Breaking news

A certain someone has a flair for the dramatic and decided to start walking on Thanksgiving! He has been so close to walking for quite some time, but it turns out today was the big day. He has been waking up super early lately (yawn!), and I'll add "impending milestone" to the list of possible reasons - along with a nasty cold and teething his top two teeth.

Ryan took a few steps three times in a row and then was pooped from all the excitement. It'll be awhile until he is a real walker, but it's going to be fun to watch him learn. I will need to dust off the old Boo Boo Buddy since he will inevitably take a lot of tumbles in the next few months!

Back to school

The end of August was an exciting time in our house! William went back to MDO two days a week after being off for since early May. The best part was that one of his teachers from last year moved into the three-year-old class right along with him. What a sigh of relief when she called to let me know she would be teaching him again. She has a calming nature and is truly gifted with those toddlers. She has always been great at answering my questions and being a partner in helping me deal with whatever is going on in William's life at the time.

There was no adjustment period this year (other than dealing with going potty there). He was comfortable and happy from day one. Hooray!


"Are we done yet? Ho hum. Another photo shoot."


I can't imagine Ryan going to school too! That time will be here before I know it. For now, he's stuck at home with me!

Family visit

Donna's sister and brother-in-law live in Suriname. Needless to say, we don't see them often enough! They were in the States for awhile this summer, and they came through Houston at the beginning and end of their trip. They are the nicest people, and it is always wonderful to catch up with them.

We were about to go home when I realized I hadn't taken any pictures of them. That just isn't right considering how long we go between visits! I was glad to capture them on "film." :) Ryan just couldn't stop smiling when he sat with them.

And that would be why we tortured Buster as a puppy. We messed with him endlessly when he was eating, drinking, playing, sleeping, etc. Apparently he is now a huge wuss (considering he has been attacked by other dogs and never fights back), but it works out when our kids do things like that. He is such a sweetheart. I should add that the kids are being taught that you don't go up to other animals and do stuff like that. William is very respectful of unfamiliar animals' personal space.


William commandeered the laundry hamper and decided to use it as an apron.


Makes it tough to maneuver around the kitchen.


Who said Mikey was the fun one? Oh yeah, that was me.

Gone fishin'

We get a kick out of watching William engage in creative/imaginative play. He took the head off one of his golf clubs and decided to go on a fishing adventure.


Patiently waiting...


Time to bait the hook again.


Taking a cue from Uncle Michael, who is notorious for catching fish about six inches from the dock.

Stats

There are birthday posts to come (so many pictures!), but we just got back from the boys' one- and three-year check-ups. I wanted to post their stats while I have them in front of me.

Overall, they did great. I remember fearing appointments with both of them this time last year. Now it's no sweat.

Ryan was a bit fussy, but that's to be expected since he's still battling a wicked cold that won't quit, and his top two teeth are coming in. He got two shots and didn't cry for long. I held off on two of the shots on the list for this visit since he isn't feeling well.

William likes to go to the doctor because they have a big climbing castle. He didn't even get to climb in it today because they called us back so fast. He normally doesn't mind the doctor because Ryan is always the one getting poked and prodded. I told him that he would be looked at as well but promised him that nothing would hurt. That was his mantra today - "Nothing will hurt me." He said it to everyone. The doctor and I kept our promises. No shots this time. Apparently the four-year check-up is a beast with a bunch of shots. I'll put that out of my mind!

Here are their stats:

Ryan
29.5" - 40%
20 lb 15.7 lb - 22%

William
37.25" - 35%
34 lb 11.2 oz - 78%

I see some different body types taking shape, but we'll see! Mikey is determined that these boys hit six feet for some reason, but they are so very handicapped by me. We both know that they are perfect exactly as they are!

Because I enjoy seeing the comparisons...

William at one year
30"
23 lbs 15 oz
Just barely taller but a full two pounds heavier. Wow! I think it was all in his cheeks!

William at two years
34.25"
31.9 lbs
The growth definitely slows down after they turn two.

Yet another song

It's true. We sing a lot. I started to sing this song after William's nap maybe a month ago. I'm not sure what made me start, but it may have something to do with the fact that it's fun to sing, and William can be a little grumpy when he wakes up. So it makes me happy when dealing with someone who isn't exactly delighted to see me. It tends to perk him up too.

He normally at least tries to sing it (as opposed to shouting/saying it!), but I had just told him he could watch the video of himself after he sang it. That made him rather enthusiastic.

A young Tom Hanks? You be the judge.

Basketball court

This summer, William became rather obsessed with playing basketball. We have a basketball court that's about a five-minute walk from our house, and he wanted to go there every night after dinner. We obliged quite often. It was nice to go for a short walk, and it was fun for the big boys to get some exercise.


We love our double stroller, but we changed it up a bit and let the boys ride in the wagon. This was Ryan's first time, and he did great.


Buster joined us on our evening adventures. He was probably the happiest of all of us to be out and about.


This kid is serious about sports.


William's biggest fan had the best seat in the house.


He got a lot of assists this year. Soon he will actually be able to get the ball all the way up to the basket.

Way back in August...

...we had a get-together at our house. Jennifer and Monique were in town at the same time, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have some friends over and catch up. It was fun and just a little wild! But that's to be expected considering there were six boys and one very brave girl here.


Could it be? Is Tim telling a story??


Sophia and William were good grilling buddies.


I think Ryan and William may duke it out for Sophia one of these days! Ryan clearly thinks she's fascinating.


The fun has only just begun.


Yes, I occasionally take pictures of adults.


Jackson mastered the art of facial hair trimming at a young age.


Andrew's face in this picture is AWESOME. Don't mess with him!


William observed a lot. The four older boys kept him very entertained.


Lovely ladies! Unfortunately, I didn't think to take this until after Christina left.


All of the boy craziness seemed to scare Monique a little. Jennifer looked quite accustomed to the boy antics. That's a seasoned elementary school teacher for you.


Love these girls! What a treat to all be in one city at the same time.