Little Bunny

Last year, I celebrated Easter with a little 'bun'ny in the oven.  I bought my first plush bunny, filled an Easter basket just so, and ate an extra Cadbury Egg (or two).  It was a special holiday, as it was the first one since becoming pregnant, and the first one to view through the rose-colored 'mom-to-be' glasses that just made everything a little more sentimental and sweet.  

Last year, this soft little plush bunny sat untouched in a perfectly placed Easter basket, a basket that honored a baby who was about the size of a strawberry.

And this year...

 

My little 'strawberry' is a watermelon.  A watermelon who giggles and sits up tall and tries to eat the ear off the poor plush bunny.

Easter is coming.  Bunnies and babies and eggs and chocolate.  "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "He Arose," and "Because He Lives."  Pastels and potato salad, bonnets and breakfast at church.  Hope in an empty tomb and praise to the One who paid it all.

And...

...a poor plush bunny and his new friend.

 

  

A favorite toy...

After a long, rough day of meetings, failed technologies, and the never-ending to-do list, I needed a little pick-me-up.  Thankfully, my pick-me-up came in the form of a two-foot blondie dressed in Baby Gap.

Cruz loves his jumper.  It may have been a little pricier than some of the saucers I found at Target, and it may take up the entire north wall of our living room, but this thing is quite possibly the best purchase we've made since the Nosefrida Snot Sucker. 

This video will always make me laugh.  One, because I have no idea what was so funny to Cruz, and two, because my video skills are just that bad.  For some reason, I thought my Flip Camera would act as my Canon when I turned it sideways.  If you have a laptop, you can turn your screen sideways to get the full effect; if you have a desktop, well, see how far you can cock your head to the side :)

This one's worth watching through the end.  I promise I didn't plan the ending ;)

Dear Cruz...

Happy Six-Month Birthday Baby Boy! I can’t believe you are a half a year old. The last six months have truly been the craziest, most rewarding, and most fulfilling months of my life. It’s hard to believe that just six months ago, you were this brand-new, fragile, tiny tiny baby, and now you are a sitting, smiling, solid little boy with so much love and so much personality.

 

It's hard to believe that just six months ago…

…I woke your daddy up at 3 o’clock in the morning to tell him you were on your way. I insisted on taking a shower and putting on makeup, and your dad anxiously packed bags that weren’t ready to be packed, and stared impatiently at me as I tried to relax my nerves with a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

…We settled in our hospital room for what we thought would be a long day of labor. We walked the halls hand-in-hand, tagged every hand sanitizer machine we saw, and munched on popsicles and ice chips. We seemed quite relaxed amidst the anxious nerves flooding both of our minds.

…I felt like a super hero. Like I was about to face the most important, life-changing challenge of my life with bells on.  I pretended I was Superwoman and made it through all the processes I once feared: having my blood drawn, sitting still through an epidural, watching the contraction monitor move up and down to mark how 'hard' the contractions were, and of course, delivering my first born.    I realize now that I really didn't have much time to worry.  I had waited long enough.  The entire experience only reaffirmed my faith in God.  There's just no other way to explain it.

...I held you in my arms for the very first time.  I grabbed your slippery little body and smooshed your face against mine.  It was instant connection, instant peace.  Life was changed forever.

...You became the first 'Cruz' delivered by our doctor.  You were the first grandson on both sides.  Everyone said you looked just like your dad.  I remember feeling so proud, so overwhelmed, and so in love.

  

Six months ago today, you changed our lives forever.  And while your dad and I are still learning how to become your parents, you are teaching us more about life than I ever imagined.  How to let go of those not-so-important tasks that used to take up so much of my day.  How to soak in the simple treasures that occur on a daily basis: the wind that takes our breath away, the texture of a blade of grass, and the soft touch of a fresh chamois sheet.  How to find joy in the seemingly senseless things.  How to trust others, and love others in a way that isn't self-serving, but innocent, pure, and real.  I love living this life with you, and can't wait for all that's in store.  

Summer break awaits us, and we are going to have so much fun.   

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Cruz...

Love,

Mom

Happy HALF YEAR Cruz!

I can't believe it's true, but our little Cruz Man is SIX months old!  It's amazing to me to think that one year ago, I was filling an Easter basket for a baby-in-waiting, and you could hardly tell I was pregnant, and now, one year later, we are raising a healthy, happy baby boy.  Life is incredible that way.  

