Meeting Elmo: The Highlight of Ryan's life

A new Learning Express opened up in Houston this weekend in the Town and Country area. Not only is this one of my favorite stores to get toys for Ryan, but they had a big grand opening party featuring Elmo. My friend, Leslie, was kind enough to share this information with us knowing what a huge Elmo fan Ryan is. I realized that this could be the most exciting moment of Ryan's life or the most traumatic, but decided to take the risk. We talked about Elmo the entire drive there and I told him several times that Elmo was bigger than he is. In my mind I imagined that Ryan thought Elmo was his height and didn't want the size to scare him. We walked in the store and Ryan caught sight of Elmo and screamed "ELMO!". I held him for a while so he could observe the other kids. Well the second I put him down he ran to Elmo for a hug. He couldn't get enough of Elmo. He gave him high fives, kisses, many hugs, lots of smiles (none of which I got on camera). We hung out in the store for about 30 minutes or so, watching Elmo and doing a little shopping (everything is 20% off this weekend and it turns out I know the owner, so I chatted with her some). Every few minutes Ryan would run back to Elmo for another hug. It started becoming a bit of a problem. The other moms were trying to get pictures of their kids with Elmo and Ryan kept getting in the pictures. At one point Ryan was trying to kiss Elmo, but Elmo didn't even see him, see below for that cute picture. Another time Elmo had his arm around a little girl and Ryan squeezed himself under Elmo's other arm for a hug. When it was finally time to go, Ryan had to go back to Elmo for another hug and to tell him good bye. I didn't get all of this on camera b/c I was trying to regulate it a little so other kids had the chance to hug Elmo. It was definitely a very special day for Ryan and I am so happy that I took him.

First meeting

First hug

Would not take his eyes off Elmo

This was probably the third visit to Elmo (5th or 6th hug)

High five

10th hug (7th visit to Elmo)

Another high five (Elmo was very patient)

This is Ryan trying to kiss Elmo, but Elmo didn't know he was there

Random Fun

Grammy was pushing Ryan throughout the house and he had to collect all of his toys along the way.

She devoured her squash! By far her favorite baby food so far.

All warm after a great bath by Grammy.

Hmmmmm

So the more I looked through baby pictures, the more I realize that Ryan does look a lot like I did. And so does Lillian. Maybe Rob and I just look alike. Here are some more pictures of me Lillian's age and some pictures of me ryan's age.

Cat In The Hat

The only channel Ryan really watches is PBS. He is getting into certain tv shows more and more. Mainly Sesame Street, particularly Elmo's World. He is starting to get into Barney (not as obnoxious as I originally thought) and Wordworld. Well, there is a new Cat in The Hat Show starting. To kick off the program, Houston PBS had Cat in The Hat visit Whole Foods today for a meet and greet. My good friend Courtney and her son Mason met us there. We were both certain that the boys would freak out, and we were right. They did warm up to him a little though. I am sure the stickers, toys, and promise of a balloon helped out. I took a picture of Mason and Courtney where he isn't screaming, but thought the sad one was pretty cute.

Mason is all about hugging. Ryan thought he was going to hold his hand, so he was a little taken back by the giant bear hug! (We didn't plan their coordinating outfits)

Saw The Cat in the Hat and is not so sure.

I don't think Mason had seen the Cat yet....

Ryan did like his tail.

Playful in Pink

Exersaucer

I think Lillian likes her exersaucer, but I don't think she is overjoyed with it like Ryan was. Maybe it will just take some time. Ryan LOVES showing her all of the cool things that it can do. This is one more thing that they can do together. I love it!!

Resemblance?

We always try to figure out who Lillian looks more like. We know she looks like Ryan did at this age, but is slowly starting to look a little different. Some people tell us Ryan looks just like me and others say he looks just like Rob. (We both think he looks more like Rob, just with my eyes). So who does Lilly resemble? Jury is still out. Here is a picture of me when I was around Lillian's age. What do you think?

Good Morning!

Pictures!

Ryan loves to lay on her play mat with her. Notice how he is holding her hand? So sweet.

Before her first bite of food

What is that?!

Gross.

Ryan had to help, of course.

Well that was different.
(She really does like to eat food)

Then Ryan got his "baby Cathy" and fed her some cereal. We gave him this baby when Lillian was born to help with the transition and I really think it worked. Clearly, he continues to treat baby Cathy like we treat Lilly.

She loves her toes these days.

So behind

I know, I know, I am so behind on blogging. I have been pretty busy, mainly with Ryan as he is entering (dare I say) the terrible 2's. So far not too terrible though. I thought this wouldn't come until closer to 3, but much to my dismay i was wrong. Overall he is so happy still and is very proud of himself, especially his ability to talk and communicate. We still have some communication breakdowns, but he has come so far since summer began. In fact today he narrated the entire day (4 hours straight). I am surprised he didn't lose his voice! He knows most of his letters and numbers, and loves to point out letters on signs then give us a word that starts with that letter "D! D for daddy!". He has started throwing tantrums, which we learned are easiest to deal with by giving him a "break" in the front room on the couch alone. He settles pretty quickly. He is so in love with Lillian and kisses her 100 times a day (well maybe like 10, but it is still a lot). She will always offer him the biggest smile no matter what mood she is when. He starts school in a few weeks again, and will be going Tue/Thu this year. We are excited for him since he loved it so much last year.

Lillian is still a dream baby. So easy and so happy. She loves to stand and is scooting everywhere. She only rolls from front to back but can get across the floor on her back. I found her 1/2 way under our couch today. She was still happy being under there though! She has started eating rice cereal and so far she loves it! Ryan never took to it, but Lillian is all over it. She is doing really well with the spoon and we can't wait to introduce more tastes to her. She still wakes up once a night to eat, but it is really early morning (5:30). We took her to the doctor for her 4 month check up and she is 25% in weight and 50% in height and head. She is progressing right along!!

I will post some pictures soon!