Save $5.00 at Whole Foods Market. Present our coupon at any Whole Foods Market in the U.S. to get $5 off any purchase of $25 or more. Valid from 10/15/08 to 10/22/08.
Starting tomorrow Oct 17th and through Oct 26, Sam's Club is offering a ten week membership for $10 to families and businesses who are not currently members. If you visit during the weekend you may want to take them up on their Savings Challenge: Just stop by the customer service desk and share how much you spend on food, baby needs and household items and they will show you how much you can save by shopping at Sam's Club.
This week, I am awarding Simply Home Remedies an “I ♥ Your Blog” award! Lately I’ve been feeling a little bogged down about this blogging business, so I thought it would do my soul some good to show my appreciation to some of the bloggers out there that I really admire.If you haven’t met her yet, bebop over and check out her blog. Well now as with most of these nifty awards, there are some instructions:
Just another way to share the ♥ ! Enjoy!
Okay, so I haven't posted anything for the past two weeks. Well I wish I could say that I've been on vacation and have been unable to get to a computer for a while. Ahhh...if only.
Thank you to all my friends at TELC! I am so thankful to work with such wonderful people who know the true meaning of what a friend is! Thank-you for all of your support and prayers for me and my family. It has really helped me get through these trying times to know I have friends that really care and are there for me. You are all a blessing to me.
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, CureSearch is challenging you to “walk virtually” and show your support for children with cancer. A staggering fact - each year 12,500 children and their families hear the frightening words “your child has cancer”. These statistics could represent a child in your neighborhood, in your child’s school, on the neighborhood T-Ball team or… yes it could be a child in your own family. Join us throughout the month of September for a virtual walk in support of children with cancer and their families.
Did you know....
12,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year
Of those diagnosed, 1 in 5 will not survive
Together we can reach the day when every child with cancer is guaranteed a cure
CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation exclusively supports the work of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier pediatric cancer research collaborative, treating more than 90% of children with cancer. Located at more than 200 children's hospitals and cancer centers across North America, this group is responsible for every major breakthrough in pediatric cancer research.
Learn more about childhood cancer and the CureSearch mission at http://www.curesearch.org/
One Goal: Bring 12,500 people together for a virtual walk to support each one of the children who are diagnosed each year
One Month: September - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
One Person: Can make a difference in the lives of 12,500
Mom trying to put on every one's party hats...
One last picture of Ryan with his Mimi showing him how to use his new Winnie the Pooh watering can. He loves to help Poppy and Mimi in the garden. 
Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle).
Please read this open letter to Congress. If you agree with it you can click here to send a copy to your Representative: 
I just wish I could drive and click a camera at the same time. I would have loved to have gotten a few pictures of all of us feeding all the deer. Especially the ones that would slobber all over the car (and us) when they stuck there head in the car. Ahh...good times ;)
What if there was a vote to decide if $13.5 billion in tax breaks for oil companies should go into oil alternatives, like solar and wind? What would you want your Senator to do?
Well, as you probably guessed, there was such a vote. We needed 60 votes to prevail, and 59 of them were in. But John McCain ducked the vote.
As a result, instead of powering millions of homes with clean energy and building next-generation solar technology, we're giving ExxonMobil and other companies billions in tax breaks at a time when they're already making record profits.
This vote is political dynamite. And if we all pitch in, we can make sure voters know about McCain's give-away to big oil. And it's a twofer—MoveOn.org will run the ad in the battleground state of North Carolina to help remind voters that Senator Elizabeth Dole, who's up for re-election, voted for big oil tax breaks, too.
The ad links Republican support for oil tax breaks with the campaign contributions they're taking from the oil companies. Exposing their favors for big oil can puncture Republican promises to help people hurting from high gas prices.
This ad can help defeat McCain, win a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, and promote real solutions to the energy crisis. Can you help spread the word?
Just one more reason I plan to vote for Obama!
