Florida 2012 - part 1

As I write this update, Ryan is calling out for anyone he can think of.  Mommy? Daddy? Nonni? Papa? And now, Easton and Annie?  I can't imagine how they came into play.  He is so incredibly tired, and so incredibly in denial.  Nonni peaks through the door - and there he is, trying to ride the little stuffed white tiger that was his "favorite" and came home with him from Busch Gardens.  When mommy checks on him, he is offering the tiger his pillow.  Ryan has an eventful three days behind him and he's still hungry for more - I am certain nap is not in the cards.  As for Samuel, he has settled in to taking fifteen minute cat naps, which must be lovely for him.  But really, he's five months old and hasn't missed a beat over the last three days...he should be spent.

Pictures - Florida, Part 1

Ryan and Sam are lucky enough to be visiting Nonni and Papa in Manasota Key, Florida this week and every day they have been enjoying every minute (literally) of their stay in the Sunshine State.

The Rimkus family flew out of a chilly Chicago on Saturday morning.  Ryan was up and at 'em...ready to fly at 5 a.m.  He woke from his bed, with hair, fresh from a new haircut, sticking every which way (but down) and shouted "Saturday!"  He knew he was going to see the ocean and couldn't wait.  Ryan and Sam were very good boys in the airport, not uttering a peep between them as we found our way through check in and security.  Not easy to push a stroller and pull a bag, I suppose its a lot to ask that many wheels to go in the same direction.  Also not easy - carrying the infant seat, with the base attached, and Sam inside, through the airport while rolling a bag and managing all the carry-ons.  But in all, not a bad experience.  Ryan had a good (McDonalds) pancake breakfast and milk at the gate (a true traveller!) and we boarded the plane with ease (there are two sides two every story, the lady who commented that I should throw my coffee away as I had two small children to deal with and every person we hit in the face with our four carry ons may have a different interpretation of our boarding).  I don't care and Tony Esposito, who was on our flight and gave Ryan a wink and nod, didn't either.  God was smiling down on us, as there were three (yes, just three) unused seats on the planes, so Sam got to ride in style in is car seat, and got a window seat no less. They were good through out the flight - no tears, limited squirminess (I am knocking on wood - hard).

As soon as we arrived at Nonni and Papa's condo -we changed clothes and went to the ocean!  I was shocked that Ryan wasn't more impressed by its vastness, but he liked it just the same.  He had no problem walking right into the cold water...up to his waist, straight out of the gate.  Next,he was on the hunt for shells - and was very particular about what could be picked up and what would be thrown away.  All of us would pick, what we believed to be the most beautiful shells, perfectly shaped, indescribable colors - and Ryan would inspect it and declare "no - broken' and throw it back in the sand.   To me, it was funny to watch him pick up the shells and hold them next to his ear and tell me he could hear the ocean.  If he didn't hear the ocean, I would have to have had his hearing checked when we get back to Chicago.  The kiddos have watched the setting sun, played in the waves and built sand castles.  Sam, thankfully, was happy to sit in the stroller or his "pod," with his toes in the sand, when we were on the beach.  Naturally, Ryan was more interested in the cabana I brought for Sam than Sam was - and Ryan found some respite from the sun for snacks and diaper changes in his little shaded paradise.

The sun, sand and waves are wonderful; however, I would bet that the highlight of Ryan's trip so far was our trip to Busch Gardens.  Sure, he likes the animals - loved watching the fat tigers letting their bellies bask in the sun during their afternoon naps, and was fascinated by the grandeur of the precious pacaderms we only get to see in books.  But, did you all know that Elmo has a summer place in Florida?  And all his friends visit there from Sesame Street?  Oh yes.  And Ryan could not believe he was seeing them live and in person...and dancing!  He was so happy to see them and gave every single one of them hugs.  No fear, didn't need (or want!) to hold mom or dad's hand to meet these larger than life buddies of his.  Not even Big Bird, who is really...big.  Sure, he enjoyed meeting Grover and Zoe, Big Bird, and Elmo.  But he stopped dead in his tracks for Abby Cadabby.  He ran to her like you see two long lost friends run to each other the slow motion sequence of a bad/ wonderful 80s movie.  I wish I could have captured it on camera - clearly he is in love.  He loves Cookie Monster too, but not the same way.  After all the excitement of meeting his friends - he rode his first ride with his beaming daddy and loved it.  Papa said it's in his blood, and he's probably right.  Ryan excited the ride and stated, "'nother one?  Mommey?"  How could I resist?  Mommy went with on a ride that went not only round and round, but up and down at the same time.  Mommy was green aftewards, but didn't care - just couldn't believe what a brave little guy we have here.  And a brave mommy - I almost sent him alone in a kiddie canoe - thank God he was too short.  Did I really think he was ready for that?

