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!!!

Sweet Land of Liberty!!!!!

We had a FANTASTIC 4th of July!!! Truly, the day couldn't have gone better. We were a little apprehensive of Ryan staying up late for the fireworks...but, hey! It's once a year, and its FIREWORKS!!!! He was an absolute CHAMP! Did not fuss once. As you'll see through the progression of our day, into the night, he slowly tuckered out!

HAPPY 4TH TO ALL!!! Officially, one of mi favorito holidays.

Ryan had a BLAST in the pool, all day long! Rod had to pull him out for a bit to make him rest.

Sweet Rylee LOVES to play with Ryan, and is a huge help to Rod and I! Always love having a Rylee around. She's got such a sweet, nurturing heart.

Would a Tootle day outside be complete without a "goff cub" or a "goff ball"?!?

After swimming, we headed to Sonterra for the fireworks show! From the parking, to our blanket spot, seriously couldn't have gone better!!!

Lots of line dancing as we all waited for the show to start. Here's Ryan doing his "how low can you go" manuver. He's a little behind on the music, but he took that dancing VERY seriously. I have to say, I was quite impressed with him following along with all the women.

I don't know what's funnier....Ryan "jumpin" to the music, or the girl on the left. What line dance is she dancing to??? I'm assuming Ryan's following her dancing, and not the rest of the group's.

Chicken dance!!!! Ryan, you feelin' it?!?!

Love this shot of him. He was soooo in his own moment. I just happened to catch him looking at me for a sec.

Family picture attempt! First of many lollipops. The last of which was a red one that I sat on during the fireworks show in my white shorts. Lovely.

This is Ryan's reaction to his first sighting of fireworks. The church next to the club had their show first. (On top of lollipops...he had a few oreos).

Love my little Lovebug!

I'm really feeling the National anthem. Wow.

Jed was gracious enough to take my camera and snap shots of me in the fireworks moment! Thanks Jed!!!! (I did delete the ones I looked "more plump" in). Shawna, Lange and Walker joined us for swimming and Sonterra. Fun times with the Allens.

SLEEPY! At this point, it's about 10:15pm. Ryan's bedtime is 7:30.

Ryan rocked it that night!

"Do these fireworks ever end? And, why do they have to boom so loudly?"

Donut Date #1!!

I label this "Donut Date #1" b/c I hope to have many more....and particularly during this pregnancy! (And, while breastfeeding when I burn 800 cals a day feeding). As most of you know, the temperatures in SA are still in the 100s. The pools are even starting to get warm. YUCK. So, genius me came up with the idea to have a donut date with the kiddos. I had Friday off of work for the holidays, so I fully intended (and, did enjoy) a day in the life of a stay-at-home mom!

We had a FUN time! I don't know if the kids had more fun than the adults. We couldn't stop watching them run around the donut shop like CRAZY kids. Luckly, no one seemed to mind. I sure didn't. I was most amazed at the SUDDEN sugar rush, and then a total low at the end. I think I was right with the kids on the rush, and the low.

This is Ryan's first Krispie Kreme! Hot off the belt...he loved every minute of it. (Agian, working on his "cheese" face).

The only one missing in the pic above is Abby. She decided to sleep in this morning. Her sugar rush came a bit later, while the others were slowly crashing.

The above pic is our hefty attempts at getting the boys lined up in a row for the picture I'd been waiting to snap! This is the moment I wanted captured!

We're almost there.

Yes! We did it! (only bad thing is sweet Abby is missing)

He LOVED the donuts!!! Love this pic of Jack Walker!

MY most favorite moment of the donut date was the surprise arrival of Kim and Scott!!! I cannot tell you how happy this made me. For those of you that don't know, Kim and I have grown up together since we were two or three. She's my fav! While I'd like to think they were at KK to surprise me, they came to see Abby and Sharla. They flew in from Seattle the night before, and didn't get it until midnight. Thanks for waking up on Texas time.

Here's the adorable Abby and Ryan!!! Destiny.

Abby, I can't wait to meet your baby sister!!! Welcome to the world Katie!

Brothers!

I couldn't be happier for Ryan. He's going to have a little brother!!! One of my friends mentioned that they'll be "brothers", and that just melted my heart! I LOVE the idea of Ryan having a brother, being a brother, and playing with his brother!

I guess I'm fascinated with that word, because the use of the word was never needed in my household. It was always, and still is "SISTERS".

As most of you know, I change my mind often...as I did with Ryan's name. If you'll remember back, we were set on Gavin....which Ryan is so not a Gavin to me. Well, we're loving the name:

Parker Stewart

Yes, I can see this changing. We're 100% set on Stewart as the middle name. That is my dad's name. Parker, we love but that could possibly change.

And, yes we ALREADY have a name. When you have to conquer the last name "Tootle", you start planning ahead to win the battle.