Last few days as a family of 3...

This is probably our last weekend as a family of three so we've been trying to soak it in and give this little boy some special attention.  Ryan was gone for a few hours yesterday afternoon so we spent some time outside just the two of us.

We looked at airplanes...

We played in our truck... 

We were silly... 

We smiled... 

We gave Benny hugs...  

We laughed... 

And before we went inside he came over to me with his arms up, big brown eyes and asked for Mama.   

Henry, while you won't be my only baby for much longer, you will always be my first and can always come to me when you need me.  I may not be able to always pick you up as my hands may be full but it doesn't mean I love you any less.  

Love you H Man and we're looking forward to watching you become the best big brother!  

Get Fired Up, Henry's 2nd Birthday Party!

Last Saturday we celebrated Henry's 2nd Birthday with friends and family and it was such a great day.  I really have to thank my mom for all the cute decorations and help with setting everything up because I know I couldn't have pulled all of this off at 37 weeks pregnant.  Henry had so much fun that day and seeing the happiness on his face as he played with all his friends and new toys and made the exhaustion all worth it!

The birthday boy sporting his fireman shirt before the party!

For lunch Ryan grilled burgers and hot dogs and we kept it easy with fruit and chips for sides.  We also kept the cake simple and had firetruck cookies for dessert.  We had a little difficulty with the cookies and unfortunately they didn't show up until the middle of the party.  We were thankful they did arrive finally and were able to hand some out to the remaining guests.  They were definitely a hit though and really delicious!

We had so much fun with the photo booth from Henry's first birthday party that we had to bring it back again this year.  Lots of fun pictures were captured here late in the afternoon ;)

We also incorporated a candy bar for guests to take as favors.  We had trouble setting this up beforehand because it was hard to keep Henry out of the m&m's!  

And of course a party would not be complete without a little sangria... 

And Firemans Blonde Ale... :)

After presents we all gathered around to watch Henry blow out his candles...

A little family photo booth action :)

This boy partied hard all afternoon and did not want to even sit down to eat. Ryan and I barely even saw him!  He was in pure heaven and loved playing with all his fun new toys.

 We are so thankful for everyone that came and celebrated spoiled our sweet boy that afternoon. It was nice to be able to catch up with family and friends as well.  Once everyone had left and we managed to get the house semi-cleaned up, the birthday boy finally hit a wall and crashed.  Can you blame him?? I'm pretty sure this was one of his best days yet :)

Family Pictures

This past October we took family pictures and I'm so happy with how they turned out.  I was really looking to get pictures of Henry at two years old but had to take the opportunity to get a few pictures of us as a family of three as it won't be long until we're adding another little boy to the mix!

All photos courtesy of Kristie Mills Photography

Two!

Henry Ryan... you are two years old!

I can hardly believe we celebrated your 2nd birthday last Friday.  Where did my baby go?!?  You are definitely not a baby anymore and while I miss those days, I am so excited about all that is in store.  You are funny, sweet, expressive, loving and a full blown toddler.  While we have so many wonderful moments, we also have our moments when you whine, when you fall on the floor for not getting your way and when you repeatedly do something with a grin on your face after we have told you no.  While you can definitely test our patience, you can make up for it a minute later with a sweet hug and kiss and we wouldn't trade this time for anything.

Your love for being outdoors continues.  Especially if being outside involves your Dad.  You are such a daddy's boy and want to always do what he is doing.  If Dad is planting flowers, you better believe that you need your own shovel because you want to be right next to him doing the same thing.

Your Dad made a growth chart ruler for your room so we can keep track of your height over the years and you love to stand next to it.  You are about 2 feet, 10 inches right now and weigh close to 29 pounds. We go to the doctor on Friday for your 2 year visit so I'll make sure to update with your official stats after that. You are wearing size 18-24 mth and 2T clothes and wearing size 6.5 in shoes.

You have such a sweet tooth and would love to eat candy all day long if we let you.  You are a little pickier with foods but I can always count on you to eat a hot dog... I promise we're still working on being more nutritional around here...

You are all boy and have a love for all types of trucks and cars.  You love to carry them around and have even been known to bring them in to daycare with you.  You constantly say "vroom, vroom" and push them all over the house.  You also love to fill them up with dirt :)

You are into everything and love to make messes.  You're definitely not afraid to be dirty or wet either inside or outside.  When I pick you up from school you are usually in a different shirt because you have been playing in the dirt outside, playing in the water in the sink or simply getting food all over yourself.

