Interviews with Ian

When Ian turned one, my friend Jenn suggested that I start a "birthday book" for Ian, listing some of his favorites from the year. I thought it was a great idea! Though the first year, I brainstormed his favorite (and least favorite) foods, activities, toys, colors, books, and songs, he could tell me many of these things by his second birthday. I also let him write his "signature" and traced his foot and hand (while recording his current shoe and clothing size).

This year, now that he's even more conversational, I was excited to add to the list of questions. My cousin Marcie posted a fun list of questions on her blog that she was planning to use with her cousin.

It was so much fun "interviewing" Ian. We did it in a few different segments, mainly because Ian was starting to get really silly in the way he was answering my questions. :) The videotaped interviews will be a nice keepsake, and I'm also recording his answers in his birthday book. I'm looking forward to continuing this tradition each year.

Below is another video where Ian spells our last name to the MICKEY MOUSE song tune. (I wish I could post the cute video where he sings our phone number and tells our address, too ... but for obvious privacy reasons, we'll have to show you that one in person. :))

One month old!

Happy one month birthday, Ryan! We’ve loved getting to know you over the past month, and we can’t stop thanking God for blessing us with you! You are a sweet, easygoing, predictable baby … our “mellow fellow.” Most people that see you comment on how much beautiful hair you have and how cute you are. We agree … we think that you’re adorable!

You spend most of your days eating and sleeping. You are a great eater, eating every 2-3 hours throughout the day and night. Based on our measurements at home, you have grown a lot! You now measure 23 ¼ inches and weigh 13 lb. 6 oz. You sleep for 1-2 hours between most feedings. Now that you’re one month old, you’re more alert and staying awake for longer stretches. We love seeing your eyes more often! You’re starting to be able to focus and track objects better.

You enjoy being swaddled, swinging in your baby swing, being rocked and held, and grunting. You don’t cry much, and, when you do, there’s a very specific reason for it. You are already good at “communicating” by giving clear signs for when you’re hungry, tired, or needing to burp. You don’t like tummy time very much, and you seem to be calmed by being outside (though the Texas heat makes you VERY sweaty! :)). You LOVE to stretch, especially right after waking up from a nap or after a feeding. You put your arms up, scrunch up your whole face, and lean WAY back!

You got to meet many extended family members this month (including Grammy and Papa, Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth, and Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea). They loved meeting you and holding you. Some other highlights in your first month included getting baptized into God’s family on your birthday (and having a public recognition of baptism in church a few weeks later), getting lots of hugs and kisses from Ian, and taking a few outings with our family (blackberry picking, small group, church, library, stores, and swimming lessons).

We can’t wait to watch you continue to grow and learn! We love you, Ryan!

Life as a Family of Four!

So, how are we adjusting to life as a foursome, now that we've been on our own a little over a week?? The short answer is that we have our ups and downs.

The good side is that Ryan continues to be a very mellow baby. It's easy to read his cues to know when he's hungry, tired, or needing to burp. He's an excellent eater. He takes good naps during the day and goes right back to sleep after nursing at night. It's nice to be doing the parenting thing for the second time and to know a little more about what to expect (and to know that this time of not enough sleep for us WILL end). We feel a little more confident parenting a newborn this second go-around, and it's such a blessing to have two of us working together to share ideas and encourage one another. We're happy that Ian continues to be a doting big brother. He gives Ryan hundreds of kisses each day and has very specific ways he wants to help (watching diaper changes from the top of the exercise bike, picking out new outfits when Ryan needs a change of clothes, starting and stopping the swing, laying down with Ryan during tummy time, etc.) He gets very excited when Ryan watches him or when he does something that stops Ryan's crying. He thought it was GREAT when Ryan burped after he patted Ryan's back. He loves Ryan to pieces and is very protective when someone else is holding him. We've also been extremely blessed by the help of friends. We've been getting meals delivered every other day or so (what a blessing to not have to worry about cooking!), and a good friend had Ian over to play with her son one morning last week so Kim could catch up on some sleep and small projects (thanks, Kati!).

