toy in the guest bedroom and ‘proclaimed’ that he must have it..right then..and right there (He did so with the beautiful song of his people). Oh well, at least he loved it!”

Saturday, December 19th, 2015

day19
“I haven’t been seeing much of this guy lately (thank goodness), but alas I have sessions to edit and graphics to make. I need a break soon.. can someone just come over with 14 cups of hot cocoa & marshmallows? No? Too much? Okay, I’ll put my big girl pants on. Happy Holidays!”

Sunday, December 20th, 2015

day20
“I finally left the house! I actually did it! I left the house and watched a show! I haven’t gone out for a girls afternoon or girls night in months! It felt so nice to just get ready and have a day to myself. I really did enjoy this show! I highly recommend it for anyone who is a lover of folkloric dance or that enjoys posadas musicales. A special thank you for my friend Tania, who won these awesome seats! Thanks for letting me tag along! I had a blast.”

Monday, December 21st, 2015

day21
“‘Here mommy have some cookie. Oh never mind..Oh look it’s so pretty! My hands are covered in sprinkles! Here mommy let me show it to you. *mischievous smile* LOOK MOM! I can break it into little tiny pieces!’ He had his very own christmas cookie today, it was quite the experience for him. ;)”

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015

day22
“Sometimes you pray.. Sometimes you beg.. Sometimes you cry.. and sometimes… a miracle happens..Today I received news that I would be able to carry my littlest peanut to term. While I still continue to have the same condition, this gives me the ease of mind that he/she will come when they are ready. God is good.”

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015

day23
“Hello love bug! I saw my peanut today! I was double confirmed for term! This little nut and I will not be meeting any time soon and I’m COMPLETELY okay with that. Sleep well my chubby love!”

Thursday, December 24th, 2015

day24
“Santa’s little helper might have gotten a little too distracted with the empty gift wrap roll.”

Friday, December 25th, 2015

day25
“Merry Christmas! I hope your Holiday was as thrilling as this little bugs’! He loved all his gifts! Especially his new ball pit/tunnel jungle gym. Yup, that’s my goofy kid.”

Saturday, December 26th, 2015

day26
“Christmas is over and our tree is still up. Why can’t we keep this beauty in the living room all year round? It makes the perfect night light! I think it should be socially acceptable to keep them up.. just saying..”

Sunday, December 27th, 2015

day27
“What’s the best thing about Winter? Rainboots and crispy leaves.”

Monday, December 28th, 2015

day28
“I think I can’t stop myself from purchasing all these cute baby accessories! The days are ticking away…”

Tuesday, December 29th, 2015

day29
“I finally purchased the baby book. It’s becoming so real so fast! This was the last item I needed to buy before the grand entrance. It’s slowly being filled out with all the memories from these past 9 months. Oh sweet child of mine.. I love you so.”

Wednesday, December 30th, 2015

day30
“Your first born, your first love, your first baby, your first everything.. I am incredibly blessed to be your momma Mr.Vader. I love you to the moon and back.”