Our First Family Seder Meal

...that Ryan chose not to participate in. He opted to play on the gym floor ...b/c he wanted to be a big kid like Jackson.
Matt on the otherhand, paid attention the entire time....to the hand that fed him. Courtney was so great to keep explaining to us the whole idea of the Seder Meal. Clearly, I'm paying attention as I try to capture the moment.

Part of our seder meal.
Ryan's Easter basket from the daycare.

Weekend Packed!

10 Things that Happened During Ryan's 10-month Birthday Weeekend!
1. Uncle Mike came in to town for a wedding.
2. Weekend started on Thursday with a rehearsal dinner, and the wedding Friday.
3. Friday, Ryan turned 10-months old.
4. Friday lunch, we went to Chris Madrid's to see everyone's kiddos. Lots of fun!
5. Saturday morning Ryan had tubes put in his ears.
6. Ryan got showered with love from Nama, CK and MK. He got a Curious George movie, a truck and his first remote control car. Can you spell S-P-O-I-L-E-D!?!
7. Saturday night, we finally settled down. Rented August Rush...I cried the entire movie.
8. Sunday, mom went bathing suit shopping. No comment.
9. Aunt Tallie and Cinda came in to town on Sunday to play with Ryan. He "hammed" it up for them.
10. Ryan's first kiss went to a Glo-Worm.

Mike getting some Ryan-time.

Mel, Angela and I waiting at the Omni for the bus to take us out to Grey Moss Inn.

Rod and I at the rehearsal dinner. Grey Moss Inn no less! It was delicious. I drank my FAVORITE red wine. The steak was amazing and the seating arrangement was perfect! We got to sit with the Sturms, the Cates and Angela. Fun night!

Waiting in the pre-op holding area. Ryan was such a good sport. He ended up falling asleep in my arms while we waited. I handed him off to the nurse to head back to the O.R. It was really sweet, yet sad, to see a precious little baby in the arms of a nurse heading to the operating room. That whole transition happened so fast that I didn't have time to cry.

Post surgery. He actually played for a while before going down for his nap. We thought he'd be tuckered out from his big morning. Just mom and dad were tired. (Remember, the wedding was the night before). Ryan's playing with his very own remote control car! CK, he got the hang of it!!! He's fascinated!

Rod and I see a little Stacy in this picture. And, the hair of Dwight (from The Office).

Ryan was making the funniest faces. It was hilarious. He's got a new half-smile. Soooo funny.

NOTE: He only kisses it when it's glowing!

Ten Tootle Things on Tuesday

1. Ryan gets his tubes on Saturday at 8am. I'm more nervous about the fact he can't eat after midnight. In the mornings, if Ryan could talk, he'd say "Leave me alone, I'm starving." (said in the voice of Chris Farley)

2. If you guys could keep Rod's mom in your prayers. She had a heart cath done today and they found extensive blockage in one of her arteries. So, they had to put a stent in. She's in the hospital for two days. Then, I believe she's good to go! We're so grateful they found this blockage before it was too late.

3. Ryan's a FOOD LOVER! Definitely takes after his mom and dad. He's been eating anything and everything we put in front of him. Blueberries seem to be his favorite. I tried bananas, but he can't pick them up off the tray. They stick so he moves on to the next things. I'll make mini pancakes (in the microwave) for him, and a few extra for me. I bought a massive bag of mixed frozen veggies that consists of little shreds of carrots, peas, corn, and beans. I think he likes all the colors and shapes on his tray.

4. I failed to mention a while back that Ryan decided he say "dada" first. Actually, soon after he started the last round of antibiotics (for ear infections), he's been saying lots of things. I think he's able to hear now. And, loves to hear himself. It is such a difference from what he was doing before.

5. Rod and I went to the Spurs game last night to help promote organ donation! It was nice to talk to donor families and recipients. Be sure you discuss your options with your family! REGISTER TO BE A DONOR!!!! As we were walking out of the game, a guy grabbed my arm and said that he remembered me from high school. I had a puzzled look and he said, word for word, "I'm the only Clark alum who has been on American Idol." I still didn't have a clue, but thought "what an achievement." He told us to look on Youtube. So, when we got home, we looked him up. Feel free to check it out.


6. My dear friend Casey made an amazing Japanese dinner for a few of us on Saturday night! I can EASILY say that her Japanese food was some of the best I've ever had. She made edemame, tuna and seaweed salad, beef skewers with a peanut sauce, potstickers, and a yummy roll. Can't remember the name of it.

