Merry Christmas!!!

I totally dropped the ball on posting these pictures. And, they're some of my favorites. So, Merry Christmas to you all! Oh, and the one at the end, is one of my top favorites. (And, as far as Abbey and Ryan's relationship...don't ask. They hardly see each other, yet they make it work).

All the babies love Joe!

Just the Three of Us

I have no idea why, but we're horrible about getting a picture of the three of us. Thanks to Grandma Millie, it finally happened. Here are a few pics we took after our brunch at Sonterra. (not sure I've ever seen this smile on me before)

The Tootle Men

Old Man Behaviors

I think this is the longest I've gone without posting. Sorry grandparents. I thought I'd blog while in Vegas, but at the end of my days there, I was wiped out.

Here are some pics taken in February. This past month has been our most fun with Ryan. Ryan is truly taking on the resemblence of your typical male. It's just precious. :)

Ryan LOVES T.V. He watches it as though he knows what's going on.

Aunt Tallie and Uncle Chris just bought him a Vtech learning video game. It's so neat. And, it has baby sign language on it. THANK YOU!!!

Grandma Millie and Grandpa Russell bought Ryan a walker for Christmas. He walks behind it like an old man behind his walker. (Or, how Rod walked when he had his walker after he had surgery on both feet).

Ryan loves to show off in front of other males. He pulled out all his tricks in front of Holden. Oh, and they both loved the Red Carpet on E!

He loves the pretty ladies. Luckily, his Auntie is a hotty!

Ryan loves to sratch his rear. Big fan of the eczema. He knows that diaper is coming off soon. Scratch away big boy. This habit will stick with you the rest of your life.

Rod and I were cracking up how this picture came out. Here he really looks like Linus from behind. (His sagging (and, VERY WET) diaper makes his legs look even shorter)

Mom's trip in Vegas...

This was my bathroom in Vegas that I used for SIX LONG DAYS. I spy a t.v. Do you? This t.v. made my trip worthwhile. :)

My very retro-chic bed I slept in for five nights.

Toward the end of my trip, I was missing both my boys sooooo much. I actually did better than I thought. Thank you to all who prayed for me while I was gone. They helped b/c I was able to focus during the classes, get lots of sleep, and relax. And, I felt safe the entire time. Yes, I gambled. And, yes I lost money. Dad went out there with me for the first three days. I have to say...he outlasted me both nights he was there.

Forgot to tell y'all...I took a private jet to Italy. Unfortunately, I only snapped one picture while I was there. Is the Bellagio an Italian place?!?! Actually, I took this picture in hopes to blow it up to an 8x10 or bigger for our dining room. (with some cropping and enhancing in mind).

9 MONTHS

I turned 9 months old on my first Valentine's day. Nine months...what the heck?! Hands down the fastest nine months of my life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH.

Nine things on Ryan's 9-month birthday (that was yesterday):

1. Ryan had his nine-month wellness check-up. Yes, we went to the doctor WELL. It was wonderful. The front desk lady even commented on how Ryan looked "so much better"...and, then called him Linus (from Peanuts). hmmm.... Oh, and then after the visit, we were walking out of the office and a lady said to me "Is he okay" with such a concerned-"questioning my parent skills" look on her face....ROAR momma bear!!! Quickly, God started shoving grace down my throat. I politely said back "he's hungry". For which she replied, "Are you sure?" OH no she didn't!

2. Two teeth are starting to break through!! Ever tried to take a picture of a baby's mouth, opened, in perfect angle to catch a glimpse of the teeth??? Not easy.

3. Ryan got his first box of Valentine's chocolates from his teachers. You know who the real winner is here! Nama Dotty gave Ryan his first Valentine's day card. He loved it. Even swallowed his first bite of paper.

4. Ryan still has fluid in his ears. So, looks like Rod will be making a trip back to the doc's office sometime next week for more antibiotics. (He's not infected right now, and I'll be in Vegas for an entire week).

5. Ryan LOVES toys. The kid can PA-LAY!

6. Remember Glo-worm??? Ryan's got one. I believe from Pam Gray! THANK YOU! It's Ryan's new little bed-time/nap-time buddy. He gets the biggest grin on his face when I "glow the worm".

7. A new Ryanism of the month....he'll go up to a pile of CLEAN laundry, grab on to a shirt (sock, shorts, whatever), and start sucking his thumb. He'll also do this with our basket of blankets. He'll stand up against the basket, grab on to a blanket, lay his head down, and start sucking his thumb. It's sooo cute. It's a great way of letting me know it's sleep time.



8. Ryan still LOVES his bath. Daddy makes it fun. He takes the time to put the humidifier in the bathroom, and himself in the tub. No women allowed. It's their little make-shift Men's Locker Room. The two of them will just play and play. Me on the other hand....hair washed, face washed, feet washed, hands washed, bottom washed, pour water, bounce the water balls....time to dry off. I'll work on this.
The pic below was taken right after he finished a teething buscuit. Ryan couldn't decide whether to look at the water pouring, or the shadow on the wall.
9. The doc was happy about his growth in length. And, was okay with his lack of weight gain b/c of all his illnesses the past two months. Get this....she wants him in the toddler carseat. This makes me soooooo sad. That back breaking, wrist spraining device will actually be missed.

