Busy and Fun Weekend

This weekend started off great with pizza on Friday night! I love a night when I don't have to cook or clean up the kitchen. Saturday Matt let me sleep in while he got up with Ryan and fed him breakfast and played with him. It was nice to get a little extra rest! I got a good run in while Ryan took his morning nap then left the boys to go run some errands baby-free.

I went by JoAnn Fabrics to pick up a few things for my new home decorating project I hope to start really soon. I still have a few rooms that I want to put window treatments in but didn't want to spend the money and time of getting it done. I was looking at The Nesting Place a blog dedicated to decorating your home in a stylish and affordable way. It totally inspired me to get crafty and do some of the treatments on these bare windows. I purchased my first glue gun, some fabric tacks and fabric tap, ha! I'm ready and can't wait for the challenge. I will be posting my crafty journey along the way.

Saturday night we went to Ribs King to enjoy a birthday dinner for Teresa and her sister Brenda aka Aunt Teresa and Aunt BB. It was lots of fun, lots of laughs and of course lots of yummy food.

We've been trying to teach Ryan how to hold his bottle.

All I have to say about this picture is "My Dad is an engineer" HA!!!

We enjoyed a great sermon at church this morning and tonight we visited and took dinner to our sweet friends Laura and Matt who just had an adorable baby girl Olivia a few weeks ago. We had a busy and fun weekend. Now just looking forward to a great week!

Friday Fun

This is the only picture I took of Ryan today, can you believe it?

We had a full day beginning with a visit to the doctor to make sure Ryan's ear infection had cleared up. Glad to report that all looks good and Ryan is healthy again. After our check up we dropped by one of favorite places to grab lunch to take my friend Laura's house.

We were so excited to meet her sweet 4 week old little girl Olivia. I'm so sad I didn't get a pic of her. She is just beautiful and oh so tiny! Makes me miss that newborn phase. Ryan looked gigantor compared to her. Hard to believe he was that tiny just 7 months ago.

We came home and I put Ryan down for a nap. I decided to do some much needed cleaning in the short amount of time I knew he would nap. Glad to get some of those things checked off my list. Do ya'll make a list of things you want to get done that day? I usually have a to-do list even if it's only in my head.

It's snowing again tonight! Ughhh will it ever go away??? I am looking forward to getting some errands done tomorrow baby-free but I'm afraid it might not happen because they are calling for 2-3inches which isn't alot but still stinks! I guess if we are stuck inside at least it will be a relaxing weekend!

What Makes You Smile?

Today was a very low key day for us. I had planned on going to CRT (cardio resistence training) but I totally forgot to make reservations for Ryan in childcare so we just chilled at home most of the day and I worked out this afternoon.

We did venture out to Gymboree this morning. They are having a killer sale so I was anxious to see what they had. I got Ryan some adorable tops for spring and mostly summer. I got the cutest shirt and shorts set. I so can't wait until it's warmer out. It's hard to believe it's the end of February but come on March I'm ready for some spring weather. It just puts you in a good mood!

Ryan is still trying his hardest to crawl and now when I get him from his crib he is usually in a crawling position on all fours. It won't be long! We gotta get busy baby proofing this house, Yikes!

My friend Summer at Summer's Story received a blog award for the blog that makes you smile and she is passing it along to me. Now I must tell you 7 things that make me smile and pass it along to 7 more people. It's not hard for me to think of 7 things that make me smile so here goes:

1. My sweet husband Matt who always has a listening ear and can always cheer me up.

2. My beautiful and handsome little fella Ryan. Every morning when I go into his room to get him he puts a smile on my face.

3. Our other 4 legged children - Annabelle and Gracie. Even though they can be demanding at times they make me smile and I love having them in our lives.

4. Knowing that spring/summer is just around the corner. Can't wait for warmer weather to take Ryan to the park and the pool this summer.

5. My sweet friends and family. God has blessed me in so many ways with sweet friendships and the best family in the world.

I am passing this award to:

Amanda at Better Than Life - Amanda and I went to college together and were soriety sisters!

Angela at The Grace Family - Angela and I went to high school together and I love reading about her two sweet kiddos!

Kelly at Oatmeal for Breakfast - Kelly and I went to church together when we both lived in Memphis many moons ago and she has remained a dear friend. I've been so blessed to watch her journey of becoming a mother, she is due with her sweet "Champ" in just a few short weeks!

Courtney at The Rogers Crew - Courtney and I went to high school together and I've enjoyed reading about her sweet family and her adorable little girl Brentley.

Amber at The Flenniken Family - Amber I met a few years ago through my sweet friend Jenn. She's my fellow Tennessee fan. I enjoy reading about Amber's family and two cute little monkeys Jacks and Wil. And I love reading what Amber is having for dinner, she is an amazing cook and loves it.

Bible Study, Playdate and a Vet Visit

We finally made it back to Ladies Bible Study (LBS) this morning after it was snowed out the last 2 weeks. I have missed it and was glad to get back into the book of Esther. I learn so much from Beth Moore. She brings the scriptures alive. It's amazing how she brings things out that I wouldn't have even thought about. And the women in my LBS are just precious. They are all a little older than me with school aged kids. They are so sweet and just an inspiration and encouragement to me.

