Wood floor

We are refinishing the wood floor in the entry and dining room and adding wood in the study, master, and staircase. As you can see from the photo, the striping and sanding is quite the chore. John Chris is changing out the sandpaper belt, and Ryland is right there to assist.

Busting a move at Oktoberfest

We wanted to get out of the work one that we are calling home and get some fresh air. Southlake was having their annual Oktoberfest in Town Square, so we went to check out the junk food and live music. After a funnel cake, Ryland was ready to dance. He started just dancing a little and before we knew it he was up front by the band jamming out with the other kiddos and the band.
This picture was taken right before he decided to climb up on the stage. Guess what caught his attention? All of the wires. I had to carry him away because he wouldn't stop climbing up to the stage level. Crazy party animal.
Little did we know, John Chris and I would soon find the worst blown out diaper we have ever even thought about. When we arrived back at the truck, Ryland had a mess for us. He had to be stripped down completely. What a perfect way to wrap up the night!

Napping on the stairs

We removed all the carpet on the stairs and are replacing it with wood. John Chris and I have been working long hard hours, but it seems like Ryland is the one that needs the nap. And what better place to take a nap? The stairs looked comfy to him.

Poor little man. This picture says danger all over it. Child napping on the stairs, nail gun, cord, boards stacked against the wall. The mess is definitely keeping us on our toes watching at all times.

My office progress

Oh my gosh! The wood floor is all in and filled in my soon to be new office. I have a little painting left to complete on the ceiling and over one of the bookshelves. I am super excited, and I can't wait to see the wood stained and my desk in the room. I am super happy!

Happiness in the mess

When I look around this mess of a house that we call home, I can get overwhelmed very easily. I just have to stop and take a deep breath. It doesn't seem to bother Ryland one bit. In fact, I think he kind of likes all the stuff everywhere, and the fun tools and supplies scattered about.
Ryland is happy no matter how bad it is. This look is one of total mischief. What will he be in next?

We are having a boy!

We had a 3D ultrasound this evening to find out the baby's gender, and we are having a boy! It was a wonderful experience, and we couldn't ask for better news. The baby didn't want to cooperate at first, so he wouldn't move to another position to give us a look. The ultrasound tech started lightly pushing on my stomach to move the baby. Ryland was standing on the stool right beside me, so he started poking my stomach also. It was his first few whacks to baby brother to show him who is the boss. It worked. The baby repositioned, so we could clearly see a penis. John Chris and I expected a boy and are excited about our growing sports team.

Doctor appointment

Today was my monthly doctor appointment for the belly bambino. Everything looks great and seems to be progressing normal. The heart rate was 156 bpm and all the genetic testing came back in normal ranges. We are almost halfway, and it blows my mind things are going so fast. We are not scheduled for an ultrasound at my doctor's office until next month, so we are planning on a gender ultrasound later this week.

New shoes

All I can say is, it's about time. Ryland has grown out of every pair of summer sandals, and he desperately needed some new tennis shoes. When we first put them on, he walked like a robot. Poor kid. He didn't know how to walk in real shoes.

He caught on fast and quickly decided he liked them especially the "cat" on the toe. Watch out. Here comes running Ryland.

Saturday in Florida

It was nice to sit outside watching Ryland play and help with the grill. Ryland totally car jacked Sienna's ride and wanted everyone but mommy to push him around.
It is Grandpa Dave's turn to push Ryland for a few laps around the house.

Guess who was a daddy's boy all weekend? Yes, it was pathetic. He nearly wore John Chris out with the whining and needing to be held. He was a daddy's boy.

Aunt Kristi takes Ryland for a few laps in Sienna's other car.

Between working on our house, moving, carrying Ryland around, grilling, and a few beers, John Chris starts to drift off for a nap. A perfect ending to a wonderful day in Florida.

Splash park fun

Grandpa Dave has awesome neighbors that have a little girl, Sienna, who is Ryland's age. They really hit it off and enjoyed playing together. Sienna invited Ryland to the splash park for a little outdoor fun. It was cute to watch them interact.
Ryland's favorite thing to do was catch the water in the plastic cup. I think he could have done this all afternoon long.

Being silly in the car

After a great nap on the plane, Ryland was awake and ready to play. The only thing holding him back was the 1.5 hour car ride to Grandpa Dave's house. Dang! We decided to play paparazzi with my camera. He really started being silly with his blanket. What an entertainer!

Flying to see Grandpa Dave

We flew to Florida to see Grandpa Dave and have a mini vacation. Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi drove over so we could all fly together. It was a rather peaceful flight, because Ryland fell asleep immediately as the plane took off.

We can only hope for another great flight back home.

MOPS

I attended my first official MOPS meeting today. I was really looking forward to it since I missed the kick off meeting due to moving. All of the hard work we have been doing on the steering committee really came together. The meeting was wonderful, and I look forward to a fun year. The speaker at today's meeting was promoting Bible verse memory and how important it is for our children. She had some great points and ideas. I love my table group of 7 mommas, and I can't wait for the next meeting.

Home remodeling continues

Another evening of house projects. John Chris and his assistant, Ryland, started chipping out the old wood floor right outside the study. We are putting hardwoods in the study, so we have to blend the wood planks with the old entry wood. We will soon be nailing down the new wood, sanding, staining, and sealing.
Ryland is right in the middle of every project. The house is definitely not the safest place right now, and John Chris and I are working really hard to get things finished.

This is a photo of the entry from the front door.

Photo of the dining room - AKA tool/supply room

Photo of the entry from the dining room. This shows the new sheetrock wall that we added to create the nursery on the other side.

Assembling the crib

Ryland's crib is finally together. Another big step in the house coming together was getting Ryland's room set up and back to normal sleeping arrangements. I thought it was hilarious how all the boys had to help each other assemble the crib. The only funnier thing was how do they get out. After some quick pictures and a laugh, it was time for Ryland to test out his old bed. He was happy to have it back.

Mowing the yard

John Chris bought a new lawn mower and weed eater today, so he could mow the lawn for the first time. Can't you see how happy he is? It may sound silly or cray, but we have been looking forward to this day for a while. We are so grateful to have a yard finally!

Napping in the highchair

This is what worn out looks like. Ryland was enjoying his french fries, and he fell asleep.
John Chris and I laughed so hard we cried. Our laughing woke Ryland up just long enough to give us the ugly look. He went right back to sleep.

We finally have a fridge! Amen!

Yes, we have been living in this messy cluster without a fridge. Two weeks of fast food and junk has us craving a real meal. We didn't expect to be without a fridge, because the previous owner was supposed to leave the fridge. Surprise! She decided to take it with her.
Oh well, we ended up purchasing a super cool Electrolux. I don't think we have ever seen a more beautiful fridge. It was so great to dump out the ice chest and go buy groceries.

Napping at school

Ryland was the last kiddo sleeping today, and he was out of it when I arrived to pick him up. I guess the nap mat is pretty darn comfy. Don't you just love the butt in the air?

Sleeping

I couldn't resist a quick pick of Ryland before we woke up. He is knocked out, and he didn't move an inch.