Kickin' it Old School

These were MY slides when I was in preschool and kindergarten. I remember when they put the swirly slide in. This is one of the playgrounds at Ryan's new school. I teared up when I drove by this playground and saw that they still had my slides.

Kim, Stacy, Brooke, Todd, Chris and I all got to know these slides. I was just telling a friend of mine at work that one day, I wrote my name the best in class, so I got to wear a red ribbon. Since I had the red ribbon on, my friends and I decided that all the boys had to protect me at the top of the slide. Protect me from what?!?!? I have no idea. Nonetheless...I felt like a queen. Probably my favorite day in Kindergarten. Check out my throne.

Play & Wine Date

Megan...watching Ryan. Of course, I'm no where around.

Ryan politely asked me to leave so he could play with the boys.


The moment they first laid eyes on each other.
(No, I don't know if the correct spelling is "laid" or layed").

Of course, there's mom. Front and center for a picture.
Typical.

Child, don't think I won't grab that buscuit from you.

(Look at his poor, little eyes. Makes me sad to see him sick. He's such a sweet, cuddly baby even when he's sick)

On second thought...

This picture CRACKS me up! I should have gotten this on video. One minute he's chompin' down on it, and the next, he's pulling it away to take a look.

Shameless plug for Wortham.

A shout-out to my husband!

Love you.

Two Down, One to Go!

We ended up going the shot route. He's received two so far, and will get his last one tomorrow morning. We noticed a considerable difference after the first one! Everyone can go back to work, and go on with life.

This morning's shot was tough for me. I saw the face of total desparation. His eyes said it all. It was awful. It was as if he was looking at me saying "I CANNOT believe you, Mommy, let this happen to me again."

Can you picture this?!?! Come on, feel with me. It felt as though I had released my son into the wild with no food, shelter or clothes...and there was nothing I could do about it. Total confusion on his face. Okay, okay. My dramatic interpretation is over. Close curtain. Que the music. Applause...sorry, can't stop.

Final Days - Take 2

Looks like our little star decided to play the "sick card" AGAIN! He'll HOPEFULLY start at CHUMS tomorrow.

Here's a run down:
1. Wednesday - developed runny nose
2. Thursday - finished 10-day course of antibiotics (from previous ear infection), and now has a runny nose and puffy eyes.
3. Friday - Runny nose, puffy eyes...but mom made him tough it out for his last day at CH.
4. Saturday - Here we go again....not eating, runny nose, puffy eyes, crusty eyes, and sleepy.
5. Sunday - conditions worsened. (so he claims)
6. Monday - SICK CARD PLAYED. No, takesies-backsies Ryan. So, he stays with Nama. Goes to doctor. New antibiotic, referral for a pediatric ENT doctor, no weight gain (for a while now), stubborn ear infection, one tired mommy. Doctor decided to treat the ear infection and mommy.
7. Monday evening - Nama treated mommy.
8. Tuesday - mom works from home to care for Ryan. Air-conditioner out....we're back at Nama's.
9. Tuesday afternoon - Ryan's jumping in the jumperoo.

In all seriousness, he HAS to get better by Wednesday morning. If he doesn't, he'll have to get a shot once a day, for three days, starting Wednesday afternoon. :( I definitely don't want this for Ryan, nor does the doctor. So, please say a little prayer for my little star. His allergies are getting the best of me... I mean him.

The Final Days

I haven't told him yet that he's leaving Country Home. I'll be breaking the news tonight.

I took lunch to his teachers as a thank you for loving my boy so much.

The teachers often think Ryan's sleeping b/c he's so quiet in the crib... Only to look over and see he's standing and smiling. They said they just all laugh when this happens.



Soon to be Ryan's ex-friends. Shhh...they don't know yet either. I'll be sad to say goodbye to these babies. I've watched them grow and reach baby-milestones. One of Ryan's teachers is still trying to find a hiding place so that come Friday, I won't be able to take him away for good.

I'll Take One Blue Swing...Size Small

This picture cracks me up. Jenny, thought this one would make you laugh.

My Mind is Out of Control...