7. I got some MUCH NEEDED sister-time on Sunday. Free of Lola and Ryan. Jenny met me for some coffee, then we went SHOPPING, then for some sushi! It was fun and much appreciated. Love you Jenn.

8. I'm going to confess something...I'm NOT a fan of Ryan's haircut. When I really look at it, it's HORRIBLE. I've got to find a "new lady" for him. He's still precious and beautiful in my eyes, but come on....admit it. He looks like a little Amish boy. The look I specifically asked her not to do to him. I wanted him to still look a little raggedy.

9. I wish we were in Colorado with Ryan's cousins. Who by the way, just were dedicated. Refer to the Arnold blog for the video!

10. I get to see my Ohio family in April. I'll be in Michigan for a work thing, then will drive to Ohio to see my grandpa, cousins and grandma. Hope I get to see everyone this visit. If not, I'll definitely be seeing them in July. But, I'm going to make it work. I need my AUNTIE-HUG. She's the best hugger ever.

Bath Please!

Ryan LOVES mashed potatoes. And, for those of you that have not purchased Bob Evan's already made mashed potatoes...I HIGHLY recommend it. You don't have to add a single ingredient. Ryan also enjoyed mom's shake n' bake chicken with his taters.

I picked up Ryan from school today and his report card said that he ate fish sticks today! Fish Sticks! Whoa!

T! News Weekend

1. Friday night, Rod and I had a date night with Ryan. We went to Sushihana, enjoyed some good Japanese beer, and scarfed down my favorite roll. The Duncan Roll!!! Slap that tuna on there and let's eat!

2. Grandpa came to visit us! We had a great time catching up, and eating some yummy food. Thai Pikul gave us a fabulous night, and a blank canvas for Ryan's food droppings.

3. "No Nap Ryan" went to his friend's birthday party on Saturday. Lucky us, they had a swing. Unfortunately, that worked for about 10 minutes. We stayed for almost an hour. I had to hog down on the guacamole before we left. Nerissa was sweet enough to hold him while I finished my plate.

4. Ryan also attended his first Memorial service for a friend of mine's dad. He works with me, so my boss was there. Pat was kind enough to hold Ryan for a while until he decided to scream (a happy scream, but a scream no less). So, outside we went and played with Holden and Nerissa. I saw several people from high school that I hadn't seen since high school. I was introducing Ryan to everyone. I realized as I was putting him in the car to leave...he had a big ole' bubble going in and out of his nose. Perfect rythm.

5. I found my all-time FAVORITE fried rice! Goodbye Tai Pei. HELLOOOOO Thai Pikul. They've outdone themselves. OH, and I think I'm going to be bold and say they had the best egg rolls. (So, bold of me.) I had Pad Thai, but I was more a fan of my dad's Lemon Grass somethin somethin. Man, I haven't talked food like this since I was pregnant. haha! Not to worry my dear ones. We'll be holding off on that for a long while.

6. Ryan's eating habits have been developing more and more each day. He's mastered the Puffs, and is working on more table food. He actually ate some ginger from our sushi plate. He didn't seem to mind it.

7. Ryan's cry was ringing in my ears the other night. I kept waking up to what I thought was him crying. I'd turn on the video monitor, and realize he was sound a sleep. Sort of like when you leave Vegas and you can still hear the noises from the casinos ringing in your years

8. Fashion Police: T! News Weekend, Nerissa and I have been blessed to have little babies. We still have our boys in sizes 3-6 months, and then all the way up to 12 month clothes. Isn't that odd.... yet fabulous?!?! I've been able to justify all the clothing purchases I've made for the little guy! One thing I've learned...go by the look of the clothes, not by the size on the tag. Old Navy clothes run small, Target runs large, Green Dog run large, Gerber runs small...you get the idea.

9. I checked out a swimming facility that is within walking distance from my house. I think we're going to enroll Ryan in swim classes this summer.

10. Jenny was sick all stinkin' weekend. So, no Jenny time for us. Maybe this weekend. Hope you are feeling better.

Daycare Update: I LOVE his new daycare. This month, they are taking one week to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday, as we bring his books to life for this newest generation. Your child will enjoy the special reading time as they hear the rhyme and the messages. Please feel free to bring in your child's favorite Dr. Seuss book (or yours for that matter!) as we celebrate his contribution to reading in early childhood.

Your child will also have the opportunity to experience the sensation of March winds. Birds and butterflies, spring things, and interesting insects are all in store for your child during this wonderful month.

