Sonogram

I am a little over the half way point of being pregnant. It amazes me that the time has gone by so darn fast. I had my sonogram and doctor appointment today, and we were able to take another peek at our little bambino. The tech confirmed that we are expecting a boy and gave us another shot of his parts. Ryland was at home with Lizzie, and John Chris and I had plenty of time to check out #2 without disruption.

After the sonogram, I met with the nurse practitioner. I swore after my last visit with her about 4 years ago that I would never see her again. I was quickly reminded of why I dislike her so much. Absolutely harsh and no bedside manner! She informed me that they could not see the baby's kidneys, so I would need to come back for another sonogram in 4 weeks. If they couldn't see the kidneys on that visit, they would send me to a specialist. Not to worry.

Well, how can I possibly not worry? I will be worried sick for the next 4 weeks, and I will be in a complete tizzy the day of the sonogram. We just pray that everything is normal and put our trust in the Lord.

Ice Cream

We had a wonderful visitor this week, and we can't even begin to thank her for all the hard work and help. Lizzie, John Chris's mom, spent a few days playing with Ryland and helping us with house projects. After a long, hard day we had a pizza dinner with ice cream for dessert. Ryland and Lizzie shared a cold treat after a fun filled day.

I am completely wiped out at this point, because I have been fighting a nasty stomach bug that Ryland catches and then Lizzie catches. Yuck!

Pumpkin Patch

Ryland and I headed to the Pumpkin Patch to meet up with the MOPS group and have a little fun. It was a warm afternoon in the sun, and it was pretty hard to think about the great fall weather. Ryland had fun riding the miniature tractors and soaking up the sun.
The pumpkins did not interest Ryland one bit. There was just too much other stuff around to even glance their direction.

One of the antique tractors on display. It looks like Ryland knows what he is doing. Notice his left hand on the gear shift. How did he know?

Silly cowboy!

Figuring out the the hay maize.

Ryland never even hesitated on the slide. He climbed right up there and slide right down. He is a dare devil. We have our hands full with the constant climbing and pushing the envelope.

Basketball goal

When I picked Ryland up from school today, he was playing basketball. He was having a blast, and his teacher said he had bee playing for awhile and was pretty good. He had to show me his mad ball skills before we left. I have to admit he was enjoying it, and I thought he would love a goal at home. We picked one up on the way home, and we played all evening. Ryland loves basketball.

Don't you just love our court? No baseboards and painted spots. Sweet.

Fire station field trip

The mom's group had a field trip at the fire station today, and it was super cool. We were able to play on the trucks and hang out with the firemen. Ryland thought the big truck was interesting and liked to mess with all the gadgets.
I can only imagine how big the trucks look to a 1.5 year old. Ryland and Harker looked at the truck with pure amazement. Ahhh, to be a kid again.

Ryland wanted to hear the siren, and he did get his wish. After about 25 minutes, the station received a call about a fire alarm at a business. It was crazy to see all the moms grabbing their little ones, and the firemen loading in the truck so quickly. Off they went with the sirens blasting. The smile on Ryland's face was priceless. He screeched like a siren all the way home.

Gotta be like dad

John Chris and I wanted to finish the paint in the study today since only the ceiling, above the bookshelves, and around the trim were left. I stepped out of the room just for a moment, and Ryland decided to take over the job. He climbed up the step ladder and was helping dad finish. He really wants to do whatever his dad is doing - only without pants.

Chuck E Cheese's

John Chris and I wanted to get out of the house and do something fun with Ryland tonight. We thought Chuck E Cheese's would be perfect, and we just knew Ryland would have a blast. I saw this picture sketch machine, and I was insistent that we get a picture of the three of us. Needless to say, Ryland wasn't happy about it. It only took about 15 seconds to pose, and he wasn't going to have it. I love that our cherished take home memento shows him having a fit. Priceless.
Taking a ride with Chuck E.

