We've Moved

We moved out of our townhome on February 18. We had been "moving" for about a month. It was a gradual process since we had to multi-task packing, repairing, and parenting. Plus, we weren't sure when we would get renters, so the whole thing dragged out! But, the last couple of days were hectic! We had a couple come look at the place on Monday, and that same day they decided they wanted it, but wanted to move in before the weekend. Yikes! Eric and I didn't sleep much for a couple of days since we scrambled with the last repairing, cleaning, and packing. Most of our stuff had been in storage for two weeks, and I thought I didn't have much left, but I was wrong. I filled up a whole truck, our van, and my parents suburban with the last of our things! (And all of this was supposed to fit into one bedroom at my parents house!). We will be temporarily living with them while we build our house.

A big shout-out to my dear friends, Myriam and Azalia, who truly saved the day. They came the last day to help us move and ended up help clean and get the last of everything out. I could not have done it with out them! THANK YOU!!!!

So, now we are with my parents, and Isaac and Javier are loving the big house, the dogs, and all the attention they are getting. We are grateful to my parents for taking us in! We should be here until about midsummer. We have a blog on the process of our house building at www.the houseonrusk.blogspot.com

We were sad to leave our townhome, it was where we began our marriage and our family. We have many wonderful memories and great neighbors that we will miss.

Baby Cruz #3

Big news--we're expecting our third baby. The official due date is October 8, but my midwife thinks it will be mid-October. So, more birthdays in October! Javi and Eric's birthdays are both in October, as well as many in the extended family. This was a planned pregnancy, but of course, when it actually happens, it is always surprising and exciting. We are hoping for a girl, but will be happy with a boy or girl. I have been feeling tons of morning sickness and the usual fatigue, so I will be glad when the first trimester is over!

Javier is Walking!

Javi is finally walking. He started walking officially on February 15th, but it wasn't until about a week ago that he prefered it to crawling. Now I don't think he crawls at all. As agressive and fearless as he is, I am surprised he took this long to walk. He was one week shy of turning 16 months (Isaac was 16 months and 2 weeks when he started walking). Now that he walks, he can climb and get into more things, so I can't take my eyes off of him for one second! In this video, he is holding a little broom that he did not let go of for several days. He didn't use it to balance, it was more like a security blanket.

He is also saying a lot of words. He says agua, papa, mama, "ema" (for Elmo), huevo, este or esto (for everything that he wants), and wa wa (for gua gua, which is dog and he calls all animals this).

2008--The End of an Era

I really meant to send Christmas cards, but we closed on the lot, my cousin got married, the kids and I got sick, and before I realized it January is almost half over! So, I wanted to at least let everyone know how our year was, and wish everyone a better 2009!

Eric is at the same job he started a little over a year ago as a database administrator. Its super close to home, so he comes home to eat lunch every day (I will miss that when we move!). He also served in the bishopric of our ward (lay ministry in our church). He spent much of his time researching home building and finding our lot. And that was only the beginning!

Judith dedicates most of her time to raising the two boys. She also works occasionally adminsitering tests for CDA candidates. She also became an accredited leader for La Leche League International earlier this year. Since she didn't already have enough to do, she also served as Primary president at church. It was a busy year!

Isaac turned three in July and is growing and changing faster than I can keep up! He talks non-stop! He is bilingual, although lately he has only wanted to speak in English. He wants to imitate everything his mommy and daddy do! He loves trains, loves to play outside, loves to cook, and is very social with other children. He just had his first Sunday in Primary this last week and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Javier turned one in October, and he is much more mischievous than Isaac! He is not walking yet, but manages to get into things anyway! He wants to do and have everything his big brother has! He is adorable and head-strong, and is growing way too fast!

The biggest news of all is that we closed on the lot we spent half of the year trying to obtain! So, we will start building on it very soon. You can track the progress on the blog we created here. Please visit it--Eric claims he will post often!

We truly wish each of you a wonderful 2009 full of many blessings! We love you all!


Here are some family pictures we took in December. They were taken by my sister-in-law, Julie. (There is a link to her photography page on the right side of the screen.)

Celeste's Wedding

The wedding party

The grumpy ring bearer




My cousin, Celeste, got married in San Antonio the weekend before Christmas. The boys had a blast being surrounded by so much attention from family and friends. We stayed with our friends and ever so gracious hosts, Brian and Lily. It was a nice little get away from our crazy busy life!

Isaac was the ring bearer for the ring ceremony. But, at the last minute we didn't have the pillow for the rings, but he walked with the wedding party anyway. Isaac is very shy especially in front of a large crowd, so he was hesitant to walk down the aisle. I coaxed him hours before, and moments before when I saw his hesitation, I told him there was a birthday cake at the end of the aisle--that made him walk! He wore a new suit, and he didn't want to take it off to go to bed! He loved the dance at the reception. He enjoyed dancing with his tios and tias, and when we got back to Brian and Lily's house, he wanted to keep dancing! (My dad has a video of him dancing that I will have to post later!)