Pictures...

I have a few pictures that I have been meaning to post but haven't gotten around to doing. Forgive me, I have been a little bit busy.

Ryan "painting" --- I got this idea from the lady that teaches Ryan's toddler play class..construction paper + water + brush = lots and lots and lots of fun!

Checking out his brother..

Ryan and Owen making cupcakes or "cake" with Aunt Jenn..

Ryan loved to stir the ingredients...

20 Months and 3 weeks!!!

I decided to do a little something different for my monthly update this time..

Ryan,

I am amazed at the independent little boy you are becoming. Today Daddy and I took you to the park and you didn't even need our help to do anything. You are such a strong little boy and your outgoing nature makes it seem as if you could do anything you set your mind to doing. I am amazed watching you learn new things each and every single day.

You are such a kind little boy. You love being around people and you love to make people laugh. One of your favorite things is to run and hide and then jump out to scare us around the house. Your laughter is contagious. You are stringing words together like "I did it" and "Where are you" now and you continue to learn new words and sayings every day. Sometimes you will say things and we have no idea where you learned them from.

You are such a sweet big brother to Owen. You love to bring him a paci when he is crying, even if it is one of yours. You like to swing him in the swing. You are the first to go running to see if everything is ok when Owen cries. Owen is so lucky to have you as his big brother!

Your favorite things for now are watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (but Mommy and Daddy limit you to two episodes per day), going night night, sliding on the slides at the park, helping Mommy and Daddy around the house, taking baths with lots of bubbles, climbing on everything in sight and playing with your train.

You are such a wonderful blessing from God. I hope you know how much that Daddy and I love you.

Love,

Mommy

Owen,

My sweet baby boy. You are already three whole weeks old. It is amazing how much you have changed our lives in such a short period of time. You are such an easy going baby. You hardly ever make any noise at all unless you are hungry or want someone to snuggle with you. You are a cuddly baby and love being held, especially by me.

You still have your days and nights a little confused, but we don't mind too much. Before we know it you won't even be waking up in the middle of the night any more. We cherish each and every single moment. You don't really cry too much but when you do, you want to be heard!

You are perfect in every way. I love to watch you all the time. You have the cutest little grin. I love your adorable little side burns. I am amazed by how big you are and how much you have grown in just a few short weeks. I love watching your little personality develop day by day. Your Daddy and I think that you look just like him.

You love being cuddled. You love your bath time as long as the water is warm and we have a space heater on to keep you toasty warm. You don't seem to mind when your big brother makes lots of noise or messes with you a little bit. We are so thankful that God gave us you. You and your brother are answers to many of our prayers.

Love,

Mommy

Ryan at 10 months

Ryan 20 months

Owen 3 weeks (no, I was not trying to give him a mohawk --- his hair dried this way and won't do anything else)

Ryan 3 weeks (for comparison)

2 Weeks

Owen is two weeks old! The past two weeks have gone by so fast! It is amazing how much life can change in such a short amount of time. I truly cannot imagine life without our sweet little Owen.

Owen is such an easy-going, laid back baby. He only seems to get upset when he is really hungry or doesn't want to be messed with (changing his clothes). He is a great sleeper so far. Nursing has been much easier this time. He pretty much eats every 3-4 hours around the clock. He wakes at night, eats and goes right back to sleep. Owen has officially outgrown his newborn clothes. His long legs and feet simply would not fit anymore! Ryan only fit into newborn stuff for 3 weeks --- Owen didn't even get 2 weeks out of the clothes! Owen also seems to be a mama's boy so far. He loves to be cuddled with Mommy and tends to fuss a little after a few minutes with anyone else.

Ryan is adjusting so well to life as a big brother. Today has been a bit of a challenge for Ryan as it has just been the three of us. He has had lots of company lately and loves extra attention. He is having a bit of a difficult time sharing his Mommy today but I know it will get better with time.

I will upload pics later....

Photo Shoot....by Mom

We had a professional photographer out to the house on Saturday --- for now her pictures are going to stay tucked away and a big surprise. Today though I decided to do a photo shoot of my own. With the help of Grandpa Jerry, I was able to capture some precious photos of Owen. I am sure that Jeff will wonder why we even hired a professional. But after seeing some of her pics, I am glad we hired her!!!

Ryan vs Owen

It is amazing how different the hair makes the Ryan and Owen look so very different from one another. Jeff thinks that they really look a lot alike. I think that they look a lot different from one another. Either way they are both the sweetest little boys around! :)

Happy Halloween!!!

This past week has been filled with Halloween activities. Ryan has had a great time running around with Daddy, Nana and Papa. Earlier in the week they went down do a pumpkin patch down the road to pick out a pumpkin to carve (which we never actually got around to doing).

So many to pick from...

Ok, this one looks good!

Ryan and Daddy used a pumpkin Ryan got several weeks ago at a different pumpkin patch to make a pirate pumpkin.

the pumpkin was a little too small for all the pieces though...

this is a good place for the mustache...

Mommy, Ryan and Nana made Halloween cookies. Ryan was very hesitant and almost afraid of the icing until Mommy put a little of it on his lips. Then suddenly the icing was not scary but rather "tasty" and Ryan could not get enough!

Adding chocolate chips to his cookie..

getting a taste of cookie dough..

this is what happens when the cookie dough is taken away....

but after 15 minutes, this comes out ready to eat...

mmmm...

Trick or Treat...

Ryan had so much fun trick or treating! He loved seeing all of the kids in their costumes, visiting with our neighbors and handing out candy to the trick or treaters that came to our house. Owen stayed with Nana and Papa and visited with all of our neighbors that came by to meet him. Ryan loved running up and down the street. He would tell each person that gave him a "treat" thank you, it was just too sweet! Jeff and I had so much fun with Ryan on his first trick or treat adventure! Next year he will be a pro!

My little pumpkin...

Checking out the loot.

Trying a lollipop...

While Ryan ran all around the house, Owen napped peacefully in his swing.

Sweet Baby Boy...

Our first few nights with Owen have been great. Ryan is doing such a good job being a big brother. Each day he pays a little more attention to Owen and does something sweet. Yesterday he brought Owen a pacifier when he was crying. He also rocked him in his swing for a minute and it was just precious. I am praising God for two healthy and happy little boys!!!!

Here are a few pictures from our first few days as a family of four.

a little blurry, but a good shot of my two sweet boys...

My make-shift newborn photo shoot. Not bad for the first try...

this one is so sweet.

content in his swing...

I can't get over all of his hair!