Preschool and Gymnastics

Ryn started preschool today. She set out with her ladybug backpack and lunchbox and was ready to take on the world until she realized what was going on, which didn't take long. She wanted me to carry her inside and I wanted her to walk like a big girl, but I told myself that she needed me and pretty soon she wouldn't want me to carry her, so I conceded. When we got to her room we worked on a puzzle together and I tried to say good-bye. She became upset so I stayed a few more minutes to work another puzzle. She noticed I was trying not to cry and this only made it worse. She started crying again and Ms. Nicole, one of her teachers, was kind enough to hold her when I left. I cried all the way to the car and had to call my mom for comfort. Mom was good about reassuring me and I felt better by the time I got to work, but barely held it together when everyone asked me how things went. I thought about her all day and couldn't wait to pick her up from daycare. Ms. Sherrie said the teachers told her that they had tried to do a craft with Ryn that involved her hand being dipped in paint. Ryn would have no part of it. This doesn't surprise me AT ALL. She is a very neat child that doesn't like things to be on her hands. Other than that, I think things went okay for her first day. We went for ice cream this afternoon to celebrate. She is zonked out right now, no trouble going to sleep at all! She did a little better at gymnastics last night. She was a little more cooperative during stretching and center rotations. She enjoyed the balance beam again and was willing to try it with holding only one of her hands. Each child had three to four turns on the trampoline and by the last time she went halfway out by herself and turned around and grinned at us. She is such a stinker! I could tell after we left that she had a twinkle in her eye. She knew she had done better this week and was proud of herself. She is growing up too fast!

Gymnastics

Ryn and I started a "Parent and Me" gymnastics tonight. I was so excited and hoped she would enjoy the activity. I could not be more wrong! During the stretching time, Ryn scurried away and tried to climb on the equipment while all the other participants followed directions and had fun stretching! She did slightly better during rotation time and actually did a couple of flips. She seemed to enjoy the balance beam the most. When it came time for the trampoline, Ryn wouldn't climb out there without me. Then she froze and wouldn't jump. "Okay, we tried," I told myself. During the next two rotations on the trampoline, Ryn wanted to go out when it was someone else's turn, but not hers. She is such a stinker! Luckily a friend of ours reassured me that all the other kids went through the same thing. Here's hoping next week goes better! :)

Happy Second Birthday!!

We recently celebrated Ryn's second birthday surrounded by her closest friends and family. We wanted to have the celebration where it wasn't too hot and there would be an activity for the other children at the party. After looking around, we settled on an indoor putt-putt place in Opelika. It was a perfect arrangement because it had been raining and was nice to been indoors and almost all of the children could play putt-putt. Family members included were: all four grandparents; Allan, Jennifer, and Caro; and Manley and Lauryn. Friends in attendance were: Bennett and his parents; Olivia and her mom; Abby, from daycare, and her brother and mother: Jade, from daycare, and her mom; Carter and his parents; Miss Angie; Mr. and Mrs. Tate and Austin; Mr. Jack and Ms. Lydia; Mr. and Mrs. Browning; and Mrs. Popwell. She has so many people that love her! The theme was Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar book and we decorated with a picture from each month of your life. Some pictures were serious and some were funny - all were adorable! Ryn helped Nana make the head for her caterpillar cake while we had cupcakes on round plates to fill in the rest of the body. Ryn enjoyed opening her gifts and wanted to examine each one. After the gifts were opened everyone went to play putt-putt. Everyone except Ryn, of course, because her mission was to crawl all over the course and see how much she could get into. She had more fun running around and greeting her guests. In fact, most of our pictures turned out to be blurry because she wasn't still for more than a couple of seconds at a time! We have been so blessed to have her as a part of our family! We look forward to many more years to come!! Thank you, God for your many blessings!

