Life in the Morrow household...

Ryan and Dawson get down!

2011-06-13T09:28:00.005-05:00

Well this weekend was very fun filled for Ryan. Jason and Loni FINALLY brought over their nephew, Dawson. They usually only get to see each other on holiday's. And this past Easter was just a riot watching the two of them! Dawson is a very animated little boy. He brings tears to your eyes laughing so hard at him. He is just so stinking funny. And of course Ryan mocks everything Dawson does.

They came over Friday night and the boys played so hard Ryan was asleep within two minutes after they left. Ryan went and laid down in our bed, saying he wanted to watch a movie. We stepped out to lock things up, we walked back in and he was passed out!

So, on Sunday, since the guys were having a guys day at Six Flags, Loni and I decided to take Ryan and Dawson. (Thanks mom for watching Harrison ALL DAY) It was such a hoot. We even got Ryan to ride a big people roller coaster. ( I might just have scarred him for life) And we rode Thunder River 3X in a row! We were there for at least 7 hours. They boys were exhausted! Dawson even fell asleep on the table at Taco Bell!
putting their wrestling moves on Jason. I don't think Ryan has an idea of what he is doing. He is just following whatever Dawson does!

Two very tired little boys!

Bradley's party

2011-06-11T18:39:00.003-05:00

Today was Bradley's (Lauren and Jonathon's son) 4th birthday party. Every year we go to each other's parties, and every year I just can't believe how much older they are. It is just so cool to see all the kids from year to year, many of them I don't know (like the little girl in the background) but I see them every year there, and it's just amazing.

I tried really hard to get a good pic of the three of them, but Bradley was the only one who wanted to work with me!

Happy 4th Bradley!

Hopefully we will see you before you guys turn 5!

RYAN...written with his own hand!

2011-06-09T18:12:00.003-05:00

Look at this!

I am so excited, it made me blog...AGAIN!

Ryan is capable of many things, but drawing and writing is definitely not one of them. Until these last couple of days. I always knew which "art project" was Ryan's in his school's hallway. It was either the one with no name or scribbles!

He just gets way to excited/bored when I put a marker in his hand. Well on Sunday we went to Chloe's birthday party. And like usual we made a homemade card. I told him to write Chloe on it. I spelled it for him, I did not write it. And he wrote it. This is the first real word he has written. I teared up when he did it, then the realization of giving his masterpiece away broke my heart. But he was just so excited to give it to her, and after all, it was hers.

Well since then, he has been writing letters and numbers like crazy. Sure, they are not all legible, but he is doing it and having fun doing it!

THEN, today after a long wait. I told him to go sit at the table with his marker and "work" and today's project was to write his name 5 times. I totally expected to come back to lots of scribbles like I have in the past. NOPE!!!

This is what I got! I am a very proud mama!!!

...6 months later

2011-01-20T08:38:00.003-06:00

Well a lot has changed, but a lot is still the same.

I will post changes later, but for now I want to record our snow fall for today, I measured 9 inches on our front step ( I know the bold is on, but I can't get it off and I don't have time to figure it out). And all on my dad's birthday, Happy birthday pops :)

Just another week

2010-07-25T11:52:00.003-05:00

A pretty low scale on the interesting meter this week.

For the food part of it, we had chicken and wild rice in the crock pot, which i actually lost the recipe for and had to kind of make it up, but it still was really good. And the best part of it, Ryan loved and kept asking for more carrots. We made sun tea yesterday, which I have not made in years either. I am not a huge tea drinker, but have already had two glasses of that."

We have really been having some wicked storms lately. High winds, blowing rain, and lots of lightening. I love thunderstorms. I will admit that I am a little (Matt would say a lot), scared of them. I won't let Matt leave when one is coming. But that have been some weird intense storms. I came home from work on Monday and Matt arrived about the same time I did, and he noticed that something was missing off the deck...our huge umbrella! He went and knocked on some doors to find out where it could have blown to, after a little investigating, we found it. It was two doors across the street, in their back yard. The thing is huge and heavy to carry. I don't know how this happened! This is no small cheap umbrella, it was like $600 from Seasonal Concepts. (don't worry we don't have that kind of money anymore, I would so spend $600 so much differently now!)
We were supposed to go ride the Metro Link to the City Garden on Tuesday morning with some friends. But those storms hit us pretty hard again. They decided not to go, but it was to late for us, we were already there waiting for them when we were told they weren't coming. But we couldn't leave, how do you tell a 3 year old boy who's life revolves around trains (and Toy Story 3), we aren't going to ride it anymore?!? So since it was just me and Ryan we decided to board it anyway, and ride about 4 stops down and turn around and come back. He was in train heaven. It was really cool just the two of us. So more or less we got up early, packed for all day, rushed to get Harrison dropped off, traveled 20 miles to the Metro Link, stood in the lightening storm, waited for the no-shows, boarded the train, and all for a 35 minute ride to where we began! But some how the unexpected was fun!

Yes, this is Kung Foo Panda! Yes his head is touching our ceiling! Only my husband would stuff this into his car and bring it inside, make us hide outside in the 100 degree weather while he 'tried' to set him up, and bring us back inside all to see the reaction of his son's face when he see's him!
One really good piece of good news we received this week was the letter from the school district reenacting the pre-K program. We are just stoked about it! He did get into Headstart for this fall because he received a referrel from his speech counselor. Now with this, he can go where we wanted him to! So registration is this Wednesday, and if it is all true and what we think it is, we will call Headstart and get him out of there program. God has so been with us for this whole adventure! We were really excited about Headstart, but the school he will go to now, will be in the AM, and it's right down the street from us. So no bus ride, and no giving up on naps...just yet. So this is going to be so much better. Plus hopefully we can keep the same SLP we had last school year.

"we have 2 shirts, mama"

2010-07-18T21:28:00.007-05:00

This week was nothing fancy, a little bit of time, but nothing fancy. Just an old but not forgotten lasagna recipe. It was good, and I know now that the egg that is supposed to go in the cheese mixture is okay if its left out! I got the full thing made and right before I put it int he oven I remembered the egg. Opps! But hey it was still really good, so I don't really know the purpose of the egg, and what it was supposed to do to the cheese anyway?!? I also made cheese stick bread from a Bisquick recipe. It was a little dry. We have been Bisquick crazy lately. We go through a box a week, and you just can't go generic on Bisquick!

An FYI: The taco bake last week was made by Matt, not me, I told him I would give him credit and I totally forgot.
We also made some oatmeal/cheerio cookies. Yes they taste as good as they sound. Definitely a kid cookie, so yes Ryan loved them. They went to maw-maw's the next day. Ryan also made Miss Tami some homemade banana bread for her birthday. He loved smashing the bananas. He also kept eating the batter of both saying yummy...maybe he has picked up to much from watching mommy over time.When I was almost done with my pregnancy I came to the realization that the boys can wear matching cloths! I have no idea why it took me so long to come up with this but it did. And I will tell you what, it was like winning the lottery when I realized it. I was so excited. But most of the cloths that I could find to match was when Harrison got a little bigger...LIKE NOW!!! So Saturday started it all, and both yesterday and today they were samies...I just love it. And today in the car Ryan looked at Harrison and said "hey he has my shirt" then holds up two fingers and says "1, 2 shirts, we have 2 shirts mama" then became very excited about it. So ofcouse I went a little crazy with it all.

Just a cute picture of my dad and Harrison!
Well t-ball is finally over! I loved it and I loved the fact he was old enough to be on a team. But we hated going, it took a lot of convincing to get him to play, this is the absolute worst I have ever seen him act. I mean kicking and screaming. But he did like to bat and run the bases, but that lasted 2 minutes, he just really disliked being in the field. So Saturday was our last game, it was kinda sad it was over though. They all got medals. He was so proud. I guess that is all that matters, because my thought was "proud of what" he was a brat playing. But proud we stuck it out and did not quit. He just loves his medal. He was worn it all weekend to show everyone. He even had to have his picture taken in front of everything with it. He wanted me to keep going!

Poor Har just hates his tummy time. He doesn't get much of it, mainly because I forget to lay him down, he is either in his swing or excisaucer. So the other day I decided to make him stay on his belly for 5 minutes. This did not go so well. He cried. But he has to build those muscles some how, I think he is just like his brother in some ways. He is just content on his back. I know a lot of babies aren't near sitting yet, but have been rolling for weeks. And we are the opposite of that!
We were so excited we had nothing to do today, but of course we couldn't just stay home and do nothing. Mainly for the fear of letting Ryan watch to much TV and him trying to boss us around all day, and then it turn in to arguing all day. So we decided to ask my parents to go the Mills with us. And they now have a train that runs around the mall instead of a circular track. He loved it, it was a special time for him and his grandma.

Tonight we decided to go to Matt's parents house for some BBQ and some swimming. This was really exciting because it was Harrison's first time in a big pool. He is a splasher, something else I can't stand. Maybe I'm a little pickier/high maintenance than I thought :)

We have a new activity for the pool this year. Run around the pool, jump in when we want, then swim back over to the latter and do it all over again! That would be Ryan's new activity. He is really good at it too. He has loved water since day one! Let hope we get that lucky with Harrison too. He seemed to, he was in the water about 45 minutes, a little long I know, but he was just chillin'!

???

2010-07-11T21:30:00.005-05:00

When I go through out my week, I have so many good blog entries, and some very funny stories. Once I finally force my self to sit down and do these, they just are not as good and funny! I was really pumped to do this all day, but now I sit here at 9:39 pm wishing I was in bed. I am so tired, and there is still so much I have to do, I just now have the dishwasher going for the 3rd time this weekend. How do we do it, how do we get so many dishes so fast?

The worst part about right now is, while I type I am listening to Harrison scream. Scream like someone is ripping his arm off. This is sooo hard, one of the hardest things I think I have done as a parent. I didn't have to do this very much with Ryan. He has now been crying for 13 minutes. I have already went in there once after 5 minutes of crying then 10 minutes, I gave him the rest of his milk he did not finish at 8:15. So now what?!? This has happened 3 nights in a row now. And each time it has taken about 1 1/2 hours to get him to go back to sleep. We had no problems laying down tonight like we did the last 2, but dang it, I forgot my phone in there and I got a text, then an ambulance went by. So I am really mad at my self too. I am going to give it 6 more minutes then I am going back in...

Okay enough of the pity party!

So this week was a fun good meal. I made Taco Bowls. The bowls were grands biscuits, baked in mini loaf tins, I didn't have custard tins, like it said to use. Then when they were down baking we just filled them with our taco fillings of choice. They also suggested using chili beans, so we used them along some rice. It was really good!
We all went to the Musuem of Trasportation last Monday since we all had it off. Ryan loved it, and we all had a good time, and we even decided to become members. It will give something for the boys and I to do during the week if we get bored, especially this fall when it gets cooler out. I think Harrison really enjoyed himself as well.

We finally got that forever needed bubble machine. He is always wanting me to blow bubbles, so here we go, we got something that I don't have to do, something to keep him busy without me. Well not so true, the first day I guess he wanted to see if it could make sand bubbles too!
Harrison also received a new food today. He was supposed to get it Monday, but I guess 6 days later is better than not at all. It was all about that good intention again, that never made it to the table. I made him some carrots today, he seemed to really enjoy those better than the greenbeans I made for him. Once again, he is just so much harder to feed than Ryan was. He is just so messy. I need to quit worring about it, and let it be. He is just going to be that messy baby...but a cute messy baby!

This along with some other things...Harrison started sitting. I just sat him down and poof he was sitting. Which makes me wonder how long he has been able to do this. Just another thing the poor baby has been neglected on. And he sits so well, and for a long time. Ryan is really enjoying this new phase, its more play time for him. And he thinks its so funny when he falls over. We are trying to show him how to help him sit back up. But he pulls on his head and shirt and lets him drop again and laughs and says "baby fell again". Thank goodness Harrison didn't mind cause it had us all laughing. Shame on us as parents.

Oh, I have one other thing that makes me a great mom. We were at Wal-mart on Saturday afternoon with my parents, hoping for the extra care and EYES with the kids. We went to lawn and garden to check out, Ryan was in my parents cart since I could no longer stand him, and I was checking out with Harrison in mine. I looked back at my parents and my mom has her hand over her mouth looking at my dad saying " I don't know what to do!" I look over and Ryan is in the middle on top of a 6 foot charcoal stack with a huge smile of achievement. Oh the embarrassment, everyone's eyes were on me, and I know they were all thinking " my child would never had made it that far", or "my child never would have done that". When did something like this turn into embarrassment and not concern for the safety of your child? Is it wrong to have wished he at least would have stubbed his toe on it, and felt a little bit of pain to understand the reality of how much pain he could have caused him self? In stead he is nothing but proud of himself. Now on the other end of it, as mad as I was at him, I couldn't help but laugh when I told Matt the story. It was really cute to see him up there. But, he will never know that!

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater!

2010-07-03T22:50:00.008-05:00

I was a cheater this week, well at least at the beginning of the week.

We had a roller coaster of a week. I worked a lot this week. I am not used to working this much, and boy did our home life show it. But that was okay, until Thursday night...I came home and our house was 84, and it was like 80 outside. Go figure right, not only is this going to happen over the weekend, but of course over a holiday weekend! It was pretty cool sleeping that night, but of course we got the smell the sweet aroma of SKUNK while we so desperately tried to fall asleep. We did finally get it fixed mid afternoon on Friday. We just had to replace a part and get more refrigerant. All is cool now...ha ha ha!

My mom called me on Monday and told me they had a dinner for us. Which is weird by itself. My father made them a taco casserole, which sounds fabulous. But my ever so observant father bought HOT SAUCE instead of salsa. So you know where this is going...see picture below. That is a huge bottle of HOT SAUCE, not salsa, and all that is gone is in the casserole!!! Yeah they each took a bit, then it became ours. And whew, was it hot, we had to add stuff to it, I used it as a filling on a soft shell with added beans and cheese, and sour cream for the cooling effect. 3/4 of it got frozen. It made me cry, but IT was good! So that was our new meal for the week.

"Toy Story 3, Toy Story 3" and interprarite dancing/sneaky moves is all that has been going on at my house all week. We took him to see the monvie last week. To say the least he loved it. We took Harrison with us, and the both of them did fantastic. I was very proud of them. Well except for Harrison's blowout mid way through the movie. but was all say there from the beginning to the end. And some one needs to tell them...not so many preview, you almost lost us then!

This week Corie invited us over to her house for playgroup so the kids could swim. It was a nice change of pace. Ryan actually burned his back a bit, he never burns, he always tans right away just like his daddy! His back is tan now. Poor Har is going to burn just like me!!!

I was given this 'easy' recipe for oatmeal bars. Well it didn't go to well, they were super mushy. I doubled the recipe, and maybe I should not have. So that was a waste, it tasted good, but it just wasn't edible.
We decided to make pancakes this morning for breakfast, and we added chocolate chips, I tried a smiley face for Ry...go ahead and laugh at it too, Matt did!

