Ways My Life Has Changed

I saw one of my favorite former students, Britney Padilla, the other day at Wilbur's. She graduated a year ago, and I haven't seen her since. She told me that her mom had told her a few months ago, "Ms. Baca is pregnant." Britney responded astoundingly, "MY Ms. Baca?! She said she NEVER wanted kids." She asked me what had changed my mind, and I couldn't really answer her standing there in the cookie and cracker aisle, for so many miracles, large and small, brought me to this point in my life, where seven years ago I would have feared to tread. In that spirit of reflection, and since I made a list in the last post too, here are some of the ways my life has been altered since the arrival of Cael:

1. I have a new perfume, Eau de Spit Up.

2. Burp cloths have become a permanent part of my wardrobe, fashionably tossed over the left shoulder (and they usually don't match my outfit- what a travesty!).

3. My dates with Paul consist of two trips to the grocery store.

4. I sing a lot to an admiring audience.

5. I have been pooped upon, literally, by my son, instead of by my school administration, figuratively.

6. A stretch of three hours of sleep at night is wonderful, where nine to ten used to be my norm.

7. An outing, even to the post office, is a chore.

8. Even though he pees (and poops) on me, wakes me at night, occasionally cries for no apparent reason, and seemingly eats all the time, I absolutely love this little guy, which I can say with complete certainty would not be the case if anyone else in my life acted this way towards me.

Top Ten Things Cael Has Taught Me (in 8 weeks)

I have found out much about myself and about life these past eight weeks with my wonderful son. Here are the top ten things Cael has helped me learn as I watch and interact with him:

10. Time playing with loved ones is time best-spent, even if dinner is late or the table dusty.

9. Napping is a great way to spend half of an hour (or three hours- who am I kidding?).

8. The people who truly love you don't care if you have morning breath, or if your hair is fixed, or even if you shower; they just want you to pick them up when they're down and can't get up themselves.

7. Better out than in! Holding in the "bad gas" just makes one miserable. Let it out - of either end;) (or, as Kirstin would say, "Put it in a bubble and blow it away.")

6. Learning something new is hard but well worth the effort.

5. Rocking is soothing and will put a baby to sleep, not to mention a tired Mommy.

4. Expressing your emotions is essential and healthy communication: scream to get what you want, cry to get what you want, laugh to get what you want, coo and gurgle to get what you want . . .

3. You can't hug and kiss the ones you love enough.

2. Stretching feels really good, especially in the morning.

1. A real smile is a gift from one heart to another.

Thank you, Cael, for teaching me. I love you!

I Am the Luckiest

All Dressed Up for the Big Day

Great-Grandma Ellsworth with Cael at Brunch

Proud Dad with Cael

Mom and Cael

The Handsome Boy
We had an amazing blessing day yesterday. We started off with a brunch for our families in the backyard. Then, it was off to church, after getting Cael dressed up in his borrowed outfit. Alta, my cousin, lent it to us. Her son, Diego, had used it for his blessing. Thank you, Alta! He looked so handsome in the tuxedo suit, even though the pants were a little tight:) The chapel was packed with people who love Cael. We were overwhelmed by the love and support of those who came to share in this most special day in our little family's life. Paul gave a beautiful blessing, with Great-Grandpa Ellsworth, Uncle Gunnar, Uncle Michael, Dave Eisley, Uncle Ray, and Quinn Ashton in the circle. I had to (got to) bear my testimony later in the meeting, proclaiming the truth that I am the luckiest woman in the world, with my wonderful husband, sweet baby boy Cael, my family, and my friends. I couldn't ask for more. Cael, you are loved by so many, and you will never lack for love your entire life, from the show of people yesterday.
Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts to those who attended from near and far. We now know how important these events are, and we will not forget your support. Those in attendance (besides ward members, obviously): Uncle Stephen, Alyssa, Aaron, Uncle Michael, Aunt Michelle, Tyli, Eli, Sienna, Jadon, Uncle Brad, Aunt Amber, Braylen, Isabel, Aunt Jennifer, Lee, Avery, Grandma Ellsworth, Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Ellsworth, Grandpa Hancock, Grandma Lois, Uncle Brian, Aunt Amber, Uncle Chad, Aunt Kirsti, Jalen, Aunt Julie, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Gunnar, Aunt Kristi, Kelsey, Brooke, Staci, Kim and Kortlynn Herring, Dave and Marcia Eisley, Quinn and Michelle Ashton, Kirstin and Jenna Udall, and Donna and Aunt LaDawn Hancock. Special friends who were already in attendence from the ward were Grandma Baca, Uncle Ray and Aunt Brandee, Breonna, Austin, Garrett and Hope Davis.

Watching the D-backs

Cael channel surfing and enjoying a cold one:)

Playtime with Mom and Dad

Cael enjoys his playtime with his lucky mom and dad. He has a dimple that is adorable.

We Are a Happy Family

Today we ventured out for our first Sunday at church. Cael looked dapper in his outfit from my cousin, Alta. He was so good, even though he was somewhat bothered by the noises around him. Paul was just upset that he couldn't share his church snack of M & M's with his son yet.

Happy One Month, Cael!

Yesterday (at 11:54 P.M.) our sweet Cael turned one month old. In honor of this milestone, here are some of our favorite memories so far with the sunshine of our lives: his smiles (gas or not, they're the best); watching him in his carseat with the infant mirror; his lower lip quiver; his pouty lip; his squeaky noises; the day the doctor told us he was okay and we could go home; seeing him being held by our dear friends and family; his leg lifts to release internal pressure; when he looks up at his angel friends; all of the noise and stretching to wake up; his baldness; when he finally sleeps in his "Cael" mode; his heart, the fight he gave in the beginning; his weight gain, two pounds in four weeks. We love you Cael.