Happy New Year!!

Happy 2011 to everyone!

This week Cruz had his 2 month doctor's appointment. He is now weighing in at 12 pounds 12 ounces and 23 inches long. Unfortunately he had to get 4 shots in the legs but he handled it like a big boy. He was very sleepy the whole day but wasn't too disturbed otherwise.

Cruz is so much fun to watch now. He is actively playing with his toys and if he notices the tv is on he tries to watch it. We now have to turn it off during his play time otherwise he'll just stare at it. He's starting to really be aware of all of his surroundings and it's so exciting to witness. He even is able to grab larger items now and lift them above his head. He has so much fun playing with his new blocks that Santa got him and his new favorite, his little blue doggy.

Phoenix actually got some snow yesterday so Cruz and I got to go out in the cold and he got to experience his first snow fall! I am pretty sure he won't remember this but I think he liked it ;o). I'll have to remind him how much he liked it when he goes skiing for the first time in a couple years!

Happy New Year!
Love The Arce's!

Merry Christmas!!

Family Pic

Cruz and me at the Zoo Lights

Lucky Cruz playing with Auntie Kim


Kim and Cruz Christmas morning!


Cruz with Auntie and Uncle - no doubt smiling because he's talking to Uncle Q



Cruz's throne for Christmas dinner - he loved that high chair

Cruz reading his new book sitting in his new Bumbo

We had a great Christmas this year!! We are so happy to have Kim and Tibyron visiting for their first married Christmas! Santa was good to us all so we all must've been good this year! For Christmas Eve we started our own new tradition ... pork pies and zoo lights. It was so much fun and Cruz loved all the lights. For Christmas we had a fun morning of presents from Santa and playing with some new toys for Cruz. The afternoon was playing with some new toys for the adults. We went to the park and played a couple family fun games of HORSE, after showing our superior basketball skills Kim and I played with Cruz in the grass and Mario and Tibyron threw the ball around so Mario could breakin his new glove. Then was home so Kim could slave over a great Turkey dinner! Thanks again sis - it was delicious! Cruz somehow managed to join us at the dinner table in his highchair (for the first time) and he had so much fun playing with his toys while we all ate dinner, he even chimed in on our conversation now and again!

As I've been trying to write this for the past two days, Kim and Tibyron have now left and I already miss them! We all had a great visit and hope to do it again soon! Love you guys!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is looking forward to a happy, safe new year!

Christmas Baby

It is Christmas week! That means Kim and Tibyron are coming soon! So is the big jolly man! So exciting!

Merry Christmas Week to All and to All a Goodnight!

Cruz has Moves

Cruz is 8 weeks today!! We celebrated last night with a little dance! He loves music and he finds the beat right away - he loves to dance!!

We are all doing great. We had a pretty mellow week, for the first time in a while we had nothing going on and no where we needed to be. Fortunately for that we were able to get some Christmas presents shipped out and others purchased! Santa has made a quick stop at our house, he dropped off some presents a little early so there are some festive packages under the tree which completes the look!!

Happy Holidays!

Our Awesome Christmas Neighbor

Here is a video of our neighbor. He broadcasts his own radio station and plays Christmas music coordinated with the Christmas lights. Pretty awesome!!

Happy Birthday Tibyron

Cruz's Night Out

We bundled up this past Tuesday to go watch Mario play softball. I could tell Cruz was bursting with excitement!! It was a nice night out and he got to cheer his daddy on like a big boy! He also didn't mind all the attention being the most adorable fan there! Mario's team won and I'm pretty sure it's because Cruz is his good luck charm ;o)

Yesterday we had a nice afternoon at the park. We made a lot of new friends and although they are all a little older than Cruz they had a good time playing together (by that I mean all the other kids kept pointing and saying baby!)

Today was day 2 of our wogs. We are starting to walk/jog. Fortunately it has been going well and Cruz seems to love the afternoons out! The weather here has been awesome -mid 70's - so it's great to go spend some time outside every afternoon!

Hope everyone's doing well!

Great Weekend

The first week of December, ah 'tis the season!! I love this time of year!! It is oddly warm, ok, that's because we're in Arizona and it's always warm but I kind of like it. The weather has been beautiful and we've been lucky to have taken advantage of it this weekend! Saturday we went for a walk around the neighborhood and played frisbee in the park, then off to Cruz's first friend birthday party (Happy Birthday Macie K!). Saturday night was date night! Once Cruz was down for a couple hours Mario and I sat around the fire outside, it was so nice to just hang out and talk! Today we went to play tennis. Cruz was our ball boy. Good thing we never miss so he just got to sleep ;o). Then out to lunch. Now time to do some things around the house, and by that I mean hopefully decorate for Christmas while blasting some crazy Christmas CD and poorly singing along!! Gotta love it!

