Buddies

The Sturms came over the other night to visit. (I've not packed up the family yet for an evening out). Thanks for coming over Sturms. Ryan had a BLAST with Hudson. (If you can't tell from the above pictures). Love the joy on their faces!

Samuel's buddy was born one week after Ryan. Meet Coen Ellis. You'll be seeing him more and more on the blog. He's Holden's brother (below)...the cutie pie with the adorable glasses. Holden is Ryan's other buddy. Need to get these two together soon!!

Soccer team in the making!

Tootle Family at Two Weeks

Life as a Tootle??? Well, so far...GREAT! Everyone is doing well, and adjusting to the new addition. Samuel is such a sweet, snuggly baby! I prayed to have another snuggler like Ryan! I got him! :)

Samuel had his two week appointment today! He's now 7 lbs, 2 ozs. He's in the 10th percentile for both weight and height. Samuel's a healthy, happy baby. He's not "stellar" with his nights just yet, but we'll get there soon! I'm determined. I started Babywising the little guy this week. Although, Nama and my shopping habit has gotten in the way.

Ryan is a sweet big brother. Samuel doesn't seem to bother him at all. When he comes home from school, he's excited to see Samuel. But, that's about it. Then, he's off to play with his cars.

We got our Christmas tree up!!! It's so pretty. Ryan helped decorate as well. At the base of the tree, you'll find red balls all bunched up on three branches. I love it! So, I'll keep it that way.

Love being home during the holiday season! Just need to get a little shut-eye!

A Few Shots of Samuel's Life

Be sure to check out Nama and Poppy's blog. She got some great pics of our sweet and tiny Samuel. Here are a few of mine. We're soooo in love with him. He's been a pretty easy baby so far. My milk has come in so hopefully we'll go longer stretches in the night. Here's to hoping!

I see a HINT of Stacy in this picture of Samuel (above pic).

Samuel and I've been hanging out in bed the last few days. I sleep when he sleeps. Rod's been amazing. He's cooked me meals, kept the house straightened up, and really taken care of Ryan fully.

Ryan is sweet to Samuel, but for 20 seconds top, then it's off to his toys. Overall, the Tootles are doing better than expected. I've had lots of anxiety about coming home to two kids. I owe so much to Rod, my mom and Jenny. Yummy dinners have satisfied our bellies....THANK YOU!!!!

More to come! Thank you all to those who have loved, prayed and taken care of us during this restless time. And, a huge thank you to Millie and Russell for taking care of Ryan while we were in the hospital. That is a lot of "Ryan-time". :)

Samuel's Here!!!

For all my non-Facebook friends, you may not know that Samuel made his arrival November 17th at 11:23am! He weighed 6lb 8 ozs, and 18 inches long. He's a great eater, pooper and sleeper. Ask me in a couple of days if he's still a good sleeper. :(

I'll get pictures posted soon. The delivery went well, and everyone's doing great!!! Thank you for all the love and prayers you all have poured on to my family!

Ryan's been staying at Mimi's house, having a fantastic time. He did get to meet Samuel at the hospital. (They allow siblings only). Ryan was such a sweet, big brother...then, it was all attention on Flicker (Handy Manny's flashlight), and the bathroom.

We'll be heading home this afternoon! Love you all!!! Love, Rod, Jessica, Ryan and Samuel

Abby and Ryan Sittin' in a Tree....

....not quite K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

These two were just too fun not to snap!

