Friday at the Pool

I know I've said this already, but I am loooving my Fridays home with Ryder.  One day makes such a difference!  This past Friday, we spent 2 hours at the Maple Grove pool...which led to a 4 hour nap!!

He's such a big boy now, he can go down the toddler slide all by himself - over and over...

P.S.  As I'm writing this, I can hear Ryder talking to himself in bed...he saying "Hola!" "Bye!" "Hola!" "Bye!"  So silly :)

Sleeping in the Car

For the last couple weeks, we've had some sleep issues.  I think I know when and why they started, but it seemed like as soon as we took him out of the crib, he was instantly better. 

He'd sleep on the floor (above), on the couch, or in our bed.

But as soon as we picked him up to put him back in his crib, his half-asleep voice would softly repeat "no, no, no, no..." - eyes closed and all. So this week, we decided we'd try for a fresh start and switch to his toddler bed.

I am probably going to jinx this, but so far, it is awesome! Last night, he stayed in his bed after story time and fell asleep on his own. Then at nap time today, I read a book, then started to rub his back. He stopped me from the back rub by saying "no, mommy." So I listened and asked him to "Take a nice nap for mommy." With an "Okay" from him, I walked out of the room and he fell asleep on his own - without getting out of bed! Yay!

Here are some fun shots of our transition: 

Trying for one last photo in the crib...and from a kid who loves having his picture taken, I took this scream as a strong confirmation that the timing is right for this change!

Helping daddy move the bed into his room.

Snuggled up for story time and his first night in his new car bed!

He slept perfectly last night.  Then this morning, he climbed back into bed to snuggle with his blankies and wanted me to take a million pictures of him in the car.  Confirmation again: he loves the new bed!

Cross your fingers that this new sleep pattern will continue!

Trick-or-Treat!

Autumn and Ryder had so much fun trick or treating this year.  They walked all on their own, carried their own treat bags and climbed the big steps up to each door to say "trick or treat".  I think the cutest part was after each house, they'd say "More puppies?" Not more candy, more puppies...they wanted to go to another house to see if they had a dog also (lots of the neighbors did).  Even when we said it was time to go in, Ryder was like "Nooo....more puppies!"  Lol!

Autumn and Ryder hit the streets as a bumble bee and a lion

They were actually able to say "trick or treat" this year! So cute!

Daddy working on some negotiations....

Enjoying their hard work :)

Gender of Baby #2

Have to share a cute moment...As Ryder was jumping on the couch a couple minutes ago, big huge giggly smile on his face, in only his medium sized onesie (yes, it's a bit too small)...I thought I'd engage in a little conversation:

I asked Ryder if the baby in my tummy was a boy or a girl...he enthusiastically responded "A girl!"
Then I asked if he wanted the baby to be a boy or a girl...he shouted "A boy!"
Too cute.  Its funny because just earlier today I was telling Shawn I have a feeling it's going to be a girl. 
Only 7 more weeks and we'll know if we're right :)

Ah, yes, then as soon as he responded to my second question, he launched himself off the couch.  Not onto pillows, just onto a blanket or two.  My heart skipped a beat, but then there were giggles all around :)

Wordless Wednesday

Family Fridays

Last week I started working four days a week.  I felt Ryder was growing so fast that I wanted to take advantage of this small window of time before he starts school.  I am so incredibly thankful that our family is in a position to be able to reduce my hours (and pay) and that my company was willing to be flexible.  I love our this new arrangement already.  Here's our first day at home in photos:

6:30am - Blueberry waffles for Ryder and daddy

8:00am - Indoor "sandbox" play

We finally got to do a bunch of activities from my toddler books that we rarely have time for.  In addition to oatmeal sandbox play, we played with ice cubes and did pumpkin art.

10:30am - Out for a run

Unfortunately, he fell asleep...but I was nice enough to wake him when we got to the playground :)

Noon  - Daddy's home for lunch

Which means silliness and snuggles :)

1:00pm - Naptime

Meaning study time for mom :)

4:00pm - Halloween party playdate

This means I get to be a full time mom 3 days a week and an architect 4 days a week...So far, that's a pretty good balance :)

Wordless Wednesday

(trampoline giggles!)