Thomas the Tank Engine... the Real Deal!

Mimi took Ryan and I to see Thomas the Tank engine, and get to ride in the "cars" that Thomas pulls. 

Ryan was R-E-A-D-Y to get there.  We're probably still in the neighborhood when I snapped this pic.  We had a two-hour drive ahead of us. 

Mr. Know-it-all pointing and saying the names of all the trains.

 We had to PRY Ryan away from this train table to get on our train that was departing at 12:45.  Shoes flew off, hat thrown to the floor.  He was MAD.  But, as soon as we got on that train, he was MESMERIZED!

 

Above is Ryan's face when he saw the "real" Thomas.  I was JUST as excited.  Truly.  I got giddy.

THANK YOU MIMI FOR SUCH A FUN DAY!!! 

Tootle Beach Trip 2010

We headed to the beach!!!  Rod, Ryan and I headed to the beach with a several families.  Despite the tropical storm that gave us quite a show from our 12th floor balcony, we were able to make the best of it!  Truly. 

We made a few stops on the way. 

The Sturms shared a condo with us.  Perfect for our little toots.  They entertained each other the entire time.  It was wonderful!

I'm sure you can't believe it...we took a family pic!  But, of course it's not a true family pic b/c we don't have Sammy with us.  He stayed back in San Antonio.  I'm happy that I have at least one pic of me Rod and Ryan.  Yes, Nama...I promise to get family pics taken.

Ryan wasn't completely comfortable with the waves.  For him right now, anything that is non-human and moves on its own, is a MONSTER, or a GHOOOOOST.  (i.e. the vertical blinds that were moving from the fan). 

We're missing a few moms in this pic. But, glad I got a mommy pic. 

Ryan played in the sand the ENTIRE time.  We made him eat lunch, and then it was back out to the sand. 

Weather definitely didn't get us down!  We had such a great time on Saturday down at the beach the entire day (even with the wind and rain).  Rod had a huge tent that we put up, and just enjoyed the non-100degree weather.  After the day at the beach, we all met in one condo and had a massive casserole dinner party while we watch the UT - Tech game.  Fun times, and we are looking forward to making this a tradition! 

Baby Katie Visit!!!!

Unfortunately, we did not get to grow up with our cousins in the same town.  BUT, fortunately, we are ALWAYS able to pick up where we left off.  So natural to love on a family member even though you don't get to see them often.  See, Ryan had never met Katie before and felt completely at home. 

RAINY DAYS

Ryan's having fun with the rain, but completely scared of the thunder.  We've had a few rough nights where the thunder has sent mom and dad (at separate times) up to his room.  Rod was smart and just took his pillow up with him this last time. 

A "so glad there are good people in the world" kind of story... So, just as we were walking out of the daycare, the clouds started dropping the BIGGEST drops ever.  Those big drops got bigger, faster, and more dangerous.  Well, we made it home safe.  We pulled into the driveway, and just sat there.  I had ryan crawl into my lap in the front seat.  then, we both made a charge into the garage.  Just as I started to head back out in the rain to get Samuel, my neighbor's 17 yo son was on my driveway to help me get Samuel out.  He was the sweetest, dearest thing.  He got samuel out of the carseat and into the garage.  Talk about good parenting.  Then, he ran back to his garage.  (He and his friend were watching the rain....this was a serious rain storm). 

BABY BOOK:  Samuel started waving!  So, everybody say hi to Samuel.

Enjoying Life

I'm trying to pick up my camera again and get busy, and better!  So, here are a few shots just playing around.  Quality isn't that great, but my subjects are magic. 

Samm-a-lam-ma-ding-dong is one busy cruiser, grabber, lover of leaves.  Oddly enough though, he'd much rather be hanging out in your lap.  He's still a little flirt.  It's all in the eyelashes. 

So, this sweet, dear face is in a sweet, dear phase.  Oh, side note... today's opposite day. 

