Ryan's 18 month Professional Photos

We went last Saturday to get Ryan's 18 month photos taken.  Ava even joined in on a couple of them- soooo cute!  It was definitely more of a challenge this time than the last time Ryan got his photos taken (at 12 months).  But the photographer was great at getting his attention and making him smile.  I'm surprised she got the shots that she did because he was all over the place!  We won't be doing that again till he's 24 months- or maybe right after his brother is born.....we'll see.

Another visit from across the pond!

Tim and Ava have been staying with us since last Friday, the 20th.  This is the first time I have ever met Ava and she's already 10 months old!  She is quite the little cutie and looking more and more like her daddy!  Although you can't let her quiet demeanor and cuteness fool you- she can be quite vicious with a cat's tail LOL!  By the way, Ava, thanks for teaching Ryan that pulling tails is fun....I'm pretty sure our cats are extremely excited about it :)

Tim will be back for another visit in October to meet our newest little guy- but we're not sure when we'll see little miss Ava again.  Hopefully not too long!  Thanks for coming guys- we had a great visit!!!

A complete turn around

Well- I don't know what happened- but Ryan is no longer afraid of the vacuum.  In fact, he is the complete opposite and is really excited about it.  WHAT???  Who is this child?  Where did my crazy, terrified little boy go?  

When I was vacuuming today, Ryan began to get a little upset- but then became really excited about the vacuum.  He was cheering for it and clapping his hands.  He wanted to help me push it around and he kept playing with the wheels and the power button.  He also wants us to chase him with the vacuum because he thinks it's funny.   This is a complete breakthrough!  Ryan would NEVER touch the vacuum before.  I'm sooo happy we have finally gotten past this issue.  But I have no advice for anyone else who may be going through a similar issue.  This kid definitely keeps me on my toes and always keeps me guessing :)

Jammin' with Tom

Well- it seems as though February will be declared "House Guest Month"- at least at the Gray household.  Tom Evans (our Best Man) has been visiting since Friday, the 6th and he'll be here till the 16th.  Then Jon's brother, Tim, and our niece, Ava, are coming from the 20th to the 25th.

Ryan has been having a blast with Tom.  He loves it when Tom plays the piano and he often attempts to jam along :)  Looks like we'll have another musician in the family!

Time with Great-Grandparents

There was a time when I would cross my fingers that my grandparents could live to see at least one of their great-grandchildren born.  Now it looks as though they will get to meet another little grandson.  I am so happy that they get to spend time with Ryan (especially getting on the floor and playing with him!)- and it is such a joy for me to see them enjoying him!  But I really need to get our butts in the car more often to go and visit!

Laughing so hard I'm crying!

Jon and I had a conversation just before we went to sleep last night.  I was complaining that he always snores and wakes me up.  And he told me that since I've been pregnant that I snore like crazy (he also told me this when I was preggo with Ryan).  Of course I denied it and said he was lying.  Me?  Snore?  There's no way!  I'm so dainty and lady-like LOL!  

So, just now as we were eating dinner, Jon pulls out his phone and says "listen to this".  He recorded me snoring!!!!  I don't know what's funnier- the actual audio recording of me snoring or the fact that he woke up in the middle of the night and thought to pull out his phone and hit 'record'.  Who does that???  But the recording was so funny that I was laughing to the point of tears.  Jon told me I better watch out or he's going to post it on Facebook.  I guess I better be on my best behavior from now on!  I still can't believe that I snore- at least I know it will go away once the baby is born...

Big Brother Practice

So, against Jon's wishes- I got Ryan a baby doll.  I wanted him to practice being gentle and loving in preparation for being a big brother.  And- I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with a little boy playing with dolls- just like there is nothing wrong with a little girl playing with trucks.  Anyway- Ryan has been so sweet with this doll.  He constantly gives it kisses and hugs, wants to change the doll's "poopies", feeds it and wants to share his toys.  It is so nice to see him be so nurturing.  Of course I'm not so naive to think that this is the way things will be when his little brother is here....but I can dream until reality sets in :)