Here's the truth, I love my son and am excited about having another child, but I absolutely hate being pregnant. I turn into a cow, my ankles cease to exist, and I become an insecure mess. I wake up what seems like a million times during the night, either to pee, to throw up, or just for fun I suppose. Okay, maybe not a million times but it sure feels like it.
Maybe it's just because I'm in my first trimester or maybe it's because I am a little stressed out, either way I have been sleeping much more than usual lately. My new daily sleep routine goes something like this:
Got this from enviroblog.org and wanted to share it with everyone:
Future super model...well maybe, maybe not. Looks like Ryan may get his chance afterall. We received a packet from KDA and it looks like they may want to use him as a model afterall.
Okay, it's been almost a week since I last posted anything. All week I have been struggling with a secret. I have decided not to share the good news just yet. Know this...I have some awesome news that I will be screaming from the rooftops (if all goes well) in a couple of weeks! Until then please stay turned as I try to get back on track.
Tomorrow is the big day! My doctor is going to look at the inside of my stomach to see if my ulcers have healed. I am praying that there are no signs of any ulcers. At the same time I have to be realistic. Let's just say that I am not the most relaxed person in the world and being married and having a toddler can occasionally stress me out. Hence the need for prayers!
Yes, this week I have been MIA when it comes to my blog. I've had so much going on lately. 
This past year my former housekeeper told me that her kids used to model for Kim Dawson and really liked it. She went on to tell me all the details and I decided to send the modeling agency pictures of Ryan. Almost six months later I received an email letting us know that Ryan "has been selected to be considered as a prospective model with Kim Dawson Agency." Ryan is scheduled for his "preliminary interview at the agency" this Tuesday! I am so excited for our little man.
I got this email from a friend and just had to share: 
I just started a new hobby, shopping for clothes to see how much money I can save. It's actually kind of fun. For instance, I have started shopping at area resale shops for summer clothes (these shops are mostly in DFW area but some of them have stores nation wide). I found some Great Buys at Plato's Closet, even though it claims to specialize in clothes for teens and twenty somethings" I found some great deals on t-shirts and tops there. The carry GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and more. I got 4 tops for under $20. I did have try on a lot of clothes, but in the end it was well worth it. Then I went next door to Once Upon a Child. I picked up 3 shirts for Ryan for less than $12. These shirts were all name brands like Oshkosh, Polo, and GAP. Next I went to Feminine Fashion Consignment in Fort Worth and picked up a Harold's top (that was originally $68) for under $15. This is one store that always has lots of nice designer items for cheap prices. If you check out the link they even have special sales each month where you can get everything for 30% - 50% off. I went to there sister store in Arlington, ReRun Resale Boutique , and picked up two pairs of JCrew Shorts for $10 each! These are the same shorts I tried on at the JCrew Outlet (that cost $42) but decided to wait until they went on sale before I bought them. These two stores also have lots of great designer shoes. I am still kicking myself for not grabbing a pair of Cole Hahn sandals for $18 when I had the chance! What can I say, it was a rookie mistake. By the experience I learned that if you really like something you better get it before someone else snaps it up.
This just arrived in my inbox: Take 15% off your order of $75 or more at The Children's Place with code MSAT78. Good through July 5 only. The Monster Sale (i.e. summer clearance) sale, with deals starting at $7.99. $5 flat-rate shipping.
Plus according to the Real Simple blog: This Saturday only (June 28th), Old Navy's nation wide will be selling their fabulously comfortable and colorful flip flops for $1 each! You can grab a pair in every color and remain guilt and debt free. Now that's priceless!
Since having my son almost 2 years ago I have been reminded what it's like to be a kid. Ryan is constantly showing me how much fun it can be to do the most mundane things.
Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.
As many of you know, I have a friend whose daughter (whose is 8 years old) was just diagnosed with cancer. Today, I received this email and thought I should share it with you:
Today I found myself thankful that I did not feel like throwing up! I have had a stomach bug for the past couple of days and have barely been able to keep anything down. However, today when I woke up I felt much better. Just goes to show that even when you pray at the porcelain alter God really does hear you!!
