Hello:-) It's been a while since I've really posted. Did you miss me? ;-) Well it's been a bit hard to post. I was sick for a few days and I just didn't feel up to posting. My parents are here too, so there have been many more things to do than post.
As usual my dad took on several projects while he was here. We now have a brick border to keep the rain from draining onto our porch. We also have 2 closets where there used to be a redundant staircase. This should prove to be a much better use of space. He also took out a good bit of the stump that was left from his last visit when he and Jay took down a giant tree in our back yard. He is a busy bee! He has also been getting Ryan in the mornings so we don't have to get up. I think he enjoys the alone time with his grandson.
My mom has been doing a lot of visiting with friends and family. She has also been doing a lot of babysitting for me so I could get some sleep. I can't tell you how much this has helped. I don't need to tell you if you are a mom!
Zach is doing a big project on cardinals for school. I guess he has developed an affection for them because of the cardinal that visits our yard. It used to be only a male, but today I noticed a female with him and what seemed to be a baby! I've been trying to get a picture ever since. They are skittish little things!
Ryan has had a few break throughs. He has done poopies on the potty once each of the past 3 days when he asked to use the potty. The first two times he had done a little in his diaper, but the last time it was ALL on the potty! Yay! I am so excited about this potty training thing. I totally didn't expect him to even start potty training until he was at least 2, but he has shown the interest and the initiative. Hooray!!! I think I am going to buy pull ups next time I go to get diapers because it seems like it would be easier to get them off in a hurry and back on without him having to lie down. Anyone have any thoughts on that? Good or bad, I'm not sure I'm going to do it yet.
Another breakthrough for Ryan was last week. He finally started calling "x" and "k" by he right names. He used to call "x" "y" and "k" "kite". Since he had mastered "dubba-u" the week before he had the whole alphabet down. That is until he started calling capital "E" "W". Now he gets the "E" right about half the time. I guess recognizing the whole alphabet, capital and lower case, is a pretty good accomplishment for a 20 month old. Even if you have to tell him "No, that's not a 'w'. What is this letter?" before you get the right answer sometimes.
Another thing he started doing in the past couple weeks is saying a true "mommy" it is music to my ears. Hearing his little voice call out "mommy" when he sees me is possibly the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I love it. I love being a mommy and I love that he loves me so much.
I also love to hear him sing "Jesus loves little Ryan." I don't think most people would actually know what he is singing, but I know. It's something we sing to him every night when he goes to bed. I think it's important for him to grow up with the idea ingrained in him that he is loved not only by his family, but by Jesus and God as well. I hope someday this idea that started out as a song that he heard every night will grow into a wonderful faith and relationship with his savior and Lord. Little seeds growing into strong trees of faith, trust, hope and love.
Jay is busy helping my dad do some projects today because it's Saturday. I think he is in handyman heaven;-)
As for me, well, I am feeling better. Good enough to blog at least:-) I've really enjoyed having my parents around. I'm sad that they are leaving tomorrow. I am glad that they are not going back across the ocean. They will at least be on the east coast.
So lots of updates in one post. Sorry it jumps around so much. Congratulations if you got all the way through:-)
