Just some pics...

...of the little guy. Doing well and eating well. Last night Cindy was up and down feeding him, but she was able to sleep in between feedings because he was able to sleep between feedings! She of course was exhausted by the time I came home at lunch, but with two naps this afternoon and evening, she is geared up for another night. He is opening his eyes now and trying to figure out who's who and why everything is so bright!


Cade and Tayah are doing great. Thanks to her big cousins motivation and excellent example, she is starting to potty train quite well. The back of the bathroom door has a nice sticker collection and we are running low on M&M's. Not too shabby for 2 weeks past 2 years old! One accident today, and no diaper for most of the day! Nice job, Tayah! If this is regressing with a new baby in the house, I figure she would have started Algebra by the end of the week! We're enjoying every minute...

Settling In...

We're home! We are finally getting settled back into the house, although anything but rountine at this point... I'm afraid the this pregnancy is finally catching up to me. Tayah started having a cold on Saturday when we went in and after a night up with the baby and dealing with the other two, I'm afraid I am catching what she had / has. Luckily the baby with have the immunity of Cindy and hopefully will ward it off. Was due for a 15 mile run per marathon schedule for the SLC Marathon in June, but my, oh, my - what was I thinking?! Funny how the memory of utter fatigue fades over time...

The little man slept the day away and is still sleeping right now. Has had his eyes open all of 30 seconds today so we all know what that means! Cindy will be very tired tomorrow! I do what I can (diaper change, offer help and fall asleep in 8 seconds, etc) but mommy is bearing the brunt of it right now, by default I'm afraid.

Melanie brought over dinner this afternoon and at the bottom of the box was a mean pan of brownies. They were mean since I couldn't eat any more than a bite, but Cindy was muttering something about "oh, man... amazing... wow..." I didn't catch it all but I think she was enjoying them. Got a shot of the Nath & Carolina with our kids - we missed you Benj! There will be plenty of other pics to be taken...

Took the day off completely from work and Cade and Tayah and I played some baseball in the backyard. Cade is really able to smack a slow pitch fairly consistantly. Will work on his swing in case the biking thing falls through for some reason... He starts T-Ball next week and I am coaching his team twice a week for the next 6 weeks. What am I thinking...?

Will add more photos tomorrow - the server is not picking up the others I had to post...

Welcome Cruz!

This communique will begin with a very thankful welcome to Cruz Joshua Whitaker to our home. At 38 weeks & 4 days, Cindy delivered a heathly 6 lb, 10 oz surprise to us. We waited to find out the gender until the moment of entry into this world. His older brother Cade was absolutely thrilled (as was his dad!). We figure we just doubled our chances for a Tour de France podium finish!


The delivery room was very peaceful. The large window had a view of the snow covered mountain tops and for this delivery it was nice to seen sunlight!

Cindy went in to the hospital at 11:15 a.m. after a few hours of knowing what was developing. When we arrived she was 4 cm dilated, an hour later she was 8-9 cm and ready to deliver. It was a race between Cruz and the anesthesiologist as to whether or not she would get an epidural. In the end, the anesthesiologist won and she got a spinal tap which took the edge off 99% of her discomfort. After 6-8 good pushes, Cruz was in her arms at 2:53 p.m. A truly spiritual experience for the three of us. New life is amazing... He is taking to breast feeding quite well and is starting to get the good stuff from mommy.

Cade & Tayah were able to come see their new brother before heading home for bed. A BIG "Thank You" to their Aunt Melanie & Uncle Michael for keeping them for the entire day! Cade wanted to hold Cruz and when he did, he looked at him with such love and care it was striking... I know he began a strong bond that we as parents will do all we can to foster as they grow. He tried to keep Tayah quiet so she wouldn't wake up Cruz, but when both their little hands had to touch his head, and then for some reason his nose, that proved impossible!

If all is well we should bring mom and baby home Sunday afternoon. By the time Lola & Papa get here on Friday, mom and dad will be sufficiently fried and will be ready for them to move in!