70 pounds of pure love

She may be getting a bit white / gray in the face and has arthritis in her shoulder, but she will always be my baby girl. The tall blonde who loves to shake her tail (as Karen describes both she and I!) has always been young at heart. She has stuck by my side through thick and thin: from break-ups to promotions to supporting Team Cheerios in our sand volleyball games to cross-country road trips to moving to California to marrying Mike (she had to change her last name too you know!) to adopting Jerry to sticking up for me during Toby wars and to the addition of our son Cavin...she has always been there for me so she deserves her own post.

I love you my baby girl!

Two Hot Blondes

Cavin has developed quite the obsession with Sandy. They have become pretty much best buds.



Here's how it goes: Sandy lays on the floor while toe-head toddler runs up to her screaming. This usually sends Jerry running for Mike. Cavin then assumes this position:


And begins climbing back and forth back and forth back and forth across Sandy's back.



Eventually, Sandy gets tired of this game and stands up flipping said toddler on the ground which usually results in tears or yelling. The reaction isn't normally due to being hurt but rather him being upset that the fun game is over. Once he has finished yelling or crying, Mr. Toddler runs on over to find Sandy again.

He doesn't forget about Jerry though! [Cue the "ewwws" and "groooossss"!]

Messy Man!

About a month ago, Cavin began insisting he feed himself with his own spoon. He's becoming pretty good with it now but that wasn't always the case!

Three years ago today

Three years ago today it all began!



Thank you to our friends and family who not only shared the beautiful day with us but also continue to support us along the way. We love you and miss you!

Happy Anniversary honey! I'm excited to see what else is ahead of us....

The next (but better) John Elway

Everyone on Mike's side of the family just opened this post faster than they've probably done anything in their lives due to that title.

Anyways, I digress...

This is what happens when I take off for a business trip to Colorado and leave the boys to fend for themselves: Cavin ends up vomiting Denver Broncos gear while Mike documents the event. And don't even think for a second that he just so happens to be standing in front of (what we call) "Bronco corner" in his room...and the strategically placed Bronco football on the floor doesn't fool me either.

Speaking of fool...how does Cavin look in Mike's old Denver Broncos jammies (circa 1978)?

I'd say the use of a rattle to practice his QB skills is brilliant. Wouldn't want to throw out that shoulder too soon...




And it seems as if Cavin heard about the bad management decision the Astros made this weekend (RIP Lance Berkman) as he picked up his Astros baseball for a few practice throws. Who says this kid cannot play two major American sports. He could be the next (but better) Bo Jackson!

When the cat is away, the mouse will play

In other words, when the parents are at work and Nana takes over THIS is where they end up!

We now know that Cavin likes McDonald's (especially the chocolate milkshakes). Pretty sure that isn't what we had in mind when it comes to his 'organic diet'. **Sigh** Guess this is the beginning of a long and beautiful Nana / Cavin relationship.

We're married and Cavin's a Catholic! (just another Saturday in the Spruiell house)

As many of you know, Mike and I were civilly married in August 2007 at Wente Vineyards. It was a beautiful day that we shared with family, friends, lots of wine, Wente's smoked pork chop (that was heaven in and of itself), and cake. Even though ourselves, you, and our checkbooks will remember that day from here until eternity, the Catholic Church could care less. So we decided to renew our vows and (bonus!) baptize our son in one, intimate ceremony in April 2010. It was a very special day because not only was I able to renew my vows with my very perfect husband, but I was also able to experience Cavin's very first sacrament.

The process was a lot of fun and I can really appreciate the Catholic Church's marriage preparation. Not only did we have a marriage preparation "class" (aka. we were pushed to discuss some uncomfortable topics with one another) but we had multiple meetings with our priest, Father Declan. We learned a lot about ourselves and our marriage so I'm glad we did this.

Here's the bride walking down the aisle

Our vows

Cavin's Baptism

Cavin's garment (which was the same garment Mike wore at his baptism) being placed over his head

The newlywed couple with Father Declan and our witnesses (my mom and Sy)

Cavin with his Godparents, my Uncle Bill and Cavin's Aunt Amy (Mike's sister)

Cavin with Nana, Pa, and Uncle Bill

After the ceremony, everyone headed to our house for some BBQ, wine, and yummy cake made by Marisa.

Lucas, Cavin's BFF, met us there so they could have their own party! (We don't blame Lucas for wanting to miss the boring ceremony.)

The cake and invite that Marisa made for the event

Everyone enjoying the BBQ!

And Cavin enjoying his cake

It was a truly wonderful day. We are so thankful for our family and friends who traveled to Lafayette to celebrate with us. A special thank you goes to Amy and Lesley who performed readings at our ceremony, Uncle Bill and Amy who served as Godparents, Mom and Sy who served as witness, and Judy, Papa, and Bryan who served as videographer / photographers. We love you!