My Mind's a Month Behind

Here are some pics from March that I've been meaning to edit and get posted. March was a fun month, then supposedly April came around. Can someone please tell my mind to catch up?!

G-ma and G-pa came in to town to celebrate Christmas...yes, Christmas! hahaha. I had gifts still wrapped for them in March. We had a great time! We stopped by the Apple store which wasn't appealing to Ryan, so Grandma took Ryan to a fountain. Body of water = great landing spot for whatever is tossable.

Look who bought in to Ryan's plea for more money to throw in the fountain?! Grandpa!

Also in March, we went to the H.E.B. Science Treehouse. Hudson and Hannah joined us with grandmas and an aunt! Fun day. I love the picture above b/c only a grandma can sneak in kisses while "pulleying" up their grandchild.

Hannah was the leader of the group. Of course, Ryan found a ball.

Very serious drummers above. Please do not bother.

Couldn't you just eat his cheeks! This is my friend Melanie's sweet boy, Hudson.

This is actually an April picture. But, it makes me laugh b/c right next to him is a stretch of grass. On that grass, are two kids rolling down the hill. So, Ryan...needing his space, decides to roll down on the cement.

Happy Fiesta to you all!!!!

Ten on the Day Before Tuesday

1. Easter was lots of fun. Always is when we get together. I totally forgot how much I LOVE putting puzzles together. Puzzle-OBSESSION. Now I'll never get my dining room table decorated.
2. Ryan was so funny on Sunday. I've never heard him talk so much in his short life. It was hilarious. Poppy and Rod watched the Masters. Mom, Jenny and I worked on a puzzle. So, Ryan wandered around the house talking to himself the whole day.
3. Friday, we went to "Open Gym" for an Easter egg hunt and then to tumble around. Ryan was the only kid who wouldn't let go of his basket after the hunt. He carried that thing the whole time.
4. Ryan looked precious in his little Easter shirt. I forgot my camera...what was I thinking??? You'll have to see Nama's blog.
5. I attended Ryan's Easter party at school. I was the only parent.
6. Ryan's almost two, and can still wear a few size 12M shorts. Depending on how ghetto-fabulous I want him to be, he can also wear as big as 2T. (BARELY).
7. Daycare told me today that Ryan will soon be heading to the next room. For which she then proceeded with "He's just not ready." OUCH.
8. We went out to dinner the other night to a place with a fun play yard. The play set is HUGE and meant for big kids (maybe at 3 and up). We let Ryan walk around it while we ate knowing that he wouldn't attempt to climb up. Silly us....not a minute after seeing him walk around, he's climbing up metal bars, spaced about a foot between each other. We hear a mom ask, "Is this your kid?" Two moms had surrounded the bars to make sure he got up safely. You see, his hungry parents were too busy satisfying their own needs.
9. Cupcakes or cake? Pizzas or snacks? Finish policy today or tomorrow? lights or darks first? Mickey Mouse or Elmo? Add or don't add a disclaimer? NIOSA Friday or not? Put in sod now or later? Just a few of the many questions going on in my mind.
10. My favorite...Ryan's been giving the best kisses!

Visited the Cousins

Ryan and I headed out to California to see the Arnold family. ALWAYS love heading out there. I must say, although needless to say, times have changed. My first visit out, I did a lot of walking, thinking, praying and adult talking. This trip was a full of fun, temper tantrums, fountains, bagels, beaches, swinging, parks, lollipops, diapers, cooridnating nap times, and early rising due to the time change. No, no I'm not complaining....it's just different. Stacy and I had one full 30-minute session of just chatting and catching up.

Check out the lucky guy!

The first night we were there, we headed to the beach for a fire, hot dogs and smores. I've ALWAYS wanted to do that!
Is he not the sweetest??? I honestly thought I'd never say that after the flight out to LA. (Temper-tantrum #1).

Is she not the sweetest?! We threw down $.80 to keep Ryan and Malyn happy so we could do more shopping...well, window shopping.

Earlier, I said my first time out, I did a lot of walking. Here's the Strand that I walked on everyday just enjoying some much needed Jessica-time. Someone took the word "Jessica-time" out of my dictionary. Cruel.

Ryan and Malyn swinging on the beach while Mattie Sue was at school. Stacy and Malyn met a mom and little girl who will be starting school with Malyn, in the same class! Fun!

This is at the Metlox. Ryan LOVED the fountain and playing in it. He ws soaking wet. Check out his sagging pants. So Cali.

Stacy and I went for appetizers and drinks with her friends Nicole and Carie. The weather was slightly cool, and sunny which was nice b/c we got to sit outside by a fireplace. It was fun, and a much needed adult-time. Ryan had a babysitter, while the girls went to watch a college basketball game with Boo. Fun evening.

Stacy, thank you for such a fun trip! Ryan still says "bye boo, bye boo, bye boo."