Last Ryanisms before Samuelisms Begin

Ryan asked to create his own list...
1. I'm in "testing" mode. aka "What can I get away with?"
2. Cars movie is still my all time favorite. I know all the characters. Dare you to challenge me.
3. For breakfast, my favorites are my mom and Nama's scrambled eggs (they use lots of butter and salt), Apple Cinnamon Cheerios with a spoon, Momma's Kellog's cereal bars, and my vitamins. Donuts are a given.
4. Here's one that will knock you off your feet...I can spell my name!!!!
5. I like to make my parents wrestle me a bit to get a new diaper on.
6. Samuel got a silky lovie from Marisa, and I don't think she meant to give it to him.
7. I'm driving my momma a little crazy these past few weeks. (refer back to #1).
8. My left tube fell out of my ear. Ear infection #1 for Fall 2009 - 11/2/2009
9. I keep hearing people ask my mom, "Does he know what's about to hit him in a couple of weeks?" People, what does that mean?
10. If I'm ever doing something wrong and you need me to stop, just give me a pack of M&Ms. Works every time. Mom interjecting here...I'm in a weakened state. If it works, I'll do it. Patience-level is at a two-three.
11. I'm still loving my big boy bed. I don't get out once they put me in. I'll wait for them to come get me in the morning, and then I get myself out of bed. Puzzles Mommy....but she'll take it.
12. Remind me again, whose Baby Samuel?
13. Have y'all seen me jump or hop lately?? It's impressive.
14. I've got my colors down! Ask me, I'll tell you. Mom give all the credit to school for my giftedness. :)
15. It's nap time right now, and I'm still awake. Mom just heard me. Gotta go.

Halloweaning Ourselves Off the Candy

We've had so much fun this past weekend. Ryan's school had their Halloween party on Friday. I'm usually the only parent there, but I don't mind. It's too fun to miss.

Ryan and his buddy Zach...known for being the first kid to ever bite Ryan. Happened around 10 mos old.

Zach, Ryan and Jonathan. Well, look who hasn't eaten their fruit yet.

All the kiddos in the class. I missed them in their costumes. They just woke from their naps by the time I got there. One little cowboy was still asleep on his mat. Two classes are in here. The other classroom is being painted right now, so they're merged for the time being. Definitely not this many normally.

11pm Friday night text message came in from my bestest friend Kim saying they were heading out to the Loft coffee house in the morning. "See you there." The whole Kruger clan arrived hungry and ready to be caffinated. Fun seeing all the kids, but believe the Ryan and Abby Show was hands down the fav. They're hysterical together. Abby is forcing Ryan up to her step to take pictures.

She got what she wanted...."We're taking pictures." Can you get cuter?!

Fruit Loops and cinnamon roll (aka donut to Ryan) have kicked in.

Halloween night we headed to Hudson's house to trick or treat. Ryan hogged the wagon the whole time. Thank you to the parents that loaded him in and out at every house. He HAD to ride in the wagon.

This was the cutest ever! One of the houses had The Great Pumpkin Patch projected on their garage door. Ryan was mesmerized! Candy and t.v.....what more does the Toot need? Thanks to the Sturms for such a fun time trick or treating!!!!!

Last Family of Three Vacation!

My sweet friend Elizabeth let us stay in her lakehouse this past weekend on Lake LBJ. While there, we visited Sweet Berry Farm. This farm has a wildflower crop (crop???), pumpkin patch...the real kind, hay rides, paint your pumpkin stations, lots of picture spots, goats, boats with pumpkins, every kind of pumpkin, Fall foods to eat, and so much more!

Have you ever seen such a thing? These pumpks truly looked like they had peanuts on them. I'm telling you...every kind of pumpkin!

While this place was great...it was PACKED. I chose to wear a black shirt, jeans and my birthday Uggs...so I got a little cranky b/c I was hot. Again, it's all about me. So, we snapped a pic here, snapped a pic there...and bolted!

The first thing Ryan wanted to do when he saw the pumpkins...try to pick them up. When he realized that wasn't going to happen, he just wanted to turn them over, making them roll. So, we shifted his focus...

...to a hollowed hay bail (is that what they're called?). He LOVED this. Sun was beaming down, so we moved on to the goats.

Then, Mom FINALLY found the tractor. A friend of mine took pics with her little boy on it. I was destined to find this tractor. Why the fascination with tractors?! Well, Ryan LOVES the movie Cars, and one part of it is Mater going "tractor-tippin'". He just laughs and laughs at the tractors. So, all bull-dozers, back hoes, diggers...they're all tractors to him.

Mom and Ryan attempt #1

Ryan, I got my hiney on the ground, now get back here and help your momma out!

Attempt #2...ladies hiney in the background.

In the neighborhood of the lakehouse, they have a private park with a beach in it. So, we took the golf cart over to the beach and let Ryan play in the sand and water, while watching deer graze in the grass behind us.

