A Breath of Fresh Air

What a weekend!  We started the long weekend early to get a head start for all we had in store … but it sure did go fast. 

Our first adventure of the weekend was the trip to Scott’s family cabin.  Thursday morning we got up bright and early to pack the car – good thing Scott has an SUV – Ryan sure needs a lot of things when we’re away from home!  

Here’s Ryan all ready for the mountains – he’s watching to make sure we remember everything:

By 9:15am we were on our way!  It’s a 5 hour drive without stops, and of course we planned on quite a few for Ryan – so we just figured it taking the day so we could enjoy the trip.  Ryan isn’t much of  long drive kind of guy – he must get that from me.  But we do ok if we are comfortable, entertained, and get some good stops along the way. 

Here we are at the first stop – we found a winery literally in the middle of no where – but just right for us - both mommy and Ryan got a bottle!  (mine of course I had to save for later)

Here we are enjoying our break from driving:

Back on the road and Ryan’s getting antsy – I’m still patting myself on the back for packing some funky “toys”. 

Here’s Ryan with a toilet paper roll … I think we can be certain that buying expensive toys is just not worth it!

After 6 more hours– and 3 more stops - we were almost there making our way up the tiny tiny winding road to the small community of cabins.  It’s quite a ways “out there” but is so pretty!  

We even met some of the locals on our way up the mountain:

Finally, after 7 hours and 15 minutes we made it to the cabin!  It wasn’t the warmest evening, but we were all enjoying the wonderful fresh mountain air!

Here we are ready for the weekend ahead:

The visit to the cabin had some ups and some downs … The daytime was overall a great time – Ryan had a blast looking, touching and smelling new things.  But the weather and altitude took a big toll on our little guy.  It got very cold at night – and we had trouble keeping our room warm – so Ryan was waking up quite a bit.  And to top of that, he got an ear infection from the pressure change in the higher altitude.  Ryan’s so amazing – he really held it together during the day … here we are enjoying some of our favorite aspects of the mountain house …

Enjoying our time outdoors … it’s a bit cold, but at least that eliminated the mosquito issue!

Here’s Ryan supervising daddy while he makes our happy hour snack:

“Deck parties” are another favorite thing to do around camp.  Different cabins host happy hours and/or dinners for various occasions.

Here we are celebrating our family friend Lynne’s birthday – we’re with Auntie Di-Di, Uncle T-Bone, Grandma Nancy, Birthday Girl Lynne and her husband Dale:

Before we knew it, Sunday morning had arrived and it was time to go!  We packed up and went down the mountain.  This time the drive didn’t take quite as long since Ryan took a lengthy nap – he was exhausted!  And also since we routed ourselves home to include the Memorial Weekend LPA event. 

Grandma Cec and Grandpa John are also LPA members so they decided to meet us at the event too!  The event was at a park – and it was a very pleasant day out.  We had a nice snack and visit with each other and some of our new LPA friends. 

Here’s Ryan enjoying his spot on the grass:

The event was a “Sports Day” event so there were a lot of kids aged from about 5 years to about 14 – all were playing soccer, baseball and/or football.  It was a blast to watch – and very encouraging too.  Scott and I loved to see how the kids were just like other kids their age – lacking in height certainly doesn’t discourage these kids.  The kids make up for their lost inches with remarkable personalities and positive outlook – it’s incredible.  Ryan is already displaying these qualities and I’m so proud and excited to see him grow into the amazing person he is.

At last we get home – time to unpack, clean-up and make our call to the doctor! 

When Ryan’s homecoming didn’t resolve his fussiness we knew a call to the doctor was due.  We are very thankful that our pediatrician is available by phone and will even see us during off-hours.  The doctor checked his ear and prescribed him antibiotic for the infection we suspected.

Here’s Ryan enjoying “his world” at home ... he's definitely ready for a good night's rest!

And here we are … it’s the end of May ... my little man is 8 months old now! 

On to the next adventure …

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

Another wonderful weekend with my boys!  The weekend started early for me – I spent Friday afternoon with Ryan since his nanny wasn’t available.  Made for a long day for me since I snuck in some time at work in the early morning - but it was worth it.  I loved the time with my guy! 

Scott says that I do “girly” things with Ryan, but I don’t think he minds.  We watched Days of Our Lives while we cleaned and baked cupcakes … ok I guess that is a bit “girly” …

Here’s Ryan supervising me while I clean:

Ryan wanted me to make a special cake for his friend Eliana’s 1^st birthday party, so we decided to try making “tie dye cupcakes” and a “baby cake” for the birthday girl.  The baby cake is a white cake recipe that is lower in sugar and fat.  And the cupcakes are a blast – lots of work, but they turned out pretty good I think!