This ride was NOT a hit. Ryland started screaming immediately when it started moving.

This toy was in the toddler section, but it looks like John Chris was more intrigued. Ryland has already wondered off.

OK, who is actually playing this game? Isn't it cute?

Mommy showed Ryland how to drive. Pretty darn scary. I hope he wasn't taking notes.

We all had a blast playing and hanging out tonight, and we will definitely come play again.

Well check

Ryland had his 18 month well check today with the pediatrician. When we pulled up to the office, he noticed the large blow up skull beside the building. He walking right over to it, pointing and talking. I would think that spiders crawling on a skull would be a little creepy for little kids, but maybe that is just me. ???? Anyway, I must be wrong because Ryland had no problem with it.

Everything went well with the check up, and Ryland is a normal healthy little boy. He weighs 27.5 lbs and 33" tall. He has slowed down in growth and is getting closer to normal range. He is now in the 65%. The doctor suggests not to even attempt at potty training right now, because he will just regress when the baby comes. She said I would end up having to do it twice, so she wouldn't bother right now. Still she thinks talking about it is very helpful. I decided to go ahead and get a flu shot for Ryland, and I had to sign a waiver. He thought he would serve as my legal counsel and make a few adjustments to the document. Such a big boy.

Blue icing

John Chris and I are trying to get the garage cleaned out and organized, so we can start parking inside. Ryland is a great helper but likes to organize and clean in his own way. We thought that a cookie with a little blue icing would take his mind off the project and give us a chance to wrap it up. Being the smart child he is, he went straight for the blue icing. I have to admit he takes after his mom with the sweets. I would have done the same thing.
It is frustrating to eat a cookie when you aren't much taller than your puppy. It is a hard life.

Cooper was watching the cookie pretty darn intently. He was just waiting for a chance to snatch it from Ryland.

End result, the cookie was great for taking Ryland's mind off the cleaning and organizing, but it created another issue with Ryland and Cooper.

Sweet mornings

I have never been a morning person, and I still don't think I really am. I do love the mornings these days. I just love picking Ryland up out of bed and seeing how excited he is to see me. It just melts my heart.

Every morning when we hear Ryland wake up Cooper and I go upstairs to pick up little Mr. Sunshine. He giggles and stretches, and it is just so darn adorable. He always hands me Itsy and his blanket. I pick him up for a morning hug and kiss, and he throws Itsy back in bed. We head down for breakfast and some silly time. I love it, almost to fault, because we usually play too long and have to hurry to get ready to get out of the house. Those 30-45 minutes of fun quickly turn into complete craziness. Ahh, I do love the mornings.

Power wheel fun

Ryland loves to ride his 4-wheeler. He doesn't understand how to steer, so he constantly runs into to things.
He is thinking about it, but doesn't understand yet. He knows were to find the "go" button.

Frustration. He is stuck in the flower bed. I try to give him a few tips on steering, but I end up just getting him out of the mulch.

Boys being boys

Uncle Brad and Aunt Chanda came over to watch the football game and grill out. The boys kicked back on the sofa and watched the game while snacking and drinking. Ryland was loving the guy time.

Fun around the house

We love to play in our new backyard. It has been really nice outside, but we tend to always end up by our stone fence along the back of the yard because there is a long area of shade.
One bad thing about the stone fence is that it is hard! Ryland and Cooper were wrestling over the frisbee, and Ryland bumped his head on the stone. Ouch!

Ryland and Cooper helped me install a new smoke detector in the hall. Ryland even worked on the ladder for a little while. Who needs toys?

Backseat cool

Ryland is one cool dude. He was loving life today - cruising around with the windows down, sunglasses on, goldfish, and juice. What more could you want?

Halloween pajamas

How spooky! Ryland modeled his adorable new Halloween pajamas tonight. He seemed to like them, and he turned into one silly skeleton. They are really cute when you turn off the lights. The outline of the bones glow in the dark.

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?