Big Boy on Bike Video

Look Who's A Big Boy Now!

Ryan took advantage of some mild temperatures this afternoon to test out his big boy bike.  He did a great job.  At first he was confused that he couldn't peddle backwards like he can on his tricycle, but he got if figured out quickly.  He was even standing on the seat (much to Mommy's dismay!) at one point with one foot on it and the other stretched out behind him.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get a photo before he got down.  Somehow I think there will be future opportunities!!

Tomorrow the boys start swimming lessons.   Luckily for Mommy they will be in the same class, so I get to sit back and relax.  Check back for pictures.

Happy 3rd Birthday Ryan

It was a busy weekend for our birthday boy.   The celebrations started on Thursday at daycare.  Ryan took cookies and ice cream to share with his friends.  Since it was conference week, Sean was able to be there to celebrate too.   On Friday, Daddy took the afternoon off work so that we could all go bowling.  Ryan has been (not so subtly)  hinting that this is what he would like to do for his birthday since Sean had his party there.  Since we aren't doing big friend parties until they are 5, we decided to go as a family.  We had so much fun that I have no pictures!  After we went to Applebee's for dinner.  The boys enjoyed the  birthday songs they heard the last time we were there, so that was the choice.  Ryan beamed through the whole thing!  When dinner was over we headed to Walmart so Ryan could choose his birthday gift... a big boy bike!  He has been working for several weeks to earn this big boy gift.  He held up his end of the  deal and is now PEEING ON THE POTTY ALL THE TIME!! YEAH RYAN! Pooping is another story... it will come.  So, now that he is wearing big boy pants, he gets his big boy bike.  He is anxious to learn to ride it.   He peddles well, but doesn't understand that he can't back peddle the way he does on his tricycle.  It will come.   Saturday he had his trip to the hospital (see previous post) and Sunday was his big family party.  Unfortunately, we had to change venue at the last minute.  Daddy woke up sick, throwing up and sleeping most of the day.  With my due date quickly approaching and fatigue setting in again, I knew we had to go on with the party.  Not to mention the fact that Ryan was aware that it was party day and would have been very disappointed.   Daddy was understanding, although he was sad he missed it.   Chuck and Lana were kind enough to offer to come and pick everything up and set it up at their house.  We didn't want to risk anyone else getting sick.  It turned out to be for the best as I did not have enough energy left (preparing the house before we decided to move locations wore me out) to execute the party.   Everyone had a great time, especially Ryan!  He was so proud to  be the birthday boy.

Ryan showing off his Diego cake.

Ryan and Mommy... one of the few pictures of me recently... enjoy!

Ryan and his big brother

Ryan, Sean and Jake playing in the snow.   Unfortunately we were not prepared for this.  Luckily, Nick and Jeannette live near by, so she ran home to get dry clothes for all.  The kids had a blast and were much less concerned about the snow on them and the cold than we were!

Ryan opening his gifts

Beaming as everyone sings Happy Birthday to Ryan... a song he has been practicing as he pees on the pot "with privacy"  (translation... shut the door Mommy I can do it alone)

Leaning in to blow out the candles as Austin looks on.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN, WE LOVE YOU!!!

The Big Brother and the Biggest Brother

On Saturday, the boys had the chance to participate in a "sibling education class" at the hospital.  They learned how to hold a baby, diaper a baby, what to expect and they got to visit the birthing unit, see the rooms and a real live newborn baby!  They did a great job, despite being the chattiest pair in the group!  If anyone had something to say, it was one of mine!  Turned out to be a good thing for Sean, he was worried that "someone might accidentally give me a needle" at the hospital and apparently he heard that the needles are sharper there.  No fear now.  He even has a job.  His job will be to tell everyone to wash their hands before they touch his baby brother!

Big Brothers in their new T-shirts

Checking out the bassinet/warming area in a room

Getting ready to diaper their babies

Being the biggest brother is serious business

Look what I did!

Baby Update

I was at the doctor on Friday.   This appointment marked 34 weeks.  Hard to believe.  It has gone so fast, and so slow at the same time.   During our conversation, my doctor wanted to know how big I think I am compared to my pregnancies with Sean and Ryan.    I asked him why it mattered, after all I sang it from the rooftops that Ryan was big and it didn't make a difference.   He assured me that he would take my word for it this time!   I told him that I feel that he is big.  I can feel him bouncing off my hips and poking my ribs at the same time.   He was in agreement... I guess that is a good thing!  Anyway, he said that he will know more at my next appointment (36 weeks on the 19th) and we will "discuss my options" then.   So, it looks like I might go early!  Big babies aren't good for mom or baby, so we will want to do what is best for both of us.  I'll pass on more news as soon as I know.

This week has been conference week at school.  It is always tiring , but especially so right now.  I don't know how I did it when I was pregnant with Ryan.  He was born 4 days after conferences were over.   Up and down the stairs between my room and the regular classrooms where we were meeting and extended periods on my feet have caught up to me.  Tomorrow, after sitting through a meeting all day, I will be going for a well earned massage.  I can't wait!

The boys are very excited that on Saturday morning (Ryan's birthday), they will be going to the hospital to attend the Sibling Education class.   They can bring a doll or stuffed toy from home to use as their baby.  They will be taught how to hold a baby, parts to be careful of (soft spots, eyes etc) and how to put on a diaper.  They will also get to go up to the 2nd floor and see one of the rooms.  Sean is so excited to see where Mommy will be and where his baby brother will be born.   I'll try to get some pictures while we are there.  Check back for those and pics from Ryan's birthday celebrations.  Hard to believe he is almost 3!   Such a big boy now... and coming along with the potty training too!!