Tyler's Birthday Weekend

I can’t believe it, but we just celebrated Tyler’s 3rd birthday! We headed down to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday to spend the weekend with my sister-in-laws. Melissa lives in Ft. Lauderdale and Marci flew in from New York. It was so fun to see them again! Tyler’s birthday was on Saturday and after breakfast, and haircuts for Matt and I (compliments of Marci), the celebrations began when Tyler got his presents. He got a kite from Mel and a remote controlled boat from Granny Deb and Marci. We headed to the park so he could try out his new toys, and to take some family pictures. It was a great day for the park! The wind was perfect for kite flying, but a little annoying while we were trying to take pictures! After a couple of hours at the park it was time for naps. While the boys were sleeping Marci, Mel and I had a girls afternoon and got pedicures. It was so relaxing! Thanks again ladies! We finished up the day with dinner and an ice cream cake from Cold Stone. I think it’s safe to say Tyler had a great birthday! Here is our trip in pictures (and just to warn you there are a lot of them!)...

Tyler chillin on the way down!

Riley saying hi when I turned around to take Tyler's picture.

Haning out with Auntie Mel.

'Reading' his card from Granny.

The reason his boat looks like a plane is because it submerges and can be driven like a submarine. It's pretty cool to play with!

My new haircut, part 1.

Getting ready to test out his boat. I'm not sure who was more excited, Tyler or Matt!

Daddy let Tyler drive first so he wouldn't feel guilty when he took over!

Tyler and Mel with his dragon kite.

His kite in action!

Tyler wasn't too excited about taking family pictures! I don't think Riley was either!

Siblings.

Love these girls!

The funny thing about this picture is that right after the above picture was taken I almost fell backwards out of the tree! Luckily Marci is quick and grabbed me! Thanks girl!

Tyler's cake.

He loved it!

My new haircut, part 2. At the park on Saturday Marci decided she wanted to cut my hair a little shorter in the back. I was up for anything so Sunday morning I got another cut!

The back.

I love it! Thanks again Marci!

We visited Mel at work before heading home on Sunday.

Here is a video of Tyler getting his boat.

Here are some more pictures we took while my mom was visiting. She came for two weeks and Tyler was in heaven! The night before she left I asked if she had remembered to pack something and Tyler looks up from playing with his cars and asks, "Granny you leaving?" Mom said yes, and Tyler sat there for a minute before he got up, ran over to her, hugged her legs and (in the most dramatic voice he could) said, "Granny I miss you!" It was sad but cute at the same time!

Fun at the park.

A taste of summer...

Last week we enjoyed weather in the 80's almost every day. We took advantage of the warm weather and hit up the beach and splash park (the pool is still way to cold to swim in). It was Riley's first time at the beach and he seemed to like it. As I was taking pictures of the boys together it occured to me that Tyler was Riley's age the first time he went to the beach, and now he's almost 3! My mom was in town and got to enjoy the warm weather with us. Here are the pics...

I love this picture!

The water is still a little cold!

My cuddly boy.

We finally got him to look at the camera!

Me and my boys.

They love their Granny!

Riley and his friend Hailey at the splash park.

Where's Riley?

There he is!

Look who's got moves!

It's official...

...Tyler is potty trained!!! He has been 100% diaper free for almost two months now. He even wears underwear at night and has never wet the bed. I am so proud of him!

Update on Riley.

Riley went to the doctor again today and he’s gained a little weight. He’s up to 15 lbs 2 oz. The pediatrician was hoping for more, but was happy he hadn’t lost any weight! He went over the results of Riley’s blood work with me and everything was normal. So since none of the tests they did showed anything was wrong with him, and after examining him again and finding nothing wrong, the pediatrician has come to the conclusion that Riley is simply not getting enough calories. Solids are now going to become part of his diet. I’ve tried feeding him cereal before, but Riley still has a very strong thrust reflex and immediately pushes every bit out of his mouth, so I have just been adding the cereal to his bottles when he gets formula. We tried feeding him some cereal when we got home from the doctor. You can see for yourself how that went! Hopefully he gets the hang of it soon so he can start eating veggies too.

"You wouldn't make someone this cute eat that would you?"

Oh the torture!

He didn't exactly enjoy it!

Happier now that he's being left alone.

Riley is now 7 months and his accomplishments include:

*He has begun 'army' crawling. He gets up on his hands and knees and rocks, but when he wants something he pulls himself on his stomach. He isn't very fast, and doesn't go very far, but it's a start towards mobility!

*He is extrememly ticklish! He laughs the most when I hold him up and blow raspberries on his tummy!

*He has decided he's going to be a pacifier kid. Although he likes to hold the pacifier and chew on it rather than just sucking on it the traditional way.

*He sits up in the bathtub now.

*He insists on grabbing everything he can see, including my hair (ouch!).

*He has outgrown the Bumbo seat due to the fact he can climb out of it!

*Since he is growing so slowly he is still in 3-6 month clothing and size 2 diapers.