Cuddles

Memories from childhood are funny. It's always hard to determine how much of the memory is truly what you remember vs. what has been told to you or what you have seen in pictures. I have this memory of my dad taking formal pictures of us kids that I love thinking about. Not so much the taking picture part, but the other stuff...the stuff that I don't really know how much is true, but I like to think so. I remember it as a Saturday night. We had all taken baths and Momb put us in our nice clothes. I was in a plaid skirt (that I loved wearing), tights, a turtle neck and slippers. I remember feeling clean and warm and cozy. I loved being all dressed up and getting to wear slippers. I think it was also the fresh out of the shower feeling but not having to go anywhere. Knowing that we were just going to snuggle up in bed later.

I think of this memory any time I take a shower in the evening, get on cozy pajamas and curl up on the couch. Monday evening was no exception. Shower night with Samantha, bath time for Ryan and then it was curl up on the couch time with mommy. Nothing beats the smell of clean children!

Look ma! No Feet!

Samantha and I headed to our neighborhood park this weekend to play with a friend and ride bikes. Turns out the tennis courts are a perfect place for a beginner to test out her bike riding skills. Low and behold the second time around the courts she decided lifting her feet while coasting was great fun. 

By the time we rode home that afternoon she was feeling pretty comfortable with coasting and was even trying to get her feet on the foot rests. Of course, I didn't get a video of that yet....but I'm sure one will be posted this weekend!

Tour de France here we come!

Handheld camera phone while pushing a stroller does make for a roller coaster of a ride, but you can get the idea. Samantha is definitely becoming a little speed demon on her bike. Thankfully she is good about stopping at corners! 

Ryan is...

Ryan is eating more and more each day. He loves his fruits and has found out that puffs are a yummy treat as well. His hand-mouth coordination is rapidly improving as his cheeks will tell you. 

Ryan is eager to crawl anywhere and everywhere. At times his crawl is more of a spider walk but he's figured out how to get where he wants to go...and fast!

Ryan is still always a happy boy (unless he's hungry, or hurt, or sick). His smile can melt your heart.

Ryan is adventurous. He will explore places that I don't think big sister ever explored when she was in her crawling stages (at least I don't remember).

Ryan is a sleeper, just like sister. One might also say he is a contortionist at times. We've determined unless he's sick (aka has an ear infection) he is pretty much guaranteed to sleep through the night.

Ryan is pulling himself to stand. He is getting quite good and has even let go a couple times.

Ryan is my lovable boy who is growing up way too fast. It's hard to believe in a mere 3 months he will be 1.

I love you because...

Samantha, I love you because you like to play with cars. You aren't always a pretty, pretty, princess and I love that. I remember consciously choosing to play with cars and racetracks over barbie dolls and houses at our childhood friends' house.

Samantha, I love you because you enjoy playing with your brother and get so excited about his accomplishments. These days you always make sure we cheer and clap for Ryan when he pulls up to standing. I know there will be a time when you will want nothing to do with your brother, but for now you are his favorite (never mind you're his only) big sister.

Samantha, I love you because you enjoy listening to books before bedtime/naptime/and almost anytime. While we read you let me use your stuffed animals as my pillow although I've learned never to do this with Elmo or teddy bear (or any of the ones that wear diapers as they are your little children and I may hurt them).

Samantha, I love you because you enjoy playing with Daddy. You are still learning how to take turns with your brother when it comes to using Daddy as a jungle gym, but the laughter always out weighs the complaints  of having to let Ryan have his turn.

Samantha, I love you because you take care of your dolls and teddy bears like your own babies. You watch and mimic everything we do with Ryan and you make sure to do the same things with your dolls.

Samantha, I love you because you read to your stuffed animals. Your memory astounds me with the number of stories you are able to recite and share with whichever stuffed animal happens to be near by. I hope you will always keep this love for reading. 

Samantha, I love you even when it takes every last bit of energy to deal with your tantrums and obsessive, compulsive ways. You amaze me every day and for that I love you as well.