Camera Cleaning

This picture might be one of my favorites of Ryan. It cracks me up!

Rod and I at the Rodeo back in February

This kid can hang with the best of them!

Mimi and Ryan swinging and chatting.

Is this not the CUTEST little hiney?!?!

Scary, huh?! Rod dug up over 12 of these random cement whatevers. We're still not sure what they were for. So, now we've got to dispose of them somehow.

We added new fencing to one side of our backyard. The other sides to be finished in the near future. We work LITTLE at a time around here.

Ryan watching Dada build the fence, or maybe this was the day he dug up cement.

All Dolled Up

Rod and I were invited to the inauguration of King El Rey Feyo. Fun night! Very fancy!

The King, himself.

Carnival Ride

Lately, my mind's been on a carnival ride. Seriously, I cannot get this brain to slow down and chill out. Here are a few items that you can chose either to pity me, or just love me for me. wah wah.

1. Rod and I are going to a ball on Friday! A ball! Who knew people still had these things. Anyways, not 100% sure I understand what it's for (never do) but we're going. Slap on my Spanx, throw on the dress......STOP. I have NO DRESS FOR THIS EVENT! So, lunch break today I ran to the mall, and found nothing. My friend Shawna's helping me look online. I'll probably head back to the mall after work.

2. I've been doing this "new way of eating". It's wonderful, great and I'm feeling good! If I don't get to the store, I'm going to blow this thing. Sarah would be very disappointed. Although, yesterday, I worked out for 50 minuts on the Precor. Who knew that t.v. actually makes you workout. I timed my arrival to the gym for the second half of Dancing with the Stars. I was so ready to get off that thing, but I had to see Melissa dance.

3. Ryan's birthday, trip to California, work trip to Kansas City (blah), possible trip to the coast and NIOSA are all popping up on me quite quickly. So dear friends that I frequent often, just bare with me. I'll be okay after May. Until then, fasten your seatbelt, and let me talk my crazy-talk.

4. I still have two wedding gifts, one baby arrival gift, one baby shower gift to finish, and one birthday gift to purchase. All of which I'm late on except one.

5. Ryan's going to be scheduled for a new blood allergy test. it'll test for seasonal and food allergies. Hopefully, we'll get some answers soon. We were back in McCray's office yesterday. We're taking this route b/c he can't seem to rid himself of congestion, and he so easily gets constipated. So, that'll be a day off of work. (boo hoo for me, right?)

6. Our backyard looks like warzone. I'm dead serious. I'll have pictures to post soon. The previous owners had laid brick all around the yard in a fancy design. So, Rod went out there to dig up all the bring, only to find 12 HUGE HUGE cement "things" each buried about two-feet deep. I was watching him out the window pull one up, and I FREAKED out. I thought he was pulling up a grave for a pet. It is all still freaky to us.

7. The list of items to take care of in our house continues to grow. Remind me again why we opt to buy a house?

8. That's enough of me and my pity-party. Here are some pics of Ryan.

Some Chuck-e-Cheese pics. This first one is his first siting of Chuck-e-Cheese.

Look over Ryan's shoulder. The kid is patiently waiting for Ryan to put the ball back. Ryan didn't understand that that ball goes to that game. So, leave it.

Our little dancer! Shake your thang, Ryan!

Fascinated.

Ryan and Hudson enjoying some fine mulsh, while we enjoy a fine margarita/beer.

Ten on Friday

1. So, I'm sitting on my couch, working on my computer (Facebook), and not two feet to the left of me is Ryan STANDING on the coffee table. Standing on tables? Hadn't thoughtof that one. He used his "Cindy-chair" to climb up on the table. Table and chair have now been separated.

2. Ry hearts golf in the same way I heart breakfast tacos. This morning made Rod proud. With shaving cream on his face, he had a grin from ear to ear. Between each swipe of his razor, he'd walk back to Ryan to help reposition him, correct his posture, and help "follow through". I asked Rod, "How psyched are you?"

3. Tomorrow, Ryan will be experiencing Chuck-e-cheese for the first time. If I were a betting woman (which sometimes I am), I'd say that Chuck-e was made for Ryan.

4. Ryan's friend Walker gave him some green Crocs. SCORE. I slapped those shoes on him, and he stood a foot taller. I don't know what it is about Crocs, but this kid LOVES them. We had to go "walk the streets" to test them out. Big hit. I'm going to put the blue pair and green pair side by side and see which he goes for.

5. We're back on antibiotics. Apparently, Ryan's chronic sinusitis never really went away after the third round of antibiotics. So, we're on round four to really knock out the stubborness.

6. I started a new Bible study was some good friends of mine. I LOVE it so far. It's Beth Moore's A Woman's Heart. I've got to get disciplined and do my studies each night. Behind already and it's the first week.

