My Ryan Then and Now but still the Same.

My early bird. 7 weeks exactly. Came into this world before he was really ready and on days I still think he is mad about that. He has this spitfire little way about him that Evan never had. But just when I find myself starting to compare the personality traits in my boys I stop and remember that as their mother that's really not my job. Well most of the time it's not my job. Instead I feel that a big part of my job is nurturing their differences and teaching them to be okay in their own skin and encouraging them to just be themselves. Evan is a lot like me. He has this sensitive side to him that I can relate to. I worry about his heart getting broken when he is a teenager and some girl crushes him (more about an idea brewing in my head on how to keep the boys from dating and driving until they are 25 in a later post).
But My Ryan, he is all together different. He always has been and probably always will be, and yet the thing is I am in awe of him. From the moment he came into this world early he has been a fighter. He fights for what he wants, he is strong he is a leader he is funny and sweet and somewhat of a bully at times but that's just who he is. We are into the two's right now with Ryan and there is no hiding the fact that he is a hard two year old. His stubborn streak is really starting to shine and has been really giving me a run for my money. But so did Evan, and so do all two year olds and I find myself still wanting to treat Ryan with kid gloves. He was early.....5 pounds when he was born via emergency C section on a rainy Saturday night. I only saw him for a few seconds before they whisked him away to the NICU and I could hear his breathing, labored almost rattling like a bird. Lungs they said, his lungs needed to be checked out first of all. His lungs, his ability to take in air and breathe. But his lungs were good. Only 24 hours on oxygen and much to the NICU nurses surprise he was okay breathing on his own after that. My Ryan, my fighter. I still remember the fist time I saw him laying in the NICU so small all ready hooked up to tubes and wires. He was sleeping of course but I overheard one of the NICU nurses comment on for being so early he was a feisty little dude. Yup, that's him, My Ryan. My heart, my insides, my hell on earth on some days but in a nutshell my everything. In awe of him is an understatement. I you could fall in love with your own child more and more every day that might sum it up. He's hard to like sometimes....But so easy to fall in love with again and again again and again. My Ryan....my sweet baby......I love you so.
Mommy

Special Weekend.

For my sisters baby shower, we had family come into town. My Aunt Toby and cousin Lori came and my 90 year old Nana also made the trip. Since we don't get to see them very often it was wonderful having them here!! The boys had a great time with the family and Nana especially loved watching my Dad (her son) play with his grand kids.

Evan's First Year of school - A look back

Preschool Moments for Evan.

Preschool comes to a close

What.... the year is over already?? Wait, it just started. I just picked out Evan's first day outfit and got him his new school bag and took this picture of him before we left. I just dropped him off for the very first time and with tears in my eyes began this new milestone for both of us. And here it is May already... The last week, his closing program tomorrow and it is still hard to believe. Well, actually it's not. Its' been a great year for Evan. I still remember driving him that first day, looking back at him in his car seat as we sat at the stop light a mile away. With a lump in my throat I turned and asked him "You ready for school Evan" He nodded but had no idea what I was talking about. Now 9 months later I can't keep him quiet about school. He has loved his teachers Ms Sabrina and Ms Tracie. He has made friends, he has gotten time outs and yes even once had to sit in Ms Tracie office for pushing another kid. He has learned new songs, blessings to say before meals, and has taught me a thing or two about the "proper way" to do puzzles. I am so amazed at how much Evan has changed over the last year. I took him to school as a 2 1/2 year old and picked him up as a boy....a boy I can have conversations with. A boy who now can poop on the potty all by himself, a boy who in ten minutes I will get up for school and he will go down the stairs counting each one in Spanish. My boy Evan....but always and forever always my baby. I am so proud of him. Now let summer begin!!

Baby Saine is almost here

Well, she is 35 weeks now and I can still remember the phone call back in early October when she called and asked me how reliable those pregnancy tests were. After I almost drove my car off the side of the road I was hit instantly with pure happiness and excitement for her. See, she got to see me go through this twice and each time I kept hoping the same thing would one day happen for her. And it has and it's been a quick 8 months. Okay so it's easy for me to say that but not her. I do remember that there is nothing "quick" about being pregnant. But she has done great. I am so proud of her and can't wait to meet him. For those of you who are wondering his name will be Jackson Hayes Saine. Hayes being our maiden name so it is pretty special. He will be the third boy to grace our parents as a grandson. I think Mom has given up on either of us producing a girl but who cares. Jackson is almost here, his due date on schedule, the Mommy and Daddy to be healthy and excited. All is well and I am so grateful for the new blessing getting ready to enter our lives.

WE LOVE OUR PAPA!!

It's so great when Papa and Grandma come to visit. We love them so much. I would include a picture of grandma, but like me she is always the one behind the camera. So here is one of our favorite pictures of the boys with Papa. Next time We will get Grandma in there too. Thanks so much to two very special people who came up and helped us celebrate Mothers Day. We love and miss you!!!!