Einstein the Dog

One of Ryker's favorite games is to play with the stuffed animal dog, Einstein, that Mimi and Grandpa bought to have around because it looks like Uncle and Auntie's dogs. Grandpa and Ryker play with him everyday and he has a leash so he may walk around and chase Ryker. Ryker likes to tug on his ear, biter his nose, and chase Einstein. It is so cute to watch him learn about dogs and hopefully one day he'll interact with one since his Dad and I cannot have one ourselves.

New Toy Box

Once we moved and saw how many toys this little man had and found ourselves tripping over them every day, we decided on a toy box. This one is rated for 2 years + but we thought he could grow into it and we would lift the cover for him. Well that didn't last long. Ryker took about one week of not having access to his toys at his leisure to learn how to open the lid. Smart cookie! 2 weeks later, he is a pro opening it with ease. what a character this little guy is.

Blowing kisses

What a beautiful morning waking up to my son blowing kisses at us. He only started blowing kisses two days ago and loves to do it all the time. He also started making mouth noises while hitting his mouth thanks to Grandpa. He is growing so fast. Yesterday he walked the entire length of the mall. He is only 11 months old in 3 days!

Atlas baby...

It is amazing how simple things make great toys. Here's Ryker being Atlas and holding up the box as if he was holding onto something so precious. Too cute!

Looking up!

Ryker loves lights! Maybe he gets it from his Daddy, but that boy is addicted. Walmart is awesome for him because he can gaze up and watch the lights go on and off with the sensors from the ambient light. Besides his fetish, he is greeted by many people because of his Einstein hair and handsomeness. He is gorgeous - blonde hair, blue eyes, and a smile that lights up anyone's day- but I'm partial.

Shopping with him is fun. Never thought it would be since kids usually throw fits or cry a lot or touch things. On rare occasions he'll cry, but mostly due to being hungry. I got ahead of the game by going when it is convenient for him not me! No selfish Mama here! When I had him I new my time was limited to his nap times. I wish more people realized this fact.

Now housework before he wakes up.

Sick baby :(

There is only one nice thing about a sick baby - cuddle time. He hasn't wanted to go to anyone but me since Tuesday. He even pulls away from Daddy just to be with Mama. It feels wonderful to be loved and needed because he is getting so independent. Yet, I'm still sad that my little guy has caught his first cold. Thankfully it is not that bad, but combined with his two top front teeth emerging and pushing into position, he's felt miserable. Although, I would expect this little guy to be more irritable - maybe because I would be - but he's been remarkable.

Right now he is sleeping on the couch next to me. I tried putting him down in his crib but the moment he touched the mattress he sensed that I was too far away. Separation anxiety is setting in and I'm not quite sure how I'm going to deal with forcing him to learn that he can't be by my side 24/7. He's 10 months old now and bad habits will begin if we don't adjust soon. Once this cold passes, I think it will be time to begin a route that encourages Ryke to be independent at night as well. Right now his independence circles around eating, drinking, and playing with his toys. He wants to do it himself, so we let him and play along. It is far better to watch his imagination at work than to have to jump start it every few minutes.

Sick baby, sick Mama, sick Daddy, but we love each other so much we'll muddle through it.

New Year's Eve

My recent Facebook post read: "okay who stole my 2011?". It seems like someone just stole it out from under me while I was pregnant, giving birth, or caring for my little boy this year. 2011 wasn't a great year beyond the fact that Ryker came into our lives. We've both lost our jobs, ended up with horrible health insurance (at least we had something), been on a roller coaster with work, and finally we end up having to move in with my parents. Ryker is the shining light of this year by leaps and bounds. He always would be, but there is nothing to contend with anyways! So I'm saying "come on 2012!". We need our luck to change and be that prosperous year that everyone wishes onto one another.

So read this and remember that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence, corporate is not always the enemy, and that no matter how bad you have it - someone else has it harder. We are thankful for each other and the love we have. The family we have, education, and persistence that will make things right again with our small world. Pray for those in need this new year. May you have a prosperous year!

Sleep is over rated

So I've finally hit that time of parenting in which I find myself lacking sleep every night due to a crying baby! He was so good for the first 8 months of his life that I was absolutely spoiled. Now - well lets just say he ends up with parents who give in to the crying fits and nightmares to allow him to sleep in our bed. I believe the moving has created most of this issue because it wasn't until the move that he had problems.

So sleep is now one of those luxurious moments that I get. It isn't worth it to take the hour and a half morning nap with him because I need that time for housework, job searches, and sanity. Besides that short of a nap will just make me cranky.