I only got a couple of pics of Ryan today but I know the Grandparents want to see them anyway! Ha!

After LBS when went to my friend Anissa's house for lunch and playdate. It was so nice and so fun to watch the kids play. Anissa made yummy potato soup and salad. I have been so blessed to have friends to connect with and just hang out with. And of course playmates for Ryan!

We headed home for naptime and Ryan was so tired. I didn't want him to fall asleep in the car, it makes it harder to get him to nap if he falls asleep in the car. Well, I kept him awake the entire ride home by singing nursery rhymes to him. And it worked, ha! His little eyelids were so heavy but he didn't succumb to his exhaustion. We went straight upstairs when we got home and he fell right to sleep as soon as I put him down! Bless him! And he slept for a good two hours!

This afternoon I had to take Annabelle to the vet for her rabies shot and her nails trimmed. Ryan was glad for once he wasn't the one getting the shot, ha! She checked out great but boy were my hands full. How do you moms with pets manage vet visits when you have a little one?

Love Monkey and Temptations

Ryan got this little monkey for Valentine's day. He absolutely loves it. You press his foot and his arms fly up and down and he says "You make me go bananas"! If Ryan starts to fuse all I have to do is push his foot and he instantly smiles and reaches for the monkey. When I bought it I never thought he would love it so much but I'm so glad he does.

We video Ryan giggling so hard tonight it was so cute. I'm gonna try to download it and post it on here...even if only the grandparents enjoy it, ha!

Please excuse the stained yucky bib Ryan has on. As soon as I think Ryan's spit up is getting better he spits up all over me and him. I know this too shall pass...but not soon enough!

These "temptations" landed on my doorstep yesterday by our sweet neighbor. I look forward to every February with anticipation of sinking my teeth into these sweet cookies. Oh how I LOVE girl scout cookies!!!

My absolute favorites are Caramel Delights aka Samoas. I like the peanut butter sandwich cookies, and the non pictured Tagalongs. Matt's favorite are Thin Mints and I must say they are ALL gone and we just got them yesterday!!! Yummy treats don't stick around our house very long!

Our Weekend

We've had a great weekend! We got up Saturday morning and cooked breakfast. I told Matt I want to make a new tradition of cooking breakfast on Saturday morning. I think it would be something both us and our kids would look forward to each Saturday morning. We made waffles yesterday morning.

We got ready and headed to take Ryan to the Aquarium. Honestly it was a little too crowded for us but it was still alot of fun. Ryan enjoyed seeing the "fishies" and looking at all the sea life.

It's been a few years since Matt was at the Aquarium. He enjoyed seeing the new exhibits like the jellyfish. I love being able to take Ryan out and explore new things. It's so neat to see the excitement in his eyes.

After the Aquarium we headed over to eat lunch at a new restaurant called Bulldogs. They just opened last Sunday and Matt heard about them on the radio. We enjoyed a yummy lunch of burgers and fries. Matt ate this WHOLE ONE POUND burger...and fries!!! He said he was going to take half of it home but I knew he would eat the whole thing, and he did. Good thing he doesn't eat like that all the time. Bulldogs was great and we will be sure to visit again! And Ryan did awesome even though it was really close to nap time.

This morning we enjoyed a new sermon series starting at church about being FREE. The Bible tells us "Where the spirit of the Lord it, there is freedom." I'm really excited about this study and can't wait to dig deeper in our small group.

I love Ryan is this cute sweater. He is smiling here because I'm singing Old McDonald Had a Farm. He loves that song and loves when I make the animal sounds. And speaking of singing, this little cutie was full of things to say tonight. We skyped with my parents earlier and he was just chatting away to them.

Ryan can scoot anywhere he wants to go. He got on all fours alot the past two days and would rock back and forth. No longer can I just lay him down and expect him to be in the same place when I come back. I can't believe he will be mobile soon.

TGIF

I'm so glad it's finally Friday! Feels like it's been a long week!

Today we had lunch with my friend Ruth and her son Nicholas at Mimi's Cafe. It's one of my favorite places to eat. I especially love their breakfast. Whenever my family comes in town we have to eat at Mimi's at least one while they are here.

Nicholas is just 2 weeks younger than Ryan. At one point they were looking at each other and babbling like they were carrying on their own little conversation. It was so cute! They were so cute and hopefully will be buddies. Ryan did great during lunch and even enjoyed some cheerios!

We are looking forward to a fun weekend! We might take Ryan swimming at the indoor poor at the gym.

Bunch of Random Stuff

Ryan and I headed out to the mall to get some exercise and just get out. The mall wasn't crowded at all so it was a great day to walk! Ryan was so cute I had to take his pic. He loves to people watch and was totally content the whole time.

This is how I found our little monkey yesterday during nap time. He has started doing this alot more lately. Since he is perfecting his rolling skills nap time is getting a little harder. He will roll in his crib and just want to play and not sleep. I know, I know, just wait til he is pulling up and standing in his crib and crawling, ha! I never know what I'm gonna find when I go in his room!

