by mrs capretta
So it’s been a big week in the Capretta household. Someone has moved into their big boy bed, which obviously calls for lots of sleep stalking photos. I’m so sorry in advance Carter for being a creeper. It’s not normal…
When I was pregnant with Carter we were in the process of searching for a new home so I didn’t really go through the “nesting” phase. I knew whatever I did we would be cleaning and moving shortly so there really wasn’t a point. But with this chick, I think the moment I peed on the stick “nesting” hit. The OCD planner in me reveled at the thought of being able to clean out and create a new space for the baby. Immediately I did the calculations on how far apart they would be and decided come January 2015 Carter would be moving into a big boy bed. To me it was silly to completely change a room already set for a baby with a crib, changing table, etc and was easier to get Carter set up in a new environment.
So thanks to a really design-gifted friend, I got this bed. We chose something he could use for a while rather than a toddler bed because again it felt silly to purchase something for such a short time of use. Plus the pullout option for occasional sleepovers with dad were a big selling point. It also helps keep his room feeling like a play space. Ok, you bored yet? You just want to know how it’s gone.
(**disclaimer: I’m TOTALLY jinxing myself with what I’m about to type out to the web universe right now**)
It’s been AMAZING. I couldn’t have imagined the transition going any better while all the wonderful horror stories people have enjoyed telling me about their children. The first night and second night I laid with him until he fell asleep for his naps and at night. To be honest it’s been such a beautiful experience for me too, just shutting down and laying with my little boy. I’ve learned to slow down and take in the precious moments with him as soon there will be another one, but more importantly the day he won’t fall asleep in my arms will come sooner than I realize.
In the morning he wakes up and loves to read his books in bed while I go get his milk. We then read together, talk about things (which is a whole other thing we can talk about…convos with my kid!? what!?) and enjoy starting the day. By the third night I left the room and since then (on night 8) he hasn’t gotten out. Sometimes he cries for a quick second but then he passes right out. He doesn’t get up in the middle of the night and even when he wakes up doesn’t get out. In fact, he’s sleeping longer in the bed than he was in his crib, which is hard to imagine because he’s been such a good sleeper from the beginning.
Anyways, there’s so many negative stories out there about the transition and I honestly was pretty freaked out about it. I’m living proof that it can be awesome and not pose any problems! (so far!) My absolute favorite is when I say it’s time for “night night” and he scurries up into bed, looks at me and says, “Mama. Bed. Books. Blankie.” It’s a summoning I will take any day of the week….
Dear Riley,
When I found out I was pregnant with you brother I started a list of things that I wanted to tell him. The moment I found out I was having a baby girl, I decided to do the same. To be completely honest, the thought of having a little girl has terrified me. I envisioned having another little boy as that’s what I know. But I saw your beautiful face in an ultrasound recently and I cannot wait to meet you. I’m so excited to have a daughter and just saying it out loud gives me chills. Of course the obligatory ballet class and obnoxious outfits are fun to think about, but even more so is having a life-long best girlfriend in you. From always having a mani-pedi date to helping guide you through times that are tough, I’m excited to grow together. As I have learned with your brother, you will teach me just as much as I can teach you, and I’m looking forward to our journey together. Counting down the moments until I can hold you in my arms and tell you just how much I already love you…..
I promise to tell you you’re beautiful everyday.
I’m excited to have a mani-pedi partner.
I hope you know your brother will always give you a hard time with boys.
I hope you know you will appreciate him giving you a hard time, eventually.
I promise to love you with all my heart.
I cannot wait to sip champagne and plan your wedding.
I hope you find a man to marry who stands besides you not in front.
I hope you learn when all else fails wear a little black dress.
I promise to monitor your clothing choices…we will clash but you will thank me.
I promise to teach you who Mr.Darcy is.
I cannot wait for your mandatory first dance class with a tutu.
I promise to show you how to cook, even just the basics.
I hope you never apologIze for saying “No”.
I hope to be an example of a hard-working woman.
I hope to be an example of a devoted wife.
I can’t wait for you to instruct me on style when you’re older.
I hope to be an example of a loving mother who’s children are her world, yet a working woman role model.
