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!

First Easter

You had your first Easter. Last year Easter was a couple weeks before you were born, but this year you got to celebrate it.

A lady at church volunteered her time and talent to take free pictures of the kids at church Easter Sunday. You were so stinkin' cute. I got your very cute outfit at JBF for under $5 and we borrowed Sam Millers shoes (thank you Sallie).

Gram and Papaw got you an Easter basket that was actually a Tonka dump truck. It's as big as your are! It was filled with toys and candy. You love pushing the truck around.

We look forward to many more Easters with you!

Happy Birthday Party to You!

Ryan you get to have two birthday parties!! You must be one special little boy. We went to Edmond to celebrate with Great-Granddad and Great-Grandmother, Uncle Rory (who shares your birthday week with you) and Aunt Ryn, Logan and Jennifer, and Lacey and Quaid.

We all had lunch together and Great-Grandmother made your birthday cake for you. She used a heart-shaped tin that has been around a long long time. Great-Granddad used it for his first birthday cake, Pops used it for his, and Daddy used it for his. What a great tradition!!!

Great-Grandmother decorated it with candy corn and you liked the way those looked. Unfortunately those were a little too hard, so we had to take them off. You mostly ate the frosting. But you thought it was oh so yummy!

We went back to Grandma and Pops' house and they gave you your birthday presents. You got two great books, and a ball popper to push around when you learn to walk better. Thank you Grandma and Pops!

We had your birthday party at home about a week and a half after you birthday so that we could invite our friends Ryan and Katie Rowten to come. Katie made you birthday cake and did a FANTASTIC job. I told her a long time ago that I wanted her to do your cake and that I wanted it to be giraffe. We added the idea of you having a individual shoe to eat later.

We invited friends and family to come, because to us they're all family. Here's who came to your First Birthday Party; Both sets of grandparents, Uncle Doug and Stone, Uncle Nic and his girlfriend, the Loneys, the Moellers, and Heather and Madelyn Smith. We all had lots of fun playing with balloons on the floor.

You loved opening all of your presents. You got lots of great books to read and a couple great videos to watch!!

We stripped you down to your diaper to eat you cake. I didn't think it would be very fun to get blue icing out of your white shirt.

We sang "Happy Birthday" to you, and I sat the cake in front of you. When I said the word "eat" you took a pinch of icing and tasted it. You decided it was really good and dove right in using both of your hands to shovel in the sweetness. We let you go for a while and you didn't take any breaks. You made such a MESS!!! It was so fun, though, watching you.

We had to take you to the tub to rinse you off. You were covered in blue icing!!

To the bath you must go!

We were all so thankful for our family and friends that came to celebrate with us. Without them and the power of our almighty God you wouldn't be here. We love you, my dear, sweet boy!