18 Months!

Yeah thats right, 18 months already and rapidly approaching 2.

My sweetest little Moo Shoo Pork has transformed to a fun, loving & fiesty toddler. In so many ways I am enjoying him more each day. He communicates with greater ability daily. He is beginning to take in nature & and his surroundings more and more.

We celebrated with some time at the park and ice cream.

On the run.

Chasing some random kid with a kite.

Loved the sand.

snack time...toast and nutella.

bath time, then bed.

Some of his favs....

Moo shoo loves to be outdoors.

Loves all soft blankets.

Loves his pets...he talks to them in a sweet, soft voice.

Loves people and the attention they give him.

Loves Sesame Street, Curious George & Sid

Likes to climb all furniture.

Throw his food for the dog to eat.

Run, run, run!

Be a pig.

Loves to dance.

Loves music.

Run or hide from us (especially after he has pooped).

Balls.

Cuddle with his momma.

He has his next doc appointment on the 7th and we will get the stats. Next on the agenda...potty training, and teaching table manners.

What is your inspiration?

"I will live
To carry Your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your name"

Below is a link to a powerful song and message.

The Power of your Name

Man's best friend

Ryder loves his dog. He feeds the dog, follows the dog and even barks like him. They both enjoyed playing together in the backyard today.

Ryder brought over some tree bark for Chubs to eat.

Feeding Chubs bark.

Giving Chubs a big kiss.

I took off his diaper for a few moments. He ran freely, frollicking through the backyard. He loved being barefoot and diaperless. Then he peed in his onsie. At that point we went in & grabbed a new diaper.

Now what

We had a nice Easter with my family. My camera battery died so I have no pictures. Maybe my mom, or brother will send some eventually. I was trying to look up some new pictures of Ryder for the blog, but have hardly any. I have really started slacking with pictures and videos. Maybe it is because he moves too much to get a decent pic in.

Our little Moo Shoo Pork is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe. I love his evolving skills and personality. It seems like there is good and bad with each stage. He is such an adventurer. He likes to climb all the furniture and stand like he is king of the mountain. He is slow to learn what could hurt, or be dangerous. Kevin and I have to keep a close eye on him always. He is a big fan of the great outdoors. He runs and runs. I am thankful for my fenced in backyard.

As baby #2 enters week 17, I wonder, as all mothers do, if I could love another child as much as baby moosh. My friends tell me I will. I will trust my heart is big enough for 2 babes.

Otherwise all is well here.

Silver Lining

While we were in Atlanta we enjoyed visiting with family. Seeing family and friends is the usually the highlight of a family death. Well that is if you get along with your family I guess. The children are especially the silver lining. They carry on as if nothing happened. They provide distraction, entertainment and perspective to it all. We got to visit with Sandy's great nieces and nephews (our step- cousins) who live in Mexico City, Mexico. Ryder loved playing with them.

Tage, Ryder & Alani

Tage & Ryder- Tage is only 2 months older then Ryder.

He is so cute!

We begged Justice to join in the group picture.

Alani carried Ryder around the house like a doll. He is heavy, but she was determined to do it. He loved the attention. When she put him down he would put his hands in air to get back up.

The kids had a great time. Maybe we can visit them in Mexico sometime. Their daddy has a really cool job. He is in charge of all the extras in the movie industry down there. He is currently working on a film for Mel Gibson where they are working with over 12,000 extras. Their mom and other family have been extras themselves in films such as Troy with Brad Pitt.

Sandy's nieces and nephews are all adventurous. They travel all over the world. I am inspired by those that live life to the fullest. I believe children do just that too.

Baby T update

I realize I have been slow to update about the baby. We have been a little side-tracked lately. My energy level and motivations to blog were a little down in the first trimester. At 14 weeks, I am gaining some energy back. I had ongoing nausea throughout weeks 7 to 13. I am glad that is nearing an end!

All doctor appointments have been uneventful up to this point. Blood pressure and tests are all looking good. My weight gain has been minimal at 4 pounds. Lets see if that can last. I felt I would gain more since I ate constantly to keep from getting sick it seemed.

We had our 2nd ultrasound this past week and the baby looked good. The heart rate was 141. So far Kevin & I are thinking girl. I could not tell you why. Well Kevin would tell you I have been more moody this time. I don't think so! Kevin and I will be happy with whatever God gives us. All we pray for is a healthy and happy baby.

I go back to the doc in another week for my monthly check-up. These are usually like 10 minutes long accompanied with 45 minutes of waiting after I leave my pee sample. So fun. Our next ultrasound is at 22 weeks. So we have another 2 months to wait for another peek at baby and gender.

I think that is about all. This whole experience has been surreal for me. I don't recall if it was the same last time. Until the baby gets bigger and gives me a few kicks I will most likely feel this way. I can't wait for kicking to begin!

Stay tuned!

Atlanta Aquarium

While in Atlanta we took a day to get out of the house and visit the worlds largest aquarium. Ryder loved the fish. Some of the exhibits were awesome. The crowds were really bad since it was the weekend. Wish we had a little more time too look at them, but with packed place and toddler that is near impossible. We did not pack a stroller either so we all had to hold Ryder.

Love this pic.

Getting tired.

He is out!