Our Summer

I've been pretty slack on updating our blog the last couple of months, but instead of listing all of the excuses why I'll just try to squeeze in a few pictures of what we've been up to this summer. I've gotten so behind I hate that I'll have to breeze through it!

Since the last update...

Our big boy has turned around in his car seat! We love being able to see him dance to the music on the radio!

He's had lots of play dates with new friends too.

He went to a baseball game and had his first taste of ice cream-and loved it. He wanted "moh, moh" (more)

He's now walking everywhere. And he's on the move-almost jogging when he wants to get somewhere!

Our big adventure this summer was to Sunset Beach. Ryan loved the water and playing in the sand.

Playing in the sand means outdoor showers-fun!! :)

Our annual picture at Dockside

We loved spending the week with family and friends. The week went by too fast this year!

On our one rainy day during beach week we took Ryan to Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach. He really enjoyed seeing all the fish and other sea creatures. He got to touch a sting ray and a horseshoe crab!

Now we're back at home trying to beat the heat and get ready to head out to CA. We'll probably spend the next week or so staying indoors or at the pool, and visiting family before the season starts. Maybe we'll head back to the mall and take another train ride. Whenever we see the train he starts doing the motion "choo choo" but it comes out "da da".

I cannot believe what a big boy Ryan is turning into. He's learning so much and has such a sweet personality.

I'm sure I won't update again until we're out in California, but until then-we'll miss everyone and look forward to an awesome football season! GO NINERS!

12 Months

On Friday, our sweet baby boy turned 1! This year has truly been the happiest year of my whole life. Being a parent to Ryan is the most rewarding job in the world. Watching him grow and learn is just the coolest thing! He's such a happy, sweet baby and is always such a joy to be around.

We spent his actual birthday hanging around home and planning for his party. My mom, my sister Rebecca, and our friends the Londrys came to celebrate and help us prepare for Saturday's festivities. We took a break from the party planning when the clouds cleared and headed down to the neighborhood pool for some fun in the sun. To say he loved it is an understatement!

Since Ryan was getting his cake at his party, we sang to him and gave him a cupcake as a birthday treat after dinner. I think he liked the singing part better than the cupcake :)

At 12 Months:

-Sleeps from about 8/8:30PM- 8/8:30 AM every night

-Drinks whole milk now and didn't mind the change at all

-Starting to walk on his own for the passed several weeks, but still prefers to crawl when he wants to get somewhere fast. He's improving though and walks flat footed for about 10-15 steps when he's focused on something

-Naps twice a day (longer AM nap- 2+ hours, and only about an hour or so PM nap)

-Loves to "fake" laugh "ha ha ha"-like he's trying to be social. I guess we like to laugh around here!

-Loves to wave and clap his hands

-Enjoys eating crackers, goldfish, and chips. Very picky about soft textures in his hands

- Says: mama, ball, dada, lala or yaya (for Layla), whoa, wow, and book (some clearer than others-his favorites are mama and ball)

- Wears 18 month clothes and some 24 month depending on the brand. His tummy has thinned out so 24 month can be loose

- Weighs 25 lbs 4 oz (82%) and is 32 inches long (96th %)

-Has 8 teeth- 4 on the bottom, 2 uppers that are all the way in and two more that have just cut through the gum where you can see them

- Will drink from the sippy cup when he's really thirsty, but otherwise wants nothing to do with it...we're working on it

-Likes to point at things, or people

- Is going through a new phase where he doesn't mind strangers and isn't quite as clingy-unless he knows I'm leaving him-like at church

- Gives the best wet, open mouth kisses

-Likes to play in his crib by himself when he wakes in the AM or from a nap. He just bangs around and plays and laughs. It's so funny to watch on the monitor

-I think he's starting to understand what we're saying to him, like "finish your milk" or "no"-even though he tests us on that one

- Is going to be in the pool all summer!

I can't believe a whole year has gone by. We are so lucky to be this little boy's parents. I know I'm bias, but he really is the sweetest, cutest, best behaved little guy around :)

Happy Birthday, sweet Ryan!

Party pictures coming soon!

52 Weeks

Today my sweet baby boy is 52 weeks old. Tomorrow is his birthday, but since he was born on a Thursday I've been reminiscing all day with lots of "this time last year..."

