Share A Coke.. And a Smile

There are a few of my Mommy friends that share my McDonald's Diet Coke addiction, and we will always call each other on our way to meeting for play dates to see if the other one needs one. Lately, however, I have noticed that my ice cold beverage seems to empty itself more quickly, and I don't recall consuming it. My friend, W, has been having the same issue.... And I think we figured out why:

Yes, I think I have another Diet Coke addict in the house- my first clue should have been the fact that every time we pass the Golden Arches, I have a little one shouting "Coke, Coke, want Coke Momma!!" from the back of the van!

Three Amigos

Rhylan, and his two good buddies (Calvyn and Garren) hanging out during a picnic lunch at the pool today. Just too cute not to share!!

Making a Splash

Rhylan has always loved the water- when it's in the bath tub, or we are with him, holding him like for swimming lessons. But, he has not been a fan of the pool this year. I don't know if it is the weightless feeling, or what, but he freaks out in kiddy pools or zero depth entry (fine in deeper water, floating, with us). We haven't pushed him, figuring he would come around in his own sweet time, which he did full force this past weekend. He has decided he now LOVES the kiddy pool, going down slides, jumping in fountains, for hours on end. Here he is today, I think we have another water baby in the making!

Baby Rhylan

In the midst of the crazy packing and cleaning sweep to get our current house on the market and packed up for the move, Rhylan found the hat he wore in the hospital. He insisted on wearing it, the proceeded to keep running around the house screeching: "Ny-nan, I baby Eeeen", which translates to "Rhylan, I am baby Ian". Seems he recognized the iconic blue and pink hospital hat from his pictures of his new cousin. He then took the role playing one step further, and made me hold/cradle him, while sucking his thumb. I am guessing that we have for sure hit the imaginative play phase! So fun- he cracks me up!

Proud Cousins

Just a few shots of my little guys hanging out with their new little cousin, Ian. The pictures say it all, they are completely in love with the little guy.

A Day at the Museum

I had to go to my hometown for a little over a week, to take care of some business. But who could take a week of all business, and no fun? So, I took the boys to the Children's Discovery Center-and they had a wonderful time. We are members of our local Children's Museum, but it is really small. This place was huge- as in our whole museum would fit into one exhibit! So many cool exhibits, that were right up Brayden's alley. They had space, weather, pulleys, human body, airplanes, I could go on and on- but if you have ever met our son, you know what I mean about this being his kind of place!

Brayden in front of a tornado forming

If this handsome delivery guy doesn't get the girls at the office talking, I don't know what would ;)!

Rhylan playing in the Water Works

Mommy and Rhylan on a space mission

One More Shot

Today was a hot, sticky, rainy, nasty day- but I didn't want to be stuck inside all day. So, I decided to have one more photo session for Rhylan's Second Birthday. Our friend that did his main shoot does beautiful work, and captures the kids' personalities so well, which it the true purpose of a photograph, in my opinion. However, because I love her work so much, we have very few traditional "smile and say cheese" types of pictures of Rhylan (and TONS from Brayden at this age).

There is a studio that does a cheapy package of about a million prints, but the catch is that you can only get one (of the 85+ they take) pose for the entire package. I figured for such a bargain, I could easily stick to that basic package- and did!! (Despite showing me the $300 package numerous times. YIKES, no thanks!!)

And here it is, Rhylan's "other" Two Year Picture:

To Rhylan at Two (almost)

My Most Precious Baby Boy,

I cannot believe how quickly the last two years have passed! It has been a privilege to watch you grow into such a wonderful little boy.

When I hold you- maybe I should say when you let me hold you, I try to remember that sweet smell, the feel of your baby soft skin, and the feel of your sweet little breaths on my neck when you would sleep.

From the moment you were conceived you have been a fighter, a determined little guy. We went through so much, you and I, just getting you here- literally facing death. And now you make me realize everyday how blessed we are to have you here – watching, and joining you, in celebrating life! You are growing up so fast, and I am trying hard to soak it all in. I delight in watching you grow up, but a part of me wants to stop time and keep you little forever.

Now you are two. How could I have ever imagined the toddler you have become?

You are such a sweet, sweet boy- you adore your Big Brother beyond words. He is the first thing you ask for when you wake up, and the last thing you ask for at the end of each day. My heart fills with joy to see how much you two love each other, how well you play together, and the way that you each complete the other.

