Kiki's 3rd Birthday Party

We had so much fun at Nicholas' party this year. When I was deliberating over a theme I tried to think of what he likes the most of all- waffles! A close second is his friends. He is a very social kid and loves his friends. He remembers everything about everyone, including what color their eyes are and their favorite color. And last of course, his favorite thing to wear- Pajamas. Put 'em all together and you get a Best Friends Birthday Breakfast Pajama Party!

We had a great time, and Nicholas was in shock that he got to keep all the cool new stuff.

As a side note- it was nice not to have to get all glammed up myself while trying to get it all ready :)

First Day

Who doesn't love the first day of school?

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"!

Surprise!

Yesterday afternoon I came in the room to find this...

He is getting so big!

Rykie Roosie

Ryker is 5 months old!

19 lbs, 4 oz, 26 cm (percentiles 95, 75)

He is a big, happy boy full of smiles and hugs. He still doesn't sleep that great (8-5:30, too early for me!), he is teething big time, and he fits snugly into 6-12m clothes. He loves gnawing on his fingers, talking to us, pursing his lips and trying to blow bubbles. He loves to nap, eat, and play trains with his brother.

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.

Blessed Day

Today we had the opportunity to bless our sweet little boy. It was a little bit of heaven amidst all of the stress going on right now.

Little baby Ryker in the blessing outfit his grandpa and uncles wore

Our first family portrait as a family of 4

Daddy and son

Proud grandparents with their 2 grandsons

Brad, Emily, and family were able to come and be with us too

Along with Kiki's favorites, Brittany and Kelly

Having our baby blessed made me think of what a wonderful spirit he is, and we are so blessed that he was able to join our family. I constantly marvel that in our two years here we have been given two sons. We're now going to start another chapter of our lives as our own real family!