Hudson's Birthday Party

Ryan's best friend had his 2nd birthday party last weekend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUDSON! We had a great time. I think the dads may have had more fun than the kids...and, of course that means my husband.

Now, let me back up and talk about Hudson. This sweet boy has the CUTEST, most contagious way about him. I can't put my finger on it, but there is something sooooooo stinkin precious that he has, that I've not seen in other kids. It might be his faces he makes. Someone needs to capture them on video. They are a riot! Hudson, we love you sweet boy!

He's showing off b/c he's the only kid with Lightening McQueen in hand. Big show off.

Such a good student. Learning about the next activity. Check the feet....



Noticed how Lightening McQueen is facing the teacher as well? I've noticed him being very particular with how he sets his cars down lately.


Those baby blues melt my heart!


Daddy working on Ryan's parachute-holding skills. A key skill later in life.

Ryan's other buddy Walker! He's the best jumper! He's like Tigger! Walker started jumping around EARLY. Melanie and I would just stare at him wondering when our boys would start.

So, what do you get when you have Elmo cupcakes, and a two year old?

...a very happy camper! What was funny was that the kids kept saying "ELMO" with excitement, yet the Elmos were progressively getting distorted with the eye balls drooping.

Ryan asked if he had something on his face.

Update on #2

So, I had my sonogram this morning to make sure the placenta moved up….for which it did!!!! Yes!

Baby looks adorable. I’ve not had a sonogram at this point in pregnancy before, (usually earlier in preg and then the very end (when you can’t see much)). He’s got a little button nose. It’s really pretty cute. He measures about a week ahead of me. I’m 26.4 weeks now, and he measured 27.3. He’s positioned with his head down, and all his appendages kicking around at my belly. So, it’s fun to see all his crazy movements. Ryan had his back to my belly, so I never got to see much movement.

The funniest is that the sonographer was trying to get a picture of his “fire hose”, but he wouldn’t get his hand off of it. Typical. She was jiggling my belly around trying to get him to get his hands off. Well, after he revealed himself, it was determined he’s still a boy. Dr. Finney said, “Beautiful penis shot.” Haha. Love her.

I made a quick stop at the weight scale…ugh. Why?!? I don’t know. I just did. I’m once again, gaining more weight per month than recommended… guess I need to ease up on having dessert after lunch and dinner.

For now, I guess you can say his cravings are: diet caffeine free coke floats, egg noodles with ketchup, watermelon (ohhhh, my I’m loving the watermelon), and candy (no chocolate, just juicy candy).

For names….we’re back on Cooper. We’ve now gone from Parker, Cooper, Sam, Tate and now back to Cooper.

One for the Book....

So, Rod picked up Ryan from school yesterday. When I got home, I noticed Ryan was in a different colored shirt and shorts from what I put him in that morning. Like a total dorky mom, I say, "Looks like someone had to have their clothes changed." Rod then proceeded to tell me that Ryan asked to use the potty at school. PAUSE....Wha, huh???? It can't be time yet. So, they set him on the toilet, he started peeing PAUSE again... he knew what to do?!?!, and then the tuckus couldn't hold him up any longer. He fell in, soaking his clothes, and peeing everywhere.

After Rod told me, we both started laughing, but now I'm worried he'll be scared of the toilet for life. We have a big trip to Maine toward the end of September....diapers only please. So, I'm okay if he's scared for a while.

The teacher mentioned to me this morning that he was quivering his lip after he fell in (he would have a quivering lip if he were in a hot tub.)

That's our little story for his blog.

Six-Month Comparison, Take 2

I still say Ryan's wins.

Six Month Comparison

Baby #1

Baby #2

I might venture to say that Baby #1 provided a bigger belly at six months, than Baby #2??? What do y'all think? (I'm not officially six months yet. Will be in a week, i think)

Trip to Visit the Rudd Grandparents

We had a GREAT time up in Flower Mound, TX. If not familiar with FM, it's located just Northwest of Ft. Worth. I'm not sure who had the most fun....Gramps, Grandma (who Ryan gave many names), or Ryan. Rod and I just had fun just watching the three of them interact. Always a warm and fuzzy feeling watching your child play with your own parents.

So, the pool above was intended for Misty (their yellow lab who rightfully owns that pool). Once Ryan got a foot in there, it became Ryan's pool....and, his bath both nights.

Either he's helping with the hose to get his pool filled up, or to hint that he desparately wants a bath.

