SHAMU!

Shamu has never looked better. She went to Sea World with Rod and Ryan this past weekend. Sunny, rain and then sunny again. And, then a complete down pour on our way out of Sea World.

Ryan, playing the game of "Freeze". Mom won...aaaaaagain. He'll learn.
And, of course, the sun came back out. And, so did the mosquitos. Ryan and I both enjoyed the water playground. As Ryan walked around, I decided to take a shower in one of the water spouts. Felt wonderful. Where's Ryan???? Ah, enjoying his water spout. What was great about this....we ran in to Susan, Hannah, Ryan and Chrissy! So, Ryan and I took another turn in the playground with them.

Gettin' jiggy with it!

He's Gifted

Today, Ryan's teacher asked me if I show flash cards to him at home. I do...but, probably not to the extent that they're asking (not even close). So, I said "yeah, I do."

She followed with, "We thought so. He knows most of the cards."

(The kids sign back what the card shows. For instance, for firetruck, the kids hold their hand up and do a circular motion (mimicking a siren)).

Hot Shots!

Look who got a wagon ride to the pool!!!

The limo of all limos.


Fast driver for a fast wagon.

Holden thought someone dinged his ride. So close.

Ryan...trying to play it cool.


He's embarrassed. Nerissa and I pulled up in front of his friends and honked the horn to get his attention...and, get him in the wagon.

Holden got THE bus!

UPDATE on Ryan's bugs:

1. We're STILL dealing with his stomach bug. He got pretty dehydrated and lethargic. Nama had to give him Pedialyte by syringe (he wouldn't drink), EVERY FIVE MINUTES. Thank you Mom. He seemed much better as the day went along. Ate a big meal for dinner.

2. We had a little episode on Saturday at the Ellis' house. Ryan's been doing the cry where he doesn't breathe. I know. Well, I usually end up just blowing in his face to make him take a breath. Well, he decided not to take a breath, and passed out. It was pretty scary b/c his sweet, little, helpless face turned gray, and his lips were blue. Just when we thought he may have taken a breath, he collapsed. Freaked me out...but, thankfully he was only out for MAYBE a second. So, I spoke with Ryan's doctor and she didn't seem worried about it. Just said that we have to just blow on his face, and give him a nice slap on the back. GEEZ!

3. Ryan MIGHT be faking it all...whatever it takes to get to spend the day with Nama. So, we're keeping an eye on this. Nama has agreed to watch him again tomorrow so we can make sure he gets enough fluids, and rests well. THANK YOU MOM.

Watch Out!!

We've got an artist!

Whatever You Want...

Ryan got pancakes and juice in his chair...in front of the t.v.

He's still not feeling well. As I was changing his diaper this morning, he fell asleep.

I had to pick him up from daycare yesterday due to a 100.2 temp. We went to his doctor's office, and by the time we got there, his temp was 102.5. So, McCray wouldn't clear him for daycare today. PJs, coffee and one snuggly baby for mommy this morning. Selfish, I know. His doc and I wanted to avoid antibiotics, but he's just not feeling better today...so, looks like its a go. :(

No Feelie Goodie

Ryan's been under the weather (what weather?!?!?) all weekend. Saturday, I went in his room to start our day, and he had thrown up all over the crib. Blueberries, corn and extras....everywhere. Then, I guess his "lower belly" hasn't been well either because that too was all over the crib the last two mornings. Poor baby had "it" all over his legs. He didn't move when we went in to get him after his morning nap. Broke my heart.

So, now we're on heavy soil, warm water, cotton cycle, x2! I made a quick run to Costco to get our monthly essentials, and came home to find Ryan napping...which is always nice.

All sheets, mattress covers, and bath towels are in the dryer...I'm lying, they're still in the washer, needing to go in the dryer.

To note: This blanket is the WORLD's BEST blanket. It's from Target. It's a Shabby Chic blanket that we use in our living room. It's like an adult-sized baby blanket. WONDERFUL! It's also Ryan's favorite. He often goes up to the blanket basket, rests his head and sucks his thumb before going back to play. Say a prayer that his blanket will make it out of the crib unscathed.

Ryan & Friends

So far, Summer has been filled with lots of swimming, friends and WALKING! Lots of walking. And, when I say walking, I mean that I don't have to worry about Ryan getting in to anything b/c all he wants to do is walk. Yes, this will be short-lived, but I'm enjoying it! And, no my house is not baby-proofed yet. For some reason, my child's safety is not coming first. Hmm. Ryan knows how much I love beaded necklaces.

