Mommy time. All alone.

I was really behind with work, and I had several appointments on Saturday morning. John Chris needed to make a trip to Louisiana to help his parents with some home repairs. It was impossible to get everything done if I went to Louisiana or if he stayed at home. We decided that he would go to Louisiana and take Ryland and Cooper.
It was so weird being home without all the boys, and the house was way too quiet. I was able to get a ton of stuff accomplished. I am completely caught up with my paperwork. My appointments went fantastic. The house is picked up. I cleaned out my desk, my arts and crafts chest, the downstairs closet, and gathered everything for the taxes. I even had time for a facial. Wow, I can still be productive!
At the end of the weekend, I was very excited for my family to come back home. I know I got tons of stuff done, but all I really want to do is to hug and kiss my boys. This house is empty without them.

BOUNCE!

Our local library started BOUNCE on Fridays, and we had to go check it out. It is not quite what I was expecting, but it was a lot of fun. The whole second floor of the library is pretty much empty, so the staff set up a huge play area for the kiddos. Most of the children are walking and jumping, but Ryland seemed happy just sitting in my lap. He started out super clingy and would not let go of me. I think once he realized that I was not leaving him, he began to loosen up and play. He was very intrigued by this magnet table. He is way to little to actually play with it, but it was the perfect height for him to walk around. There were around 30 moms with children, and it is a fun time no matter how cold it is outside. We have added BOUNCE to the weekly schedule!

Lowes race car driver

We made a Lowes run tonight to pick up air filters and a couple other little repair items. Ryland loves to drive the race car cart. The minute we walked in the store he was trying to grab one. We can't push the cart too fast because he is still a little small. Don't worry, we fasten his seat belt of course! I better check on our deductible.

Box boats

I started two projects while Ryland was taking a nap, cleaning out the closet under the stairs and packing a few shipments to mail. I was literally neck deep in a huge mess of boxes and junk, when he woke up. I knew he would never let me finish the project without being right in the middle of it. Instead of wrestling with him, I just sat him in one of the large boxes in the center. He was so happy and content. I completely forgot about my project and started playing as well. The big box quickly turned into a boat that slid easily across the wood "water". We just had to watch out for the bad wake. It was bumpy!

Another precious moment of pure joy with my boy. The mess finally got picked up and finished after he went to bed, and I couldn't help but think how much more fun the projects were with him.

Metro Moms Best & Hottest event

Lucky? Me, lucky? Not so much, but tonight I was very lucky. I attended another Metro Moms Best & Hottest event tonight, and I won a Baby Bjorn travel light crib. It is a super lightweight portable crib.

The party was Asian themed, and we all picked a fortune cookie and a Mandy the Panda book/cd. Inside the fortune cookie, was a fortune with a number on the back. My fortune was something lame that I don't remember, because my number was 15! I was number 15 to select an item out of 105 moms. I was in complete shock. I am never lucky. I had a great evening of socializing with other gals, and the meal was delicious. Great fun! Maybe the luck will continue......

When will it end?

Oh my gosh! This has to end soon! I can't wash laundry fast enough. Poor Ryland is still sick at his stomach. He has started eating again, but he is not retaining anything. The past three days have been extremely hard and trying. It has been over 48 hours! Make it stop!

Stomach virus X2 and an ear infection

After a very tough night and morning, I decided we should go to the doctor. Neither one of us were holding anything down, and I am was concerned that Ryland may get dehydrated. He was not eating or drinking. I tried force feeding Pedialyte, but it came up as well. The doctor said it was a stomach virus, and it should go away around 48 hours. He checked Ryland out very well and found an ear infection in his left ear. How terrible! He has a tummy problems and an ear infection. He was really fussy and wanted to be held, so we spent the evening cuddling and resting.

Maybe a stomach bug?

Something is not right with our stomachs today. Ryland and I have been sick a few times today, and it is no fun. I am not sure if it is a stomach bug or maybe we ate something that is causing us trouble. Either way, it is hard to be sick and take care of someone else that is sick.

Wagon ride

We wanted to get outside for a little bit after a rough day. We all went for a little outing when dad came home. Ryland loves to ride in the wagon, and we were able to get a little smile out of him. Cooper saw Ryland having all the fun, so he jumped in the wagon. I can't blame him. Why walk when you can ride in style?

I have no idea? Just silly

Food. Now.

"I am not kidding. Food. Now. I am about to loose it. Stop taking pictures, and give me some food. NOW!"

When it comes to meal time, Ryland is all business. If we miss the short window, he goes nuts. He acts like he is starving. Which obviously, he is not starving.

Pulling up in the crib

Ryland pulled up all the way to his feet in the crib for the first time tonight. He has been able to pull up to his knees, but tonight he gathered the courage to stand up. We were excited but couldn't help but think, oh crap. On his knees, his center of gravity was still below the crib rail. On his feet, he could very easily topple right out of the crib. Add lowering the crib rail to the list of to dos!

Great job, little man!

Gimme that duck

Ryland thinks all the toys on the floor are his. Cooper thinks all the toys on the floor are his. The tug of war was over a stuffed duck that belongs to Cooper. Ryland would grab the duck, and then Cooper would grab the duck and pull it away. He would then put it right back in Ryland's lap for him to grab again. Of course Ryland wouldn't disappoint Cooper. Ryland grabbed the duck again. Cooper then tried to snatch it away. This little game of duck tug of war entertained them both, and John Chris and I had a good laugh as well.

Bed head

Looking a bit disheveled after a 2.5 hour nap.

I could not believe Ryland slept an extra hour today. Normally I can set a clock exactly at 1.5 hours, and he is up right on time. I think he is in another growth spurt, because he is sleeping and eating like a mad man.

Prunes

Prunes are delicious! Ryland loves pureed prunes, and he can't seem to get enough of them. I am pretty darn stingy, because I do not want to create a run away mess. I think it is hilarious that his treasured treat is a bite of prunes.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

One of Ryland's favorite places to play is in front of the large mirror in our bedroom. I noticed a few months back that he loves to look at himself. He now chatters and acts so silly while he sits in front of the mirror. I read in one of my baby books that it will be several more months before he understands that the baby in the mirror is him. I guess in the meantime, he thinks it is another little boy playing with him? Kind of freaky!

9 month check up

Ryland's 9 month check up went very well. It is almost impossible for me to believe he is already 9 months old. He weighed in at 23lbs 8.5 oz and 29.5" tall. Both are in the 75-90 percentile, so he is still a big boy. He had a urine and blood test, and they both came back normal.
The bad part of the visit, shots. OUCH! Ryland screamed, cried, and quivered like a baby. It breaks my heart to see him so upset, but I know it is for his own good.

First little accident

We had a little finger pinch ordeal that drew blood, so of course we had to have a band-aid. This is the first little accident that needed a special Spongebob bandage. Ryland screamed and cried like his finger was going to fall off. It was just a little pinch from the medicine syringe. DRAMA!

Ski trip

John Chris and I went to Breckenridge for a little snow, wind, and pain. John Chris loves to ski, and we had a little time to get away.A quick snap shot before we glide down the mountain.
Brad and Chanda came along to enjoy the slopes.

Proof that I am an amateur. Here I am snow plowing down bunny slope. One of the hundred times that I fell. I had no idea that skiing was so physically difficult. I thought this was a vacation. Oh well at least I can wear pants to hide my many bruises!

By the time we had to leave, I had caught on and was having fun.

A look down on the lifts and shops.

The lodge where we stayed had a great hot tub, breathtaking views, and a very warm heater.

Absolutely beautiful!