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!