Here’s a picture of our finished “product”:

Saturday was a beautiful day for a birthday party!  Ryan couldn’t wait to see the birthday girl Eliana and their friends Elody and Aleks.  We met at a park and enjoyed a picnic lunch and a nice visit.  Ryan loves it outside – he couldn’t get enough of the blanket on the grass.  He even showed off his new ability to sit up on his own.  I think he was showing off for the cute girls!

Here he is with his buddy Aleks enjoying the view of the treetops:

Sunday was another gorgeous day outside so Scott and I got the “Sunday chores” done with first thing so we could head to our favorite Art & Wine Festival.   It’s a fun way to get outside – and we’re allowed to sip on beer and wine while we walk down the street – that’s a fun treat!  Two of our favorite things – drinks and the outdoors! 

Here’s Ryan hanging out while we get our chores out of the way … poor guy got a little sun yesterday!

We live in the San Francisco Bay Area, so of course Ryan is a Giants fan!  Here’s my little man tipping his hat – isn’t he smart?  He did that all on his own!

It’s time to head out to the Art & Wine Festival!  Here’s Ryan and I all ready to go:

Now that we have Ryan, there is a lot more of interest to us as we walk through the Art & Wine Festival.  There are some great vendors that make beautiful and unique children’s toys and outfits.  My favorite are the interactive cloth books and cloth toys.  They are adorable – and full of detail.  I’m definitely checking out their website.  There was also a vendor that makes wooden toys.  You just don’t find this stuff in the stores anymore. 

Ryan enjoyed the afternoon too – it was his first time in his stroller without being in his car seat!  My little baby is getting so big! – Only moments ago he was so tiny that even his car seat seemed to “swallow” him! 

Here’s my big boy in his big boy seat:

Ryan’s already pushing 8 months old – time is flying by and we’re having a blast!  Hopefully we all get enough rest this week … Memorial Weekend is a busy one!

… on to the next adventure!

No Strings Attached

Big news in our household!  We got the results of the April sleep study and Ryan looks fantastic!  No sleep apnea mask for Ryan, what a relief!  We already struggle with the sleep schedule, and since Ryan is not only a “mover” at night, he also a  very content stomach sleeper …we had visions of undoing a ball of wires similar to the infamous Christmas lights every morning.  We are very thankful for this news!

It was another action-packed weekend for Ryan that started with a nice dinner out at a local Italian place – we sat on the cute outdoor patio and enjoyed the perfect weather.  Not a bad way to start my first Mother’s Day weekend!  Ryan loves being outside – though we had to eat our dinner in the usual “shifts”, Ryan was a happy boy enjoying the evening fresh air and sights. 

Saturday was a another hot day – and we had some great outdoor plans in store!  One of Ryan’s friends turned 1 year old on Saturday and she had a birthday party.  Ryan and I met mom and birthday girl Zoe at the Mother’s Group offered by my hospital back in November 2011 and we’ve all been friends since! 

Zoe had a lot of 1 year old friends celebrating with her – and also a couple around Ryan’s age.  Zoe’s parents set up their back yard well pleasing both parents and babies – there was something for everyone!   

Here’s Ryan enjoying the “ball pit”

Ryan loved the grass too – he couldn’t get enough of the sights, smells and sounds from his spot on the blanket.  He even surprised us with a big FIRST!  He sat up all by himself!  I might have helped him into position, but he stayed there and enjoyed his new view all on his own!  We are so proud – he’s getting so strong!

Of course, sitting up isn’t our best “trick” just yet – but we’re getting better everyday. 

Here’s Ryan sitting up on the couch – just getting a little bit of help … my little tank – he’s so strong!

Happy First Mother’s Day to me!  This Sunday was my first “real” mother’s day – though I think that I was a mommy last year too … Ryan was just a lot smaller then … and also much more quiet!  :)

Scott and Ryan started the Mother’s Day love by surprising me with a beautiful arrangement of pink roses!  So light and cheerful, I just love them.

Sunday morning started out right with a trip to Starbucks – lovely morning for a walk! – and to go along with our coffee, some breakfast and mimosas of course! 

Ryan got all dressed up in a “mommy love” outfit for me:

And off to brunch we go … Scott and I met his mom, sister and her husband for a nice brunch downtown.  The food was good, the service was good but what a crazy time and day to go out!  I am not sure brunch is my thing!  I wasn’t too happy being in such a big crowd, and Ryan seemed to agree and/or sympathize – I’m not sure who was more stressed by the crowd, him or me!   Thankfully, good company trumps a crowded room anyway, so we had a nice time!