I am so thankful that I found a part time job that lets me take my son with me to work. I have been subbing for a couple of preschools in my area. It has been a wonderful experience. I am able to take Ryan to school with me. Although he is in another class I am there if he needs anything. I have subbed for 3 through 4 year olds and they are all so different and special in there own way. It is such a blessing to be able to watch them interact with one another. They have taught me so much...and all this time I thought I was supposed to be the teacher :)
I am thankful to be able to stay home with my son if I chose to. I just started subbing at Ryan's school and by the end of the day I can't wait to see him! I appreciate the fact that not every mother is able (or willing) to stay at home with their kids. However, I am one Mom that relishes the fact that I get to!
One of my friends, Julie, whom I have known almost my whole life is going through something I still find hard to believe. Her daughter, Josie, who is a darling 8 year old was diagnosed with brain and spinal tumors. Josie has already had the brain tumor removed and is currently undergoing radiation treatment before the second tumor can be removed from her spine.
With everything that has been going on in the world lately...devastating earthquakes and cyclones, horrible floods and the various other natural disasters, I am thankful that it didn't rain too much where I live. I am thankful that I have a warm bed to sleep in at night with a man who loves me (and I love him very much too ;). I am thankful for my son. That he is a normal healthy and happy 20 month old that knows both of his parents are here and love him very much no matter what. I am thankful for my siblings and extended family. That they are all doing well and are (for the most part) all healthy and happy. I guess in all fairness I should mention my cats (as I feel like they are a part of my family). I am thankful that they are both still around (after 15 years) to teach me that the really good things in life aren't things and that love really is unconditional.
This is a picture of what Scott looks like for a couple of days at the end of each semester. He literally works day and night in order to get all of his student's projects and finals graded and into the system. Today he finally got everything done! At this point I'm not sure which one of us is happier. I finally have my husband back...and I really did miss him.
As some of you may know, Scott and I are debating having another child. On the one hand I would love for Ryan to have a little brother or sister. On the other, I am so happy with Ryan I am afraid of wanting too much and messing everything up. I say this because I am almost 40 years old and I am all but too aware of the complications that can happen with pregnancy and/or childbirth.
Saturday our neighborhood had its annual spring garage sale. Since Scott had to teach in the morning we weren't able to actually start looking until the late morning. We did find a booster seat and a stool for Ryan. Since it was late and our neighbor was trying to get rid of his remaining items for sale, they decided to give Ryan a toy lawn mower for free. Although it is weathered and sun bleached from being outside all summer, Ryan absolutely adores it!
I took these pictures on Sunday after A & D had dropped Ryan off.
They had picked him up earlier that day to spend some time with him. I had thrown a change of clothes in his bag just in case he needed it. It just happened to be the same outfit his Dad had on that day. They both looked so darn cute...I just had to take some pictures!
I've signed the We Campaign's petition to put polar bears on the federal Endangered Species list. Will you join me? Just copy and paste this link into your browser:
Practically every day we take Ryan to feed the pigeons and ducks at the local duck pond. It's always a new adventure. One day I even had a goose chase me while I was carrying Ryan!
I think the ducks are even getting to know who we are. Mainly because whenever we arrive the ducks start making their way towards us - it's great. I was able to have a duck literally eat out of my hand while Ryan was standing next to me. When Ryan reached out to pet the duck it slowly waddled away, it was so cute. 
Anyway, I took Ryan yesterday and we had a blast. We've even started naming the different ducks. It always makes him laugh when we call the "Crazy Goose" to come over so we can feed it. I think because he remembers that same goose playing chase with us! Hopefully, feeding the ducks and pigeons will be a fond childhood memory for him. I know it's one that his parents will cherish.
For some reason I have been in a redecorating mode lately. I have been wanting to update my master bedroom for some time now. With the summer fast approaching I have to get it done or wait until the fall. For two days this week I drove all over town looking at bedding and fabric, getting ideas and becoming more and more confused. I found a couple of things that I thought were OK, but nothing I just fell in love with. So last night I tried looking online and this is what I found. I LOVE it! There's just one problem...to get the bedding ensemble I would have to spend over $1,000! Which is way over my budget. 