The kids did great (again) - and napped only for a few minutes in the stroller while mommy went on her one roller coaster (daddy and papa did three).  But they were still smiling and happy after an entire day at the park...and awake for the two hour ride home...and two hours after that.  Seriously kiddos?  Get some sleep...

Speaking of...looks like we're in luck...

...well, we had a 50/50 chance :)

Happy Halloween!!

Halloween 2012 Pictures

Happy Halloween!  The boys had a great day today.  We started off bright and early, getting dressed as Tigger and Winnie the Pooh (really, as Winnie the Pooh dressed as a honey bee for Halloween - Ryan totally gets the whole 'play within a play' idea, he's very creative for a 22 month old).  Our first trick or treat stop was at Nonni and Papa's house.  Luckily, all of Ryan and Sam's cousins decided to show up to trick or treat at the exact same time!  We all loved watching Jack & Annie, Knox & Easton and Ryan & Sam play together in their costumes.  They all did great posing for pictures, and fortunately Mommy's camera takes 100 pictures really fast - or unfortunately, because that makes it hard to select just one.  After play, trick or treat and cupcakes, we headed home for naps.

Ryan and Sammy dressed up again for Grandma and Grandpa's visit - and Ryan helped Mommy open the door and give candy to all the trick or treaters.  He loved looking out the window and waiting for the next group to ring the doorbell.  Ryan has not yet learned that timing is of the essence as most of his "bye's" were said after the door was shut.  When Daddy got home from work, we bundled up in a down coat, which oddly made Ryan an even cuter, and rounder, Pooh.  Sam stayed in with Gram and Gramps because it was too cold.  Once Ryan realized he was going to get candy at every house, he couldn't wait to knock on the door or ring the bell - he especially appreciated the houses that employed the honor system, as that gave him more time to scrutinize his choices.  Clearly all boxes with bright colors win since he has never had candy :)

In all it was a great Halloween for the kiddos.  Enjoy the pictures, and there are a lot more where that came from.  Hope everyone had a spooky day!

Really...Just A Bunch Of Pictures

If you just want the pictures...scroll down.  If you want to know my thoughts on life...read on.

I swore that I would be diligent about continuing to take pictures and document the wonderful lives of both of my kiddos.  And here we are, two, probably three, months later and Ryan is out of a crib and into a bed and Sam isn't such a little peanut anymore.  Both of their baby books lay unwritten for the summer of 2012 (as for where they lay...I have no idea).  Jon celebrated a big milestone birthday.  Me?  I don't know where I am or what has happened to me!  I have spent hours trying to collect pictures from the (at least) five memory cards I have laying around my house.  Everything on them is a mess, half of them are full, and still, I can't seem to capture all the moments that I would like to.  So, I have TONS of cell phone pictures (TONS because I take 10 of the same pose that I'm trying to capture and none of them are what I want them to be).  Although disorganized, the memories are here for all to see and read (at least what I can remember).

Ryan has had a fabulous summer and continues to grow beyond his twenty months.  Many times I (and I think a lot of other people too) forget that he's not even two.  He has such a fun little personality and its exciting to communicate with him.  For a very long time he has understood (basically) everything anyone is saying to him, but its nice to hear some feedback from him.  Currently his favorite word is "pizza" (naturally - he is his father's son).  I have to chuckle when he hurts himself and says "SORRY!" to himself.  No matter where he hurts himself he wants a band-aid on his arm and we have to pull out the frozen froggie boo boo buddy.  He repeats over and again every word we say - so time for mommy to watch out for even the little "bad" words.  Ryan continues to eat us out of house and home.  I don't think there's a thing he wouldn't eat.  I tested it by giving him a slice of red onion - I was NOT expecting "mmmmmm ah-yon," to be his response.  He continues to impress me with his abiliy to match his shoes and identify the color of his crayons.  He's getting better at matching noises to the appropriate zoo and farm animals (although I think part of the problem is I'm not very good at the noises - how on earth do you make an elephant sound? and all I can think of for a giraffe is to make my neck look longer - oh well).  Ryan enjoys talking on the phone and playing with his buddies (most of whom he is related to...save Julia).  He loves to look at pictures of family and friends and say everyone's name (although, I am certain his favorite name to say is Easton, and I think we finally have him understanding that HE is "Ry Ry" not Knox. 

