More

I have been teaching Ryn a few signs not only to communicate with us, but hopefully for her to learn sign language as she grows older. We had a breakthrough this week when she tapped her cute little fingers together asking for "more" Cheerios. Of course I got very excited and she and I both giggled about it. I kept giving her a couple of cheerios at a time and she continued to ask for "more". She seems happy to be able to communicate something to us and we are excited that she is learning. Keep it up, smart girl!

Cheerios

Ryn's favorite snack food is Cheerios. We use those O's for bribery and keep the peace when out in public :). Lately, she has learned she can feed us Cheerios and gets a kick out of doing so. Yesterday, she and I were sharing a snack of O's when she started feeding them to me and leaning in for kisses between bites. This was hands down the best part of my day. We love her so much! :)

Kisses

Ryn has learned that if she leans in toward our faces she will receive a kiss. She'll do it three or four times in a row and just grin. She is such a precious little girl!

Straws

Ryn is learning how to drink through a straw and she is so cute about it. She will reach for the straw, put her mouth around it, and suck as hard as she can. When the liquid comes to her mouth, she lets go and just stares at the straw then looks at us and grins. Almost like she is saying, "Look what I did!" Then she won't let us have any more, especially if there is a smoothie in the cup!! :)

First Visit to the Lake

Eric and I took Ryn to visit Aunt Carol and Uncle Bryan at their lake house this weekend and she LOVED it! Her favorite part was the ride on the pontoon boat. She would stand next to the sides and hold her hands out past the railing. Then she would stomp her feet with excitement and grin at everyone. Before we knew it, she was at the controls and learning how to blow the horn! She got so worn out that the she fell asleep on the porch between rides. Saturday evening she enjoyed bites of a yummy steak and delicious peach tart made in Uncle Bryan and Aunt Carol's new Dutch oven. Later she discovered a beautiful cedar cup that Uncle Bryan made and didn't want to let it go. Uncle Bryan graciously gifted it to her and she proudly carried it around. She is eagerly awaiting her next visit to the lake. And to see Uncle Bryan and Aunt Carol, of course.

Singing and Praying

Every night I sing you to sleep and say your prayers for you. I thank God for all the people that love and care for you. I sing mostly songs I learned from church and at Camp Sumatanga so that you will find comfort in them when you grow older. Lately, you have been doing your best to "sing" with me and it brings me to tears. Such lovely and touching moments. I love you!

1st Birthday

Happy Birthday, beautiful girl!!! You turned one on July 7th and we had your party at Grammy and Grampy's house in Birmingham. Your Nana; Papa; Uncles Manley, Bryan, Thermon, and Allan; Aunts Carol Mae, Beverly, and Jennifer; Cousins Jennifer, Amy, Lauryn, Caro, and Emma Madison; and Miss Angie were all there to help you celebrate. And, of course Mommy and Daddy! Butterflies were the theme and you had two beautiful cakes decorate with butterflies - one for smashing and one for the guests. We had fruit and sandwiches cut like butterflies and your cousin, Caro, passed out cute little butterfly stickers. Fun was had by all and you received some wonderful gifts!