Skipping Over Christmas to Bring You....

...my date with Ryan!!! We actually went on a double-date with Matthew and his mommy, Courtney. Sea World has Breakfast with Cookie Monster and Friends. I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our date!! Breakfast was delicious (Ryan's new word), and the company couldn't have been better. Bert and Ernie tried to infringe on our double-date, but Matthew and Ryan stayed true to their dates, and left with us. :)

I found myself in disbelief that I was actually looking at Cookie Monster. He's way bigger than you think. Oh, and Zoie and Abby Caddabie's hair is sooooo cool! Let's talk about Bert's face. Do you remember it having such a scared look????

Abbie-caddabie greeted us at the door. (sorry, out of order)

After we fed ourselves, we decided to feed the dolphins. The boys loved it as us moms tried to put a brave face on while holding nasty, dead fish.

Then, we headed to the massive playgym set thing. I think it's a pirate ship. Can't remember.

Ryan was determined to climb up this monstrous net that goes soooo high. Matthew ran up, down, sideways....all in his boots. If you all could see Ryan's sweet face with pure determination, and dedication to the task at hand...climbing to the top. We didn't quite make it. He was happy to stop about 3/4 the way up.

Matthew was amazing on this contraption. Oh, and he ran up this in boots! Nice work!

I have many more pics of this date, but for some reason it won't let me add anymore. GRRR. Also, I'll post Christmas pics soon.

Kickin' it with the Family

I LOVE, LOVE being with family. I actually don't care whose family it is, I just love to be around families. My family, the beautiful and hilarious one it is, celebrated Christmas on Sunday.

Samuel, really?! What's to ponder? I promise this is a sane family.



Look who got a new iPhone!!!! She was so surprised. Love Christmas surprises.

Stacy loves her some Samuel. He loves his Auntie Stacy.

Ryan's favorite cousins. Mattie Sue is so sweet with Samuel.

Somebody got into Nama's jewelry. Oops. It was just too quiet for too long.

My Love Bugs and a Pezzant

While I hesitate a bit, I absolutely LOVE when Ryan asks to hold Samuel. Ryan likes to pat Samuel's head, stuff the poochie in his mouth, tell him to "WAKE-UP", place toys on him while he's swinging, and sit next to him while watching cartoons. He's been a sweet big brother...but don't get me wrong. We've had our moments.

Samuel's still a sweet and snugly baby. He's always ready to eat after two and a half to three hours. I've been able to pump quite a bit to build up my stock for when I head back to work. Speaking of pumping, this morning's pump, I swear it was saying, "Wonder Pets. Wonder Pets....." over and over. He's taking the bottle well, which is helpful during this holiday shopping season. Samuel's a great shopper. He particularly loves Target. He told me.

Now, on to me. I'm doing well. :) Recovery is nearing the end! Phew. This recovery was a bit more difficult than the first. I heard the following comments from my dear family and friends, "I've never seen you so tired in all my life", "You look kind of ashy-gray colored", "Make sure you rest".... Group, I'm feelin' good! And, really enjoying this time off with Samuel.

So, yesterday, I wrapped Christmas presents while Ryan napped. Well, he awoke a bit early and stumbled upon my wrapping-mayhem He got his little paws on every wrapped gift in hopes to tear apart the paper. In efforts to shift his focus, and shift my frustration, I started going through each gift and telling him who they belong to. "This is Mattie Sue's present. This is Malyn's. This is Grandpa and Sharon's." So, we did that several times, until that got old, and mom became a bore. In desperation, I had Rod get all the gifts and put them out of sight. Well, that didn't go over too well for Ryan. So, again in an attempt to shift the focus, I offered to wrap one of his cars. Tears stopped. Car wrapped.

I had no idea it would bring so much joy. And, by "it" I mean the idea of a wrapped present. Not the idea of tearing apart wrapping paper to find a present.

The wrapped car has gone everywhere with him. It was with him through the whole "scared you" movie, placed on the night stand when he went to bed, awoke with him in the morning, followed him into the kitchen for breakfast.... So, of course I couldn't help but snap pictures of him with his "pezzant".
Note a different shirt...different day.



Samuel was even show-cased the pezzant.

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!