New Year!

Happy New Year Ryan! Sorry it's been a while since I've updated this. We've been busy as usual. I'll start with Christmas. You're Granddaddy and KK took you to Ripley for a couple of days before Christmas so your Daddy and I could pack and get Christmas presents wrapped. You had a cold when you went down there so I imagined it was only a matter of time before an ear infection set it, and yep, I was right. They had to take you to the dr. and she confirmed it - another day, another ear infection! Then we headed to Ripley on Dec. 23 to come see you! We all went to the Fullen's Christmas party that night. You had such a great time playing with your cousins. I can't wait for you guys to get to know each other more through the years!

Then we had Christmas at Granddaddy and KK's for the big people on Christmas Eve. And we went to your Uncle Rob and Aunt Pam's for Christmas Eve dinner. You got more toys there I think than you did all Christmas! We opened your presents on Christmas morning and you had a blast. I don't think you really knew what was going on. You just knew there were a ton of presents and really didn't question it!! I definitely think your favorite was your green John Deere 4-wheeler from your Daddy. You're SO into trucks right now that it couldn't help but be a hit.

That afternoon we drove to Little Rock and had Christmas dinner with all of my family. Everyone loved to watch you eat since you're feeding yourself now! They also were very impressed that you were signing. You've got the "more" sign down perfectly! The next day we went to see Meemo and Beepo and your Granddad. We took some of your trucks over there so they got to see how much you love them!! Then that night we did MORE presents with Jimmy, TJ & Sarah and Kevin. I sure hope you realize this multitude of presents only comes a couple of times a year! What am I saying though!? We buy you something just about every time we go to Target, so it's not much different!!

The next day was Mommy's favorite - Cookie Day!! This was your second cookie day, but I thought you might be a little more interested in it this year than you were last year. But you were taking a nap when it started and then had to eat lunch so you really didn't get to enjoy it like you should have. But that's OK, you've got PLENTY more Cookie Days ahead of you. We did make sure you tried some though. You liked it, but I think you may take after your dad and aren't crazy about eating them (unlike your mother!!).

Then we headed back to Franklin to enjoy a week off of work and school. It was really nice to have you home with us. I thought I would take you to school for a day or so to get some stuff done, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. You're just too much fun to have around the house!!

Speaking of school, before we left for Christmas vacation, school let us know they were moving you into the toddler class! Can you believe it!!? I couldn't. This upset me more than you turning one. The toddler class means you're really growing up!! They only take one nap (and it's on a mat!), they eat lunch a table, they have circle time - can you really do all of this!?! Well, it seems you can! You've been in the class for a week and your new teacher Miss Ninette says you're doing fabulously. You eat breakfast there then you read books and sing songs. Then you eat lunch (at a table!) and you take a nap (on the mat!!). Every day you've taken 2 1/2- 3 hour naps! And you've actually been doing that at home this weekend as well! Then you do some artwork and more playing!! Miss Ninette says she's so glad to have you in her class because you're so sweet (no news to us, right?!?!).

Another thing you've started doing is using utensils when you eat!! We were over and Abigail's Friday night for our Mexican night and I was feeding you in my lap, since Abigail and Ellie were taking turns with the high chair. You just picked up the spoon and tried to feed yourself! It was a little difficult for you to pick up the food, but when I put it in the spoon you fed yourself perfectly. So now we're trying forks! You know what to do, it's just a matter of actually stabbing those little pieces of food! You'll get the hang of it though - I have no doubt!!!

You're getting to be such a big boy! I love watching you grow. On a side note, you're sick again. You've got a terrible cough and ran a fever this morning. I'll call the doctor, but what do you want to bet it's an ear infection?!!? If so, we may have to do tubes. I'll keep you posted.

I'll update you soon. I love you. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Remember me?!?!

You're probably reading these all together so you really won't notice that it's been 6 weeks since I've written in your blog! I have no other excuse except that we have all been crazy busy! This is going to be a long one, so get comfortable and enjoy!

The last we left off, we were looking forward to your birthday. Well, it was a success! Thank goodness I took off work on Friday before your party, because it took me 2 days to make your cake! It turned out pretty well. I was just thankful it didn't fall over. That was a definite possibility, but thank goodness your Emme is very resourceful and found ways to prop it up as it was leaning over.