7. MiMi or Nama, can one of you watch Ryan Saturday night? I have a baby shower and Rod's out of town this weekend.

8. The first week in April, Ryan and I are heading out to California to see the Arnolds. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this trip. Rod's going on his "man-cation" (which he termed), so we're heading off to the West coast. My glowing, white body will provide a new source of light out there, saving millions on their electricity bill.

9. Sharla and Abby are out in Seattle visiting Kim and Scott....and, busting at the seams in jealousy. Isn't that horrible?! I'll admit...I get jealous. Doesn't a trip to Seattle with friends, to see a best friend sound sooooo fun?!?!

10. I hope to get a video of Ryan telling the Wiggles bye at the end of each show. It's loud and proud, and full of might.

Ryan's First Rodeo

Ryan said he likes the idea of rodeos. Just don't make him ride ponies.

Stroller rides only please. And, one snack trap of pretzels.

Sweet Hannah Banana Rose Bowl. She was so much fun to watch enjoy the rodeo, the rides, and all the animals.

I could watch Hudson smile, laugh, and pout all day. He is tooo fun!

Pig envy.

The ONLY child trying to climb in with PIGS.

This part of the rodeo trip was the CUTEST. He just stared and stared, and then finally took a seat and scooted up to the cage...and stared and stared some more. He was in awe of the baby chicks.

Five on Friday

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

1. TONIGHT....Rod and I are going on a date! Wildfish has been calling my name since it opened. Now, just need to find something fun to wear! I REALLY want to wear my tights with my new boots, but I'm afraid I "won't do it right". And, Rod's never one to be in to the "trendy" fads.

2. Ryan's Valentine to all his classmates is playdough (pink, white, hot pink, and red). Big Lots, five bucks. I'm sure some parents are going to bawk at me giving playdough to kids under the age of two. They'll be two soon!

3. Rod and I have already given our Valentine gifts to each other! We were really on the ball with them. I gave me mine. And, he gave him his.

Here's how it went down....after a few glasses of wine at a Jewelry Party (Stella & Dot), I called Rod and said, "Hi Babe. Just wanted to let you know you don't need to worry about Valentine's. I got it all covered." So, the following day, Rod walks in to the living room. "Hey Cupcake, you don't have to worry about mine either. I took care of it." To my utter dismay, "Oh, really. What is it?" His careful explanation...."Sonterra is having awesome deals on private lessons. So, I couldn't pass them up. No seriously Jessica. You never see these kinds of prices." touche. touche. I would have had that exact conversation with him about something irresponsible.

4. It's so true....your kids get more and more fun as they get older. Ryan is a ball right now! And, HILARIOUS! I can't pinpoint what it is that is so funny about him. He's just got this little personality that is soooo addicting. I have to say, I had a "favorite" moment with him the other day. The two of us laid down (with his blankie) on the floor, and looked out the window to watch the airplanes fly right over us. I think I stared at him more than each anticpated plane. Every once in a while, Ryan would look over at me, and just smile. OH man, this makes my heart feel full.

5. On another note...Ryan got bit by another kid at school yesterday. The teacher said, "I didn't see what happened. Ryan just came up to me and pointed to his arm." It's a definite bite mark. So badly, I wanted to ask which kid. There are some younger kids that just moved up to his classroom, so they're all a little confused, crazy and whiny.

My Subject...and His Shoes

Ryan and I were home Friday after Open Gym. So, when he mandated his "boo shis" be put on, I decided to break out the camera, and practice. Here are a few shots of Ryan in his boo shis that FINALLY fit him. We've been waiting for this day.

Picking up the Slack for the Arnolds

I'm missing my nieces. And, Stacy has been less than stellar at blogging lately. Actually, I'm just extremely bored. Ryan and I are quarantined off from others. Sick boy. Rod's in Dallas for a wedding and we're on round four of The Wiggles. We've watched two episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And, I've caught MAYBE five minutes of the news.

Sweet Malyn is so sick right now. sounds like the same thing ryan has now.

FRALO'S with the Hardens!

Saturday night, we went to Fralo's for pizza and EXCELLENT company...the Hardens. Sweet little Carlyle joined us as well. Unfortunately, my photography skills weren't the greatest when trying to shoot her.

It was a cold night. Fralo's had tents set up outside, with fire pits. They also handed out blankets for us to stay warm. What could be better...crisp night, yummy wine, YUMMY pizza, excellent salad, fun friends and a warm blanket on your lap!

Mom and Ryan attempt.

Brooke and I have been friends since we were three. We met at Colonial Hills. Both our boys go there now!

Sweet Jack Walker. Who, by the way, knows the words to U2's "Elevation".

(Here's what just happened as I worked on this post...Jessica: "Rod, what is that song that Jack Walker knows all the words to? Is it Excavation?" Silence. More silence. Then Rod politely laughs and says "Elevation".) Dang, I never get the words right to ANY song.