Spit Up and String Cheese

Mason laughed today. What a beautiful sound! And, like his brother, he laughed in his sleep, so he must have been having a good dream. Surely something about throwing things at Andrew or sitting on his head. Seems appropriate for a little brother to want to start the rivalry already! There's something magical about a baby's laugh or smile, wouldn't you agree? It melts my heart and reminds me how thankful I am for sleep-deprivation and no chance of a moment to myself! What a wonderful gift! (Sure, laugh, but as a parent, somewhere inside you, you understand exactly what I mean!) Blessings....

JJ feels blessed, to a degree. Well, maybe more like relieved! I moved Mason out of the bedroom and into his own room last weekend (Feb 9th), as per JJ's request. Boy, that was difficult for me... only 3 weeks old. JJ gets more sleep. Sure he wakes up when I get in and out of bed, but he sleeps while I'm gone, which is more sleep than I've been getting lately. I cross the house and head into Mason's room for feedings and changings. I am always PRAYING that Andrew doesn't wake up while Mason fusses, and somehow we've been able to keep Andrew sleeping through the night. (Thanks for the tip, Mom. Andrew is baby monitor-less! It was hard, but I did it!) Andrew was having a hard time during teething...more molars. So, JJ sleeps and AJ sleeps. 2 less people to take care of! haha. Blessings again!

So, overall, I'm pretty content. Sleep-deprivation isn't so bad when you have two beautiful children that love you and adore you. I always say "Andrew takes good care of his mommy" and I mean it. Andrew really makes me feel like I'm doing SOMETHING right. Whether it's just a new word or a great big hug, he's always surprising me and making me feel good. I love that little boy! I hope Mason is at least half of what Andrew has been for JJ and I. Last night, after bath, Andrew hugged me and hugged me and hugged me! It was SO sweet! JJ has had his share of surprise kisses and hugs lately, and even Mason has gotten a few kisses on the head. Andrew is such a sweet boy! Blessings, Blessings, Blessings!

So there are my thoughts for today. Nothing really profound, as you all know, I'm not the type. I'll probably be writing more shortly, if I don't forget! xoxo

Welcome Baby Mason!

Well, It finally happened! The moment we had long awaited has arrived! Mason James Cross was born on January 21st, 2008 at 10:32 am! He was 7 lbs 2 oz and 18 1/2 inches long! Although arriving 3 weeks early, Mason is happy and healthy and giving us all a new reason to smile!!

Mommy's labor was quick and easy (aside from painful contractions, but we expected that!) and everything went really well! Mason came out a boy, just like we had been promised, so we were all ready for him! :)



Andrew is relatively fond of baby brother. Aside from a good knock to the noggin and a music box to the forehead, he's been really nice to Mason. :) He's really becoming quite the helper and protector and I can use all the help I can get! AJ doesn't really like to touch Mason, but he's warming up. He touched his hair and ear today. It's going to take some time.

JJ is doing a great job, too. Poor guy has to be my support system as well as a daddy to two crazy boys! He's so wonderful and wants to make sure that AJ knows he hasn't been replaced. He walks around the house talking to his "buddy" and they play together a lot.


My mom, dad, Julie and Ben all came out when Mason was born. We had such a great visit and really enjoyed having them here! Dad was able to bless Mason in church on the 27th, the day President Hinckley died. A bittersweet day. He looked so handsome and JJ's parents attended with us. This has all been such a positive experience, though JJ is anxious to move Mason into his own room.


Overall, life is pretty good. JJ just started a new job at Sears in the automotive shop. He's also enrolled in 18 credits of classes, which keeps him pretty busy and up late! He's a very hard-working guy and he's doing great. After we get a little more settled in with Mason's schedule, I'll start babysitting a little boy just one month younger than AJ. Andrew will love having a friend around to play with. Mommy gets a little boring at times. We are looking forward to that.


Okay that's the update for now! We'll write again soon! Hope you all are well! xoxo

The Cross Family (all 4 of us!!)