Cheers!

One Month Checkup

We are a week behind on our checkups so our one month checkup was more like a one month and one week checkup! Cruz is weighing in at a whopping 10 lbs 11.4 ounces and is stretching out at an exciting 22 inches! This is up from 9 lbs 12.5 ounces 11 days earlier, impressive! He got a Hep B shot in the thigh and was a champ. He let out a little scream while it was happening but as soon as he got the awesome Garfield bandaid he was cool again! Cruz is still enjoying driving in the car which is great and makes me more comfortable when driving around just he and I. He is starting to see better and even plays with his toys more. He was holding a pen last night and swinging it around which was exciting to see that progress. Don't worry, we were with his the whole time so he didn't write on the walls or poke himself in the eye!!

We have a visitor flying in from Mammoth today!! Agnes is coming to visit for a few days and we are so excited to see her and meet her!! It has been a while and a long summer in the mountains for some of us!! Cruz and I will be picking her up at the airport this afternoon! I have banana grams waiting for us if we find an hour to play otherwise she'll just spend a couple days in the exciting life of Kristy and Cruz!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wow - this Thanksgiving gives us more to be thankful for than ever! We are so thankful for our beautiful little Cruz, health, happiness, friends and family! Life seems to have a plan and ours is working itself out. The only thing missing is you!! I wish I could move all of you reading this (and more) closer. This time of year makes me think about all of the wonderful people that have touched our lives and how much I miss everyone. I want to at the very least take this day to say Thank You and let you know we are thankful for you! It is because of the love and support we get from our family and friends that make us who we are! Please everyone be safe on this holiday and every day! Love you and THANKS!

Kristy, Mario & Cruz

One Month

Cruz was 4 weeks on Friday. Where does the time go, I can’t believe it’s been a month! He is as adorable as ever and has gained a whole 2 lbs, now weighing in at 9lbs 12.5oz. He has changed so much!! As noted in my previous post he has rolled over 3 times now and has started making little coo-ing sounds as well as other silly sounds. He can also focus on things close to his face and follow them with his eyes. He has starting to figure out that he can grab things with his hands, such as his pacifier, toys, and my hair ;o). He has his fussy moments and I wish I could fix it every time he cries but mostly I think he just wants to eat … and eat, and eat and eat – which keeps us both busy! He has started taking good afternoon naps and last night I got a 3.5 hour sleep in! That combined with a hot shower this morning, I feel like a new woman! I hope me bragging about this doesn’t back fire and he keeps up the good work! Love you Cruz!!

Grandma and Grandpa’s visit

Auntie Kim has left and Cruz, Mario and I had one whole day to ourselves and then off to the airport again to get Grandma and Grandpa!! It was an uneventful drive to the airport as Cruz slept the whole time and Gma and Gpa got to sit in the back and watch him the whole drive home, they loved it. It was so special to see the love and adoration they had for him the instant they saw him, it’s nice that others think he’s as special as Mario and I!!

The visit was great, my parents got to live a day in my shoes only they got to leave and go to the grocery store and WalMart which I don’t get to do often!! Fortunately my dad brought his golf clubs so he was able to go and explore some golf courses in the area. My mom stuck it out with me in the house everyday! We did attempt a couple trips to Target and the Outlets which lasted a short time but were still fun! Went on some long walks in the beautiful weather and just bonded with Cruz. Both were in heaven when he would just sleep on their chests for hours at a time which was precious in so many ways.

Cruz had a few major breakthroughs while the grandparents were visiting. I’m not sure if it was a fluke or not but he did manage to roll over twice (and once again the other day) from his stomach to his back. He is a strong boy!! He also graduated out of his newborn clothes and on to 0-3 months as he had a major growth spurt! He is getting so big and even looking at pictures from when Auntie Kim visited he has changed so much!
I’m sure Gma and Gpa were glad to get home to their own lives but they are missed here and will hopefully be back soon!