Tonight I made roast, potatoes and carrots in the crock pot. I decided to mash up some of the potatoes for Ryan. I mixed in some milk to make it the same consistency as his baby food. At first he liked it but then he didn't seem too crazy about it. Not sure if it was the new consistency or what but hopefully he will do well with table food in the future.

Here is a pic of sweet little Analiese who was born yesterday! Isn't she just beautiful? She looks alot like her big brother Alex. He was a beautiful baby too!

Mom and baby are doing great. They actually all went home today!

Happy Birthday Analiese Marie!

We finally made it out of the house today...can I get an AMEN!!! We only got out for a little bit this morning to go to the gym but it was great to get some fresh air. I got a much needed great workout and this afternoon Ryan took a two and half hour nap.

This morning I woke up to the exciting news that my best friend Rachel, who I was just visiting last week, had her baby early this morning....in the parking lot of the hospital!!!!! Yup, it was one of those amazing birth stories! Analiese Marie was born at 2:30AM weighing 6lbs 4oz and 19 in. long.

It all started last night when Raych texted me saying she was not feeling well and having contractions. (I should tell you that she would have been 38 weeks tomorrow) She totally thought they were braxton hicks since she had been experiencing them for many days. I told her she needed to rest and take it easy. You see, her son Alex was born two weeks early just 21 months ago. I woke up to a text at 12:30 from Raych saying she was in some pain but took a bath and was laying down resting. After she texted me she got that feeling and knew that the baby was coming and coming soon! They jumped in the car and made their way to the hospital but the roads were bad from the snow so it took a little longer. They finally made it to the hospital but Raych was feeling the need to push. There was no time. Eric ran into the ER to get help and when he came out and opened the door he basically caught her in his arms. How amazing is that? Nurses and EMT's were right there to get her and the baby right inside. Mommy and baby are doing great! What an amazing story to tell Analiese one day!

Can I shove this whole phone in my mouth???

Snow Day and Fat Tuesday

Yesterday it snowed ALL. DAY. LONG.!!! It started out early in the morning. It continued coming down about an inch an hour. Matt went into work really early but the roads were still bad.

This is our deck looking out the back window!

We got a total of 8-9 inches. Matt was able to make it home but he said some roads were ok and others were just really bad. I was doing some laundry and heard someone outside with a snow blower. I looked outside and saw my neighbor snow blowing our driveway. How nice is that? Matt came home while he was out there and was just as surprised and thankful as I was! We have the best neighbors!

This is our view out the front window. You can't even see where the street is. Matt says it feels like we are living in State College, PA again. It's officially the snowiest February in Cincinnati. And we're supposed to have more this weekend! Ahhhhh I need a vacation to the beach!!!

Ryan and I have been chillin at home the past two days. We are really hoping to get out tomorrow. I'm getting a little cabin fever and ready to see something besides these three walls, ha!

Ryan has figured out how to master holding two toys at the same time. He was rolling around all over the place this afternoon and wanted to chew on the computer cord on the floor. Boy do we have a lot of baby proofing to do in our near future.

Ryan was too cute sporting his TN outfit!

He is feeling much better and just about back to his happy little self!

Eight Months Old

RYAN - YOU ARE EIGHTH MONTHS OLD TODAY!!!!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS MONTH???

• You weigh 19lbs - and growing!
• Your are wearing size 6-9 month clothes
• You continue to be a great eater. You eat 3 meals a day. Oatmeal and fruit for breakfast, fruit or veggie for lunch and veggie for dinner. You also have 4 bottles a day ranging from 4-8oz.
• You eat puffs for a snack but your still working on your pincer grip
• We introduced the sippy cup but you are more interested in chewing on it than drinking from it.

• You still take 2 naps a day. Short nap in the morning and 2 hour afternoon nap.
• You went on your first plane ride last week to visit "aunt" Rachel and Alex in Connecticut. You slept most of the time on the flight and charmed everyone!
• You went swimming for the first time in CT and LOVED it. You loved kicking in the water! Watch out Michael Phelps, ha!
• You are easily distracted when you eat and look around and sometimes you suck your thumb inbetween bits.
• You got your first ear infection over the weekend ;( You were clingy on Saturday and just wanted to snuggle with momma or daddy. Today you seemed almost back to your happy self.
• You are sitting so well and will roll over to your belly from sitting.

• You are so close to crawling. You will get on all fours and rock but haven't got those arms and legs to move yet. We are always waiting with baited breath for that first crawl.
• You still love your jumperoo and exersaucer
• You love to babble and "talk" all the time. You've almost said momma and dadda a few times but we aren't counting it just yet.
• You are showing your personality more and more every day. You love to smile and charm everyone around you.
• The nursery workers at the church can't get enough of you and say you are such a joy and just the best baby.

(You love any kind of paper, making it a little hard to get your 8 month pics, ha)

This first year is flying by way to fast. I wish I could hit the pause button. You are becoming more precious every day. You steal a little piece of our hearts every day. You are the best thing that happened to your momma and daddy! We LOVE you so much.