Went to the Big D, and I do Mean Dallas

Last weekend, Jenny, Lola, Ryan & I trecked our way up to Dallas for two reasons: one of my dearest friends, Amy got hitched. And, secondly, we finally found a weekend perfect to visit Grandpa and Grandma Rudd!!! We had lots of fun laughing, singing in the kitchen, eating, watching Ryan, watching the dogs, training Lola, walking forever (I don't workout like I used to), praisng God for His works, and RELAXING! Jenny, that somes it up, right?!

Here are some pics of the weekend.

We had a blast at this wedding. I got to see lots of peeps from Baylor Hospital (where I got my first job out of college, and stayed there til we moved back to San Antonio...one of my most favorite places and people to work for)

Another one of my dear friends, Dana. I used to babysit her boy Dylan (who I better see before he gets to the age where he thinks I'm lame).
The WEDDING COUPLE!!! The evening was beautiful. The service was so nice, and yes I cried.
Dad training Lola. Amazing what one walk can do for a dog.

No more stroller for Ryan. And, no one would push me in the stroller, so I pushed an empty stroller while Sharon wrangled Ryan. Do shadows get cuter than this?!?! Kira, you're so right...it's precious.

Fortunately, Grandma is in shape, so she was able to chase Ryan down the street.

Nice petals, Gramps.

Honey, I Cooked You an Asian-influenced Meal

This is a home-cooked meal for the "working woman/mom".

I recommend the Ling Ling Spring Rolls and Dumplings...a frequent at the Tootle house. Get out your Costco cards, people.

I would not, however recommend the noodles at the bottom of the pic. HORRIBLE.

Pics of the Weekend

I've got lots. Apparently, I was very proud of this past weekend.

Ryan was half looking at Nama's books, and half watching Angelina the Ballerina con Sue y Malyn.

CIRCUS!!!! Dad bought us all 3rd/4th row tickets, dead-center, to the circus Thursday night. Always a blast, and quite hysterical, to be with the fam. My favorite quote of the night was when all the "ladies" came out in their feathers and boas, and Jenny said "That's the lady that took my ticket." I am still cracking up at that.

Sweet Malyn, always looking for her next venture.

Sue, on top of the world. Circus with Nama and Poppy....could you ask for more?!?!

YUMMY night at Scenic Loop Cafe...sans child! Neighbor across the street watched Ryan for us last minute! I was WONDERFUL to have a long dinner, get home, and walk across the street to get Ryan! Thank you Lenzie!!

He's always gotta make a face.

Ashley and Marisa babysat Ryan and Malyn for Amanda's wedding! They're heading off to Nama's house....gearing up for the adrenaline, and joy, of Malyn.

The GORGEOUS bride Amanda! Beautiful night!

Tom and I...he has a special place in my heart.

One trick pony.

Aren't they fun!?!?! I love this picture. Todd at his finest.

I mean, can you get more excited?!?! Loved seeing the Sturms.

Fun weekend!

16 MONTHS...One Word - Nonstop!

He thought he was turning 16 YEARS old. Sweet thing.

(I spy an aunt and a grandma)
I know, I know. No lifejacket. We were one of maybe two boats on the lake. I didn't LOVE this idea. But, I was needing a happy baby at this point. I know....still doesn't make it right.

This is how he "rolls". He loves playing with Boon...so long as there is a window between them.

Boon's dog bowl. Ryan's bath.

This was taken outside Kona Grill. He's trying to show off his walking to all the patrons in the bar.

No one would watch him. HELLO PEOPLE....you smile at my kid!

So small in such a big world.

16-months Chair Pics!

He had a blast with his chair this month. We're in a phase of being super hyper right before bedtime.

RYANISMS

1. He's talking more and more. (What's dat?, no no, ruff ruff, men (for Amen), dada, momma)

2. He loves to walk backwards to a step and sit down on it.

3. Loves to drive his little toy cars around while making the motor noise with his mouth (spitting everywhere)

4. We're just starting to lose the morning nap. Soooo sad.

5. He LOVES to climb on top of anything he can and look around with a big smile.

6. Still my snuggler.

7. Although starting to push mommy away. :(

8. LOVES going up and down his slide.

9. FINALLY sleeping through his entire nap time at daycare. (don't get me started)

10. Still goes down around 7pm and wakes around 7:30pm

11. No longer a t.v. watcher.

12. Loves to do the motions to Twinkle Twinkle, and Itsy Bitsy Spider

13. We're just at 21 lbs.

14. His Grandparents are moving in to San Antonio to be closer to Ryan. WE CAN'T WAIT!!!! Congrats on your new home!!!

15. LOVES anything silky and fluffy.

16. He carries Rod's clubs all around the house.

HAPPY 16 MONTHS, RYAN!!!!

