Nana & Papa's NEW House

Last month my parents made the move to their new home.  In the past few weeks we have gone over multiple times to help them do their garage sale, pack, move, and then of course unpack.  The night they got the keys we went over to help...it was, by far, the boys' favorite night at their house - there was no furniture moved in, and the carpet was still on the floor (it has since been replaced with hardwood).

Running around (and around) the column.

I really do think they are going to be disappointed the next time we go over, and there is not a huge open room for them to run (and run, and RUN).

Cuddly Babies

After reading the boys bedtime stories, Patrick and I will usually lay down Harvick and Jarrett. Ryder gets in bed, and one of us will lay with him to pray, and to help him calm down, before leaving his room.

Tonight, Harvick and Jarrett both needed their diaper changed right before bed (they had been put in their jammies a little early).  While Patrick changed them, I rocked with them in the chair - and, much to my enjoyment, they were each cuddly!  They are definitely getting too big for me to easily hold them together, but I loved that for a few minutes they were willing!

A cuddly moment before bed.
(Jarrett on the left, Harvick on the right)

It's the small things that make us the most happy sometimes!

Ryder . School Pictures . Preschool 2012/2013

Ryder's Preschool does not provide the typical "school pictures", and his daycare only does it for the Preschool kids (which he isn't able to participate in, due to attending a different Preschool).  So, when Megan Hauze Photography offered a "Back to School Mini Session", my friend Jennika (who scheduled her daughter) suggested it to me as well.

The session didn't go exactly as I had envisioned, but the end result is so great!  Thankfully (for me), Jennika was willing to stay during Ryder's session to help get him to smile (Patrick stayed home with Harvick and Jarrett).

Ryder wanted to wear his train shirt (the one he wore the first day of school - I agreed, as long as I could pick the shirt he wore on top of it.  We started the pictures dressed up, and ended taking off the green shirt - I'm happy that I have both!
(...notice the grumpy shot - although it definitely wasn't the look I was going for, I love it!)

Ryder . Preschool . 2012/2013

...in trying to find a link to last year's school pictures, I am astonished at how much older he looks this year.  My baby is growing up faster than I have given him permission to do so...

Brothers . September 2012

Wow!  September proved to be a difficult month for the Brothers picture.  When Harvick and Jarrett were dressed in their matching overalls, it was a perfect chance for a picture.

First, Harvick was upset.  To calm Harvick down, I gave him his bunny...which meant Jarrett needed his animal (a puppy).  Then, to get the boys to all look toward the camera and possibly smile, I started playing peek-a-boo, and of course, Ryder copied me.  And before we knew it, Jarrett who had been patient all along, decided he was done, and wanted to get down...

In between all of this, the following is the best shot that we got...

Brothers . September 2012
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

....perfect!

One Year Ago: September 2011

All Brothers Posts

Apraxia of Speech . Week 40

This week, for the first time, I reached the point where I told Ryder to STOP TALKING.  Without trying to sound too dramatic, I wondered if this day would come.  I've always believed Ryder would be able to speak, but it has been, and continues to be a long, hard road.

Ryder is expressing himself more and more verbally.  He still struggles with saying the correct sounds within words, and struggles with many words completely.

But, his increased verbal expression is really a great improvement.

His Speech Therapy this week went well.  He gets fixated on the trains, and sometimes struggles with cooperating with his SLP.  As I've said many times previously, we are so incredibly thankful for his SLP - she doesn't give up, or get frustrated, she just moves with Ryder at his pace (which, is a very fast pace!).  Ryder's worst session with his SLP is better than any session he had at PCMC - our 4 month "review" of Ryder's situation is an easy one.  We will continue with his SLP, and not pursue therapy through PCMC.

I forget what this activity is called, but Ryder is working on saying the words on each "flashcard", then upon saying it correctly puts it in the correct place (they have velcro).  The sounds in the second words builds upon the first word...bee, beat; A, ape; etc.

Patrick's Birthday . 2012

Patrick isn't a huge fan of celebrating his birthday.  Honestly, he allows any celebrations because he knows I enjoy celebrating.  On his actual birthday, we met up for lunch at his favorite Mexican restaurant.  Dinner was simple - Papa Murphy's pizza.

We agreed to not really exchange much for birthdays this year - but, I hated to not do anything.  I asked Ryder about 2 weeks before Patrick's birthday what he wanted to get him.  Without hesitating, he had an answer - he wanted to give Patrick a "hooc-hee" (cookie).  You see, one of Ryder's favorite books is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" - in the birthday version of this book, the mouse can have whatever he wants for breakfast - after going through several choices, he decides he wants a cookie!  Ryder thought it was the perfect gift!  I checked with him again a few days before Patrick's birthday, and Ryder's answer was consistent - a cookie.

TOP: Patrick with (left to right) Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett (while eating their cookies!).
BOTTOM: Some awesome open-mouth kisses from Harvick and Jarrett.

We enjoyed a fun evening at home with the boys, just playing together.

When Ryder was old enough to sit up (6 months?), Patrick showed him that his legs could be a "slide"...and Ryder has never forgotten - he loves when Patrick will let him "slide"!

After sliding down Patrick's legs over and over (and over), Ryder offered his legs as a slide...not sure that it is as fun for Patrick, as it is for Ryder!

Silly babies in their jammies!
TOP: Harvick does the splits (purposefully!) every time he is in footie jammies, or socks.  We all think it is so cute - Harvick typically will clap for himself at his achievement.
BOTTOM: Jarrett throws random temper tantrums - without reason.  Luckily, he is able to get over them quickly!

