Dear Ryan (21 months)

Weekend Wrap Up

This weekend my parents came to visit - it use to be a short trip from Houston but since they now live in Indonesia it was quite a special treat for us! My dad was only in the US for three days so we are so happy he was able to make a quick trip up to Dallas. They drove up from Houston on Friday afternoon and Ryan was so excited to see them! When we walked in the house he was all smiles - he says Pa for Papu and Ya for Yiayia - so cute!

Friday night we grilled out and had a yummy steak dinner while Ryan ran around and showed off all his tricks. After Ryan headed to bed we celebrated my dad's birthday with a cake from Society Bakery - delish!

Yiayia reading a book to Ryan before bed.

Papu and his birthday cake

Saturday morning we woke up and headed over to the Katy Trail to get a little walk in. The weather was amazing and we walked down to Company Cafe for some brunch...Ryan enjoyed walking on the trail!

As you can see Ryan loves his Papu - he wanted to hold his hand or sit in his lap all weekend long. 

 Papu actually had to leave to head back to Indonesia Saturday night but Ryan had so much fun with him. So glad he was able to come and visit. We hope to see him again in August but if not he should be back in September for at least three weeks.

Saturday evening Kevin and I headed to a wedding and Ryan got to stay home with Yiaya and Papu.

Table 14 with the bride!

Shannon, Nat & myself at Nikki's wedding

We also took some fun pictures in the photo booth...

We didn't really have plans for Sunday until my friend Nat texted me and told me about an event that was taking place at the Shops at Park Lane...so we headed up there. It was so much fun! There were bounce houses (although Ryan isn't really a fan...at all), food trucks, fire trucks and a helicopter!

Apparently Ryan is digging socks...he wanted to rock his crocs with socks-->sweet!

Check out the PINK fire truck with this adorable Dalmatian! Such a sweet little doggy!

Yummy food trucks! We tried Easy Sliders, Ruthies Rolling Cafe & Trailer Cakes - YUM!

Ryan opted for a kids Zbar instead...and decided to get comfy. 

Checking out a police car

And hanging out in the fire truck

Playing with bubbles that he got from Trailer Cakes!

Dancing up a storm listening to the live music. 

You would think that after all this excitement he would have taken a long nap...well, that didn't happen. Little man decided he didn't need a nap....Oh well. For dinner we headed up to Grimaldi's and Grandma met us as well. Ryan was so exhausted (since he missed his nap) and he fell asleep on the way home - such a sweet little boy! Love love love him! We had a great weekend and are so grateful that we were able to spend time with family!

Project 366 - week 17

Sunday, April 22: Headed back to Dallas
Monday, April 23: Happy birthday Uncle Nick!
Tuesday, April 24: Daddy surprised Ryan at swim school
Wednesday, April 25: Playing peek-a-boo at the park
Thursday, April 26: Happy 40th Uncle Michael!
Friday, April 27: Playing peek-a-boo at The Gap
Saturday, April 28: Walking on the Katy Trail with Papu

20 weeks

How far along? 20 weeks 0 Days

Total weight gain/loss? no weigh in this week
Baby size: Baby is the length of a banana - 6.5 inches form head to bottom and 10 inches from head to heel. Baby is about 10.5 ounces.  

Maternity clothes? No official maternity clothes but I am a huge fan of all the stretchy stuff I own

Exercise: Yes, finally back! I did cardio twice and weights once PLUS we walked the Katy Trail on Saturday...lots of exercise this week. Feels great!

Stretch marks? So far so good!

Sleep: Sleeping a little better but usually still wake up a couple times

Best moment this week:  Feeling baby kick LOTS. Also getting to see my parents - they are in town from Jakarta,Indonesia. Ryan loves his Yia yia and Papu

Miss anything:  Nothing this week

Movement: Yup

Food cravings: Goodness...it really changes daily (as you can tell). Huge fan of ice cream popsicles - the BlueBell sort. Also still digging sandwiches...I really wish Jimmy Johns delivered to our house.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Thankfully no!

Have you started to show yet: Yes and I also had my first stranger ask me if I was preggo. It was at the Houston airport and after he asked he had that look on his face of " oh shoot...I probably shouldn't have asked that", but luckily I was so it was ok.  Then I also had a mommy of one of Ryan's classmates ask me on Thursday...so I guess it's becoming fairly obvious!

