*Just a side note* Ragnar is THIS FRIDAY! 36hours of running and riding in a van with 6 other people...you can bet I will have plenty to blog about =)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Biker Dude
These were taken while at our Ragnar Packing Party last Friday night.
I'd say he looks a little too comfy up there!!
Of course we wouldn't want the fact that he is on a bike to hinder his appetite!! (A true Riley!)
*Just a side note* Ragnar is THIS FRIDAY! 36hours of running and riding in a van with 6 other people...you can bet I will have plenty to blog about =)
*Just a side note* Ragnar is THIS FRIDAY! 36hours of running and riding in a van with 6 other people...you can bet I will have plenty to blog about =)
The Weary Traveller
Yes, I travel.
A lot. And to far places...
I know....Glamorous! or is it??
I was a kid who traveled all over the world. What an opportunity. What an experience.
Then, I was a professional who traveled all over the world (mostly) for work. Again, what an opportunity, what an experience.
Now, I am a professional and mother who travels all over the world (mostly) for work. What a difference a kid makes!
Don't get me wrong, it is still a great experience and opportunity, but I am young, I have many more years to see the world, and more importantly, to take my family WITH ME!!
In fact, I am writing from the Etihad lounge in the Frankfurt Airport. It is 2am Tucson time and I have yet to sleep. I have a 4hr layover before another 6hr flight to Abu Dhabi. My head throbs, yearning for some zzzs and proper hydration. I've just looked at my calendar and realized that I will have been home for two full work weeks from the beginning of Jan through March 8th. Hum...
Funny thing is, I changed my job after having Ayden so that I would be domestic based. Yet, here I am sitting in a faux leather chair, watching BBC, surrounded by middle aged business men, contemplating whether to jump in the shower before my next flight.
The fact of the matter is I will be in the air as long, as I am on the ground. I should admit that it is my own fault as I pushed my flight back to be sure I had the most possible time home with just enough time in country to do what I have to do.
[Jumping on plane - To be continued....]
Apparently blogging is more important to me than personal hygiene as I never did take that shower before running to the next flight.
But, back to the complaining...
Despite my efforts, the trip is still too long. And as luck would have it, my loaner pool laptop went ca-putz the first morning I was here. So my saving grace of video chats is ruined. Thus, here I am unable to sleep, on the public computer, blogging...
My wonderful husband (thank you thank you thank you!!!) does a great job of keeping me in the loop while I am gone. He sends pictures to my phone then gives an email wrap up of Ayden's day. It is debatable whether this actually helps me or not, as I feel some serious guilt and sadness about not being there with them, but in the end it brightens my day and makes me laugh out loud to see my crazy cute kid enjoying life.
Traveling is a lonely task. But I thank my lucky stars I have this to come home to.
Stay tuned because J also made some great videos while I was gone, I just can't post them from here!
A lot. And to far places...
I know....Glamorous! or is it??
I was a kid who traveled all over the world. What an opportunity. What an experience.
Then, I was a professional who traveled all over the world (mostly) for work. Again, what an opportunity, what an experience.
Now, I am a professional and mother who travels all over the world (mostly) for work. What a difference a kid makes!
Don't get me wrong, it is still a great experience and opportunity, but I am young, I have many more years to see the world, and more importantly, to take my family WITH ME!!
In fact, I am writing from the Etihad lounge in the Frankfurt Airport. It is 2am Tucson time and I have yet to sleep. I have a 4hr layover before another 6hr flight to Abu Dhabi. My head throbs, yearning for some zzzs and proper hydration. I've just looked at my calendar and realized that I will have been home for two full work weeks from the beginning of Jan through March 8th. Hum...
Funny thing is, I changed my job after having Ayden so that I would be domestic based. Yet, here I am sitting in a faux leather chair, watching BBC, surrounded by middle aged business men, contemplating whether to jump in the shower before my next flight.
The fact of the matter is I will be in the air as long, as I am on the ground. I should admit that it is my own fault as I pushed my flight back to be sure I had the most possible time home with just enough time in country to do what I have to do.
[Jumping on plane - To be continued....]
Apparently blogging is more important to me than personal hygiene as I never did take that shower before running to the next flight.
But, back to the complaining...
Despite my efforts, the trip is still too long. And as luck would have it, my loaner pool laptop went ca-putz the first morning I was here. So my saving grace of video chats is ruined. Thus, here I am unable to sleep, on the public computer, blogging...