Once again, Cruz had a big month.  So many milestones, it seems like every day he is doing something different.  With the new realization that there is a great big world beyond his secure little home, Cruz has had lots to explore.  He's definitely interested in everything, from his new foods, to his toys, to his cat, and our faces, and it seems that the wheels in his little head are always turning...  

The biggest milestone this month would probably have to be this...

Cruz can sit!  He took to the whole sitting thing pretty quickly, and morphed from 'supported sitter' to 'sitter' in what seems like a couple of days.  He's sturdy and steady, which has made playtime especially fun now that we can face him.  He's stacked blocks, knocked down towers, typed on his laptop, and nuzzled noses with his family of stuffed animals.  He sits upright in his stroller, loves sitting in his high chair, and even sat like a 
'big boy,' in a high chair at Famous Daves. 

Another big milestone this month was the discovery of two perfect little teeth!  A couple weekends ago, we thought Cruz had caught another cold.  He ran a little fever all weekend, slept more than usual, and we couldn't keep his nose dry.  He seemed better Monday morning, so we brought him to day care.  By the time I picked him up for the day, he had two little pearly stubs sticking out of his gums!  

Cruz's favorite time of the day is supper.  About 5:30 every night, I put him in his high chair and fasten a bib around his neck.  He immediately gets excited, swinging his arms up and down, kicking his feet, and squealing up a storm.  By the time I sit down with his food, his eyes light up and he opens his mouth, just waiting for the first bite.  This time together has become one of my favorite times of day.  

What started with an ounce of carrots a day, has morphed into three-ounce portions of apples and pears, sweet potatoes, parsnips, broccoli, squash, avocado, and bananas.  Other than the broccoli, which Cruz was a little skeptical of, he's loved it all.  His favorites were the pears, bananas, and butternut squash.  This week, we move onto peas, and although the bright green frozen ice cubes look pretty, I wonder if Cruz will feel the same about them.  Stay tuned to find out!

Cruz's favorite toy has to be his jumper.  Not only did he figure out how to make the toys 'work,' but he's become quite the pro at jumping.  He's crazy, and sometimes he gets going so fast, he surprises himself.  It's adorable to watch his little feet go, and something about his moves remind me of Elvis.  He's got the hip-sway down to a science!  

 

Another cool trick Cruz acquired this month involves the word, 'no.'  I'm not quite sure where he picked it up, but he loves shaking his head back and forth, especially when we say, 'nooooooo.'  The more you do it, the more Cruz follows.  It's hilarious now; however, we're in for a treat when we decide that 'no' needs to be taken a bit more seriously!

I can't wait for our next doctor's appointment to see how much our little pudge has grown.  He feels so heavy to me!  He's about outgrown his whale tub, and has definitely outgrown his cute little hooded towels!  He can still wear most of his 3-6 month clothes, but it won't be long before we pack that away too!  He loves his bottles, loves his morning cereal, and loves his veggies and fruit!


Lots of 'firsts' to mark off Cruz's milestone list this month.  Last weekend, he had his first non-family babysitter.  Jennifer, one of Cruz's daycare 'girlfriends,' stayed with him while we had a night out.  The night must have went over well, as it seems their little relationship has only gotten closer since then! 

Although Cruz is starting to look more and more like his mommy every day, I think he acquired his dad's charm and wit.  He's laid back and content, and quite the little flirt.  I think he has the daycare girls wrapped around his chubby finger, and he was causing quite the stir at US Cellular the other day.  He's got the eyebrow raise and the shy, half-smile down to a science.

What else does Cruz love this month???

...His dad, especially when he carries him on his shoulders!  Cruz thinks he's king of the world up there!

...well, most of the time :)

...his mom.  He thinks I'm funny and likes to give me kisses.  Most of all, he likes pulling my hair.  Hard.    

...Baseball.  He usually isn't too into the TV, but when baseball is on, he's all about it! 

 

...The TV remote.  We call this his Grandpa Curt pose...

...his bed.  It's definitely a favorite spot Cruz's.  He loves to play in it while I pick up his room, and lately, has started pulling himself up by the crib rail.  It won't be long and we'll be lowering it!

...Sophie, the giraffe.  For all you momma-to-bes out there, this is the toy to buy.  

