Memorial Day Weekend

Ideally, this would have been divided into a few separate posts, but, since it's already Tuesday and I haven't updated yet we'll just cover it all in one shot....Grab a cup of coffee, this is going to be a long one...

We had an awesome three day weekend. On Saturday, we started off with a trip to the Leesburg Animal Farm. With the warm weather and sun upon us, Ryan got to try out his stylish bucket hat while checking out the animals...He was particularly friendly with this deer-like animal (yes, that is the technical name for it).
The donkey was also a big hit. Though from the look on the donkey's face he'd had his picture taken a few too many times.
This one is just for fun. Check out Ryan's eyes. If you look at larger version of the picture, you'll notice the reflection of me taking his picture ( I don't make it onto the blog much, so I'll take it any way it comes).

After the farm - and a nice nap - we were off to a Luau to celebrate Uncle Tom and Aunt Nicole's recent wedding. There were a bunch of kids there for Ryan to play with.
This little guy is Jake. He's a month younger than Ryan but makes up for with his size. Ryan was trying to be friendly in the only way he knows how right now - grabbing the face. Also, check out his great Hawaiian outfit. His Aunt picked it out for him just for this occasion.Next we have Max. At 5 months old, you can tell this kid is going to be a daredevil like Ryan. It was fun to meet him and his parents because until then we had only been reading each other's blogs.Max's dad, Justin, spends just as much time behind the camera as I do, so here's one of him and his son...I added a link to his blog in the Friend's section on the left.

Ryan made a few In Utero trips to the wineries in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys when we lived out west, so on Sunday, we took on his first vineyard trips outside the womb. Our first stop, Barrel Oak Winery, was having their grand opening - complete with visiting Alpacas. Ryan seemed right at home on the patio.From there we went over to Rappahannock Cellars. It's always been a favorite of ours. We like the big front lawn, and the boulders to climb on. It's also pretty close to where Lisa and I got married.

Finally, we got to Memorial Day. My parents were down from NJ. I got to spend the afternoon in the yard with my dad building planters for Lisa. Ryan stayed with Lisa and Grandma and played in his kiddie pool on the deck. We topped it all off with burgers on the grill with them, Uncle Tom and Aunt Nicole.

Overall, it was a weekend that really reminded me why it was so important for us to come back to Virginia. Family, friends, and a house of our own. We can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store.

Spaghetti Monster

Spaghetti has always been a big part of the traditions in Lisa's family. We had some left over last week so Ryan got to dig in all by himself for lunch....

Step One...make sure it gets all over the face...

See how good I am at this self feeding thing....

OOOhhhh, that camera looks pretty good too...Can I have it?

No camera and no more pasta? C'mon, mom....

Our Little Tadpole

In order to get Ryan ready for summer by the pool and the upcoming trip to Florida, we enrolled him in some swim lessons. I am not sure how much he "learned", but he can definitely blow bubbles in the bath tub now.

I was there on safety day, hence the life jacket. Ryan and Lisa really seemed to enjoy it. Anytime there are lots of people and an opportunity to be a ham, he is at his best.

Happy Mothers' Day

I have very distinct memories of Mothers' Day as a kid. We would go to church, and they had flowers that they gave out to all the mom's. My mom would go up and get hers, or if she had be at work the night before, Dad to Mike and I to church and we got it for her. The rest of the day involved trips to see my Grandmothers (they lived a few blocks apart) and great-grandmothers and then a large family meal at a someone's house. I can't begin to tell you all how much my mother has done for me over the years - and how me she continues to do for me as an adult. She's is also an incredible Grandmother to Ryan and my brother's girls. The thing is though, I have a completely new appreciation for Mothers' Day now. We all know that when you're a kid, you just don't understand - sure, you bought Mom and card and a gift - but did you REALLY understand what it's all about. Then when you're a teenager and young adult, chances are you were too self-absorbed to take the time to truly understand. I know I was. Don't get me wrong, I love my Mom, she knows I do, and she knows I appreciate her.

Before I dig myself too deep of a whole, let me get to the point. The past nine months have completely changed my perspective on motherhood. No amount of formal education, 4.0 GPA, or entry level position teaches you how to do the things that Lisa has done. Nothing fully prepared her for the daily life with Ryan. I am in awe. Now, I honestly understand Mothers' Day. I really think that you need to be a Dad - watching a mother in action - to truly appreciate it.

Mom - words can't express the gratitude. Lisa - you are simply incredible.

Happy Mothers' Day to all the Moms out there.

I took this picture of Ryan 7 months ago - but the words are just as true today, and they always will be.
As for this one....Just wanted to say Happy Mothers' Day to my mom - to put it simply - Thank you.

And so it begins.....

First, let me get the stats out of the way. Ryan had his 9 month check up yesterday. He's as healthy as can be. Weight - 22 lbs. 1 oz. (75th pct.). Height - 28 in. (25 - 50 pct.). I didn't get the exact head measurement, but he still has the gigantic 90th percentile melon.

Now, with the next set of pictures, it is readily apparent that Ryan is definitely BOTH of our son. First, he hung out, taking in Mom's cooking skills. A future chef perhaps?

Then he got into my territory. You've seen the piano, but now, we may finally be turning toward the drums.
He may be right-handed....
He may be left-handed....
But either way, he's certainly enjoying himself so far....

Nine Months Old....and Daddy's still learning

Ryan is now nine months old. He got to mark the occasion with a visit from his friend Kelly. Actually, Kelly's mom was taking Lisa out to lunch for her birthday, but, as with most things around here, Ryan thought it was all for him. As usual, the two of them had a great time together.
That's a great picture that Lisa took. But, in my infinite wisdom, I decided that we needed more 9 month pictures. The big problem is that Ryan was already asleep by the time I got home from work. No big deal, I thought. This is the kid who slept through a decent sized earthquake in California and lived a stone's throw from a very active railroad crossing for the first three months of his life. He'll sleep through a couple shutter clicks. WRONG! Not only did I wake him in a screaming fit, I have no good pictures to show for it. I spent a little bit of time trying to "fix" one, but its hopeless. Note to self, just because the boy was a sound sleeper 6 months ago, he may not be anymore.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today is Lisa's birthday. My original goal was to have a picture of Ryan holding this sign saying "Happy Birthday". I learned very quickly that this was a bad idea. My first sign ended up in his mouth, crumpled, torn and otherwise ruined. So, this is the next best thing...
We think he's getting close to formulating a word or two. Grandma and Grandpa were over and we all swore he said "Iggy". But, we are definitely a far away from complete sentences, so I thought I'd help him out.

Quaker in Training

No, not the religious kind. We bought this shirt for Ryan a while back when we were in Philly. He's finally big enough for it and Lisa dressed him in it without me needing to beg or plead. He wasn't even out of other clean clothes :) At the rate he's going, he may not fit into it for long.The sweatpants came courtesy of Grandpa. They're a wee bit long in the legs, but Ryan doesn't seem to mind. He gets more irritated when he's on one side of the gate and Lisa is in the kitchen on the other side. He does have some pretty entertaining discussions with the dog when they are separated though.