Gender predication: ?

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? Goodness. When I am full my little belly button sticks out (but it's still in, if that makes sense). It's like an outie innie. I am sure it will pop soon. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Big Brother Gift

People ask me (usually people without kids - and I know I probably asked moms the same thing) if Ryan understands that he is going to be a big brother.  In case you are wondering, no he doesn't. I mean we talk about being a big brother, we talk about baby, we talk about baby in mommy's belly, but he really has no idea what it all means or how his world will change come September.

For now, he get so excited when he sees a little baby. He screams BABY and his face lights up (like he discovered something no one else was aware of). He sometimes will lift up his shirt and point to his belly and say BABY....but I have to explain that it is not in his belly, only mommy's.

Anyhow, I have been thinking about a big brother gift and what we will do for Ryan when baby #2 comes (so that we can make the transition as easy as possible for him) and I was so excited when I came across this adorable book "On the Day I was Born" on Pinterest.  Ryan is obsessed with books and loves going through his one-year photo books so I knew this would be perfect for him.

I purchased and downloaded the template, entered my pics and then uploaded it to blurb.  Using the template was so easy and I am no photoshop professional! I had a few questions when uploading to blurb but that could have been 'pregnancy brain' at its finest. Anyhow I emailed Stacey and she was super helpful. I haven't actually ordered it yet because I think I want to switch the picture out on the "Now I am going to be a Big Brother" page - I would like R to actually be smiling. Here is a sneak peak:

Untitled | Make Your Own Book

I am so excited to give this to Ryan on his 2nd birthday (yes, I realize that is still 3 months away)! I think it will be a perfect little gift and hopefully help prepare him for the arrival of baby #2 by celebrating the day he was born and allowing him to see how much he was loved, and still loved and giving him something to relate to as we welcome his new little brother/sister into our lives. I realize he may not comprehend it completely but it's a start. Plus it is something he will have forever.

I am so excited for us to welcome a new little baby into our family and I have no doubt that Ryan will be an amazing big brother!

Project 366 - week 16

Sunday, April 15: Picking up some flowers with daddy!
Monday, April 16: 18 week appointment for Baby #2
Tuesday, April 17: Celebrating Mary's birthday with lunch at Rise
Wednesday, April 18: Celebrating Ethan's birthday at Chuy's
Thursday, April 19: Quick haircut for the little bug
Friday, April 20: Some chocolate milk for the airplane ride
Saturday, April 21: Hanging out with Thompson at the park

Project 366 - week 15

Sunday, April 8: Lyla loves carrying little Ryan (although he isn't much smaller than her...not for long!)
Monday, April 9: Ryan LOVED his new little stuffed bear that his Pro Yiayia and Papu sent him for Easter.
Tuesday, April 10: Grandma came to watch Ryan a swim school
Wednesday, April 11: R found some balloons outside of Grimaldi's...and he wanted them.
Thursday, April 12: Little man loves his yogurt.
Friday, April 13: Chasing birds at Chuy's
Saturday, April 14: Playing outside with buddy Andy

19 weeks

How far along? 19 weeks

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a mango - about 6 inches long and 8.5ounces (source: The Bump)

Total weight gain/loss? no weigh in this week

Maternity clothes? Really holding out on this one! With Ryan I jumped into maternity clothes as fast as I could - I was so excited to wear them. This time around I don't have the same feelings about them. It's amazing how long you can go in regular clothes...

Exercise: Oops - didn't make it to the gym this week...I have been pretty bad about it lately but hope to get better because I think the weight is about to start packing on

Stretch marks? So far so good!

Sleep: Sleeping a little better but usually still wake up a couple times

Best moment this week:  Seeing the little baby on the sonogram

Miss anything:  Nothing this week

Movement: Yes at least once  a day...can't wait for it to be more consistent

Food cravings: hmmm craving meats/cheese. With this little bug I want to eat like a European - really digging bread/brie/prosciutto for breakfast. yum!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Thankfully no!