When Mom and Dad "ooooh" and "aaaahhhh" at something Sammy does, you better believe there's a rendition to follow. 

WE DO NOT SPOIL OUR KIDS. 

Check out our new toy!!!!  Check it, Kim!  It's a heck of a good thing we're a family of carnivores!!!!  Rod marinated some fajita meat with our new Mari-vac, and it was AH-MAZING!

See picture #2 in this post.  I REFUSE to buy a second high chair, as much as Ryan REFUSES to give up his.  (It puts him high enough to see the T.V.)  So, my thought is that I'm going to toss the highchair altogether, and get two of those restaurant-style chairs to put at our kitchen table.  That highchair is such a divider....and, the fact I can't get dinner on the table for everyone, all at one time. 

I can't take it!  Seriously obsessed with this little monkey. 

So, his nine month stats:

Weight:  6%  17.6 lbs

Height:  11% 27 inches

Head Circumference:  70% hee hee

He's swollowed plenty of leaves, thrown up three. 

Standing up, pulling up on anything and everything

Takes steps while holding on to the couch, bed, crib, etc.

"Dada" won.  And, I will admit... he knows Rod is "dada". 

Started eating noodles.  (chopped up)

All other foods are preferred as pureed.  :(

Family is doing great!  Continuously learning to grow and love to become a strong family of four!

Worthy of a Post

Me:  What's your last name?
Ryan:  Tootle (pronounced TOODle)
Me:  What's your middle name?
Ryan:  Love bug

A Few of Summer

Kamp Kruger!  When we heard that Joe and Martha had three grandchildren for the night, we decided to add two additional grandkids, one grandma and a daughter to their evening.  Oh, and last minute. 

We had NO idea they were stashing bumper boats in the backyard.  Geez.  Give up the goods...  haha.  I'm cracking up...just pictured Joe and Martha in the bumper boats (sans grandchildren). 

I keep asking Ryan if he liked the bumper boats.  Hard to tell. 

Sweet Abby and Ryan.  I swear they were flirting. 

I just love this sweet boy.  Yes, we have our moments... like the one where I made Rod take Ryan to school b/c I couldn't deal.  I still took Sammy that morning, just couldn't put the Tornado of Crankiness in my car. 

Can we talk about this face???  He's too sweet for words. 

For the Book!

Sammy's first tooth made its debut.  Welcome "tooths" #1.  Now, as for #2, #3, #4, and so on... Please be kinder to the kid, will ya?!?!  Okay, so Sam is my child that I literally have to see snot coming out of his eyes to realize he's sick.  He's such a good baby.  Well, "tooths" #1 appearance just really gave him a run for his money. 

All weekend he was sooooo clingy and whiney.  Most of you know I don't have a lot of patience for Mr. Clingy and Ms. Whiney.  So, Monday I had to take him to the doctor b/c I just knew something wasn't right.  98% sure it was another ear infection, she assured me the other 2%.  Constipation and teething.  Constipation and teething????  Gosh, I feel like constipation and teething are Parenting 101.  I know better.  I'm sure Humana is off in the distance just thrilled with the collection of another $40.00 for NOTHIN'. 

So, we're on the three Ps right now.  Prunes, peaches and pears. 

Also for the book:
-he loves avocados and bananas
-applesauce is his request for breakfast
-loves his cereal
 (now you see the guilty party in the constipation)

Sam weighed in at a whoppin' 17.13 lbs.
He's crawling, and crawls REALLY fast for:
1.  Me
2.  Our contiminated shoes (loves the flip flops)
3.  Door stoppers
4.  Anything of Ryan's.
5.  All chokable items.

He's talking more and more.  He has the cutest baby talk EVER.  He's great with the M sound, so I'm sure that Momma will be his first word.  RECALL:  Dada was Ryan's first.

Ryan loves to play (show off) with Sammy.  It's a really cute, bossy thing he's got going as a big brother. 

