Happy New Year!

I can honestly say that 2010 was THE greatest year of my life. In years past I was either waiting or hoping for something but this year, all of my waiting and hoping has came to an end and I couldn't be any happier. This time, I can start a new year in a very happy place with a very special little boy who has changed my life in the best way possible....all thanks to God!! It most certainly will be a Happy New Year with many new beginnings!!!!

I want to wish a very Happy New Year to all my family, friends, blogger friends and followers!!! I hope this year brings many wonderful things to everyone.

Dear Cooper....

Dear Cooper,
To some people you are just a dog, but to us you are so much more. You are part of the family in a way I never thought a dog could be. You are loving, sweet, gentle, affectionate, and kind to EVERYONE and our best friend. At one of the very lowest points of our life you were there to make us smile and at one of the happiest moments of our life you were there to celebrate with us. Our home wouldn't feel as warm without you there and you will always be our Coopy Doo! We love you and you will always hold the title as being THE number one dog. Ryan is a very lucky boy to grow up with a dog as wonderful as you!!! What a good boy you are Cooper!!

This is a canvas painting I had done as a gift to my husband for Christmas...



Sleigh ride for two....

Our First Christmas!

I've been looking forward to Christmas with Ryan ever since last year when he was only a little picture hanging on the tree. I knew this year would be special I just had no idea how happy I would actually feel creating wonderful family memories with Ryan. Although he is still young and not fully able to understand the concept of Christmas, he sure was a lot of fun to watch. I love being able to recreate the joy and excitement of Christmas for Ryan as I had as a child thanks to my parents.
I even found myself on Christmas Eve night unable to sleep feeling the same anticipation I did as kid only this time it was excitement for Ryan. He was so cute in the morning and completely overwhelmed with all the presents, not sure which one to play with first. I too received some great presents this year with Ryan of course being the greatest gift of all. This Christmas was more than I could ask for and I am so thankful for what this year has brought for our family. What a Merry Christmas it was!!!!

Christmas Eve....




My Brother dressed up as Santa...


Christmas Morning...



Christmas Day at Grandpa and Grandma's (NA! Na! & BA PA!)

Traditions!

Every year the weekend before Christmas my mom, sister, and I spend the day making Christmas cookies. It is one of my very favorite days of the year! It's a great time for us to spend some quality time together as we make memories I will treasure for years to come. While we make cookies, my dad, husband, and brother-in-law to be spend the day making homemade sausage! This year was all the more special because we had Ryan there to share in this tradition. Some day when Ryan is old enough he will be helping out the guys make sausage! I'm so excited for Ryan to be apart of our family traditions and to make new ones with him! Everything is just so much more special with him here and I know this Christmas will be the most special one yet!!!

Cookie Making...




Sausage Making....





Other Random Pictures from the day...

Ryan with his Aunite Kati


Ryan testing out the cookies


My sweet boy...and dog!

Wordless Wednesday....Snuggled with a book

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Yesterday we had our first snow fall of the year and surprisingly, Ryan loved playing in the snow.....even Cooper joined in the fun!

18 Months!!!!

This past Friday Ryan turned 18 months! I can't believe he is already a year and a half. Crazy how fast time is going by and I know I I say this every month but it makes me a little sad that he is growing up so fast. However, he is so much fun and I love watching him transform into a toddler.
At 18 Months Ryan is....

*22 lbs. 6.5 ounces and is 31.2 inches long

*A very busy little boy who has discovered a new love for toys. He can sit and play with one toy for 30-45 minutes!!!

*He is starting to "pretend" while playing and reading.

*He is becoming very independent and wants to do everything himself....eating with a spoon or fork, drinking out of a cup, rinsing himself off with a cup in the bath, etc.

*He has a very special love for dancing and has a signature move.

*He closes his eyes when he doesn't like something or is embarrassed.

*Can be VERY impatient.

*He says many words/sounds. His newest are Hot (Ha T), Balloon (Bee-a), More (Mmmm), Makes the B sound for Berries, and says Baaaaaaa for Please.

*He walks into the kitchen and points the fridge when he wants his milk or water.

*He is very good at cleaning up his toys...does this on his own without me even telling him.

*Still loves books and will sit on our lap to listen to book after book.

*It's a toss up between Mickey and Elmo...I think Mickey is winning these days.

*He LOVES Santa Claus!

*He is becoming very social and loves being the center of attention.

*He is VERY loud and loves to be heard....we are working on this when we are in public.

*He eats like a grown man these days and loves his fruit! He is out of 12 month clothes and is wearing 18 months now.

Some Random Pics

Mr. Independent


My Little Buddy


Cheese!

Dinner for Two

My husband is out of town for work this week so it's just me and Ryan. Thank goodness he has been such a good boy! Tonight I prepared dinner for just the two of us and we sat together at the dinner table......just me and my silly little monkey! For some reason, I really took in this moment. I remembered back to this time last year when my husband would have to work late or travel and I would have to sit and eat dinner alone. It's amazing to me the difference a year can make. I feel more blessed each day having Ryan in my life and knowing that when my husband can't be here I won't have anymore nights of eating at the table alone. Instead, I get to sit and eat my dinner with my funny little boy. He always makes me laugh and tonight he was being especially silly at dinner. Every once in a while I take the time to appreciate moments as simple as eating dinner together.

Christmas Pictures

Ever since Ryan I have become photo crazy. Even when Ryan just sees the camera bag he will say "Cheeeeese"! I've been feeling a little guilty about not taking Ryan to have Christmas pictures taken some where so I just decided to do it myself. I have a nice enough camera where I can take a decent photo so for this year, this is my way of saving a few bucks!