Leaf Hunting

Last year, I had to forgo our annual trip to Northeast Iowa due to the fact that I didn't really want to go into labor at Pikes Peak.  Something about having a baby on the Effigy Mounds didn't sound that enticing, so at 40 weeks prego, we decided to hunt for apples at a little orchard in Denver, and check out the fall colors from our local Hartman Reserve.  It was fine and memorable, but I secretly missed our annual tradition of leaf hunting and wine tasting.

My family likes tradition, and our annual leaf hunting trip through the blacktops of Northeast Iowa has been part of our history for a long time.  I remember our very first trips, packing the gray Dodge Caravan for a week's stay instead of a day's, claiming our seat with the blankets and pillows from our beds.  Taylor was just tiny, and we sat together in the middle seat while Jordan sat in the back with earphones, listening to his Smashing Pumpkins CD.  Dad always took the 'long way,' but for this trip, we didn't mind.  I marked certain familiar landmarks with my very own point-and-shoot, and kept on the lookout for Amish families in their horse and buggies headed for Sunday church. 

The cute little bridge and park in Fairbank.  The 'giant' strawberry in Strawberry Point.  The school in the middle of nowhere (Starmont), and of course, the pink elephant in Marquette, signaling we had made it. 

We were there.  There for a day of the same familiar sights.  The lookout spot at Pike's Peak.  Apples at the orchard.  A Cannery stop for Mom and a cheap bottle of Black Velvet for Dad.  A picnic, a leaf pile, and an afternoon that always made this little girl feel blessed and content.

It seems simple, but these are just the memories and traditions I want to make for our kids.  Simple road trips away become adventures stored deep in a bank of memories.  And now that I'm a mom, it's my turn to start new and continue on the traditions that become the story of our family; to make them special memories for my own.  Because my friend from far away once said: "The story my kids will tell someday depends on me. I am writing their book, and I want their childhood chapters full of traditions and stories and memories of the comforts of home." 

So, last Sunday, we packed up the car with picnic blankets, apple dip, and a football, snuggled Cruz in tight, and headed North.  We drove and spotted the same landmarks I had many years before: the winery, Starks, and Pikes Peak, but found some new treasures as well.  And although Cruz is too little to remember the day himself, someday we will talk about it.  And someday, I hope he recalls these days and traditions with the same good feelings of seasons and family that I feel today.
 

Because there's just nothing better than family.
 

What will I tell him about our day?
 

...I will tell him it was the hottest day we've ever leaf-hunted.  A big sun, a clear sky, and near ninety!  Although a piece of me missed the feeling of scarves, blankets, and a cup of hot cocoa, short-sleeves were kind of nice just this once (let's not get too carried away, global warming)... 

...The trees were out to impress.  Some of the most gorgeous color I've ever seen.
 

 

...A stop for an old-fashioned chocolate shake at an interesting little shoppe in McGregor.  The place smelled funny and housed an inventory that ranged from wigs to old Playboys to children's books, but their chocolate shakes were the bomb.  I have a feeling this may be a new tradition in the making.

 

...The best cheese curds on this side of the border.  Old Man River may have made us wait for over an hour for our food, but, the cheese curds were worth it.  Cruz did pretty well at the restaurant.  Mom tied a napkin around his neck for a bib, and he drank some of our iced tea through a straw. 

...The cute little kids' toy store we found in Prairie du Chien while Beau and Dad stocked up on tax-free BV and Stella Rosa (aka, wine candy).  I loved that toy shop, not just for the fact that it was called 'The Monkey's Tale,' and stocked with lots and lots of sock monkey paraphernalia, but for the fact that inside, it seemed as if we had entered a little Willy Wonka world.  We all played with old-fashioned toys, lost track of time, and walked away with goodies for stockings and rainy afternoons.  

Now there's a view...
 