Your dad went decoration-crazy and found all kinds of barnyard props to decorate the house with. It was a GORGEOUS day, so we ended up opening your presents on the deck. We were all prepared for a full-out devouring of your cake, but you didn't quite put on the show we thought you would. You really wanted nothing to do with it at first, but once I shoved (yes, I think I literally shoved it in your mouth) a piece of cake in your mouth, you realized that it wasn't so bad!! But you didn't make the mess we thought you would (which I was actually very thankful for!!). Presents were funny too. You were excited about opening the first present, but once that was opened you wanted to play with it and not open the rest, so I took care of it for you! All in all, it was a fantastic day, and I can't believe you're one year old!!!!

During all the prep and partying, we found out that sweet little Lexie's health was going downhill fast. We actually had to take her to the vet on Saturday before your party. The dr. gave her a few days to live, so we took her back home and just hoped that she didn't pass during your party! 3 days after your party we were supposed to take her to the vet to have her put to sleep, but luckily she passed away just moments before we were supposed to go. It was a very sad day for your dad and me. I'd had her for 15 years, and your dad had known her for 9 of those 15 years (and she loved him way more than me!!). I know you'll never remember her, but we've got lots of pictures of you as a baby with her!!

So after all of that, we did our typical weekly routine for a few weeks (with me traveling for work in the middle of all of that). Then came Thanksgiving. We went to Ripley to spend time with your dad's side of the family and then we went to Little Rock to spend time with my side of the family. Everything was going good - you had a great Thanksgiving meal in Ripley and ate it all like a champ! But then you got a little fever. By the time we got to Little Rock your fever was pretty high. Luckily my cousin Preston was there and is a dr. so we bugged him like crazy to make sure you were OK! In the meantime you had developed a rash all over your body. We had a family gathering at the farm and drug you to it, and you were such a trooper. After we got back to Franklin, we went to your dr. and found out you had a double ear infection and hand, foot and mouth! I feel so bad that we drug you all over the place while you felt so bad. Hopefully you won't be haunted by those memories!! Just have happy memories of Mommy - forget the bad stuff!!!

The next weekend we went to downtown Franklin for their Christmas parade. Abigail and her parents came too. We were a little concerned that you and Abby were going to miss the parade because you were both sleeping when we got there, but you guys perked up when the parade started. You seemed to enjoy seeing all the cars and trucks go by, but you got really excited when you saw Santa!! We'd shown him to you before but this time you go to see him in person!

The next weekend we went to the Opryland Hotel to show you the Christmas lights. We thought we'd just breeze right on in and go through the hotel and then go to dinner (at one of your dad's favorite restaurants - Cock of the Walk). We seemed to forget that the Opryland Hotel is a major tourist attraction! We waited probably an hour in traffic just to get to the hotel! Luckily you had not had an afternoon nap, so that was the perfect time for you to take one! Once we got there though, it was worth the wait. You loved all the lights and seeing the decorations. We also just happened upon Santa (and there was no line to take a picture with him)! So we decided we'd give it a try and see if you'd be up for it. And to my surprise, you actually did very well. I thought for sure you were going to lose it as soon as we sat you in his lap, but I think we'd played up Santa so much that you were actually a little intrigued (I wouldn't say you were thrilled, but at least you didn't freak out!). All in all, it was a successful venture! The next day we went to downtown Franklin where they were having a Dickens Christmas festival. It was basically craft vendors and a petting zoo, but it was fun to walk around and see everything.

So that was last weekend. This week I found out that they're moving you up at daycare to a toddler room. That freaks me out more than you turning one. This means you really are getting to be a big boy! You're going to transition when you come back from the Christmas holiday. I hope it all goes well. I think you're really going to learn a lot and have a lot of fun!!!

Also this week, you've decided that you need to wake up multiple times during the night!! We've figured out that your molars are coming in, so I think they're keeping you up. If it's not an ear infection, it's a tooth! One of these days you're going to get a good night's sleep, I'm sure of it!!!!

Well, I think I've caught you up so far (if you haven't dozed off while reading this!!). You've got more Christmas activities this week, so I'll try to do better about updating the blog, so you won't miss any details! I hope you have a restful sleep tonight and I'll see you in the morning. I love you. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Halloween!

