Potty!

Today Cruz pooped in the potty for the first time. Just 3 days shy of turning 23 months old. I am very proud of him. Of course he pooped a lot this weekend because he's eaten a millon berries (his fav). 

Cuddles

It's Wed and I am sitting in the rocking chair with Cruz as he let's me rock him to sleep. Every night I ask him and most often he says no. Tonight is rare with my 22 month old.  I love the snuggles. 

And so it starts

I just started back at Frannies. I am working 7 to 4 to avoid traffic and to be able to pick up Cruz from school. Traffic was a bear. At school his teacher told me that he was asking for me all day. I know this will get easier I imagine but right now it's hard. Tonight Cruz asked for a kiss when I was tucking him in. I gave him lots of hugs and kisses. I also explained that mommy has to go to work before he wakes up and I asked if he wanted me to say goodbye in the morning. I know he doesn't understand it yet but it helps me that I explained this to him. Life is full of twists and turns. Right now this direction is what God has mapped out. Glad He has my back. Little baby you are the best piece of me. I started at Frannies unmarried and without children. I am flooded with memories being back especially being pregnant with Cruz. They have supported me in all my roles and I do appreciate that! My most important role is mother and they understand that too. 

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.