That is just the cutest thing to me. So, of course I took Ryan's favorite Dr. Seuss book. It's his only Dr. Seuss book. And, I don't know the name of it.

Big Day for a Big Boy!!!

HIS FIRST HAIRCUT!!! I'm still cracking up when I look at these pictures. Are they not the CUTEST!?!?! He did great until she wanted to trim around his ears (which was the main reason for the visit).

Final product! Makes my heart melt.

Merry Christmas!!!

I totally dropped the ball on posting these pictures. And, they're some of my favorites. So, Merry Christmas to you all! Oh, and the one at the end, is one of my top favorites. (And, as far as Abbey and Ryan's relationship...don't ask. They hardly see each other, yet they make it work).

All the babies love Joe!

Just the Three of Us

I have no idea why, but we're horrible about getting a picture of the three of us. Thanks to Grandma Millie, it finally happened. Here are a few pics we took after our brunch at Sonterra. (not sure I've ever seen this smile on me before)

The Tootle Men

Old Man Behaviors

I think this is the longest I've gone without posting. Sorry grandparents. I thought I'd blog while in Vegas, but at the end of my days there, I was wiped out.

Here are some pics taken in February. This past month has been our most fun with Ryan. Ryan is truly taking on the resemblence of your typical male. It's just precious. :)

Ryan LOVES T.V. He watches it as though he knows what's going on.

Aunt Tallie and Uncle Chris just bought him a Vtech learning video game. It's so neat. And, it has baby sign language on it. THANK YOU!!!

Grandma Millie and Grandpa Russell bought Ryan a walker for Christmas. He walks behind it like an old man behind his walker. (Or, how Rod walked when he had his walker after he had surgery on both feet).

Ryan loves to show off in front of other males. He pulled out all his tricks in front of Holden. Oh, and they both loved the Red Carpet on E!

He loves the pretty ladies. Luckily, his Auntie is a hotty!

Ryan loves to sratch his rear. Big fan of the eczema. He knows that diaper is coming off soon. Scratch away big boy. This habit will stick with you the rest of your life.

Rod and I were cracking up how this picture came out. Here he really looks like Linus from behind. (His sagging (and, VERY WET) diaper makes his legs look even shorter)

Mom's trip in Vegas...

This was my bathroom in Vegas that I used for SIX LONG DAYS. I spy a t.v. Do you? This t.v. made my trip worthwhile. :)

My very retro-chic bed I slept in for five nights.

Toward the end of my trip, I was missing both my boys sooooo much. I actually did better than I thought. Thank you to all who prayed for me while I was gone. They helped b/c I was able to focus during the classes, get lots of sleep, and relax. And, I felt safe the entire time. Yes, I gambled. And, yes I lost money. Dad went out there with me for the first three days. I have to say...he outlasted me both nights he was there.

Forgot to tell y'all...I took a private jet to Italy. Unfortunately, I only snapped one picture while I was there. Is the Bellagio an Italian place?!?! Actually, I took this picture in hopes to blow it up to an 8x10 or bigger for our dining room. (with some cropping and enhancing in mind).

9 MONTHS

I turned 9 months old on my first Valentine's day. Nine months...what the heck?! Hands down the fastest nine months of my life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH.

Nine things on Ryan's 9-month birthday (that was yesterday):

1. Ryan had his nine-month wellness check-up. Yes, we went to the doctor WELL. It was wonderful. The front desk lady even commented on how Ryan looked "so much better"...and, then called him Linus (from Peanuts). hmmm.... Oh, and then after the visit, we were walking out of the office and a lady said to me "Is he okay" with such a concerned-"questioning my parent skills" look on her face....ROAR momma bear!!! Quickly, God started shoving grace down my throat. I politely said back "he's hungry". For which she replied, "Are you sure?" OH no she didn't!

2. Two teeth are starting to break through!! Ever tried to take a picture of a baby's mouth, opened, in perfect angle to catch a glimpse of the teeth??? Not easy.

3. Ryan got his first box of Valentine's chocolates from his teachers. You know who the real winner is here! Nama Dotty gave Ryan his first Valentine's day card. He loved it. Even swallowed his first bite of paper.

4. Ryan still has fluid in his ears. So, looks like Rod will be making a trip back to the doc's office sometime next week for more antibiotics. (He's not infected right now, and I'll be in Vegas for an entire week).

5. Ryan LOVES toys. The kid can PA-LAY!

6. Remember Glo-worm??? Ryan's got one. I believe from Pam Gray! THANK YOU! It's Ryan's new little bed-time/nap-time buddy. He gets the biggest grin on his face when I "glow the worm".

