Merry Christmas

See it?

This is Cruz's new phrase along with ...

Bye Sheep (we say hi sheep every morning and night on the projector). 

Words:

Hi

Bye

Buba

Sisy

Mama

Dada

Airplane 

Sit

Stay

Doggie

Ducky

Milk

Water

Applejuice 

More (and signs)

Elmo

Santa (pronounced Sant)

Tree

Tries to say Christmas Tree

Brielle

Go

I know there's more!

11/11/14

I believe in luck sometimes. I've had full blown toddler tantrums over the last few days. Today was not one of them. Cruz has been in awesome spirits. He ate dinner like a champ. He played, laughed, jumped, and danced with me without a tantrum. In fact the entire night was without a tear. We read a few books and then went night night. I always try to rock him before the crib but he's too big now for this to be comfortable I assume. We cuddled or tried at least then I tucked him in. Tonight melts my heart. He makes me feel exhausted most days but it truly is the best tired and the most rewarding. Thank you baby for giving me these days! 

Is my baby still a baby???

Well after an event filled weekend of newborn babies and family I am keenly aware that my baby is not a helpless baby anymore. He's a brute 28 lbs at 19 months old. He's beginning to try to talk with a lot of "no's" screamed in my direction. He can rip off his shoes, shirt and diaper. He drinks from a cup. No bottle for him. He throws a pretty fast over hand throw with anything from balls, food, toys, cell phones etc. He gives me great big hugs. He also rarely snuggles anymore unless he's sad or sick. Even if he's tired you probably wouldn't know it because he running around in circles, climbing or jumping off furniture or dancing and clapping. He's full of energy and full of life. Cruz brings me/us so much joy. Instead of me rocking him and Breastfeeding him till he falls asleep I now have to put him to bed awake and lay next to him till he falls asleep. It doesn't take too long. I like to be next to him like this when he's drifting off to sleep and in a quiet place. I honestly have to say to my friends that have just became mamas not to be hard on yourself and to take time to love this moment. Just 19 months ago I had a newborn and now I have a very active, curious, funny, determined, goofy, loving, adventurous and outgoing toddler. Looking back I feel like I was overly hard on myself. I was consumed with doing it right.  Now I know I am doing it right. He's just fine and so am I. Goodnight my toddler and forever my baby. I love you. 

Where has the time gone?

I used to post daily. Then weekly. Now monthly. Really?!?  Cruz started a new school last week. We both love it. He is drinking out of a cup. He's trying to talk more. He still is a big fan of planes and now is really into this show on nick rj called the fresh beat band. Brian is into Vine so Cruz is quickly becoming a celeb due to his awesome dance moves. 

18 months already

Motherhood tests me every day. Some moments I'm peaceful while others I can't wait to have a drink or pass him off to someone else. Toddlerhood is another animal. I couldn't wait for Cruz to do all this stuff but now can't believe how fast that went. Although I still consider Cruz my little baby I am reminded he isn't when a true little baby is around. At this moment my toddler is cuddling with me as I rock him to sleep. My house is a mess. I have food stuck in the carpet. I have wet clothes in the wash. I have grey hairs shining through. I am not as "fit" as I used to be because there aren't enough hours in the day. These complaints or gripes are truly a moment in time. I could probably have more time if I didn't rock Cruz to sleep however I love it just as much as him.  Happy half birthday my little baby!