what makes me smile

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. A tad bit has been going on but I'll comment more on that later. It's time for bed but thought I'd share a little of what makes me smile. The first and third pictures I had to run for my camera because they were so precious and unplanned. And the second...can you see that his lips are blue? Wonder how that happened? :)

Walkin!

He wore himself out pretty darn fast but enjoyed every minute of it. And, yes, I know I'm a cornball (once you watch you'll know why I say this).

Best $25 spent in a long time!

We've been letting Ryan push around our hamper which is fun for him since he's learning to walk but not super practical. So, we decided to take the plunge and buy a "large" toy for him and below is the enjoyment that we've been having the last several minutes.

Happy Birthday little Ryno!

We celebrated Ryan's birthday a few days before his actual birthday and it turned out great as he started teething the very next day...but that's a whole other story. I wanted to pass on some pics of our little man enjoying his birthday party. We kept it small with just family. It was themed to "balls" because he's obsessed with anything related to a ball...its his favorite word, he can spot a basketball hoop a mile away, he asks for it first thing in the morning and its usually the last thing he says before going to bed. We ate cheese puff balls, melon balls, grapes, meatballs and a giant chocolate chip cookie decorated like a basketball. It was a fun time had by all...especially watching him eat dessert!

I can't believe a year+ has already passed since the day we first met Ryan!

Swing

Ryan was a lover of the swings from the very first time he experienced them. Now he's getting wiser and knows when we're preparing to leave the swings. It's so hard to deny them of that simple pleasure. We stay as long as we can but if the dogs are with us they get restless. Happily I found a swing for Ryan at a garage sale that we can have in our backyard! Gotta love garage sales!

piggys

I love these little piggys!

It's very fun to watch Ryan change and grow into a little man over this last year. We've been noticing little personality traits that he's developing that definitely come from Paul or I, but one of the biggest is his cute little body and how it's such a great mix of the two of us.

I often wake up with pretty crazy hair in the morning and today was no different for Ryan! I'm sure he'll love me posting these online when he grows up! Notice I didn't take one of the two of us! LOL

Outside

Wednesday was beautiful outside! We played outside as much as we could. Ryan is loving sitting in the grass and trying to sneak some leaves or grass to eat.

Every other Wednesday we watch my friend Erin's daughter Brynn and so when she came over it was outside to play!

Photos taken by my friend Angie

1st Nebraska Game!!!

We took Ryan to his first ever Nebraska game last Saturday. It was the Spring Red/White game for the Huskers...a record crowd or 80,149 people! Ryan had a great time...enjoyed popcorn and dip'n'dots and time with his friend Izzy!

Ryan and Mama

The FieldIzzy

The FamThe wooly'oserus'!

Grandpa and Great-grandpa Smith

Two fabulous role models for Ryan...so thankful for the time he gets to spend with these God-following men!

Elvis has left the building!

Let me just say that the first time your little man or lady gets their hair cut it seems to grow them up like five years in just a few short minutes. It might be enough to make a mama get misty-eyed.

About a week ago I decided that it was time to get Ryan's hair "trimmed". Paul had nicely been suggesting this for quite some time but it takes longer for the mom to give in some times. So, we were out shopping at a cute little kids boutique and relaxing at The Mill and Emily's new shop is sandwiched right in between the two so I thought I'd stop in and say hi. When I asked her if she did little man cuts she had me come back in a few when she finished a color. He was totally flirting with the lady getting her color done...she took half the pics cuz he kept smiling at her! I must say she did a fantastic job...way better than I would do for sure!

No more Elvis sideburns for Ryan! OH Yeah...my hair is different too! I'm totally loving having a style...Emily cut it too.

Ride 'em, Cowboy!

Mid March we took a trip back to Broken Bow to see family. Ryan experienced quite a few firsts on the farm...see pictures below. First horse "ride", first time petting a kitty and a chicken, first with baby calves and fish, and the first time playing in the grass!

hamper fun

Yesterday we were home all day and sometimes I think Ryan gets board so I try to do fun and new things for him. We happen to be folding some clothes and he was getting a little tired of being on the floor so I had an idea. I think he thought his mom was pretty cool. ;)

And there's the added benefit of pushing him around the floor in circles, back and forth, it does provide a little work out on your upper body!

splish-splash

Everyday is full of new things for our little man. Just a few days ago it was the new found love of splashing in the tub. I love watching him and being reminded to enjoy the simple things in my own life.

We had a friend over, Hudson, who is about a year older and you could tell by the smiles and curious looks that Ryan is learning much from Hudson and anticipating the day he'll be able to do the same.

My friend Erin's little girl, Brynn, has been sharing her baby toys with Ryan. This ball toy is a big hit. It pushes the balls through and out with air and Ryan thinks that's pretty big fun.

8 months

It is unbelievable how fast he's growing! He'll be 8 months tomorrow and I know, it's cliche, but it seems like only yesterday!