Hope you all are having a great week!  Much love!  And, welcome Harper and Sutton!!!!!  xoxo 

Our Boys!

Here are some of the latest pics of the Toots.  Samuel is crawling FAST, loving applesauce, and sitting in his big boy carseat.  Ryan's still loving his trains and cars, but not loving that Sam has an interest in them as well. 

We think Ryan got confused in teh middle of the night in our hotel room.  Here's where we found him.  Thank you Dad and Sharon for such a fun day at the JW Marriott and the fancy hotel room!!!!

Ryan watching the rain outside.  It was a great storm!

You might be wondering what book is captivating him....its the catalog for Thomas the Trains and his friends.  This is not the first time, or second that he's seen this catalog. 

Melanie and the boys came over last minute one night.  It was really fun to have company come over to our new home.

We are loving the new house.  Just ready to get it decorated.  Happy Summer everyone!!!

Tashakor!

It's been a blessing to be out here. 

Solace Summer in Segundo!

I'm in California right now helping out Stacy wherever I can.  The girl is seriously BUSY!  From making sure she has enough paper for an event, to making sure Neelab makes it to her appointment ontime...her brain hasn't stopped.  Here are a few things going on in the Arnold home, and in my mind (apparently I like to list things out rather than write nice paragraphs):
1.  Neelab says so much with her eyes.
2.  She and I were brushing our teeth together, and I wanted to breakdown.  Couldn't believe I was brushing my teeth with a sweet child from Kabul. 
3.  Cleaning toilet bowls at Stacy's house is way more fun than doin them at my house. 
4.  Stacy has a gift....MULTITASKING.  But, not just that she can multitask, she can do it for hours and hours and hours....right up to the point she falls asleep. 
5.  We made a massive banner yesterday that says THANK YOU.  And, will be making another tonight that says the same, BUT written in Dari.  Now, if you're not familiar with how to WRITE in Dari, please do a Google search of how to write in Dari.  Wish me luck!
6.  What's really cute and universal about the above.....we had Neelab write thank you in Dari.  We could not figure out the curves and slashes she was making.  So, we had Stacy's neighbor write it for us (he speaks/writes Dari).  Stacy, asked why Neelab's has a swirl on hers and his response was "Because she's a girl."  So, just like we add hearts for the dot of our "i", she too likes to add her girlish touch.
7.  Mattie Sue is hilarious when she talks to Neelab.  She talks louder and with a "special" accent.  Example:  the word "floor" in Mattie Sue's Dari translation to Neelab is "flure"  (please roll the "r"). 
8.  Rod took samuel to the doc.  He has a double ear infection.  :(  the ear infection is what is causing the coughing and continuous congestion.  (we were going on three weeks here.....i know, i know.  pay attention, mom). 
9.  I'm taking two of the Afganistan girls to get a pedicure/manicure today.  I'm really excited for the opportunity to spend time with them.
10.  There are some REALLY tired mommies out here.  I think I've been tired....this is a whole different game.   I just wish I could get to each of their houses and help out.  You would not believe the amount of work they are all putting into all aspects of Solace AND don't forget their own families.  I just picture God cradling them at night, charging up their batteries, and getting them back on the move in the mornings. 

I'll be sure to take a picture of my "thank-you" in Dari banner.  Wish me luck.  Let's just hope my swoop is not too low, and meaning something very inappropriate. 

While there is a lot to do here, it is all a blessing to me.  TRULY!  Actually, I don't even feel like it's "a lot" b/c I'm really happy and honored to be here.

The Haps with the Tootles

So often I think, "Oh, I need to put that down on the blog so I'll remember."  So, here are several things that have been going on with the Tootles...specifically the boys.