I hope you learn to splurge a little in life. You only live once.
I can’t promise I’ve been through it, but I’m always here for advice.
I hope you know there’s nothing wrong with Cup O Noodles.
I hope you learn music and dance parties make everything better.
I will teach you no prayer is ever too small or silly.
I hope your brother and dad teach you how boys should treat you.
I can’t wait for you to see how much I love you.
I will teach you not to go out with a guy who asks you via text.
I hope you know being smart is a beautiful thing.
I promise that inner beauty is the most beautiful quality to have.
I will teach you to know your self worth.
I hope to teach you to have a strong spirit, which others especially women will try to break.
I promise there’s a purpose in everything even if it doesn’t seem clear.
I can’t wait to take you to a ballet.
I will teach you be confident.
I hope you open your heart to goodness.
I hope you always keep the child in you alive.
I will teach you my favorite mascara is $4 Maybelline. Can’t go wrong.
I promise labor is worth every second no matter how long it may seem.
I can’t wait to see what a beautiful young woman you become.
I will teach you washing your face and sunscreen are your best tools.
I promise nothing lasts forever.
I hope you know not to settle for less than anything but chivalry.
I hope you want to swing just a little bit higher.
I can’t wait for our first glass of wine together.
I hope you learn to fight fair but you’re not afraid to fight.
I promise to teach you that being busy and success aren’t the same.
I hope you always take in the magic of a sunrise and a sunset.
I will teach you quality is better than quantity no matter how you apply.
I hope you learn to be true to yourself and no imitate but lead.
I can’t wait to listen to your adventures.
I hope you know bad hair days are inevitable.
I will teach you the value of yourself.
I hope you know your brother will be hard on you at times but it will make you stronger.
I will teach you that Ben & Jerry’s won’t solve heartbreak but will help mend a little.
I hope you stay in the bath until you get pruney.
I promise to respect you.
I hope you know you will fall in love many times.
I hope you don’t live your life through social media but actually live it.
I will teach you that your husband needs a wife not another mother.
One word. Nutella.
I hope you know you can always come home and I’m always here.
I will teach you there’s no such thing as perfect, which is ok.
I can’t wait to hear your first giggle.
I want you to know I’m a little bit scared having a girl.
I hope you know I will be up for a spa day anytime with you.
I promise to love you as my little princess forever.
I hope you know people can be mean but don’t be one of them.
I hope your first love is your father and always remains that way.
I can’t promise I’ll take as many picture of you as your brother but I will make you a baby book.
I hope you always tell the truth even if it’s hard to be honest.
I hope you strive to be the rainbow is someone’s cloud. (Maya Angelou)
I can’t wait to sit on the beach and watch the waves crash with you.
I hope you always keep a box of funfetti cake mix around for when I visit.
I promise not to cry too much the day you move out. This might be a lie.
I hope you know everyone experiences the ugly cry. It’s ok.
I can’t wait for us to go to tea together.
I will love you forever and you will always be my baby girl.
Love,
Mom
On January 1st, 2013, I started writing down one thing I was thankful for each day. It’s been a tradition I continued for 2014 which serves as a wonderful reminder and diary of some sorts. This past year was filled with many many ups, and a few downs, but I looked back and think of how much I grew. I grew as a mom who has helped her baby grow into a little boy. I grew as a wife in which we have learned to balance “us” time with a child. I grew as a business partner and have learned so much this past year as new opportunities have come into our hands.
It’s fun to look back and see what made me smile, from a delicious Italia Deli sandwich to Carter saying a new word. The tradition will continue into 2015 as it’s a beautiful reminder for myself at the end of the day to know there was something wonderful that happened, whether big or small. I hope you find all the happiness and success in the New Year!!!
xx
THANKFUL 2014
1.1- waking up on the beach in Newport
1.2- Carter saying “momma”
1.3- Carter laughing and exploring himself in the mirror
1.4- watching ‘Love Actually’
1.5- Wieby called….she’s pregnant!!!
1.6- tank’s lump isn’t a tumor
1.7- enjoying a warm coffee in a coffee shop
1.8- carter starting to use the standing walker
1.9- seeing ry!