While making breakfast, we saw a recipe for chicken strips on the Bisquick box. WOW were they good, that was our lunch. They were super easy and low in fat, no breading or grease, you just bake them. It was really easy, so that will be made a lot now, even Ryan ate them, so that's huge.This week might have been a bummer on cooking, but I did pretty good today. Harrison even got new food today. I decided to go ahead and give him some food. We made him green beans. Once again, Harrison is so different from Ryan. Harrison is just so sticking messy. He is just yucky. Not only that, Ryan loved food since day one, not Harrison, he even quivers when he is eating it, but he ate the whole bowl. It was just about 2 tablespoons, but it wasn't easy feeding it to him. I wish I knew how to download videos, because that's where the action is! He likes to confiscate the bowl and spoon from me. He is such an aggressive eater!

busy busy week, lots of news

2010-06-26T20:52:00.005-05:00

This was our wonderful meal this week. It was, breaded pork chops, the breading was a Bisquick and a cracker mixture. New potatoes and green beans boiled in beef broth (thanks Corie, really glad we had that conversation that day at the Mills). And some Bisquick bread, that turned out to taste just like Red Lobster biscuits. This whole meal was GREAT. I could have done with out the pork chop, no matter how I cook them, I have never found a way I love them. Well, one time I butterflied them and stuffed them, and put them in the crock pot, that was pretty good! Maybe that will be on the menu soon!
We had Father's Day over here last Sunday. We haven't held an event for...um like maybe over a year. So it was nice to be able to do that again. I tried my hardest to let go of the control thing. Let things happen when and how they would happen. And if I didn't get everything done, the party was going to go on anyway, so why not let it and enjoy it with out being stressed. So maybe with some hard work and dedication, I can actually hold some bigger parties like we used to and not get all anxiety ridden, making sure everything is perfect. We had a wonderful day.

As you can tell in the pictures, we found a baby bird in the yard. The 3rd in 2 days. From different nests. I looked online on how to care for the one we found the day before and it said to leave it and their mom would come get it. NOPE! It died. So when we found the other one the next day, Nurse Karen (Matt's mom) wanted to nurse it back to health. And what better to do that with, but than breast milk! I think he was getting better. I was a little scared we were making some kind of new hybrid bird with Harrison's milk, but nope it was reverse, he also died. Karen took him home and he didn't make it through the night :( Of course that was the first thing Ryan asked about the next morning.

Another wonderful cake made by Matt's mom. And when I asked her where she go the idea for a TV cake, her response was, I made it up, can't you tell. Um, NO, it looks like she followed a design. This can also keep up for every event, every year... HINT HINT
We also had a water balloon fight. A much needed stress reliever for everyone taking part. It took me parts of all morning to get them filled, because you know no one else knows how to fill them and tie them. I did so many, that I have a blister! And this fight took less than 5 minutes. I really wish I had someone taking pictures of the fight! It was so much fun, I hope we make this an annual thing.
Today was Jason's 'surprise' 30th birthday party. We had a lot of fun, but whew was it a scorcher. Got a little worried about Ry for a bit, he started to act all goofy, but after some water and some time in the shade, he got better. I never did get a picture of Jason and Loni though!

Last but not least. We decided that we were going to go ahead and start Harrison on some cereal. I know, I know, we are supposed to wait until he is 6 months old. We started Ryan on solids at 4 months...but things have changed. Plus Harrison is breast fed and Ryan was not, well not nearly as long. But, I just thing he is ready, he needs something more in his tummy. Something to tie him over till his next bottle. So we decided to give him cereal tonight...and he LOVED it. He was either trying to take the spoon out of my hand, or he was holding my hand holding on to it...like please don't stop, I love this stuff. We are just going to be doing it at night time now, during dinner. I don't think I will start foods for a bit though.

As much fun as all this was, he is a messy eater! For those of you who know me, I can't stand to touch food. It really makes me gag. I was so incredibly lucky with Ryan, I could use his bibs for multiple feedings...from the get go. He took to eating with a spoon and keeping it in his mouth with no messes, right away! Not this stinker. He is so going to be the things that I was happy I didn't have happen with Ryan. But in Harrison's defense, he is everything that Ryan didn't have in a positive way too...like his sweet sweet laughter!

Chicken and Dumplin's

2010-06-19T12:07:00.002-05:00

Well I kinda kept up my end of the bargain.

Nothing like waiting till the last minute to update.

First things first. We made chicken and dumplin's in the crockpot Monday night for dinner. It was awesome. It was an old recipe. But, I added carrots this time. I took a picture but on Wednesday in my tupperware container I took for lunch, because of course I forgot to Monday night. But its not worth going out to my car and getting my camera for, its not a good picture. The kids are quit in the living room and I am not going to risk walking past them and them realizing they need me for whatever. So no picture this time.

Let's see whats new this week? Another crazy week for my parents. I had a dentist appointment, have to have a few cavities filled. One is under a crown that I had put on over a root canal, that I paid around $1500 for...not happy, boy did that dentist get an ear full, but some what politely. I was having a really bad day, and it was not a day to cause me pain and tell me I have cavities and gum disease. That is a whole issue with in itself. :{

Ryan got really sick for about 12 hours. Didn't know if it was a head injury due to falling of the couch, food poisoning, or flu. We still don't know, he had a pretty high fever with it all, so some stomach thing I guess. But he is back to his normal crazy self, but more demanding since he was babied for 12 hours.

Matt FINALLY took a day off work to be with us and help us out. Huge obstacle for us.

Matt got his father's day gift early. Ryan (well me too) couldn't wait. He FINALLY got his blu-ray player he has been begging for, for about a year now.

Those are the highlights...nothing to exciting I guess.

Have a good week...

Normalcy...

2010-06-09T21:26:00.002-05:00

Normalcy.

I want, no excuse me, I urn to be normal, to have a normal life.

What is normal? I ask myself that everyday. I still don't have an answer to that question. Over the years, even before kids, I have listened/read about peoples personal lives. Usually through a story they are telling or blog or even now facebook. I have built up so many of these peoples lives to where they live these fairytale lives with a perfect (clean) house, king of a husband, and the best, well behaved kids...oh and not to mention their million dollar bank accounts. And the more I build on their lives, the more, much more my life seems so dysfunctional.

Why do I do this? I have no idea, I think envy has a huge roll in it. But I only know what goes on behind my closed door. I have no idea what goes on behind yours or my neighbors, but I can tell you what I think goes on behind your door. And believe me, your life is AWESOME!

But what is reality, and where is it? What is normal? Do we make our own norm? I think we do. I am not an unhappy person. I am not unhappy with my life/husband/kids. I love every aspect of our hard worked for lives. But why do I constantly think our lives are so upside down compared to others. We just do everything backwards. For starters we eat dinner any where from 5-11 at night. We have always had screwy work schedules that make our hours weird, but with kids, this just isn't working any more.

I can no longer blame it on the fact we had a baby, our first baby, that is now 3! I can't blame it on toodlerhood. I can't blame it on a pregnancy. I can't blame it on an infant. I can't blame it on nursing. My life is what it is. And its going to remain this way. I have to adjust to my new normalcy. I can't try to change my life to make it like yours, or Joe's or Jane's. It can only be Matt, Amanda, Ryan, and Harrison's life.

So a few weeks ago I decided to make small changes/actions in my life so I can adjust to this. It started with painting my fingernails once a week. I paint them on Sunday and keep on top of them all week. Once I realized all I need is polish, not to buff/file/base coat/polish/top coat, it made this task much easier. I was trying to live up to some else's standards that I just can't have...I am a mommy of two you know :) I have that task down, its no biggie, and my nails always look great!

So starting this week, I decided to start making one new/old recipe a week. I used to cook all the time, and good stuff too! Over the last couple of months we have been in a rut with the same stuff, and not very good. And lots of take out, since "it's just easier". I will work my way up to more a week once I can get down once a week.

This week was meatball subs, per Matt's request. And it was yummy!I am going to try to post once a week, giving weekly updates on us and the kids, along with a picture of my new food.

Once I get this down with no problem, I will start a new task...and all in the search/goal to normalcy.

awwww

2010-05-05T21:46:00.002-05:00

I have not words for these pics...they are just priceless!

Who's Who?

2010-04-10T20:43:00.002-05:00

Are they twins?

That is the question Kristen and I constantly get from everyone. I even told a lady today that Layla is 8 weeks and Harrison is 11 weeks, and she asked with a confused look, "So are they twins?" I don't think she understands the concept of twins.

We have only been able to share a short 2 months together so far, but I just can't wait to watch them grow up. This is going to be a fun and wild ride. They are just so funny, and they don't even know it yet :) I swear I almost pee my pants laughing so hard when they are together. Last weekend we were at the mall and we had just them have their pictures taken in one of those photo booths while we held the babies up. The pictures are priceless, but the video they show you after wards doing all the poses was even better. I wish I could get those pics up, maybe Kristen can figure a way to do that...hint hint :}

And apparently Harrison is becoming quit the smiler. When we were walking them around yesterday at the fairs we went to, he just kept smiling and laughing at everyone. We kept building up crowds to watch him. And he is interacting with them, because once you walk away or out of his eye sight, he stops, you can even see the let down that he is now alone. And poof you re-appear and he's laughing again. He is so my child, he just talks and talks and talks. Ryan was definitely more my content and quite child. We'll see what the future holds.

Me and my Bumbo!

2010-04-08T20:05:00.005-05:00

Its Bumbo Time!

Can you believe its that time again already, it just doesn't seem true. He is probably still young for it, but he is using it properly. He sits up in it just perfect. His little head is stable and his body does not slouch. I am so excited, this opens a whole new world for us.

The little turd keep smiling and laughing right before the camera came out, and as soon as he saw it he went all straight faced. I swear I am going to catch that smile one day, he is always smiling now, he's so funny. Well of course he's not if he's all gassy :(

GOOOOO Harrison :)

2010-04-07T21:20:00.002-05:00

This is what Ryan woke up looking like this morning. I gasped and took a step back when I saw his poor little face. And this pic he actually looks better in.

It started Tuesday night, we just thought he might have gotten something in his eye since it was so windy and he wouldn't quit scratching it. So before bed I gave him some Benadryl. Well obviously it didn't help. I asked him if his face hurt and he said no, and none of it seemed to bother him.

Finally got a call back from the doc, and they said do Claritin for two weeks and anti-itch eye drops twice a day for the rest of the season. So lots of money later and lots of wrestling with eye drops, we have him drugged...we'll see what the morning brings :}

HOPPY EASTER

2010-04-04T19:07:00.003-05:00

Our first holiday as a family of four!

And to say the least, it was perfect. I don't really like going on and on about how wonderful things are (or can be), but today was truly perfect. We started off with giving the kids their Easter baskets. A word to the wise, do the egg hunt first, then toys! He finally got his Percy train and of course that is all he was concerned with. But he did go find all the hidden eggs, which he loved.

It was really cool this year, he can actually find hidden eggs and gets really excited about it. Some of the eggs had fruit snacks in them and the others had 2-3 puzzle pieces in them, that would complete a full puzzle. He loved that too, he was more excited when puzzle pieces fell out of the eggs instead if the fruit snacks.

(once again, the pictures are messing up...it is so frustrating, I just don't have the time, or the know how to fix it. So sorry the pics are out of order and some duplicates)

We went to the same Easter Egg hunt that we do every year. It is put on by Greater Glory Church. Its usually not so bad, and they have a really cute production they put on. This year unfortunately was a flop. And they promised us we could play on the bounce houses outside as long as we wanted to, but when we went outside they were all gone. It was REALLY disappointing. That is all Ry wanted to do, and of course I promised him he could if he was good, and the sweet little boy waited so patiently. We won't be going back next year. BUT, Harrison did when an attendance prize. That was exciting to have a little something special only he got. We did take pics with the Easter bunny. Ryan was waiting to go out and play, so he was not so happy with this, that is his forced smile :} But the babies did great!

We went to brunch with our families and our dear friends, Jason and Loni's family. Just like we do every year. I am so happy to have friends like them, to where we can spend every holiday together. Then we went to the egg hunt at the park. Layla won the prize this time, she won a pink ball. Go babies!

shots and belly buttons

2010-03-31T21:46:00.004-05:00

(for starters, I don't know what is going on with my blog, I can't organize my pics or flip them how I want them anymore!?!?)

Mr. Harrison went to the doctor last friday, he was 9 weeks, 10 weeks now...do I even need to say how fast the time flies.

He weighed in at 14.2 lbs. He is in the 90%. I just have some chunky monkeys :) He is officially bigger than Ryan at that age.

He got 3 shots. He was a trooper though. And we found out he has a herniated belly button (YES mom, you were right...and thats the last time I am going to say it!) I don't know whats worse, him having it or admitting to my mom he has one, since she has been saying it since he was born. The doc said we don't need to worry about it unless its still there when he turns 5 or 6. So he will just have a little outie for a bit...its sooo cute :)

Its finally happening!!!

2010-03-31T21:38:00.003-05:00

Ryan is finally starting to show his love for his brother. I truly think he has loved him since the day he was born, but really didn't want anything to do with him. He ALWAYS has to know where he is and what he is doing.

Well for the first time over the weekend it was Ryan's idea to hold him, and he did it was such honor. I don't think Harrison thought so, but Ryan was a very proud big brother for the 2 minutes it lasted, until Harrison just got to out of control for him.

These two boys are truly amazing. If I could only remember this every second so I don't rip my hair out in those horrible horrible times.

God has truly blessed us :)

my two little men!!!

2010-03-20T15:30:00.001-05:00

As you can tell Ryan didn't want to be part of our photo shoot :(

2010-03-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

Harrison 1 week.
Ryan 33 months.
Taken by thebigpicture173.com

I need HELP!!!

2010-03-01T10:46:00.002-06:00

I am on the verge of calling Nanny 911.

I know, I know, it has only been 5 weeks. But Ryan is driving us crazy. And yes, it only started after Harrison was born.

I am writing this post for therapy for me. But I would also love the help with this. Help with what? I don't know, advice, tips, tricks, just understanding, knowing I am not alone, definitely prayers, words of wisdom...something!

Ryan is still a very sweet little boy. But he has become very loud. I am talking about the high pitched screams. Today I started whispering every time I talked, but only while Harrison is sleeping. Then we are aloud to talk at our regular voices while he is awake.

He has become very disobedient. He does not listen to us at all. He will still pick up his toys when asked and go to his room, brush his teeth, take a bath and so on. Some times that still takes a little maneuvering. And for you who don't know Ryan, he is a very good little boy. I can probably count on one hand how many problems we have had with him. God really blessed us the first 32 months of his life. Which he is still blessing us, but definitely testing us too.

All while this is going on, is very sweet and happy. He is never angry or sad. Unfortunately he only yells at us, when we yell at him. He does get his feelings hurt from time to time.

When he does disobey we would always stick him in the corner, which he does do well. A little to well, he almost enjoys it. So in turn has no effect on him. We have started sending him to his room by himself with the door shut for a few minutes. Mainly just to get him away from the environment he was just in. That has worked a little bit.

We thought maybe getting him outside would help a bit. So yesterday he was at the park for an hour. And played outside in the backyard while I made dinner. Might have calmed him down a bit, but not much.

We have tried "special" time with just him. "Special" days with grandma/grandpa and maw maw/paw paw. We have tried "special" treats. All that stuff has done is spoil him more.

I think if we would be a little more routine and always did the same thing, that may help. Even though we have always lead a pretty spontaneous schedule. Matt and Ryan have formed this incredible bond, and I think with Matt being gone he gets a little worse. Its like 80% of the time he has no respect for me anymore.

I do go back to work next week, so hopefully that will help in all areas of the house.

I know this post has been all over the place, but that is how my mind is working these days. So after re-reading this several times and understanding what I am saying, please help me.

Maybe all I need to do is be more patient. So pray for patience

Mom of the year award

2010-02-28T13:12:00.002-06:00

I have two wonderful things that makes me Mom of The Year. One for each child.

