Bye bye wave

Ryland has learned to wave bye bye. It is like a hand making a fist over and over. He gets so excited when he does it, and he just stares at his hand. It is really cute, but I don't really think he knows what he is doing. He just thinks his hands are cool.

Perfect Sunday

Ryland and Dad are having a blast.
The boys are all cuddled together. Cooper always has to be right there with the crew.

It was beautiful outside, so we all went out to play frisbee and take some pictures.

Party with the babies

We had several friends and their babies over to grill and watch a little football. It was total craziness but a ton of fun. The guys had fun chillin with the babies, but Jackson is missing. (His mom must have been taking care of a diaper.)
Ella was chowing down on some tasty food. Aunt Chanda had a great time entertaining her while the guys watched the game.

We met Uncle Morgan at Mellow Mushroom and then traveled to "his bar".

6 month check up

Ryland weighed in at 21 pounds 14 ounces and 28 inches long, both are 95th percentile. He is a big boy!
The doctor checked him out, and he looks healthy. He can now start eating group 2 foods. The big issue that we wanted to discuss is the flat spot we have been observing. A few months ago we had to start repositioning in order to avoid being sent to a specialist for a helmet. I have been a crazy woman about this, and I constantly have been watching and repositioning. I have been ridiculous. The doctor gave us great news - no helmet! He is happy with the progress and improvement we have made.

6 month pictures

Ryland loves his monthly pictures, and he really turns into a handful. We have been taking the pictures monthly to see is growth, and it is crazy. Today he was able to sit by himself and stand up with a block support.

He is growing up so quickly.

Scottish Rite Hospital orientation

I attended volunteer orientation at Scottish Rite Hospital tonight. (Junior League of Dallas placement) I am so excited. The hospital is THE orthopedic hospital for children, and all the offered services are free. It is very inspiring and humbling. The children are wonderful, and they make me stop and be thankful for life. I am truly blessed!

Auburn weekend

John Chris and I went to Auburn with Brad and Chanda to cheer on the Tigers. We had a great weekend even in the pouring rain. Brad is a hardcore fan, so we started tailgating very early. I was shocked at the cult following of Auburn, and I even wore a War Eagle shirt!

The weather was pretty nice during the day while we were tailgating, but just as we were walking up the ramp to our seats the rain started. It poured! The majority of people huddled underneath to wait out the rain. I am so glad Chanda thought to pick up some ponchos.
The rain let up, and the crowd started filling the seats.

Don't you love our ponchos? They rock! We stayed dry and happy.

The game started out a little rough for Auburn, but they got it together and beat West Virginia.

Thanks to BJ and Laura for letting us crash at their apartment!

So very proud of my little brother!

My little brother, Clint, was named Fireman of the Year at the annual luncheon. He saved a woman's life, and he was chosen to receive the prestigious award from the mayor. We are very proud of him!
Clint is checking out his cool award. I wonder if he has a special place to display it?

Clint and Ryland pose for a quick photo. Ryland loves his hero uncle.

Me, Clint, Ryland, and Kristi say cheese.

Clint and mom.

Still sick

Ryland is still not feeling better. He has a terrible cough and lots of drainage. We have been fighting this for several weeks without success. We went back to the doctor, and I found out he had bad ear infection as well. He now is on a decongestant, antibiotic, ear drops, and tylenol if needed. It breaks my heart to see him in pain.
I have quickly learned how to give him the gross antibiotic. After one doss he spit it out in my face. Needless to say it doesn't taste that bad.

Drooling machine

Drool everywhere. Drool all the time. Ryland is a drooling machine! I have really noticed an increase since he has started teething. Do you see it about to drop off his chin?

Chillin' without shirts

The boys wanted to spend some time chillin' without their shirts. Ryland loves to hang out in just a diaper. If it were up to him, he would never put on clothes. Such a little redneck.

A tooth is coming - we can see it

Ryland has been teething for a couple weeks, and we can finally see the tooth sticking through the gum now. He is chewing on everything, but he has been pretty happy. I have heard terror stories at teething, but it has not been that bad. I hope he continues to handle the discomfort. I will try to get a picture.

Now what?

Ryland hasn't figured out his new walker yet. I put him in it, and he just sits there playing with the music buttons. I just imagine him saying "Now what?"

Sweet potatoes - yum!

Ryland had his first taste of delicious sweet potatoes this evening. I think he rubbed them on his face, chest, and in his hair so there would be less to eat. Needless to say, he is not a fan. I can't argue with him, because I hate them also!

Where is Cooper?

Can you find Cooper in the picture? He has done this a few times, and I can never get the camera in time. I finally got a shot today. Cooper is really attached to his little buddy here lately. I will throw the ball, and Cooper brings it to Ryland. It will be so much fun when Ryland can throw it for him.

New things

I made Ryland some squash baby food today in the Babycook. I just love that little kitchen tool because it is just so easy. I talked up how delicious the squash was, but I think Ryland could tell I was lying.
I am glad this reaction doesn't hurt my feelings. If only he could talk, I am sure he would tell me that I am no chef Ramsey.

We will have to try another veggie. Carrots are a no, and squash is out as well.

He thought it was gross, so he spit it out.

After all the squash excitement, he took a nap in a new place. We were playing on the new rug, and he decided to take a nap. Notice Cooper's chicken by Ryland's head. Cooper wanted him to throw it.

All about Cooper day

Since the other boys are gone to Louisiana, I had a great opportunity to spend some quality time with Cooper. He went to the beauty shop to get washed, his hair cut, and his nails trimmed. He looked like a new dog, and he smelled so good. We played with the toys at Petsmart and bought new frisbees, a new chicken, and a few different treats. We then went for a long ride. To finish the perfect Cooper day, we got some french fries. I don't think he is ready for the other boys to come back.

Missing my boys

John Chris and Ryland have gone to Louisiana for the weekend. John Chris was invited to go alligator hunting, and he could not pass it up. He took Ryland to the grandparents' house in Ruston for some country fun. I miss the boys, but I am sure they are having fun.
After I finished the weddings, I spent some me time. I decided to go shopping. Wouldn't you know that after a few hours I realized that I had only bought things for Ryland. I had to catch myself and redirect my looking. I did find a few new things for me, and I topped off my time with a much needed pedicure.
I miss my boys, and I can't wait until they come back home.

Flyers in the box

The flyers came in today, and they look great. The pictures printed well, and it shows off our home very nicely. It took me a while to actually go put them outside in the flyer box. I would like to sell, but I wish we could just skip ahead to see how it all comes together. I am glad we are not in a rush, because I have to clean up and organize our attic, closets, and cabinets. It is funny how much stuff we have accumulated.

Ryland "Renoir"

Ryland made this beautiful painting today at school. He is so talented that he paints with his feet! We thought it was so cool that they do art already. We will treasure this picture forever.

First day of school (Mother's Day Out)

Today was Ryland's first day at Stars Academy, which is a Mother's Day Out program at a local church. I had to wake him from a nap so we could get on the road. He woke up in a cheerful mood and was so happy. Ryland is in the Monkey classroom. It is really cute. The walls have hand painted murals, and all of the tags on baskets, folders, etc. are little monkeys. I snapped a pic of Ryland and Ms. Jana before he went to class. (His other teacher is Ms. Nan. I will try to get a pic of her as well.)

Ryland was having fun when I came back to pick him up. He was hanging out with another little boy playing with toys. He was super giggly and smiley.

I get a little slip of his activities in his folder everyday. It said he was playful, and he only ate 3 ounces. I could not believe my little monkey was having so much fun, and he forgot to eat.