Love. Her.

Today my little Ryan Claire did the sweetest thing. 

What she did showed me 2 things:

1. She is super smart (which I already knew) and
2. She really does pay attention to me.

Our days have been filled with her mocking everything I do.  When I'm cooking she insists on a  bowl and spoon so she can cook too.  When we are getting ready to leave the house she knows that she needs a purse and she wants to hold my keys. (and if I say "put your purse on your arm" she does exactly that)

My sister suggested that I try to teach her some sign language. (and I must admit I was hesitant at first)  I know a few signs "sit down" "thank you" "more" "monkey" "tree"......and a few more. 

When we eat I've been working diligently all summer trying to teach her the sign for "more" when she's ready for more.  I also speak a little spanish to her because (IF ITS THE LAST THING I DO ON THIS EARTH), I WILL HAVE BILINGUAL CHILDREN.  It is really important to me.

So, today at lunch with her daddy and I, we sat down to eat.  She was pretty much finished and R and I sat and talked as we finished.  Ryan was in her hi-chair entertaining herself.  She watched me eat a nugget and decided she wanted some more. 

She did her usual sound "uh......uh" to get my attention.  Then she looked at my food and held her hand out.  In my best mommy-teacher voice I said, "oh, you want some more"...."say more please mommy" (I did NOT sign this time)

And she not only attempted to say "mo" (more).

She also signed it to me.

I screamed.  R thought I was crazy because he didn't get it.

Then my eyes filled with tears of joy. (and I explained it to him and he got happy too)

Ryan smiled and laughed as if she knew what she had done.

It was wonderful.

And she continued to eat several more pieces of nugget by signing "more" to me.

My dilegence paid off.  Now I am even more determined and focused on the spanish too.

I.

Love. Her.

Summer of a temporary "Stay-at-Home-Mom"

This has been the best summer ever.  Staying home with my angel has been wonderful.  I have spoiled myself and officially don't think I could ever teach summer school or have a job that requires a lot of work during the summer months (especially July). 

Here is (was) my summer to-do list:

1. Paint built-in bookcase downstairs
2. Organize our home office space (it is AWFUL)
3. Research and begin the process of starting our family business
4. Begin a work-out routine
5. Study up on my ESL research for work

Here is what I actually did this summer:

1. Took daily naps with Ryan (I still believe in sleeping when the baby sleeps)
2. Tried some new recipes
3. MASTERED the art of temporary "Stay-at-Home-Mom"-ness
4. Talked to my grandmother a minimum of 3 times each day (and visited her at least 1-2 times a week)
5. Learned to love play-dates

I did not accomplish anything from my original list. 

I have one week (sadness) to see how many of those things I can get accomplished..........

while still being a temp SAHM (my new acronym).

Phones

She has all kinds of toys.  She has several "telephone" toys but yet she still wants the real one.

This is what she did to it today. (It's unplugged and not in the room where it belongs)

So here is the "real phone" solution.



I got this exact phone for my first birthday.
I came across this picture while perusing my baby book. (Yes, that's me!)

She has to have one too (although we are a little late for it to be a birthday present)

I found it on Amazon.

I'm ordering it now.

She HAS TO HAVE everything I had. 

I'm going to keep looking at my baby book and baby pictures for more toys that she HAS TO HAVE.

Check this out.......

That's me crying on the same birthday with my favorite toy.....The Phone

And this..........

was taken a couple of months ago.  I took this picture because I remembered the picture of me (above) crying and she even HAS TO HAVE pictures like me too.

Like mother like daughter.

Ryan, I hope you enjoy "the phone" as much as I did (according to your Gammie).

Letter to Ryan

I've been wanting to write a letter to you for a year now. 

I think I'm finally ready.

Dear Ryan,

I love you more than you will ever know.  Even before you were physically here.  Each day I thank the Lord that he gave you to us.  I keep wondering.....how can I be this lucky?  I don't deserve this happiness.  And then I remember how wonderful our creator is and how His love for us is beyond what we could imagine.  One day you will grow up and have a relationship with Him and understand this kind of Love.
We prayed for you.  Our prayers were answered.  You have been an angel.  A sweet baby.  A beautiful baby girl. 