Love you! XOXO

We had a great visit with Auntie Kim! She came in for a long weekend to meet and play with the whole family. We all managed a trip to the airport to pick her up and it was a noisy but adorable ride home! Good thing Cruz is cute when he cries! Kim came at a great time! Just in time for my doctor’s appointment so I didn’t have to do the drive alone with Cruz and just before his growth spurt!
We managed to do a lot. We attended a Veteran’s Day parade in town and went on a family field trip to Sedona. Fortunately, Cruz was better in the car this time and slept the whole way to and from! We were there for a very short time but we did manage to have lunch together and get some delicious pumpkin fudge! There was something wonderful about having my sister here. There’s something special about sharing our wonderful miracle with my best friend in the world. Thank you for the visit Auntie!! Next time make sure you bring Uncle Tibyron, we missed him!!

Halloween might not be Cruz's favorite holiday! He didn't quite like all the hype and hoopla! I was very bummed that he didn't have an actual costume but once the night came and went I was definitely ok with just the small amount we did. We were excited to have all the trick or treaters at our house. Being this is our first year here we didn't know what to expect but we were surprised at how many kids we had come to the door. It was so fun! Well I didn't see many of the kids but I got to hear Mario talking to them and they all sounded so excited and polite!

Things are going great at home and we are so excited to see Auntie Kim tonight!! She's coming to visit for the weekend!! It'll be nice to have someone new to get to know and play with!!

Abuelita had to leave us this past Friday and we all miss her so much, especially Cruz! She was such an amazing help and I almost wish I could've kept her here but I knew she'd have to go back sooner or later! I still can't talk about it or thank her without crying, darn hormones!!

Today we had bath number 2 at home, again he didn't like it so much, but who does at 9 days old, right! I think he felt a little better when he Christened mommy again for the second time, not sure how daddy always escapes the crazy pee attachs.

Cruz slept a little more yesterday so we were able to carve out our pumpkins for tonight. Wasn't sure if we were going to get to it so that was a nice surprise! Mine is a ghost flying through a window (I had to tell you because you probably won't be able to tell on your own) and Mario's is a jack o'lantern with Cruz's name on it.

I really wanted to dress Cruz up for his first halloween but I don't think they make costumes small enough! I did find a few but didn't get them in time and since I can't really leave the house and it's too late to order online then I think we'll be just dressing like a baby wearing his first halloween shirt!! Pictures to follow!!

Things in the Arce household are going well. It is an adjustment to stay home on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon as anyone who knows us well enough knows we don't usually stay home but we are getting used to that and spending the day with Cruz makes it that much easier to handle!

Tomorrow we have our week appointment (or 10 day old appointment) with the doctor to check and make sure Cruz is back up to his birth weight. In my opinion he should've surpassed it with the amount that he eats but we're hoping for at least his birth weight of 7lbs 12oz.

Will be writing more soon!

Kristy, Mario and Cruz!

XOXO

Bringing Home Baby

Well as you all know baby Cruz came and joined our wonderful family unit last Friday! I can't say it was easy but I can say it was worth it. After sometime of pushing and him not wanting to come out still I had a c section which I'm glad I didn't have to watch, all I know is there was a lot of pushing, pulling and tugging and we finally got to see our beautiful baby boy.

Cruz is perfect in so many ways and is changing so much by the day. I am truly blessed to have to two most amazing boys I've ever met in my life. Mario has been a superstar dad and husband and I am so excited to see him with Cruz everyday as their bond grows and grows. Cruz is one lucky boy!

Abuelita Carmen has been staying with us since Saturday and I couldn't thank her enough. When we came home from the hospital the house was all clean and there was a hot meal on the stove. I think I just started to cry so I gave her a hug and layed down but it was an amazing feeling knowing she was there. She is still being an amazing help, I hope she's enjoying spending this time with Cruz and knows how appreciative we are to have her here.

We haven't had much time to post and I wanted to at least check in to let you know we are all tired but we are all doing well!! I will try to keep the pictures coming but here are a few highlights from the past 5 days.

Kristy

Day 2...And still smiling

It is day 2 of Cruz being with us and we are both still happy as can be. There has certainly been some sleep lost but it is well worth it. We have had a few visitors since we have been here but every time Cruz found a way to show off. He has been crying, eating or sleeping but he sees the camera's come one and it's showtime! All and all this has been a cool experience, but I am going to break a few laws of parenthood. For years I have heard you don't have kids you couldn't understand...or just wait until you have them and then you will see. Well that time has come and I will agree that it is easier to understand as a new parent but those without kids can relate. Just think of the best thing that ever happened to you, add never ending responsibility, no sleep forever...Times 789,287,465 to the power of 12 (I didn't make up that equation just following at least one rule written by some one some"{where) all while having the biggest smile on your face! That is what parenting feels like. So there it is an update, philosophy and math all rolled into one. Now that Kristy is feeling better you will hear from her soon!!!!