As a wife and mother the issue of climate control is a daunting one. Just thinking about all that needs to be done can be overwhelming.
The other day, when I picked up Ryan from school, I had to go by and pay his tuition. I was talking to the director of the program and she told me that kids these days aren't learning how to spell like I did when I was a kid. She said that since everything was computerized the kids just rely on spell check. I guess this is just another example of people getting lazier due to technology. Kind of like not having to actually get up to change the channel on the TV.
They finally made a real life action figure of me (and all the other Moms out there). This is too funny...her Bio reads:
SuperMom's Mommy Weapons - SuperMom is equipped with 8 accessories of mommy might:
I wasn't sure if I should post about this or not. But I have now realized and accepted that blogging is a sort of therapy (at least for me it is).
It is no secret that I'm not a big fan our current president and apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way. A picture really is worth a thousand words.
Today Scott had to work today so Ryan and I decided to go out and have some fun. We went to the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens so I could introduce Ryan to butterflies. The butterfly exhibit was great. When we got there, Ryan went in and didn't know what we were looking at at first. Then a couple of beautiful blue and somewhat large butterflies flew right in front of him and the chase was on. He followed different butterflies throughout the exhibition.
At the end of the exhibition we saw a very large moth. This moth was approximately two hands wide and was spectacular. It is hard to imagine the size of this moth. Just to give you an idea the tree it is on was about 12" in diameter. It was such a magnificent creature.
After chasing the butterflies Ryan wanted to go outside and look at the flowers. Unfortunately he couldn't keep still long enough for me to take a decent picture. This just means we will have to go back again sometime. We both like it there so I'm sure we'll make it back again soon.
Since getting married and having Ryan, Scott and I don't get out and "party" like we used to. We currently joke about going to Happy Hour. Of course, the Happy Hour we are referring to is the one at Sonic for half priced fountain drinks. This particular afternoon we met Poppy and Mimzy at Happy Hour so they could see Ryan for a little bit before they had to go back to work. While the adults were chatting, Ryan was playing in Mimzy's car. He liked it so much he started crying when we had to leave.
On the way home we took Ryan to the park. He liked the wooden truck at the park a lot that day too. This got us thinking...maybe we could get Ryan to be our designated driver when we go to Happy Hour! (I can still dream can't I ?)
Julie is an old and dear friend of mine. I have known her since 8th grade (and I'm now almost 40 years old!) She has a 9 year old daughter, Josie, who was just diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. When we heard that Josie was sick we wanted to do anything we could to help. Unfortunately, all we could do was pray for Josie and her family. Then I found this information online. Please take a few minutes needed to help and then spread the word to increase awareness.
Saturday we went out on the boat for the first time since Poppy had it fixed. As a gift to us for Christmas, A & D put the boat in a slip at Joe Pool Lake. The weather was so nice this weekend that we thought it would be a good time to take it out. It didn't take Ryan long to get used to being on it. He was a little impatient while waiting for Scott and Poppy to get the boat filled up with gas. But once we were on our way he was fine.
Mimzy and Poppy were nice enough to get a loaf of bread so we could all feed the ducks. At least that was the idea. When we got the bread out to start feeding the ducks, Ryan decided to have a slice. By the time it we got back to the marina, Ryan had eaten almost 4 slices!
Since I had never been out on the boat before I got an idea of what to expect. It was nice and fairly relaxing to be on the lake. Although it was a bit chilly out on the water, I could picture being out on a hot sunny day. I can't wait, I may actually be able to get a tan this summer!
I survived a short spring break road trip with a toddler! To make a long story short.... 
The trip wasn't a total loss though. We did take Ryan to the Riverwalk. He seemed to like the boat ride and all the people. Ryan really is a "people person". 
