Valentine's Day

Ryan made a Valentine's Day card for us while at daycare last week.  It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!! 

Blizzard of 2011

Because of the blizzard, we have been pretty much stuck at home since Tuesday.  The side streets in Chicago have been brutal and hardly any cars have moved.  We managed to get our car out yesterday (called dibs with a stool and a bucket) for swim lessons and a visit to the Shedd Aquarium with the Schwerhas.  Otherwise, we have been entertaining ourselves at home.

  jump jump jump

sleep time

ryan loves throwing his toys from his highchair

Snow day

Leaving on a jet plane...

We recently headed to Florida to visit Grandpa and Grandma Sand (i.e. Scott & Maureen).  We had a great time!! Ryan was so good on the flights and the weather was perfect.  It was nice to not have to put Ryan in a coat...I could definitely get used to that.  Matt & I were even able to have a date night while Ryan hung out with his grandparents.  Can't wait to head back next year!

Taking a nap on the plane

Enjoying the lack of clothes required

Ryan's first trip to the beach

Working Hard

Ryan has been working really hard at crawling.  Yesterday, he moved several feet while trying to get to my phone (Matt jokes that Ryan only likes things that cost over $100).  Check out his bear crawl, butt in the air, crazy moving. 

Swim Lessons

This week Ryan and Matt went to Ryan's first swim lesson. Ryan's class is called the "Shrimps".  There were about 15 kids (plus one parent per kid) in the pool.  Needless to say, the locker room and pool were both chaotic.  Ryan had a great time!  He spent most of the class looking at the other kids (while chewing on his fingers) but he did not cry at all.  He even practiced jumping in the pool (with Dad's help)!!

 

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone!! Hope you all had a great Christmas.  We enjoyed our tours of Hollowayville and Dwight.  Ryan was a little under the weather with an ear infection but after our trip to the Urgent Care facility on Christmas Eve, he seemed to rebound a bit.  He was spoiled by everyone and enjoyed every present. 


We celebrated New Years by having an awesome home-cooked dinner with Drew & Erin (elastic pants required). Our compliments and thanks to the chefs!! 


We had so much to be thankful for in 2010 and are looking forward to a great 2011!! Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Years!!

Rocking his Illinois hat from Uncle E and Aunt Carrie

Matt took a good picture :)

Ryan and Mia - Friends and cousins

Crazy guy playing with his new car from Aunt Erin and Uncle Drew

7 Months Old

Today Ryan is 7 months old!!! We cannot believe how fast time has gone by.  We have enjoyed every minute with our guy.  We are excited to celebrate his first Christmas and spend time with our families.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!! Merry Christmas!!

Just for Fun

Check out Ryan practicing his jumping and getting ready for Santa!

Busy busy busy

We have been really busy lately with Christmas shopping, play groups, baby showers, day care, etc.  Last weekend, we helped host a baby shower for Baby Eder.  Everything went really well and Erin & Drew received some great gifts including an amazing handmade quilt!  During the week, Ryan and I did a few dry runs at day care.  I left him there for an hour on Thursday and was proud of myself for not crying.  I was only about 3 minutes away at Target during that hour but still... 

Yesterday, I took a photography class while Matt & Ryan had a guys day.  Today we bunkered down and stayed out of the wind and snow.  It was a great family weekend!!

Hanging with Dad

Making a mess

Ryan's serious look

Example from my photo class

6 month doctor visit

Ryan went for his 6 month doctor appointment yesterday. He is doing great!  He weighs 17 lbs 12 oz and is 27 1/4 inches long.  We've recently started him on some solid foods.  So far, he hates rice cereal, peas and peaches but likes bananas, pears and prunes.  In other news, my work has approved my flexible work option plan so starting January I will be in the office 3 days a week.  I'm lucky to have a job that allows me to spend time with Ryan during the week.  

"Enjoying" some green beans

Ryan loves sticking his tongue out

Ready to go out