...sorry we were/are having trouble with the video attached at the time being ;o)

Cruz Martin Arce - 7lbs 12 ounces.

The big day has finally arrived. After 14 hours of labor and one surgery Cruz Martin Arce has finally arrived to meet the world. Kristy was great during the entire process and believe me she earned every inch of this cute little boy. He has been fun to have around and so far relatively quiet, (I probably shouldn't talk about the no hitter:) As for now Kristy, Cruz and I are just hanging in the hospital and will be doing so for the next two or three days happy as can be. Kristy is recovering well and Cruz is also very observant thus far.

As for me the second best part of my day was escaping the "Tar Pit" his first diaper change....thank you rock star nursing staff phew to be continued...

Mario

We arrived at the hospital at 1230am. We just got admitted and Kristy is handling everything perfectly. Next post should be a picture!

Anxious, nervous, excited? Yes. All of the Above.

For many years I have been trying to avoid the perrils of social cyber space. There are so many people asking us about the baby that there will be no better time then now to break my cyber silence. It has been an interesting last week or two...anxiety, excitement and worry all rolled into one. It is weird to think that I am going to be someone's father. Life will certainly be different soon. Here are a few major changes I have noticed in the past few weeks.

Phones:
My phone is now more attached to me than ever and when it rings and Kristy is calling my heart rate actually spikes. ( Not a joke I can prove this I work at a gym full of heart rate monitors:) It is excitement and concern and joy rolled into one.

Sleep:
I feel like my body is preparing for late nights:) There are only so many times a human being should wake up to sports center and watch it again. I find myself up late wondering if there is anything I can do.

Kristy:
It has been more apparent in the last few weeks that Kristy is ready to go. Not just by her belly but because through this entire process Kristy has been a champ! Up for anything and everything that comes her way. Lately she has become a better napper, sleeper and massage client :) She has been awesome through all of this but I think that the "Event" will happen soon. My mom guessed the 23rd. I am thinking the 18th or 19th of October.

Any Guesses?

I'm sure this will be the first of many instances in which I wonder what time my son gets home...Hopefully by then I can install some sort of GPS into his Nike's or something :) I will try to keep everyone up to date when the time is near or arrived.

Stay Tuned!!!!!

We had some wonderful visitors this weekend!! Antonio and Carmen came accross to say hello!! They were here for a couple days and we managed fit a lot in. We went for a hike, went to check out Lake Pleasant, watched some baseball postseason (Boo Yankees), hit up some good outlet sales, and even managed to fit in a few naps!! It was Antonio's birthday this week so we celebrated with him, ate some delicious enchiladas and enjoyed the nice weather we’ve been having in Arizona.

We’re at 39 weeks, only 1 week remains so I am moving slow these days and taking lots of naps!! At my doctor’s visit this week the doctor asked if the “little dude” was ever going to come out!! I am still feeling pretty good but I have to say HE WILL COME OUT and preferably sometime soon!! My maternity shirts no longer cover my whole stomach and I had to have Mario take of my sneaker the other day!! Good thing I know it’s all worth it and I’ll forget every bit of the annoying stuff once I hold the “little dude” for the first time!!

Well I’m just checking in with all of you since everyone seems to be checking in with me this weekend (which I love BTW). Thanks for looking out and can’t wait to have more exciting news for you!!

Feliz Cumpleanos Antonio!!!

The baby's room is all complete with one missing component ... the baby of course!! Which is ok, he can stay another week if he'd like!! I'm going to be so excited when he is in our world and finally has a name but I'm also definitely going to miss him in my belly! He's been pretty crazy lately and my stomach moves at some very interesting times and places. I thought people were joking how they would literally see their stomach move from one side to the other but no, it really happens! Well thanks to everyone that has taken a look at our blog. Hopefully we'll have some cute pics up soon, enough of just me!! haha!

Down to the final days ... or weeks!!

Well we're almost to the finish line and we are so excited to welcome baby Arce into our family!! We are working on getting the house all nice and cozy and ready for his arrival which could technically be any day now! He is officially full term today and although I love him in my belly and want to keep him there a little longer he's welcome anytime!! This pregnancy has been wonderful and I am still feeling great, most of the time ;o). I also couldn't be happier with my amazing husband who is so supportive and helpful even when I'm crying for no reason (it's only happened once so far but was still embarrassing).
Anyway I know everyone's waiting for the baby so you can know his name (We're excited to learn his name too!) but I knew this wouldn't get done if I waited any longer! So thank you for reading and stay tuned!!

Kristy