After the boat ride, we stopped to get some dinner. It was getting late and Ryan was starting to get a little cranky. Luckily, after a little fussing Ryan decided he would act silly instead. He thought it was cute that he could hold a spoon in his mouth while shaking his head from side to side.
The next day we took Ryan to Sea World. He watched as I fed the dolphins (he was somewhat intimidated by their sheer size).
Ryan wanted to do some running around so we found a good spot for him to have a snack and roam around.
I think all the excitement wore us all out. The next day on the trip home Ryan slept almost the entire time (a little over 4 hours)!
Last night I went to bed at 9pm (again), with the hope that if I got plenty of sleep I would feel better in the morning. Sounds simple enough, huh? Well, Scott decided to stuff the Easter eggs for the church Easter egg hunt at midnight. Our bedroom is fairly close to the kitchen where he was busy stuffing plastic eggs. He didn't realize how loud he was being and accidentally woke me up. I was able to go back to sleep easy enough.
As you know Ryan has been sick the past several weeks. First with pink eye, then an ear infection, then the flu! Well, on Friday Ryan woke up wheezing and I knew something was wrong. I took him to the doctor again. Our regular pediatrician was out so I had to take him to Cooks Children's Clinic. After several chest and sinus x-rays Ryan was diagnosed with sinusitis, bronchitis and an ear infection! They immediately put him on breathing treatments for his bronchitis, antibiotics and a steroid for his ear and sinus infections. My poor little man. I feel so bad! I should have known something was wrong. I just thought he might still have the flu so I didn't think much of it until he started wheezing!
Yesterday it was like spring at 68° F and today it's snowing!! Here in Texas when it snows it is a major event. Everything shuts down, it's great! Since Scott didn't have to work tonight thanks to the "snow" he thought it would be fun to introduce Ryan to snow. Ryan was memorized! 
People who live where it snows must think we are a bunch of sissy's. I think they are just jealous because they have to work, go to school, etc., when it snows and we don't. Just one reason to love being a Texan :)
http://freepeats.org/ Here you can get gently-used baby, kid, and maternity items like clothing, high chairs, bouncers, swings, bikes, and toys for free from other parents who have finished with them. It's also a way to get rid of baby cast offs without having to load up the car (and the kids) and take them to the thrift store.
Well, the "Grumpy Pants Family" just became the "Grumpy Flu Pants Family". The flu bug decided to stop by and pay Ryan a visit. Poor Ryan has been sick the past couple of days with an ear infection. We decided to take him to the doctor today because he didn't seem to be getting better although he has been on antibiotics for the past several days. Sure enough, Dr. C tested Ryan for the flu and the test came back positive. Poor Ryan! It looks like he will miss school this week. Dr. C also warned Scott and I that we have a good chance of getting sick!
It's official, Ryan has his first ear infection. It took him almost 18 months to get one and is he "Mr. Grumpy Pants Junior" about the whole thing?? Of course Mom and Dad aren't feeling very well either.
Since we are his parents Scott & I hear all the time about how cute Ryan is. Although Ryan might not be able to understand the words being said I think he completely understands the message. Just like that! It happens...our cute little toddler starts busting a move on some poor unsuspecting sweet person! They have no idea of what has happened but he now has there undivided attention. I think he has a sort of "jedi mind trick" thing going on. There is just no doubt about it....he really is CUTE :)
One of our favorite things to do is go to the park. It was so nice this weekend we just had to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When I think of taking a toddler to the park I think of swings and slides and running around. Apparently Ryan thinks of PEBBLES! There is litterally a box of rocks (pebbles) that the swings sit in. Ryan played on the swings for about 5 minutes and with the pebbles for at least 20!
