32 Weeks and Counting!

Greg, Angie & Baby Cinnamon!

Greg & Hollie, my Frito-Lay friend!

We completed the second session of our Baby Cinnamon birthing class today. Today included a hospital tour, and we got to check everything out. It was really cool to see the nursery. There was a 2-hour old baby boy there - and it was exciting to think about our baby being in that very room in a matter of weeks! Wow!! Yesterday, my friend from Frito-Lay, Hollie came over for a visit. We had a picture party - and these are a couple of them. We're watching the Dallas Cowboy game at the moment. We'll see if they can beat da Bears!

Cinnamon Roll in the Oven for 29 weeks!!

I love this picture!

Wow - so we're 29 weeks along now. Cinnamon is learning how to DANCE. His movements are becoming much more pronounced - and it is SO AMAZING to feel and see his gyrations. With each passing week, Cinnamon's impending arrival is becoming more real. While Cinnamon's room isn't quite ready for him, we know that we are. We are ready to love this baby and to share this little life with you - our family and friends whom we love so much. More to come.

NaNaw & Uncle D's Birthday Celebration!

The Mills Family - a very happy moment!

Our wonderful nephews & nieces!

Proud Mr. & Mrs. Mills (Mom & Dad!)

What a special time had by all last night at Casa Rodriguez! Cinnamon helped celebrate NaNaw and Uncle D's birthday with his six awesome cousins running around and having FUN! The most hilarious moment of the night had to be when in the midst of all of the happy noise, Uncle D exclaimed, "Quiet down - y'all sound like a bunch of birds chirping!" Well, that did it! The kids were ROLLING on the carpet - laughing uncontrollably at Uncle D's funny remark. Wow. The joy of children is a wonderful reminder of how we all used to be - and how we can still sometimes be if we allow life's funny moments to entertain our heart of hearts. Laughter is sweet music.

Cinnamon goes to the Beach!!!!!!

"Vanilla" taking in some sun

"Chocolate" avoiding the sun

The Tiki lives!

They say that babies become familiar with sounds while in the womb. Though he could only hear the seagulls and the ocean waves, Cinnamon got his first exposure to the beach. It's exciting to know that he's not too far away from testing his courage where the water meets the shore, or being mesmorized while playing in the sand. It was a relaxing couple of days. We didn't stay at "The Tiki," but we drove by for good measure. That's the hotel we stayed at when Grandma and Grandpa took all six of us cousins to the beach - many times and many years ago. It was amazing to me, but not a whole lot has changed about South Padre Island.

Cinnamon visits Grandma & Grandpa!

Angie & Grandma Rodriguez

Greg Sr. (my awesome Grandpa) & Greg III

Cinnamon got to visit Grandma and Grandpa while 25 weeks in the oven. It was such a special weekend to visit with them. Being in Harlingen brings back so many memories - and it was neat to get to share those memories with my wife. It was her second visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Highlights were: 1) Eating at the Oyster Bar - a long-standing tradition! 2) Having Aunt Olivia over for a steak dinner at Grandma's - yummy! :) and 3) Stocking up on Mexican sweetbread at the corner bakery. We also just had a wonderful time visiting with Grandma - talking about her childhood and our family history. We love you Grandma & Grandpa! - Love, Greg, Angie and Cinnamon half-baked.

Cinnamon Celebrates Dad's 59th Birthday!

Cinnamon's first minor-league game! :)

Greg Jr. (my awesome Dad!) & Greg III

What a fun ballpark picture!

Tonight's Frisco RoughRiders game was actually Cinnamon's third baseball game in the last eight days! We enjoyed a night with the future "Pop" and "Gran" as we celebrated Dad's upcoming 59th birthday. WOW! He doesn't look a day over 58! And doesn't Angie look GREAT? :) She is 24 weeks along now. A couple of weeks ago, Angie signed up for a water aerobics class. That has given her a chance to get some extra exercise while socializing with other suburban locals - a few of whom are also expecting. Given Cinnamon's recent experiences, we expect him to be a natural on the baseball diamond - and an excellent swimmer! :)

Cinnamon's First Wedding Was A KICK!

The beautiful bride & Angie with Cinnamon!

Proud parents-to-be

If Baby Cinnamon's little ears are working now, he experienced quite a PARTY this past Saturday night. Tracy married Brian in The Woodlands, TX. Tracy and Angie have known each other since high school when they went to Russia together. We are so happy for Tracy and Brian. They are perfect for each other - and what a beautiful bride Tracy was that night! Thanks to The Cryers for letting us stay at their home during the weekend - and for Dr. Cryer for saving the day with a pair of his cufflinks! :) We met so many fun people - several who know and attend church with The Cryers (my sister's in-laws). As for Baby Cinnamon, he must have enjoyed the music. Daddy felt his first baby KICKS the next day!