Most people say you look like your daddy.  I would agree but some days you do seem to favor me some.  You definitely have both of our personalities.  Sometimes you are laid back and cool (like Daddy) but most of the time you are dancing full of energy and talking.  A bit of a drama queen (like me).  You are definitely a Gemini.

We have spent this summer together.  Yes, we spent last summer together also but mommy wasn't able to "take it in" like I can now.  You have grown so much the past couple of months, even your Nana can't believe how you have changed.  This has been the best summer of my life. We have become best friends and I love you even more (and I didn't think that was possible).

You have a variety of nicknames.  I call you so many ........cutiepatootie, cutie-pa-too, Angel baby,  my favorite girl in the world, pa-too-ta, and Ryan.  People wonder if you have a double name "Ryan Claire" or if your name is just "Ryan".  I tell them its Ryan but your Gammie and Nana and Gracie and Tee Tee call you Ryan Claire (along with many other people).  It doesn't matter to me whether they call you Ryan or Ryan Claire (either way is beautiful to me).  When you grow up I'll let you decide which you want to be.

I could write all day about you.  You are so lovely.  You are so beautiful.  You are my daughter, my baby girl.  I used to dream about having you.  (when I was a little girl I always wanted a little girl and to be a mommy)

You are a dream come true.
You are perfect.
You are our true love.
You are truly an angel. (One doctor told me you weren't in my stomach anymore! He was stupid and I'm so glad he was WRONG)

I love you.
Daddy loves you.
I love you.
I love you.
I love you.
Always

Love,
Mommy

The Dentist

Today was Ryan's first trip to the dentist.  It went well. 
Teeth look good.
2 more are coming soon.
Don't give too much juice.
Brush her teeth daily (especially at night)
She can still have her paci.
etc. etc. etc.

Of course she cried when he looked in her mouth but no tears came so I guess maybe she just screamed.  As soon as he stopped so did the screaming.  Then she was happy baby again.

I managed to snap a couple of pics..........

Before

 On the way

 We're here!

 Waiting on dentist to come in.

 After. ( I think she's probably saying some not-so-good things to me in her head.)

 The dental hygenist. (she wasn't sure about her either at this point)

Her first trip to the dentist went well!  She's growing up too fast.........

5x7 Folded Card

Picture In Landscape 5x7 folded card

Create custom cards for Valentines Day and Easter at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Jaiden--The Prince

This is Jaiden.

Jaiden Prince Baby.  That's what I have called him since he got here.  He's my "other first born". My nephew.  I have two words to describe him:

1. All Boy
2. Mr. Personality

Maybe that's 4 words..........but anyway.

Here is the story:

I asked my sister to watch Ryan for me so that I could do something upstairs.  I took Ryan down and she and Jaiden (her cbff--cousin best friend forever) begin to play.  Not long after when I finished organizing my closet I heard something fall..........downstairs.  Then I heard the same thing again, twice.  THEN I heard my sister fussing
"Jaiden, come in here.  Y'all get away from the stairs." 
By now I was headed down to check things out myself.  To my surprise I witnessed Jaiden and Ryan sitting at the bottow of the stairs (on the 2nd one to be exact).  But they weren't just sitting, Mr. Personality was holding MY Ryan by her legs letting her reach to the floor to pick up his Cars flashlight.  This is what he was saying:

"Get it Clara (that's what he calls her)!  I got you! You can get it! Get it!" 

My poor child was reaching and he was barely holding.  I ran down and grabbed her. and fussed. and spanked him.  THEN my sister decides to come see what was going on.  Then she fussed "Jaiden I told you to come back in here.  You can't do that."

Jaiden is a mess. 
I was scared to death.
My sister was fine.
Ryan cried--but I think she was crying because Jaiden was crying due to his spanking (that really wasn't a spanking).

So the first of what I call "blog letters" is not to my own child.  It's to my "other first born".  My prince.  Jaiden.

