Halloween 2010

I'm trying to play catch up!! Rylan is currently obsessed with baseball so what better costume for him than to go as a baseball player. We had received from a family friend an authentic Derek Jeter jersey this summer so I decided to build his costume around that. Even though we're not Yankee fans, it was still a cute jersey. Little did I know that the beloved Rangers would end up playing the Yankees in the playoffs. I was worried for a little while that no one would give him candy because he was a Yankee. Luckily, the Rangers won so there wasn't too many comments Halloween night. We had a couple people say something about the Yankees and one family that were huge Yankee fans gave Rylan a ton of Baby Ruth's:) We went trick or treating with our friends Shane, Jess and Addie. The kids had a blast, the weather was perfect and you couldn't have asked for a better Halloween.

I'm baaak!!

I haven't been blogging much because we have had a very stressful few months. Anyone that's reading this probably knows that we found out I was pregnant the first of August. At my first OB appointment the doctor told us we were having twins!! Needless to say, we were a bit SHOCKED!! We went back two weeks later and found out that we had lost one of the twins. The doctor told us that this was very common and is what is known as a vanishing twin. We were sad about the loss but also somewhat relieved. So my doctor scheduled us to go to Texas Tech sonogram center for a better sonogram in two weeks. When we went for this sonogram the doctor suspected something that is called TRAP twins. TRAP twins is a condition where the surviving twin is pumping blood into the twin that has died. Causing the demised twin or TRAP twin to continue to grow and put stress on the surviving twin's heart. This is a VERY rare condition that happens in 1 in every 35,000 identical twins. However, it was still too early in the pregnancy to see if the blood flow was there. So you guessed it, we had to wait another two weeks and come back for another sonogram. During this two weeks, I googled everything I could on TRAP twin (probably not the smartest thing to do but I wanted to be informed). There is a lot of freaky stuff out there!! Finally, after what I thought was the longest two weeks we went back to Tech for another sono. It was then that they did confirm that yes it was TRAP twins. Needless to say we were devastated and scared. Luckily, (thank God for modern medicine) there is a procedure that can be done where a needle is stuck into my stomach and through radio frequency ablation they can cut off the blood flow. And also what was lucky there is a doctor in Dallas that can do the procedure. Plans were put into the making but the doctor wanted me to be close to 17 weeks. So once again we had a very long and stressful 2 1/2 week wait to go to Dallas. But during this time, something changed in me and I felt very calm and at peace with everything that was going on. Normally, I'm a huge worrier and freak out but at this time I just knew that everything was going to be ok. The plans were set and the time came for us to go to Dallas. We went to Plano and met with fetal specialist Dr. Karitski. He is AWESOME! I was so worried that the doctor would be a jerk or not care about us but this couldn't had been further from the truth. Once we arrived they started a sonogram with a tech and she informed us that we are having a GIRL!! We were excited but so focused on the reason we were there I don't think it really sunk in. The doctor came in a little later and really started looking at the TRAP twin. And even to my untrained eye, I could tell there wasn't much blood flow and that it looked like it did 3 weeks ago at Tech. He was very thorough and explained that there was minimal blood flow and it would do more harm to do the procedure so he wanted us to let things run there course naturally. He did have us go to a fetal cardiologist to make sure her heart wasn't stressed any. And thankfully, that report came back great too. So the doctor suggested we go shopping and enjoy Dallas because there was no need for us to have the procedure. We couldn't believe what we were hearing, this never crossed our minds!! The Sunday before we left the whole congregation at our church prayed for us and I really feel that we had so many praying for us and that is why we had the outcome that we did. So now we go for weekly ultrasounds, we've already had one and the baby is doing great!! And the doctors don't see any reason for us not to have a regular pregnancy the rest of the time. I finally feel like I can be excited about this pregnancy and that this little girl is truly a miracle!! We are thinking about names and I'm pretty sure that we are going to use Fayth as her middle name (spelled that way after my Grandma Fay whom I think has been watching over her). But also because, man we have had nothing but FAITH to keep us going the last few months! So anyways that's why I haven't been blogging but this pretty much updates you on what's been going on! And just encase you forgot what Rylan looks like here are some recent pictures of our favorite little guy!!

