A Little Update

I've loved having some special time with Cruz while Rowan is at pre-school. When Rowan was a baby, my every minute was focused on snuggling and playing with him. Having two, I now need to divide my attention so its fun to give Cruz some of that special one on one time I always enjoyed with Rowan. The fact that Rowan adores school makes it a lot easier to be separated too. Today he learned that he has blonde hair and blue eyes. He loves to sing now too, which is a new thing since school has started. His favorites are "If You're Happy & You Know It" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes."

Cruzer Bruiser in a brand new outfit from Aunty Amanda! :-)

Rock Your Camera 201: Week 1

I am taking another photography workshop on clickinmoms.com! Its so nice to be able to do something for myself that I enjoy!! The 1st and 2nd pictures were all from this week's assignment. The last one was just a random snapshot that I LOVE. We've been using Lightroom for editing in this class instead of Photoshop and I am really enjoying getting to learn a new program! I'm just so excited at all that I'm learning! The best part is that I get to show off each of my gorgeous boys. :-)

Oh, Rowan

Me: Rowan, please stand still. Don't you want mommy to rock her camera? I need to practice for my class.

Rowan: No, throw that camera in the garbage, Mommy.

Those are Rowan's sentiments about any camera and unfortunately, his dislike of being photographed is rubbing off on Cruz. I'm pretty sure Cruz is the only 4.5 month old who turns away at the sight of camera. :-) Despite Rowan's unwillingness to pose, I managed to get a few shots. Thought I'd share a silly one with you!

Even Today

We had a rough, cranky, fussy, overtired day today. In spite of all of that, I am reminded that I will never get today back. My boys will never be as little as they were today. This post is my reminder of how sweet and precious they truly are. Even on days like today.

Special Things You Are Doing:

-you love to eat baby food... you gobble down everything, even green beans!

-I love getting your first smile of the day when I get you out of your crib in the morning.

-I love when you "talk." You loud squeals always make me smile, even during church.

-you adore Rowan. your eyes follow him at all times. i love how you smile when he talks to you.

-I always kiss your sweet head before I go to sleep.

-you giggle when I change your diaper every time I touch the rolls on your thighs.

-your eyes are so big... I love photographing them.

Funny Things You Do & Say:

-"play twains, mama! it be fun!"

-you love going to school and talk about your teachers non stop.

-you love to talk to Cruz in your "baby voice." You call him "ugga."

-when I tell you its time to do something you say, "one more minute please!"

-you love to sing songs especially ABC's, Jesus Loves Me & Muffin Man

-you are currently into Thomas trains... your favorite is Scarloey and I love how you say it! (Scarwoey).

-when I drop you off at school you say, "bye mom, see ya later." You also say this to Daddy when he leaves for work.

Even on days like today, I couldn't feel more proud and blessed to be their mommy!

**yes, Rowan is in Cruz's crib in the picture. :)

Chatty Cruz

Cruz is really growing up! He is rolling both ways all the time and talking & screeching up a storm! He is packing away the food! He eats a jar of baby food in the morning and one in the evening. The best part is that he's now sleeping straight from 7:30-5:15. After he eats around 5:15, he goes back down for at least another hour or two. Usually he and Rowan end up waking up within 15 minutes of each other. Its wonderful. :-)

Monday

Monday is our lazy day. Rowan gears up for pre-school, I catch up on laundry, chores and photography and Cruz just hangs out. This is one of my current favorite shots of him.

Sleepy Saturday

We have had such a relaxing Saturday! We cleaned the house, Rog & I each took a kid on some errands, and now we're settling in for pizza and a movie (Mary Poppins). I have not had such a wonderfully boring and relaxing day in quite a while.

Home Depot

Mom's Group went to Home Depot for a tour today. It was tons of fun. Each kid received an apron, enjoyed potting a plant, watched employees use saws, trash compactors, and mix paint. Rowan had a blast. Cruz was an angel, like usual. He hung out in his stroller the entire hour and a half. We didn't hear a peep out of him. Eventually he dozed off. He is such a great 2nd baby. He lets Rowan do fun activities and just hangs out and observes.

*interesting fact (or not): The parents of the little boy behind Rowan were in our childbirth classes when we were pregnant with R so it was fun to have the boys meet.

**photo disclaimer: taken on my cell phone :-)

The Backpack Shot

Walking in on Day 2.

A Ray of Sunshine

Yep, its hot and sunny here in Arizona...here's a little bit of that sunshine to brighten your day. Cheesy? Yep, so sorry about that.

Cruz's Culinary Adventure: Carrots

Rowan: Mommy, what's baby Cruzy eatin'?

Me: Those are carrots, Rowan.

Rowan: They not look like carrots. They're flat.

Me: Whatever you say, Sweetie. :-)

Day 1= Success!

Today, this very proud mommy, dropped her 2 year old off at his very first day of pre-school. Rowan walked into his classroom like he'd done it a million times before. He put his backpack into his cubby, looked and us and said, "bye mommy" and "bye daddy." We had gotten there early so that we could spend some time helping him transition but apparently our little boy felt comfortable and fine on his own.

I was so proud of Rowan. Instead of feeling sad that he didn't seem to mind his mommy and daddy leaving him, I felt so grateful for our social, easy-going, independent little boy. It is just so fun to watch him grow. Although, I must admit, when I picked him up and he ran into my arms saying, "mommy, mommy", if felt pretty good to know that he's still my little baby.

I'm not too proud of my pictures from today- everything was crazy! I'm going to try again on Thursday.