Here we are at brunch:

After brunch, off to the grocery store for our weekly trip.  I know, we’re a crazy bunch!  Watch out!  And by now, Ryan has pretty much had it with being “out and about” … I’m carrying him through the store – and he’s still on the fussy side … until he spots the balloons.  The store had Mothers Day balloons all over the place and Ryan couldn’t stop talking to them.  Boy, he sure told some a thing or two!  In fact, he liked them so much, we ended up taking one home … here he is enjoying his first balloon …

The rest of the Mother’s Day was spent together at home – relaxing!  Perfect end to a fantastic weekend!

… on to the next adventure!

A Glass of the House White

What a weekend we had! 

It’s unreal how fast 2 days can go by if the day begins with the letter S …

I had a great Friday that started when mom brought Ryan by my office for a visit.  What a way to liven up the office!  He’s very popular with my co-workers and just ate up all of the attention.  Ryan was feeling helpful and decided to tackle some of my work – here he is updating some accounts:

Scott, Ryan and I started the weekend out right with a little happy hour close to home.  I hurt my back last week, so I was a bit slow moving and in need of some “fluid therapy”.  Our favorite pizza place takes good care of us and we can enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) while we wait for our pizza.  Ryan is our “bar fly”, he just loves to hang out with us and meet new people.  He does get restless from time to time so we always have a “bag of tricks” as they say.  And as it turns out, one of his current favorites is a sock.  Move over Sophie, we much prefer laundry!

After a quiet night in, we went to bed ready to wake up bright and early Saturday morning.  We had a busy day ahead!  And to our surprise, we weren’t woken up until 7:00am.  What a nice Saturday treat from Ryan!  After a quick morning at home, we were on our way to the wine country for a fun day complete with a visit with Ryan’s Great Grandma Betty, Great Aunt Bridget, Grandma Cec and Grandpa John (my parents).  Ryan had a great drive – because he slept 95% of the time!  Thankfully we can get away with a drive if it’s time for a nap.  Otherwise, it’s a very very very long drive!  Ryan did so well on the drive that we had time to stop at a winery before our lunch date with the family.  Mom and dad enjoyed some sparkling wine and Ryan had “the house white”. 

Lunch was a celebration for Great Grandma Betty’s 92^nd birthday.   We were in a cute downtown area at one of our favorite lunch spots.  It’s so special that Ryan has FIVE great grandparents.  What a lucky boy.  He’s been lucky enough to meet 3 of the 5 in person – we hope that next year he can meet the other two.  Scott’s grandmother lives in Palm Springs and my grandmother lives in Canada. 

Here’s Ryan with Betty and Bridget … he’s getting a little tired, but is hanging in there!

Next, Scott and I really wanted to head up to our favorite (or one of) wineries … so up we went with Grandma Cec and Grandpa John.  It was fun to taste a few wines – Scott and I are used to our “Two Buck Chuck”, so tasting some nicer wines is a real treat.  We took the time to walk around a little, but my back wasn’t having much of that so we didn’t do that for long. 

Here’s Scott, Ryan, Grandpa and I making our way up to the tasting room:

Sunday was another fun day.   Ryan started the day by having an absolute blast with yet another “toy” – who needs Baby Einstein when there are paper towels?  Yup, here’s our boy with a paper towel – this was a good 20 minutes of entertainment.

On our list today was Ryan’s first swim – a REAL swim this time.  We joined our local YMCA down the road – they have both an indoor and outdoor pool – both are HEATED, yay! – and they also have a pretty decent swim program.  So the pasty-white family we are, we all got lathered up in sunscreen and headed out to the pool.  It was a beautiful day – mid 80’s – perfect for a swim. 

Here’s Ryan as we just got into the water, he wasn’t too sure at first …

But in a matter of minutes we were swimming together – I got Ryan in to his shoulder’s.  I didn’t have the heart to dunk him quite yet …but he'll be fine ... it looks like he takes after mom– he’s part fish.  He was smiling and giggling and even explored the water with his hands a bit.  We don’t have any pictures of this, so you have to take my word for it.  We got in trouble for the first picture we took – no pictures are allowed in the pool except on the first and last day of a class.  Sad how we have to worry about stuff like that these days. 

After the swim Ryan must have felt extra adventurous because he next thing I knew he had his feet in his mouth!  We’ve officially discovered our feet!  It only took a little bit more time for Ryan and it’s a joy to watch him explore his hands and now feet.  I wasn’t sure he would get to experience this phase with his shorter legs - it’s so much fun for him.    Just the other day I was wondering if he had a little growth spurt recently … I guess he may have after al!

Here’s Ryan sampling his left foot … mmmmm.

According to some people, I can be a bit of a talker … apparently I can talk about anything endlessly.  I’m your girl for a long car drive or a long run – just ask my friends!  Well, looks like I have a "partner in crime" – Ryan is suddenly talking non-stop and has something to say about everything.  He’s fully committed to baby babble now and it’s the most wonderful sound I have ever heard! 