Sweet Ashley got some snuggle time with Ryan while we watched "So You Think You Can Dance". And, yes. I still think I can dance.

Ryan and I ran in to Natalie and Johnny at the airport. They were a HUGE help while we waited for our flight. Nat and Johnny....THANK YOU!

Try to guess who was born first.

This is at Mel's house. We put the boys in Hudson's room, and blocked the door so they couldn't get out. Our intention... to make two glasses of wine and actually sit down. Good intention, yes. Did it happen?

I think this was taken around 2:30pm...still in their pj's.

Ryan loved him some Beau-time.

Mikey-mike and his precious visor. Please excuse the visor.

RDTs Dictionary

Ryan's New Words -

"Sup" - Favorite word of the weekend. If you're not familiar with the word "sup", it's a shortened version of "Wazzzzz-up?", or "What's up?" (The RDT dictionary is all the rage).

"Wazdat" - said with a point of a finger. Also known as, "What's that?"

"Yahyah" - repeated three times means, "come get me out of the crib".

______________________________________________

We had a fun weekend. Lots of swimming, visiting friends, and too much eating out. Friday, we went to Trilogy pizza. It was delicious. Turns out that I knew the guy we ate with. He graduated from Clark a year before me. He had played golf with Rod just before dinner. He has two precious boys that Ryan LOVED tried to follow everywhere they went. He even walked everywhere, trying to be like them. It's funny who you run in to when you live in San Antonio.

Saturday, the fam went to lunch and then Ryan and I went to Casey's house for a pool day! LOTS of fun. Ryan LOVED everyone there. LOTS of kids too. He literally played in the water for over two hours. He zonked out on the car ride home. ZONKED! Ris was sweet to read to Ryan as I got my three swim bags (ridiculous), a float, and myself together and in the car.

Sunday, we went to church with the Hardens. Always fun to sit with friends during church services. And, of course going to church means going out to eat afterwards. I know. I know. That seems silly, but when I was little, we would go out to eat and then bowling! (One of my favorite childhood memories).

After eating with sweet little JW and the Hardens, we went to a Hannah Montana pool party! hahaha! The cake was huge with stars shooting out of it, and a glazed picture of HM. All the little girls LOVED it. Even the pinata (absolute necessity for a San Antonio birthday celebration) had Hannah Montana on it. So cute.

Now, here's where it gets good....I still got "it"! I can still do a flip with a twist off the diving board. The diving board was one of those old school, super-unsafe diving boards. I put all the guys to shame! WHOSE YO MOMMA?!?! (as it was a mom body that went off that board...didnt' feel the same...a little jiggle).

I was really off with this shot...probably still jolted from my diving board moment. Ryan and Rylee (the birthday girl).

That evening, we went out to eat and met up with Shawn & Lisa, and sister Jenny and her friend Kyle. Lots of fun, and Y-U-M-M-Y margaritas!!! Delicioso. Needless to say, Rod and I were in a major vegetative state at the end of the night. I did manage to run a load of laundry before hitting the bed...HARD.

We're (well, Rod) still working on the front yard. It's looking really nice. Can't wait to get it all finished and planted!

Cleaning Out My Camera.

I know. What a doozy to start with.

We came home from Ohio with a leak under our sink. This is a cabinet next to the sink. I had all my cookbooks stored here. Lost them all. Most were SEALED shut. I still have the most important cookbook that includes all my friends/family recipes.

Below is my new FAVORITE dish to make. It's perfect for parties. The Tootles are lovin' on it. Pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, celery, cucumber, mozzarella cheese, avocado all mixed in Low Fat Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. Must get Hidden Valley. Super easy, and SO DELICIOUS.

Wednesday night, we went to private opening for a restaurant called BJs. Melanie (the one that doesn't keep up with her blog) and Sister Jenny joined Rod and I. We had a great time. The waitress was nervous/new and spilled water all over Rod. Other than that, the food was delicious!!! Good company!

Thursday, I got a call from daycare saying Ryan had a fever and someone needed to pick him up. This was my first time I couldn't play "Mom to the Rescue". I was heartbroken. (I run a big meeting twice a week, and I was in the middle of it when I got the call). Killer.
So, Daddy picked him up. When I got home, he was just waking up from a 3.5 hour nap. One picnic on the floor, please! We went to the doctor's office on Friday to figure out what was going on since I was just getting over Strept throat and a sinus infection. Turns out, four teeth are coming in at the same time. Get this...they're all the MOLARS. Poor little thing. He was weighed when we were in there and only weighs 19.5 lbs. Ryan's now <3%>

Group, I FOUND THE SOCKS!!! The Gap and Wal-Mart were the winners. So, after a trip to Old Navy, Ross, The Gap, Gymboree and Wal-Mart, I found a "shoe-sock" combination that I like. Shoes are Stride-Rites from Ross (yes, I found them in a bin).