You are talking all the time and saying sentences.  Unfortunately, we have no clue what you are saying most of the time!  You definitely have words that you know and can say them clearly.  At least clear enough that we know what you are talking about.  I'm anxious for you to communicate better as I feel this will help with some of the whining and you can tell us what you really want.  I'm trying to be patient though as I know one day you won't be quiet :)

Henry, I've said this time and time again and will continue to say it.... you bring us so much joy and happiness and we can't imagine life without you.  These have seriously been the best two years yet and I'm looking forward to many more.  We're looking forward to seeing your personality grow and shine and also to watching you be the best big brother.

Love you H Man!!

Henry is 2!

I can hardly believe it but my baby boy turned two years old yesterday.  We had a simple celebration at home last night and this boy blew out his candles and then demolished his cupcake.... all before we actually ate dinner :)

We have a fun party planned today with friends and family to celebrate this milestone.  More pics to come!

36 Weeks

We're officially in the last month.... woohoo!!  I feel like the first few months of this pregnancy were so slow but lately it seems to be flying by.  It's hard to believe we only have 28 more days until my due date and I actually wouldn't mind if it was a little less.  I've started my weekly appointments with my doctor and when she checked me I was 1 cm dilated.  I was that way with Henry at this many weeks so who knows if that means he'll come soon or we still have some time.  I've also been having braxton hicks a lot and even some contractions in my back.  We did actually talk to my doctor about inducing again and we're going to see how I progress over the next couple of weeks but it looks like she may be willing to induce us the week of December 2nd so we'll see!

I'm definitely feeling the aches and pains lately and I find myself having trouble doing simple tasks like getting up off the floor, bending over, putting on shoes, etc.  I also find myself laying awake quite a bit at night or getting up at the crack of dawn even on the weekends.

We've been lucky the past two weekends to have help with Henry from both of our parents so we can have some time to get things ready.  We've also been able to get in some alone time for dinner and a movie which is always nice.

At this point most of the baby clothes are washed and everything is organized.  I need to make some lists and start figuring out what I'll take to the hospital for myself and the baby  These next few weekends are going to be busy since we're having Henry's 2nd birthday party next Saturday and I know we're going to be busy with Thanksgiving.  I'm trying to take it easy but it's hard with so much going on!

Again, we're so thankful for a healthy pregnancy so far and hoping for a safe labor and delivery.  I plan to be back again soon with more baby updates before December 8th!

Fall Happenings

I didn't mean to go over two weeks without posting but this past month has been full of fall activities and I want to capture some of my favorite moments.

Ryan's cousin got married in early October and Henry was one of the three ring bearers.  He actually didn't have to walk down the aisle but he did wear a tux.  I wish I would have gotten more pictures but he was a mess that afternoon since he refused to wear his coat so I was just thankful we got out the door on time.  He only made a few minutes during the ceremony before Ryan had to take him out in the hall.... :)

All the cousins were together that day which doesn't happen too often so of course we had to get a group pic...

We've spent a lot of time outside enjoying the weather.  I love this picture of my two favorite boys enjoying their beverage of choice one Sunday afternoon...

Ryan and I went back up to Tulsa one weekend and stayed with Anna and Reid.  We were only there about 48 hours but we had the BEST time enjoying their company, shopping, eating, walking and catching up on some sleep.

One of my other favorite things about fall is football.  Last Saturday our friends came over and we watched both the A&M and OU games and we had the best time hanging out.  We don't get together as often as we would like and it was nice to have some relaxing time together.

Baby A loving the swing :)

Love these girls!

Nicole and her pretty girl....

Of course Henry had to get in the swing and wouldn't get out... I think he was afraid Alexandra would want back in.... :)

Henry also had his first official haircut this past month.  We've been chopping at it and decided it was time to finally take him in.  He wasn't a huge fan at first but eventually calmed down...

We were all thankful for the TV in front of the chair to keep him occupied...

Looking good bud!

And of course we had to go trick or treating on Halloween!  We didn't do a big costume for him since he's so particular about what he wears.  He ended up wearing his skeleton PJ's and it was perfect.  He was comfortable and stayed warm while we were out.

Our neighbor handed out toy cars along with candy which was a huge hit with this little boy!

We've also spent a lot of time in our wagon lately.  Henry doesn't want much to do with his stroller now and insists we get the wagon out.  We've pushed him up and down the street quite a bit!

And lastly, Henry has been helping me get ready for Baby Rudy #2.  We spent one Sunday afternoon sorting through baby clothes and washing them..  He may have spent more time throwing them and messing up my piles but we'll give him an A for effort... :)