I'm pondering ways to help my little man enjoy his crib for longer...

The Eve of Christmas Eve

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last blog! So much has happened in our lives. The hotel was sold and my hubby lost his job as well. We ended up moving in with my parents and Ryker has just grown immensely. It has been around yet exciting month. Every time I look into that little boy's face I know we made correct decisions for him despite having to move.

So it is a time of thankfulness in our hearts for having this little guy. We enter this Christmas with a different spirit than we've had in the past because it is not about gifts, but about the time we get to spend together and the love we have.

Ryker's walking has blossomed since we moved. The day before the big move he had his 9 month doctor's appointment. He was 18 lbs, 30 inches tall, and had a big head! He passed all the milestones with flying colors! That day he walked for the doctor holding my hand, by night fall he was walking 10 - 12 steps unassisted. What a strong child!

The next morning we packed up the U-haul and headed from Dixville Notch to our new home with my parents. This is only temporary. Within a days time Ryker began to walk more and more without assistance. By Monday afternoon, he was going from room to room alone. Today he can walk the entire length of the house without falling if he is not running or carrying something.

That is the other achievement! He can lift heavy objects with a single hand! Okay he isn't Superman, but he's carrying a plastic dump truck that is about 12" long and 6" high from one room to another! He is like his granddad - strong as an ox!

So here we are enjoying each other's company (maybe too much) as we approach Christmas. Ryker's first and our 6th. Merry Christmas!

Growing

I just can't believe how much my little guy is growing. His auntie gave him a push walker and he's been going around the house since.

Ryker has also been very interested in the tv, especially Mickey Mouse and the Little Einsteins. He pulls himself up and stands at the tv for a long time. There is always the look back to Mama to see if he is doing it correctly or if I'm still here.

Oh how he grows.

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First Steps

I could not believe my eyes on Tuesday, November 1st when Ryker took three steps unassisted from me to his activity table! At 8 months he is exploring more each day. Since then he hasn't taken steps alone again, but has timidly shown his interest.

On the same day he climbed two steps on the stairs to the second floor. Grandpa had taught him the day before how to climb up onto things like a couch and futon at their house. He applied this new ability to the stairs.

What a day it was and I was quite shocked at how fast he learning.

Trick or Treat?

Just got home from a day spent shopping and trick or treating with the little guy and Daddy.

He did amazingly well around the neighborhood. We did about 10 houses and then it was time to eat. It also starting getting cold out. Ryker looked so amazed getting candy from strangers.

Side note: We teach our kids not to take candy from strangers, but they can on Halloween and go up to their doors!

Daddy and I checked over the candy and decided there wasn't anything an 8 month old could eat so we helped out.

Overall, a good experience for the little guy! I think he liked dressing up. This year Yoda. Next year- who knows!

Snow

Snow. Yuck! To early.

Ryker's First Snow Experience

Yesterday Ryker experienced snow for the first time. He was born in March but most snow had melted and there was no way a 5 lb newborn was going to interact with snow.

He saw it first thing out the window and looked at us strangely. We opened the back door and scooped up some to make a snowball for him. He was still too sleepy to fully play with the snow. He did eat some of it though as I rubbed it onto his lips.

Later that morning we all dressed up warmly and went our into the 2 inches of freshly fallen snow. Daddy held him and picked up snow. Ryker put his hand right into the snow and realized how cold it was. He never did like having really cold hands or items on him so the snow was not welcomed. As seconds passed and Daddy confirmed it was "okay", Ryker decided snow was okay.

We took some pictures, made a small snowman, and went back inside after 5 minutes. It was only 29 degrees out and too cold for 8 month old Ryker.

Funerals

Funerals are not fun but are important. Yesterday we laid my Uncle Mike in his final resting place with his cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee. It is a shame that in today's busy world that it takes such events to bring families together.

Rest in Peace Mike. Thank you for the memories and I'm glad you got to meet Ryker. I promise to watch over Samantha.

My Life

Thank you for visiting my first attempt at a blog!  I'm Amber and here's a little bit about me.

I was born and raised in NH attended college in Vermont and New Hampshire.  I finally completed my degree online after years away from college.  Lots happened from the college years til now, but that is all the past.  The present and future are more important.

In 2005, I met my to be husband, Bob.  In 2006, we united in holy matrimony.  After 4 years, we were blessed with a beautiful little boy who we named Ryker.  Ryker is Dutch for Richard, which was his Grandfather's name. He also carries my father's name as his middle name.

That's the basics.  I'll post more later and work on a direction for this blog.