1.10- tequila shots
1.11- a breakfast in Newport with Vicky and Antonio
1.12- walking the boardwalk as a family
1.13- morning yoga class with Kenzie
1.14- Carter falling asleep in my arms
1.15- Brazilian blow out
1.16- afternoon at the park
1.17- Laguna Beach with dad
1.18- carter trying spaghetti and loving it
1.19- the most beautiful sunset
1.20- I’m pregnant!
1.21- Carter getting down the stairs
1.22- a facial at the four seasons
1.23- sunset walk on the beach with carter
1.24- fireplace and Chinese at home with ry
1.25- thinking about the 4 of us
1.26- ry shooting Funny or Die video in Detroit
1.27- Carter taking full bites out of banana
1.28- afternoon at the park
1.29- paleo dinner with Amanda
1.30- family nighttime selfies
1.31- carter loving watching mma fighting
2.1- date night
2.2- a lazy and quiet Super Bowl
2.3- loving new climbing blocks
2.4- saying “dadadadadad”
2.5- Mongolian noodles
2.6- Susie cupcakes
2.7- boat ride shower in Newport
2.8- walking Irvine Spectrum together
2.9- family nap
2.10- playing peek a boo
2.11- Girl Scout cookies
2.12- nighttime cuddles
2.13- keeping my faith
2.14- Carter’s valentines photos
2.15- cannot get enough of extra cuddles from both boys right now
2.16- dunking under in pool
2.17- a glimmer of hope for #2
2.18- joining a gym
2.19- fro yo date with carter
2.20- hanging like a monkey at my gym
2.21- playing bball in his little hoop
2.22- mommy and me night
2.23- birthday party fun
2.24- 10 months
2.25- Carter’s first grilled cheese
2.26- seeing dad first time 12 days!
2.27- a morning walk w no crying
2.28- finally know no #2
3.1- a day at home in pjs and rain
3.2- took 2 steps to dad
3.3- family breakfast
3.4- learning to climb down stairs and off bed
3.5- two steps to mom
3.6- amazing support of friends and family
3.7- first haircut
3.8- date night
3.9- lots of naps
3.10- nighttime family walk
3.11- air balloon ride at my gym
3.12- the most infectious laugh
3.13-so in love with my baby
3.14- happy hour sushi mongrel loved crab
3.15- carter playing in dogs water bowls
3.16- underwood farm family outing
3.17- overdrive crawling by putting head down
3.18- nighttime snuggling
3.19- carter making a new face with his lip
3.20- splashing in dogs water bowl
3.21- taking a few steps
3.22- bubba gump lip
3.23- walking!!!
3.24- 11 months
3.25- trash the cake shoot
3.26- day at PSP with dad crawling around
3.27- walk with Tasha
3.28- mommy/son breakfast date
3.28- fro yo
3.29- tempter tantrum on floor in Costco
3.30- Santa Barbara zoo
3.31- tooth #8
4.1- first swimming lesson
4.2- play date with cousin Ben
4.3- starting to bounce aka dance
4.4- Carter spitting water out of his mouth
4.5- a glass of bubbly with raspberries
4.6- mom’s group dinner out
4.7- carter making me laugh so hard I cried
4.8- starting to high five
4.9- lots of hugs
4.10- high fives
4.11- absinthe show in vegas
4.12- vegas with ry
4.13- seeing Cami
4.14- a family afternoon in the park
4.15- first time using car shopping cart and loving it
4.16- Mexican dinner party with Matthews
4.17- sitting and rolling on skateboard for first time
4.18- naked eating tortellini
4.19- 1st birthday party!
4.20- first Easter egg hunt
4.21- family photos at Sherwood
4.22- successful RC surgery
4.23- roller coaster in backyard
4.24- happy 1st bday
4.25- creating new cocktail
4.26- Brett’s 21st
4.27- started Breaking Bad
4.28- first time on carousel
4.29- climbing inside water table
4.30- riding in new walking car
5.1- evening drinks by the lake
5.2- not leaving the house once
5.3- official rodan + fields rep
5.4- over stomach flu
5.5- laughing at elephant noises
5.6- loving snoothies
5.7- carter saying hi
5.8- first Popsicle (homemade green)
5.9- swinging on the rope at my gym
5.10- boat night with Driscolls
5.11- Mother’s Day diamond earrings
5.12- head butting hugs
5.13- water table on hot day
5.14- r&f launch
5.15- getting Brazilian blowout
5.16- new car!