Dear Jaiden,
Auntie loves you so much.  I love singing our  "prince baby" song to you even though you now tell me that you aren't a baby.  I even love your HUGE personality.  I love that you call Ryan "Clara" and you are so special to me and Uncle R.
BUT
Please stop experimenting with Clara.  She is a real human.  You could hurt her and that would be really sad.  She is not a puppy (so please don't play fetch with her) and she is not a boy (so please try not to be so rough) AND lastly when me or you mom or Uncle R or Cool Uncle Blake or Poppy or Gammie or Uncle /e/ /e/ (Eh Eh) ask you not to do something.......STOP DOING IT.
I love you so much.
Love,
Tisha  :)

This is an old picture of them at the TOP of the stairs.......I should have known then!

Sub Teaching

I was a sub this week for summer school.  The kids were fine. It was an easy 3 days.

BUT

It only reminded me that it's almost time to go back to work.

I hope that the next few weeks go by really.....





really......




s   l   o  w.

Family Vacation

R and I have always enjoyed taking trips.  Not just big summer vacations but little weekend getaways too.  See..........

New Orleans

Barbados

Memphis (it was REALLY COLD)

 

Aruba



Dallas





For the Cotton Bowl!



And friends weddings............all over

But now weekend getaways are far and few between and there is a whole new definition of "Vacation" with a 1 year old in tow.  We have graduated to the all important "Family Vacation".

Initially, I wanted to go BIG.  I'm talking Florida.  But my loving husband reminded me that Ryan would not remember it and he was not going to pay $1000 for plane tickets to fulfill my fantasy of flying on an airplane with a baby to see what it's like. (Yes, I just wanted to fly on an airplane with her--I mean she flies for free right now and it looks cute pushing a stroller and cute baby through the airport, right?)

Then, I suggested Dallas.  My favorite city in the USA.  Dallas is not R's favorite city so that was out.  Besides, he reminded me that didn't count because we used to live there.

So now, I'm totally stressed trying to figure out where we would go on our first Family Vacation. As I began to plan. and research. and decide. I started to have anxiety about it......

These were my thoughts:

I've never traveled with a kid by myself (we took a trip in the fall but my mother came along to help out and babysit)
What if she cries from being stuck in the car for TOO LONG?
What do I need to pack?
How long should we stay?
I still wish we could go somewhere on the AIRPLANE
What kind of entertainment......can't go dancing all night with a baby
What will she eat.....I'm kind of picky about what I feed her and I won't be able to cook what I KNOW she will eat.

My thoughts were neverending. (Did I mention that I have a little anxiety mixed with OCD?)

At any rate the decision was made.  We were taking our very first Family Vacation to (drumroll please).................

BRANSON, MISSOURI!!!!  (it's o.k. to LOL)

My thinking:
It's only about 3 hours away so she shouldn't cry.
We'll just shop and eat--I mean, can't be too much of nightlife (my style) in Branson.
It's just a long weekend trip.
Food--I did my research and there is a huge variety of restaurants.
Lastly, I pricelined and googled and reviewed MANY hotels and found a really nice one with an indoor pool.

Perfect.  Off to Branson we go!!

"Take me to Branson!!"

Playing in the hotel.  I brought PLENTY of toys.....

and bubbles! (she really likes them)

 


We ate here...



They had a bear that she was scared of........



We had our first experience swimming.  (She wasn't a happy baby-I might try to upload the video!)

Good ole fried chicken

Trying to get a "family picture".





Our nightlife



















She really enjoyed walking to the elevator by herself. every time we left the room.

We shopped 'til we dropped

It was a WONDERFUL trip!!!

I love having my own family.  It's something I have always dreamed (not sure about grammar??) about and a true blessing. 

My big thoughts (Florida on a plane) didn't even matter anymore.  Our little Branson vacation was just the right size for all of us.  I guess I'll add a day or two each trip......and maybe not pack so many toys.........and make sure I get a good hotel again..........there I go again.  Planning and planning and stressing for nothing!

But for real, I can't wait for our next Family Vacation.......hopefully to a destination that requires flying before she turns 2 when her plane ticket won't be free.