He felt so big walking up and down the dock. Sweet baby Ryan...you'll always be my baby boy!

A Weekend of Me!!!!

Casey threw the most scrumptious birthday brunch for me on Saturday morning! Thank you Case, for such a yummy meal, and my friends for helping to celebrate my birthday!

Here's a little taste of a Casey-feast! Nerissa made the yummy green salad. We inhaled an egg casserole, potato tart, pigs-n-a-blanket, and for dessert....bread pudding made with cans of cinammon rolls!

That night, Baby Toot #2 was celebrated (but I like to say that I was celebrated) at Fralo's pizza! Fun place to sit outside, bring your own wine, and chow down on their pizza with good friends.

Sweet Courtney set up the evening to help welcome Baby Tootle. Thank you Courtney!!! Your cupcakes were DELICIOUS!

One of my dearest friends, Rachel is expecting the first part of February. She looks radiant! Truly! Love you, sweet Friend.

Some of you have seen pics of Ryan with his buddy Holden! He's the CUTIE PIE with the glasses. Ryan and Holden are three weeks apart. Our #2s, are due a week from each other! YES, just a week...Nerissa carries babies very well!

Aunt TT, Ali and Kelly! Ali (in the middle) is due in April!

So, my genius sister-in-law (Aunt TT, above), called me out on the fact that I still don't have a name for this child. (Although I'm almost positive it will be Samuel). So, here I am trying to figure out what in the world she's trying to tell me with the letters.

Fun weekend for sure!!!! My birthday was pretty special as well! (Tuesday). Rod surprised me with breakfast in bed!!! I LOVED every bite, and smiled through the entire meal. Made me so happy. THANK YOU, ROD!!! xoxo

OCTOBER 4TH - Big Day, Big Bed!

October 4th will forever go down in the Tootle history book. Ryan had two of the utmost significant milestones for a two year old.
1. He pee pee'd in the potty with an audience consisting of mommy and dada. We were high-fivin' all around. AND,
2. Ryan slept in his big boy bed last night for the first time!!!! With Nama's help, we said adios to the guest bedroom, and made it Ryan-ized. Ryan LOVES his new bed. He even said to Rod, "I like this." It was really sweet. We had to bribe him out of his room (not 100% safe yet) with some juice.

Ryan went down like such a champ. It was just like any other night. I didn't bother with a book or anything. Lights were out, and he stayed in bed and fell asleep.

Now, where did we go wrong?! And, by "we", I mean "I". Mommy woke probably every hour, checking the video monitor, making sure he stayed in bed. Well, around 4am, I found no kid in the bed. So, I went in to his room, and he was lying on the floor with his blankie. I'm not sure if he fell off or if he let himself down and just fell asleep there.

I got him back in bed, and he said, "No. No." With a quick urge, I wanted to just put him back in the crib, but decided to push forward. I put him in his bed, and crawled in with him. I kept checking his dozing eyes. Then, said "Momma's going night, night." He said good night to me, and that was that! He went to sleep, and I continued to check on him by the hour.
We still have a few more things to do to his room. (wall art, cover outlets, hide cords, anchor down the dresser, etc.). Otherwise, we're complete!

He was so excited to have all of his night-nights (blankets) in his new room. It was so funny. One happy camper!!! Now, let's hope we have the same luck we did last night. I'm thinking it may be a bit harder b/c this morning I asked if he liked sleeping in his big boy bed, and he simply said, "no."

Our Pad in Maine

One mansion of a reason to want to stay another week. This was our house for seven days! The balcony is gated in, so Ryan was free to roam to his heart's desire.

Ryan's room is the one with the three windows (same size), just above the balcony. Rod and I retreated above the garage. Now, let me tell you...that garage can hold four cars. It goes way back....and, our master suite, does the same thing!

I loved this kitchen! Everything had its place, nothing was crammed and more than two people could fit in it. The opposite of that, defines my kitchen.

This is where we sat outside the majority of the time. It overlooks the water!

THANK YOU RUSSELL AND MILLIE for such a beautiful home to retreat to, and the opportunity to truly RELAX while on vacation!