I knew it would happen eventually. There is simply no way we could escape a winter in Iowa without one or two snow days. Last year at this time, the talk was that we'd be in school until July due to all the snow days; this year, well, today was our first blizzard.
With thirty different states impacted, the weather gods are saying this could be one of the biggest storms in history. Chicago is gearing up for two feet of snow. We are fortunately on the brink of the storm and are projected to get about eight inches. A near foot of the powdery stuff, mixed with 45 mph. winds calls for total hibernation.
I love snow days and especially love them more now that I have a Cruz to snuggle with. I love the feeling of being 'stuck,' even though in all reality, we're about a block from Hy-Vee. I love watching the wind blow outside, and picturing all the family 'snow day' activities happening inside. Art projects and movie marathons, baking days and coloring books. Toys rediscovered after weeks in the closet, and pans of mac 'n cheese, spaghettios, and chicken noodle soup on the stovetop.
I love watching my three neighbor boys tear through the snow outside. Head to toe in snow gear, they chase their dog through the yard, while doing their best to 'shovel' the driveway before Dad gets home. Someday, that will be Cruz. Someday, he will trudge through the snow, pulling a sled behind him, building mountains to climb and cities to rule.
I love the warmth, the coziness, and the anticipation of school delays and cancellations as they marquee across the TV. Most of all, I love the free gift of more time...more time for playing, rocking, and staring at every inch of this little face.
Well, Darcy did it again. She not only managed to capture some great pictures at Cruz's newborn session last Monday, but more importantly, captured the quiet love and emotion that seemed to be in abundance at our house that morning.
Just two months ago, Beau and I playfully strolled up and down Main Street in Cedar Falls as Darcy, owner of At Play Photo, captured life at 35 weeks pregnant. Although Beau is not a fan of pictures (sorry for him), it was a special experience between the two of us, a chance to really soak in the blessing that awaited in my belly.
Now, Monday morning, Darcy packed her camera bag and came to our house. This time, she was greeted by a new mom, a new dad, and a brand new baby. At just six days old, Cruz rocked his photo shoot. I planned to feed him right before Darcy came to ensure he would be fast asleep and easy to pose for pictures. Up until that morning, Cruz would easily fall into a food coma minutes after feeding him; however, he had other plans for Monday morning. I finished feeding him, looked down, and was greeted by a wide eyed little boy. I immediately grew nervous and envisioned a fussy baby and a picture re-schedule. Little did I know that Cruz is already showing us that he doesn't like to miss out on things.
The morning was fun and so relaxed...the perfect way to document the first days at home as a family. Wide awake for the first half, Cruz lazily stared out the window and sometimes, directly into the camera. We changed and unchanged him, swaddled and un-swaddled him, rolled him from his tummy, to his back, and to his side, and tortured him with his pacifier all morning, pulling it in and out, in and out, between picture poses. Then, after a quick diaper change, Beau put him to sleep and we played with him some more. Darcy was amazing with him! I can't wait to see what she has in store for his three month session!
Here's the link to check out a sneak peek of Cruz's shoot. Lots more to come!
I wanted to give a quick shout-out to Darcy from At Play Photography here in Cedar Falls! She took some 'belly shots' for us last week and posted a sneak peek on her blog to tease us a little! More to come soon!