RYAN- I just thought my son was a boogery child. He gets large, I mean VERY large boogers. They are also extremely hard to remove. We have even tried boogie wipes. The only thing that might loosen them a bit is a warm bath. But not even then can I get them out. I mean I am talking HUGE O' BOOGIES! Well I took him to the doc the other day with Harrison to have this spot on the back of his neck looked at and she does her little exam. Then says oh well you know he does have a sinus infection. Great, because if that is what that is, he has had it for at least 2 months now! Go #1 MOM.

HARRISON- It was some where between the hours of 1 am and 4 am. You know those nightly feedings to where you are just awake enough to feed the baby. Well he was done, and we went to go do our routine diaper change. When I was done I reached above to a shelf to get a little A&D and at the same time I felt some thing warm hitting my hand. Yes, it was pee. Then Harrison started choking...on his own pee! It was a straight shot into his mouth. And I just don't know how to take care of a situation like that! I just wiped him off. And later when I got to thinking about it, I should have done more. And that is what knocked me into first place for my award!

Things a first time mom would NEVER do

2010-02-22T17:11:00.003-06:00

...but a second time mom doesn't blink an eye at!

*drops a cheesy omelet on baby, and just picks it up and continues to eat.
*constantly calls baby wrong name, but never comes up with the right one.
*lets baby cry while taking a shower.
*flings baby around and upside down like the nursery hospital nurses did. (you know the ones you gasped at for holding your baby that way)
*swaddled so tight you were scared you were going to break a rib, but didn't care because they were going to sleep under any conditions.
*didn't change diaper till you heard that newborn poop sound, or next feeding.
*didn't change PJ's next morning to a new sleeper unless it was wet.
*goes MUCH longer than 2 days in between the baby's baths.
*gets toothpaste spit on their heads because they will cry if you set them down. But not think twice about what that speck of toothpaste may do to their skin.
*goes the whole first month with out reading them a book, even though its for the mom at that age.
*holds baby and types a whole blog with one hand just for some sort of connection with the outside world.

-I am sure there are many many more, that was just 5 minutes of thoughts!

Harrison and Layla

2010-02-21T10:21:00.004-06:00

January 22, 2010, Harrison Niven was born at 8:04 am weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. Just a short 3 1/2 weeks later, Layla Jean was born on February 16, 2010. She came in the world weighing in at 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Layla is the beautiful daughter of my brother Andrew, and her just as beautiful mommy Kristen. We could not be happier for the two.

My parents are now proud grandparents of 3! Two very rambunctious boys and a very sweet little girl. So I hope they are happy for a bit, because I know I won't be adding to that mix again for a very very long time!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

"How is Ryan doing with the new baby?"

2010-02-16T20:49:00.002-06:00

Everyone has been extremely good at making Ryan still feel very special. And the number one question we get is, "How is he doing with the baby?"

I am still unsure on how to answer that. It's just not what I expected. I thought maybe anger, digression, crying, throwing...something. But he just ignores Harrison.

To him, things have not changed. I think he has changed. He has gotten louder...so much louder. Definitely more demanding. But not in a bad way (well most times anyway). He is just more pronounced with everything.

But to him there is still no baby present. The only thing that he does ask is "ere baby go mama?" when he can't see him. Then when you tell him he just turns his head and goes about his business, there is no reaction to it.

Harrison is not allowed in his room and definitely not allowed on his changing station or in his bed. Except for this picture, it lasted only moments, and you see he is up in the corner like Harrison is some disease ridden object. I call this picture the stare down. I think this might have been Ryan's realization that baby IS coming home with us.

This was their first official picture taken together, it wasn't the best, but we did finally get Ryan to give him a kiss.

He did seem so proud at first, I was so excited for our lives to start and Ryan was going to cherish his baby brother...maybe one day, just maybe!
One thing that Ryan is very interested in is how Harrison is fed. Which is very hard to explain to a 2 1/2 year old. He sees the pump, and I just explain that I am getting milk for the baby, and he is okay with that. But tonight he wanted me to come into the living room NOW, and I told him when I was finish feeding Harrison I would come right in. His sweet little face got right up next to us and he looked at Harrison and said "baby eatin mama?" Well how do you explain that, because to anyone who does not understand the concept, yes it would look like the baby is eating me!

separation anxiety

2010-02-08T15:12:00.002-06:00

Why is it as soon as you get rid of your child, whether it be for an hour or all day, they are all you can think of.

I need a break from like everyone else needs a break, and thanks to wonderful friends and family, I definitely get the needed breaks. But as soon as I get done what I needed to get done I am only thinking of them.

I have always been like this with Ryan. I think if I sent him to daycare, I would love to have a video of him everyday and I would watch it all night. Not to make sure they are having proper care, but to watch him interact and play.

I have always wanted to know everything he has eaten and said through out the day, everyday. I love watching him play and how he does everything. Maybe some would call it being a control freak. But I like to call it separation anxiety for the parents.

a little time alone

2010-02-07T11:38:00.003-06:00

Yesterday morning I got to sneak out of the house for some quick errands. Oh it was such a delight, if anything just to be sitting in the car by myself. I was gone for an hour and a half. Which was AWESOME, but I was ready to be back home with my guys.

Well an hour and a half with three guys all alone in a house with no motherly supervision is, well, a little unsettling for the mother. There are just no rules or guidelines.

The house was messier than what it was when I left, and more toys and dishes every where. But all to be expected. But the one thing worth mentioning in all this is the picture above.

What is that you ask...oh just one of Harrison's poopy diapers dog handled by our wonderful loving obeying dog, Clementine! Why she finds it necessary to eat baby poop and a half a diaper I will never know, its just another one of her AWESOME traits. (now make sure you keep track of all them, because one day one I list her on Craigslist, I will need help remembering all of them!)

But hey on the bright side of everything I got out of the house by myself for 1 1/2 hours and everyone was happy when I got home, and we had an amazing day together...well except for Clem!

getting a little bit of advice

2010-02-07T07:50:00.000-06:00

Being home on maternity leave is nice is some respects.

For Christmas Matt got me subscription to Parents magazine, knowing I loved reading them after I had Ryan. Well that was much more practical with one sweet sleeping infant. But today I was able to finish well flip through 2 of them, just reading the highlights.

I love the sections on tips from other moms, especially food/dinner tips. This certain issue has a front cover add saying “5 healthy dinners under $10 each”. Definitely a section I will be reading. Why I don’t know, I am always so disappointed with them.

See what you think, here are the 5 fab meals:

1.Cheese and Spinach Tart with Glazed Carrots
2.Beef and Veggie stir fry
3. Penne with Turkey sausage and Peppers
4.Ginger Salmon and Mashed Edamame
5.Chicken and Brown Rice Soup

Now you tell me are those family/time friendly meals…NO! In their defense, they never said either one of those things, but come on those are not practical meals for a family at all.

and then there was two!

2010-02-06T07:48:00.001-06:00

From one child to two! I don’t think anyone being as honest as they can, can ever prepare you for this HUGE transformation your entire family is getting ready to endure.

Today has been two weeks since Harrison was born. And the first day the three of us, (me, Ryan, and Harrison) were left all alone all day with no other plans. I was not really worried, since we have done some evening and certain parts of the day by ourselves already and they went fine. But keeping a 2 ½ year old and two week old content for that long by yourself is completely impossible…don’t ever EVER let anyone tell you it can be done…because they are lying to you!

Harrison and I woke for our final night time/morning feeding around 7:30, and I told him we had to hurry before his brother woke and starts shouting demands. So that lasted 2 minutes, and we heard “mama, mama, MAMA, MAMA” so we took a break, got Ryan up and said we had to watch TV in mama’s be while I finish feeding the baby. HUGE MISTAKE. All he wants to do is jump, pull on the blind cords, and climb all over me while screaming, oh and I forgot to get him his orange juice before I started feeding Harrison again.

That is how our morning started and that was only the first 10 minutes of “FUN”!!!
The day progressed, we had no injuries, maybe some hurt neglected feelings, definitely some tears from all three of us, but we managed. Lots of movies we watched, I wonder if we will ever get out of that habit since that has been going on for 2 weeks straight now!?!

Ryan went down for his nap at 12:30, Harrison and I feel asleep around 1:30, and Matt was home by 3:30 (yay)! I woke up feeling more tired than what I started with an awful back ache from falling asleep in the recliner. But hopefully the 2 hours will add up in my sleep deprived body.

Full of joy (and milk-ouch!) that we are all home for a great evening together , I started to feed Harrison. Matt comes in and in a serious, very believable voice says “I think I found a way to earn some extra money”. I was excited, I am thinking selling video games, stuff on ebay…something reasonable. (I know, crazy thought with my husband). He goes in the other room and brings in the River front Times. For you that live around here, now all the crazy things you can do to ‘earn’ extra money. He shows me an add that says “ Now looking for lactating moms or pregnant women to fulfill spots in an porn”. Don’t I feel great now with my huge engorged feeding machines hanging out.

Now I sit on the couch watching Little Einsteins for 5 time today while Matt and Harrison rest their sweet little eyes. Oh and I can’t forget about Ryan running his airplane through my hair screaming “pat pat pat” in my ear.

a little bit of a modified Turkey Day!

2009-11-30T09:55:00.002-06:00

This was our very last Thanksgiving as the 3 of us. And Ryan's last for all the attention. And almost the whole day was nontraditional.

I usually have Thanksgiving here for both of our families, then games and desserts. Well only having 8 weeks to go I decided for my own well being (maybe for the sake of some others too:) I was not going to cook the meal this year and we decided to go out.

We still watched/danced with the Macy's parade in the morning, we didn't get to finish it because I forgot about it when I had Loni make the reservations. We went to Blue Springs, then we went home cleaned/relaxed, then everyone came back over around 4 for games/snacks/desserts.

Ryan and daddy danced to the Rocket's.

Going out to eat sounded great in theory (and I actually enjoyed it), but Matt was not so pleased with it, and I think it actually ruined some of the day for him. The turkey they had was just regular restaurant turkey, not homemade TD turkey. And he was really upset with that, and the fact there was not left overs. Which in turn made me feel like a huge pill of poo. I didn't realize making a decision like that was going to affect people so much. But after we got over that, the day was pretty good.

We played games, Ryan even played RLC with us, he would help roll the dice and grab all of our quarters :)

Every year Jason and Loni stay the night to go shopping early the next day. After everyone left and we looked through all the ads, Loni and I decided to go to Toys'R'Us at midnight. First we went to see New Moon. Which I really liked and I have never seen the first one or read any of the books. Then we made it to Fairview Heights for Toys'R'Us. I think there we probably 5 police cars, and the line wrapped all the way around the building. It did move pretty fast I guess. We got inside, could not move, so I ditched the cart, which was the wrong thing to do since we had to hold everything for the hour and a half we stood in line. What great deals did we get you ask, I got 2 packages of diapers for $10 (I got 4), and two board games...that's it. No great deals, but we did learn on what to do and what not to do next year. Then we went to Old Navy, I got Ry a coat for $15 (org. $40), so that was definitely worth it. We got home and it was 5:30. It was definitely an experience, was it worth taking the next 48 hours to recover...I'm not sure!?!

finishing touches

2009-11-30T09:50:00.002-06:00

Well the baby's room is almost done, thanks to so many people. Our Bible Study came over one night and got 90% of the painting done, we finished the dressers and the walls, all drawers and closets are FILLED. We are now just waiting on washing all nursing/bottle stuff to be washed and the crib, sheets, and window curtains. Then I think we are done.

Most of all we could not have finished all of this with out Ryan, he has been right there through the whole process 'helping' and loving every minute of it. Now lets just hope he still loves the room as much as he does now when the baby gets here!

oh how time flies when your havin' a baby!

2009-11-13T20:50:00.002-06:00

A picture of Ryan with his new haircut and his new book for being a good boy while he got it cut...to say the least he was very proud, and he deserves to be, he has been a VERY good boy these last couple of days. Enough to brag about:) Time never EVER went this fast with my first pregnancy. When I actually stop and come down, its not so bad, but Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks, Christmas is less than 4 weeks, then baby is less than 4 weeks from that...I need to enjoy each day and quit the count down.

It's not only the time frame that gets me, Ryan is growing up so fast. He told me this morning for breakfast "I want muffins too" after I sat his strawberry plate in front of him. He finally got a haircut today which ages him at least by 6 months. He went to the doctor today he weighs 40lbs (I forgot his height). And according to our overly positive doctor, he is very advanced for his age.

When I scheduled his 3 year checkup I scheduled the new little baby's 3 month checkup...that definitely got me. I just found out a minute ago, apparently I said ok to a 9:30 appointment all the way in Belleville, with out paying attention to time. How in the world am I going to get 2 kids to Belleville by 9:30 when I struggle with 1 by 10!?!

I am so excited to meet our new little baby, but a little freaked with time.

"happy birthday mama"

2009-11-07T22:57:00.002-06:00

Today on my 29th birthday I woke up at 9:30 to the sweetest little voice at my bedside saying and singing "Happy Birthday Mama". It has been the best birthday yet!

Matt took Ryan shopping for my birthday and this is what his sweet little heart picked out...the best chapstick ever! I don't even want to open it.

one LITTLE (big) splurge

2009-11-07T22:48:00.003-06:00

We have had to buy very little for the baby's room, I don't think we will have to buy much till after he is born. That way we will know what we need once he is here. But there was one little weak spot I had...I found this rug and absolutely fell in love with...and it is huge, but beautiful!!!

the halloween festivities

2009-11-03T19:40:00.004-06:00

Well if you are from our area, you would know how much of a toss up was going to be this year with record breaking rainfall for the month of October. I rained all the way up until Friday afternoon.

We started a few years ago having a 'stop-n-go' party. We invite everyone we know to come over. Edwardsville does trick or treat on the 30th, since the BIG parade is on the 31st. So we pass out candy, have a small bonfire, chili, hotdogs, smores and other random snacks. This year since there was going to be so many kids we put a movie on for them inside if they wanted to go in there. It turned out great. Everyone showed up at different times, so when one group left another would show up. I decided (remembered) to take pics later in the night. I only took them of the kids. Next year I am going to tell adults to dress up too! I missed some of the earlier kids when they came though...like Chloe, Annabel, and Audrey. I think that is the only 3 I am missing. We did do a little trick or treating, only 3 houses, Ryan was more into getting back to the house. The next night, which was the 31st we went to the BIG parade, I only took 2 pics :( I forget all the time now...what is wrong with me.

a little catch up...AGAIN

2009-10-28T20:45:00.005-05:00

Life has gotten away from me again, I think this is just my life now, I have to quit acting like this surprises me any more. Not to much going on though, we have been enjoying the fall/halloween festivities with friends and family. We did Releke's farm. Ryan rode his first big kid ride all by himself, well with Claire and Sophia (3 and 4), just a little panic from the side lines from me. He even did his first haunted house with Matt. I tried to tell him no, but he was just begging to, so we said okay, and he did great. He really likes to 'scare' people and 'hide' from them. I think he is going to be like his daddy when it comes to scary stuff.We went to a bonfire/chili cookout/hay ride. All I can say is Ryan is definitely all boy, he absolutely loved all this. It was all his favorites, even the karaoke and dancing. He was definitely the star of the night. He didn't even care it felt like it was 10 degrees on the 45 minute hayride.One of the only nice days we have had this October we spent some time at the park, I tried to be a photographer...and well this is as good as I can get.Here is a sneak peek of what Ry will look like on Halloween.

Stylin' and Profilin'

2009-10-04T08:06:00.002-05:00

Saturday was a day, a good day, but crazy. We decided earlier in the week we were going to the chili cookoff, Eckerts, and something else but I can't remember. So Saturday we got a late start which was okay since everything we were doing did not have a time frame.