While Ryan has a fascination for balls, he doesn't particularly like them in dogs' mouths.

Ryan tried to say that he was "all kean" after tripping in the water.

Ryan's school doesn't allow baggy pants. So, we let him sport the trend outside the school.

Ryan's new trick is putting his eyes in the water. This is him coming up from doing so. Please give him a round of applause. Thank you.

So, Grandma was called many names on this trip. I think he's getting confused on grandmas. She was Nana, Mimi, Mima. On Monday, we had swim lessons and my friend Shawna's mom was in town. He gave her a big kiss when we left. Something about grandmas. (that I love so much too).

Misty and Dyna playing with a soaked Ryan.

Do these shots ever get old????

LOVE this picture of my boys. We visited the Dallas Aquarium. They had everyhing from a Leopard to GIANT crocodiles. But, Ryan's #1 pick was the spotting of Dory and Nemo.

Ryan was so pleased with himself that he "found" Nemo, and didn't have to travel to Australia to get him.

I think he was even more excited about Dory.

This was my excitement....I could not get over these fish. I can't remember what they are, but SERIOUSLY people....what if one of those brushed up against you in a lake.

I'm standing on the other side of the tank.

My little munchkin having a ball! I can't remember what about, but he sure loved whatever he was looking at.

So, I didn't know Ryan knew about microphones. Let alone how to dance to the beat of a song from The Little Mermaid.

We sang all sorts of songs just to keep him going. it was a hoot!

This was the morning we left. Ryan's just sippin' on his coffee enjoying the good conversation on what the future holds for healthcare...don't get me started.

But, when reminded what a cutie-pa-tootie you have smiling back at you...makes those anxieties go away.

Great trip....thank you Gramps and Grandma!!!!!

We Won!!!!!

Our yard is award-winning!!!! haha! I'd love to know who made such a fun sign for our yard. I started cracking up when I got home from work yesterday!

We won!!! We won!!!

Tootletot #2

I've neglected #2. And, as a middle child, I've always said I would treat the second child with all the same enthusiasm as the first. So, child's not even out of the womb, and I've already neglected to update you all on this precious, little toot that's cooking away.

As you can see in the picture on the right, I'm in full form. FULL FORM. I'm not even six months yet. (Here I go...making it about me and not the baby). But, one more thing...I gained six lbs in the past four weeks. (Should only be gaining a pound a week....i love food).

So, Tootletot #2:
-We're on a new name for you. Really liking Cooper for your first name. What do you think?
-You move around much more than Ryan...are you preparing me for something????
-At night, I pray for you to have a humbled heart, to love Jesus, to be wise, and to be a laid back kid like your brother. :) (just a few of my prayers for you).
-We'll love you know matter your hyperactivity level.
-Your middle name is Stewart...Grandpa's name.
-You're measuring in appropriately at each appointment, and have a great heartbeat.
-You provide lots of indigestion and heartburn to your momma...but, Pepcid and her had a talk and worked things out. I blame Pepcid for allowing the weight gain.
-I hope, hope, hope you take to Babywise like your brother Ryan. And, if you don't....of course we'll still love you. We may just be extra cranky b/c you're not sleeping through the night.
-We're dying to know if you'll look like a Tootle or a Rudd. We're thinking we may have another Rudd on our hands. But, would be neat if you looked like your daddy....but, with my blue eyes. (Too much to ask???)
-Last time we saw you, your head was on my right side, and feet on the left. You were lying on top of your food source (the placenta). If you don't mind, please push it up a bit. It's a little low right now.
-You LOVE to eat egg noodles with ketchup!!
-The deep voice you hear is Daddy trying to get your attention. Just give a little kick back to acknowledge him.
-We're slowly working on your room. We've ordered your crib, bought a rug and a side table. For my birthday, I'm going to ask for your room, and mine to be painted. :) And, for a new stroller. (Too much to ask???)
-I've got PLENTY of clothes for you to wear. No worries there. Mommy likes to shop for you sweet thing...and, on top of me liking to shop for clothes, your Grandmas LOVE to buy clothes. We're set in that department.
-You'll be in a wedding on September 5th. I just picked up the bridesmaid's dress you'll be wearing. Many alterations to be had to make your home beautiful.
-We love you to pieces already!!!! Just try not to eat so much, will ya?!?!

Our Baby Got its First Haircut!

We're so proud of her. She stayed still, didn't cry and actually LOVED being sprinkled after the cut.

