NOW #3 - It's All In The Name

My parents have officially declared their grandparent names for Nicholas to call them. Any guesses? Nope not FooFoo and Mr. Becker (though highly favored by those who have known my dad for a long time). Not Grandma and Grandpa. Or Gran and Gramps. Give Up? Please meet:

Granny

(second generation as my Grandma MacQueen was called Granny as well)

Opa

(German for Grandpa)

As you might be able to tell, Nicholas already has Granny and Opa wrapped around his teeny tiny pinky!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere

This past Sunday, we went to the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Patch to fetch us some pumpkins to turn into Jack O Lanterns. Gabe, myself and Nicholas joined Gabe's brother's family (Pete, Claudia, Sophia and little Joaquin) on the venture.

I can't remember the last time I have been to an actual patch (or more like field) rather than the local Vons or Target parking lot to pick out my pumpkin. It was a lot of fun, tons of people, tons of pumpkins. Brought back great memories of going pumpkin hunting with my dad when I was a kid.

Gabe and I were excited to share the experience with Nicholas. As you can see he slept through the whole thing. I didn't have the heart to wake him up. He looked so peaceful just hanging out.

I think Gabe and his brother Pete made up for Nicholas and had the most fun...look at those two 'kids' picking up pumpkins (now I know how Gabe and I ended up with 4 yes 4 pumpkins for just the three of us. Oh well guess we have a lot of carving and toasted pumpkin seeds in our future).

After we picked our perfect pumpkins, we even had time for a family photo op!

All in all a great day. I'll let you know how the pumpkins turned out once we carve them.

NOW #2 - Male Model

I have wanted to get some professional pictures taken of Nicholas since he was born but it took me until last weekend to finally do it. My sister Moira recommended a friend of hers and I am so glad as I think she did a fabulous job.

And Nicholas did a faboulous job too...if professional athlete doesn't pan out I think he might have a future as a male model. What do you think?

If you want to see a few more shots go to Mandi Horn Photography Blog where she has posted a few shots of Nicholas on her blog. I just love the one with Nicholas and his Granny. Mandi is a great photographer and her blog is filled with wonderful shots of families, weddings and babies etc.

Once I get a CD full of the rest of the pictures (she took tons!) I'm hoping to share a few more. So be prepared to be bombared with all that is Nicholas!

NOW #1: Fishing Hat

I'm trying to keep up a little more with my postings as I'm sure everyone is curious to know what's going on in my little sector of the world. As evidenced by my last couple of postings, Nicholas is now the center of my world & universe and as such most everything I do these days involves him in some fashion.

So taking a cue from my co-worker's wife, Beth, I thought I would start a picture of the week (or as Beth affectionately calls it POW). Beth has been doing this on her blog for a while now and it's always a fun way to peek into her world of days gone by.

For my effort, I am going to modify the POW to a NOW (Nicholas picture Of the Week of course) and try and do a posting once a week.

Here we go...........................

This first NOW #1 is Nicholas in a WAY TO BIG but damn adorable fishing hat this past Saturday. His Aunt Lil wanted to take him outside and needed a hat because of the sun, and this is what I came up with (it was this or a beanie). Doesn't he looked thrilled?

I think he looks frickin' adorable.. (biased but on the mark..hehehe)

Nicholas's First Month

It appears I have very little precious time in between naps, feedings, and holding/ staring/ kissing/ entertaining my little bundle of joy, Nicholas....but thought I would share a few of my favorite pictures of the little monkey taken over the past month. I can't believe how much he has changed in such a little amount of time.

Here's what I think Nicholas was thinking in these photos:

"What you looking at Willis?"

"Ooh it's naked Tuesday already?"

"I am so not digging this hat/onsie combo..though I do look cute as can be!"

"Ah this is the life. Free room and board...comfy"

"In the jungle the mighty jungle..."

I have taken tons of pictures but have uploaded most of them to Kodakgallery. I will try and go through them and post some more as soon as possible.

I can't believe a month has flown by so quickly and that I'm a mom to such a wonderful little human being...how lucky am I?

Welcome to the World Nicholas!

On Wednesday, August 26th, Gabe and I welcomed our new baby boy, Nicholas Phillip Becker Ruiz into the world at 12:32pm (via c-section). He weighed 8lbs 2oz and measured 20 inches long. Of course he is perfect!

Since that day, Gabe and I have enjoyed every moment of being parents to Nicholas. We have learned that you really can survive off of 45 minutes sleep if need be; that we are on Nicholas' schedule (at least for the first couple of weeks); we've learned that we make a pretty good tag team for diapers, burpings, comforting and well cracking ourselves up (that might be due to the lack of sleep, but either way we are two funny people at least to each other!)

I've also learned that I still don't like belly buttons (the umbilical cord is disgusting) , breastfeeding is totally rewarding but hurts like hell those first few weeks; dirty diapers are disgusting but a necessary evil and smiles from my baby are the most wonderful sight (you can say it's just baby gas...but I like to think it's Nicholas laughing at his parents)!

Overall, this has been the most precious and rewarding time of my life. I feel so lucky to have been able to bring Nicholas into our lives. And thank you to all of you for the congratulations and well wishes...Gabe and I are really touched by everyone's excitement and genuine interest in our new bundle of joy.

So welcome Nicholas Phillip Becker Ruiz...you are so loved!

Uncle Richard Takes a Bath

Last night my parents added a new member to their home....Uncle Richard!

Uncle Richard is a 10 week old kitten that was found by one of my sister's friends and was looking for a good home for the kitten. My parents have been wanting 2 kittens for quite a while since our family cat, Baldy, passed away last year.

Well, finally part of their kitty dreams are coming true. Uncle Richard was introduced to my mom and dad last night after my sister picked him up and gave him a bath (see how tiny he is). They are hoping to add a sibling kitten to the home next week.

And in case you are wondering why 'Uncle Richard' for the kittens name...you need to look no further than the fact my dad was in charge of naming the kittens. If you know his humor then it makes perfect sense. I believe Bobo is going to be the name of the other kitten. As my mom said, well it's better than what your father wanted to name one of them.....NUMBNUTS!

Welcome to the household Uncle Richard. All your cat cousins can't wait to meet you!