Two Little Feet

Heidi told Ryan that she was going to the doctor yesterday to have a check-up for the baby. Ryan got really excited and started saying, "The doctor is going to help get Carter out!!". Heidi had to explain to him that we were only having pictures taken and he seemed to accept that...although he is SO excited about being a big brother and meeting his baby brother. We can only hope (and pray) that his excitement continues after we bring Carter into the house and Ryan's 4 1/2 year reign as sole child comes to an end...

The ultrasound went great - Carter's size and organs are right on track. The tech was able to verify (easily) that he is, in fact, still a boy. Good thing since we've started to buy clothes for the little man.

Below is a picture of his feet. During the ultrasound we found out that Carter is head down and likes to fully stretch out...which explains why Heidi sometimes feels like a foot is sticking into her rib cage...

This one you have to use your imagination just a little bit. Carter is facing directly into the camera - and almost looks like he has a small grin on his face. The small blob under his chin is his hand. His belly is on the left side of the image.

I Have the Coolest Job in the World

I have the coolest job in the world - and I don't mean what I do for the Air Force. Being a Dad is quite possibly the best, hardest, and coolest job. I love it when I come home and Ryan screams "Daaaaadddddyyyyyy" and comes running at me to give me a hug and immediately wants to play or follow me around the house. On the weekends, after he gets dressed, he wants to put "water on" his belly - he saw me putting cologne on one day and thinks that what every boy is supposed to do. He'll run into the bathroom, slide to a stop, grin and say, "Daddy I'm dressed, I need water on my belly!!"

Today we went to the pediatrician at Wilford Hall and after the doctor was done examining Ryan, he turned to her, patted her on the shoulder and said, "Good job doctor!" Apparently he thought highly of her! The doctor commented they rarely get positive feedback from patients...and especially not from 4 year olds!

Last night, we were reading books and I was lying on the floor and Ryan sidled up right next to me and we managed to get through (almost) two books before general mayhem ensued. He's trying so hard to be a big kid - and we absolutely love these moments in life.

Bailey's Bad Day

Our poor Dachshund Bailey had a rough Saturday (and so did our pocketbook). We came home from running errands and heard Bailey crying - it sounded painful and pitiful. He couldn't move without yelping (loudly) and was obviously in a lot of pain. We knew Dachshunds have a hard time with their backs, and our house in the "Cliff Dwellings" has a LOT of stairs. So, after watching him for a bit it was obvious he needed help and couldn't wait until Monday. One trip to the Emergency Vet, and $372 later, Bailey was diagnosed with a pinched nerve and put on "crate rest" for the next 3-4 weeks.

3-4 weeks of having food and water brought to his hotel room. 3-4 weeks of being carried everywhere he needs to go. 3-4 weeks of limited walking. 3-4 weeks of non-diet food to help him heal faster. No more walking on stairs. No more jumping on furniture. No more long walks...I actually think this is EXACTLY what he wanted anyway...he could have just told us and saved us money and Heidi a lot of emotional distress!! Heidi has had Bailey since he was 4-weeks old (he turns 11 in Nov) and he is like a member of the family (a whining, begging member) so I didn't have a whole lot of options open to me!

Doesn't he look just pitiful?!?!

If there was one good thing to come out of this whole ordeal, it was that Ryan finally showed empathy. Ryan kept saying "Bailey's all done with the vet!!!" - that's his way of expressing his unhappiness about something about to happen. He tried so hard to comfort Heidi - even tried to wipe her tears away. He kept telling her it would be okay (he was right) and tried to "kiss Bailey's back" to make it better. He cried like the best of them when I took Bailey to the vet - and was absolutely thrilled when I brought him back home that evening. He really was a sweetheart though all of it.

Happy Times in San Antonio

I swear we have one of the sweetest kids on the planet! Our boy loves to snuggle, tickle, smile, laugh, wrestle, and give/receive kisses. He also doesn't mind hamming for the camera... We were randomly sitting on the bed after I got home from work this past week and Ryan crawled right up and tried to tickle me. Heidi managed to get a couple real nice pictures of us (it's rare that I'm caught in front of the camera...and rarer still that I'm in a picture I actually like).

Did I mention Ryan likes to ham it up for the camera?!?!

Since we don't have a pool close by to our house (at least not one that we can use), Ryan makes the most of bathtime. He pretends like he's swimming and insists on staying in the tub until all the water is out so "I can get wrinkles!!" Too bad he won't be so excited about those wrinkle things in 40-50 years...the innocence of youth!! :)

Papa Comes to Visit!!

Ryan and Daddy went to the airport today to pick up Papa. We were originally going to drive up, snatch him, and off we go...but Ryan made it pretty clear he wanted to go inside the airport. When Ryan saw his Papa, he ran up with a big grin on his face and gave him a hug. Well worth the walk through the Texas heat. Ryan latched on to Papa from that point on - Ryan wanted to sit on his lap when he got a free chance.

Papa was granted the high honor of reading to the 4-year old before bed time. They had fun reading "Where the Wild Things Are" and "Goodnight Train".

Ryan's thoughts on moving

Moving is a different experience when you look at it from a kid's point of view! Ryan was convinced all the paper was there for his enjoyment and he made the most of it.

We're finally dug out of the mess and the last part of our shipment showed up today (his playground set). It was an okay move overall - not our best to date - but nothing was broken that can't be easily replaced.

Down time in Louisiana

Heidi & Ryan got some well deserved time with friends in Louisiana during our move to Texas. Heidi's best friend, Terry, and her kids - Josh, Ellie Kate and Cooper - met up to enjoy a day at the Alligator Farm. The kids had a great time feeding the animals and watching the gators!

Ryan really enjoys playing - like any 4-year old! He was enjoying some play time at the local Alexandria, LA, mall.

This kid is cute!!

If there's one thing Ryan loves, it's the water. We got these great shots when we were visiting our friends in Tampa, FL. The joy on Ryan's face is totally evident - he had such a great time at the splash park in the Mock's community pool area!