Sam is growing up soooo fast...too fast if you ask me.  My little snuggly baby has turned into a slightly bigger snuggly baby.  Sam loves to snuggle and loves to be held.  He is the best to wake up to in the morning.  He makes a few little noises to let us know that he has woken up and before you can even bend down to pick him up, he's giving you the biggest smile he can!  As soon as he sees your face, you can almos hear that smile saying "You're here!  I love you so much!  I missed you while I was sleeping!," - it's lovely.  Believe it or not, he is working on turning his body over, and I won't be suprised the first day he rolls over.  Much like his brother before him, he has incredible neck strength, and even when he's laying on his back...he's trying to pick up his head.  He loves Hawaiin music and has a love/ hate relationship with his favorite toy - the cupcake that hangs from his gym.  He talks so much - and has so much to say.  I love, love, love his personality and while I wish he would slow down, I can't wait to see him at Ryan's age. 

The two of them are just a joy, and if you haven't seen them, please leaf through the hundreds of pictures I've left links to below.  You might need a day (or two), but enjoy.

JULY

Fourth of July (@ Mark & Casey's) - lots of pictures of kiddos in the pool

Grinder Bash - Ryan and Knox take over U.S. Cellular Field

Easton's Baptism - Easton's baptism and after party

Jon's 40th  - Jonny's 40th backyard bash

July 2012 - anything else I could find from July (does not include photos from above albums)


AUGUST

Bugajski Family Reunion - a few pictures of a few people

Sam's Baptism - our little one's special day and after party

August 2012 - all A other August

...so if you looked at all these pictures and are wondering if I wore the same outfit to every "event" I went to this summer (non-formal), apparently the answer is yes...oopsie

I heart Ryan because...

Today, I washed all of Sam's toys.  Too bad I didn't notice Ryan was licking each one after I put it back in the toy basket.

June

June Pictures

Sam - weeks 3 & 4

The Rimkus family certainly had a busy June, lots of celebrations...and boy did it fly by!  We started out the month by celebrating birthdays and a big birth day.  Grandma's birthday was on June 2 and we celebrated by having a few beers - well, not me and Sam - in her yard and getting a pizza from the original Sanfratellos in Homewood (made in one of the old ovens).  We enjoyed ourselves, and little did we know that would be our last outing as a family of three.  We also had Joni's birthday and Father's Day and capped off the month with a surprise engagement party. 

Ryan is growing by leaps and bounds everyday.  I think he's ready for the big time, but I'm not sure what the big time is yet.  Ryan started taking classes at the local gym and is really enjoying his somersaults and backwards rolls.  He's very good at the balance beam and climbing, but thinks that hanging on to the bars is for the birds.  The main point is, he likes to have fun.  And he enjoys the fact that there are nothing but windows lining the class and lots of moms watching their (much bigger kids) flip and flop around him.  Truth be told, I think he thinks everyone is there to watch him - every so often he'll run to the window and say HIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - beaming from ear to ear as if to say, "thanks for coming to see me today!"  Speaking of speaking...Ryan has added so many words to his vocabulary.  I enjoy figuring out what exactly he's saying and am surprised at some of the words he's chosen to pick up on - "eat" "help" "water" "pool" "bubbles" "fork" "bath" "band-aid" "pee" "poop"- all very useful "bra" not so much at this point in his life.  Ryan loves being outside, and is happy with his bubbles, little kid pool and water table - although, every time mommy assembles the water table, Ryan dismantles it to figure out how everything works (this is a recurring theme inside AND outside the house, he wants the know the inner workings of everything).  Inside, he continues to love working with his tools (that slowly are being taken away and filed in a drawer for later use...like the hammer that has made some lovely marks on his playroom walls) and he also loves his blocks.  The look of accomplishment on his face when he makes stacks is amazing.  He's a cute kid who loves his new brother.  Ryan gives Sam toys to play with in his cradle - and not just his undesirables - he gives him his good stuff, like the morning we found his Louie Apparcio card next to sleeping Sam.  As a mom, I don't think I'll ever forget the pride on Ryan's face when he was presented with a "I Have A Baby Brother" button.  He wanted it on his shirt right away, and I really think he knew what it meant.  Sam is the first thing Ryan asks about in the morning (after he announces if he's pooped) and he'll stop playing at random times during the day to run over and give Sam a kiss.  We have to work on the word "gentle" and Ryan doesn't quite know that Sam doesn't want his eyes pressed or nose honked - I'll take that for the love Ryan has for being a big brother. 