I think Ryan had a REALLY GOOD TIME too.

Although I brought PLENTY of toys.  Her favorite thing was pushing the chair around the hotel room.

And all that pushing chairs and walking to the elevator must have worn her out.

I am so thankful for my family.  I am so happy.

Ryan--the Movie

I hope this works.  I've been meaning to share this with everyone.

You Are My Sunshine

As I sit here on the computer watching my little angel play it makes me so happy.  I am super happy.  I can't imagine not having her.  She is my sunshine and she knows it because I sing that song to her ALL THE TIME.

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are gray

You'll never know dear

How much i love you

Please don't take

My sunshine away

Being a mother is a love beyond anything anyone could ever imagine.

I love it.  It is true LOVE. 

I Work Hard

Here is my Saturday....

It started perfect and I was in "relaxation mode".  Got up early, left the 2 RC's in bed and went to one of my favorite places--Starbucks for my favorite drink, a "grande caramel macchiato" (it gets quotations because it's too good not to have them).  Yep, I left her with Daddy 1st thing in the morning.  His instructions, "everything is ready just warm it up and feed her".  (He has it so easy!)

I returned a couple hours later after running my errands and having some much needed "me" time to...........

them.

still sleep in bed. (WOW, I know.  I love them so much, they are both perfect)

****imagine a picture of them sleeping right here****

So I went to fix my love his favorite for breakfast--a 3 egg omelet with all the fixins and toast.

(Oh, and I must say he had his favorite strawberry jam also)

The beginning of  a PERFECT Saturday.  I was in total "suzie homeaker" mode.  My niece and nephew were over to play and the kids had a fabulous time, afterall, I am "Aunt Tisha".
Their "Poppy" (grandpa) came to see them and read to them.  I'm telling you, this was the best Saturday if you are a kid.

Anyway, I made cake balls for the 3rd time. I still haven't perfected them but everyone enjoyed them.

I even rented the carpet cleaner from Kroger and cleaned my carpet.

And, this innocent little machine is the reason I got so much heat...............

For a month I have been talking about getting the carpet cleaned.  The people I used to use (a "hook up" from my Dad) aren't in business, or at least I can't get in contact with them, and instead of paying an arm and a leg for those people on the commercials I thought
 (since we are in a recession AND my household is on a TIGHT budget AND it can't be that hard)
I'll do it myself........it was worth it.

But there were still some issues before I could clean my beloved carpet:

1. R wanted to grill some steaks (which requires direct access through the area that needs to be cleaned)
2. I had all this company that I didn't expect (who was family so it shouldn't count as guests but for me it did)
3. Ryan and nephew were going 100% ALL DAY.  EVENING. AND NIGHT (You would think my sister and I put Energizer batteries in them)
4. Lastly, by now my patience was gone and I just wanted everyone to leave or go to bed so I could do what I had to do!!!!!! (I kind of had an attitude by the end of the day)

Everyone had something to say about my attitude.  All I was just trying to do was complete my Saturday To-Do List (my OCD starts to act up when I feel stressed).
They just don't understand how I operate..........even though by now they SHOULD understand how I operate.

Here's the thing, R and I have worked VERY HARD and have been EXTREMELY BLESSED to have all that we have.  Once you get that home you have longed for you want to take care of it. Even if it means renting the carpet cleaning machine from Kroger (to stick to the budget) or scrubbing the walls for finger prints every other day (when you know someone will come touch it within the next hour)...it doesn't matter.  It's our home and we are proud of it.  and I like to take care of it.

Even if it drives me to this at the end of the day.

or this
in the middle of the day to keep her occupied so I can finish the cake balls because we are home alone temporarily

I (WE) have work(ed) too hard to get here.

Yes, I have a little anxiety mixed with a little OCD.
And yes, I am a little spoiled and like to have things my way.

But it doesn't matter.

I have worked hard to get here. and stay here

and am thankful for what God has given me.

And I can have an attitude if I want to

So just let me finish my day by cleaning my carpet so I can go to bed.

:)

(Not the way I meant for this post to go but I just started typing and this is what I ended up with)

Good night!!