I just can’t believe that all of that was in two days.  No wonder I’m tired!  But it was worth it.  It was a wonderful weekend, I didn’t know it was possible to love this much – and he’s only 7 months old!  So much more to come I know … on to the next adventure …

Racing into Summertime

It’s been an eventful couple of weeks – and here we are, it’s already May! 

Ryan is getting bigger and stronger everyday, it’s so fun to watch.  He makes me so proud, I feel so lucky that he is my son.  There have been some new developments over the past few weeks.  Ryan has started to babble quite a bit – complete with “ba-ba-ba’s” and “da-da-da’s” … I’m still waiting for the “ma-ma-ma” but I guess he’s saving the best for last!  Even with these new “words”, Ryan hasn’t given up his special fart noises, he loves making that noise, especially in a quiet public place!  We recently took the Bumbo chair out – Ryan can’t sit up on his own, though he is mentally ready.  We thought the Bumbo might be a fun option for him.  If he’s in the mood, this is one of his favorite spots now.  He likes to be upright to see all of the action! 

Here he is hanging out with mom and dad:

A few weeks ago we had a wonderful HOT weekend.  Ryan, Scott and I started the weekend right with a nice morning walk in a fun shopping area.  Sometimes it’s just fun to “window shop” even if that includes a sales person climbing onto a ladder to find the price of a fancy All-Clad pot and pan set!  We’re dreamers these days, but one day we’ll have our fancy kitchen :)

Scott and Ryan met one of my high school friends who met us for lunch – we had nice visit and walk around town.  I guess we’re getting old – we must have walked past a dozen places to grab drinks, but instead we ended up in Crate & Barrel purchasing a couple of replacement glasses and at a little gelato spot.  :)  

After our lunch walk, the three of us went home and decided it was a good day to go to the pool – and maybe take Ryan for his first swim!   So we all got dressed in our suits, covered up our pale winter skin with sunscreen and headed out.  Our complex has a great pool deck complete with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and even BBQ’s.  We get out to the pool and find that there are 2 lounge chairs in the shade – just right for us.  Everyone else is on the sunny side of the deck, opposite of the 3 of us … another sign of our age I guess! 

Even in the shade we felt it was hot enough for the water … but even though the pool deck is beautiful, the pool itself leaves a lot to be desired.  Well, mainly HEAT.  The water was freezing.  Scott made it all the way in because he’s crazy like that, I made it in to my hips and we put Ryan’s toes in which immediately resulted in screams! 

Swimming was not in the cards today, but he sure looks ready doesn’t he?

With all of this nice weather, Scott and I decided it was time to splurge on a BBQ for ourselves!  We lucked out to find that our local OSH was having a great sale and no tax weekend, so we got a great compact outdoor grill.  Ryan “helped” Scott put it together … it took all day, but it turned out great!  We finally have a nice patio to sit and cook on!  Ryan just loves it outside, we are sure to have some great evenings out here … Scott is cooking our first BBQ dinner:

And most recently, we took a special family trip to a racetrack for a car club event.  My dad is a car enthusiast to say the least – and so I grew up going to track events watching my dad play with cars on the track.  When I was old enough to drive, I didn’t want to race, but it only took a couple of years for my dad and brother to get me hooked.  Must be in my blood – and it’s clearly in Ryan’s too!  Before we could even get up to the track – it’s about a 2 ½ hour drive without stopping – Ryan wanted to take a turn at the wheel …

A long drive is tough with an infant that is for sure.  We had a pretty good first 2/3, but that last hour was tough.  Ryan wanted OUT of his car seat!  But we all survived and it was worth it.  We had a great time with my parents and our car buddies.  Ryan had even more fun out in the fresh air and taking in all of the sights and sounds of the track.  He insisted on trying out the race car, so here he is in Grandpa’s seat:

And here’s Ryan hanging out in the pit with the gang:

Ryan was the hit of the weekend in many ways.  We introduced Ryan to some new friends – and when telling one friend about Ryan having Achondroplasia, her response knocked our socks off – she said “Great!  That’s who Ryan is, he’s wonderful!” – she couldn’t be more right, my Ryan is short in height but he’s huge in so many ways, I couldn’t be prouder. 

Still waiting for the sleep study results, and though we’re eager to know the results, we’re also hesitant since we’re enjoying Ryan’s ability to sleep so well at night.  I fear that a mask will make sleeping impossible for Ryan, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it!

In the meantime, we’re just enjoying each and every day … and how quickly they go, Ryan is already 7 months old!  Here is his “7 Month Old” picture:

What an amazing time this is … On to the next adventure …