Christmas Happenings

[In pictures...]

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

We sure did.

Seven Weeks!

Seven weeks and going strong!

...Even though he doesn't look like he is going strong here... So cute!

Ryker is doing so well.

<> He now weighs almost 12 pounds.

<> He can sit all by himself comfortably in his Bumbo.

<> He smiles so much. Most of the time it happens when we talk baby-talk to him.

<> He cries for his Mommy [at least that is what I believe].

<> He still has blue eyes and blonde hair.

<> He continues to enjoy bath time. It is especially cute when he kicks his legs in excitement.

<> He still pees on his Mommy during diaper changes.

<> He is starting to love staying up all day. You're right, no housework gets done.

<> He steals every single person's heart that comes in contact with him. He is just that amazing.

Merry Christmas!!!

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

We hope you remember what this day truly represents.

We hope that you have a day filled with laughter and love.

We hope you enjoy a day spent with loved ones.

Merry Christmas!

The Forgotten Carols

For the past six years, my family has participated in The Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean. [We are a part of his backup choir.] This performance is so special to our family and has created a tradition that will go on for years to come. If you have not heard of this uplifting Christmas story, we suggest you click here. The story really grabs your heart and pulls you right in. It is wonderful. We encourage all of you to take time out of your busy holiday schedules next year to attend this event! We never get tired of hearing the message that it brings. We are so grateful that our family has a tradition like this; where we get to spend time celebrating the true meaning of Christmas together!

[The Family]

[The performers!] 

[The girls.] 

[Dad!]

As you can tell, Austin was not able to make it to the performance. He was still very ill. I missed him so very much and the whole time, I was wishing he were on stage with me singing. I hope you feel better sweetie!

Items of Business

I have a few items of business that I would like to discuss with you all.

• We have four coupons that each contain $5.00 off of any Similac Formula. If you want one, let me know. We do not use Similac anymore and the coupons expire 12/31/10.
• We have a brand new small can of Newborn Premium Enfamil. We would hate to throw it away, so let me know if you would like it! Seriously. It has never been opened.
• Does anyone know of any nice apartments that are fairly priced? It seems like all good, clean, apartments are ridiculously expensive these days. We would love any advice.
• Are there any of you readers going into dental hygiene at any Maricopa Community Colleges?? I have the chemistry book for CHM 138 and I am trying to sell it. I cannot sell it online because it cannot be found online. It is a Rio Salado only book and is only sold there... for a large amount of money. Let me know if you would like it. Mine's cheaper. :]

I believe that is all for now. Thank you!

I just had to add a picture of our little guy. As you can tell, he absolutely

loathes his Bumbo. It scares him more than anything.

But at least it is helping him develop his cute little neck muscles.

The Duttons

Austin's Grandparents took the family to see The Duttons. It was a wonderful event!

We enjoyed the show so much and would love to go back and see another one.

The whole evening was very entertaining.

The grandkids. We had so much fun!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for giving us a night to remember.

We love you!

[We snuck this precious picture of our adorable Grandma.]

Six Weeks and MIA

Hello again, my fellow bloggers! I must say that I am very sorry that I have been missing in action. I have taken a few days break from pretty much anything electronic and have spent my time playing with Ryker, tending to my sick husband, and just spending time with my cute little family. Even though Austin is pretty ill, we have had such a wonderful weekend free from homework, stress, and school.

This leads me to what this post really is about... Ryker is six weeks!!!

In place of pictures for this week, I would like to post a video. Yes, it does not make sense because he is two-and-a-half weeks old in the video, BUT, I just have to show it because he is so stinkin' cute! And he hasn't changed much since then. Anyways, in this video you will see just a snippet of Ryker's personality. One minute he is smiley, then he is tired, then he is hyper, and then he is hungry! This boy never ceases to entertain us! We hope you enjoy:

I recommend you watch the video in its entirety in order to see all of his adorable expressions!

And Again...

Our poor boy has been suffering.
We went back to the doctor again yesterday afternoon.
Ryker has major colic and acid reflux and will not even nurse anymore.
Yes, we know a lot of babies get this, but it is just so hurtful for us to see our cutie pie go through so much pain.
This is his new milk; along with two other medicines.
Hope you feel better soon buddy!
Love you.♥

He's in the Band

Oh the joys of the Augusta Ranch Elementary School's Band Concert...

This is my little brother, Kevin. We love him to pieces.

Last night we had the opportunity to go and see him play in his very first ever band concert!

He was so excited for his special night.

We were reminded about this concert multiple times a day, for weeks, so we wouldn't miss it. 

He is so cute.

They played wonderfully!

Good job Kevers.

Five Weeks, Baby!

Ryker is five weeks today. He has been the most amazing little guy we could possibly ask for. Sure, he keeps us up at nights, but we don't mind one bit. Any moment that we get to spend with him is golden.

This last week has been a rough one for our cutie. I supplement due to some complications with my milk production [meaning that we give him formula as well]. Unfortunately, Ryker has had a hard time with certain kinds of formula. He gets tummy aches, becomes fussy, and cries a lot. We were able to go to the doctor today and were told that he has lactose intolerance. Yes, this is just like his Mommy. So, we have to put him on special milk. We are so glad that to know this for sure now.

Also, it has been somewhat difficult nursing him due to fussiness as well. Now, I have to completely stay away from all cheese, milk, and basically any dairy product there is. I usually do this due to my personal lactose intolerance, but because I love dairy so much, I have always just put up with the stomach aches. But now that I know it our hurts our little guy, I will not even go near the stuff. I do not want Ryker to suffer one bit.

So, after this last hard week, Ryker is finally starting to feel better! We are so happy. Ryker will be happy too as soon as he realizes that he no longer has tummy aches and gets over the horrible taste of his new milk. Poor guy.

We are excited for this new week! He weighs 11 pounds now and can hold his head up on his own... when he wants to that is!

[All of the milk we tried...]

Saturday

I love being with my two boys.

And today, I was able to be with both them... all day!

We went Christmas shopping at the San Tan Mall and had a wonderful time walking around for a couple of hours.

Afterwards, we went and grabbed some lunch and then headed to play kickball with friends!

[I sat and entertained Ryker for most of the time.]

When we were finished, we went home, cleaned up, and played with Ryker until he fell asleep.

What a perfect day.

We love our life.