On June 4, Sam came along and that's when time really started to fly.  I can't believe he's a month old already.  After spending the first few weeks sleeping...and sleeping...and sleeping so much that mom was worried, he woke up!  Now, Sam is up for a few hours at a time, and usually likes to be most active when his brother is sleeping, so, naturally that's easy on mom.  I can honestly say I truly thought there would be at least one point during the day that I would be able to close my eyes for 15 minutes - not so.  But who can complain with two cute kiddos like we have?  Sam is very alert and can track mommy and daddy's voice.  He shared his first smiles as his one month "birthday" approached (the kind where you are certain its not just gas - although those are cute ones too) and he is actually a fan of tummy time if you do it at the right time.  So far his favorite toys are a porcupine that has black and white spots on its belly and a monkey that hangs from his new play mat.  Ryan has tried to force a hot wheels into Sam's hands on more than one occasion, but I just don't think he's ready. 

Oh...and I mentioned an engagement party?  Congratulations Kevin and Melek!  I had a great time celebrating with you on Lake Como in Wisconsin.  Can't wait for the big day.



Sam is One Month Old!

Sam's First Two Weeks

Well, it was with best intentions that I began to write the story of Sam's birthday (below), but I suppose it I want to be realistic, and get y'all some pictures to look at, I better just stop trying to finish it.  In short, we are adjusting to life as the parents of two cute little boys.  Sam is a fabulous baby - we went through some eating difficulties...a little puking, a little too much sleeping (yes, everyone, remind me of this complaint later).  Ryan LOVES his little brother.  (My favorite moments so far have included Ryan getting a pin that reads "I have a baby brother."  The look on his little face was just pure pride.  He was so proud of his button and so proud of his baby brother.  He kisses him every morning and night and all the hours in between.  It would be nice to have a little more sleep (for both of us), but I think we have a pretty good schedule worked out so far.  Sam has got to meet so many of his friends and family, and, of course, everyone just loves him to pieces.

I know, the most important part is pictures...here they are (first two weeks). 

Sam's Birthday
Sam - week 1
Sam - week 2

And should you feel the need, compare and contrast...

Ryan - week 1
Ryan - week 2


Jon, Ryan and I were happy to welcome our new addition, little Sam, on June 4.  I have to admit, that up until the day before Sam was born, I would have sworn he was going to be a week late.  The long story short, on Sunday, the 3rd, I started having regular contractions around 4 p.m. and they continued throughout the night - getting closer together and stronger and stronger.  Around midnight, I decided it was time to call the doctor, and he decided it was time for me to come to the hospital. 

The first half of our labor and delivery was stressful...I had an annoyed nurse, a silent anesthesiologist and an absent resident.  The only L&D room that was available (I think) was their supply closet.  At 3:00 a.m.  I asked Jon to come up with a way of asking when the shift change would occur, and I believe I stopped myself from progressing until I got rid of that room and that crew.  I tried to sleep (like Jon did), but every time I my eyes shut, some alarm went off - either air in my IV or my low blood pressure.  Finally, at 7:30 a.m. we got a nice room, a great nurse, and a doctor that I was happy with. 


19 hours after I first started having regular contractions, it was time for Sam to arrive.  I refused to answer the doctor when he asked me if I thought baby was boy or girl, so I was surprised along with everyone else.  Boy!  Although no one cared to ask us, which was weird - we named him Samuel Jonathan and I think he likes it.  Gramma and Grampa were there waiting for his arrival and got to meet him right away.  Uncle Mark made it there as fast as his feet could carry him (intrigued by Jon's photo text with no information - no gender, no name, just a sweet little face).  Poor Uncle Randy had to wait, and wait and wait, to see Sam while he got cleaned up.  Nonni and Papa brought Ryan.  (Ryan was most intrigued by the hospital bed and loved to move it up and down.)  Right away thought, he, gave big kisses to his baby brother and brought him an elephant luvie (and Sam brought him an airplane in return). 