I don't know if I'm more excited about the wall Rod built, or the new grass. Both of which compliment each other quite well.

Not Sure Momma's Totally Ready.....

Check who got a new potty!

This guy!

Isn't she a beautie?!

Of course he's got to check it out and make sure it's top of the line.

...and, that his blankie likes it.

Ryan, how's the "feel" of it???

He'll only sit on it when Dada goes potty. The two, I guess, I have a little chat time, during "their" time.

As far as potty training....I ain't pushin' nothin'. His classroom has a few kids that are potty trained, so I think he's learning a few things from them. Example: "Ewwwww. It's yucky." This is his staple statement after every pee pee or poo poo he does in his diaper. He's in the phase of wanting his diaper changed after every "movement". Now, I realize why Ryan's diaper supply at school is constantly low. (Took this post to put the two together).

Cousin Brynn's in Town!!!

So, of course we had a Tex-Mex feast!!! But, first Ryan put Brynn to work and made her read a book.... Brynn has a new fan! Always fun to be with family. We miss all our cousins soooooo much!!!

Mom and Grandma, this group pic is for you!!! We used a timer...guess that's what it takes to get Ryan to look at the camera.

Ryan at Two!

I go throughout my days, thinking "I need to remember to write that down." (specifically dealing with Ryan's little ways). So, here's a little about our boy at two.

1. After he "pee pees" or "poo poos", he'll say "Ewwww, yucky." And, he'll say that even when he hasn't yet pottied.
2. Speaking of potty, he got his very own for which open constantly and make sure his Dora doll is still in there.
3. He'll say "I know!!!!" with much enthusiasm. Then, tap his finger on his lip as if he's thinking of an idea. Then, breaks out in to song "When you've got a problem, think, think, think." (Poo & the Super Slueths).
4. Top four shows of choice: Little Einsteins, Finding Nemo, Dora the Explorer, Handy Manny.
5. He's quite the ham on Skype with Auntie Stacy. Pretty funny. Mattie Sue just stares.
6. He thinks we're all silly. (pronounced "saully"). Dada's the saulliest of us all.
7. Ryan still LOVES to swim. In swim lessons, we're learning how to swim underwater to the coach.
8. Every Monday before swim lessons, we watch Finding Nemo, and eat popcorn together.... he doesn't know it, but that's Mommy and Ryan's bonding time.
9. He's still an avid golfer. Our picture frames and vases are starting to fear for their lives.
10. He's really showing a funny side to him... a comedic, funny side. And, he knows he's being funny.
11. The kids in Ryan's school will say "Bye Tootle" or "Later Tootle". (someone has an older brother).
12. He calls Nama, "Nema" (he's getting my cute, little mom confused with the cute, little, orange clown fish).
13. When he's hungry, he'll say "Wanna eat?" and shake his head twice. Then, repeat, "Wanna eat?" It's as if he has to prompt me to ask him if he wanna eat.
14. He's still super curious. And, such a good listener. I know that seems preposterous, but let me tell you... the kid will seriously stop, listen and learn. Fortunate for me, my boss taught him a little trick, and Ryan listened and did exactly what was taught....his golf club made it in to the office.
15. His top four favorite songs to sing, "I'm Bringing Home my Baby Bumble Bee", the Mickey Mouse clubhouse song, The Little Einstein's song, and his ABCs.
16. We're counting to ten in both English and Spanish! Thank you daycare...sorry, childhood development center. THANK YOU!
17. Need a little Ryan-attention...break out your M&Ms. He's a huge fan. Takes after Nema's heart.
18. Saturday morning, I unrolled a can of cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Before they were out of the oven, he asked, "Donuts?" I said, "Yep, coming right up." The only reason I think he knew the difference was b/c he didn't inhale the cinnamon roll quite like the KK donut. But, then again, I don't either.
19. I tried to get Ryan to play in the rain (YES....it POURED at our house for over 30 minutes on Saturday). He was a chicken. So, all I got for good "fun in the rain" kind of pics, are him standing by the door, telling mama "No".
20. Ryan can go from the Tazmanian Devil, to a zonked out child in 2.5 seconds flat. (mostly at night time). Rod and I'll be thinking "he's so not in bed-mode." But, we still mandate his 7:30 bedtime by putting a blankie on our shoulder, and say "Ryan, let's go night, night." He'll drop EVERYTHING and crash on our shoulders as we take him to his room....my favorite!

Hope all is well with you!!!