Rowan's teachers send home a note each day about how the child's day was. Rowan kept his boxers dry all morning, loved snack time and playing puzzles. He did not want to paint. I could have told you that though. :-)

Twas the Night Before Pre School

-back pack packed= CHECK

-water bottle filled= CHECK

-notes signed= CHECK

-teacher gifts= CHECK

-clothes layed out= CHECK

-Rowan asleep at 7:15= NOPE

Its 8:15 now. He's been in bed an hour and is still awake. SIGH. He's wound up and super excited for school. He keeps talking to himself about his teacher, the kids in his class, the potty at school, the playground and Bray Bray & Monty.

Snuggles

Pediatrician Visits

Today Rowan & Cruz had their well checks. Rowan's for 2 years and Cruz's for 4 months.

Weight: 13 lbs 3.5 oz (15th percentile)

Height: 25 inches (50th percentile)

Cruz is ounces off of being the EXACT same size as Rowan at this age.

Weight: 28 lbs 3 oz (50th percentile! 1st time in his life he was above the 20th)

Height: 35 inches (70th percentile)

Rowan had two shots and didn't make a peep! What a brave big boy.

******

This picture of Rowan with GeeGee was taken when he was 4 months old. Same age Cruz is in the picture below. Rowan and Cruz weighed the same thing at 4 months but I'm pretty sure a huge chunk of Rowan's weight was in his head. :-) Cruz has a mini head compared to sweet Rowan's. Also, those shoes Rowan is wearing are no where near fitting Cruz.

Illinois: Zoo

One day of our trip we met up with Roger's mom at the zoo. The boys had a fun time hanging out with both of their grandma's at the same time! Rowan really wasn't too interested in the animals. He had more fun climbing on fences and benches! Too bad the zoo wasn't full of cars, trains or trucks. Then it would have had his attention. :-) Oh, and I need to mention that Rowan was doing all of these activities in big boy boxers. He's doing a really good job with his potty training.

Grandma & Rowan looking at the camel

Grandma brought Roger's favorite dried beef sandwiches and strawberries for lunch.

This kid eats chocolate ice cream like its his job. Its amazing.

We never go anywhere

without a potty in tow!

You never know when you might need to pull over for a quick stop!

This post sums up our trip. Thanks for looking.

Illinois: Playing & Birthdays

Rowan loved the Big Wheel that Grammy & Grampy picked up for him at a garage sale. He rode up and down the street 3 times. He would have kept going but Mom & I were exhausted. :-)

He also learned a new word on the trip: "squito" The mosquitos were horrible and this Arizona boy was not a fan!

Cruz was wearing an adorable outfit this day, however, he decided to have a major messy diaper and ruin it. We had to stop at Dollar General and this was the tamest onesie I could find. The other side has a picture of a muffin, in case you couldn't tell.

The boys love playing with Grampy. Rowan and Grampy played lots of cars.

Mom set up a huge tent in the family room for Rowan. It was pretty cool.

The boys and I got to be in town for Dad's birthday and we enjoyed going out for birthday dinner with the whole family.

Rowan has become increasingly interested in Cruz. He is just so sweet to him. He rubs his head, talks to him, tries to make him laugh, makes his toys light up and helps me wash him in the bath. It makes my heart melt every time. Cruz adores Rowan too.

We went over to GeeGee's for cake and ice cream. Rowan managed to get some blueberries too!

Illinois: Park & Train

Rowan loves playing at the park! We hit up a couple parks during our visit.

Rowan & his cars

Swinging is so fun!!

We took Cruz & Rowan for a ride on the Metra train. He LOVED it. He kept saying, "we're on the tracks" "choo-choo" and "chugga chugga choo." He is still talking about it.

Waiting for the train to come!

Looking out the window during the ride.

Illinois: Family

The boys got to see a lot of family during this visit! Here are some of my favorite pictures from those visits. Rowan & Cruz got to see Great Grandma & Grandpa Puzzello and Great Aunt Mar too but all the pictures from that are on my mom's camera! I didn't include any pics in this section with my parents because they randomly appear in other pictures. :-)

Rowan & Uncle Nate

Rowan & Lucky

Rowan & Aunt Amanda (R had to be bribed with chocolate!)

GeeGee & Cruz

Aunt Amanda & Cruz (that is my current favorite outfit on Cruz, by the way!)

Rowan, Cruz and BOTH of their grandmas

GeeGee & her great grandsons

Illinois: The Beach

I took so many pictures through-out our wonderful week in Illinois. I'm going to group them by the different things we did so be watching over the next several days.

We took the boys to Main Beach in Crystal Lake. I have fond memories of going to the lake as a kid so it was fun to introduce that experience to Rowan and Cruz.

Messy face eating his picnic lunch.

Sandwich from Heavenly Ham.. SO good. I love this picture, by the way. Rowan's eyelashes are to die for!

Rowan loves water. He wanted to go out further but neither Grammy or I were dressed for the occasion.

Rowan enjoyed playing in the sand... we made several sandcastles.

He did not, however, enjoy walking on the sand. This is the face he made every time he had to walk across it. Notice how tightly he's gripping Grammy's hand. He warmed up to it a little bit by the end.

Pre-School, Here He Comes!

Tonight was "Meet the Teacher" night at Rowan's school

Here's the big boy's classroom!

"I love my 'cool," says Rowan.

Each day when the kids arrive, they have to move their name to show that they are at school. All of the Rowan's things (cubby, etc.) are identified by a yellow square.

Rowan's cubby!

I can't believe he's going to pre-school. I know that he's only 2 but he is so ready for a little bit of time out of the house twice a week. He talked non stop about his classroom after visiting tonight. This is going to be so much fun for him. Tuesday is his first day... be watching for more pictures then.