After being coaxed away from the swings (and the pebbles) Ryan tried out the slides. It's offical, Ryan likes the curvy slide as much as he likes rocks! Or it could just be that Ryan loves playing with his Daddy. Either way, he's one happy little kid :)
On Sunday the weather was finally nice enough to take Ryan to the Stock Show. Mimzy, Poppy, Scott, Ryan and I all piled in the car and we were on our way. Once we arrived at the Stock Show our first stop was the petting zoo. After waiting in line for what seemed like an eternity, Anthea, Ryan and I went in to show Ryan the animals. Ryan quickly warmed up to all the animals. 
After leaving the petting zoo and getting a bite of lunch we ventured out to find some more animals. Here is Ryan and Mimzy meeting a goat. Ryan was also able to meet some more goats, few sheep, a rather large cow and a couple of horses. 
It was starting to get late as we made it over to the midway. Scott and I decided to take Ryan on a carousel ride before we left.
On the way to the car we just happened to walk right by the pony rides. We all knew that the day would not be complete without Ryan having a ride on a pony...so here we are. All in all I have to say the day was exhausting and a complete success.
Okay, this year I might have gone a little overboard on Christmas. But, by the look on his face, Ryan didn't seem to mind.
The plan was to have Ryan open a few gifts throughout the day. After opening the first couple of presents it was clear that Ryan was somewhat overwhelmed. I should have realized Ryan would have the attention span of a 15 months old which is equal to that of a knat.
Ryan was more than happy to give his Mimzy & Poppy their gifts, most of which consisted of items to adorn the shrine to their beloved grandson. 
I have never cooked a Christmas dinner so A & D came over and together we made a feast. I say "we" but A & D did most of the work. 
We spent this Thanksgiving at A & D's house (Scott's parents, Anthea & Dan aka Mimzy & Poppy). They prepared an excellent meal that we all enjoyed. Being the President and Vice President of Ryan's fan club they made their favorite (and only) grandson a batch of homemade mashed potatoes. Ryan, being a potato connoisseur, was especially happy to give thanks for the meal.
This is what happens in our house to little boys when they misbehave. We are in the process of teaching Ryan what "no" means. When Ryan doesn't do what he is supposed to we tell him that he has to go to jail. Here he is in jail with Tigger (his lawyer). He gets one free phone call (on his toy telephone) and he has at least learned when to call his attorney ;)
We live in a great neighborhood that has a lot of young families with kids. That being said, we knew that we would have lots of kids ringing our doorbell wanting candy. This year we thought Ryan might want to join in on the fun. He dressed up like a cute little puppy dog that was carrying a frog in his mouth (he was teething and wanted something to chew).
Of course Mimzy & Poppy came over to join the fun. We only went to three houses but Ryan had a blast. He is so sociable. Not to mention he loves the ladies, what a little flirt!
Scott played hooky today so we could take Ryan on his first trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo. Talk about fun! Ryan would look at the animals and get the funniest looks on his face. He especially liked the otters. He followed them as they swam in the tank. He was so cute.
As you can see, Ryan just is now an expert with his sippy cup.
He likes to eat the noodles and shrimp from our soup.
We celebrated Ryan's 1st Birthday today with a small party.
and playing with his new toys.
He was patient while we put some of his toys together.
He even tried a piece of cake...well sort of.
Thanks to everyone who helped make Ryan's 1st Birthday a great one!
Thanks to my good friend Alex I was able to take a Mommy's Weekend Out to New York. I met Alex on Saturday at the Westin in Times Square. She had to do some work that day so an old friend of mine who lives in Conneticut met me in the city. We went all over the city, Little Italy, Central Park, Times Square, the Village, the works. We walked so much that by the time we got back to the hotel I had blisters on my feet.
We started Ryan in swimming lessons last week. The first day was somewhat disappointing because Ryan cried when we held him and got him wet. He was the youngest in his class (all the other kids looked like they were at least 18 mos.) but, by the third day he was kicking and having a good time.
As you can see, she is much more brave when it comes to Ryan.
I previously mentioned that most of our friends and family would like to see pictures of Ryan, I thought that I would accommodate their requests. This first one shows Ryan playing in his Bumbo seat with the blocks he received from his Aunt Gina, Uncle John and Cousin Grace. The seat is great because it helps him learn how to sit up on his own.
