New Year

I feel like no matter how long some days can be the kids are growing up way too fast.

Nicholas has ended the terrible two's and entered a new phase of being agreeable, polite and kind to his brother. I was so worried it would be a short-lived change but he has been great for a whole month! Kiki requests it be written that he likes to play with his Toy Story guys and play Cars and watch the movie. He is still short and skinny, so we are hoping to fatten him up with food and get a growth-spurt going sometime soon.

Enter Ryker, the newest candidate for the Terrible Two's! At almost 18 months he is at the "running everywhere without listening" phase. It becomes hazardous at times and I feel close to a heart attack a couple times a day. His favorite ways of scaring me are looming at the top of the metal staircase, and spontaneously letting go of my hand and running off while walking through parking lots. I am reminded of Nicholas at this age doing similar things so I am hoping it will pass soon enough. Otherwise he remains his cuddly self with lots of cute little words. He loves to say, "I did it!", and "right back".

Jared and I were happy to squeeze in a much-anticipated date to Disneyland. We had so much fun we still talk about it every day. I love going with the kids but it was fun to do all the bigger rides I see so often I can't do with them. We started off with the Tower of Terror, and hit most all of the others we wanted to, walking on to almost every ride. This is definitely the best time of year! We ate giant ice creams on the fresh waffle cones for dinner, and got soaked on the Grizzly River Rapids. It was awesome. I am hoping to get back sometime again before Jared's pass expires.

This month should be lots of fun as we are expecting several visitors and a trip ourselves. Now that Jared's school is starting to wind down I am also getting my LA bucket list going of fun things I want to do here. We are loving all the city has to offer and I'm sure it, and all our favorite people in it, will be sorely missed.

And on a side note, here is the dress from my mom :)

Baby's Birthday

Today is our sweet little boy's birthday.

He has been a joy to our family, bringing happiness and lots of love. Anyone who knows him will attest that he is a sweetheart with an easy, warm smile.

My pregnancy with him was a bit more difficult, and the labor was short but very painful. I figured it meant he would be an easy baby, which definitely was true.

(day before he was born)

newborn- 9lbs 1 oz

with big brother, almost 3 months

9 months

11 mo. in Carlsbad

Happy 1st birthday to our sweet "Rykie Roo"!

Photos of the Present

We have really been enjoying our two boys lately. Ryker has reached the point where he has begun to notice Kiki and want to be part of the action. Its so great to be happy with our present lives and looking forward to each day with them.

He also loves the beach, playing with toys, and his new-found love, Cheerios.

Anyone who knows me well knows I love hats for my boys!

Both kids love bathtime

Wrestling as only brothers can

Making fruit shakes with Daddy, a daily morning tradition

Dressed for church; are they related or what?

Cuddle time- a rarity with Kiki that we enjoy whenever he lets us.

We cherish each happy, healthy moment we have, and we are so grateful for it!

Mmm Mmm Good

We love oatmeal...

and 5 minutes later, he's feeding himself

In addition, the last couple days he turned 6 months, and got a tooth. What a week!

Change

I'm not one to wax all sentimental usually, but a lot has been happening here, reminding me of how the days are passing by and my babies are becoming boys.

Yesterday I packed up Kiki's 18-24m clothes along with RJC's 3-6 months. It was overdue but it was hard to part with some of our favorite items, especially the Baby's knowing it'll probably be

a long while before another baby wears it (or maybe never if we have all girls from here on out). On the bright side we got to open up the 6-12 month box and take in the baby Kiki smell. Love it. Also, all of K's 2T clothes are brand. spanking. new! (There's nothing like pulling off a tag from clothes for weeks at a time. {I know, I have an addiction.})

with his 2nd cousin, two weeks older, and his great-aunt

(she's super old)

Well, I've put the clothes in the drawers, and accepted this fact: Ryker is almost 6 months, sitting up, smiling, jabbering, and becoming our snuggle-bug, less newborn and more baby day by day. Kiki is kicking the diaper habit, and hooked to the adrenaline rush from our incessant proud praises. (warning, upcoming "mom moment") He talks non-stop, making us laugh with the phrases he comes up with. He is spunky and super cute.

Some days I think I have the best job in the whole world.