Check out this room! This is in Susan's house. When Mattie Sue saw this room (in June), she said "This is perfect for me." This room has it all. Dolls, Care bears, a kitchen, several bassinets, My Little Pony's, etc. We all piled in this room to let Hudson (the son of the mom that won't keep up with her blog), Hannah and Ryan play. I cracked up laughing when Melanie pointed out that "Only Aunt Susan's play table would have a table runner."

Kellie and Ryan were buddies at the pool on Saturday. The pool party was the second celebration of Julia...Lauren's baby girl due in October. From the pool party, we had a pizza/wine party at Susan's. The evening was gorgeous. We sat outside, loving the breeze and all the stars that were out. Fun day!!! (I think Ryan was still annoyed that I put him in the pool right after waking up from a nap).

Isn't this the cutest?! Hudson and Ryan took their first bath together. Our excitement to have the boys in the tub together ended here. CRYING. And, when I say "crying", I mean "screaming crying". Both of them. Mel and I just cracked up laughing, as we both realized our vision of a fun bath time would not exist this time.

Marisa, Val, Ashley and I had a few drinks at Soluna the other week. Marisa and I gave strict instructions to make sure no rolls, double-chins, or evidence of "extra arm space" were showing. We feel pretty good about how this pic turned out.

As if Ryan Even Cares....

...but, I do. And, that is what matters. So, here is a picture of Ryan this morning on the way to school.

Navy socks, not buckled in well, tired, and trying to dance to the music... all while thinking Mom needs to give up trying to dance, take pictures, read emails, and play with Ryan while driving.

See what you think. Sorry for the poor image. Took it with my phone, while driving, and looking at the ROAD...not the child.

14 Months Old!!!

14 things about our Toots, Tooter, Stinks, Ry Ry, Tooterton:
1. He started walking, but soon decided it was no big deal, and has now stopped.
2. Mommy calls him "Ryan Donovan" when he voluntarily throws his sippy cup on the floor.
3. He's decided to become a blanket-lover...for which he's starting to snuggle with more than mommy.
4. When he's dropped off at daycare, he'll crawl all over the room before committing to a location.
5. His teachers said they've never heard him laugh harder than he did when they were juggling balls for the kids.
6. He loves it when I take off his shoes in the car on the ride home from school. Big smile!
7. He can stand up on his own and throw a soccer ball (ball of choice it seems) without holding on to anything, or anyone.
8. He thinks its hilarious when Mommy does the "washy washy" dance in the kitchen. Don't ask to see it.
9. He needs a lifejacket for a puddle of water. Take your eyes off him for a second and he's trying to JUMP in a pool. (not my favorite trait...scares me).
10. He says words like "Dat", "taaatee", "ahhhyeahhh", "weeeee", "mommmmamomama" (I'm sure that means Mom). :)
11. When we go over the railroad tracks on Dreamland, we both go "weeeeeeeeeee". Then, he'll give you the biggest smile.
12. He loves the art of dancing. "So You Think You Can Dance" just might pick up his moves as a style to pick from.
13. He's wearing new tennis shoes with socks. And, honestly, I think they look a little dorky on him. Not sure what to do about that. Auntie Stacy suggests no white socks. But, I can't use patterned socks, b/c they look a hint girly. So, does that leave me with just navy or brown socks? Oh, and there are no cool sandals for boys. All of them look like 1990s Dad sandals.
14. He still LOVES his red coupe car from the Kruger clan. We are due for a drive-in movie soon.

I'll post a pic tonight!

Life is Good - Ryan & Abby

Good friends of ours had a grand opening for their new Life is Good store...on the San Antonio River no less. PRIME LOCATION! Ryan always has a great time seeing Abby! So, it's always a treat for us to get to see the Grays. I may be stealing their blogging material, but I couldn't help myself. They're just the cutest pictures! Martha (Grandma and experienced photographer) took these precious pics.

Do pictures get cuter than this?

Here are the two of them when Ryan was one month old. Time is FLYING!

