big sister

lauren has been such a wonderful big sister. she is always wanting to hold her little brother and showers him with lots of hugs and kisses. she talks baby talk to him and calls him "ry, ry" or "baby brother" or, as of today, "frosted mini wheat". he gets lots of pushes in his swing and even has an occasional book read to him. we are so thankful that she has adjusted very well to having little ryan around. and we are excited to watch as their relationship continues to grow and develop.

little girls are so much fun!

today lauren, ryan and i went to celia's house for lunch. liz came as well with her two little girls. ryan was the lone boy, but he didn't seem to mind. the girls have a lot of fun playing together, even though there is usually one who is in tears or is being reminded to share. but that comes with being 2 and younger. with seven little ones i don't think there was ever a dull moment, and us "big" girls decided we need a playdate of our own! :)

valleyfair!

last night joel, lauren, ryan and i went to a local amusement/water park. it was a really warm evening, still in the low 90's around 6pm. but once the sun went down it was a beautiful night. ryan was great, watching all the action from the comfort of his stroller. lauren was very adventurous and went on all the rides that she could. there were a few that required an adult to accompany her. so joel and i reluctantly took turns. we all had a lot of fun and i have a feeling this is going to be an annual event.

bath time

6 years ago today....

six years ago today, joel and i were married. these have honestly been the best years of my life. i am so overwhelmed by joel's love and devotion for me. i couldn't have asked for a more wonderful, caring, sexy husband! and not to mention what an incredible father he is. seeing how he treats and loves our children blesses me so much. they are so fortunate to have a daddy like him. and saying all this i have to ultimately give credit to God. His ways are so perfect! i am forever thankful for the gift He's given me in joel and our two beautiful children. thank you, Lord, for giving me the desires of my heart! i love you, joel!

park time!

yesterday we took ryan on his first outing to the park. he seems to really enjoy riding in the stroller because he fell right to sleep and didn't wake up until we were back home. which meant lots of playing time for lauren, so she was happy!

a few cute photos

little ryan has been such a smiley baby. and he has the tiniest dimples in his cheeks. so cute!

and lauren has been such a great big sister. she is always giving him toys and carrying on conversations with him. today i was in the kitchen and ryan was in the living room in his swing. i could hear lauren say to him in a very concerned voice, "ryan, did you spit up a little bit?" i went in to see and sure enough he had. as i was going into the kitchen to get a cloth lauren said to him, "your mom is going to get a towel to clean you up. don't worry."