Ryker's Point of View

Our little guy is still growing and eating and pooping and sleeping (not necessarily in that order or in equal proportions). He thought it would be cool to let people into his life. Mostly it's chill, he just lays being held. Sometimes he eats or poops, but DeA didn't think either of those were photo appropriate. He does like playing with Rock, especially when he is at his level and heavily, heavily supervised.

See, no problems here. Lots and lots of fun.
Ryker's only beef is when no one is around and he sees this:

"MMMOOOOOMMMMMYYYYY!!!!!"

Trip Round Up, Rock's Achievement and Big News!!

We made it home from Washington on Thursday morning and quickly realized that we had left our camera behind. It arrived yesterday from Grappy Dale, so we had some cuteness on there to clean up and post. First, Rock found where Grammy and Grappy kept their gloves, and he was able to try on all different kinds.

He also found their stocking caps, and he felt that was what his rapping career was missing.
Grappy didn't mind if Rock went through their groceries, and Rock took complete advantage of it.

We finally made it home super early Thursday morning after a stop in sound Seattle (more on that later...). Rock and Ryker were able to sleep the whole drive in the car, which meant that they woke up just before sunrise after we got home. We decided to let them police themselves all morning, and ended up with scenes like this:

Rock would switch between being homicidal and loving, so I'm sure Ryker was very comfortable with the whole situation.

Recently Rock has started letting us know when the ol' fire hose is about to burst, but up until now the whole number two thing has kind of eluded him. After a few turds on the living room carpet, he finally made it to the toilet in time!! He pushed and he grunted until this came out and he could say "Ta Da!!".

Here is a picture of Renton, Washington.

Why would I internet steal and post a random picture of Renton? Well, walk with me while I tell you a little story: Once upon a time, there was a family named the Englands. They moved to Central Point, Oregon and thought they were going to settle in for a nice little while. After a few months there, they started to feel that maybe things weren't going to work out with their situation. After graduating from school, Aaron was faced with the task of finding a new job. After looking around for a few weeks he was given an interview with a doctor in Chelan. He loaded up his wife and little kids to make the drive north. The interview didn't go as well as planned, so Aaron and DeAndra were back to square one. They found a classified ad for a practice in Renton, WA, and so Aaron sent in his resume. After a few communications back and forth, it was agreed that they would stop by the practice on their way through Seattle. Well, to make a long story (and a flat joke) short, they were offered the job! It is a really great opportunity, and it gives us time to learn and grow before (and if) we decide to venture out on our own. So, this week I'm moving up to Renton to start my new job!! We are really sad to leave Central Point and DeA's family, but feel that things have happened the way they have for a reason. We are blessed, thankful, and humbled at how well we have been taken care of by our families. We couldn't have asked for more supportive parents and family!

Anyway, so the blog now has a new look and title. Hope you like it!!

Santa Vaca!!

We were gallivanting around town this morning running errands, checking snipped genitalia, breaking leases...you know, the usual parenting. When we got home Rock took his pants and diaper off, then ran into the bathroom and....
WOO HOO!!!!!!
He was pretty proud of what he did in the toilet, and got off of the toilet and yelled 'Ta Da!!'
The only problem is that now he thinks he's a big boy, and big boys don't wear diapers. But...he also thinks big boys don't wear any other clothes either.
He was rightfully pleased with his accomplishments, until...

"Uh oh...."

Even after we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house he still insisted on being mostly neked. That's why this picture is darker, it makes it more artistic.
Good job, Rock!!

Phone Clean Up

Well folks, it's that time again: Time to clean the pictures off of my phone! On Wednesday we made out journey back to Medford from Manson. Rock was a little distraught leaving his Washington Grandparents (he didn't know what they'd do without him...), so he cried on the phone to Bampa Deo for about 30 minutes...
A few weeks ago we were driving around Jackson County, and came across an ice cream shop in Shady Cove. Rock ordered a small scoop of bubble gum ice cream, and then chilled while enjoying the sunshine.
Oh, and he thought my root beer shake also belonged to him.
Later that night DeA wanted to have her toes done, and Rock thought it would be a good time to bond with Mommy without the little bundle of attention hogging ruining the fun.
Little Ryker didn't like being left out of the fun, and made a note of the discontent with his bottom lip.
Rock enjoyed watching Special Agent Oso on the TV, and his dad yell at Oso because he can't see the STINKING FIREFLY BEHIND HIM!! IT'S RIGHT THERE!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!

Manson Trip Rolls On!!

Ryker was chilling peacefully on the couch when Rock realized that attention was being given, and he wasn't a part of it. So he climbed on and laid next to Ryker.
Rock thought it was fun, Ryker wasn't so sure.

After Rock became distracted by building blocks, Ryker was suddenly happier.
I don't know what Rock is doing here, but it looks cute.
Rock still loves Mickey hats, and right now he's working this awesome gold one.
Mommy has been sleeping on the chair with Ryker lately, and so Rock thought that the chair must be pretty comfy.
It wasn't, but he had a better view of the TV. He was watching Barney Miller with Bampa, and now he is hooked.
Yogurt and Cap'n Crunch, the breakfast of champions!

HAPPY FACE!!

Rock and the Continuous Search for Attention

Rock's entire existence seems to be based around finding and receiving attention. It's easier now that he's no longer in Iowa, but he still knows that he has to put on a show. He found that putting on Grappy's Mickey Mouse ears does the trick.
He was a little disturbed when Chayo came over for her birthday party and she held Ryker...
But she and Case made up for it later.
Rock also wasn't impressed when I paid more attention to Mario Kart, so he kept trying to steal the wheel from me.
Chayo was pretty impressed with her birthday cake and candle.
Lil' Ryker is still sleeping through the day, and today he tried to protect his lil' head from Rock's 'affectionate' love taps.
But even with all the Ryker attention going on, Rock still found out that he can get the attention he deserves with his happy face, the rocking chair and a can of apple juice.
He can even tell cute stories that increase the attention quotient by 10!
Dressing up like mini-Bampa Dale is another great way to get attention at home and at church. The old ladies couldn't resist his adorableness.
Ryker was glad that Mommy decided to keep him home, that way he didn't have to worry about Rock's 'affectionate' head butts.

Rock found Mommy and Ryker after church, and so he had to join the party to earn Mommy's attention.
After naps he sat down to tickle the ivories and play some beautiful music. He's a little Billy Joel, just a better driver.