Matt told me once we left the house that he had to stop by a co-workers house and help him move some big stuff out. Last minute notice but okay, it should not be too long (it was a 3 hour journey). Well we get there, Ry and I stay in the car, then Shaun and his girls pull up (Claire and Sophia), which now means we have to get out to play. So we played and played. Terry (the co-worker) says we can go in the back yard and see the dogs in their cage. They all love dogs, so this should be a good idea...I should have followed my motherly instincts, not knowing what the backyard looks like. So we get back there, and they instantly see a huge hill to run down and a lake at the end...which is really a nasty swamp. The girls take off, luckily Ryan is slower at this point so he is not the issue yet. I am yelling STOP STOP, we they both run into it with their brand new designer tennis shoes on. Its black swamp poopy mud. I get them out, we walk back up front and try to clean it off. I just can't it stunk so bad like poop, I was going to start gagging any second. I told them I was sorry, and to tell their mom I was sorry. Shaun was supposed to have the girls all day so mommy could have some mommy time with her friends.

Then I decided to set them all down and pull out the snacks I had packed for the day for only one child. So we went through that pretty fast. Then they took off running to the back again. This time it was Ryan, I could not catch him for the life of me. He went even further in, he sank like quick sand. I could no longer see his feet, he started to cry, and he could not move. I could not go much further, I was even heavier and was sinking much faster, but I lunged grabbed him and we were out...but with a missing shoe. I took him up front trying so hard not to cry...only due to anger. I did not have a spare anything, the cloths he had on was yesterdays spares, since they were warmer I put it on him that morning, thinking we were going to be getting dirty all day, it would be okay...who knew we were going to be running in a black poop swamp and loosing articles of clothing. My white shoes were covered too. So the poor baby, (I say it sweetly now, I have had almost 24 hours), had to run around with no pants on till they were done (I think the high was 61...later in the day), Matt did fetch out his other shoe. So he did have those.

Now I was informed we had to go help unload. I am okay with all this, its the right thing to do. It just wasn't what I had planned. We stopped by my parents on the way to get some clean cloths for the rest of the day. Then off to unloading then to the chili cookoff. It was now 2 with no snacks, nap, or lunch for any of us. Ryan was not going to eat chili, we did have a can of pringles. we let him have that. We looked like such hoosiers. We found a Jimmy John's, so we got him a sandwich. Things were happy again. We had a blast there. All guards were down, and we just laughed at everything at this point. It was just a good (family spent time) day!

On the way home Ryan was a little (alot) crabby, needy, and demanding. I would be too I guess. He was demanding the park. So we stopped by the Troy park on the way home, we get there, and Matt gets him out, and he is soaked. With nasty poop and all. We have no spare cloths. So I thought. I looked in the back, and found this stylin' halloween outfit, that my mom found at a resell it shop that day, and we took it home for PJ's. I totally forgot we had it. But hey, it was clean dry cloths. It was a little bit of a belly shirt...but he didn't seem to mind, he was just happy he was at the park.

Us on the other had, felt we needed to explain to everyone why he was dressed in such a wonderful outfit!

Playdate at the Zoo

2009-10-04T07:51:00.003-05:00

On Thursday we decided to have a play date w/Corie and Cracker (that is how Ryan says Chloe) at the Zoo. It was a fun time, we were only there for about 2 hours, but got to see all the kids favorites...the elephants and penguins. I think this is why God gave us kids...to get through the bad days, just to have good ones like that day. They were so happy. We even rode the carousal.

Gotta love all the new smiles in the pics, it kinda looks like he is talking, but that is his smile :)

Ryan's congratulatory toy

2009-09-23T12:36:00.002-05:00

It's very seldom Ryan gets a new toy out of a box from the store with us. Except for Christmas or his birthday, but he is never with us, and some times they are even from yard sales. So Friday was a big day for us.

We found out he was going to have a baby brother. And he was going to be a super cool big brother, so we took him to Wal-Mart to pick out a toy. We pretty much let him get what he wanted. (we knew it was going to be Thomas the train stuff) So he picked out a tank and a set of tracks. He was in such shock in got to go in the cart and home with us. (which I hope doesn't become a problem in the future).

Once we got home we set the whole thing up...and we learned another lesson...read the packaging carefully! The track set was just straight and curved track. Which in translation means extra pieces, it does not make a full completed track!!! It didn't seem to phase him much he would put the tank on the track at one end and let it go till it ran off, then go put in back on the other end and let it do the same thing. Well us as parents weren't as amused after spending all that money on a 'new' toy. I was going to take it back, but he was just gleaming from ear to ear with excitement over it. It was 9 at night we even took him back to Target that late to get a set to make a full track for him. Oh how kids can sucker you into things so easily!

The next morning Matt got him up, he didn't even stop by our room to see me, he went straight to the living room, to check on his trains :( I have officially become #2 in his life. Then when it was time to clean them up, his sweet little self tried to put them back into the boxes, because as far as he knows that is where they go. Most of his stuff doesn't come in a box, which just breaks my heart, but that is how we can run a dare care with all our toys, we buy nice ones second hand!!!

we're trying :)

2009-09-23T12:32:00.001-05:00

I have been trying forever to get this kid to smile for pics. He is always smiling in person, but not on command. So we were practicing the other day...and this is the best we could get. And he would say... see see, after everyone !

So what's new?

2009-09-20T21:43:00.003-05:00

So, what's up or how are you is a very common question. If you were to ask me, I would say very happy...we are 21 1/2 weeks pregnant with our second little boy!!!

(I actually feel him kicking/moving right now...I think he knows we are talking about him!)

We found out Memorial weekend before we went camping, we were only 3 1/2 weeks at the time, I was supposed to start that weekend. But we took a test before we left anyway since we were going to be gone for a week. (for you who know me, I had to know, I could not wait another day). But since it was positive and my parents were going camping with us for a few days, we had to tell them before they got suspicious. So the night before we left we made Ry his, "I'm the big brother shirt". We made sure we stopped off and saw Matt's parents before we left to tell them too! To say the least, everyone was very excited!!!

It's been a bumpy road this go around. It has been fast, I am over my half way mark now. It is soooo different your second go around, not only can I not compare the pregnancies, but baby Ryan in my belly got so much more attention than this one. I knew day by day what was growing on him, not this one!

(okay I will fill everyone in more later, time for my night time snack...Taco Bell :) thanks babe!)

the hotdog dilemma

2009-09-17T10:33:00.002-05:00

There are just a few things that I am personally against for my child. I see nothing wrong with someone doing them, I am just not going to.

I don't like him to have juice that often, and when we have it at home or grandparents, it is almost always V8 Fusion, not the diet one, that has artificial sugar and half the fruits and veggies. The fusion is all sugar from the fruits and veggies they use to make it.

He was not allowed to have any sugar candy till the last couple of months, which includes chocolate. I did pretty good not letting him have it till now, especially since I eat so much chocolate...especially these days!

My number one no-no was hotdogs. I have just read a few articles on them and children under 6 years of age. Once in awhile is okay but not weekly or daily. But I just refused to do it, till he got over atleast 2. It has taken me this long to even think about it.

Well, we have some all meat hot dogs right now and the other day for lunch Matt was going to have some. I am not eating them right now either. So I said heat one up for Ryan and lets see what he does. Matt has been wanting to give him some cut up, with a toothpick in each one, because that would be fun and cool! His jaw dropped and he stopped in his tracks when I said heat one up.

I knew he wasn't going to eat it, but I was okay wasting a hotdog verse some of the other food we have to waste.

So Matt cut it up, put them on toothpicks, set the plate in front of him, bite one, bite two, and before I could pick my jaw up off the ground, they were gone...A WHOLE HOTDOG!!! I was so upset. With me for suggesting and allowing it, with Ryan for liking it, with Matt for making it look cool, I just didn't think he was going to eat it, especially not a whole hotdog.

My heart hurt, I actually felt like I just gave my baby some poison, and he took it with no hesitation.

So my baby at the age of 2 years and 4 months ate his first hotdog :(

new play group

2009-09-16T12:44:00.005-05:00

I have just been slacking on everything, I totally forgot about my blog AGAIN, then go back and rereading it, I forgot to post pics...sorry.

Well, I have a second on my lunch break so I will add some new pics, they are even kinda old, some go back to the beginning of Aug. I don't think I have taken a pic in Sept. yet

Here are just a few random pics, I used to take atleast 5-10 pictures on every occasion, now I am lucky if its one. So we have some playdates, ride to Springfield, and ofcourse the Wiggles concert.

Well we also started a new play group in Edwardsville. I was very excited about it yesterday, but it did not go well for the first have. I have that bad child that every other parent looks at with shame. He kicked, screamed, cried, smacked me in my face, and stepped on babies. Oh it was just horrible, but it got better as time went on. I was upset all day with all this. Now today, I feel so sorry for him, he is sick at Mawmaw's house. I want to go get him and hold him, yesterday I would have given him to any stranger on the street.

It's been a LOOOONG time!

2009-09-10T08:34:00.002-05:00

It has been over a month!

I get so upset when others do that with their blog, I love to read them and keep updated, and well I did it.

We have been so busy, but not interesting enough to blog about I guess, but I am going to 'try' to keep up now. I am just going to hit some of the stuff I have thought about in the last month about blogging about.

Matt started school a couple weeks ago. He is now gone again all week, we only see him Friday through Sunday. On occasion we will see him on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for about an hour if he had time before school, so that is always a nice surprise. I think its going pretty good for him, the classes are more intense this go around, but he's a smart cookie, I know he can do it. It is harder this time too since Ryan is getting older, he is asking where his daddy is, and looks for him out the window, so thats rough for us and confusing for him. Poor guy I don't think he will ever have a normal structured life. But as most of you know, we are not a normal structured family.

We went to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in August. It was a good time, it could have been alot more fun though. We parked at some weird guys house. All the residents surrounding the park charge a small fee to park in their driveways/yards. And he gave us some 'advice' on how to get in, he said go in the back way, its not as crowded. Well that was the wrong idea, after being there for 4 hours and we were ready to head home, we found the fun part of the fair...which was at the main entrance...what a jerk!

I have been finding baby dinglehoppers again in the basement, just 2 or 3. Matt let one hop away from him, and just says sorry, he got away. So I have to upside down cups right now down there.

I have been trading sitter services with Kathy for a couple weeks, we vowed to teach the kids and have them learn when we have them versus just letting them free play for hours. I think its going pretty good. The kids are cooperating, and having a good time.

Ryan started occupational therapy for his mouth movement. I know I know it sounds weird, but we are having a really hard time understanding him. He has a large vocabulary but alot of it is mumbo jumbo. We can really only understand him when he is in context of the situation. We have only done 0ne week, and I actually saw a good improvement in him. Its free as long as they qualify, I hope it lasts for a bit.

We decided to change playgroups. We were going to one in Granite City, which we just loved. But sadly I think we needed to go to one in our school district. I was not happy about this, we had friends there, and were very comfortable. Well last night I went to his new schools orientation. And I think I am going to like the layout even better! I just hope he does.

We went to a Wiggles concert...which was a blast, I even loved it.

Well back to mommy duty...I will post pics soon...I promise!

1st Grizzlies game of the season for us!

2009-08-09T20:55:00.003-05:00

Saturday night turned into a pretty special night. We decided to go to a Grizzlies game. And Ryan got to run around like a crazy child, get a 'cupcake' tattoo, and stay out till 10pm!

Lawn seats are dirt cheap, then we had buy one get one coupons. So it was a cheap family/friend night out!They had face painting there for $2. So we thought Ryan would have loved it, he could have gotten an elephant or tiger, there was tons of stuff. So the lady said to let him stand on the table and let him pick out what he wanted. And very politely he pointed to the one he wanted and said "cupcake". We all had a good chuckle and said oh look, there's an elephant or tiger, moon, stars, we just kept going. And his sweet little voice kept going to the cupcake. I was okay with it, but daddy came up in the middle of this. So very reluctantly, he said make it a manly cupcake. Then when it was time to put the sprinkles on, we asked him what color (and he knows his colors very well, so he knew what he was talking about), he said very sweet again..."pink!" I did ask for Matt's sake if she could add some blue sprinkles. Then he said yes to the glitter too!

just an awkward day

2009-08-07T13:18:00.003-05:00

This week I started a rule...no more TV. Not for ever, but just until we realize its not a life source we need to be able to continue living. Really it has not been as hard as I thought it would be. I think I was just allowing it to happen because I was bored. I would let him watch it because I would think "oh poor baby is bored, and I am just to tired to go anywhere right now." Well what have I been saying about this child since day one...he is a very content child. I forgot how easily he is amused by things. I just have to give forth the time and effort for him. So I am very sad to admit that this TV junkie of mine is all my fault.

So I asked my friend Kathy if her and her girls would like to spend the day together on Thursday. Just to get out of the house and do something fun. We decided on the Science Center, then a fun lunch some where.

The Science Center has been my idea for a couple of weeks now. I went last fall and we really had a good time, there was a lot of a little one to do. So this whole 'awkward day' I will have to admit is my fault.

We decided to park at the old SC and walk across the tunnel over the interstate...because that's always fun...right?!?

Well the old SC is all about earth and the solar system, which is cool, but for older kids. But they had fun climbing stuffed spaceship.Things started off good, they were all holding hands nicely.We finally get to the overpass tunnel, and duh, how long have they been doing the 64/40 construction. The interstate is closed, so no cars to look at. They still got to look through the holes in the ground, but just at plain concrete, not even any stripes. But hey that's okay, at the other end of the overpass is all the fun stuff for the kids, especially the little ones. Well come to find out, that is also under construction, so nothing to do for little ones. Which this was supposed to be the biggest highlight for them.We did finally find the big blocks that build the arch. But that was it. That was fun though, Annabel and I raced against Kathy to get our side built faster, and we were winning until a little terror named Ryan came along and kept trying to knock ours down. And Kathy thought she didn't have a helper, ha she ended up winning because Ryan finally got ours to fall.After defeat of absolutely nothing for these kids to do we decided to leave, we did find a little Lego stand right before we left. And a big playing elevator with lots and lots of cool buttons and levers to play with.

We decided to go the History Museum hoping for some fun there, we failed again...not for kids. We went to a big playground, we failed again...too hot. We went to Fitz's Root beer for lunch, we failed again...kids to tired and hungry.

We did not have a bad day, we just didn't have a good day. I would say it was just awkward.

Can't wait till next time though!!!

A bouquet of sticks for daddy!

2009-07-24T13:03:00.002-05:00

Most days when we are home we wait outside for daddy to come home from work. Yesterday Ryan decided to gather sticks, which soon became a very nice collection, and it would be just a perfect gift for daddy. After all his hard work, he decided to put them all in the back of his bike.

Uh-oh, he soon realized that he needed to put them back in the cup. Since it was a gift for daddy, he needed to present them to him in something nice.... you know like a plastic take out cup from Casa. He frantically put them back in the cup, in only 2 handfuls from the bike.Then he waited so patiently on the bottom step watching for his daddy to come home :)Just moments later, daddy pulled up, Ryan jumped up and screamed...dada. He was so excited, he rushed to the driveway to hand deliver his precious gift he made just for his daddy. And daddy was just as excited to receive them. What a way to come home from a yucky day at work! After dinner we went for a short walk to St. Mary's to play at their playground before the storm moved in. He had to take his fireman's hat, and if wasn't wearing it so proudly he had to be caring it, he was very cautious with it since the wind kept blowing it off. He's getting so big, he actually walked all the way home with out being in his stroller. Besides this picture, he was holding my hand all the way home.This picture means nothing, we were still just waiting for daddy, and I think its a very funny picture, so I decided to share it.

the park chatter

2009-07-24T12:47:00.002-05:00

On the way home from my doctors appointment today, Ryan kept telling me he wanted to go to the park. So I said we can stop by there for a few minutes.

