Playdate with new buddy

Superbowl Sunday we had a visit from our friends Amy & Stacey from WIU. They brought Ryder's newest and youngest girlfriend Madeline. She is 2 months and watched Ryders every move. Ryder put on a show as usual.

He was not sure what to do with Maddy.

With Uncle Stacey.

After I rocked Maddy, Ryder started rocking his Elmo doll. I did not get a picture, but it was too cute. He needs a baby doll I guess.

We have been watching the snow fall today. Ryder loves to look out at the snow. I let him go out for a little bit, but he does not have the best snow gear. It is beautiful by the river when it snows. I might have had more energy to play in the snow today if Ryder did not wake me up twice last night with a terrifying cry. Not sure why he was crying, but it was not one I could ignore. He may be cutting yet another tooth. He already has too many to count.

So what does one do on a snow filled day?

Play with Elmo of course. Ryder has been getting more affectionate and loving to us and Elmo. He holds Elmo like a baby and kisses him.

He hammed it up for the camera.

I Heart Pigs

So for those of you who know me, know I love pigs. These days I have a few live ones running through my house. My favorite is this little guy below. He gets messier with each mealtime, and it seems like I will never see polite table manners in him.

"The Look"...when he purposely does something he shouldn't.

So I realize I have been on a blogging haitus. I have been very busy with working an extra 12 hours a week. I can barely keep up with cleaning laundry, toilets and myself. I hope to get adjusted and find a balance soon. Ryder is adjusting very well to going to the babysitter 2 days a week. He loves it there and does not cry anymore. I did not think I would miss being away from him an extra day now that he is active and sassy. However, I find myself sad and missing him when I venture to work that 3rd day of the week. I feel for those mom's that work everyday. Of course some mom's like it that way. Everybody has their own take on it I guess. I have been feeling pretty unmotivated and blah. I feel the weather is contributing to this. I have not seen sun in days and am sick of this weather. Having a little one makes me want outside even more. Hoping for an early spring!

Fun times!!!!!

I forgot about a few videos we took over Christmas. I wish I took more.

Ryder with Grandpa Bowman reading his favorite Christmas book. He could hardly sit still as he was waiting for his cousin Logan to arrive.

Pardon my obnoxious laughing. Kevin did not capture Ryders full funny dance on camera. I posted some of it.

Toddlerhood

A lot has changed in a year. I am trying my best to embrace this new toddler stage. Ryder is almost 15 months old. He is learning new tricks all the time. Some good, some bad. We are transitioning from the bottle to cups, and to 1 nap. Sometimes I look at my sweet baby and see this little boy. Where did the time go? I am in no hurry for him to grow big, but he is demanding more and more independence. He wants to do it all for himself.

With his best friend Chubs.

Drinking out of his big boy cup....he loves it.

1 year ago I had this sweet laid back little guy.

It kinda makes me sad to look back at all the old pictures, but with each new stage comes new excitement too. I pray daily for patience and guidance. He is beginning to throw himself on the floor and scream when things do not go his way. We have had words a few times about who is in charge already. He also snuck up and bit me today. He has become quite the attention getter. He likes to ham it up and turn to see if I am paying attention. It reminds me of my little brother.

Each day brings something new to laugh about.

New Years EVe

We spent New Years Eve with some of my college girlfriends and their husbands. My dear friends Jamie and Brent hosted at their home. It was very low-key and relaxing this year. It was nice to catch-up with my friends and watch the kids play. The guys went ice fishing during the day while we hung out with the kiddos.

Jake & Ryder in the tunnel.

Jakers

Kenley Bean

playing with all the toys

Jake in bumbo seat

Jake & Ryder followed each other eveywhere...very active boys!

Ryder

Thanks again to our friends for hosting. We made it home by 11:00 and were in bed shortly after. How times have changed. I have endured my share of exciting New Years Eve's and have no desire to repeat a few of them.

Family Roadtrip

During my 2 weeks off we took a couple road trips to visit family. We headed south to central IL to visit my brothers family and grandparents last week. My sister in law Erin was on break from teaching and took great care of us. I enjoy watching Ryder & my nephew Logan play together. They get the biggest smiles when they see each other. They are forming a special bond already. It is near impossible to get them both to pose for pictures...so we are left with the action shots.

playing hard with all of Logans new toys

uh oh...getting into the fireplace

Ryder follows and just stares at uncle jesse

We traveled to Decatur 1 day to visit my grandparents. My grandmother made us a great lunch & we had a nice time watching Ryder play with the dogs (Abby & Dixie). Ryder had a wonderful time.

With Grandpa Sims

showing off

with grandma and aunt barbara

Ryder was exhausted by mid afternoon due to missing his nap. He refused to lay down and just kept running until he hit the car.

We enjoyed our short trip south & look forward to future visits in the spring.