 

...Playing in the leaves.  Toward the end of our day's adventure, Cruz was growing awfully tired.  Despite the fact that we had only been at the park a few minutes, we were getting close to calling it a day.  I ran to the car to grab a bottle and returned to this...
 

...a little Peekaboo around the big Oaks and an open grass full of thick, crunchy leaves did the trick for Cruz.  He loved the leaves and splashed around the piles like a wild man.
 

One of my favorites from the day...
 

...and finally, a picnic, complete with apple dip and Honeycrisps, bagels and strawberry cream cheese, chips and Texas caviar, and graham crackers for Cruz Man.
 

  
...and look who we found!  Charly Grace was ready to play in the leaves, too! 
 

It was a great day, the kind of day we've dreamed of for years.  Simple seasons, full of traditions.  

At Twelve...

It's hard to imagine that on this day last year, we were enjoying our little vacation at the hospital, ordering room service, soaking in the giant whirlpool tub, and introducing visitors to the newest member of the Jorgensen family.  I remember Cruz slept for most of the day, just as the nurses had told us to expect, which made for a wonderful opportunity to try on his many stocking hats and decorate his little plastic nook bed with pretty blue blankets and cuddly stuffed animals.  Everything about that day was surreal; except, of course that 'Beware of the Purple Cry' video they make parents watch before leaving the hospital.  Advice for parents-to-be---don't watch it.  It will make you question your desire to leave the hospital in the first place.  

Today, Cruz is ONE Year and ONE Day old.  He still likes to sleep, typically from about 8:00-6:30, but would never sleep with a stocking hat on.  He hates hats and will rarely keep them on his head for more than a minute.  He prefers blankets, and will playfully press his face into the softness and look sleepy when given one, however, he isn't attached to any certain one.  He still loves to snuggle, and although he still gets a bottle before bed, he's beginning to show signs of not needing it.  He is smart, funny, and can be quite destructive, especially if around our pots and pans cupboard, a roll of toilet paper, or the magazine rack.  Although he isn't walking, he can stand unsupported for about 30 seconds at a time.  Beau and I think he has some balance issues to work on, but other people tell us it will happen any day.  His latest trick is standing solo, bending down to pick something up, and standing back upright without hanging on to anything.  Big boy!  He likes to climb the stairs and loves to use our ottoman or kitchen trash can as a walker.  

He may not be walking, but he's growing and learning new tricks every single day - somedays, I think the toddler stage may be closer than what I think.  It's amazing how receptive he is, and how much he can mimic or pick up on from others.  Cruz also 'talks,' all the time.  He jabbers and jabbers, and seems like he knows exactly what it is he wants to say.  He'll spout off phrases that sound a lot like, 'jeesh,' 'arrgh,' and 'oh gosh,' look at us while he's talking, and even nod his head as if he's reaffirming his initial thoughts.  He clearly understands certain words, including his name, 'kitty,' 'bye bye,' and 'kiss,' and has actions and gestures to associate with each.  For instance, the minute I scoop him up at daycare, he waves bye bye and blows big kisses.  Beau says he is the first baby to blow 'French kisses.'  He points to his stereo every post-bath, signaling to me that it's time to start Raffi, and dances as soon as 'The More We Get Together' begins.  And Cruz clearly understands the word, 'no,' however, this one is not as easy to obey. When he is nearing something he shouldn't have, like a cord plugged into the wall, he'll slowly inch his way to it, staring at me the entire time just waiting for me to try and lure him away.  Then, a dual-language conversation ensues.  Cruz trying to reason with me in gibberish, me attempting to reason with a one-year-old.  Sometimes I win, sometimes I don't; however, our outlets are slowly losing their freedom to baby-proof covers.  