Yee-Haw

Rylan has discovered that he likes to dress himself. So when he doesn't have school or has to be seen in public, we let him have at it. Most of the time pants are optional and cowboy boots are a must!! We are officially (hopefully I don't jinx it) potty trained. We are on day 5 with NO accidents!! Woohoo!!

Hey Good Lookin, What 'cha got Cookin?

I apologize for my blogging hiatus. We've been so busy that I haven't had much of a chance to blog. This past weekend, I made meatloaf and had my own personal sous-chef. He followed directions really well and wasn't nearly as messy as his Daddy in the kitchen. He did ask to try a piece of onion and after a little nibble said it was "nasty". Rylan is getting so big, it's crazy how fast time flies:)

Silly Face

Rylan loves to have his picture taken. I guess, if a camera has been in your face your entire life you just get used to it. Cory's been going out of town a lot here lately so there's been a lot of mother/son bonding. We were bored the other night so I got out the camera and Rylan started making silly faces. His favorite thing is to look at the picture after I take it (where would we be without digital cameras?).

Swimming

Rylan has never been a big fan of water. He loves taking a bath, but never really liked his kiddie pool or sprinkler. I thought it might be due to the cold water because I'd be the same way. But even last year when we took him to the big pool, he really didn't care for it. So this summer I searched all around for the best float and was determined for Rylan to like the pool. We finally had time to go swimming and it started out a disaster. We just went right in and Rylan freaked out. So then we sat him on the steps and let him gradually get used to it. I was finally able to let go of him for a little bit and he'd float for a second. Then by the end of the day he wasn't entirely comfortable, but he'd float on his own. I hope we go some more before summer is over because I don't want him scared of the water.

Poop, poop and more poop

Warning: This post has a lot of mention of bodily functions and is not for the faint of heart:) Well, this past week we decided to dive right into potty training. Before this we had dabbled in it, but never was consistent. On a side note, I knew my life would change when I became a mother, but I never imagined just how much. Right now, most of the conversations that I have are talking about pee and poop. I even discuss this with my co-workers, which I'm sure they are thrilled about, but when that's your life right then what are going to do. SO I would say that we have been some what successful. We started the process by getting rid of ALL the diapers and gave them to a friend that still uses them. Rylan helped with this and we even wrote a short little note explaining that he doesn't need diapers anymore because he's a big boy. Then, Rylan got to wear big boy underwear, which he thought was pretty cool. Next, we put a pair of underwear on a stuffed animal so that we could practice with him. Then I started to sound like a broken record asking Rylan every 5 minutes if he was dry or needed to potty. Rylan enjoyed the praise and jelly bean he got every time he used the potty. He seemed to catch on rather quickly and only had 3 accidents the first day. Now, Rylan seems to have the pee part down (although he has to be reminded to go potty) but pooping is a whole other story. During this whole time he has only pooped in the potty one time and let me tell you we made a huge production! Phone calls where made, prizes given and I'd really thought we'd made a break through until a couple hours later he pooped his pants! Ugh, any suggestions on how to get a toddler to poop on the potty? My goals this summer were to get Rylan sleeping in a big boy bed (check), potty trained(somewhat of a check) and get rid of the suck...hey two out of three isn't bad!

The Dentist

I'm a little behind in posting this, but we took Rylan to his first dentist visit back in June. I was very nervous about how Rylan would react. We took him to a pediatric dentist so Rylan loved the waiting room and all the toys and neat decorations. Then they called us back...and he wouldn't cooperate. No surprise really, when we first got there the hygienist asked if we'd want to do a fluoride treatment? What are you kidding? But after trying to look at Rylan's teeth she decided it would be best to wait...you think! He did let the dentist quickly look in his mouth, but that was as far as it was going. When it was over Rylan got to pick out a toy from the toy bin. Now there was all sorts of little toys (balls, stuff animals, etc..), but what does my child pick...the blow up spider man that's the same size as he is. So we are now the proud owners of a HUGE spider man! SO basically we paid $90 for the dentist to look at his teeth for 5 seconds and a cheap fair toy....oy vey!