All the Pics of Our Trip!

Click on this text link www.thetootlefamily.shutterfly.com

Tootle Family Vacation - Ohio 2008

We had a BLAST on our vacation. I absolutely under-estimated Ryan with how well he would do on such an excursion. Our trip included a night at Grandma's, four nights in Huron on the lake, one night in an Amish country, one night in Gallipolis, OH, and the final night in Columbus, OH. Ryan seriously handled the ENTIRE trip as though he was a world traveler. He slept in closets, bathrooms, and hotel rooms with the t.v. on! I think he ate his weight in snacks while on this trip. (Whatever kept him going, we gave him). We were so proud of him. We were mostly proud of his new accomplishment of WALKING!!!! He walked right in to the arms of Aunt Tallie (which by the way....Tallie, you need to come up with your name).

There is so much to say about this vacation. I don't even know where to begin.

We started off at my Auntie Bev's house for some yummy burgers. My cousin Jason and his family drove up from Columbus to see us. That whole evening meant the world to us. They immediately threw an Ohio State hat on Rod, welcomed me with a glass of wine, and showered Ryan with lots of love and presents! We had a blast...next time we'll be visiting them longer.

Then, we headed to Grandma's house. If you've not been there, it's hard to explain how nostalgic you feel when you walk in to her house. There are TONS of memories there, so to have Rod and Ryan in her home was awesome. Grandma went with us to Lakeside, and she showed us around. The town is sooooo cute. Wish the weather was better. There were rainstorms all around us so we headed out before we wanted to.

After Lakeside, we drove on to Huron where we stayed in a neat house right on the lake. This is where we met up with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Tallie. And, this is when Ryan took his first steps. Now, let me say this...I had NO IDEA that when I toddler learns how to walk, that that is all they'll want to do and try. So, this whole idea played a significant role when flying home. LORD ALL MIGHTY!

Okay, so the next day, we went to Grandpa's house just before heading to the ferry for Put-n-Bay. Always nice to see Grandpa and relax out on his porch that overlooks the lake. We soon heading out to catch the next ferry...only to realize that we left the stroller back in Huron. ARGH. I bought that stroller specifically for this trip, and had been picturing us strolling Ryan around the island in his suped-up wheels. Well, turned out...we didn't need it at all. We had a golf cart that we strolled around in all over! We had burgers and beers before touring around. We were pooped at the end of the trip, so the ferry ride home was nice and relaxing.

The next day we went back to Grandpa's. The boys played golf at the club while us girls (and ryan) had lunch on the lake, and then went swimming with Mary, Joe and Lucy. (cousin and her kids). After a long day at the pool, we headed back up to Grandpa's to enjoy a few drinks and good conversation on his porch. Then, it was off to eat at Mon Ami. We're now on Wednesday....PLAY DAY for Rod and I. Tallie, Rod and I went to Cedar Point while Grandma and Grandpa so graciously took care of Ryan (they toured around Lakeside and Marblehead). We had a blast at Cedar Point. If you want to, go check out there website. There is a ride called the Dragster that is unbelievable. You go 0 to 120 mph in 4.0 seconds. Jealous Dad??? CP has soooo many BIG rides, that we didn't even get a chance to ride them all. We got home at 10pm, and were EXHAUSTED!

Thursday, we headed out to the Amish country which was absolutely fascinating! Russell (Rod's dad) found a neat place for us to stay the night. I laugh when I think about how Tallie and I saw a lady walking outside with a pan of rolls, and a dead chicken....feathers and all. Rod and Russell played golf while us women (and Ryan) went shopping in Walnut Creek. All I wanted to do was stare. I plan to get some books and read more about this culture.

Friday, we headed to Gallipolis where Millie (Grandma) grew up. I had so much fun meeting all of Rod's relatives. They were all so great and fun to meet. LOTS of kids in that family, all of which I enjoyed. We went to the town's carnival with the whole group. Saturday (hang in there...I'm almost done) we went to Columbus to meet up with one of Millie's brother's and his family. It was nice because we got to visit more with the Roderick's and relax. That night, we stayed in Columbus...I went straight to bed. I was exhausted.

Millie, Russell, and Tallie were soooooooo wonderful with Ryan. They were a huge help for Rod and I. They really made the trip so easy with a 13 month old. THANK YOU!!!!

Today, Ryan slept until 9:30am this morning, and went down for a nap at 11:00 and didn't wake up until 2:30. Actually, Rod and I had to wake him so we could go get something to eat.