1.  Samuel is CRAWLING!!!  I'd say he's part Dyson-ball crawler (hiney in the air, moves by sliding his head forward), and part a backwards crawler.  It's really pretty darn cute. 
2.  Wednesday mornings (this morning) we have to wait outside by the car until the garbage man has picked up our trash with his robotic arm.  Ryan is FASCINATED!  I, on the other hand, am annoyed that I'm sweaty and hot before work.  Saturday mornings, we sit outside in our pajamas for the recyclables to get the robotic treatment.
3.  Ryan can swim without floaties....so he thinks.  This is quite frightening for us.  Swim lessons ASAP!
4.  We had a ball on the 4th of July, and often found myself saying, "Where's Ryan?"  The kid can do some serious roaming off.  GEEZ kid.
5.  Samuel's drinking 7 ozs.  I nurse him for his morning feed, and the nighttime feed.  My supply has plummeted so, we're part formula, part mommy.  He's not a huge fan of the veggies or fruits, but LOVES, and I mean seriously has a love for his oatmeal cereal.  We sort of, kind of, not really like the butternut squash.  But, that's about it. 
6.  Ryan and I played the game Memory.  The kid has a good memory. 
7.  Favorite shows of his are:  Backyardigans, Toy Story and of course the dreaded Thomas.
8.  Every morning, Ryan has to pack up his "yellow beeeeaaag" (said with a Texas draw) filled with his cars.  And, every day the kids in the class all play with his cars (at the end of the day when the teachers want the kids gone).  When Mom (me) shows up, the kids bring back the cars to his bag....WITHOUT ASKING.  What I'm trying to point out here, is that Ryan has started sharing. 
9.  Ryan throws his red Crocs when he's upset.  I'm thankful they are lite and made of rubber. 
10.  Ryan STILL snuggles with me.  He knows the exact little nook in my body to tuck his head back into. 
11.  I'm heading out to California to help the sister out with the kids.  And, to take the first round of boy clothes out to Baby Boy Arnold.  I'm super excited b/c myself and the translator will be taking the girls to get a pedicure/manicure while all the parents attend a funeral.   Sam and Ryan will be home with Dad for the weekend.  I'll miss them soooooo much.  

Livin' La Vida Loca!

We're in Crazy-town these days.  I left off with Ryan's birthday, and since then, here's what's been happening with the Tootles:
1.  We MOVED!!!  We're now proud owners of a beautiful home that we are in love with!
2.  We're almost settled in completely. 
3.  Samuel is now almost seven months old.  He's trying to sit up on his own.  Eating his cereal in the morning and veggies at night.  I need to get more consistent with this though.  He grabs at EVERYTHING, and still just loves to be around people. 
4. Ryan is LOVING his new room. The upstairs game room has become Ryan's toyland (in addition to his own bedroom). He's so happy up there. It's really cute. 
5.  Work has been pretty intense for both Rod and I, so that added stress has really tuckered us both out. 
6.  I leave for Baltimore for the week.  Rod'll have both kids all to himself.  I know he can do it, I think it's me that's having a harder time. 

7.  We've had a few birthday parties to go to during the past few weeks.  They're always a nice break from the unpacking and working. 
8.  I'll stop boring you with what's been going on the past three weeks, b/c truthfully, I can't seem to recall what all the maddness was about. I just know that we have been NON-STOP between work and unpacking.

Moving day!

Kiddie Park for a birthday party.  Hi favorite ride was the KidSteam (below)!  It's all about the trains!

We LOVE spending time outside in our new front yard.  There is strong breeze that whips down our street.  Feels wonderful.  Ryan takes great joy in the fine-grooming of our yard.  This was the night of Rod's birthday....the big 3-5! 

"Move over Dad.  Let me get those candles for you."


The other day, I was busy (probably packing) and heard Samuel making his funny noises.  Here's the cute little face making those noises. 

...b/c he had knocked down his playmat.  I guess it's time to put the playmat away. 


The Sturms invited us over to let the kids play and adults relax.  And, that's just what we did!!!!  The kids had a BLAST in this pool.  Non-stop playing.



Sammy enjoyed his newly-found Bumbo.  Attic find.