It seems like when celebrities have babies, we become more invested in their offspring than them. That's exactly what happened the second Kat Von D and husband Rafael Reyes announced that they were expecting a baby boy. We immediately stayed glued to our timelines, turning on post notifications, and waited for the first look at their newest family member.
Finally, after what felt like forever, baby Leafar Reyes was revealed, and he looked more like Von D and Reyes than anyone thought possible. And in the past year and a little bit, the baby has grown so much. He's a gorgeous 1-year-old. So in the spirit of baby fever, we put together 24 precious moments that offer a glimpse of the cutie pie.
When Kat Von D announced she was pregnant, it seemed like time had stopped.
Not only did it seem like the pregnancy lasted forever, but it was also overcome with anti-vaxxing controversies, miscarriage revelations, a marriage to now-husband Rafael, Victorian barn move-ins, and tattoos galore.
Then, finally, when baby Leafar arrived, we all breathed a sigh of relief.
There was the time she sang him a lullaby.
"Portishead lullaby/duet before nap time," Von D wrote. As she sang along to whimsical piano strings, baby Leafar cooed in satisfaction. Cuteness level: 100.
When he was all smiles.
"Amo mi vida contigo, mi pequeñito amor," Von D wrote. That translates to "I love my life with you, my little love." Our loins are screaming. Baby smiles are our favorite kind of content.
When Von D celebrated his 40-day birthday and announced an album.
"Our first 40 days with our baby boy are almost over, and man, time is really flying! But thank you all for being so patient with me — soon I’ll be back on here posting for the launch of @VonDshoes, me tattooing at @highvoltagetat, makeup looks and sneak peeks for @katvondbeauty, as well as previews for my long awaited album, and tour announcements! GET READY!"
When she unashamedly breastfed him.
"Getting some of that vitamin Double D! ???? Sunshine party! We try and spend daily time with Leafar outside in our front yard — especially now that he’s hit his first mental development leap at age 5 weeks. His heightened sense of alertness, smell, and touch make going outside such a treat for him [and for us]. So much magical bliss [and boobs]."
When Leafar caught some rays with his dad.
With two completely tatted parents, it's inevitable that baby Leafar will be inked up the second he's old enough. And his tattoos will likely be executed flawlessly by mom herself.
When he might as well have been his dad's twin.
The side-profile resemblance is uncanny. While some argue that he also looks like his mom, we're going to have to give this one to dad. A baby model on our hands?
When Von D got real about her struggle to breastfeed.
"During the first two days of Leafar’s life, his blood sugar count had been low, and as much as I had committed myself to strictly breastfeed, my milk hadn’t come in yet. The pediatrician suggested asking around to see if any friends might have a bit of extra milk they could donate — and if not, I’d have to consider supplementing with formula — something we personally did not want to do," she said.
"I called my beloved midwife, @losangelesmidwife to see if she knew anyone who might be willing to share a bit of their breastmilk who was on a plant-based diet, as that was crucial to us, and she quickly connected me with @mattersofmotherhood who, without even knowing me, and without question, stepped up and donated a few ounces to us in the middle of the night. "
"Needless to say, Leafar’s levels boosted, and we are now happily breastfeeding at home. Can’t thank @mattersofmotherhood enough for getting us through those rough nights with your donation. This is true community. True sisterhood. True kindness. And I can’t wait to pay it forward one day soon."
When we got our first-ever look at Leafar.
"Meet our beautiful baby boy, Leafar Von D Reyes. Thank you to all our beloved friends+family, fans+followers for your patience in us announcing his long awaited arrival! To be honest, my husband @prayers and I want to take the next 40 days [the 4th trimester] to focus on the baby and our amazing relationship transitioning into amazing parenthood — so, please excuse us if we’re not on here as much for a little while."
When he caught some cuddles with mom.
With a baby as adorable as Leafar, all we would want to do is cuddle, too. It looks like Von D hasn't missed any chances to snuggle her little one.
When his giggles were (ironically) infectious.
Looks like being in a onesie inspired by his dad's band makes Leafar quite the happy baby. Isn't he his dad's twin?
When Reyes couldn't contain his joy.
"It might not look like it on the outside but on the inside I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life! This year has given me so much to be happy and grateful for. I love you so much kitty I’ve never seen anyone fight for anything the way you fought to bring our son into this world. Magick is real and so is my love for you @thekatvond," he wrote shortly after Leafar's birth.
When Leafar went to the beach for the first time.
Leafar had not a care in the world while chilling on the beach. But sun safety is important, and mom and dad made sure he was completely covered. We die.
When he cheesed it up with grandma!
Von D penned her own touching letter to her mother with this adorable photo. "Today is Mother’s Day in Mexico, and I can’t even begin to say how grateful I am for my mom," she said. "Things weren’t always as good as they are now between my mom and I, but she never gave up on me."
When we realized Leafar was a natural musician!
Who knew a 5-month old could so beautifully master the keys? "Can’t believe in only 5 months, our baby Leafar has his first two teeth already, is sitting up on his own, and composing classical masterpieces," Von D said of the adorable video.
When he was a model for cloth diapers.
Von D revealed that Leafar was wearing cloth diapers, an expected announcement for the artist who always has sustainability top of mind. "We love using them for lots of reasons, but here are a just a few to hopefully inspire some of you to consider switching from disposables: 1. COST: Disposable diapers will set you back at least $2,000-$3,000 before your child is potty trained, depending on the brand. Whereas twenty of the most expensive cloth diapers will set you back less than $400," she said, advocating for the look.
His first time in the pool!
Warning: Your heart is about to melt. The incredible daddy and Leafar moment had us swooning. "Baby Leafar’s first swim!" Von D posted. "Turn up the volume, watch and try not to smile! It’s impossible!"
Sharing some laughs with papa.
There are few things more adorable than a laughing baby, and this video was totally proof of that. "Just in case any of you were in need of a smile today," Von D said of the moment.
Picnics in the park.
The family spent their Saturday soaking up some sun and appreciating nature. Everyone was all smiles as they enjoyed some beautiful family time.
Laying eyes on bubbles for the first time.
We all know how incredible a baby's first time trying bubbles is, and Leafar was completely in awe. "Yesterday, Baby Leafar got to play with bubbles for the first time," Von D said. "Strange realization that all the unrequited love songs I’ve ever written [and there are a lot] feel kinda meaningless now when I look at my son and feel what I feel."
Smooches from mama.
Understandably, Von D is always all over her tot. But come on, with him being that cute, who wouldn't be? Von D selfied it up planting it on baby Leafar's cheeks.
His first birthday!
November 29 is a big day, as baby Leafar celebrated a full turn around the sun! "Today, my son Leafar turned 1 year old," Von D said. "If you swipe you can see two photos taken right after he was born, as well as a little 'photo-a-day' slideshow where you can watch him growing by the day!"
Proving to be a true piano player.
We think Von D has a musician on her hands. At just one, it seems that Leafar already has a brilliant ear for music.
A 2020 family portrait.
Von D and her family moved into a new home, and they celebrated with a photo that was giving serious Adams Family vibes. My heart explodes with joy getting to take our very first family photo together in our new home," Von D said. "This is just a screen grab of an outtake from our shoot with the @sequoiaemmanuelle — we’ll reveal the final images after we get them printed+framed for our family photo wall."