1. Toots is on his second round of antibiotics. A strong one, no less.
2. Ryan is now a lover of Curious George and Praise Baby.
3. Rod tested positive for Influenza A. Jessica tested negative. Mom and son have been living at Nama and Poppy's house. It was good for me. I watched the Republican debate...of course.
4. I've been wearing the same outfit (washed inbetween) for three days now.
5. Got a bonus at work...always a good motivator.
6. Ryan's last week at CH daycare is next week. Watch out Colonial Hills!! I need to get his "first day of school" outfit picked out.
7. Nama gave me some clothes to wear while I washed my one outfit. Who knew they still made pants where the"zipper area" is a foot long?!?! Who knew they still tapered the bottom of pants?!?!
8. I'll be meeting her first blogger friend. A blogger friend is one that is met through blogs. Megan I'm ready for that wine and cheese.
9. The other day, I went to pick up Ryan at daycare. He was sleeping, so I returned some emails on my blackberry while chatting with the teachers in his room. One of them said, "It's weird to see an adult texting." WHAT?!?! I'm an adult? Huh. I wonder if she was talking to me.
10. Rumor has it, Martha is starting a blog. Bring it!
11. Poppy is going to fly out to Vegas with me since I'll be all alone for five days out in maddness. (I actually LOVE Vegas...but, by yourself?). We already have dinner reservations for a great steak place....if you know Chesley, that probably doesn't surprise you. He's going to play Texas Hold'em while I'm in my training course. Again, not a shocker.
12. I LOVE nap time.
13. I love that Ryan can hold his own bottle. He woke up in the middle of the night, which is unusual, so I figured he was hungry. Made a bottle, gave it to him in the crib, and went back to bed. It was fabulous. His milestones are my milestones.
14. Can anyone tell me where I can find a Curious George stuffed animal?
15. I'm bored. I'm waiting for Nama to get home so I can go to work.
17. I'm super excited about Amanda getting married!!! I think about her everyday. Seriously.
18. Rachel and her hubby are moving back to Texas. I'm super pumped!
19. Allison, get a blog.
20. Someone get me a life.

Ryan Toot-tottin' Around

This is Ryan's little trick he loves to show off. It's so funny! Cindy, I've finally accepted he has short legs.

Wake-up with Ryan

PJs, Massages & a Night Out!

Happy Birthday to Marisa!!

To celebrate, we had Casey's amazing breakfast, pajama-style. Then, sat outside, on a gorgeous day, and drank our weight in coffee! THEN....we went for massages! Hands down the best birthday party.

Hanging out with my girlfriends is one of my most favorite things to do. I cannot tell you how nice it was to hang out with them, on a pretty day, with plenty of coffee, TONS of laughing, and lots of love for the birthday girl.

Later that evening, we went to dinner at Merchants in Alamo Heights, and then to Silo. (of course I danced til I had a cramp in my side).


The birthday group at Silo. Ryan P (Marisa's boyfriend) turned in early, so you will not be graced with his presence.

LOST EVERYTHING

My world has crumbled. Just when I thought I was being "blogger-fancy", my world came crashing down. I'm devastated, and COMPLETELY ANNOYED.

I tried to use a fancy template from another website for my blog, and everything, okay not everything, but everything disappeared. All my Tootle Link List peeps vanished. It's really sad to learn that my friends can be taken away from me in a heartbeat.

My habitual bloggers, would you mind sending me your blogger address so I can add you back? I feel cut off from the world.

Love,
Debbie Downer

Ryan's New School!

I'm proud to announce that our baby boy was accepted into the highly prestigious education program for babies. His essay was the best in his class, and his application was impeccable. SAT scores were WAY HIGHER than his mom's....needless to say.

Ryan will start at his new daycare on Feb 4th!! He's been enrolled into my old stompin' ground...Colonial Hills United Methodist Church!!! I'm sooooo excited for him to start there. Get this...it's cheaper, yet there is a daily curriculum!!! They don't just babysit the babies. And, one portion of the day is called "Bible Focus". One example: the babies work on compassion and mercy. Doesn't that sound sooo cute?!?! I have no idea how, but it sounds darling. Another part of their day is spent outside (weather permitting). One outside activity includes "Watching the big kids play." Jenny and I died laughing picturing Ryan staring at the big kids.

I will COMPLETELY miss Ryan's current teachers. They love our baby boy, and I have no shame in saying...he IS their favorite! ;) (And, Holden).

Take a look at Ryan's new school!

Little Toot is Eight Months

YOU BRING SO MUCH JOY TO OUR LIVES. We love you!!!

Our baby boy is eight months old. Here are eight pics, and a flashback.

(this is one of the few pics where you'll see him with both socks on).

We went to a wedding reception in Dallas at a Flight Museum. I couldn't resist...at eight months, a plane was named after our baby boy. So sweet of "them".

At eight months, he's mastered his "Sir Hiss" face. This pic goes out to my girls (Rachel, Casey, Kim, Allison...look out, Ryan wants to take part in the Sir Hiss Lookalike Contest).

At the Sturms' house, Beau started a fire. At eight months, he gained an appreciation for fire. I need to be careful...I was once a pyromaniac with Kimmy D. He might be showing signs of pyro lovin' behavorior.

I told Ryan that as soon as he turns eight months, he won't have to wear both socks anymore. It's sort of his "thing". One sock or no socks. I recently cleaned out his diaper bag and found seven single socks (all soaking wet from a spilt bottle).

At eight months old, he still looks good in red. And, your eyes are prettier than ever!

Found a sock! At eight months old, you tried to explain your sock fashion trend to your friend. This is Hudson...linebacker, UT, 5 months old.

At eight months, you tried to help mommy talk daddy into buying a robotic vaccuum cleaner. Ryan LOVED this thing....as did I.

You master your frown at eight months. The daddies of these three boys all went to high school together. Can you smell TROUBLE?!?!

FLASH BACK TO THREE DAYS OLD...

What an angel.


Brian and Matt, Rod and Ryan, and Jack and Jack Walker. Check out the socks on those tiny legs.