Have you started to show yet: Yup

Gender predication: ?
Symptoms: Occasional round ligament pain (especially when I get up too quickly); lower back pain

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In but working on coming out

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

18 week sonogram

Today we had our 18 week sonogram - aka the sonogram where we would (if we were going to) find out the gender of the baby.  I did really good and told the tech and the dr right away that we did not want to find out so to please let us know when we should turn away...it actually wasn't that bad.  We saw baby's heartbeat (144 BPM) and got baby's official weight at 8oz.  She checked all baby's organs and then when she was going to check the cord she told us that we might want to turn away since it is close to the "gender specific" area. She did take a little while on the cord area but I didn't really thing anything of it. After the tech finished up she gave us some pictures - yay, no clear visibility to the gender!

Next Dr. Reinhart came in to check everything.  He double-checked everything and said all looked great. When he turned off the machine he said that he was going to tell us something that is going to sound scary but after he explains it all that we shouldn't worry. Hmmm...that was a tad frightening. I had no idea what he was about to say.  He then told us that this baby has a two-vessel umbilical cord (verses a normal 3 vessel cord) and that it is a birth defect. Woah - birth defect...that sure stuck in my mind. He basically told us that of all birth defects this would be the one to have because it's on the cord so it doesn't really affect the baby once its born. He also mentioned that he has this conversation with patients about twice a week. He said everything else looked great and that there is really nothing that we should be concerned with BUT they will now need to monitor the baby monthly just to make sure everything is growing properly. Dr. Reinhart did not seem to think it was much of an issue but just wanted to let us know type thing. Although it is scary to know that there is something a little different going on this pregnancy hopefully that is all it will be.

And with that news...what is a girl to do...I know I shouldn't have but I did...I googled it. I knew my mom and mother-in-law would be googling so I decided to check out what they would be reading - it always makes it worse. It makes everything seem scarier but I just have to remember how calm Dr. Rienhart was about it and trust that everything will be fine. He seriously almost acted like it was a common everyday occurrence. I just have to keep that in mind because after reading what I found it sounds like it could be more serious. I do know that this condition is linked to genetic disorders but since we already did the genetic screening and he checked the baby's organs we know that this is probably not something we need to be worried about.  There are a lot of horrible stories out there related to this which makes it a lot scarier than the doctor made it seem.  I guess one more thing that also scares me a little is preterm labor...Ryan was three weeks early - I can't image going into labor even earlier!

After my appointment Ryan and I headed to the Arboretum where I met Nat and some of her friends. When I was telling her what happened at my appointment her friend said she had the exact same thing - she said she was so worried/upset for at least a month during her pregnancy but she had her little man on time and he is as healthy as can be! It was so nice to hear her story - made me feel much better (especially after all that googling). If anyone has had a baby with this condition or knows someone I would love to hear from you.

Meal Plan Monday

So for dinner tonight I wasn't much in the mood for cooking...well, I really wanted to make popovers and that is where I wanted to focus my energy. My friend Shannon recently blogged about some she made...and I guess they have been in my head ever since. Last night as I was perusing Pinterest I found the Neiman Marcus recipe so I thought I'd give it a test. I have attempted 'the popover' before but they did not turn out - I just thought it was because my baking soda was expired. Anyhow, I checked on the little guys half way through and they looked picture perfect in the over - so excited! Unfortunately when I pulled those bad boys out they were so hard and glossy and HEAVY...not light and fluffy like they should be. Down right dense. I have no idea where I went wrong. I did everything I was suppose to and none of my ingredients were expired. Then I remembered this was the EXACT same recipe I tried last time...so it wasn't the baking soda...it is something else and I have no idea but I am giving up on making a Neiman Marcus popover. My mother-in-law has a good recipe for them so I will have to get my hands on that one...perhaps there will be popovers again this week!

Monday:  Salad with Rotisserie Chicken & Popovers
For the salad I kinda just threw in whatever I had...tomatoes, avocado, egg (still have a few left from Easter), cheese and a rotisserie chicken from Central Market...it was a little dry but it did the job. For dressing I usually just use olive oil and red wine vinegar. And I forgot to mention that I also make some chicken Rice A Roni...that was really just for me as Kevin opted out of that side. And yes, my popvers. My sad little popovers. At least they tasted ok...just not like a light and fluffy popover.