We made it through Halloween! We all got dressed up on Saturday afternoon to go to Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin. You, by far, were the cutest monkey I've ever seen. But the big banana was a hit at Pumpkinfest!! People were stopping us on the street to take our picture!

It was so cute to see all you kids dressed up! We came back to our house to trick or treat at a couple of houses then we hung out and played the rest of the night. This is the best picture I could get of the 3 munchkins all together! I guess I can't be too picky these days since you're all on the move!

Now we're focusing on your 1st birthday!!! I can't believe it's already here. I'm going to attempt to make your cake, so I'll have to let you know next week how that goes. I'm taking 2 days to prepare so if it doesn't work out, there's always Publix!!! I hope you have a fun birthday. I think the presents are going to be a little overwhelming (for you and for your dad and me!), so we may have to ration them out over the next few weeks!

I better go prepare for the big day. It's been the best year of my life and it's all because of you!!! I can't wait for what's ahead! I love you!!!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Fun week

Hey Buddy! What a week. We've got more firsts to tell you about (since you probably won't remember them). We started off by moving you from your infant car seat to your big boy car seat. Don't tell anybody - we're a few weeks early, according to the law - but it's been quite a struggle getting your growing body into that infant car seat, especially with a coat on. Hopefully you won't have memories of my trying to squeeze you in there and you screaming at me!! It's so nice to have you facing me and not facing backwards! You've figured out that you can see me in the rearview mirror and I think you like that too!


The next fun thing was Fall Fest at your school on Friday night. We dressed you up in your costume and you got to see all your buddies in their costumes! I'm not putting any pictures on here yet, because we want everyone to be suprised next week when it's really Halloween. But I will say, you were the most precious monkey I've ever seen! Then of course after that we went to eat Mexican with the gang. We were in a hurry to get there because we wanted to be there when Uncle Jay and EP told everyone the news - they're pregnant! You're going to be a cousin!! It's going to be so much fun because you guys are going to be so close in age. You're going to have to show him/her (I think it's a girl already) the ropes. So fun!!!

Then on Sunday, the weather was beautiful, so we went to the park. We had a picnic, and then you played on the swing and slide. You were a little hesitant about both, but as you can see, you LOVED them! When you start walking, it'll be even more fun because you'll be able to play on everything!!








Speaking of walking, you've taken a few steps! Nothing that I would really call walking by any means. It's more of you letting go and falling into a step. I really don't think it's intentional at all! But it's a start! Maybe you'll be walking by your birthday!!

Next week's going to be fun! We've got Halloween next weekend, so there'll be lots more talk to about next time!! Can't wait! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Week of firsts

What a week this has been! You've done so many things for the first time; hopefully I can remember them all! First of the "firsts" is that you ate your first big boy lunch at school! We've been trying to phase you into table food at home, and you've done a pretty good job (when you're not throwing it on the floor!). So we tried it out at lunch. On Thursday they had chicken fingers, au gratin potatoes and pears. They gave you the potatoes and pears, but I told them to hold off on the chicken fingers. We're not there yet! Trust me, there's plenty of time for them - I'm sure in a little while all you'll want is chicken fingers or McDonald's! But they said you did great and ate it all! You weren't at school on Friday (I told you, you're never there!!), but today you were there and had green beans and applesauce and, again, you ate like a champ! Now Mommy's going to have to start coming up with meals for you! It sure was nice just to pop open a jar and there's your dinner! But, I must say, it will also be nice not to have to run to Target every few days to fill up on our baby food supply!

The next "first" was your first haircut!! Your daddy wanted you to go to the same place that he, Uncle Jay, your Granddaddy and his Granddaddy all went to, so since we were going to Ripley this weekend, we signed you up for a haircut! All you really needed was some trimming on the sides, but I sure didn't trust myself to do it! You did FABULOUS! I was so worried you were going to scream and cry, but you sat there (with your paci, of course) and looked in the mirror and just sat patiently while she cut your hair. We were all so impressed at what a good boy you were!

The next first was your first wedding! Your Daddy's cousin Matthew got married in Ripley on Saturday, so we went down for that. It was an outdoor wedding (and the weather that night was around 40 degrees!), so we were a little concerned about you being there. But your Granddaddy watched you in Anne Laura's dad's house during the ceremony and then we all hung out in a big heated tent for the reception. You did great there too! You were shown around to all of Ripley and Dyersburg it seemed! You and I danced a little bit too. You liked being dipped the best!!

