Wednesday, December 22, 2010

FrIeNdS!

I have so many wonderful friends. Since school let out for the holidays, I've had the opportunity to spend some time with them! They love Ryker and I love them!

Ashley came to visit us yesterday from Oklahoma! I was so happy. I can't believe it's been so long since I've seen her... well I guess just a semester but it definitely feels longer than that. And she'll be gone for SO long. Anyway, she got to see Ryker and it was fun to catch up. I love my Shlee! We are going to miss our daughter Brittany! We were her "parents" while she was here at USU because hers were so far away. I loved going to concerts and hearing her awesome solos - she's the best bass clarinet player this side-da-Mississippi! I really have had a lot of fun with Brittany these last few years. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do without her. :'-( This was at her going-away-party and it was great but we bawled our faces off.
This is currently my favorite couple on the planet. Whitney and Nate are two of the greatest people I know and now they're dating! I helped them with their christmas gifts to each other. Whitney made Nate a quilt and Nate made Whitney a scrapbook! Both were Amaaazing. Nate is actually extremely crafty and creative. He pretty much did the whole thing without me. What a stud.

The Life and Times of Ryker

So here's the stats on our son:
Ryker is such a good baby. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful child. But don't get me wrong, I'm not getting used to it - I know the day will come when one nap is all you'll get in the day instead of dropping in and out of sleep all day long.

He is SO strong! I'm sure every mother thinks that their baby is a fast learner and I do too! Ryker was holding his head up pretty much the day he came out of the womb - I never really have had to worry about it. He is also using his legs to stand and jump when you hold him under the arms. he loves moving around and using his arms and legs.

What a man! No fear in the face of DANGER! haha. (that's the dog's name)

He LOVES being naked. My best friend Ashley claims that he gets this from me. :-)
Ryker is already smiling! I can't believe it. I think he gave me his first smile like... oh 2 weeks ago but yesterday he gave me a HUGE smile when I was laughing with another one of my friends, Tiauna. I haven't quite captured this on camera yet but I am bound and determined!

At night he sleeps... okay. I guess I can't complain but when school comes around I hope he sleeps more. I've heard of how draining it is to not get sleep but what I've heard doesn't compare to how it feels. I had one full week of school after he was born and it was not fun at all. It made me very nervous for next semester when I'll be taking boards. But I can't do anything about it except keep working hard and deal with it when it comes.

I feel bad because I know that I haven't been able to enjoy Ryker as much as I could. It feels like school is still the thing that I think of most often - sadly. I hope this doesn't make me a bad mother. I just know that my sister Jodi LOVES holding and playing with her new baby Colby. She wants to spend every second with him because he is her last. I wish I could do that with Ryker. Just hold him and love him all day long! I'm sure someday he'll understand and I only have ONE semester left!
This is Colby - isn't he ADORABLE?! Ah! I have SO many cute nieces and nephews it's insane. I really don't know how my kids are going to keep up. Colby loves Ryker already. He gave him a nice big kiss - true, Ryker doesn't look too thrilled, frightened even but I'm sure they'll be best of friends.
I think Ryker has been a little spoiled lately. Being the holidays, we spend a lot of time with family and everyone wants to hold him so he doesn't really get put down at all. Well now he's hooked! He never wants to be put down.

Papa Nana Cousin Hannah - She's growing up so fast! Such a beautiful young woman.And even Uncle Paul can't help showing his absolute love for our Star Trek Star
I love my son. He is such a blessing to us and I wouldn't ask for a different child! haha.