It was another whirlwind weekend of running all over the place and seeing lots of people. Poor Cruz was in and out of his car seat so much he didn't know what was going on. He'd fall asleep in the car, wake up in a new environment just long enough to get used to his surroundings, and then back in the car for another round of sleeping, waking, and pooping. Are we bad parents for choosing to be fast at Target instead of taking the time to change his diaper? He was sleeping so peacefully and I hated to unbuckle him for the twenty minutes we would be there. He didn't mind, but I'm pretty sure the young women in the wrapping paper aisle had another thing to say...
Speaking of Target, the highlight of my weekend:
Okay, maybe not the 'highlight,' but for a woman like me, cleaning becomes even more appealing when I have a new product to play with. Our durable, hand-me-down vacuum cleaner has been smelling like burnt rubber for weeks now and it was time to replace it. Target had an excellent deal on a two-pack of Orecks, so I now have a new vacuum, as well as a hand held 'sidekick' with a shoulder strap and six attachment hoses. Let's just say I'm now motivated to vacuum corners of the house that haven't been touched for three years!
We saw so many people this weekend, I can hardly keep track. Friday night, after dinner with my boys at Pablo's, I watched some pretty talented kiddos perform 'You Can't Take It With You,' at the NU Spring Play. Saturday morning, Cruz had some Grandma-time in Allison while I attended a baby shower for Andrea. And Saturday night, Cruz had some Grandma and Grandpa time with Beau's parents while Beau and I attended our first Frozen Pepper Party.
About fifteen years ago, eight men sought out to host the biggest party in Iowa. Now, the eight 'original' peppers, along with 17 'Friends of the Peppers', host a party in Waterloo each year, deemed the biggest party in Iowa. It's a secret society of sorts and Beau and I were asked to be on the guest list by Andy, a guy from his networking group. With a band, free beer, and all the Townhouse Tenderloins you could eat, this was definitely the place to be Saturday night! And it's crazy when you put that many people in the same room, how many people you end up knowing one way or another! We danced, mingled, and met some pretty cool people last night and just about stayed up until midnight. :Just About:
Sunday was filled with lots of Cruz time and the beginning of a new hobby (or obsession). Stay tuned for that one. Bacon and eggs and some laundry, pizza at the OP with Mark and Janet and Jillian and Rob, a run to Target, and a clean kitchen. A much-needed cool down after a crazy weekend. One week to go before a much-welcomed Spring Break week. Awww...it's coming.
I'll close the page of this first weekend in March with some pictures of our growing boy. He's hilarious and fills our days with so many laughs, I truly have no idea how we stayed occupied before him. His personality reminds me so much of his dad, and lately, he's morphing into his mama's boy more and more. He's a good mix, I think.
But above all, he's just Cruz.
Dearest content one,
Hi Baby. Today is September 29, less than one week from your due date. Today was my last appointment before I will be considered 'overdue.' Today, I felt like having a baby. I woke up early, walked two miles on the treadmill (attempting to give you a little bit of a head start before your appointment), and looked forward to going to what I thought would be my last week of school. There's always an excitement surrounding doctor's appointment days, especially this late in the game. I was confident I was going to be much closer to having you today than I was last week and even had a weird feeling today might just be the day. Your birthday.
I wasn't the only one thinking this way. Your Uncle Gabe sent me a text shortly after 8 am, asking if I was a mom yet. Your grandma called, reminding me to call her as soon as my appointment was over. And your dad sent about a dozen text messages throughout the morning hours. It was difficult to concentrate during my morning classes and I counted down the minutes until 10:20.
Well, we made a little progress from last week; however, not enough to send me for my hospital bag instead of back to school. A little discouraged and highly anxious, I left the hospital once again, already looking ahead to next week. From now on, I'm simply going to plan on you arriving a week overdue...that way, if you come any earlier, it will just be a nice surprise.
Boy, have you been moving lots today. In fact, at times, especially during lunch with your dad, I even questioned whether I was having contractions. What was I thinking? It was probably just you responding to the BEST TENDERLOIN I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED! Newton's Cafe is legit! I would have thought that alone would have enticed you to begin your descend to this side of the world. I guess I was wrong...
What else might entice you? Well, the house is clean, your room is ready, and the Bears are 3 and 0. Your dad can't wait to spend Sundays with you and tell you all about his favorite team, and more importantly, you will match!
Whether it's tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, or two weeks from now, know that we are waiting, pacing, and more than ready to welcome and love you right into our lives. You have already made our lives so exciting and I can't begin to fathom the next chapter. All I know is that I'm craving...
...listening to a sleeping baby, the little noises you will make, and the way your little head will rest against my chest.
...that distinct, perfectly unique baby smell.
...baby feet, barefoot or in those tiny baby socks.
...mornings where the only thing on my 'to-do' list is to hang out with you. Days where hours spent staring at you becomes the idea of a perfectly accomplished day.
...hibernating inside as the weather gets colder and the nights get shorter. I'm dreaming of fires, blankets, and tummy time.
...the chance to finally get to see the face of this little boy I've been dreaming about for a very long time.
We love you. Now, come out!
Your momma.