You make me proud by being so polite; always saying please, thank you, you’re welcome, even excuse me. With each “Bah-bye” you say, it is always coupled with blowing kisses or giving hugs. Then there is that other side of you- You are so feisty, so independent, and so ornery. Throwing food, or objects, watching to see if we are noticing the thing you are on the verge of testing the limits with. Oh, and those “totally two tantrums”, yes, you have perfected those too!

We love to watch you dance, and sing, and "march, march, march" across the room… and into our hearts. You love to play outside, and ask to be out at any chance you get- standing at the back door pointing, and saying “ow-siiiiie”. You are fearless. You love climbing, and coming down slides, and seldom deprive us of a “Weeeeeee!!!!” as you make your way down.

You love to color, play kitchen, help with chores, and are very adamant about what clothes you would like to wear for the day. Your favorite show is Little Einsteins, or “Pat Pat”, as you call it- you squeal with joy at the sound of the opening music, as you pat, pat, pat your hands and yell “Blast Off!” as you throw your arms high into the air. Elmo, and Buzz are not too far behind in receiving your affections though! You love people, phones, remotes, keys, and particularly your Snuggy. You have learned about friends, and you get so excited about people your own size to play with! You are an amazing communicator. I may not always know exactly what you are saying, and you may not have the words, but I can tell in a second how you feel or what you want.

Happy Second Birthday to my little “Bubba”. Thank you for such wonderful memories these last two years, I can hardly wait to see what this next one has in store for you as you continue to grow, learn, imagine, and play!

I love you more than words can say,

Mommy

More Conversations at our House

Me, pointing to Rhylan: "Who are you? What's your name?" (trying to teach him to say his name)

a bit of silence

Rhylan, patting his chest: "I, Cute!!"

Oh Geez, another ego. I don't know if we can handle another male with an ego around here......

One "Beary cute Tree Hugger"-- at least we think so

Rhylan had his 6 month well baby check today. Just thought that I would share the stats:

14 lbs., 4 0z.

26.5 inches

(Getting so big!)

He is still a runt next to most of his peers, but the doctor is more than happy with his growth rate, and still has him on the chart with his age group (not adjusted for being early). I am fine with him being a little guy- heck, he is our last one, and they grow too quickly as it is. Might as well enjoy having a "little" baby as long as we can :)!

He is developing right on track. Some of the things he does now include eating cereal and veggies once or twice a day, sleeping 12-14 hours a night, roll in both directions, grab and interact with toys, laugh hysterically- especially at his brother (!), is trying to cut a tooth (we think), and his latest trick... he has started to sit!

Oh, and he got 4 shots today. I hate seeing my kids get shots, and I always cringe in expectation of that scream/cry. This little guy didn't even let out a wimper- he was too busy smiling, coo-ing, and flirting with the nurse to even notice, I was in shock!

Here are some pictures from his 6 month photo shoot yesterday.

Fine Dining

We got the high chair out of storage today, with the anticipation of just having Rhylan sit and watch us for meals and slowly just start putting cereal in front of him to see if he got interested in trying it. Well, the interest was there as soon as he saw it!! He got really excited, and opened wide right off the bat. He gobbled up the whole bowl (well- 1 tablespoon of rice cereal mixed with 3 tablespoons of breastmilk) in about 5 minutes, and was not even too messy with it.

Brayden really enjoyed watching and helping his brother eat for the first time. We aren't in any hurry to get him fully on "solids", but I think we will start slowly with cereal once a day for now, and expand a little bit at a time.

It seems like just yesterday (not almost exactly 4 years ago to the day!) that Brayden had his first cereal- and hasn't stopped eating since. I wonder if Rhylan will love food as much as his brother? It will be fun to find out!! For those of you that have never asked him, Brayden will tell you that his favorite foods are "Shrimp, Sushi, Onion Rings, Chinese, and Indian Food"- I just asked him to tell me them again, to double check, and make sure I didn't miss quote him!

Here are some pictures from today---- and some pictures from 4 years ago. There are days that I don't think the boys look much alike, and other days I see a lot of similarities- of course Rhylan being the blond-ish, blue eyed version. Looking at these shots side by side (Rhylan on the top, Brayden on the bottom), let's see what you think!

	Do you think that Brayden and Rhylan look alike at the same age?
	Not at all
	Some what
	Very much