5.17- raspberry lemon drop
5.18- dad’s surprise chief party
5.19- mommy/son afternoon at park
5.20- baby goats at underwood
5.21- barre class
5.22- an amazing day with carter
5.23- swinging on bars at my gym
5.24- splash pad & 13 months
5.25- BBQ
5.26- a full family day
5.27- Billy Joel Hollywood bowl!
5.28- carter giving me kisses
5.29- lunch w grace & Karen
5.30- beanscene blast
5.31- loving chicken hot dogs
6.1- kissing a goat
6.2- dad does swim lessons
6.3- carter siting in my lap
6.4- grace and carter kissing in pool
6.5- finished breaking bad
6.7- checking out new spot in irvine
6.8- tossing football at the park
6.9- meeting baby Will
6.10- Carter giving will kisses
6.11- coming home
6.12- carter napping on dad
6.13- movie date to see Chef
6.14- family beach day
6.15- Father’s Day
6.16- Monday night BBQ
6.17- mommy & me Pilates
6.18- “bye dadeeee”
6.19- carter letting me read a story
6.20- watching “We Bought a Zoo”
6.21- a night of nothing
6.22- Bryan’s 30th bday
6.23- chasing carter and his giggles
6.24- lunch with prosecco
6.25- Ryan’s 37th bday
6.27- 2nd ear piercing w Karen
6.28- beer & wine tasting party
6.29- sleeping in until 11am
6.30- $1 taco night
7.1- started music class
7.2- unlimited giggles
7.3- family night to mall water pad
7.4- BBQ at Herndons
7.5- big kicks in pool swimming
7.6- Carter’s dancing
7.7- passing of grandpa Capretta
7.8- positive pregnancy test
7.9- saying mooooo
7.10- dinner at sageroom
7.11- free slurpee
7.12- Carter’s new talking noise
7.13- shishito peppers are back
7.14- grandpa Capretta funeral
7.15- carter says moooooo
7.16- pizza BBQ party at PSP
7.17- learning to hide and seek
7.18- family evening at stonehaus
7.19- 6 weeks pregnant
7.20- two long naps
7.21- Grace sleeps over
7.22- making kiss noise
7.23- dad does swim class
7.24- 4 years in Santa Barbara
7.25- seeing Carter after 2 days
7.26- Brett home!
7.27- Chinese dinner at the Driscolls
7.28- apple jacks for lunch
7.29- carter and will hanging
7.30- climbing pool slide at swim
7.31- interviews at the marke
8.1- carter chasing seagulls at beach
8.2- marmalade family breakfast
8.3- beyonce & jay z concert
8.4- there’s a heartbeat!!!!
8.5- sitting in my lap reading books
8.6- saying “please” aka “peeese”
8.7- Ventura county fair
8.8- wearing Nike dunks
8.9- D Fish 40th bday party
8.10- dancing in wind at church
8.11- seeing baby #2 again
8.12- dinner with hendersons
8.13- carter cuddling before nap
8.14- afternoon w Christina
8.15- am breakfast at the park
8.16- giggle fest in bed
8.17- kisses with Goldfish
8.18- afternoon at AHS with Tash
8.19- spotting air planes
8.20- howling like a wolf
8.21- reading and snuggling a dad
8.22- cherry icee
8.23- nighttime books in crib
8.24- 16 months
8.25- carter saying “up”
8.26- holding both our hands walking
8.27- learning to flush toilet
8.28- OC meetings with dad so excited
8.29- sushi with the Driscolls
8.30- Stevie engagement party
8.31- afternoon pool party
9.1- Carter diving into the pool
9.2- it’s a girl!