July 4th

We had a great 4th, even if the weather was a little yucky. We took Rylan to the parade in Canyon (which was his first) and he had the best time. Then we went to some friends' house and had yummy hamburgers. Then we all went to watch the city fireworks show and waited and waited and waited. Finally, around 10:30 it didn't look like it was going to happen so we loaded up and left. Of course, we got about two blocks away and the show started. So we pulled into a parking lot and watched from there. Rylan loved it, but was pretty tired so we headed home after watching for a little bit. Rylan was in bed at 11 which is the latest he has ever stayed up. All in all it was great weekend!!

Toy Story 3

I love the Toy Story movies, so when I saw the previews for the third installment I had to see it. I knew there wasn't much of a chance of talking Cory into taking me so I got the crazy idea to take Rylan. I conned my Mom, DeDe and Lacy into going with us because surely 4 grown women could handle one two year old. Well, Rylan did OK. That's about the best way to describe it. He made it through 3/4 of the movie. Which really is pretty good and if the previews hadn't been so long he might had made it through the whole movie. Sadly, he told me that he wanted to go and there's was no convincing him otherwise. So Rylan and I left and let the others enjoy the rest of the movie. I guess I'll have to wait till it comes out on DVD to see how it ends! The only documentation we have is the picture that DeDe took with her phone...I think it accurately depicts Rylan's first movie going experience:) I think I was trying to over compensate for Rylan's lack of enthusiasm....hence the crazy lady!!

Happy Father's Day!!

Gidde Up

I guess I can say that my child is a true Texan! He has started saying Yee-Haw and speaks with a very thick country accent. However, when he says Yee-Haw there is more emphasis on the Haw than the Yee:) He loves to wear his camo hat and ride his stick horse...its hard to deny your heritage!

Redneck Water Park

We broke out the water fun yesterday!! Last year, Rylan didn't like the water that much but with a little coaxing I think he's going to love it this year!! Pa and Nan came over and the fun ensued! Rylan loved going down his "water" slide and splashing on his water mat. We even bought a slip n slide! But I think Rylan got more enjoyment watching my Mom and I go down it than actually playing on it. (there are NO pictures of the slip n slide, though my Dad did remark that it reminded him of a show on National Geographic..can you say RUDE) :P After this we decided the smaller slide is the way to go!

Moving on up

Cory and I decided that over the long weekend would be a good time to turn Rylan's crib into a toddler bed. And that way if it was a total disaster, we'd have 3 days to recuperate:) Surprisingly and thankfully it's been a non-event. At first, I thought Rylan didn't realize he could actually get out of bed but the third night he got out of bed ( I was thinking oh crap now we're in for it). But after a little crying, he got back into bed and stayed!! We do put a gate up because I worry that he might roam the house at night and we wouldn't know about it. We are going on day 5 and so far so good. Yesterday, when I got home Rylan helped me check the mail and I let him carry the magazine that had came. After sorting through the mail I noticed that it was awfully quite (which is never a good sign). But this is what I found....I think he is enjoying his big boy bed!

Cubs game part deux

Wow, April and May have been extremely busy months for us. I think it's finally going to slow down for us and I'm kind of ready. It seems like it's been go go go non stop so, I'm ready for a break. But we've had a lot of fun. This past weekend, we went to another cubs game but, this time it was in Dallas. Last year, we went to Denver and Rylan did good but he didn't sleep or travel that great. But this time he did awesome!! We went shopping twice and he was a trooper. I'm not sure who loved Bass Pro Shops more, Cory or Rylan?? And he did great at the game but, he didn't really want to go to anyone else so he pretty much sat in my lap the whole game. And he was in an extra lovey mood (which normally I love) but in 95 degree weather it can get a little hot. So needless to say Mama was a little stinky by the time the game was over!

Folding Laundry

Yesterday, I was doing a load of kitchen towels (which I do often). I LOVE that Cory does a lot of the cooking, but he uses every.dish.towel when he cooks. Don't get me wrong, I think its a pretty good trade off, but man you can use a rag/towel more than once! Anyways, I pulled the load out of the dryer and put them on the floor. Then, I went to get another load and when I returned Rylan was "folding" the towels on the floor. It was so cute!! It's amazing how he mimics everything he sees. He can see you do something one time and he'll try to copy you. He's such a little sponge or maybe I should say dish towel! :)