Orange Beach 2013

I took Ryn to Orange Beach earlier this Summer and she had a great time! We joined my parents, brother and sister-in-law, and niece for the short vacation. Our trip began with spotting turtles at Wintzell's Oyster House and Ryn running around the condo squealing her little head of with her cousin. We spent most of the next day hanging around the condo, enjoying the view from the balcony and playing in the sand. Unfortunately, Ryn and I were not able to stay much longer, but we made memories that will last for a lifetime. I will look back at this someday with her and tell her stories that will make her eyes sparkle!

Chattanooga

We headed straight out of town on Memorial Day weekend, destination - Chattanooga, TN!! Ryn got to experience her first merry-go-round at the park and come face-to-face with sharks and penguins at the aquarium. She enjoyed sitting in dada's lap while riding the carousel. Maybe next time she will brave a horse - baby steps! The last time she came in contact with sharks and penguins was when she was only eight weeks old. This go round was much smoother! She ran around touching the glass and squealing with delight. I think she enjoyed watching the various types of jellyfish the most. We wait to take you back and enjoy more of Chattanooga. can't

One Last Roll

On Saturday, April 20th, we set out on an adventure, along with almost 100,000 other Auburn fans, to roll the beloved oak trees at Toomer's Corner. Ryn enjoyed walking as much as we would let her and was curious about the throng of fans that were everywhere. We thoroughly enjoyed watching her take it all in. She was so worn out that she fell asleep waiting for dinner - which never happens! The next day we went back to get some pictures closer to the trees because we didn't even come close the day of the celebration. This time, Ryn was taken aback by all the white, snow-like decorations. We were glad to be able to enjoy this milestone with the Auburn Family and eagerly await what is in store for Auburn's future.

Hugs and Kisses

I've been meaning to share that Ryn has learned how to give hugs and she is very good at it. In the past, she loves to get settled in at daycare and would barely wave goodbye. Now, I get two or three hugs before I leave each day. It's the best way to start my day and shows me she is a caring person. She is also learning how to give kisses from time to time. Today, Ryn's friend, Bennett, was leaving daycare at the same time and we let them play outside for a couple of minutes before getting in our cars. Well, Bennett's mom is a friend of mine from work and she had her camera ready to take pictures. She asked Ryn to give Bennett a hug and Ryn did as she was asked and snuck a kiss in there, as well. Little flirt!! Luckily it was all caught on camera and here it is! So, hugs and kisses all around :)

Afternoons

One of the good things about Ryn's daycare situation is that I get to see her every afternoon in the car rider line at school. Ms. Sherrie comes to pick up her son and I can sneak around to the other side of her car and say hey to Ryn. Most of the time Ryn giggles and is glad to see me. However, there have been times lately that she acts like a silly teenager and ignores mommy so I make sure to say hey to all the other kids in the car and she immediately starts paying attention to me! Well, it was raining pretty good the other day and I didn't have my umbrella so I opened the door on the opposite side of the car and she immediately looked at me and pointed to her door and said, "See"!! She was unhappy that I didn't come to her side and see her! Little stinker loves mommy whether she wants to admit it or not :)

Ryn's Second Christmas

Ryn has had such a wonderful time this Christmas. We took her to see Fantasy in Lights at Calloway Gardens and she was amazed by all of the interesting Christmas displays. She also wanted some of my kettle corn. :) The Sunday before Christmas we went to the Haynie gathering and had fun with cousin Lauryn and all of the toys. Then we headed to the McFee Christmas and played with cousins Caro and Emma. Lots of happy memories were made and she was spoiled rotten! Christmas Eve was spent at church for communion and the celebration of Jesus's birth. Christmas morning Ryn woke up right on time and with lots of enthusiasm and curiosity. She was more interested in Santa's footprints and cookies than the gifts he left for her. She loved all of her toys, especially the musical ones. Then we drove to see Grammy and Grampy and receive more gifts! She's not spoiled or anything :) We ended the day with a visit from Nana, PawPaw, Uncle Manley, and Ms Tina. We still have the tree up and hope that its presence will help her to remember everything special about Christmas.