9.3- made it to Hawaii
9.4- sunrise walk on the beach
9.5- nap outside in the rain
9.6- Maui aquarium
9.7- relax time in the cabana
9.8- couples massage
9.9- pasta and stickers at dinner
9.10- waving by to penguins
9.11- home
9.12- online shopping for Riley
9.13- Beckett blood drive
9.14- farmer’s market samples
9.15- first day baby and me
9.16- family dinner at pho
9.17- dad and carter shishito peppers
9.18- animal noises
9.19- Italian dinner for Tristen Bday
9.20- farm and fro yo date w Carter
9.21- 5k race for shred kids Cancer
9.22- dad & carter splash pad date
9.23- officially Riley Chase Capretta
9.24- afternoon at the zoo
9.25- the long curls
9.26- family dinner at landing
9.27- golden gate park
9.28- Buena vista coffee
9.29- 49ers v Eagles game
9.30- seeing Carter!!!!
10.1- cuddles in bed
10.2- watching the trash truck
10.3- carter loving tomato soup
10.4- sleeping in crib with carter
10.5- pumpkin patch
10.6- Riley first kicks
10.7- carter and his remote train
10.8- new place in OC
10.9- Carter’s long hair
10.10- The Marke grand opening
10.11- Italian night Four Seasons
10.12- homemade breakfast burrito
10.13- carter in the lion costume
10.14- taking my hand for a walk
10.15- rocking a mowhawk
10.16- sunset on the beach with ry
10.17- seeing a baby goat
10.18- sleeping in (7:30!)
10.19- fall festival as a family
10.20- baked potato for dinner
10.21- big Riley ultrasound
10.22- lunch and talks with Tristan
10.23- petting a baby big
10.24- CMC year and a half and first Friday night lights game at AHS
10.25- love how you say mama
10.26- spa swimming with dad
10.27- ace Ventura for school party
10.28- massage at four seasons
10.29- Carter saying “woah woah”
10.30- falling asleep in my arms
10.31- the lion on Halloween!
11.1- waking up to rain and rainbows
11.2- red cup and am park play
11.3- mommy/son breakfast
11.4- lake walk by myself
11.5- carter napping on dad
11.6- yoga class date
11.7- Mastro’s Ocean Club dinner
11.8- mom sleeping in
11.9- dad & carter Santa Monica hanging out
11.10- Carter saying Riley “Ry Ry”
11.11- decorating for Xmas
11.12- Mongolian BBQ
11.13- prenatal yoga
11.14- Riley moving like crazy
11.15- not leaving the house
11.16- homemade French onion soup
11.17- first school pics
11.18- mint chocolate chip ice cream
11.19- stickers on face at breakfast
11.20- Goober is here!
11.21- promenade Christmas tree lighting
11.22- breakfast on the beach
11.23- losing it over Santa
11.24- brazilian blowout
11.25- fireplace evening in Monterey
11.26- first cable car ride
11.27- thankful to wake up to my two boys beside me and Riley kicking
11.28- 4 hour nap
11.29- a long hot shower
11.30- getting our xmas tree
12.1- my boys tackling each other
12.2- waking up to pouring rain
12.3- my boys reading together
12.4- decorating the tree with boys & first movie to see penguins
12.5- carter sitting on top of belly during ultrasound for Riley
12.6- arabelah’s first bday
12.7- Malibu Roadhouse brunch
12.8- baby class xmas arts and crafts
12.9- afternoon cuddles
12.10- Disneyland!!!
12.11- loving his Mickey Santa doll
12.12- teppan dinner w my boys
12.13- evening at the park
12.14- donuts in bed
12.15- loving playing peek a boo
12.16- carter and target popcorn
12.17- 27
12.18- trees and pizza at stonehaus
12.19- tree light clapper
12.20- beer pong at The Ledfords
12.21- kids cookie decorating
12.22- carter loving his head rubbed at night
12.23- beating Ry in a game of PIG
12.24- carter in a full suit for Xmas eve
12.25- seeing the train table from Santa
12.26- falling asleep in my arms
12.27- popcorn and tv with dad
12.28- dancing with fire hat on
12.29- chasing dad on the field
12.30- counting to 10
12.31- waking up to Riley kicking