7. A new Ryanism of the month....he'll go up to a pile of CLEAN laundry, grab on to a shirt (sock, shorts, whatever), and start sucking his thumb. He'll also do this with our basket of blankets. He'll stand up against the basket, grab on to a blanket, lay his head down, and start sucking his thumb. It's sooo cute. It's a great way of letting me know it's sleep time.



8. Ryan still LOVES his bath. Daddy makes it fun. He takes the time to put the humidifier in the bathroom, and himself in the tub. No women allowed. It's their little make-shift Men's Locker Room. The two of them will just play and play. Me on the other hand....hair washed, face washed, feet washed, hands washed, bottom washed, pour water, bounce the water balls....time to dry off. I'll work on this.
The pic below was taken right after he finished a teething buscuit. Ryan couldn't decide whether to look at the water pouring, or the shadow on the wall.
9. The doc was happy about his growth in length. And, was okay with his lack of weight gain b/c of all his illnesses the past two months. Get this....she wants him in the toddler carseat. This makes me soooooo sad. That back breaking, wrist spraining device will actually be missed.

Kickin' it Old School

These were MY slides when I was in preschool and kindergarten. I remember when they put the swirly slide in. This is one of the playgrounds at Ryan's new school. I teared up when I drove by this playground and saw that they still had my slides.

Kim, Stacy, Brooke, Todd, Chris and I all got to know these slides. I was just telling a friend of mine at work that one day, I wrote my name the best in class, so I got to wear a red ribbon. Since I had the red ribbon on, my friends and I decided that all the boys had to protect me at the top of the slide. Protect me from what?!?!? I have no idea. Nonetheless...I felt like a queen. Probably my favorite day in Kindergarten. Check out my throne.

Play & Wine Date

Megan...watching Ryan. Of course, I'm no where around.

Ryan politely asked me to leave so he could play with the boys.


The moment they first laid eyes on each other.
(No, I don't know if the correct spelling is "laid" or layed").

Of course, there's mom. Front and center for a picture.
Typical.

Child, don't think I won't grab that buscuit from you.

(Look at his poor, little eyes. Makes me sad to see him sick. He's such a sweet, cuddly baby even when he's sick)

On second thought...

This picture CRACKS me up! I should have gotten this on video. One minute he's chompin' down on it, and the next, he's pulling it away to take a look.

Shameless plug for Wortham.

A shout-out to my husband!

Love you.

Two Down, One to Go!

We ended up going the shot route. He's received two so far, and will get his last one tomorrow morning. We noticed a considerable difference after the first one! Everyone can go back to work, and go on with life.

This morning's shot was tough for me. I saw the face of total desparation. His eyes said it all. It was awful. It was as if he was looking at me saying "I CANNOT believe you, Mommy, let this happen to me again."

Can you picture this?!?! Come on, feel with me. It felt as though I had released my son into the wild with no food, shelter or clothes...and there was nothing I could do about it. Total confusion on his face. Okay, okay. My dramatic interpretation is over. Close curtain. Que the music. Applause...sorry, can't stop.

Final Days - Take 2

Looks like our little star decided to play the "sick card" AGAIN! He'll HOPEFULLY start at CHUMS tomorrow.

Here's a run down:
1. Wednesday - developed runny nose
2. Thursday - finished 10-day course of antibiotics (from previous ear infection), and now has a runny nose and puffy eyes.
3. Friday - Runny nose, puffy eyes...but mom made him tough it out for his last day at CH.
4. Saturday - Here we go again....not eating, runny nose, puffy eyes, crusty eyes, and sleepy.
5. Sunday - conditions worsened. (so he claims)
6. Monday - SICK CARD PLAYED. No, takesies-backsies Ryan. So, he stays with Nama. Goes to doctor. New antibiotic, referral for a pediatric ENT doctor, no weight gain (for a while now), stubborn ear infection, one tired mommy. Doctor decided to treat the ear infection and mommy.
7. Monday evening - Nama treated mommy.
8. Tuesday - mom works from home to care for Ryan. Air-conditioner out....we're back at Nama's.
9. Tuesday afternoon - Ryan's jumping in the jumperoo.

In all seriousness, he HAS to get better by Wednesday morning. If he doesn't, he'll have to get a shot once a day, for three days, starting Wednesday afternoon. :( I definitely don't want this for Ryan, nor does the doctor. So, please say a little prayer for my little star. His allergies are getting the best of me... I mean him.