After Sam's initial visitors, we decided to just hang out, just the three of us, until it was time to go home.  After all, we won't be having that opportunity again for awhile ;)

Welcome Samuel Jonathan

Samuel Jonathan

June 4, 2012

7 pounds

19 3/4 inches

Adorable!

March - May 2012

(note this post was put together before today's big event...I just had to click send)

I'll start with the most important thing... pictures.  I have posted new pictures below for each month, and also included links to albums I have posted previously that fall into this time period.  Enjoy...and read on if you're interested in my thoughts :

March 18 - 31 Photos

also check out...
Sunday at Mark and Casey's

April Photos 

also check out...
Easter Bunny and Eggs, Easter ,  Rimkus Easter, Take Ryan to Work Day

May Photos

also check out...
Logan's Baptism, Nicky's Baptism


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I can't imagine that its going to get easier to keep up with the Rimkus Family blog as time moves forward.  But, its good to have a goals!  I can't believe how quickly Ryan is turning into a little boy - and I can't believe our "just" Mommy and Ryan time is starting to wane.  Every day of his life Ryan amazes me.  He's so smart, and has such a great personality.  The best part of all - he's giving really big kisses these days - and they just melt your heart.  I love you baby Ryan!  You're not a baby anymore...

As we get closer and closer to baby June's arrival, its getting harder and harder for mommy to chase Ryan around the house, or the park, or the store, or wherever we might be.  He loves to climb anywhere he can from the pantry or closet shelves (where he has pulled Libby's dog food container over to get to the next level), and he can open any door in the house (getting close to figuring out the locks - God help us).  Ryan thinks its fun to stand up in his car seat so its impossible to strap him in and given the choice he would rather play in the garage with daddy's dangerous tools and bigger doors to escape from.  Ryan absolutely loves to be outside.  We are taking nightly walks, sometimes with Libby is mommy can handle it alone before dad gets home.  If we're not outside for at bit each day, there are a lot of tears and banging on the sliding glass door to get out!  As the weather got hotter we introduced Ryan to water outside of the bathtub.  He loves the hose, his crab pool, and his new water table.

Is Ryan ready for baby?  Who knows - he knows "where" the baby is - he loves to play in the baby's room, throw his or her toys on the floor and empty the closet and drawers.  He also loves to sit in baby car seats (although he's mostly trying to figure out the buckle) and has even crawled into his old rock n' play. 

Over the last few months, we had some nice celebrations.  We had a lovely Mother's Day.  Ryan took mommy out for a pancake breakfast and then we spent the morning with his cousins at our favorite neighborhood park and the afternoon with Gram.  We celebrated 1st birthdays with friends Max and Hadley, and welcomed a new cousin to the world - baby Easton Michael.  We also celebrated two very special baptisms in May - for Logan A. and Nicky P.  I am honored to say I am the Godmother to both of these cute little boys and Jon is Logan's Godfather.  They are sweet little boys and we're so looking forward to watching them grow.

As for Libs - a little update on her.  We found a little lump on her jaw and it turned out to be cancer.  She had a surgery to have it removed, and that should take care of that.  It was as close to benign as it could be...but please enjoy the pics of her and her cone.  She's back to her old crazy self now...refuses to come in the house.  Loving life in the suburbs...in her gated yard :)

Two Weeks to Baby June...

Well, truthfully, this picture is from last week, when we had three weeks to baby june...

Five Weeks to Baby June...

Where's the Baby?

seven weeks til we meet Baby June...