Tuesday: Creamy Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta (Chaos in the Kitchen blog via Pinterest)

Wednesday: Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto (Food Network)
Last night I had dinner with some girlfriends at The Common Table and I was totally out ordered. The menu had so many yummy looking items on it but somehow I managed to pick the not so yum ones. Both of my friends got delicious dishes and mine was just blah. Actually the flatbread pizza was horrible - don't get it there. Anyhow, Susanne ordered the mushroom and asparagus risotto that I was also eyeing...and it looked amazing (oh and it was, she let me try some). So, I googled a recipe and hope to satisfy my craving.
Thursday: Leftovers...
Friday: Ryan and I are headed to Houston

Project 366 - week 14

Monday, April 1- Audrey shared her tricycle with Ryan - he loved just sitting on it plus it matched his hot pink shirt!

Tuesday, April 2 - Arts & craft time @ the Arboretum for Mommy & Me Monday's

Wednesday, April 3 - Hanging out at the Hales house taking cover from the crazy storms/tornadoes

Thursday, April 4 - Loves playing instruments at Kindermusik

Friday, April 5 - Obsessed with feeding the ducks at Lakeside park. 

Saturday, April 6 - Celebrating Jessyca's b-day at Si Tapas

Sunday, April 7 - So busy playing with phone toy at the McCracken's crawfish boil

Meal Plan Monday (or...friday)

Since I didn't get around to posting our meal plan this week I thought I would post a recap of what I made. I am not sure if my pictures make these meals look appetizing at all but I am adding them anyways. Just remember...I'm not a photographer!

Monday: Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Butter, Capers and Orzo (Food Network)
This is one of my favorite recipes. I always feel like it's so healthy...but that whole lemon "butter" thing...yeah it's probably not. It feels healthy when you are eating it though :) I added a layer of mixed greens under the fish which made it feel healthier too. lol.

Tuesday: Baby Back Ribs & Mashed potatoes (from No More To Go)
This was the easiest recipe EVER! Plus the meat seriously just falls right off the bone - delicious. (I am sure anyone who knows me can't even believe I am writing this because I have never been a huge fan of BBQ, but for some reason I was down with this). I also loved it because I hate making a mess in the kitchen the day that our house keeper comes. Since the ribs cook in the crock pot all day there is really no mess to make - plus it's pretty awesome to come home to a CLEAN house and a yummy smelling dinner!! Win Win!

All you do is put 2lbs of ribs in crock pot (meat side down) with 18 oz of BBQ sauce on low for 7-8hrs. Then broil for 4min (meat side up).

Here they are right out of the broiler - did I mention how easily they fall apart? Oops!

 Some of my ribs got a little dried out but I believe it was one of two reasons, or both:
1. I didn't put enough sauce in the crock pot - some of my ribs stuck out above the sauce. (I had a little over 2lbs of ribs.) Next time I am going to make sure they are all covered
2. My crock pot low is pretty darn hot - it bubbles (not sure if that is normal for low). Think next time I might put on low for like 5 hrs, then just keep on warm for the other 2 hours.

I think it was probably #1 because the meat that was in the sauce was PERFECT! Oh and the mashed potatoes were a perfect combination. Yum!

Wednesday: We went out to eat to our favorite pizza place, Grimaldi's.

Thursday: Asparagus Prosciutto  Mushroom Saute (Previously posted on DD)
Another one of my favorites. I got this recipe from Central Market (in the area where they have those dinner kits ready to go). I have never bought the dinner kit (it's never there when I want it) so I just buy everything separately. Last time I did with fettucini noodles but think the penne pasta works best!

Can you tell I love prosciutto??? Although the recipe tells you to add the prosciutto in at the end to cook a little but both Kevin and I prefer it not cooked. So yum!

Everything was delicious - highly recommend making any of these!

17 Weeks

I am not sure how much of this is baby and how much is Easter brunch...and brunch 2nds...

How far along? 17 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss? I gained 0.6 ounces since last weigh in, which is a total of almost 3lbs. 

Maternity clothes? Not yet...

Exercise: Oops - another week of taking it easy.
Stretch marks? So far so good!

Sleep: Still waking up for the bathroom but since I am going to bed later, I get up fewer times :) 

Best moment this week:  Taking Ryan to my doctor appointment - he got to hear baby's heartbeat, to which he said "Uh-oh". 

