5 Things You May or May Not Know About Rykie

1. He loves to be held and will snuggle into you when you hold him. He even snuggles his blankets

2. He is a big time talker. He loves to jabber and giggle

3. He loves to grab onto everything and everyone, especially my hair. His favorite toy is a play gym he lays under where he can bat at the toys and try to grab them

4. He loves his hands. He tries to suck on all of his fingers and his fists, especially when he is hungry or cranky

5. He was the best "surprise" we could have ever asked for!!

If someone had told me a year ago that I would have a 3-month-old right now I think I would have been so overwhelmed and nervous about how I would handle it all. I found out about the pregnancy two days before we had a big Christmas party, a week before Nicholas turned one, during the rush of the holidays. I was nauseous while I traveled with Nicholas alone (Jared had to work for another week), and my mind was constantly filled with concern for how I would manage two babies so close. We knew Jared was going to do a master's program, but we weren't sure where, and I was aware that I would be on my own quite often.

I was at my grandparents for Christmas, and I was overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, and felt I couldn't share yet because it was so early. I eventually confessed to my parents so they would know I wasn't infecting everyone with the swine flu, but had my own non-contagious ailment. I was in a bit of shock, so I didn't really share the news for quite a while until I came to terms!

Its so funny to think I felt that way just over a year ago. Ryker has turned out to be such a wonderful addition to our family. He came at just the right time for our insurance, moving plans, and family schedules. Hs timing really was perfect. He is so happy and content most all of the time, and accomodates my busy schedule with his big brother's demands. He obviously wanted to come and be in our family, and I'm so glad each day that he did!!

I can't wait for our Christmas this year with two boys!!

I Need Better Hiding Places

Nicholas finds the strangest things to be fascinating toys...

The other day Jared walked in on this:

What is he holding, you might ask?

That would be the attachment to my breastpump.

He was holding it to his bare tummy, telling Daddy, "Kiki pumping".

And what are you supposed to say to that?

Daddy Day

Last weekend I took Nicholas to his first football game. He has been to a couple baseball games and would watch for about 2 minutes and then get bored. So I was a little worried I would spend to whole game trying to entertain the little guy. We went early and did some tailgating with my buddy from the Bay Area Ed. We drank juice and ate some cookies and hotdogs, just what a growing boy needs.

It was nice and hot (about 100) at the Rose Bowl so we tried to stay in the shade as much as possible before the game. Nicholas was the hit of all the tailgaters. He would throw the football and constantly yell "FUMBLE" "TOUCHDOWN" and refused to take off his glasses. We had about 10 different people come and say how cute he was. Then it was time to go in. We were on the far end of the end zone in the direct sun. Nicholas had sunscreen on but was bright red from the heat. I forced juice down him and kept dumping water on him but he was totally burning up. He was quiet the whole time and sat on my lap just watching the game. I couldn't tell if he was enjoying himself since he was so quiet. Well at halftime I figured he had enough since he was bright red and falling asleep. We said goodbye and started going through the tunnel. Then Nicholas starts to tear up and says "I want more football, I want more football." I have never been so happy to see my son cry. He loved the game and was so sad to be leaving. He has been asking me every day since then to go to a football game. I think I'm the happiest Dad in the world.

One of Many Unilateral Conversations....

As we speak, Kiki is taking my phone, holding it above his head and saying,

Say CHEESE!

Ok, one more time!

CHEEEEEESE! (at the top of his lungs)

Oh, good job, Kiki!

We may be suffering from a bit of overexposure here... and perhaps an excess of positive reinforcement?