This picture shows Ryan playing in one of his favorite toys (drum roll) his (ta da) Exersaucer! This toy has been a God send. Ryan likes it because it makes all sorts of noises and devices to keep him busy (and chew/drool on). Scott and I like it because it keeps him busy just long enough for us to do a couple of things before Ryan wants us to play with him some more. It has also been helping Ryan to learn how to stand.
Our poor son! This is a picture his Mimzy and Poppy took of him. While we all think he looks so cute, he is giving us a look back that just says "Okay guys....really....funs over...where are my pajamas!"
Since it is getting late I will have to add more pictures later. I hope this will be enough for you to get your "Ryan fix" -- you know who you are. Either way you are just going to have to wait to see more.
This has been a very busy week for us. Scott has been working hard to get all of his classes grades turned in. He also just started teaching a Maymester class. Scott was so busy that he put Ryan in the box of projects he needed to grade. Scott thought Ryan would have fun playing in it. Judging by the look on Ryan's face I don't think he was amused for very long.
Ryan has been busy trying to crawl. He just learned how to sit up all by himself so I am sure he will be crawling on no time. Although somehow when he tries to crawl he ends up moving backwards. That's how he gets underneath the ottoman, I think. It's a mystery! What can I say, the kid has skills.
I just had to share this picture with everyone! Yes these are the two men in my life, my "big man" Scott and my "little man" Ryan. They are quite a pair - here are just a few things they have in common: 
I can't believe how fast time has been passing over the last few weeks. Time couldn't pass quick enough because just as Scott started back to school he came down with the flu. At first the doctor thought he had mono. After taking all of his antibiotics Scott still didn't sound or feel much better. But, when Ryan got sick and our pediatrician told us he had the flu we knew that Scott must have gotten it first. I was the only one in our family who didn't get really sick. It took Scott and Ryan about two weeks before they felt better.
Ryan has been doing well too. He is almost 6 months old! He is teething right now so anyone who gets within range of him is usually covered in drool within minutes. Although he hasn't started crawling yet he is becoming more mobile. We used to be able to put him on his play mat and he would stay on it. Now you put him down and he is rolling off of the mat in no time. But you just have to love him....he is such a good tempered little boy. Not to mention he is so cute and such a sweetie that I just want to hug him all the time.
Ryan is growing up fast. He is already 4 months old and weighs 14 1/2 pds. we are very fortunate parents because Ryan is a great baby. He doesn't cry very much and when he does it doesn't last very long.
Ryan is just starting to try solid foods. You should see Scott and I trying to feed him. Ryan usually gets more food on him than in his mouth. But it's okay, he's learning how to swallow food and that's what really matters. Ryan is also a big talker. He just loves to talk to anyone and anything (including his toys) that will listen. Now if we just knew what he was trying to say.
Who would have thought that in just one year Scott and I would get married, both move, buy a new home, and have a baby. All in all 2006 was a great year for us. 
Daniel Ryan Lowrance arrived Thursday, September 7th at 12:20 pm, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces and 20 inches long. He is a very lucky baby as he was born with a loose knot in his umbilical cord. We are very proud and happy parents.
This past Sunday my Aunt hosted a Baby Shower for Scott and I. It was so much fun. Dan, Anthea, Scott and I all piled in the car and drove to my Aunt and Uncle's home in Garland. It was nice to see my friends.
Everyone was so generous and supportive. It was refreshing to talk to my friends and family and get some well needed advice from all of the Moms. We are so fortunate to have good friends and family to share in our happiness. We are both very thankful to everyone.
Wednesday night, Scott and I were getting ready to go to bed. We had had a busy day removing the doorknobs throughout our home to change out to new ones. I had just turned out the lights and bent down to pick up my body pillow when it happened. As I was bending down I accidentally stepped on one of the doorknobs we had removed and I went crashing down. Scott raced over to me to make sure I was okay. I obviously was not okay so he called the paramedics.
