lukas and a board

We went to the outlet mall in San Marcos to get a pair of shoes for the wee man & we stumbled into Zumies. Lukas fell in love with a couple of long boards there including this first of many he test drove: (sorry for the angle... I'm still getting use to the video camera on my phone).

The BEST part of the video, in my opinion, is at the very end when LP stretches out his arms from the pride he feels after the "ride" (as pictured above).

How well we love.. that's what really matters

I had to use this picture. Not because it is current —because it's not; it was taken back in January 2007— but because I thought it captured so well President Obama's vision of how we should see our children: "So curious, so trusting, so energetic and full of magic. So deserving of our love."

Last night, President Obama’s speech at the Tucson memorial moved me.

In his speech I found reminders that were not only appropriate for the current state of politics in this country, but also reminders of the course I need to stay on to be a better a mother, wife... better person.

President Obama said:
“These men and women remind us that heroism is found not only on the fields of battle. They remind us that heroism does not require special training or physical strength. Heroism is here, all around us, in the hearts of so many of our fellow citizens, just waiting to be summoned – as it was on Saturday morning.”

“We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame – but rather, how well we have loved.”

“The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives – to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents.”
“May God bless and keep those we’ve lost in restful and eternal peace. May He love and watch over the survivors.”

God bless us all.

They grow so fast

UPDATE: Note to self: Do NOT post an entry from cell phone. This post reads so badly! :-)

My Eli is basically a man. Though he's only 17 and there's still so much for him to experience, I know he's on a good road to being an upstanding MAN.

Last night Juan and I were out at the Beauty Bar with our pals and Cris was home with two of his friends.

Before leaving on our date it hit me that Cris really is, as he says, "grown". As JP and I headed out of the driveway I had a flashback to the days when it was impossible for me to do much of anything without little C crying for me. Now he either joins me, or more often than not, he's more than happy to have mommy leave the house.

While this photo of Eli and his buddy Lindsey have nothing to do with last night, it is a picture of my handsome young man and one of his adorable friends (of which he has no short supply).

(I think what I was hoping to capture with this post from my cell was the reminder that my little boy is no longer a baby, but almost a man).

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

1st trip of the year to Butler Park

We made our first trip to Butler Park this morning. Lukas had a blast. Jackson was exhausted. And the big people (Juan and I) just took it all in.

Here are some pics:

Looking back at 2010

Another year has gone by and with it a canvas of treasured moments created unforgettable memories for us.

Among the many wonderful things that occurred this year: Lukas turned 3, developed a passion for all things Superman, and expanded his vocabulary (which has been so much fun for all of us to witness). In true teenage fashion, Cristian got behind the wheel a lot more, let his hair grow longer than he ever has, and experienced his first Austin City Limits via a press pass. Juan continued to excel at work and once again participated in his NFL fantasy leagues (as did Cristian).

The year also contained some hard times for us including the loss of our pregnancy. As sad as this was, it was only a foreshadow to the most monumental news: I would no longer be able to bear another child. It was a difficult year in this regard, but overall it was an a very blessed and happy 2010.

Some of my favorites memories of 2010 were as follows:
1. Receiving a text from Vanesa (Lukas' teacher) to notify me that the wee man had gone potty.
2. Crisitan telling me he made co-editor of the year-book staff. Then later telling me he had chosen to instead take the helm of the newly created school paper as its editor-in-chief.
3. Dancing with and being held by Juan at Maneja Beto's send off gig at the Mohawk.
4. Watching Lukas climb onto his own bed to call it a night -- instead of sleeping with mommy and daddy.
5. Singing and laughing with Cristian all the way home on our drive from Dallas.
6. Watching Cristian "command" his news staff at a football game at House Park Field.
7. Watching Lukas paint and learning that painting really calms him.
8. The "She just started crying" Cristian moment at Burger Stadium.
9. Lukas becoming a great little photographer!
10. Laying in bed late on Dec. 30th recounting with Juan our favorite moments of 2010 -- and in our life together.

And now that we're done looking back...it's time to focus on all the blessings and great times that 2011 has in store for us!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

17 years ago today....

... I was sitting in one of my journalism classes at the University of Texas at Arlington with a round belly, taking a mid-term exam when I suddenly went into labor. I finished the test and drove myself back to Dallas. Many hours later (many, many, many hours later) my beautiful child was born at Parkland Hospital.

At 6:55 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 1993 Cristian Elijah SantaCruz Reynoso came into the world weighing in at 8 lbs. 1.2 ounces and measuring 21 1/2 inches long.

It was a difficult delivery in which both my life and his were at serious risk. Neither one of us gave up. Though the birth was natural and free of drugs, I was heavily medicated after the baby's arrival meaning I wouldn't be able to hold my newborn until the doctors felt it was safe for me to do so.

A day had passed and I still hadn't seen my baby boy so I asked to be wheeled to the nursery so that I could see and hold him. When I arrived he was snuggled in the nurse's arm, drinking a bottle. She told me he was a very good and calm baby, that he was doing well and placed him in my arms. He was amazing!

The next day I was eager to once again feel his warmth. In two days since his arrival my bundle of joy had yet to make a personal appearance in my room.

I'd watched the girl who shared my room feed and hold her baby girl -- and even watched the two sleep. But I couldn't do the same with mine.

On the second day after his birth, I heard a small cry outside my room door and down the hallway. I told my roommate,"That's my baby!". But she kindly said that I was just missing my baby, to calm down and wait for the nurse to tell me when I'd get to see my son again. But I thought, "this girl has no idea what she is saying!". The cry outside —though I'd never heard before— was MY cry. I knew from the depth of my soul this was a cry I'd heard in my dreams.

I got out of bed, walked out to the hallway and saw a wheeled-tray of four or so babies. Only one was crying. As I approached them, my heart beat stronger. I got near the baby that was crying and saw his hospital band on his small foot. It read: SantaCruz boy. He was mine!!!

A nurse quickly reappeared and asked me to return to my room, and I did. I waited patiently, happily for my little critter. But I never forgot that moment that has forever captured what our relationship would be: an unbelievable, unbreakable and magical bond.

Today, my baby boy is a young man full of talent and possibilities.

He's strong, gentle, witty, smart and brave.

He's done all that I'd hope he'd do so far -- and a lot more that he's hoped for himself and achieved all on his own.

He often surprises me. Yet I can never stop worrying.

I know that I'm a better person because of him.

Happy birthday Nene!

Cristian with the band, Portugal the Man at ACL 2010.


Cristian with buddy Marrisa Camarillo (love her!)


One of Cristian's doodles:


Me and my baby!


C:

Lukas the photog

Click here to view these pictures larger