Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas this year. We woke up, ate breakfast, and then had a webcam Christmas with Grandma Reckers, Grandpa Reckers, Uncle Jonathan, and Auntie Ella. It was great to be able to share Ryan's first Christmas with them. Grandma Bobbi, Great Grandma Trudy, and Great Grandpa Heaton came over later that morning and we opened more presents, cooked a delicious dinner (Rob smoked a fantastic turkey), and had a great time. Unfortunately we were all sick, but we made the best out of the day. Ryan's cousin, James, came down with croup on Christmas Eve, so we weren't able to see any them at all this year. It was a bummer, but we couldn't risk Ryan catching it.

Ryan was incredibly spoiled with Christmas gifts! Between all of the grandparents, his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins and a couple from us, I think he had 16 gifts!

In case you haven't noticed, Ryan doesn't smile much for the camera. He will be all giggles and smiles and then we get the camera ready and he becomes Captain Serious. We will occasionally capture a smile, but most of the time we get the serious face.



He seemed to enjoy unwrapping presents. Well I think he just liked the paper and bows.

We tried out all of his great toys!

We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!!!!

Cousin Jada

Jada came for a visit for Christmas and we were lucky enough to have her sleep over one night. She loves Ryan, but admitted that she likes Ralphie a little better. haha! Anyone that knows her will tell you that she is obsessed with pets and animals.

Santa Brunch

Last Sunday we went to brunch with the Collins Family and the Fiedler family at our golf course's grill. Santa was the guest of honor. As you can see, Ryan was very curious about Santa's beard. Emily and Kaylie Fiedler were so cute with Santa. They wrote out a card with a list of the presents that they want and gave it to Santa. When Santa came in they were beside themselves. It was priceless. Little baby Grant wouldn't wake up for the occasion, but he is 3 weeks old, so it is understandable.

Fun in the Bebe Pod

Ryan really enjoys his Bebe Pod seat. Here are a couple of pictures I took of him the other day. He also had a cute outfit on, complete with a hat (Thanks Jennifer!) Ryan clearly has an interest in reading already. I am just glad they make waterproof books for the chewing and drooling.

Acting Silly Before Bath

We give Ryan a bath every night and when his clothes come off he gets so excited and starts screaming and laughing in anticipation of the bath. This was one of those nights. We had to capture it on camera, but it doesn't do it justice. It is hysterical to see.

Auntie Ella and Uncle Jonathan

Auntie Ella and Uncle Jonathan flew in from Chicago and New York for a whole week to visit us. Ryan adores them both, and he will be sad next week when they are gone. We had such a great visit with them, and we are sad to send them back home. Here are some pictures of Ryan with his Auntie and Uncle.

Our First Park Visit

Auntie Ella took Ryan to the park for the first time. He got to swing in the baby swing and Auntie took him down the slide. It was a pretty fun day!

New Bathtub

We tried out Ryan's new bathtub the other night and he didn't seem to enjoy it as much as we thought that he would. He is getting too big for his other one, but he is back in it fr now. We captured some cute pictures of him in the new tub.

Ornament Exchange Party

I threw an ornament exchange party for my girlfriends and it was a blast! Thanks to everyone for coming. We will do it again next year!

Chilly Walks

Grant Michael Collins

Our dear friends, Erica and Andrew, had their first baby this morning. Grant Michael Collins was born very healthy and happy. He is such a cute baby - he looks just like his mom, except he has his daddy's eyes! We are so happy for them and can't wait for Ryan to meet his new buddy! Congrats Erica and Andrew! We are so happy for you both!