We've Only Just Begun -- One Week

Jacob enjoyed a smooth ride home on a recent Sunday morning, with his new mommy as his company and his new daddy as chaffeur. As you can tell, he is already observing the Sabbath -- he is religious about his sleeping and eating. The new mommy was thinking ahead (good job!) when she sent the "advance party" to make sure the house was ready for his arrival. Lea's parents put their excited energy into straightening up the house for the newest member of the family - even writing him a "Welcome" note. Being the proud father, Joshua honked the car horn all the way down the street as they processed home. His Grand(mother) said it sounded like the bride-groom was arriving...

Daddy's First Big Hug -- AAAWWWW!

Asked recently what Jacob thought about being born six months after his cousin he said, "It's fanTAStic! I get all the toys she just outgrew. She may want them back if she has a sibling though..." So Jacob's obviously not talking yet, but it's fun to wonder what's going on in that head of his and how his personality will take shape. Even though he's not talking yet, his new parents and grandparents believe he is very advanced because his piko (aka bellybutton) fell off in half the time the doctor said it would. If that's not a sign...Yes, yes, we are proud parents who do not deny the fact that we also think our child is tops. In just one week we have seen so many little changes in this little man. His face seems to be getting rounder with every feeding -- his mother even made up a nursing song just for him, in Italiano! His long limbs seem to keep stretching, just like his father, and he spends a little more time each day looking around and taking in the scenery. Beware Jacob, the paparazzi is always lurking ;)

Ya Viene el Sol!

Jacob William Almanza

"Ka-La Ho'onani"

7 lbs. 12.4 oz. and 21 in.

Born at 13:09 on 5/15/09

NOT your usual MTV Cribs

"Hey, welcome to this episode of Cribs InfantStyle. We are your hosts, Lea "la Mama" Almanza and Joshua "el Babbo" Almanza. Let's look inside Jacob William Almanza's digs. This little fella has a slick changing table/dresser complete with all the ointments necessary to keep his bum baby-soft. When he's not on the changing table (which is often), Jacob likes to chillax in his version of a LA-Z-BOY, the ever-useful swing chair with three dancing bears for his entertainment pleasure, otherwise known as a distraction. The old-school horsey rocking chair is a stylish touch and was a favorite of his father's as a little boy. Jacob's place also features full-length closet-mirror doors so that he can look his best (just like his mama). The artwork on the walls comes to Jacob's pad courtesy of some very special aunties. The hanging Hawaiian quilt with soft blue color and floral pattern sits opposite another hanging quilt which features the ever-popular English alphabet."

"For this special episode of Cribs InfantStyle, Jacob opened his closets to us to show off his collection of shoes (almost as many as daddy, but not so many as mommy). His new collection features slip-ons, Velcro straps, booties, and Crocs (really?!). Jacob has amassed shoes with all sorts of designs - from guitars to monkeys to pirates to peace symbols. These mocassin-type slip-ons are a comfy favorite though he will step it up with the suede look when he is putting together on outfit for a good time on the town (which he won't have for a while as he is just a few days old and without a car). As for his wardrobe, Jacob likes to be bundled in all manner of swaddle-blankets right now and says ;) he looks forward to wearing the outfits his aunties (and uncles) bought for him. Here's to style!"

"No episode of Cribs InfantStyle is complete without a showcase of the infantile crib. Jacob's crib was handed down to him by a lil' buddy (now in pre-school) who moved on to a big-boy bed and anxiously awaits his first meeting with his new friend. This crib features different settings of depth to keep him safely in there as Jacob grows and crawls and stands and tries to find mommy and daddy when he is up before the sun. When he is big enough to make it safely to mommy and daddy the front comes off to become a baby bed when the mattress is set at its lowest. This crib will feature a little lamby that has ambient noises for sleeping and a little bear that plays sweet music like you 'd hear in old music boxes. This little boy will feed and sleep in the lap of baby luxury. And yes, born in the Year of the Ox and a Taurus!!! This is Joshua and Lea signing off for Cribs InfantStyle: you don't have to go, but ya can't stay here."