My wonderful husband (thank you thank you thank you!!!) does a great job of keeping me in the loop while I am gone. He sends pictures to my phone then gives an email wrap up of Ayden's day. It is debatable whether this actually helps me or not, as I feel some serious guilt and sadness about not being there with them, but in the end it brightens my day and makes me laugh out loud to see my crazy cute kid enjoying life.
Traveling is a lonely task. But I thank my lucky stars I have this to come home to.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Look Who's Poopin'?
Without a doubt, the most endearing face is the 'pooping face'. There is no ifs, ands or buts about it, we know when Ayden is pooping. In fact, with Ayden it isn't just the face, it is the grunting and pushing that goes with it. We don't need to be in the room to spot a stinky butt in the making, but when we are there and Ayden looks up at you with those dough eyes that say, 'what is happening? why are you staring at me?' and sometimes even, 'a little help here?!?', your heart just melts. Ahhh, the wonder of being a baby!
As you can see here, the event can require a death grip on a near by object for support.
This picture doesn't quite do it justice so I'll keep my camera (slash iPhone!) posed and ready to catch better footage of nature at its best.
Jinxed
Oops!
Looks like I may have jinxed us.
I've been telling Ayden for months that he needed more teeth to keep up with his appetite. He sprouted four quickly at 6mos and we have had NO action since.
I guess I forgot to mention in my heckling that when they do sprout it would be nice if it was spread out.
Oops!
So, here we are, going on two weeks of runny noses, mucusy coughs, fevers, binkies, blankies, lots of cuddling and more drool than victoria falls. The little man is taking it like a champ, but looking into those waterly red eyes, knowing he is hurting, and feeling helpless just plain stinks =(
Needless to say, Ayden is growing 4 new teeth...as we speak. Pics of the new grin to come!
Looks like I may have jinxed us.
I've been telling Ayden for months that he needed more teeth to keep up with his appetite. He sprouted four quickly at 6mos and we have had NO action since.
I guess I forgot to mention in my heckling that when they do sprout it would be nice if it was spread out.
Oops!
So, here we are, going on two weeks of runny noses, mucusy coughs, fevers, binkies, blankies, lots of cuddling and more drool than victoria falls. The little man is taking it like a champ, but looking into those waterly red eyes, knowing he is hurting, and feeling helpless just plain stinks =(
Needless to say, Ayden is growing 4 new teeth...as we speak. Pics of the new grin to come!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
You Can't Fight Genes!
OR.....maybe it's the fact that mommy dresses him in awesome soccer clothes, takes him to daddy's games and her own, lets him watch all the soccer he wants, and places a soccer ball on his foot every chance she gets.
Either way, it looks like Ayden might have the soccer gene (well hopefully a couple of them...daddy's long gazelle-like legs + daddy's endurance + mommy's strength + mommy's skill ;) - perk of being the blog writer, + mommy and daddy's field sense) =)
This makes mommy so
After a long long day of being the best valentine a little boy has ever been. Ayden, (aka Mr. Hunk a Burnin' Love) crashed.
These are the details I dream about. The details I never want to forget. The details I want to be able to conjure up when Ayden is grown and having his own little ones.
Either way, it looks like Ayden might have the soccer gene (well hopefully a couple of them...daddy's long gazelle-like legs + daddy's endurance + mommy's strength + mommy's skill ;) - perk of being the blog writer, + mommy and daddy's field sense) =)
This makes mommy so
soooo
soooooo
Happy..... and maybe a little Proud.
Simply angelic.
These are the details I dream about. The details I never want to forget. The details I want to be able to conjure up when Ayden is grown and having his own little ones.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Ayden asked me to give a shout out to all his valentine's out there...
that you for the cards and not to worry, there is enough of him to go around =)
But seriously, enjoy the day with the special people in your lives and SPREAD THE (hunk a burnin') LOVE!!
We love you all!
that you for the cards and not to worry, there is enough of him to go around =)
We love you all!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Little Drummer Boy
Ayden received his first drum for his birthday and has been wielding a set of drum sticks ever since. We even have a set for him to take in the car!!
Thank you Veronika!!!
Thank you Veronika!!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
1st Year Stats Are In
Drum roll please....
Weight - 23lbs 2oz = 50-75%
Height - 30.5in = 75%
Head - 48.5cm = 95% (No comments Uncle Mike - this is obviously due to his huge brain as he is developmentally at 18mos - so says the super scientific pediatrician circle chart)
A few lights, some gentle probing and 3 lightening speed shots later...Ayden is the picture of healthy.
One year down.