Easter 2012

Easter Stuff

Egg Hunt and Basket



Rimkus Family Easter



Ryan met the Easter Bunny for the second time in his life.  The first time, he slept through it, sleeping soundly in the bespeckled Bunny's arms.  This year, Grampa gave Ryan a tip that the Easter Bunny might be visiting Gramps and his friends at the Harley dealership, so we decided to stop in and see if we could catch a glimpse.  As soon as we entered the building, Ryan took his morning poop and he was offered an office with complete with a supple, Harley-Davidson logo emblazoned leather couch to change his precious tooshie on.  Fortunately, Ryan was distracted and just missed seeing a headless Easter Bunny - who was also resting in the office (and hopefully NOT changing his diaper).  After we got all cleaned up, we headed in to see the Bunny. Ryan did so great - he was smiling and happy, just the precious memories we would love to capture, and mommy's fancy camera was stuck on macro and captured blurry picture after blurry picture.  At some point we got some clear shots - including the moments when Easter Bunny decided to clean up Ryan's ever-drooley face with his giant paw...and that was the end of that.  I don't blame Ryan.  I would have cried too.  Not even Gramps could bring the delight back...so we collected our blue bunny and Christmas book (true), and headed out the door.

Despite their shaky meeting, the Easter Bunny was very good to Ryan.  On Saturday, after the eggs had been dyed, cupcakes decorated and the steaks prepped (that's how the Rimkuses like to do Easter!) -  we discovered the Easter Bunny had hidden eggs in our backyard for Ryan to find!  How ever did he know that we fertilized the lawn the day before and to hide the eggs behind the fence?  There is quite an incline on that little hill behind out house, and Ryan had a tough time staying upright.  But he loved collecting his eggs.  Somehow, someway, he knew to open every one of them (something the Easter Bunny thought he would not be interested in and left 95% of them empty).  We must have just missed him running around the corner of the house because he rang the doorbell just as we came back inside.  Ryan ran to open the door and we found a great big Easter basket waiting for him at the door.  Which he just stared at...and stared at.  We really had to coax him to open in - and when he finally did, he had so many treasures!  Winnie the Pooh puppets, the Muppets movie, tons of cars, and snacks.  (Plus he got some very cool pre-Easter cars and an ELMO outfit from Uncle John and Aunt Cindy.)  He bypassed all the toys, and picked out all the treats - his mum mums, fruit melts, and mish mash packs.  He wanted all of them open.  On Easter Sunday he was a good boy in a VERY packed church, and enjoyed a day of Easter fun with his Rimkus cousins.  There was another Easter egg hunt on Papa and Nonni's lawn - and a billion eggs to find.  We were lucky enough to get a shot or two with baby Easton with the other kiddos.  Thanks to all who participated in Ryan's Easter fun...can't wait for next year...when there's two of them...

January through March (part of it) 2012

Month 13 pictures

Month 14 pictures

Month 15 (so far...) pictures


We've had a busy 2012 so far, and Ryan isn't about to sit around waiting for us to catch up. 

We (finally) were blessed with the opportunity to move out of our condo in the city and out to the suburbs.  We found a lovely home that we are anxious to fill with laughter, memories (and furniture) over the next hundred years.  We all made a pretty smooth transition to our new way of life.  The move didn't disrupt Ryan's beauty sleep, Jon is waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy closer to home from work (we are enjoying our family dinners every night) and Libby can't believe the number of rooms she can hide from Ryan in.

Baby June is doing just fine too.  We had our twenty week ultrasound just before we moved, and he or she was doing great.  We got some nice clear pictures, even one 3D of his or her little face.  All I know is this pregnancy is flying by for me, and baby will be here before we know it!  Ryan doesn't seem to have a clue he's going to be a big brother, but he seems to love babies - so that's a plus.  Now if we could just get him to understand the word "gentle"...

...but then again, he probably fully understands the word "gentle."  He understands EVERYTHING, and its just up to him whether or not he's going to listen.  I don't know how or where, but he has learned that doing the opposite of what you ask is funny.  For example, when he takes a bath now, he points to the sign in his bathroom that read "NO SPLASHING" and waits for you to say "no splashing" and as soon as the word "no" comes out of your mouth, his little hands start flapping like no one's business and you, and everything else, are soaked from head to toe.  He has also decided that he is big enough to crawl out of the bath tub on his own, has selected the bottom stair of our staircase as his "play area," and as recently as this afternoon, has learned that he can make steps out of anything - boxes, toys, Libby - anything at all to get to higher ground. We've got a little dare devil on our hands

Ryan can identify all the "art" we have on the walls - he'll walk around the house and show you the cross, the Rimkus family sign, and the birdies in the laundry room.  He also has a very keen eye for anything new.  I think now he wakes up looking for something new on the walls to inspect.  It is cute, because when someone comes for a visit, he will show him everything that's new - doesn't he know that we want it to appear that we just casually moved in and threw everything together?  He also might be showing off the new stuff because he's such a good little helper.  He's gotten quite familiar with the tape measure and is always helping Daddy measure.  In addition to his profciency for wall hangings, he has also worked on the installation of a garbage disposal and supervised the installation of our new fence.  He didn't like what he saw either...he spent a lot of time banging on the windows and shouting at the men working in the yard. 