We went to the big airplane park. And they have this wooden chained bridge. Well it takes a little 2 year old a little bit longer than say a 5 year old.

Little Ryan went trotting across ever so cautiously, as I waited below. At the beginning of the bridge I hear another kid ( I would say 5 or so)say, "I'm waiting"

Then when little Ryan is all done, the other kid says, "FIN-A-LLY".

When little Ryan reached the end of the bridge he looks over the railing at me with a really big smile of completion. He was so proud of himself, and he was letting me know it, all while completely oblivious to other boy.

My heart just melted. I don't want his innocence to go away, I want him to stay this sweet FOREVER!

It's amazing how much our kids can open our eyes to things.

swimming in 70 degree weather...

2009-07-21T13:14:00.003-05:00

Despite the very chilly weather we have been having, we still went swimming today. It has been scheduled since like April. Who ever would have guessed we would be having record breaking lows in July...here!

This was another activity put on by his play group that he went to last school year. They always have one summer activity for the kids to stay connected. Well to say the least my little water baby LOVED it, and did not care about the goosebumps he had up and down his body. He wanted to stay, and we were the second to last to leave.

Mr. Independent

2009-07-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Even though he is so much more needy these days, he is still a very content child. He will still play all by himself for quit some time. He is sooo sweet:)

zoo pics again!!!

2009-07-18T21:15:00.003-05:00

I know Zoo pics again. But Ryan just loves the zoo, and we always have so much fun, and its free. Usually we go in we go straight to River's Edge and see the elephants (spend a lot of time there), then the carousel then the penguins. By that time it has been at least 3 hours, so its time to go.

Well today I wanted to go early so we could stay awhile. Well we actually saw a whole new (to us) part of the zoo. Giraffes, zebras and camels. And, Gloria, Marty, Melman, but not Alex for all you fellow Madacascar fans!!Ryan and Loni matched for the day!Poor Ry was looking at a sweet little monkey and he runs up and sticks his butt in his face! He insisted on pushing the stroller...for like a total of 10 seconds before he realized how heavy it was!

I tried getting his pic with a zebra but he kept running off, which he thought was hilarious!

Can't forget the fits he had, throwing his self on the ground because he didn't want to hold our hands or sit in his stroller

an artist in the making

2009-07-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

Since Easter, Ryan has this obsession (one of VERY many) with chalk. We do have a chalk board downstairs, he usually wants to go outside and draw, but not all days does mommy want to, or is mommy presentable enough to sit in our very high trafficked front yard.

So the other day we went downstairs to draw with the chalk. My usual commands are Bar Bar (Barney) or an elephant. This time he chose Barney. And after I draw the basic Barney (which to me looks like a TMNT with out the mask) he demands other objects to be put on him, its usually teeth lately, and for the first time he wanted a hat. So this explains my funny looking monster I have drawn.

Well just like anything else, I loose my patience with drawing him over and over again, because he does know how to erase it and want more to be drawn for him. So lately I have told him to draw me Barney. He has successfully drawn o's, h's, one elephant (kinda), a sun (w/all the rays coming out of it), and a few other things I can't think of. Well on Friday I asked him to draw me Barney and this was his face that he drew for me. Not bad for a 2 year old!

Good Night Bar Bar and SCHEK

2009-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

another year at the PORFD annual picnic

2009-07-12T12:37:00.003-05:00

It has been a year already, and it means that I have been blogging over a year now! That is so crazy, I remember last year having the PORFD picnic as one of my first posts on my blog. Man o man time flies...and kids get older, and more independent with EVERYTHING.

Once again we had fun, we hung out a bit, then watched the parade, and ate, then bingo started.

Its so exciting watching the kids get older, he has always had fun at parades but now he goes and picks stuff up and waves as the go by. He didn't pick up everything though, we still had quit a bit in front of us, and as soon as the parade was over, everyone from on the sides of us, and across the street swarmed our area because we had so much candy in front of us...but it was the parents, not the kids. I so hope I never get like that.

My mom walked over and let him pet the ponies. It was $4 a ride, I decided to pass on that, since I am sure as soon as he sat on it, he would have wanted off!My poor parents sitting there trying to relax before the night was going to begin. They usually go up there with us, but this year I asked them if they would watch Ryan for us since we were helping Jason and Loni with bingo. Well it was my mom who did all the work, it should have been a paying gig running around in the heat with a very hyper 2 year old. She was a trooper, she did it for 2 hours. I would have given up atleast an hour before that!Jason and Loni calling Bingo. I must say they did very good, and kept everyone very put together. I even got yelled at by Loni. It was definitely my fault. I quit listening to my directions and went off and started collecting money, and we were assigned rows and I didn't pay attention to that part, and just went off and started doing my thing...opps, sorry Loni.

One nice thing about helping with the bingo was, we got to wear little tie around aprons (just the small lower part that has the pocket). And thank goodness, because I got to put one on the front and back, since during the parade I ripped my pants right up the butt! I thought I felt something, but I could not feel it with my hands, then I sat down in my chair, and well there it was. It was horrible! But my friends and loved ones looked out for me all night! At least they were only a quarter from a yardsale...thanks for the pants Kath, they only lasted a week!

And my mom with Ryan attempting to actually play a game of bingo, dad very soon took over moms cards. But lucky for Ryan, he got to eat his first mini bag of skittles he got at the parade! He had no trouble with them. Why is it they have never seen these before and with out hesitation they stick it right in their mouth. But put a new veggie or food in front of their face and its no no no.

Madacascar 2 at the movies

2009-07-03T09:21:00.003-05:00

Wednesday night when we all got home, I filled Ryan in on his special treat he got to do on Thursday morning. Now I know why parents wait till the last minute to tell their kids really exciting things. I told him we were going to the movies to watch Madagascar 2 on a really big TV screen, and Audrey and Annabel get to go with us (then he added Kathy as well). Annnd, he gets to eat popcorn while he watches it. Oh my, he ran over and got his Madagascar DVD case, and was screaming 'adacar' all night, I had to tell him it was time for bed, and he cried, but telling him the faster he went to sleep the faster we could see the movie. He went to bed gripping his DVD case for dear life. The first thing in the morning when I heard him wake was a little whimper then screaming 'adacar, adacar' over and over again!

It was a very long and difficult morning before we left. He did not want to eat breakfast, he just wanted to leave. 8:45 could not come fast enough.

And yes, the DVD case even came with us to the show. This is him screaming 'adacar' when we got there. They all sat there pretty good. They didn't quit make it through the movie, since we sat there for about 40 minutes prior to the movie starting. but we had to because they were going to be sold out if not.Then it was popcorn time. They loved it of course. Audrey even fed Ryan. It was so sweet, they even gave each other their first high five with out assistance.

Kindermusik Class

2009-07-03T08:56:00.003-05:00

We try to keep Ryan in some sort of class with other little kids, about every 6 weeks or so, since he does not go to a learning center or daycare. I DO NOT want him to go to a daycare, but a learning center that makes since with out schedule and budget would be very nice.

So this go around we have him in a music class ( we try not to call it dance class). It's called Kindermusik. It's pretty cool, they dance and sing and use everyday objects as instruments, it gets them aware of there body and senses. Of course he loves it, because all you do is go around the room as you will and sing and dance. Perfect for a 2 year old!

There are only 4 other kids in the class, its a smaller class this time she said, its usually 8-10. So we get a little more hands on.

Ryan playing with an egg shaker, they have to shake it real fast,then real slow, he is doing one or the other here, I can't remember.

They get 'rhythm' sticks, and the click them together in many ways. On the floor, like a hammer, way up high, way down low, side by side and on top of each other!We play a song that they use scarves for, we play peek a boo, toss up and watch fall down, and really what ever they wan to do with itThen its parachute time, they can help us shake it and walk in a circle or they can run under it, which they do both.I also have a really cute video of the parachute time, but since we have had our computer back, I have not been able to upload videos. So Jason and Loni are coming over today, so I am going to get him to fix this problem and I will have a post just with videos...so watch out Tami, you have one of these special videos I have been so desperately trying to post!

Drawing Monster

2009-06-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ryan is very into drawing right now. Which consists of dry erase markers and either his dry erase board or book. Well, me being the some what care free person I am, lets him draw in what ever room he takes his stuff to. Well today, he decided the living room...and to 'draw' on the couch.

I think my pre-mommy furniture is where my pre-mommy mind is...the point of no return!

KBK 2009

2009-06-23T17:37:00.003-05:00

It was another fun year at KBK. This year was a tad different. I worked inside with the 2 years versus being outside with the 4 year olds. Whew, its alot of work, but I really think it was better than being with all the 4 year olds, that definitely have an opinion about everything!

It was alot of fun. I only worked Monday and Thursday though, I had to be at work the other days. The 2 year old class room was the coolest, and it was ran by the coolest teachers EVER...Kathy and Tami. They are so creative, smart and funny. Unless the kids were missing there mom, they had an absolute blast. They made there 4-5 bible camp day so cool.

Tami and Kathy are truly a blessing from God, with Godly wisdom, and it definitely was shining all through KBK, even if they didn't feel it. Others saw it

the summer do

2009-06-16T12:25:00.003-05:00

It's summer time! Well kinda, its back and forth with all this crazy rain we have been having for a couple of months. And little kids haircuts can really add up over time. Especially as fast as Ryan's grows.

All the guys in Matt's family usually buzz their heads. So we decided to do Ryan's. He gets so hot, and it would be so much cooler for him. And we did it...eeek!

He did not care for the trimmer at all. As you can tell he is very scared of it. Matt did a good job with it all. It looks okay, I just like more of a style to it. Its just a boring old buzz cut. Which I am not a fan of. So I think maybe every other haircut will be buzzed and then cut by the professionals!Then to get all that nasty hair (cut hair is another thing that totally grosses me out, notice how I am not touching him or helping through this process, it ranks right up there with touching food), maw maw sprayed him off with the hose. Which I think in his eyes was totally worth it! When she would turn it off, he keeps screaming "more, more"!

Where is my pre-mommy mind?

2009-06-13T10:26:00.002-05:00

Will I ever have those sain full confident thoughts again?

I have always been a little scatter brained, but things are just getting pathetic!

Everyday is a new day, I tell myself.

But everyday, something (I am actually at a loss for words) weird happens!

This morning I am getting ready for the day. (another 2 birthday parties) I am packing a cooler bag for Ryan's cold stuff. And I put some extra of the good juice in a cup ( he just can't have that sugary stuff all day). And of course thinking of 101 things that I have to do next.

And I turn around open the silverware drawer to put the juice in it. That is bad enough, but I actually froze for a second because I could not figure out what was wrong with that picture!

I think this is my life from here on out. And I am praying every day to be content with it!

calling all Saved by the Bell fans!!!

2009-06-11T12:29:00.003-05:00

For everyone who would watch Saved by the Bell as a teen, this is for you.

It is just great, it brought back so many memories. I had a smile on my face the whole time I watched it. Its the best. I think its great he would do something like this.

If the link does not work, go to NBC.com, then to the Jimmy Fallon show, then look for "zack morris". Its priceless!!!

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/clips/saved-by-the-bell-reunion-update-3-6809/1121321/

Just remember "Friends forever" I will have this song in my head for days now!!!

it happened again!

2009-06-09T21:16:00.003-05:00

I locked my keys some where that was not with me.

I must loose my keys on a daily basis (sometimes for good), but I would say about once every two months I lock them in some where. Usually the house. I can't blame this one on being scatter brained since I have had a child. I have done this as long as I can remember My dad had to come home from St.Louis one time and let me in my car because I left the keys in the car with it running. I had to go get the little neighbor girl one time to put her through a small window and grab my keys. And I have many more stories to go a long with those.

Well this morning I 'beeped' the car from inside. I needed to take stuff outside to the car for Ryan since he was being dropped off somewhere so special that morning (thanks kath, your the best, I know he had so much fun today).

I knew I did this, but, HELLO, I have a memory the size of a fishes memory. So, I come inside I grab Ry, we get in the car, go to start it...oh man the keys are inside on the coffee table. I don't even think twice.

I go through my normal routine of breaking in my house. I go back to kitchen window (thank God we built that deck, its much easier now), pull up the screen, pull up the window (its kept unlocked for this reason only), brush off the dirt and bugs, pull up a chair, throw in my shoes, remove everything from the window sill...and jump in. Now I will have bruises on my chins with in 24 hours, and once again, not remember where I got them from. Then I put everything back on the window sill, close the window, put on my shoes, grab my keys, unlock the front door, double check I have my keys in my hands. And jump in the car, and say 'lets go Ry'.

And this will all happen with in 2 months again. Now I know most of you are asking, "why don't you have a key outside somewhere"? Well the answer...I think I do, I just can't remember where I put it!

Second Annual LVL trip

2009-06-04T10:15:00.009-05:00

Well its only been 3 weeks, but here is our camping post.

We had a very wonderful time this year. It was not quit as eventful as last, but that's okay. we went out on Thursday and came home on Tuesday. So it was a pretty long camping trip with a 2 year old. My parents and their friends came out for a few days over the weekend. So that helped break everything up a bit...especially since it was the 3 of us in a 31 foot camper...yikes.

Tuesday before we left we went to the toy store to get some "fun new" toys for the trip. One of the things we got was a play-doh kit (thanks Tami). He loved it, and actually he is very good using it in the "correct manner".

We did the same thing we did last year. We let Ryan have the master suite again and Matt and I slept in the kitchen. But in the early morning he always wanted to play with us in our bed. Which of course we let happen so our day always started late. But that is what vacation is all about.We walked around the camp ground alot and did lots of miscellaneous things. We went down to the lake, the boathouse, and even ate ice cream in the rain. It was pouring down rain, to where you can't even keep your eyes open when walking through it. It rained so hard that the road to get in and out of 'the valley' was being flooded. But guess who loved every minute of it...our little water boy. We had to make him stay under the pavilion. He kept running out in it. So when it was time to leave and we had to walk through the parking lot, he thought it was the best thing ever. Actually I did too, because there was nothing we could do about it, and things you can't control that you would normally never do, always turns out to be the most fun.

Even though it rained so much we were still going to BBQ. Matt said he didn't care he was doing it. And I also think it was the best we ever ate, even eating it in the rain. It was a little stressful from time to time. Everyone had just a little advice for him on how to do it.We had LOTS of outside play. I don't think that ever quit. We had chalk, bubbles, balloons, pool time (in door and out). We had to take several baths since we were getting SOOOO dirty.

We went into Hermann on Saturday for a few wineries and for lunch. Just a nice little stroll in a cute little town.
Oh boy then that night was crazy. There was a live band. And for you who know Ryan, know he loves to boogie. There was no one else on the dance floor. Then we got there, he ran straight in front of the band, and broke out his wicked moves. Then the floor started to fill up. He is a tough one to keep up with. We were getting wore out, so we promised the park on the way back if we could leave. That was fun, I have never played in the park at night before.

Our first trip to Children's ER...

2009-05-30T19:23:00.003-05:00

...and hopefully the last!

I guess it could have been worse, we were only there for 7 very looooong hours.

To give everyone a little back ground on what is going on, we have been worried about Ryan and his head (possible migraines) and a little vomiting here and there.

About 3 months ago we noticed him grabbing his head and or rubbing it. We could not connect it to anything, like if he was tired or bored. But he was doing it enough to start to worry me. So I said something to his doc at his 2 year well visit. She referred him to a Neurologist and an ENT. Our appointments with them are not until July 31. She was a little worried since he has had some vomiting with it.