"She's Just a Girl and She's My Friend...Not My Girlfriend"

Yeah right. She's already giving him directions...to the bathroom. Ryan's diaper ain't saggy from the pool.

You can see it in their eyes...

Ryan, checking out his "girl and his friend"
Ryan and I had a fun with Sharla and Abby. Always good when mom can catch up with Sharla. She's got so many great ideas, that I love to soak up everything she says. Sharla has some pics of the kids swimming...but, mostly of them eating poolside. Those two must have eaten their weights in snacks.

Blankie Frustration

Lately, he's been carrying his blanket around the house. This is his new challenge.

The Tootle Family Labor Day Weekend

After a long, stressful week, the Tootle family jetted off to Lake Placid (in our private jet no less) to see Grandma & Grandpa Tootle and Aunt Tallie. Ryan named Grandpa "Pa Pa" that weekend. It was pretty cute. He said it while we were sitting outside, enjoying the view of the lake, while sipping on our coffees.

Love this...

If Grandma Millie was looking, Ryan wasn't. And, if Ryan was looking, well...

So, the shirt's a little small. As short as this kid is (fell off the growth chart), he has the longest torso. He's in a size 18 onesie, and its even stretched.

He gave up on me.

I Must have Slept through Gustav

Only a hurricane could do what was done to the Tootle Residence. Here's what I'm turning in to the insurance company:

1. Four magnets spread over the kitchen floor, and two in the master bathroom.

2. Three puzzle boards, with only five pieces found.

3. At least two clothing hangers in each room????

4. Two piles of laundry

5. SEVERAL piles of clothes to put away.

6. Book covers throughout Ryan's room with the books in the living room.

7. Three pairs of size 4 shoes, minus their mates, in the master bedroom.

8. Two computer cords not in their drawer.

9. A cranky wife and mom...I'll get over this soon, don't worry.

10. Tupperware amongst the magnets, in the kitchen...really not the hurricane's fault. This is pretty much a staple. (I won't file this one).

11. A microwave that doesn't microwave anymore.

12. A blue slide in the dining room.

13. A good book that hasn't been read yet. :(

14. And, apparently, a child that has been declared a bio-hazard.

Say hello to our little hurricane!

SHAMU!

Shamu has never looked better. She went to Sea World with Rod and Ryan this past weekend. Sunny, rain and then sunny again. And, then a complete down pour on our way out of Sea World.

Ryan, playing the game of "Freeze". Mom won...aaaaaagain. He'll learn.
And, of course, the sun came back out. And, so did the mosquitos. Ryan and I both enjoyed the water playground. As Ryan walked around, I decided to take a shower in one of the water spouts. Felt wonderful. Where's Ryan???? Ah, enjoying his water spout. What was great about this....we ran in to Susan, Hannah, Ryan and Chrissy! So, Ryan and I took another turn in the playground with them.

Gettin' jiggy with it!

He's Gifted

Today, Ryan's teacher asked me if I show flash cards to him at home. I do...but, probably not to the extent that they're asking (not even close). So, I said "yeah, I do."

She followed with, "We thought so. He knows most of the cards."

(The kids sign back what the card shows. For instance, for firetruck, the kids hold their hand up and do a circular motion (mimicking a siren)).

Hot Shots!

Look who got a wagon ride to the pool!!!

The limo of all limos.


Fast driver for a fast wagon.

Holden thought someone dinged his ride. So close.

Ryan...trying to play it cool.


He's embarrassed. Nerissa and I pulled up in front of his friends and honked the horn to get his attention...and, get him in the wagon.

Holden got THE bus!

UPDATE on Ryan's bugs:

1. We're STILL dealing with his stomach bug. He got pretty dehydrated and lethargic. Nama had to give him Pedialyte by syringe (he wouldn't drink), EVERY FIVE MINUTES. Thank you Mom. He seemed much better as the day went along. Ate a big meal for dinner.

2. We had a little episode on Saturday at the Ellis' house. Ryan's been doing the cry where he doesn't breathe. I know. Well, I usually end up just blowing in his face to make him take a breath. Well, he decided not to take a breath, and passed out. It was pretty scary b/c his sweet, little, helpless face turned gray, and his lips were blue. Just when we thought he may have taken a breath, he collapsed. Freaked me out...but, thankfully he was only out for MAYBE a second. So, I spoke with Ryan's doctor and she didn't seem worried about it. Just said that we have to just blow on his face, and give him a nice slap on the back. GEEZ!

3. Ryan MIGHT be faking it all...whatever it takes to get to spend the day with Nama. So, we're keeping an eye on this. Nama has agreed to watch him again tomorrow so we can make sure he gets enough fluids, and rests well. THANK YOU MOM.

Watch Out!!

We've got an artist!