Of course, in his free time, he is hanging out with all his friends.  Ryan welcomed a few new ones to the world in 2012.  Baby Logan A. and baby Nicky P. were born in January.  He has had so much fun visiting with them - he likes to touch their little toes, but the more he sees the babies, the more he wants to interact with them.  Most recently, he tried to check Logan's mouth for teeth and then tried to get into his car seat with him.  In the end he settled for rocking him back and forth, but he wasn't happy about it.  Of course, he loves to play with his "old" friends, and has enjoyed his playdates with Knox, Jack, Annie, Hadley, and Julia.  He had a weekend with a "big brother" when Chris and Luke came to town.  I think Ryan was really missing them when they left - hopefully he picked up some tips from a very helpful Luke on how to be a big brother.  

He has a lot of friends, that's for sure, however, his best friend in the world right now is Libby.  He loves to lay all over her and inspect her paws and ankles.  He gives her a hug and a kiss every night and every morning.  Tonight, he decided that he would rather lay on Libby and hold her hand, rather than mommy's lap during story time.  In the morning, he is more excited to see Libby anyone else.  When its time for his bath and he crawls up the stairs - he makes sure to stop half way up and make sure Libby is right behind him and if she's not, he calls for her.  Sounds nothing like "Libby" but the sound he makes is consistent for her.  He throws her leash on her back to take her outside and runs right to the pantry to get her a bone when she comes back in.  Its too cute.  Thankfully, Libby just rolls her eyes (that's what I see) and licks his face.

Ryan's First Birthday Party



Party's over!  A few weeks ago Ryan celebrated turning one at a big zoo animals (or safari animals, whichever you prefer) birthday party.  Jon and I hosted a party for Ryan at Nonni and Papa's house (and, hopefully, most of you reading this were there to celebrate with us).

Though it was a cold, and snowy day (as I'm sure many of his birthday parties will be), we had a great turnout for Ryan's #1.  All of Ryan's family and friends gathered in the basement for great food and fun.  It was so nice to catch up with everyone and to see all the little ones running around and playing together.  I wish I would have been a better photographer (the faster Ryan can get away from me, the less and less pictures get taken). 

By far, Ryan's favorite part had to be his birthday cake.  We got him his own little cake and he dug right in.  Now, Jon and I never gave Ryan a sweet of any kind, at all, and even yelled at those trying to give him a little taste before his birthday.  We gave him a sample on his birthday with a small cupcake, but it was nothing compared to his cake.  Nana was getting so nervous about how much cake he was eating that I had to take it away - and when I did he looked like half the Incredible Hulk (from the green icing on the cake). 

By the time we opened presents, I believe that Ryan could hardly keep his eyes open - but I know that he's going to enjoy each and every one of his new gifts.  Perfect for his new play room! 

Please enjoy the pictures...  Ryan's First Birthday

Ryan Months 9 - 12

Well, I guess things got a little crazy, I haven't updated our little family blog for way too long!  Please catch up below - lots of pictures to look at if you have the time!

link to... Month 10 Pictures

Month 10...hmmm, you're really asking me to have a good memory.  It was a beautiful October that's for sure.  We celebrated Annie's 1st and Jack's 3rd birthday and Ryan's first Halloween.  He was not too into his costume, but he let us leave it on him all day long!

link to... Month 11 Pictures

During his 11th month, Ryan celebrated his first Thanksgiving!  We had a great breakfast at Gram and Gramps house and then celebrated at Nonni and Papa's house (we had three little Indians - but couldn't capture them in the same shot).  Over the course of the month, Ryan continued to make progress toward walking.  Cruising along the furniture was no problem for him.  He's such a smart little guy, you could watch him making a decision about whether or not to take a step on his own.  He really seems to weigh all the options, and often decided crawling was either faster or safer.  Ryan also made a lot of progress on eating big people food.  He is already sick of baby food - and being fed with a spoon.  Now that he knows he can do it himself, he's all for it.  He's getting very vocal and has quite a vocabulary that only he can understand.  I can't wait to find out what he's saying!

