In hindsight, I'm not sure why—specifically I—felt like this was no big thing given I've only been back to work for a month and I'm entering into our busiest season with Stryker...Maybe it's because we thrive in chaos?
We're getting used to what life with two feels like as we establish new routines. My parents are watching Elise while Ryan is at Milestone three days a week and I am home with them other two (although Ryan generally goes to Levi's on Tuesdays). Most of the time Max and I have the man-to-man coverage down, but lately Ryan's been harder to handle...a combination of delayed "new brother" envy, influence of some troublesome friends at school and just plain almost 4 year old attitude. He's still a bundle of sweetness mixed with hilarious observations. It's just that he also has become a master negotiator and he's not afraid to offer his take on just about every situation, including "better ideas" about bedtime, finishing dinner and toy clean up. None of this is a surprise in the parenting handbook. It's just new to us as we figure it out as first-time-parents-to-Ryan-the-almost-three-year-old-who-thinks-he's-20.
Elise is thriving too. I'm off dairy and it seems to be helping her stomach and sleep issues (and helping me loose the weight. I'm back to my pre-baby weight, though things are re-distributed and I'd like to get back to my "before infertility hormones" weight as my end goal. My broken big toe is almost done healing so soon I'll be able to exercise). She loves her days with Nami and Papa and has entered into the cooing / talking stage. She rolls over on one side, holds her head up, sits in her bumbo chair and has a heck of a grip. She even tries to sit up from laying. And she stands when you hold her hands (although she's stood since day 2.) We are actually wondering if she's teething since I did at 4 months and she's showing all the signs. Her hair has a crimp to it, though it's very thin and short for the most part. We suspect it will go blond and her eyes are now a steel grey/blue. Best of all, she's only waking once a night for feeding, usually at about 4 or 5 am. I'm feeling very rested thankfully!
We're looking forward to a holiday season of firsts and Ryan can't wait to share his love of Christmas with his little sister.
Love to each of you,
Courtney, Max, Ryan & Elise
Ryan has inherited his dad's love of the hot tub. We turn it down a bit and he plays with his boats. Ry loves the waterfall and changing colored lights.
Note the leg lift...I used to do this constantly as a baby into adulthood as a way to relax. Gene-pool is a powerful thing!
Our dear friends, Mindy and Kevin, celebrated their 15-year wedding anniversary at a park. Here are Ocean, Colin and Ryan enamored with the band Northern Lights. It was an awesome gathering.
Little Miss is close to outgrowing her Moses basket. This is what she sleeps in everynight beside our bed in a co-sleeper.
Can you handle the cuteness?
Spiderman and Baby Peacock made their appearances at the neighborhood Halloween party. Ryan opted for store-bought, but at least I got to make Elise's costume.
Clearly a player like his father, Ryan was also seen holding hands with Lily at his school Halloween party earlier the same day. Sorry Tess.
Ryan has just started helping with Elise's nightly dose of pro-biotics.
Football season closed with a loss to Lowell, one of the best teams in the state. Though the loss stung, the team did amazing this season, thanks in no small part to Max's dedication.
This is honestly how Ryan posed. Senior picture ready!
Papa made it to practically every game with us and Nami stayed home with Elise so I could join!
Uncle E really wanted to wear Ry's hat. He's great with Ryan and we're so thankful for all the special attention he always has for Ryan.
Ryan and I were able to have a special date day and spent the time stuffing our scarecrow at Rockford's annual Harvestfest.
Tummy Time!
Snuggle Time!
Oh so talented, Elise surprised me by feeding herself her pro-biotic!
Ryan surveying his train kingdom. What you can't see is the other 10 feet of track behind the camera. Note his color divisions of the trains.
We spent Tuesday night at Rockford's annual town lighting ceremony. The High School choir performs and on the count of 10, over 1 million lights (not sure I buy this, but ok, it makes the taxes feel worth it) come on all through the town simultaneously. Let the Norman Rockwell Christmas season begin.
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