While Cruz is definitely 'busier' than he's ever been before, he loves to play, explore, and observe the world around him.  His fine motor skills are definitely sharpening, making stacking blocks, picking up food, and placing the lids on containers much easier.  He's still a fist-grabber when it comes to eating; however, I think this has more to do with the amount of food he can get in his mouth by 'fisting' compared to the more daintily, reserved way.  Speaking of eating, Cruz is still an eater and will try just about anything; however, has become slightly pickier, especially when it comes to strong flavors and vegetables.  Favorite, regular additions to Cruz's diet include: deli meat and bread with butter, any breakfast food (especially eggs, his baby oatmeal, and Honey Nut Cheerios), mac 'n cheese, pizza, and FRUIT.  I swear this child would eat fresh fruit until he turned into one!  While we're trying to finish the final can of formula we have left, I'm hoping to start some whole milk soon.  I am no way ready to forgo our before-bed bottles, but know it's gotta go eventually.  I find myself going back to how I felt about Cruz's swaddle blanket---will he ever be able to sleep without it???

Cruz turned one this week and I found myself lost in the first weeks of having him home.  I reminisced all week about the day he was born, the first walk through our house as a family of three, and even the very first sleepless night.  It's so funny the things you remember.  And when I think about this month, I hope I remember so much about this age...

...I hope I remember the 'crawling head-butt.'  It usually occurs when Cruz is either tired and ready to snuggle, or really excited to see one of us.  We get down to his level, flash a smile, and he immediately starts crawling toward us, full-force, head down, ready to collide.  It begins rather rough, but usually ends with a slobbery smother snuggle from Cruz.  

...I hope I remember the rhythm in his sway and concentration in his eye when he dances.  It's the cutest thing ever.  He dances to his musical toys, to TV commercials, to cell phone rings, and even to our own voices.  He LOVES music, loves to use pots and pans as bongo drums, and loves Kindermusik.  The hour we spend together singing bird songs and playing with see-through scarves is the highlight of my week.  I only wish pictures would capture the true excitement he has every time a new 'instrument' is offered. 

...I hope I remember how he crinkles his nose, squints his eyes, and flashes his cheesiest smile when I say 'CHEESE' and point the cell phone camera in his direction.  He knows exactly what to do; however, usually chooses to be a defiant little ham when I try and take his picture with my Canon.  I guess he prefers the standard point-and-shoot.     

...I hope I remember his mimics and antics.  Yesterday, he attempted to snap his fingers to mimic Great Grandpa.  He plays peekaboo and blow kisses, waves bye bye, and brushes Jade's fur with her cat brush.  When he accomplishes something great, or repeats a sequence, he claps his hands and cheers.  He is a total boy, and loves being a little destructive, however, he can turn on the charm in a matter of seconds.

Take last night for example.  We brought Cruz to the nursing home to visit his Great Grandma Henrichs.  We ended up arriving during suppertime, so everyone was in the dining room.  Cruz was quite entranced by the cute girls working, the wheelchairs, and all the leftover food!  He finished Grandma's applesauce and shoved a few leftover crackers in his mouth.  He blew lots of kisses, smiled sweetly to the smitten, and acted good as gold.  

...I hope I remember Cruz's infatuation with Wheel of Fortune.

...And, yes, I hope I remember the beginnings of tiny tantrums.  When I take something away from Cruz, or try and divert his attention away from a 'no-no,' he throws his head back, waves his arms up and down, and screams.  Sometimes, he even whacks me, something we are definitely working on.    

It's been quite a year!  Every stage, every milestone, every new expression has been so fun to be a part of.  I know I say this every month, but 12 months has been a blast so far.  Can't wait to see what's in store for year two!

Dear BIRTHDAY Boy...

I've been thinking about this letter for a long time--what it is I want to say to you on your very first birthday.  I've been stewing over it really, knowing even for a wordy like me, it's difficult to string together words when you're talking about bringing a baby into this world.  Words, like just about everything else, have taken on a whole new meaning this past year.  I just hope it gets easier when you're sixteen...

