Ryan's First Christmas

It is hard to put into words how special this past year has been to Jeff and me.  We were very excited to have our first Christmas as a family of three.  We enjoyed a day playing with Ryan and all of his wonderful new things.  The weather was even nice enough for us to take a quick walk around the block and let Ryan enjoy his new car! 

Thank you to everyone who made Ryan's first Christmas so very special.  Even though many of you could not be here to celebrate with us in person, you were in our hearts and on our minds! We love you all! :) 

Ryan with some of his Christmas loot..

Ryan's new hat from his Great-Great Aunt Doe..

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Santa arrived at our house just as expected on Christmas eve...

That is one big tree..

He left packages for all the good boys and girls...

Wait a minute Santa...you are supposed to leave the gifts, not open them! 

and I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Mommy's Helper

This afternoon I was unloading the dishwasher and all of the sudden looked up and Ryan was there to help.  So now he helps with laundry and dishes...oh and he helps take care of the floors.  He dust mops with his pants and eats whatever he can find on the floor!  

Caught in the act...

I have always heard the saying about when your child is quiet you know that they are into something.  Well, I had never actually experienced it until today.  Ryan loves to crawl into the bathroom and knock over the trash can.  It is metal and makes loud banging noises.  Well this morning I heard no such banging.  I decided to peek around the corner and as soon as I did I thought...I need to take a picture of this.  

Ryan found the toilet paper roll.  He was having a grand old time unraveling the toilet paper and trying to eat it.  I had to fish toilet paper out of his mouth.  The child eats everything!  

Anyway...it was fun this one time and cute but from now on unrolling the toilet paper is a No-No.  

Ohhh this is sure fun....

Nothing to see here Mommy...I am behaving perfectly..

If I turn on the charm she will let me keep playing....

Time for a taste before the fun is over...

Balloons!

Every time we go to the grocery store Ryan notices the mylar balloons.  Normally we will play with them for a few minutes and then push the cart away and get our groceries.  Today Jeff decided to let Ryan hold onto the balloon while we did our shopping.  The balloon provided endless entertainment.  We decided to bring our $4 mylar balloon home and Ryan loves it.  Too bad it will only last a week.  

I love my balloon...

Come here you....(oh yes and he is holding onto the ballon with both hands standing up completely on his own!!)

Secret Project...

We can't say exactly what Ryan is working on, but here are a few photos of Ryan's super secret art project.  He actually did really well and didn't try to eat the paint!  He did get a little by his mouth towards the very end but he didn't try to shove a fist-full into his mouth either.  

A very focused painter...

Santa's Little Helper...

Pictures of Ryan acting silly in his Christmas PJs.  

What is that thing???

Ryan's new face...make us laugh so hard...