The not-so-good side?? Aside from the lack of sleep that results when a newborn gets up three times every night (and sometimes more), we've been having a tough time knowing how to parent Ian. Ian has been having a hard adjustment with sharing Momma and Daddy. He's been acting out a lot more -- throwing tantrums, testing the rules, refusing to do things that we've asked (He's often "stuck" and "can't move" when it's time to wash his hands before a meal.), acting like a baby, and generally being disagreeable (even to some of his favorite things and activities). We've seen a lot more tears (especially when asked to do something new, like moving to a new Sunday school classroom). We've certainly been trying to show more grace and compassion (after all, his whole world has been turned upside down), but we don't want to let him get away with talking sassily or not following directions. But, it's certainly hard to be patient when you're sleep deprived!  It's also tough to know how much of his behavior changes can be attributed to his new big brother role ...and how much is just "being three." We continue to pray for God's wisdom as we parent -- and for plenty of opportunities for one-on-one, encouraging time with Ian as well. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, too -- and feel free to offer any suggestions you might have, too.

But, even though we've had our share of hard times with Ian these past weeks, we've also had plenty of laughs and fun times, too. The other day, Ian said that he wanted to do something "on Tuesday." To try to capture the teachable moment, Kim asked Ian what other days of the week he knew. With a gleam in his eye, he said, "Threesday," "Foursday," "Fivesday," and laughed and laughed at his own sense of humor.  We chuckle even when he's not TRYING to be funny, too. While getting out our devotion book, Ian asked Momma to read the story where the "birthmark" (bookmark) was. So cute!

We've also been trying to think of fun and/or new things for Ian to do ...

One thing that hasn't changed is Ian's love for stories. He constantly asks, "Tell me a story about Ian being a big brother." He likes to hear the same stories over and over. We've been taking advantage of the stories to include important information -- like our address and phone number. He now knows his whole address, including zip code, as well as Momma's cell phone number. To celebrate his knowledge, Ian got to call Momma from Daddy's cell phone.  It was cute to listen to him from the other room, repeating the phone number and adding an extra digit each time, "2-TWO! 28-EIGHT! 281-ONE!" as he typed.

He kept busy one morning doing lots and lots of painting.

We also enrolled him in swimming lessons with his two-year-old Sunday school teacher (and lifeguard), Ms. Amber.

Ms. Amber helped Ian "rocket" out of the water after going underwater together.

Ian and the other two boys in his class "monkey walked" along the perimeter of the pool. These two pictures captured moments that Ian actually enjoyed (okay, tolerated) the lesson. He was crying most of the other parts of the lesson, saying that he was cold and asking if he could get out of the pool. Thankfully, Ms. Amber knows just how to handle three-year-olds.

Of course, Ian spends some time each day holding and "playing" with Ryan.

We've also started taking family walks a few evenings a week. This sit 'n' stand stroller has been perfect. Ian will sometimes walk alongside the stroller but mainly likes to sit on the bench or stand up on the platform. Ian also likes to take his spray bottle along on the walks and spray fire hydrants, plants, and mailboxes along the way. Ryan seems to like being outside, too.

Ryan has been focusing a lot better lately. He'll gaze at certain objects for long periods of time and can track moving objects (like the ones on this mobile).

Ian liked splashing in all of the rain that we got this week!

Here's Ryan with his future wife, Lillie, as well as our good friends Chris and Lauren. :)

And, we'll close with a funny video of Ian's new skill.

More fun with Grandpa and Grandma

 We were glad that Grandpa and Grandma were able to stay for a few extra days after others had to return home.

Ryan enjoyed spending time on the quilt that Grandma made for him.

Gotta love the "Big Brother" and "Little Brother" shirts (thanks for Ryan's shirt, Dave and Elizabeth).

What a cutie!

Grandma and Ryan enjoyed time outside as they watched Ian draw with sidewalk chalk.

"I think Ryan needs to burp, Grandpa," Ian reported.

Ryan and Monkey pose for a picture to determine who is longer.  It was close, but Ryan had him by an inch or two.

more time outside with Grandpa

Grandma brought Ian some neat lacing cards and taught Ian how to sew.

Sleeping Ryan in a cute new outfit from Grandpa and Grandma.

gazing admiringly at Grandpa ...

Grandma's arms are so comfy!