Tonight, I sipped a glass of wine and got lost in my blog musings from last year.  I always knew this online diary would mean more in the future, mean more when I was looking for an escape to past when the present became too much.  As I read, it was like traveling back in time.  Back to the Sunday before my actual due date, basking in the warm sun with your grandma, wondering what you were going to look like, and experiencing the realization that I definitely wasn't a little girl anymore.  Back to the infamous, 10/10/10, the day I secretly wanted you to come, and crying in frustration when I wondered if you would ever come.  Back to my very last ultrasound, a projected nine-pound baby, and another tear (or two) when I wondered if you would fit into your sweet newborn clothes.  I traveled back in time to my first official day of 'maternity leave,' a day of mental preparedness, some final touches on nesting and packing, and five mini meatloaves, baked in a spotless kitchen.  I traveled back to our last supper of two at Bourbon Street, an episode of Boardwalk Empire before bed, and my very first labor contraction.
 

And just like that, you were here.

Life is funny that way.  One second, I'm writing about frozen meatloaves, and the next minute, I'm a mom.  That experience, and the days following, were so unbelievable, and never will I be able to put into words the roller coaster of emotions we were feeling.  I'm thankful, however, that a year later, I remember them as if they were yesterday.

...that Superwoman feeling I had after delivering you---the strongest and proudest I've every felt in my life

...that first night with you in the hospital-- feeling a little unsure of myself, but comforted by the frequent visits of nurses, and yet, so content at the sight of this perfect little person swaddled tight in the crook of my arm  

...that first feeding, the bond that formed seconds after, and the protective mama bear suit that became my new armor

...listening to Jay-Z on the way home from the hospital, driving slower than usual, and wishing everyone else would slow down FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

...the visitors who came to see you.  Lasagna and wine from Mike and Donna, the outpourings of food from co-workers, and our first dinner out with Rob and Jill.  Everything took longer, and everything had this new sense of anxiety, yet, we were living life in this peaceful, new parent bubble where everything seemed simple and makeup was definitely optional.  

I hope I never forget those first few days---the first days of you.  This year has been so abundantly full--- every page is filled with new experiences, new feelings, and new happiness.  

I love you to pieces and feel so lucky to be your mom.  This year has challenged me, and taught me more about myself and who I want me to be more than any other.  I can't wait to continue to write the pages of this life and hope our story is filled with memories that continue to be impossible to string into words.

Happy Birthday, little man.  

"How to really love a child.  Be there.  Say yes as often as you can.  Let them bang on pots and pans.  If they're crabby, put them in water.  Read books out loud with joy.  Go find elephants and kiss them.  Encourage silly.  Giggle a lot.  Remember how really small they are.  Search out the positive.  Keep the gleam in your eye.  Go see a movie in your pajamas.  Teach feelings.  Remember how important it is to be a child.  Plan to build a rocket ship.  Stop yelling.  Invent pleasures together.  Surprise them.  Express you love.  A lot.  Children are miraculous."

-Sark

A Panther Tailgate

I feel like I'm running with my head cut off.  October is not only one of my favorite months of the year, but also one of the busiest.  School is in full force, and it seems like every professional organization and annual educational meeting happens in October.  I'm presenting by myself for the first time at the State Conference for English Teachers on Friday, and trying aimlessly to get caught up on grading before Parent Teacher Conferences in two weeks.  In addition to the job-thing, this is birthday month, and for some reason, I can't be satisfied with celebrating on just one day.  Hence, the 12 Days of Cruz, aka, my attempt to hang on to as much special as I can for fear that the days are slipping away about as fast as the leaves are falling from the trees.  Grappling is what you call this.  

So, tonight, I'll attend my meeting after school.  I'll talk competency-based grading and 1:1 computer initiatives, and secretly think about birthday treats for Cruz's friends at daycare tomorrow.  I'll bake chocolate chip cookies and fill leftover favor bags with treats, and make sure Cruz's special 'Birthday Boy' shirt is washed and ready for tomorrow's wear.  I'll mentally prepare for presentation on Friday, checking slide transitions, printing enough handouts, and practicing my introduction.  And, the in midst of it all, I'll remember this week last year - the week I became Cruz's mama.  