Then on Wednesday, Jason and Loni were over and we were all spinning him and he threw up, yes that was probably the cause, but I was still concerned about it. He has been kinda crabby lately and really really, I mean really needy.

Then this morning he woke up with vomit on him and his pillow, and when I picked him up he was really hot and he started to vomit that bright yellow stuff (bile). So I immediately decided we were taking him some where. I called his doc just to see what she thought, and she said yes, definitely go over there.

Well, we get there and as soon as we pulled up to the front of the ER he throws up again. He just drank some pedilite, and it looked that is what it mainly was. So we get checked in and an hour and half later we get called back. I was always told the process there goes pretty fast. I beg the differ!

Well his ER doc was very nice, and said we aren't really going to worry about his head, kids that age don't really get headaches and the two don't seem to be related at this point since he had a fever of 102.8. But we still definitely needed to follow up with the Neurologist. And an MRI is not something they typically do in the ER, and the radiation is about 200x the amount from an x-ray. So they like to hold off on that as long as they can...so we still have to wait till the end of July to find any answers to that issue.

He said he wanted to do an x-ray of his stomach just to make sure everything was okay before he sent us on our way....well that started a whole bunch of other fears. The x-ray came back abnormal.

He said at the top of his intestines it looked like everything was being lodged up there and it was much wider than the bottom. So he wanted the surgeon to look at it and come talk to us. Can you imagine the fear. I expected to have an MRI and a whole bunch of head talk and meds. Instead everyone was contemplating stomach surgery to remove a blockage!

So after talking to a few other doctors and surgeons, and them referring to their bosses. They decided to do an Upper GI (which is horrible if you ever had to do one). This is all very rough with a sick 2 year old. They did the test and it came back normal. And they all decided that it was just a bug! Just a bug! I am very excited about that news, since a couple hours before that we talking stomach surgery today! I know they have to be very certain on everything, which I am very happy about. If I had not been so worried about all this head stuff, we would not even have taken him this morning, and just cared for our sick baby at home.

I am very very happy we decided to take him, and all the staff said it was a very good thing we did what we did. But, my poor baby went through so much today, just for a bug.

Now we are home, babying him, watching Barney in bed! I think we are going to be sorry for doing this, but he's sick and its the nurturing and comfort that is really making him feel better.

Since he threw up in the car we had to take off his cloths in the triage, and I didn't want to put on his spare set yet in case it happened again, so he got this this baby robe, an arm tag(which lasted 2 minutes) and a "I can't eat or drink any thing" sticker. The robe only lasted minutes as well. He was the child running around the triage, ER, and radiology in a diaper and shoes. He would keep nothing else on.

A little bit of everything!

2009-05-29T08:10:00.007-05:00

Well this is either going to be a really long blog or really short with lots of pics. I am going to go as far back as Ryan's birthday on April 22. I am hoping to get all caught up to date, so I can just get on and do my short little blogs again. I am happy to be able to blog again, there has been so much going on lately that I think blogging really helps de-stress!!! Sooo, hang in there this is going to be a long one!!!

The first set of pics are his birthday. I can not believe he is 2, and he even tells me he is 2. Where has he time gone?!? I try to hold and rock him like a baby and he just screams no, and then runs away when I set him down! This is his Mickey blanket...that he just loved...even though looking back at the pic, I can't tell if he is laughing or crying.

Matt being the cool parent, got Ryan a cinnamon roll donut for breakfast and put 2 candles in it. I would have been boring and given him his regular yogurt/oats/fruit for breakfast. But I must add, he did throw up about an hour later.

He is still obsessed with his sidewalk chalk. So this was his birthday greeting when we went outside. There was also a big happy birthday with balloons right next to it!

That day was also kite day at his playgroup, so Matt took a vacation day so we could have a family day.Later that day, we met the families at the cheesiest place on Earth, Chuck E. Cheese. We had a small party for him. And his Uncle Andrew was nice (not to mention the skinniest) enough to take Ryan up in the huge tunnel in the sky!Then on April 24, my friend Janette and her husband Ryan had a baby boy, they named Braden. They are such a beautiful family. Isn't she just beautiful. This is 12 hours after having her baby. My jaw dropped when she came out of the bathroom....she looked better and more put together than I did. Braden was born on Arbor Day, and Ryan was born on Earth day.Then that weekend was Breonna's 2nd birthday. She is a little girl that Ryan met in playgroup. He just fell in love with herThen came Ryan's big birthday party in the park. This is the best thing to do. It is so cheap and kids of all ages have fun. It was obviously a Shrek theme. He loves his animated characters...but not so much in person! Tiffany bought a Shrek mask, and this my mom wearing it, and instantly came the "no no no nooooooooo".The night before the party we build Ryan a fort out of our table and chair boxes. Wow, I forget how much I loved forts as a kid. We even ate dinner in there Friday night after it was built. We all three fit in there. It was very cool! Then with the chance of rain on Saturday, we took it to the park for the kids to play in it...once again a huge hit. We had markers for them so they could all put there graffiti on it.Then it was cake time. We have the same woman make everything for every event. She does such a good job. And for Ryan's piece of cake we cut out Shrek's face just for him. This is very important to me, because when I was little and at my birthday party, my mom gave the face to some spoiled little brat girl named Sarah, and I was devastated. I didn't even really care for the girl, she was only invited because of obligation since she was in my class!One of Ryan's favorite toy was a Mickey Mouse firetruck from Jason and Loni...lets just say I think every kid loved it, even baby Chloe (who will be one next week, time is going by WAY to fast).Then it was play time, well it was play time the whole time, I kept forgetting I was in charge of a party, I kept playing and of course talking. Uncle Adam took some of the kids on a tire swing ride over a huge mud puddle, and we got no mud on us till the end of the day...we were very lucky!Then Maw-Maw and Matt took him riding down the big hill in the pool, then some how they ended up rolling down the hill. And this would be how we got muddy!We can't forget them dancing, it happens every where we go, and we all MUST join in!A few weeks later St. Andrew's was having there May Fest. I had to work that day, so I told Matt that would be a fun event for him to take Ry too. It was in walking distance so make an afternoon out of it. Well, he said it was pretty much just a plant and book sale. Which is not appealing to him at all! He did purchase a few books, and he even HAD to buy a book for Ry. Matt was so embarrassed. It was either buy it or have him screaming forever. Here was the book. Ryan grabbed it himself and WOULD NOT put it down. I so wish I was there for that moment.

We do what we always do on Mother's day, we went to Pocahontas for a buffet, then to the park. Ryan made the g-ma's a flower pot and we planted flowers in them for them. They loved them! I was so excited and it was cheap.

The boys being careless on the equipment. I was so hoping he was going to fly offAndrew catching Jason after he comes off the BIG slideRyan and Dawson finally getting to play together again. They played so well, but the good bye was a little hard to say the least. Dawson was just ready to go, and Ryan being the lover boy that he is wanted to give Dawson a hug and kiss goodbye, we finally got them to hug, then Ryan went for the kiss. Poor Ryan got shoved to the ground, and Dawson took off running rubbing his face. But I think they will remain friends.The next set of pics is our camping trip. Which is alot of pics, and we went to the Zoo, so there is alot of pictures again. I will blog later today or this weekend. I know have a baby climbing all over me, oh I mean a two year old. And he is screaming with excitement over every pic. The family is up and in my face, so I must finish this. How I made it so far this morning I will never know. Thank God for the over cast so it still looked dark outside. So we had some late sleepers. Mommy had some much needed mommy time! So if there is any of this not making sense it is because I have him in one ear demanding to look at all the pics and a husband just walking around talking nonsense at me!

WE'RE BAAACK!!!

2009-05-20T20:41:00.002-05:00

Finally we have our computer back. And you know its funny I thought I was going to die when it shut down. I could not blog...what was I going to do :(

Now we have had it back since last Friday, and this is my first blog, and its going to be short and boring.

We have been so incredibly busy. Now tomorrow morning we are leaving to go camping again at LVL for 5 nights. We can't wait. The house is such a mess, with partial of everything packed, and do you know what I am doing? I am sitting here watching the American Idol finale. And what can I say...it is awesome. This has to be the best finale EVER!!! I can't wait to see the results....GO KRIS!!!

Well there will be another week probably of no blogging, but I will be back with I am sure lots of stories.

just a little update with no pics

2009-05-06T20:45:00.004-05:00

The part I love most about blogs are pictures.

And with still not having ours fixed (which ours is being shipped out tomorrow), I don't have any pics :(

Ryan is now 2. Can you believe it?!?

He did not qualify for the speech therapy. He scored 0% in all categories but one, and the other was 12%, and that was in making sentences on his own. I thought this whole time he had to to be in the 30% lower, no it was 30% or higher. So the 0% are very good. But I don't know if I completely agree. He did do very good that day for her, but most days he is just not very clear. But I think that is normal...I think.

I have been very busy with work. Just doing more outside work than normal. Which is good, but out of the norm.

We have another busy weekend this weekend. Including Mother's Day, which I am still clueless about gifts.

We are having a yard sale next weekend.

We are going on vacation Memorial weekend. We are trying the whole camping thing again. But for 5 nights this time. Thursday thru Tuesday, then we are taking the next week off, to do the "St. Louis" thing.

The last weekend is a wedding...that is all I am going to say about that.

We have had some friends going through some very difficult family times, so there tons of praying go on.

I think...think that is the run down.

I will get some pics up soon.

I miss this.

no computer :(

2009-04-28T21:05:00.002-05:00

I have so many blogs.

I have so many pics.

I have so much to say.

I have had so much happen.

and....I have no computer!

It totally froze up on me the other day. Matt's dad has looked at it, Kal has looked at it, the Geek Squad has looked at it, and there is only Jason left to look at it. If J can't do it. It looks like the Geek Squad has won. They will have our money!

We have no idea what has happened. But I have learned that our computer is old, with it having a birth date of 1-1-08!!!

We will return to the blogging world ASAP!

The Speech Therapist's Eval.

2009-04-21T14:26:00.002-05:00

Ryan goes to this program called Partnership for Kids every Thursday morning. It's just a play group for moms and tots under the age of 3. Once a month they do an evaluation on the kids.

Of course I could go on and on about how smart and over developed his skills are, just like every other mother could, but I will save that for his daddy and grandparents. After the eval they asked me if we had any concerns for him. And I told him about his talking. He can say many words. But some are only the beginning, middle or the end of a word. So they gave me a brochure on some a developmental program for kids 3 and under.

So after much deliberation for Matt and I, we decided to call. We both had speech as a child, but not till school aged, and we decided if we could take care of it now, lets do it.

So a counselor came out last week and took some info, I picked out some therapists and waited for the phone calls. I wanted a Speech Therapist and a more specific hearing test (since being deaf is hereditary in my family), and no matter what they send out a Behavioral Therapist, just to check all other skills.

So today was the day the Speech Therapist came out. I must admit, I was nervous. So I had to explain my worries to her. And like I told her, I was not worried at all about the knowledge he has, just the verbalizing it. He has always been a great communicator, and now that he is getting older he wants to say more and express more and I am not understanding him as much as I feel I should be.

And she agreed immediately, he knew everything she asked him, and of course said it. Verbally said it. So, now I am looking like that mother who expects so much more out of there child. That is so not the case. I have told her, in the past few weeks he has picked up a lot more words...he even said his own name last week. But, even though he is saying them, they don't seem to be really clear to me, and apparently that does not matter since we can, for the most part, understand him. I didn't realize how much he could say till today.

But...he can only say single words. Not words put together. She said that is not an issue right now, but will be if it does not keep progressing. She thinks by watching him today that there is no need for concern, but just keep watching him. He can say Word World, thank you, good night Jesus, and a few other phrases. But those words already go together, we are not having, more milk please, go outside and play, he isn't putting his own words together.

But if that is the worst it is, than that's okay with me. The only other concern would be his hearing test. She said he may have fluid in his ears or maybe have his anoids looked at and maybe removed. So hopefully by next week we will have had a hearing test. And in May we go to his doc for his 2 year well visit and we are going to have her refer an ENT at Children's. I personally think there is something with his hearing or ears, not necessarily hearing loss, but something, since the whole word is not coming out or is tweaked just a bit.

In order to qualify for the therapy program, we would have had to score in the 3o%, which she said we were not going to do. Unless, something comes back with hearing loss, and we automatically qualify then.

So, over all I think I am pleased. He is not lacking in anything, but I was kinda hoping for some ideas and help with his speech, that now we won't be able to get.

sidewalk chalk monster

2009-04-21T14:13:00.003-05:00

Thanks to our dear dear friends, Jason and Loni, we know have a monster on our hands.

In Ryan's Easter basket from Jason and Loni, contained some sidewalk chalk. Every nice moment we have we are outside drawing. Thank God for this rain we have been having lately, it keeps cleaning our pallet for new drawings. And watch out when its time to say lets go inside now its getting dark. Every time we leave the house he runs into the carport and grabs the chalk.

We used all their chalk up to little nubs the first few days. Except the yellow, since that is his favorite piece and no one else can use it. So last week we had to go to Deal's and pick up some more, and we are moving through all that at a pretty good pace as well.

Dying of the Great Easter Egg!

2009-04-15T21:08:00.004-05:00

2009 Easter has come and gone...then Memorial Day...then summer.

This year was quit different this year dying Easter eggs. Well, I guess last year he wasn't really involved, but this year...well lets just say we ended up with alot of brown eggs. He knew exactly what to do right away, and he did not hold back. This process used to take at least an hour, you know you would spend so much detail on each egg, making it perfect. Well I think we had all the eggs dyed in 15 minutes with his help.

BEFORE

IN PROCESS
AFTER

Then we had some special treats for the eggs and Ryan. One package was Shrek, which the stickers did not stick to the eggs at all, which was okay in his book, he could stick them all to the towel one by one.

Last year I bought some eggs that had capsules in them that turned into little sponges that were some sort of animal. Lets just say I am happy that I got them for 75% off.

my American Idol

2009-04-07T20:46:00.002-05:00

I think my baby is now a love of the great American Idol. We are now singing and dancing to it, and clapping after the good ones. Listening and dancing to Kris.

Notice the plastic wrap is his mic tonight.

And I learned from Anoop tonight that all these pictures I take with him and no one else could make him hate having his picture taken later in life...uh oh, because I easily have over 2000 pics already...I can't slow down now!

music and eggs!

2009-04-07T12:42:00.003-05:00

We went to The Game Saturday morning for a little show and Easter egg hunt. We had fun, but way to many people. Plus the show was much better last year. Many more songs to sing and dance too. There were so many people and kids. When they let our group go, I took Ry to the middle and put eggs around him so he had a chance. We only did about 10-15. Which was plenty. He of course wanted to open every egg and play with it then. But we definitely had to defend our territory from the big kids. There were 13 year olds with plastic bags full. There should be a cut off on age and eggs. You barely have enough time to get the eggs and take pics and have a full memory. But we still had fun, Ry of course didn't notice all the other commotion. We were the last to leave the field. He was running in circles singing and dancing while he heard the rest of the music playing for the next group.
He thought he was such a big boy running around with his basket. It has become a fun (for him) game at the house now, to dump the eggs then wear the basket on our head the put the eggs back in the basket!

first trip to the zoo this year...

2009-04-04T07:26:00.005-05:00

and many many more to come!!!

My mom decided to take an unexpected day off work on Friday to watch Ryan in the morning while I worked, then she decided we should all go to The Zoo. I must admit, at first I really didn't want to go, but I didn't want to miss it either (you know how nosey I am, I can't miss a thing). I don't like to do a lot on Fridays, it makes my weekend go by so fast, then it is Monday again. Plus we are so busy once again this weekend...I must slow down!