Ryan was on Daddy's team while Daddy, Momma, Grandpa, and Grandma played a game of Wizard.

I LOVE when the brothers "play" together on the floor during back or tummy time. So precious!

getting a burp out

another cute new outfit from Grandpa and Grandma

sleeping cozily in Grandma's arms

Ryan helps Daddy again ... this time in a game of Cribbage

Fast asleep!

Thanks for the fun times, Grandpa and Grandma! We loved every moment with you and really appreciated your help. We love you very much and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Schleicher family visits!

We were thrilled to have Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Jon, Aunt Chelsea, Uncle Andy, and Aunt Beth come to meet our newest Schleicher!

Grandpa and Grandma arrived on Thursday night right before Ian went to bed. He was so excited to run outside to greet them!

Ian gave Grandma a flower bouquet he made for her.

Ryan loved meeting his Schleicher grandparents!

Ian was immediately interested in the coloring books and crayons that Grandma and Grandpa brought for him! He invited Grandma to color one page while he colored another.

The Grandmas enjoyed some time with their grandsons before Ian had to head to bed.

Grandma gave each of the boys a VERY special gift -- a homemade quilt! She wrote a loving note on the back of each one. Thanks for this labor of love, Grandma!

"This quilt is comfy," thinks Ryan.



On Friday morning, Ian saw Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea (since they had arrived late after he had gone to bed on Thursday). Uncle Jon quickly assumed the role of Ian's Director of Fun. First item on the agenda ... reading books!

Second up, tennis!

Look at that forehand!

Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea's birthday gift to Ian was a toddler scooter!

What better place to try it out than the foyer?

And why scoot if you have someone willing to be the motor? :)

Grandpa helped with Ian's special "game" ... spraying sidewalk chalk with water and having Grandpa sweep off the chalk marks.

Whee! Aunt Chelsea gives good airplane rides.



















Uncle Jon and Ian cooled down with the fire hydrant sprinkler ...


...and then they threw a soaking wet foam basketball at the fence. Fun times! Finally, they played with Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea's baptismal present -- a wiggly sprinkler Ian named "Caterpillar Blue."

Ian was a little hesitant at first about the spastic caterpillar arms, but he warmed up to the new toy quickly. :)

Ryan got plenty of attention throughout the day as well ...

The Grandmas made a great team in the kitchen!

After lunch, Aunt Chelsea served as the grandmas' personal trainer during some calisthenics.

Good lunges, ladies!

On Saturday, the fun continued!

Grandma and Ian read some stories together, before Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea took him to opening day at the neighborhood swimming pool.

Uncle Andy and Aunt Beth arrived around lunchtime!

Ryan slept for a couple of hours in Aunt Beth's comfy arms.

And then he took another nap later in Uncle Andy's lap.

Uncle Jon was on burping duty.

Uncle Jon and Ryan had a staring contest.

What sweet, beautiful ladies! Thanks for ALL of your help, encouragement, and love throughout your time with us! (Aren't their matching Grandma shirts cute??)

Ian took his scooter for a spin in the driveway,

and then Ian convinced the aunts and uncles to play a round of Hullabaloo.

Uncle Andy and Ryan served as game moderators,

though Ryan fell asleep on the job!

Grandpa and Ian enjoyed some swinging together in the backyard.

Ian enjoyed telling Aunt Chelsea about how Ryan was born in the same month as he was.

It was so nice having guests who made their own meals and helped in other ways around the house as well.

The group celebrating Ian's birthday meal on Saturday night.  We even enjoyed some of the birthday party cupcakes that Momma had made for the Three Bears party and had frozen to be enjoyed with this meal.

Ian enjoyed the after-dinner gift opening as well.

It was a team effort getting Ryan ready for his baptismal remembrance celebration in church on Sunday morning.

Our handsome little man waiting to go in front of the congregation.

Grandpa was invited to lead most of the baptismal remembrance portion of the service.  Aunt Beth and Uncle Andy, along with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andrew, are Ryan's godparents.

We paused for a bunch of family pictures immediately following the service.  (Thanks, Carrie, for being such a willing photographer. Your pics turned out great!)

And since you can never have enough family pictures, we took even more once we got home. :)

Thanks, family, for a fun and memorable time together! We miss you! :)