In addition to teacher-stuff and birthday-stuff, October is filled with lots and lots of fun-stuff.  Tailgates in near-ninety degree heat, munching on bean dip and taking Cruz and Charly on wagon rides.  Sunday roadtrips to go leaf-hunting, and playing with Cruz in his first big pile of the fallen ones.  Mondays at Kindermusik, followed by soup and messy macaroni at cozy Panera, followed by Monday Night Football, a glass of Iowa wine, and reminiscing of the October that changed it all.  Soon, we'll have pumpkin carvings and Halloween costumes, programs at 'school' and trick-or-treats.  I think my camera might blow up!

Back to our tailgate!  It was so nice outside, we couldn't resist celebrating our Alma Maters Homecoming.  Cruz fully absorbed the day's festivities, chowing down on a cheddar wurst, throwing his football around, and parading through the sea of purple and gold from the comfort of his Radio Flyer.  We didn't go to the game, but Cruz took a two and a half hour nap afterwards.  We figured we save the Dome for a day when it's too cold to tailgate.  

Cruz LOVES his Radio Flyer.   

Gray t-shirts and khaki shorts---like father, like son.

Cheerleader meets quarterback...

 

Future Jay Cutler (hopefully with a better offensive line)...

 

 

Touched the pig-skin, never the same... 

Pig-skin or clothespins---they're practically the same thing.

The After Party...

Tonight, in shorts, t-shirts, and hoodies (just in case), we went for a walk through the neighborhood.  The breeze was strong today, and sent a wonderful autumn aroma through the tops of trees and into our open windows.  Thanks to another warm start to October, we've been able to get some use out of Cruz's new 'outside' birthday toys this week.  With both hands on the wheel, Cruz crunched through the leaves and we absorbed the summer-like weather.  Only instead of our usual left turn on Sager, we turned right.  Soon, we came upon front row seats to the background noise that usually fills our house on Fall Friday nights.

Cruz loved his ticket in on the Friday night frenzy.  His eyes were focused on the field, and the smile on his face was one of a boy who just saw his future flash before his eyes.  He looked back and forth from me to Beau, and smiled his smile of utmost content at our cozy idea of a Fall Friday night. 

I always feel so blessed to live in Iowa during the gorgeous changing of seasons.  There is something so refreshing, so comforting about these fall months.  This year is one of the prettiest leaf years I remember in memory, not to mention one of the warmest.  And yes, while a part of me wished our football game was accompanied with a pair of knitted mittens, hooded sweatshirts, and a thermos of hot cocoa, I could live with shorts and t-shirts for the time being.  There will be plenty of mitten weather, I'm sure.   

We're enjoying our 12 Days of Cruz as we anticipate the arrival of his official first birthday.  The party is finished, the cupcakes are almost finished, and I now look forward to celebrating the big ONE with the simple things.  I want to read Cruz's birth story with a glass of wine after he goes to bed one night, slowly thumb through the pages of his first year album, and watch him open a few leftover presents without twenty-some onlookers.  I want to relish in happy fall things---an afternoon at the pumpkin patch, a big pile of leaves to jump in, and a single pumpkin cupcake from Scratch.  I want more mornings like this one, dancing in the living room with Cruz to The Band Perry while Daddy cooks some eggs in the kitchen.  I want cozy nights at home, comfort food in the stove, and new fall traditions established.  

This weekend, I'm doing less grading and lots more 'fall'ing.'  A tailgate Saturday for UNI Homecoming, and a Sunday exploring the Northeast side of our beautiful state, a hunt for apples, and maybe even a picnic.  Last year, our annual tradition didn't happen due to an overdue baby, so this year, we're going all out.  An adventure.  

Happy Fall'ing to you and yours!