This year is going to be so much fun for the zoo, we had tons of fun last year, but he is just at a better age for it all now. I know, I know, we have to stop spiking the hair, or atleast do it different. His hair cut has turned out to be pretty bad after all, and the spiking helps hide it. And after Matt saw these pics, he said "that's it the spiking is over", but I am going t secretly do it again today while he is at class, but try on a much smaller scale...its a little rough when your running through the house trying to rub sticky gel in his hair.

Then came the elephants...need I say more. This child is in-love with them. We spent most of the day with the elephants. It was a good day for it too, they were all out...well we didn't get to see Raja, but all the females we did...including the two new babies, Maliha and Jade. I think if we would have let him stay there all day with them and then come back to get him, he would have been in the same spot.Of course we all had to share a sweet treat...he is lovin' this chocolate thing. But thats okay, 3 big bites for me, 1 small bite for him!We stopped by the elephant gift shop, and he just went crazy...so did grandma. He got two books, a shirt and a elephant toy! But of course the main book that he wanted was the elephant fact book, with all the real pics, it looks like a National Geographic book. He is so smart, his mommy on the other hand picked out "how to poo at the zoo"book...it is so funny :) Well needless to say, this book has not left his hands!Then the real fun began...we met Dolce! She is a little 2 1/2 year old that Ry met. They were identical in their playing habits. He ofcouse found his stage (a sewer lid) to dance and sing on. Then here come Dolce, they were taking turns doing THE EXACT SAME THING ( exact same moves and everything), so of course I asked her mom if she did this often, and her reply was " any thing that looks like a stage" my heart skipped a beat. Then they ran and ran chasing each other, hiding in corners, climbing on rocks to sit next to each other. We kept saying, "okay kids its time to go", but they would just run off together. They would not even give each other hugs...they did not want to leave each other at all. Ryan is such a huge hug and kiss giver, so it was surprising he would not do this, but he did not want to leave her.... it was all so incredibly sweet. Maybe one day Ryan and Dolce can meet up again :)

Can't wait to go back in May with Matt and get to spend the whole day at The Zoo !!!

Last 72 hours

2009-03-29T15:21:00.005-05:00

Thursday night we had this guy from Saladmasters come over and cook us a gourmet meal. (I won it at the Working Womens Survival Show...I think most did). But I was excited, I love stuff like this and since I was given very strict instructions not to sign up for anything, this worked well since I "won" it!

Well Brian came out and made us his gourmet meal from his $10,000 pot set. That's right, $10,000. I must say, it was all very impressive, I would love to have the set, but I would love to have a brand new car...and that would only cost a few thousand more!

The dinner was good, it was a little weird having him do all this but, hey it was free and my parents and brother got to join us. I felt a little bad that he made no money, but I mean come on what to you expect. Oh yeah and by the way, OUR pans are very poisonous, they will give us Alzheimer's and give any future children we may have many birth defects, and could kill small animals from the vapors.

Then on Friday my aunt and uncle from Connecticut came in town, so we went out to lunch at Pappy's off Olive then to Soulard Market. What an experience...45 minute wait at Pappy's in line, then no high chair, then my dad didn't have the stroller so that was a battle the whole time we were at the market...great veggies and fruit though for dirt cheap. That will be a week to every other week trip from now on. I forgot my camera that day, so we had no pics of my aunt and uncle, which kinda stunk since Ryan and them got along so well, he warmed up to them immediately and laughed and played with him all day.

Then we all went to Dandy Inn for dinner with the whole family. By the time Saturday rolled I around I was dead. My back has been killing me lately. It always has a little bit of soreness, but this pain can bring me down to my knees. So after battling him all day Friday (which he was extremely crabby/needy/whiny that day.), my back was horrible Sat. morning, and of course we had horrible yucky weather and I promised Matt I would get his sticker from the DMV for his plates. Oh my, the line was all the way out the door. This is why I work part time, so I can do this stuff during the week, so I don't have to wait in long lines on Saturdays. Well, here it went again, it took everything inside me not to sit on the floor and cry. I had a screaming child in my arms, whaling all over. It was so quit in there so of course everyone was staring. I think it was the worst public experience with him yet. Partly him, partly me. Then when got closer in line, there was a sign that they wanted ID, of course I only had cash and the re-newel form. So I asked the women behind me to save my spot in line so I could run out to the car in the pouring rain to get my wallet, and of course she said yes, but insisted on keeping Ry with her. WHAT... are you crazy, I don't care how miserable I am or look, your not getting my baby. She looked like a nice normal woman, but that is what the last women said when she came back and her baby was gone. After I came back in she turned away from me and wouldn't talk to me any more. So I got the sticker went back to the car and cried, feeling so sorry for myself...how pathetic am I?!?

We were supposed to meet Matt in Maryville and have lunch at this park a co-worker keeps telling me about, then go get free ice-cream at Bobby's...of course it was raining so we stayed home for lunch and went to Bobby's on the way to Matt's parents house.

Matt's parents watched Ryan for us so we could go to Jason and Loni's fire dept. $10,000 dinner dance. This was the first year we bought a ticket, which is $100 per couple. Everyone has a chance to win $10,000 or $1000, and $100 and $250. It is process of elimination through out the whole night...Matt and I's ticket was the 3rd to be pulled out...go figure, just our luck. I did not take many pictures either.

Edwardsville Children's Museumm Field Trip

2009-03-26T13:29:00.004-05:00

Ryan and I went on a field trip today to the Children's Museum in Edwardsville. I have only toured it once, but never got to play there. It is a very cool place, lots of running around, and every thing imaginable to play with. We had tons of fun, I think we needed some stress relief time, we just wish daddy could have been there to have fun with too :(

Ry giving me kissy lips because he was so happy we were some where soooo cool!
In the long mirror, not only does he love to see himself, but this was even more fun to see himself sing and dance in!

In the library someone painted a lot of book titles and their covers on the wall, this is one of his favorite books, he brings it to us saying mooon, moooon!Makin' the money at the bank, he kept bring us all money...if only it were real!

Then he found the train tracks, we stayed there for quit some time, racing up and down hills, through tunnels, and all over the tracks.

Look how big my baby is...yes I am on the bottom stair taking his picture, but he looks all grown up :(

Ryan and Breonna in jail together...Ry and his girls, they are always getting into some sort of trouble.

After we left there we got to go have lunch with Jay Jay and Ya Ya (Jason and Loni), Ryan was very excited when I told him that, and when we saw them. They had an unexpected day off, o we got to meet for lunch...it was a nice treat, hopefully daddy can be there next time!!!

eating like a big boy

2009-03-23T11:47:00.003-05:00

I know this should have been happening a long time ago. And I think it might have been, but just not at my house. I HATE, and I mean hate...I know that is a strong word, but I hate it when food touches me and objects around it. So 70% of Ry's food is still fed to him by me. Every now and then we let him do the messy stuff, but when he is naked, then we can run straight to the bath.

Well he keeps reaching for the spoon and fork, and we will fight over it. I know shame on me, but I just can't stand even the thought of the mess, and the amount of baby wipes I use to clean it up. The thought of that staying on a wash rag or towel grosses me out. I would never be able to use it again for cleaning purposes.

Our little boy is becoming very independent. He always has been in some ways, he has always been very content. Well he is wanting to do even more on his own. So I have to break, I have to give in and face the mess and gaging as we go along. These last couple times, he has done so amazingly well, so that is why I think he gets to do all this at both grandparents houses.

It does make eating for me much easier, we actually ate lunch together, verse me feeding him, then me shoving food in my mouth.

bubble with our bath

2009-03-20T20:40:00.002-05:00

We found some bubbles in the sun room today, so it has kinda been the theme for the day. So we just went bubble crazy when it was bath time...the pics don't capture most of them, but it was definitely bubble mania today!!!

Thank you Corie

2009-03-17T20:38:00.006-05:00

I just wanted to thank my friend Corie for letting us spend a couple of hours with baby Chloe today. We were scheduled to watch her on Friday morning while Corie went to see her new baby nephew. Well Amy's water broke before her scheduled c-section, so we got to watch Chloe today instead. And we had a blast, Chloe is such a good baby and a real joy to play with. So, thanks Corie for letting Chloe hang out with us todayShe was really mesmerized by Clementine snoring on the couch. She would look at her, look at me, and look back at her. Clementine is REALLY loud when she sleeps...to say the least. She keeps me from falling asleep at night because she is sooo loud!

I wanted to send these pics and videos to you, Corie, but I could not get them to open. So hopefully you don't mind me posting her. These videos were to cute not to share.

Ry's new do

2009-03-16T21:24:00.003-05:00

When Matt's mom came and got Ry this morning, I asked her if she had time, would she please get his hair cut. We have been trying for weeks, but we never made it. Well I told her to go pretty short on the sides and longer on the front...well that is exactly what it is. I think I would have had a panic attack sitting there watching it. It was perfect in my head, and it is exactly what I asked for. But my heart could not handle the dramatic change from this morning to this evening. He is a boy, a big boy! I asked him where my baby went, with the tears in my eyes.

It just seems like a completely new child, till he comes up to you and smiles and says "maaa". The haircut is good within itself, but I really don't like it. I want my long scraggly haired baby back.

His hair in these photos doesn't really look like what it looks like, it is better in person.

Through this entire blog, I want Tami and Kathy to know they were thought of. I have now become the person who is being told to blog. I am always the one telling people it has been way to long since there last blog...so this blog goes out to Tami and Kathy :)

Also, I want them and others to know, how awesome our Bible study is. We are small now, but a very close and intimate group. I wouldn't have it any other way! I love everyone and everything about it. Its a home away from home.

P.S. Thanks Tami for the cupcakes, they were awesome. Ry is still up dancing and singing in circles from all the icing and its 9:45...Only for you is this allowed.

Our new kitchen table...finally!

2009-03-05T14:04:00.002-06:00

Well, after months of talking about it, we finally went out and bought a kitchen table/chair/bench set. For you who have been to our house know how little our breakfast nook/eating area is. So when we first re did the kitchen, we went to IKEA. They are famous for their unfinished, small apartment items. So we got a table the attaches to the wall and can fold down. It only sits two (if I were smarter I would have a before and after pic). It worked for us for very long time, almost 5 years. And as you know, Ry will be turning 2 in April and it was time to make the switch to a booster seat.

The table set is awesome, it fits perfectly in the corner and the bench is under neath it, so when we have people over for dinner or games, we don't all have to go downstairs, we can actually stay on the main level...yay!

Ryan is just in love with his new "big boy chair". I kept his highchair in the sun room just to be safe for a couple of weeks, and so far we have had no problems. I think he was ready to make the switch a long time ago, but mommy wasn't ready. We even have all our snacks at them table. Daddy and Ryan love to share dry cereal and ants on a long.We have also bought him a new place mat for the table, he loves to point out the pictures and tell you (and you tell him) who everyone and everything is. But the best part about it is, we found some dry erase markers....and he LOVES to color on it. We actually fight when the time is over. He wants me to write his name then he draws over it, he circles(somewhat) each characters head when asked where they are, and draws and connects everything. I don't know why this is any different from any other craft/drawing project I try with him, but loves it!!! And if anyone knows this characters name, I would love to know it, he gets so mad and just keeps pointing to him, because I don't know it. I have never seen this monster before. (Maybe that is a good sign, maybe we don't watch TV as much as I thought we did)

"Tot Time" at the library

2009-03-03T17:36:00.003-06:00

Every Tuesday morning we go to the library for "tot time". Ms. Barb reads, sings, does a craft and gives the tots a snack. And some how she manages to do it all in a half hour. Its a fun time for the tots. The first time we went by ourselves, and since then our good friends Annabel and Audrey have joined us. And Kathy is right, I have a or had a sweet baby who would just sit there and pay attention, and not make a peep, and now for what ever reason he feels at the library he can show off his true colors. He is the child wanting to run from one end of the room to the other, while the rest sit there like good little tots. But we are continuing this adventure because he truly does have a good time!

Every week they have made some sort of animal, and he has done really good with putting the pieces where they go. Well Ms. Barb really encourages the tots to do most of it themselves. So this week the topic was 'helpers', and Ryan did make his police car, but your first response would be, "what is that?" Notice all the other kids sitting paying attention!
The first day we went it was raining...and he INSISTED and carrying the umbrella, while I got all wet, but it was super cute.

not to much

2009-02-24T14:07:00.002-06:00

Well, it has been over a week since my last blog. I never thought that would be possible. I used to feel like I could blog multiple times a day. Now its been over a week. But you know honestly nothing has been going on lately, at least not blog worthy.

Now that doesn't mean that were bored, because that is the only thing we are not! We have been sick, not having normal sleep schedule, not eating normally, and just turning into in the "terrible two's" phase. So sure I could get on here and blog several times a day just to vent, and I mean several. Like last Friday I thought for sure someone was going to get hurt badly...either Matt or Ryan (obviously a figure of speech).

So I have no exciting or funny blogs, because nothing has happened fun or exciting. We are just living our lives like the normal, crazy, fun, pull your hair out family, filled with laughter, tears, and screaming.

We do have a busy March so hopefully our lives will become more exciting again...well in a blog worthy way.

post bowling

2009-02-15T15:50:00.003-06:00

We have been on a bowling league for 4 years now. It has always been on a Sunday night, which includes Super Bowl Sunday. we usually pre-bowl, but with life not as simple as it once was, we post-bowled. Which ment Ryan had to go with us. He has only went once, before he was walking so it was not an issue. Well, he is apparently really into bowling. He loved the whole seen. And in bowling you have to be courtious to other bowling on either side of you. And this includes not letting your child run rampid back and forth. Very difficult to do. We finally got bowling done, and hopefully we won't have to do that for awhile again. But I think we are going to attempt to take him bowling soon, with gutter guards and help with pushing the ball I think he can do it. I don't want to give Hi-top (where we bowl) any more of our money than I have to, but I think we will take him there, since Ryan will probably be a bother to them, they have been a huge bother to us over the years. ( I know sham on my thoughts).

Working Womens Survival Show 2009

2009-02-15T14:46:00.005-06:00

We have started an annual girls outing to the WWSS(working women's survival show). It started last year with just me, my mom, and Loni. It is held in St. Charles. Last year we got there around 9, stayed till around 2, went and got lunch, then to a movie. So it was definitely an all day event.

This year Matt's mom joined us. And we pretty much did the same thing. Loni stayed the night Friday, and the rest of the girls, along with the sitters (my dad, and Adam) came over around 7:30. I was really worried about the sitter situation since Ry was so sick the day before, but the guys handled it quit well. Matt got off school around 1 so he was able to meet up with them to take over. It was a day full of boys, junk food, and fun (not to mention the silly string he was introduced to).

Well us girls headed out. We got there about 15 till 9. It was not nearly as crowded as last year(probably due to V-day). This show has everything there. We ate tons of samples.There are always tons of free massages, including an electrical one that actually makes your arms involuntarily move (which I don't think is a good thing)Last year there were lots of nail stands. We left with different colored and designed nails, and lots of different fingers. This was the only one they were doing this year. And it was clear. But my middle right finger is still shiny, and it should last for month for only $45. (crazy people)
Both the moms with all there laugh lines being plumped out. And of course since it was a demonstration they only got one eye done...but the pic is priceless...good thing they don't ever check my blog unless instructed to.