link to... Month 12 Pictures

Ryan had a very busy 12th month.  It was his first Christmas season, and I'm so glad that he was old enough to appreciate all it has to offer - especially Santa.  He loved Santa so much, he even learned to say "Santa" before he "Mama."  He had a Santa statue that watched him eat breakfast every morning, and he was such a good boy when he met the real Santa.  I was surprised how long he ignored the Christmas tree and then, one day, he just started ripping ornaments off, one after the other - like an octopus, you couldn't keep up.  He enjoyed celebrating Christmas with all of his family. (I guess I already talked about Christmas in a previous post - who knew?

Most importantly, Ryan started walking!  Right at the beginning of December - he gave up on the cruising he had been doing for so long, and walked on his own.  Now, of course, he's running, but it has been fun to watch him get the hang of it.  In addition, during his twelfth month, he had his first haircut.  I have to admit, I had no idea where to take him - but thanks to a post on Facebook, I got a great tip and took him to a place called Snippets.  I couldn't take his little mullet anymore, so just a day before the Christmas holiday I took a chance that it wouldn't get totally messed up and took him in.  Not a tear was shed (by Ryan) and he had a great time.  I told everyone it took about thirty minutes for the haircut - later, when I watched the DVD I had made (part of a first haircut package - of course!) it turned out to be about 6 minutes and 30 seconds.  So I was a little off.  I'm happy with the results and so is Ryan - his colics don't seem to care and continue to do whatever they feel like.  We also celebrated Grandpa's 70th birthday and Nana's 89th birthday before Ryan's big day.  On his first birthday, we made an imprint of his paw and celebrated with a music set and a cupcake.

Did I miss anything - oh yes!  Ryan also made the announcement that he is going to be a big brother in June!  Mom is feeling good (about 80% of the time - the other 20% is filled with nasty headaches and extreme exhaustion, but totally worth it).  We won't know if he's going to have a little brother or sis until Baby June makes his or her arrival!  We'll keep you up to date!

Ryan is One!

It's official Ryan is turning in his belly stickers...he turned one today!  (Well, he has about two hours -which I'm clinging onto for dear life.)  I can hardly believe that a year has passed since our little bundle of joy arrived.  It seems like just yesterday we were cautiously bringing him home from the hospital, wondering if we were going to be able to figure out what to do with him.  Not knowing how on earth we would figure out what he needed, or how we would teach him to smile, laugh, play, roll over, crawl and walk.  Funny thing is - over the past year, he has done all of those things on his own (we must have had some hand in it).  Ryan is such an independent little guy and I love watching him explore the world.  He's already a little boy and this first year has gone by too fast - I can't imagine what the next year will bring.   I vow to update you all with pictures from months 9 -12.  But one thing at a time.  Today, I must say happy birthday to our "little king" (look up "Ryan," that's what it means!). 

He celebrated by laughing in his mother and father's face with their out of tune rendition of "Happy Birthday," which most of you know we torture everyone with on their birthdays and had his first taste of a cupcake.  Now he is sleeping soundly - blissfully unaware of making this milestone.

Love to all,
Goodnight!

Ryan's First Christmas

Ryan had such a wonderful Christmas season!  I'm so glad that he was old enough to (sort of) appreciate our favorite holiday.  He kicked off the celebration with a visit to Santa (with his cousin Knox).  He did so good with Santa, and was more amazed by his beard than anything else.  But Santa must of listened to what Ryan whispered in his ear because our living room looks like Toys R Us.  My guess is Ryan asked if he could get some big boy toys.  It's possible there was an issue with him still playing with toys I tried putting in his hands when he first got home from the hospital.  We had celebrations with the Wojciaczyk, Kot and Rimkus families, and we enjoyed each and every party.  Thanks for giving Ryan the best first Christmas!

Below, find links to pictures from all of our Christmas fun!

    



Santa
Christmas Eve
Christmas Morning
Kot Chirstmas
Rimkus Christmas