Pictures

Greetings! I posted a bunch of pictures - a lot from today. Others from earlier in March. Ryan sure has my hair. My hair grows straight forward over my face and it appears he inherited that. He has a perfect combination of Paul's eyes and my eyes. Paul has brown eyes, I have blue... Ryan's are brue? I don't have a name for his color, but I suppose if we were to mix brown and blue we'd get what he has. We've reached the challenging phase of toddler-hood. For a while there I thought I had the most agreeable, easy going toddler ever. First time mother oblivion? He had four molars come in all at once and with that came a toddler, "terrible-two" attitude. I don't mean to complain about it - I kind of enjoy it.... unless it's screaming loud enough to hurt my ears in a grocery store... or when I am trying to keep him out of a mud puddle and my hands are full.... he pulls the - toddler, I have lost all my muscle control move. I enjoy it because I see him gain independence, learn new things and strengthen his personality. Being a parent is pretty cool.

I love this picture of Paul and Ryan.

Paul is still doing the job hunt. The interview he had last week does not sound like it is going to work out, sadly. It was the closest things he's had to a job possibility since he got laid off. He's frustrated. I'm frustrated. Fortunately we are not taking our frustration out on each other!

I want to mention that two of my favorite people are having birthday's in the next few weeks. My nephew Michael is turning 17 April 7th, and my niece Kelsey is turning 15 tomorrow. Happy Birthday you two! You've grown up before my very eyes - stop making me feel so OLD!

Oh gosh. . .

I don't have much to say! And even less pictures to post. My camera has an attitude lately, not working as well as I think it should, so I don't jump to taking pictures as quickly as I have in the past. It just ticks me off - and I have enough on my plate these days, I can't let a camera take me over the edge! Paul and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary this weekend. We had weekend plans at the family cabin - child free and dog free! My parents were nice enough to take both for 48 hours. I was so ready to let Ryan go for a few days, and even more ready to see him again upon our return. The time "off" was rejuvenating and long over due. He did well with my parents and all involved seemed to enjoy the time. Paul continues to be unemployed, to his great frustration. He did have an interview today - keep your fingers crossed and if we have good news, I will post ASAP! Anytime Spring wants to hit, we are ready! Bring on the tulips!

Sweet!

Baby # 2 as far as we can tell has all necessary parts and pieces! We are halfway through the pregnancy and besides being tired, it's going well. The ultrasound process was a bit of a disappointment - as it has been all four times (two times with Ryan's pregnancy and now two with this pregnancy) we have gone there. Being in the medical profession myself, I think I have above average patience for health care and things that can and will go wrong. However with this particular clinic, known for being excellent at what they do, every time we went there was an issue. I purposely made an appointment for right after their lunch, so they would be on time. I wanted Paul and Ryan to both be there, and am fully aware I have a short window of cooperation from Ryan. We waited 35 minutes to be roomed, another 10 for the ultrasound tech and another 15 for the doctor to come chat with us after the ultrasound was done. Paul and Ryan had to leave before it was over, just because Ryan had enough of being held. I was sad Paul couldn't see it all. I don't blame Ryan one bit, he is a toddler and did better than I was hoping for. I was told an ultrasound tech was out sick, but why did at least 7 other women get roomed before us? As specialized as that clinic is, I feel they over book, and take their routine clients first. I mention all this because the ultrasound tech was really subdued and not very informative on what she was seeing or pointing out key things for us to see. We got three pictures total, the one below being the best. Having said all that, I did get what I needed. Reassurance that Baby # 2 is thriving - he or she is 13 oz. so far, falling at the 80th percentile! If he or she keeps that rate of growth up, oy vey! Come the latter months of gestation, I will be feeling it! I feel much more at ease having seen the baby on ultrasound and all major anotomy accounted for. We purposely chose NOT to find or look for a certain part of babies anatomy - I love the suspense!

For all our friends and family that support, love and encourage us to keep our chins up with all the crazy stuff in our lives right now, thank you! We are a strong little family, but having all you out there helps so much! We love you!