Weight - 23lbs 2oz = 50-75%
Height - 30.5in = 75%
Head - 48.5cm = 95% (No comments Uncle Mike - this is obviously due to his huge brain as he is developmentally at 18mos - so says the super scientific pediatrician circle chart)
A few lights, some gentle probing and 3 lightening speed shots later...Ayden is the picture of healthy.
One year down.
Pop Pop Poppin'
So I had planned to give you all a break from my incessant blogging, but when you have a kid like this running around it is impossible for me to not want to share our joy and happiness with you.
This is his favoirte toy right now and my favoite thing to watch!
Thank you Nea!!
This is his favoirte toy right now and my favoite thing to watch!
Thank you Nea!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Rainy Sunday
This past Sunday was a lesson in perspective. It was either a very unproductive day or a wild success, depending on how you choose to view it.
The day began very early for me, up staring into the glow of my computer screen, writing away on a few catch-up posts. Outside the rain came down in sheets. Inside, the house was quiet - except for the soothing tap of rain drops on our roof - the boys sound asleep lost in their dreams and the dog curled on my lap almost purring with relaxation. The sun was not yet up, but my day had started and the 'to-do' list was growing longer by the minute. Having been gone the past week, I had but Sunday to do the errands.
Sunday is usually soccer day in the Riley house. This Sunday J and I were both slated to play at 11. Judging by the level of my pool, I knew the games would be canceled and the day would be ours to do with as we please. This meant only one thing - errands!
So, once the boys were up and we all showered and got ourselves packed into the car, we headed off toward our first 'to-do'. Five minutes before our ETA Ayden dozed off for his afternoon nap. What to do?? Continue with the plan, wake him up and drag him into the store? Or find something else we could do while remaining in the car. We chose the latter and a hour later we made it back to our original destination....only to find as we walked around the mall, looking like deer in headlights -reading and re-reading the mall map - that the two stores we went to see were BOTH closed. Gone. Vamoose. Perhaps we should get ourselves out from under the parent rock more often, or, as I'd like to view it, we are spending our time more wisely these days =)
Since Ayden had been such a trooper, we decided he would enjoy some play time in the kids area.
This was J's first experience with Ayden running around like a little boy. Jumping and climbing and dodging the (what seemed like hundreds) of other kids. He was a little nervous to say the least.
In the end, I think he enjoyed watching Ayden navigate his environment and saw the amazing independence he exudes. Ayden was so at peace with himself, his intentions and the chaos surrounding him. He played his little heart out until we decided we should move on and try to accomplished another task.
We should have known the next store would be closed on a Sunday....of course! One of only two days a week most people are off work and the stores decide it would be the prime day to close.
So, instead we followed our stomachs to food. Being the typical cash strapped new parents, we broke out the gift card collection and decided on The Macaroni Grill. Ayden went to town on his mac & cheese and chicken fingers, then, being full and content, he felt the urge to kick back and relax...
What a ham.
By the time our feast was over, and we had nonchalantly kicked all the food on the floor into a small, more manageable (aka less embarrassing) pile, it was time to head home to meet Candice and Kevin for our monthly dinner.
Candice made us a wonderful rainy day feast of homemade chili and cornbread....does it get any better than that?? Oh wait, it just might...she topped it off with a fresh, out of the oven, apple crisp a la mode.
(I'll wait while you wipe the drool from your mouth)
As you know, this Sunday also happened to be the Super Bowl. Ayden was styling in his Manning jersey (yes, I do realize it is the wrong Manning, but it's the thought that counts!), so we did a mini photo shoot in the backyard. Here are some shots.
For more pics see our Shutterfly page.
In the end, we got ZERO errands accomplished. But we did have a wonderful day filled with family time and the fantastic company of our dear friends. I'd say it was a wild success =)
The day began very early for me, up staring into the glow of my computer screen, writing away on a few catch-up posts. Outside the rain came down in sheets. Inside, the house was quiet - except for the soothing tap of rain drops on our roof - the boys sound asleep lost in their dreams and the dog curled on my lap almost purring with relaxation. The sun was not yet up, but my day had started and the 'to-do' list was growing longer by the minute. Having been gone the past week, I had but Sunday to do the errands.
Sunday is usually soccer day in the Riley house. This Sunday J and I were both slated to play at 11. Judging by the level of my pool, I knew the games would be canceled and the day would be ours to do with as we please. This meant only one thing - errands!