They also had the wine bar downstairs (he he he, right Loni). I don't know how they don't expect you to get drunk. There is 3 tables, with about 3 different samples you could try a piece. With really long lines behind you, so you had to drink it fast. Wow, our heads were spinning when we go done. And that was only round one. That round of wine lasted maybe an hour. Upstairs they have different types of alcohol you can sample. I did the straight iced tea vodka (wow, powerful stuff) Then about 6 other different samples, once again you had to shot it fast due to the amount of people. We got really giddy for about another hour. It was all so harmless, but fun to be silly for a bit. This is how I got in so much trouble last year. I drank all this and everyone who wanted me to sign up for something, I did(remember the Osborne books). I can be so gullible at times...I am just trying to be nice, I just couldn't say no. Well, this year, Matt said "DO NOT SIGN UP FOR ANYTHING". I think he meant it. It was with his very serious voice. So I can't tell you how many people think my husband is a huge jerk, since he won't let me do anything...I will tell you it was a great excuse to get out of alot of stuff.

With all the giddiness and giggles, there was a sex party both as well. Of course that brought lots of giggles, especially with our 'G-SPOT' stickersLast year they had this huge air tent filled with fake money from funjet vacations. We got in line just a minute to late. Loni really wanted to do this. So it was really exciting when we got to do it this year. On all the fake money, you have a chance to win a prize. Well we both won the same thing. A sexy male wall calender. These men were practically naked. It was funny. But we both decided to give them to the older women, they were excited, besides who needs the calendar when our men are sexier then them. A wildlife booth had this little owl. He was actually really old, but no bigger than a foot tall. He was so cute...unfortunately due to the wine, I can't remember his name. Well honestly, wine or no wine I probably still would not have remembered.After we left there we went to lunch then to the movies. Last year we saw Juno, this year we saw Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was okay, it was cute, but a little played out. Then finally 12 hours later we arrived home to our guys. They (mainly just Ry) were so excited to see us. Matt thought it would be okay to give Ry the huge left over bucket of popcorn (which Ryan will not forget about, it was the first thing he wanted this morning). He shared some with Clem, it was a nice (i guess) evening snack for the two to share.Loni and I finally got to get our 'Sham Wow's', they are these really big really absorbent shammies. They are amazing. So we split the cost of them and split the shammies. They have been on all our wish lists for a very long time. Well Ryan is obsessed with them as well. We had to hide them in the spare bedroom this morning. Last night the big thing was to throw them over peoples heads and say where did they go, with the look of confusion on your face with a shrug of the shoulders. This lasted forever. I had a great time with 3 women that I love so much. It was something I really needed. Just a not thinking 12 hours, filled with pampering...and free stuff!

Can't wait till WWSS 2010!

very random post

2009-02-08T13:50:00.007-06:00

All week long, and everyday this week I was going to blog. It was one of my "goals" for the day, along with many others. It is now Sunday afternoon and I have many random pictures I have taken through out the week that was supposed to go to a few small posts. Well it has turn into one large very random post...sorry!!!

On Thursday we had lots of cleaning to do. And of course Ry was there every step of the way lending his helping hand. We started with shampooing his room. Which very fast turned into play time for him.

Well we can't forget about his FIRST bloody lip at his Grandma's house on Tuesday. This was actually his only bloody incident ever. I was so happy I was not there when it happened...even though I think I would have kept my cool better then I heard she did.

Then I was promising him I would make him a smoothie for days...he drank 3 of these cup fulls that morning alone!Then due to all the smoothie drinking he peed so much it went through his diaper and got his PJ's wet. He has a robe that he wears as a "transitional period". you know the time when you don't want to put another pair of PJ's on him but you don't want to get him dressed yet because you were going some where in a bit but don't want to get him dressed yet because he will get that outfit wet/dirty too. So this is when he wears his robe. Well he just thinks he is king of all kings and acts really silly in it. Then after only completing half of our goals we ran some errands. We were at CVS and I saw some finger paints...and I thought, yeah I am going to be that awesome well put together mom who actually has a craft planned for the day and actually does it. So far the day was going good, got about half of my stuff done...not bad I must say, considering I they have been on my "to-do" list since Christmas. Well once again I tried the craft with my boy...when am I going to learn he is just not into them? The one paint picture you see is what I did...while he is saying "no no no". The pictures actually look like he is doing them, but don't be fooled. After our wonderful day (I say wonderful because I have come to terms with the fact our day and time is what it is, it was not what I had planned but we had fun anyway...even with the left over dirt and dog hair that was not cleaned today)! So still trying to be the "perfect wife/mom I made this wonderful home made meal. I made a little chicken, it baked for 2 hours, basted and injected every 20 minutes, covered with foil when it turned brown. I was so proud, I actually thought I had made a huge step for wives/mothers everywhere...if I can do it, so can you! My chicken was beautiful. Matt comes home from work, gives us hugs and kisses, I say "how was your day babe?", all the same time pulling the chicken out of the over to baste it one last time, and so he can see it and say how wonderful I am! I take the foil off, and look up at him with this smile of achievement, and he says..."oh, that's the kind of chicken we are having" !?!

I could not believe it, but I was okay, it knocked me down to the real world again...this is just our life. And no matter what, I think every last bit of it is beautiful...especially my chicken (and it tasted just as good as it looks)!

"I love you" just isn't said enough

2009-02-04T20:30:00.007-06:00

Tonight Ry and I were hanging out on the couch. He was sitting at one end and I was at the other, and he was reading me a Barney book. When he got done, he looked up at me and smiled. It was just one of those moments. So I looked at him with with a small proud smile and said "I love you". And you know what he does...he waves at me, like I am going some where.

So this leads me to beleive I just don't say it enough. This just broke my heart. I know I say it when he goes to bed at night, but once again I am leaving him(just in his room). We definitly do TONS of hugs and kisses all day. But from now on " I love you" 's will be trown in there.

snow again

2009-01-29T08:44:00.003-06:00

Well we were able to enjoy yet another day out in the snow. Ryan is just obsessed with sNOOOW. He loves to sit in the baby window and have people throw snowballs at him, he laughs so hard.

We were going to try to venture outside in the morning, but thanks to a friends very wise advice we decided to wait till the afternoon till in was a bit warmer...so glad we did.

Our goal today was to build an awesome snowman...well I should be honest it was MY goal. What was I thinking with a 21 month old...crazy!!! I gather some items from inside to put on his face when it was done....HA, we never made it half way through the first ball. The snow was so fluffy, it took a lot to compact it that hard, and honestly I don't know if I have ever built a real snowman...its hard work, especially watching a one year old at the same time who has no interest in it.

So I gave up. We (meaning me again) decided to wait till next year when daddy can be present to help.

Elmo did get to make an appearance again, he actually became our snowman topper.
I did get him to make his first snow angel as well, it was kinda hard getting him to lay down in it, but once he was down he was okay. I had to flap his arms though, but he made his tiny little angel.Then it was time to head in doors. He kicked his feet off on the door before we went in to knock off the loose snow. That was an easy task since one of his favorite things to do these days is kick.Here he is after we made it in doors, he looks rough, but believe me, he is happy as a clam!!!

a nice Sunday morning surprise God gave us

2009-01-25T13:20:00.006-06:00

I had no idea it was supposed to snow this morning...none of us did. And man oh man Ryan was excited. We went to take Clementine outside and we showed Ry the snow, he was just amazed with it. It was too cold to keep standing in the sun room looking at it, and he pitched a fit when we had to go back in. So of course I took him to the bay window in the living room and he would not leave the window, he just kept saying sNOOOW sNOOOW and pointing and screaming. We haven't had much snow fall this year (even though it was expected to be one of the worst winters in years). So he really hasn't seen it since last year. I went and set on the window sill with him for a bit, and then I asked him if he wanted to go outside and play in the snow. His eyes got so big and his head started shaking yes so hard. He ran over to the door...oh he was so upset, when I told him we had to go change into warmer (multilayer) clothes (especially since I am allergic to the cold now). So after some what of a battle, and tearing through all the drawers looking for some warmer clothes, we headed outside. We finally got to use the snow boots I bought early in the fall (you know since it was going to be a HORRIBLE winter).

A little winter kickball in the snow never hurt any one either!And of course swimming summer time Elmo had to join in on the festivities in the snow We made the snowballs. He was a little confused with it, because we were calling them snow balls, and they looked nothing liked balls (this beautiful snow was so fluffy and light). We threw them at our cars (which looking back probably wasn't the smartest idea, now he will be throwing everything at our cars). At least he didn't eat them, I really thought that would be his first reaction to them. Now I can't wait till we get a ton of snow and we can build a snow man...but I think I am okay if we have to wait until next year! (but then I will have to buy new snow boots...ugh!)

Happy Birthday baby!

2009-01-24T12:53:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Baby!

I first wanted to give a special blog to my husband. Today he turns 28! (he's gettin' up there with the rest of us).

Matt, I just wanted you to know how much of an inspiration you are to us and many others around you. God has truly blessed us with you. You are an amazing man, husband, and especially father. Ryan is so lucky to have you as his daddy. It is so obvious every waking moment you are thinking of us. Even when Ryan is asleep, you have to go in and set up a 'surprise' for him, for when he wakes up in the morning. He will remember these things forever, and I want to thank you for setting such a good example for him. There is no doubt in my mind he will grow up to be as good of a man as you are.

Baby, you are definitely one of a kind. And I am happy I snatched you up when I did (or stole you...oops). When have been through some incredibly hard things in our lives together, and I know that you are my back bone for survival. You are my milk for my cookies (can't have them with out it).

Thank you for all you do for us!

All our love and more-

Amanda and Ryan

Sesame Street Live- Elmo's green thumb

2009-01-24T12:47:00.005-06:00

On Thursday we went to see Sesame Street Live...what an event. For you who have venture on taking your children to an event like this, you know what I am talking about...from excitement to the exhaustion. I don't know who wanted to take a nap more when it was over.

We went with The Partnership for Kids program ( the play group we go to every week). The tickets were dirt cheap, and it included lunch, and great seats! The way it was set up is, we were supposed to meet at the school and everyone ride the bus over. Well Matt thought it was extremely unsafe for us to ride the bus with Ry, with no car seat or seat belt (which I do agree with). I don't really understand how it was legal, all the kids included in this are 3 and under. So Mark (one of his teachers) slide us our tickets on the DL so we could drive ourselves (since Matt refused to go unless we could drive our self). Of course I am the one who has to do all this, Matt is just at home preaching his opinion.

Then when Julia told us we were having hot dogs for lunch, I told her that we were going to pack a lunch for Ry, since we don't allow him to eat hot dogs. Then right then and there it dawned on me...we just became "those parents". We won't ride the bus with the other 65 people who didn't have a problem with it, and now we won't eat the lunch that was included. Thank God both her and Mark are so nice and don't treat us like that...I am sure they are thinking it though.

We did have a really good time. Ryan was just in awe the whole time.

I had to compromise with Matt on what Ryan was going to wear. I wanted him to dress nicely and Matt thought he should wear an Elmo shirt. He said if you go to a Metallica concert (the old Metallica) you wear a Metallica shirt...the same applies to Elmo. Well I don't like character clothes, unless we are lounging or going to grandparents house. We don't wear them in public especially not a big event. So I compromised, he wore his Elmo jacket.Here we are with our home made lunch...I am also very happy that we packed grapes, because we were also promised fruit, and we got potato chips. We also got a rice crispy treat, and we did let him have that...which he loved...go figure.
Our poor little baby was passed out before we hit the bridge into Illinois!

Here is a short little video (even though Oscar asked us not to use them) of the show. Don't worry I wasn't one of those people who totally ignored the rules, this is the only video I took.

Sunday afternoon in a nutshell

2009-01-18T20:29:00.004-06:00

I swear I will never learn the lesson...if child is too quiet, its too good to be true,something is up! Case in point...AGAIN! He found his bag of goldfish crackers in my purse left over from church.

Tonight at dinner we had pasta (obviously)! One of those meals that child needs to be taken straight to bathtub (touching absolutely nothing), I feel like we have had alot of these meals lately. This is why I still feed him more than half of his meals...I HATE the food mess..YUCKY!!!

But tonight he got a special treat, his Uncle Andrew bought him a Mickey cookie a couple of days ago. I just don't do the sweet thing for him alot, but he had to eat it before it went bad. So why not tonight, we already had the mess from dinner, why not throw black icing on top of it. He loved it...I hope he enjoyed it, its the last one he is going to have in a LONG time!

Here is a video we also took, we are really cherishing every moment we have together, since they are starting to become very far and in between.

**special note**

Ryan now folds his hands when we say night time prayer. (I am told to say, Matt taught him this). I never thought about it, when we pray at meal time, we all hold hands, and at night we are all standing in a huddle with our eyes closed praying. I just never folded hands with him. And a few nights ago, he folded his hands together, and has for a few nights now, I just thought it was a fluke, Matt said no it wasn't. He was right, cause now when we pray he folds his hands immediately...it is soooo cute.

swim classes

2009-01-17T13:09:00.002-06:00

Today Matt started school. This semester he will be in school on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays. So I decided to start Ryan in swim classes on Saturday mornings, to give us something to do.

Its only a half hour, even though we were there for an hour, given time before and after. It was alot of fun. It was totally different then what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be lessons. But it was more activities. And all the kids were about the same age, give or take some months. There is only 7 of us, 3 boys and girls. I am so happy there were more boys, it seems like there is only girls in every activity we do.

We just sang songs, danced, blew bubbles, went under water, played with toys, and kicked balls. Ryan loved it, we knew he would since he is such a water baby. He ofcourse clapped after every song. He screamed with excitement when we walked through the doors to the pool. I am just so happy he gets so excited about all these activities...he can be so much like his mommy in a good way too!

I don't have any good pics...sorry. We took some in the locker room, but they weren't blog worthy. My parents or brother should be going in the next couple of weeks, so I will have them take some good pics in the pool!

"Time Out" time

2009-01-13T11:57:00.003-06:00

Well, we started it, we started "time outs".

I was talking to a friend about this last week and she has been doing it with her little one for awhile now, and he is younger than Ry. And it works well for them. Why I thought Ry could not handle this I don't know. Well, we have been having temper tantrums like crazy over the littlest things. So we needed a change.

This is how "time out"time started. I took a discipline class about a month ago. I really liked it, I felt that I got alot of useful info from it. One of the things we talked about was, time outs. She said 1 minute for every year they are. It may not work for some kids and we may just have to figure out what works for us.

I decided most people all have a corner by their front door (at least we do and all his grandparents/sitters do) so it will be the same spot at every ones house. So instead of having a chair, he stands in the corner by the front door.

We did for the first time over the weekend (it has been countless times since then, maybe 2-3 per day). Well, he does really good in "time out". Maybe too good...I walk him over and tell him to stand in the corner till we say it is time to get out.

My sweet sweet baby walks stands in the corner and just stands there, not a peep from him. He will even sigh half way through, and maybe rest a shoulder on the wall. But never looks back or cries. We even have to say "okay Ry you can come out now" a few times...then when he does he turns around really fast and says "taaadaaa" with a huge smile on his face. (what the heck, is it some kind of game to him). Then I tell him to come give me a hug (which he runs to us with open arms) and we explain to him what he did wrong to go in there (you know, just like they tell you to do on Super Nanny). And while he is in there we are laughing so hard (I don't think he can hear us), because it is so sweet how he just stands there and does nothing.

So, yes this is working. He is not going back and doing the same thing right away ( he may later, which he usually does). I think it may only be working because it is a distraction from what ever he was doing. And when he goes in there because he was having a fit, he is ultimately getting our attention, and I think that is what he was seeking to begin with.

I don't know what to do. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Do I keep it up? Do I try something different? Should I not be complaining?