I'm so excited to celebrate tomorrow and for his party on Saturday, but I'm getting so sad that he has grown up so fast. I can't believe a year has come and gone already.

Since the day he came he has been the greatest blessing to us. Thank you, God, for showing me a glimpse of your love for us through my love for my son. We thank you for a year of health and safety for Ryan, and for teaching us so much as parents.

We love you, Ryan! You're a turning into a big boy, but you'll always be my baby!

Birthday pictures to come!

SURPRISE!

This weekend we headed to Columbia to help celebrate a my stepmom Lillian's 50th birthday. It was so much fun anticipating her arrival. Since we live an hour and a half away we didn't have too much trouble keeping it from her the last few weeks, but I know my dad, Rebecca, Stefanie, and a few other friends had to play it cool for a while. I don't know how they did it!

Waiting for her arrival seemed like forever...

But when she came in the party got started!

Ryan didn't want to miss the party, so he stopped in to see the birthday girl!

The theme of the party was Hawaiian, so they put a little twist on Hawaii FIVE-0 since it was her 50th and had banners and signs made that said "Lillian FIVE-0". You can see she was photo-shopped in the bottom left corner. She looks like a real actress on the show, doesn't she?

The party was full of great food, drinks, friends, music, and toasts made just for Lillian.

The guys hangin at the party...

Happy Birthday, Lillian! We were so happy to be able to celebrate with you! You don't look at all close to 50, so be proud!!

Celebrating Dr. Londry

This weekend, we headed to Charlotte to help celebrate with our friends, the Londrys, for Ryan's graduation from dental school. We knew how much work Ryan has put in over the past 4 years in school, as well as Seantel-working and being Ryan's support during all of the studying and stress- so we had to be there to let them know how happy we were that Ryan is finally done with school, and officially...Dr. Londry.

Seantel will tell you that she's been planning this party for 4 years jokingly, but from the looks of it you can tell that she put in so much attention to detail that probably would've taken me 4 years to put together! We had a blast being a part of it and are honored to know these guys!

Here's some photos of the party:

The man of the night- Dr. Ryan Londry himself :)

The party planner-enjoying a much needed "Londryrita"

Homemade packaged tooth sugar cookies

Custom water bottle labels

Tooth with toothbrush cake (since the day of the party happened to fall on Ryan's 28th birthday).

The food spread was all of Ryan's favorites: shrimp cocktail, pasta salad, bbq sliders, and fruit. We enjoyed pimento cheese sammies and popcorn as well.

The dessert table or "sweet tooth bar" had everything from cake pops, cupcakes, and even white chocolate teeth molds.

Signature drinks-arnold palmer and the londryrita

Andy with Ryan, and his brother Jared as the party was getting started.

Seating area in the beautiful backyard.

Everything looked so great all lit up when the sun was setting.

As the party went on Seantel brought out a bowl of fake teeth so we took lots of funny pictures. It's hard to tell because they were so white when the flash went off, but it was really hilarious!

Dr. and Mrs. Londry:

Me, Rebecca, and Seantel

The Grandma's :) They were good sports!

The Londry family

We are so proud of you, Ryan! Seantel-you did an awesome job on the party! We had so much fun with y'all and can't wait to hang out again.

AH OH

Just had to leave this video up to show everyone what we're in for pretty soon. I think we're in trouble!!! :)

(please excuse my goofy voice in the background)

11 Month update coming soon!

Ryan's First Easter

Ryan's first Easter was very special! We started the day with an incredible church service. Rebecca joined us, as well as a few other friends including our neighbors. It was a wonderful morning of worship celebrating our risen Lord, and remembering his sacrifice for us. We are so very grateful to know the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

Ryan took a snooze after we got back, and when we woke up he was ready to go! Good thing the Easter bunny stopped by and left him some fun new toys! He got a singing bunny, a light up chick toy, a boo boo bunny, and lots of extras! Even his grandparents brought him baskets the Easter bunny left at their house too :) What fun!

After a little back porch rockin' we took some family photos!

I didn't take any pictures of our egg hunt- I was too busy holding Ryan and trying to find the prize eggs. We really enjoyed the special time with family and friends.

Happy Easter everyone!