So, once the boys were up and we all showered and got ourselves packed into the car, we headed off toward our first 'to-do'. Five minutes before our ETA Ayden dozed off for his afternoon nap. What to do?? Continue with the plan, wake him up and drag him into the store? Or find something else we could do while remaining in the car. We chose the latter and a hour later we made it back to our original destination....only to find as we walked around the mall, looking like deer in headlights -reading and re-reading the mall map - that the two stores we went to see were BOTH closed. Gone. Vamoose. Perhaps we should get ourselves out from under the parent rock more often, or, as I'd like to view it, we are spending our time more wisely these days =)
Since Ayden had been such a trooper, we decided he would enjoy some play time in the kids area.
This was J's first experience with Ayden running around like a little boy. Jumping and climbing and dodging the (what seemed like hundreds) of other kids. He was a little nervous to say the least.
In the end, I think he enjoyed watching Ayden navigate his environment and saw the amazing independence he exudes. Ayden was so at peace with himself, his intentions and the chaos surrounding him. He played his little heart out until we decided we should move on and try to accomplished another task.
We should have known the next store would be closed on a Sunday....of course! One of only two days a week most people are off work and the stores decide it would be the prime day to close.
So, instead we followed our stomachs to food. Being the typical cash strapped new parents, we broke out the gift card collection and decided on The Macaroni Grill. Ayden went to town on his mac & cheese and chicken fingers, then, being full and content, he felt the urge to kick back and relax...
What a ham.
By the time our feast was over, and we had nonchalantly kicked all the food on the floor into a small, more manageable (aka less embarrassing) pile, it was time to head home to meet Candice and Kevin for our monthly dinner.
Candice made us a wonderful rainy day feast of homemade chili and cornbread....does it get any better than that?? Oh wait, it just might...she topped it off with a fresh, out of the oven, apple crisp a la mode.
(I'll wait while you wipe the drool from your mouth)
As you know, this Sunday also happened to be the Super Bowl. Ayden was styling in his Manning jersey (yes, I do realize it is the wrong Manning, but it's the thought that counts!), so we did a mini photo shoot in the backyard. Here are some shots.
For more pics see our Shutterfly page.
In the end, we got ZERO errands accomplished. But we did have a wonderful day filled with family time and the fantastic company of our dear friends. I'd say it was a wild success =)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Aftermath
After his jammin' party ended Ayden hit the wall hard. In fact I couldn't change his clothes fast enough and hadn't even sat down in the rocking chair before he passed out.
He wasn't the only one in need of some down time =)
After a healthy nap, Ayden was back to himself again, enjoying dinner Riley style!
Hey, you have a little something...
He wasn't the only one in need of some down time =)
After a healthy nap, Ayden was back to himself again, enjoying dinner Riley style!
Hey, you have a little something...
Almost got it...
Nope, still there =)
'I, wanna rock n' roll all night....'
'and party every day!'
This was the theme of Ayden's 1st Birthday party. And what a party it was. Joined by 30 or so of our closet friends and family, Ayden played his heart out, stuffed his face with cupcake, then hit the infamous wall....hard!
When came time for diving into the massive cupcake, we gathered everyone around, sat Ayden in his birthday throne....and realized we didn't have even ONE candle (we are clearly new at this!). Thank goodness for your neighborhood Walgreens and a friend like Nea.
Ayden waited in suspense.
Finally the fun began.
And so did the singing...out of tune.
Who would have thought he would go straight for the fire!
Ayden went in head first.
Yummy!!
Dash was a little upset he wasn't able to get in on the action! (Don't worry - just two more months!)
And with that, we opened up the cupcake bar (care of Nina) to the guests to create their very own cupcake delight.
It was the perfect party. Thank you to everyone for making it a special day for Ayden, and for those who couldn't be there, we missed you!!
For more pics visit our Shutterfly page.
This was the theme of Ayden's 1st Birthday party. And what a party it was. Joined by 30 or so of our closet friends and family, Ayden played his heart out, stuffed his face with cupcake, then hit the infamous wall....hard!
Cupcake on steroids care of Aunt Kristen
The Rock Star himself
A few of the awesome guests!
Ayden waited in suspense.
Finally the fun began.
And so did the singing...out of tune.
Ayden went in head first.
Dash was a little upset he wasn't able to get in on the action! (Don't worry - just two more months!)
And with that, we opened up the cupcake bar (care of Nina) to the guests to create their very own cupcake delight.
It was the perfect party. Thank you to everyone for making it a special day for Ayden, and for those who couldn't be there, we missed you!!
For more pics visit our Shutterfly page.
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