...Ron Sock-o
 

It's been another wild and crazy month, but oh-so-fun.  Cruz's smile has become the meaning of happiness to Beau and I, and we are having so much fun with him. 

I've determined...

...there's nothing more 'baby' than a pair of bib overalls and a white onesie. 

The Next Big Z?

All who know my husband, know he is a faithful follower of the historically plagued Chicago Cubs.  And for all who know my family, know that I have two brothers and a father who rarely miss a Minnesota Twins game.  Although they are from different leagues, this still creates the expected banter that goes along with the typical sports talk.  I admit to wavering somewhere in the middle; happy to visit the great city of Chicago to catch a game in the bleachers, but always feeling a sense of nostalgia every time I remember family trips to the Dome to cheer on Kirby Puckett and the Twins.  I love the aura surrounding baseball season, and believe it goes along with summer about as perfectly as ranch dressing goes with pizza. 

Now that we have a child, however, this baseball thing takes on a whole new meaning.  It's true that by following the footsteps of his father, Cruz will learn resilience, faith, and commitment.  He will grow up appreciating the history of baseball revealed within the Cubs: the organ music that still plays at Wrigley, the 100-year-old stadium that has stood the test of time, and the celebratory atmosphere of Wrigley Field that you just can't get anywhere else.  

It's also true, however, that the Minnesota Twins have certain characteristics to offer Cruz that the Cubs just don't (cough cough).  A winning season, for starters (sorry, babe), as well as players such as Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who would serve as great role models for Cruz.  Minneapolis is closer to home, which would make games much more feasible to attend, as well as a brand new stadium with a few more options than the three-choice hot dog, peanuts, and Old Style menu at Wrigley.  It's true, it's a gamble; however, if you ask my husband, there is simply no question...

Cruz WILL grow up a Cubs fan.

I warn him that he better watch out, as kids are known to be rebellious, and Cruz may just end up following in his Uncle Tracy's footsteps and seek teams in the Missouri area to call his own...

Beau is also convinced his firstborn will be a 6 foot 3, left-handed pitcher.  I tell him there are some things in life we just can't decide.

In the meantime, our future baseball star is pondering the dilemma, weighing the pros and cons of the AL versus the NL.

 

Recently, he did mention that the 'designated hitter' position is really rather silly...

After all, shouldn't pitchers have to hit like the rest of 'em?

P.S. I'm starting to think that the arrival of Carlos Pena gives us all a reason to root for the Cubbies :)

Replenished

It was a weekend of 'firsts' for Cruz.  First bowl of pears.  First feel of grass between his chubby fingers.  First non-family babysitter.  And first taste of Hanson's Dairy ice cream.

 And with all the new changes coming his way, Cruz is proving to be a cultivated little soul.  He loves just about anything (minus having his nose wiped, cheeks lotioned, or face washed) and is quite the team player.  He sleeps when he's tired, lets us know when he's hungry, and is ready to party the rest of the time.  

Saturday was a day of visitors.  Grandma Kelly was missing her grandson, and came to spend the afternoon with us.  Cruz showed her all his new tricks, and made sure to turn on the charm and cuddle during nap time.  Great Grandma and Grandpa came to visit, too, and got to see Cruz's sweet skills in his jumper.  He thinks he's king of the world in that thing!

Saturday night, we hired our first official 'babysitter.'  One of Cruz's daycare 'girlfriends' took care of him while we enjoyed a night of steaks and dueling pianos at the 501 Steakhouse in Waterloo.  While we caught up with friends to the sounds of Bohemian Rhapsody, it was comforting to know our little man was in good hands.  It's funny the things you realize now as parents that I never really understood before.  I babysat a lot when I was younger, but I never realized the true 'worth' of a good babysitter until becoming a parent.  Blessed are the college girls who give up a Saturday night to play with our little Cruz Dude!  

Sunday was the first day that truly felt like Spring to me.  We joined in on the neighborhood party, you know, the one that spontaneously occurs that first real day of Spring.  The one where kids holler and run up and down the sidewalks, and parents wave to one another and yell, 'Isn't is gorgeous?' from the other side of the street.  The one where families come out of hibernation, consider watering lawns, but settle for sitting on the front steps, or lounging on a blanket stacking plastic cups and sucking in the fresh breeze that sometimes blows a little too hard and takes the baby's breath away.

 

Yes...

That one.

Hello, Spring.  Please stay awhile.