A cousin is a ready-made friend for life...

Today was such a treat... Ryan had his first "playdate" at the Sprayscape Park in Plymouth with some of his cousins and two of his aunties. I loved seeing all three of my nieces playing together. We played in the water, in the sand, and even had a little picnic lunch. Today's adventure truly made me feel like a "mom". Maybe it was because I was looking at all the moms camped out around the sprinklers on blankets with coolers and kids running around the park on a hot summer day. It was a glimpse into many summers to come when Ryan can run around laughing and enjoy being fearless. Or maybe it was because all Bonnie, Breghan, and I could talk about was kids, moms, and being pregnant! Nevertheless, I liked the feeling of having a playdate and being a mommy.

Ryan was ready for an adventurous day at the Sprayscape with his cousins....

well.... maybe next summer!

Ryan and his Aunt Bonnie :)

Sweet Patrick is ready for the water!

My beautiful nieces hard at play!

Can you say strollers and diaper bags? This is all new to me, too!

love, love, love these little ladies and their pigtails...

Here's to many more cousin playdates!!

Dear Ryan...

Dear Ryan,
You were born four weeks ago today... exactly twenty minutes from now, as I begin to write. How do I begin to tell you what you already mean to your daddy and me. From the moment you were born, we fell in love with you. You opened your eyes and looked at us both and your mommy and daddy felt more in love than ever before- if that was even possible. You were (and are) a perfect mix of our love for one another....

 

We weren't the only ones who fell in love with you right away. Your grandmas & grandpas (who are actually NOT called grandmas or grandpas!), aunts and uncles all rushed to meet you in the hospital or shortly after we got home. One of your aunties jumped on a plane to come meet you! You made everyone smile. You were covered with kisses... and one auntie covered you with tears of joy. Everyone showered us with love, support, food, and gifts for you.

After two days in the hospital, it was finally time to take you home. We were filled with happiness and I was a little nervous too. You were so tiny... and being a mommy was new to me. Daddy was sooooo careful driving us home. When we got home, we ALL slept for the rest of the day :)

As we began to settle into being a mommy and daddy, lots of people came to visit you and spend time with you. We felt so loved to have our family and friends around us... and everyone brought us food! You spent most of your time sleeping while people were visiting. Don't worry, you were a great cuddler.

So Ryan, during your first month of life we have learned and loved a lot.

We are learning that you are in charge when it comes to 'time' and 'making plans'.

We are loving your 'sleep smiles'.

We are learning to sleep in two hours increments.

We are loving all of the naps you take on us. Your daddy has even called them addicting.

We are learning that we need pacifiers all over the house!

We are loving that 'tummy time' to you means 'nap time'.

We are learning to change diapers and give baths quickly since you hate being naked!

We are loving your grunts...and learning to sleep through them :)

We are learning tricks to make you happy... like bicycle legs to help your tummy and listening to the Sara Bareilles station on Pandora.

We are loving every little bit of you.

Well Ryan, we have a lot of learning and loving yet to do.
Until next time.... we love you,
Mommy & Daddy