Weird Bird

I always check on you "one more time" before I go to bed at night. This is how we found you one night.

It's not that you're getting to big for your crib. You just love to cram yourself up into the top corner of it. Too cute!

Surgery

We knew since you were teeny tiny that you would have to have surgery at some point in your first year or two. Ryan, you were born with a hernia. The doctors said that it wasn't too bad so it could wait until after you turned a year old. The anesthetics would be easier to take then. Exactly one month after you turned one year old you had the surgery. You also had a circumcision revision.

The surgery was set fo 9:45 so we planned to be there at 8:15. As we were about to leave the hospital called and said they were running ahead of schedule and asked us to get there ASAP. I guess that was good, because you weren't allowed to eat any breakfast and you always wake up ready to eat!

When they took us back to the pre-op room they explained everything, again, that they would do. Lots of nurses and doctors came in and out and talked to us. They gave you a stuffed panda bear and had you change into a gown.

After a little bit they gave you something called "giggle juice" to help you relax. Daddy and I could tell it was kicking in when you would look up at me and all I had to do was smile and you would crack up. We started getting a little nervous because we knew that meant it was coming soon. We might have teared up a little.

The nurse came to get you and I watched her take you down the hall. She had to hold onto your back because you were so out of it you were swaying. Daddy and I went back to the waiting room where Gram and Papaw were waiting. I cried a little bit. Gary Medley, an elder from church, came and prayed with us. The hour-and-a-half seemed to last forever.

When the surgery was finished the surgeon came and told us that everything went great, and that we could go see you in a few minutes. A nurse soon came to get us and led us back to the recovery area. You were still asleep. We were warned that you may be very upset and cry a lot when you wake up because the anesthetia may confuse you. Not long after we got there you began to wake up. You very quietly moaned and opened your eyes. The nurse said we could pick you up. You were underneath a warm blanket, but didn't have anything but a diaper on. You were still hooked up to a heart monitor and a saline IV. You did so great!! You cried for just a few seconds, but then just laid your hed down in my arms and then in Daddy's arms when he held you. You slowly started drinking your milk and we got to go to a room where Gram and Papaw could see you.

You were so groggy and just wanted to be held. We brought your bear and blanket and you liked that.

Slowly you began to wake up.

Getting tickles from Mommy.

Feeling much better.

We had to carefully take care of your incisions, but you have recovered so quickly. We're so proud of how big you are!! We thank God that he brought you through the surgery safely, and that he helped the doctors know exactly what to do to help you get better.

Daddy Runs a Marathon

Since November of 2008 Daddy has been training to run a marathon. That's 26.2 miles!!! We stayed the night at Grandma and Pops' house and he got up early. We went a little later and saw him in the middle...

Showing Grandma how big you are.

Here he comes!

We also got to see Uncle Phil running. Grandma, Aunt Mary, and Mommy decided to go to the finish line to see them cross. We had to walk around a little while, but it was worth getting to see Daddy cross the finish line.

So tired and ready to go home.

EAT!

Ryan yesterday you ate an entire turkey dog and three fish sticks and WANTED MORE!!! I gave you a few crackers, but goodness!! You must be having a growth spurt or something!

First Words

Okay, so I'm a little behind.

Ryan, you've started saying a few words. Your very first word was Dadda. I have to admit I was a little sad, seeing as I take care of you all day long, but it makes your daddy happy. Your next word was ball, but you don't say it as often. And finally you said Momma. You don't say it as much as you say Dadda. Usually you're saying it when your in despair. You know, like when you're getting your diaper changed, or you're stuck somewhere, or when you want more food. That's okay, I'll take it. Love you!

Ryan,
This morning you head-butted me harder than you ever have before. You woke up at 6:00, earlier than normal, so after giving you a half banana and some milk I decided to bring you into bed hoping you’d go back to sleep with us. You were sandwiched in the middle, and all was calm and quiet for 5 minutes, then out of nowhere you slammed the backside of your head right into my mouth. You thought it was pretty funny; I was just glad my bottom teeth were still intact and thankful that my bottom lip, though swollen, was able to withstand your hard head. Minutes later you were exploring my ear.

You’re almost standing on your own now. Yesterday we were at Burnt Cabin, and you loved to play near some steps. You would free stand for about 3 seconds, then lean on the steps to rest. Maybe someday you’ll be standing!

Love,
Dad-da (which you can now say)

Gram and Papaw Come to Town

Gram and Papaw have moved to Tulsa! We're so excited to have them closer to us!

You and Stone were big helpers when they were packing things up. I can tell you two are going to get in a lot of mischief together. I love it!