Miss anything:  Wine...although I did have a couple of sips this week!

Movement: Not yet

Food cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Thankfully no!

Have you started to show yet: I am going to go with yes, but some days it's not as prominent at others. 

Gender predication: Boy

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In but working on coming out

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Other Symptoms: I forgot to mention that my lower back started hurting a couple of weeks ago. I remember this with Ryan and it eventually went away...I just don't remember when! Sometimes it's fine but sometimes I can hardly walk. Oye!

Ryan wants to be in all the weekly pictures so badly! How adorable is he leaning up against the fence???

Happy Easter!

We had such a wonderful Easter Sunday and are so happy we were able to spend it with friends and family. As I have said before, holidays are so much more fun with kids - and they are even better when your little kiddos are old enough to participate in activities! Ryan is still a little young but it was so much fun today!

For holidays we go to church as a family (with Kevin's parents and his sister's family) and since we all go to different churches we go to whichever church works best (timing & nursery availability play a big role these days) . Today we headed to the Hale's church for Easter service which was perfect because it is a smaller church so it wasn't so chaotic.  Ryan and Audrey went to the nursery but made a little appearance during the service! In the middle of the service the pastor calls all the kids up to the front for "children's time" - Ethan and Lyla headed up and then we saw all the little kiddos from the nursery filing in - so cute. Ryan sat up in the front like a good little boy but he sure was uber chatty! He was checking out the crowd and then he spotted his daddy! He kept saying "DAD" and giggling - it was pretty darn cute!

After church we headed home to check out what the Easter bunny left! (I realize in future years this will probably happen before church...but since R is little he didn't seem to mind waiting).  Out in the backyard the Easter bunny left some eggs and Ryan's basket full of goodies!

He was so excited about his goodies in his basket! He kept taking each one out and bringing it over to daddy.

Look at that sweet little smile!

A little blurry but we'll take it!

After a few pics we packed up and headed over to the Sun's for brunch. 

Easter brunch at the Sun's house! Joe was in China this year but the rest of the crew still made it. We had such a yummy spread this year - I am definitely going to need a few of the recipes!

After lunch the kiddos had an egg hunt - confetti eggs! We never did confetti eggs growing up but it is so much fun and all the kids LOVE them! Ryan loved popping them and spreading the confetti everywhere!

Family pics are a bit challenging ...especially when it's nap time!

When we got home mommy and Ryan took a nice long nap. The rest of the day was spent lounging around the house (the rain kept us in for a while). Ryan was entertained by his goodies in his basket and once the rain stopped we headed out for a nice little walk. Before Ryan headed to bed we were able to get a little skype time in with Yia yia and Papu!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Easter at Lakewood

Saturday morning we headed up to Lakewood Country Club for the annual brunch with the Easter bunny and egg hunt. It is a bit chaotic because of the amount of people but they do a good job so it's a fun time for the kiddos.

We got there a little bit before 11am so that we could be sure to snag a table - success! We actually got one with enough seats for us, the Hales and the McDonoughs. Michael, Kevin and Mary took the kiddos for pictures with the Easter bunny while Sarah and I were able to grab some lunch.

Ryan wasn't a huge fan of the bunny. Apparently he didn't cry...just didn't really smile. 

Watermelon? Oh, I should mention it is dipped in ketchup...

Everyone joined us at the table and we got to eat together. After brunch we headed to the cupcake table where the kiddos decorated cupcakes. Ryan loved the jelly beans...he stuffed as many in his mouth as he could. What a mess...

After the cupcakes we headed outside to get ready for the egg hunt! After a little bit of waiting we made it over to the driving range where Ryan & Audrey's Egg Hunt began. Wowzers - there were a lot of kids! I really wasn't sure how Ryan would like this whole egg hunting thing but he actually did pretty well. There were a ton of eggs so Ryan was very picky - not just any egg would do for him. Looking back at pictures he seems to like the yellow, red and orange eggs!

Trying to find the perfect egg.

My and my little bug!

This was after the hunt...Ryan loved all the space...and just took off. Oh, and you can also see my BUMP! 

After the egg hunt we headed home for nap time! What a fun morning!