every superhero needs a sidekick.

You guys - I am so so grateful that Luca takes a pacifier. I honestly don't know how I (or he) would function otherwise.

My sweet little dude got his 6 month shots yesterday (we are a few weeks behind schedule haha) and they didn't really cause too much pain until we came home an hour or so later (because errands). HOLY COW. He never really cries, he just whimpers and whines when he's tired, but not ever a serious cry - that all changed yesterday. He had an intense cry a few hours after, and then again at bed time. Thank heavens for Tylenol! It's so so awful to see your baby in pain. 

Back to pacifiers. They are one of my baby's favorite things. They instantly calm him! We always have one close by especially when we are on the go (preparation is key). 

I've always been a big fan of pacifier clips because without them, Luca's pacifiers would not stick around. The only thing I hate about them is that the leash would somehow make its way to the back of Luca's head making it super uncomfortable for him and hard for me to reach (while riding shotgun)! 

When Soother Sidekicks contacted me about trying their product, I was so thrilled! All of my pacifier problems solved!! This leash is more of a toy for Luca than a leash. It stretches out but then retracts and stays close enough so that Luca or I can reach it. Luca loves pulling at it and seeing it go back into place, that alone is enough to keep him entertained. 

We ordered the ocean stripes sidekick, since Ben and I are obsessed with all things ocean. 

As for whether I recommend this product- I definitely do!! First of all- this is a necessity for us. It keeps Luca from throwing his paci around and keeps me sane during those times when he really needs it. It never gets stuck on the back of his head, and to top it all off - it's fun! He loves it! They definitely have two happy customers right here (Mama & baby). 

If you hope to snag a Soother Sidekick to try - enter the giveaway on my Instagram! (: 

oh the places you'll go

My baby is growing too fast. I was editing some photos and (this happens every time) I was blown away by how small he used to be!

These past six months have been such a huge life change for our whole little family, and some days I feel like I'm on this wild & crazy ride that refuses to slow down. I have so many sweet moments with Luca where I pause and think to myself - "Remember this moment. Remember his little hands and his darling smile. Remember how he gives kisses with his mouth wide open (and finds it hilarious). Remember how excited he gets when he sees you in the morning and when his dad gets home at night." I know it's highly unlikely that I will forget, but time is going so fast and I don't want to miss a thing.

Like every other mom, I want what's best for my baby. I only hope that he can avoid the speed bumps I had to go over when I was growing up! I want him to know he can accomplish anything that he sets his mind to. That he always has his number 1 cheerleader at home with him!

When I found this cute shirt from The Blue Envelope, I fell in love. "Oh the Places You'll Go," one of my absolute favorites from Dr. Seuss. 

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself 

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

Words of the wise. You can teach your babies as much as possible, but in the end they will choose where they soar! I only hope that I steer Luca in the right direction. (:

As I said before, I adore this cute raglan and the v-neck I got for myself too! I'm a sucker for cute baby gear (much to my husband's dismay), especially when they include text from one of my favorites!

this is not a drill

You guys. Luca has been here for HALF OF A YEAR. That's right, he has hit his six month marker and I am without words (though not completely, as I haven't stopped typing). I HAVE A SIX MONTH OLD. Mind is blown. There are times when I feel like I am still a teenager (even though 30 is coming quicker than I care to admit), and other times where I feel like I have always been a mom. I'm sure that will all equal itself out one day - right?

Anyway, back to Luca. He has a huge and adorable personality. I know everyone says this - but it is SO HARD for me to imagine what life was like before him.

I am a working mama - which I admit is not always easy. Luckily my little guy has a way of entertaining himself. He oftentimes gets transitioned from one play station to the next throughout the day (with Mom taking breaks here and there to read to him, feed him, kiss him a gazillion times, change his diapers and put him to sleep). He has his swing station - which is usually the go-to when he gets to watch his episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Baby Einstein. Then there is his play gym where he somehow spins around on his back or his side and gets to whichever hanging baby toy is his favorite (this changes daily). Then he has his jumper, which can only be used in our bedroom. He could jump around in there for hours. Lastly, for those days when he just wants to see his mama all of the time, he gets the high chair or Bumbo! The Bumbo fits quite nicely on our desk and he likes to just sit there and look around.

Our little guy is a talker. He has been since about month two. I like to call his talking 'yelling happily'. He isn't quiet, but he's usually not upset either. He has his Dad's personality. If you know my husband - you know that he is very outgoing, happy and usually pretty hyper. That is my child. So smiley, so sweet and always excited about life. Even when he has hit bedtime and is tired and hungry, all I need to do is look at him and he will give me a whimper laugh/smile before getting sad again.

One thing he did inherit from my side of the family - aside from the obvious (brown eyes, olive skin, dark hair), is his love for television. I'll be honest, I didn't spend a whole lot of time watching television growing up, but I did love Disney movies. This little guy LOVES TV, especially Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It's mostly Mickey that he loves. If you have watched MMC (Mom's everywhere), the beginning where Mickey is walking over the hill and says "Hey Everybody! It's me, Mickey Mouse!" is his favorite part (he smiles so big every time).

I am so ridiculously excited to take this kid to Disneyland when we move - he is going to love it so much!!