One Screaming Monkey & a Birthday to Celebrate!

Ryan sold ten items for the CHUMs fundraiser. In doing so, he won the screaming monkey. Random, you ask? Yes, it is.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASEY!!! We celebrated her birthday down in Port Aransas! We all thought we were 21 years old. Our bodies BEGGED to differ. They remained 31....and, reminding us of that today.

More pictures to come.....
Krista, bring on the pics!

Try to guess who doesn't get out in the sun much????? It's hard, but see if you can figure it out.

11 MONTHS!!!!

11 Ryanisms We Love Most!

1. You snuggle with us in the morning and just before bedtime.

2. You smile with your whole face...nose scrunched up, chin in the air, and mouth wide open, showing off your two teeth (working on four..ouch).

3. You LOVE to share your food and toys with the Lord. You reach your arms up to the sky.

4. You love your Baby Einsteins and Praise Baby dvds.

5. You shovel food into your mouth, and then smile real big.

6. Bath time with daddy makes you sooo happy. You are a little impatient when waiting for the tub to fill up.

7. You love to grab on to a piece of clothing, bath towel, sheet, kitchen towel, or stuffed animal...all while sucking your thumb. You definitely own the name Linus.

8. You LOVE to be outdoors, and let that wind blow your lovely locks.

9. Changing tables were so four months ago.

10. You smile when we approach your classroom door.

11. You make our hearts melt EVERY day!

They Call Him Flipper

Tanning booth STAT!

He did great. Loved it. I think his favorite was when we sang "Twinkle, twinkle little star" while he floated on his back.

Gearing up for FIESTA!!!!

Here is the Tootle Week in Review! I visited Ryan during lunch one day. He is getting the savory flavors of San Antonio. Bean and cheese taco. Muy bueno. (He ate two tacos).

Ryan and I visited Hudson and Melanie. She was in town to drop him off with Jana before heading off to HAWAII!!! Girl, that blog better not read "Fun February" when you get back. Blogs require responsibility, Melnie. You owe it to us! :)

Check out Ryan's trick eye. I thought I had fixed the red eye, but must have missed one. We loved getting to see Hudson and Mel. He's soooooooo precious and makes the CUTEST faces.

Shhhh, he's performing magic. He'll be done in a minute.

Guess he didn't get what he wanted. Ryan, try it again.

So, now were on Thursday night. We're at the Garrison's house. Matty's showing off his new playset....which is amazing! Nice work Brian. We learned something new about Ryan...he has sensitive feet. Matty, the warrior, has feet of leather!

The boys are outside enjoying the most delicious grilled chicken...marinated in Hawaiian dressing/marinade. SOOOO YUMMY! Christi fed Ryan spaghetti, and Courtney fed him raisins and lima beans. She fed me a lima bean as well, but I'm not a fan.

We had a great week in the Tootle household. The maid came yesterday so the house is clean, and we're ready to enjoy a fun weekend. Ryan starts swim lessons today at 5pm. We'll definitely have pictures of Flipper.

Morning Mimosas & French Toast Ciabatta Bread

Saturday morning, Ryan and I hosted a breakfast! He said no to the mimosas, and mom said, "well, yes of course." We celebrated Jennifer and Henry! Lot's of fun. The food was AMAZING! Casey brought her fluffy quiche (that I'm addicted to), Nerissa brought the fruit salad, Brooke brought the cinnamon rolls, and Jen brought the OJ and champagne. I made ciabatta bread french toast that is to die for! Recipe compliments of Carrie, I think? Stacy?

Missing in the picture are Casey and Marisa. Casey's taking the picture, and well Marisa...running a little late. Surprise. Casey, correct me if I'm wrong...she was two hours late??? Love you Ris.

Easter Time is the Time of Year...

...and, the time of year is Easter time! Mom, why does that ring in my ears?? Did you used to sing that to us? So, the picture below truly captures Ryan's bunny photo shoot. He could not stop staring at that 1980s bunny. Time to update the bunny, and the background. But, the kid's cute.

The family at lunch.

The Tootlemen.

Here's where the brunch got super entertaining...for all the tables around us. Ryan was a bit fussy at the end of the meal, so I walked him over to the window to look outside. He could not get enough of this window. I soon realized how fun it would be to play with him on the other side of the glass.

As I was walking up to the window, these two little kids are walking up to it, saying "Mom, look. It's a baby." They were fascinated. It was as though there was a puppy in the window that they wanted to buy. Ryan LOVED these two little kids.

My sweet sister and I. I had to crop this picture due to the unpainted toenails.

One, little two, little three little easter baskets! Way to go Ryan!

Ryan, you have something on your back.

No, I'm serious. You really do.

HAPPY EASTER!!

Ryan LOVED the Easter Bunny! Seriously. He could not keep his eyes off of him. We had to do everything we could to get him to look at the camera.

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.