So basically this whole week was a week of firsts and showed us how truly wonderful you are. You just roll with the punches and enjoy whatever we bring your way! I couldn't ask for a more precious child!

Speaking of precious, you're quietly sleeping right now, so I'm going to do the same! I hope you have wonderfully sweet dreams, and I'll see you in the morning. I love you!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Fun Fall Stuff

Hey Pumpkin! You've had quite a fall festival-filled couple of weekends! Last weekend we went to the Country Ham Festival with Uncle Jay and EP. You saw your first petting zoo. We're not quite ready to actually pet the dirty animals just yet (or Mommy isn't, I should say!). But you had a good time looking at the animals.

Then your Emme and Papa came by on their way home from Destin. They spent a couple of nights and kept you one day so you guys could get a good visit. Sometimes I wonder if you've actually had a full week at daycare since you started! I don't mind; I just find it funny!

We did our usual Mexican Friday night with the gang. Then on Saturday your dad and I bought your new car seat! It seems so big, but you're definitely outgrowing the infant car seat we have now. It'll be a couple of weeks before we actually put you in it, but we're ready! It's going to be a whole new world for you when you can face forward and see me while we're in the car!

Saturday night we went to Uncle Jay and EP's and watched the Cardinals game. It was a big playoff game so we all had to wear our Cardinals gear.

As you can see, you were cheering really hard, but they didn't pull it off. But we had a good time anyway.

Then on Sunday we went to Gentry Farms. They had some animals, hayrides, a corn maze and lots of activities for kids. You were just a little too small to do the activities but you didn't seem to mind just watching. Since Abigail's the only baby walking, she tried everything out for you guys. Next year, it'll be a different story!! We did have lots of photo opps though!

As you can see, it's been a busy weekend, so I'm exhausted. I'm off to bed. Sweet dreams and I'll see you in the morning. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Been a while

It may not seem like it as you read these one after the other, but I've slacked off the past couple of weeks and haven't written! Well, not exactly "slacked off," let's call it "being busier than a one-armed coat hanger!" It all started off when you threw up on me first thing in the morning a couple of Sundays ago. From there it just went downhill! We took you to the doctor on Monday and he said you had another ear infection and the fever probably caused the vomiting. Whew, we thought - we really didn't want to get a stomach virus. You still weren't eating right by Monday night, so your Granddaddy and KK came up to watch you so I could go to work. Well, Wednesday I went to work and immediately came home because I had a stomach bug. Then a few hours later, here comes your dad, home with a stomach bug. Then the next day your KK gets it. Then your Uncle Jay and EP get it!!! (So now I'm wondering if the dr. got it too!). Fun week! Things have been better since, and thank goodness, because we had a lot going on.

I had a girls weekend at the lake with my bunko friends, so you, your dad, your Granddaddy, KK, Uncle Jay and EP went to Pickwick for the weekend. I definitely missed you, but it was nice to be around the girls! From what I hear, you guys had a good time too. Then this week I had to go to Salt Lake City for work so I had to leave you again for 2 days! That was hard. I just remember lying in bed thinking how physically far away from you I was and that made me so sad! But I'm back now and laying kisses on you constantly (you probably wished I had stayed!!). Your dad took good care of you while I was gone though. He took you to school and picked you up from school. Then he took the day off, so you both could have a guys day together. How cute is that?!

As far as tricks, you can stand on your own, but you just don't seem comfortable trying to walk. Anytime you think you might be starting to walk, you drop to your knees and crawl away! You've also started clicking with your tongue - I have no idea where you learned that, but it's really cute!

You also do the cutest thing with your chin - you stick it out and I tickle you under your neck. You think that's so funny. Here's how cute it is...

Isn't that precious!?! I think so!

We've got another busy weekend. We're going to the Country Ham Festival (!) tomorrow and then the gang's coming over tomorrow night for your Uncle Jay's birthday. Then your Emme and Papa are coming Sunday on their way back from Destin. So get lots of sleep - we're going to need it!!! I'll see you in the morning.
Kiss Kiss from Mommy