Patrick's birthday was simple, but a fun day!

Random Evenings

Today a friend commented that I haven't been updating the blog as much as I had been recently.  This person hasn't updated their blog since NOVEMBER...but...

So, tonight, rather than just skipping a night because I have too many pictures of the things I want to blog, you get a snapshot into our typical evenings.  Our routine in the evening varies slightly, depending on the night, but typically the boys have some time to play with any (or every!) toy they want after dinner.  I love when Patrick and I have the time to just be with them, letting them lead our interactions.  When I can, I try to take a snapshot or two, to try to remember these nights.  I do love having pictures of our weekend outings, or holidays, but the pictures of our everyday are often my favorite.

Sitting on the couch, all at separate times.  Ever since Harvick & Jarrett figured out how to climb on the couch on their own (for probably 4-5 months now), you can find them randomly sitting there, often without any toy, or the TV on, just enjoying their accomplishment.
(Jarrett, Harvick, and Ryder)

Sometimes the boys will all interact together in a joint game/activities, and other nights they prefer to all play on their own, with only occasional interaction.  It's fun to see them work together, but also great to watch as they develop individual personalities!
(Harvick, Jarrett, and Ryder)

It's the simple things that bring us the most joy, right?  Evenings like the ones pictured above is just that for me.  Nothing fancy, no special effort/time/etc.  Just us.  Being a family.

Harvest Moon Festival . 2012

Ogden's Harvest Moon Festival was Saturday.  I had seen it advertised, and thought it might be fun for the boys - combined with Union Station having a Steam Locomotive on display for the weekend!  Patrick's mom suggested joining us, followed by dinner, to celebrate Patrick's birthday.

We decided to start at the east end of 25th Street, as ending at the trains would be the best for Ryder!  We walked around the vendors, but didn't really find anything too exciting.  As we approached Union Station there were several art/activities for children.  Ryder wasn't too interested, but did participate in the Nature Center painting (using various "fall items" - leaves, pumpkins, corn on the cob, branches, etc) as paintbrushes, and the bean bag toss.  At the end of the street there was a "Tumble Bus" - an old school bus retro-fitted to be a traveling gym for kids.  Ryder LOVED it!  Exiting the bus on the slide was extra fun.

After walking the length of the street, we headed to Union Station to see the trains.

Looking at the trains on display.
(Right: Harvick was sad about something...and I think his sad face is the cutest!)

Ryder loves climbing in/on the trains.

Family picture in front of Steam Locomotive #844!

Harvest Moon Festival . Union Station . 2012
(Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right)

Harvick, Jarrett, and Ryder (too excited about the trains to stand still for a picture!).

After exploring the trains, we headed inside for Patrick's Birthday Dinner, at Union Grill!  Patrick's grandma was able to join us as well.

(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

After dinner, we let the boys play at the fountain for a bit before heading back to our car to go home.  They loved the freedom to run around after having to sit still for dinner!

Playing at the fountain.  Ryder thought it was fun to dip his fingers in the cold water!

The Harvest Moon Festival was okay, but visiting Union Station was the highlight of the evening!  Dinner at Union Grill was great, and Ryder enjoyed being able to see the train through the window while he ate.  Thanks to Jody for a yummy dinner!

Apraxia of Speech . Week 39

Ryder did well again in therapy this week.  We practice as we drive to the library about how he will act.  I think he is better understanding he has control of his emotions.

Ryder was definitely more interested in playing with the trains, than he was in doing his speech work, but with some coercion he will a willing participant.

At the SLP's request, Patrick and I added to his "frequently used" vocabulary list.  This list is the words that Ryder says, or would like to say, regularly - but, that he is unable to correctly enunciate.  As we added, I decided to organize the words a bit more, removing previous words that he now can say without issue - it was quite insightful!  Ryder really is progressing.

I was able to get in contact with Ryder's SLP at Preschool - she says he is willing to cooperate, and make efforts to produce the sounds requested.  His current goal will be to work on the "b" sound.

TOP: The SLP puts her hand up to stop the trains from continuing across the bridge.  Without her insistence, Ryder would be content with not speaking, and just playing with trains!

BOTTOM: Ryder intently listens (and practices) as the SLP shows him the new worksheet she has for him to use this week.

 

Peach Days . 2012

Since 2008, Patrick and I have been going to Brigham City for their annual Peach Days.  Even though last year was a bit hard with a 2 year old, and infant twins, we enjoyed ourselves, and were looking forward to go back again.

Friday morning Patrick and I facilitated my parent's Yard Sale.  We decided to take the boys out to Brigham after picking them up from the babysitters.  I texted a friend (former co-worker) who lives in Brigham, and she met us for dinner.  

We walked around the vendors, where we ran into some of my previous co-workers manning one of the Coke booths.  I knew Vicki took a picture of Ryder and I, but was surprised when it was emailed to all of that area's employees!  Luckily, it got forwarded to me too.

Ryder and me at Peach Days!

The carnival rides were pricey (again), so we first looked around to see if Ryder would be interested.  Upon seeing the train, and a car ride, he quickly decided which rides he was interested in riding.  We had the discussion with Ryder, over and over, that he would only get to do two carnival rides.  He understood, and was excited to ride!

Ryder, on the car and train carnival rides.

Harvick (left) and Jarrett (right) waited patiently in the stroller while Ryder was on the rides...next year I'm sure they  will want to be on the rides too!

We walked around additional vendors, but when Ryder didn't want to walk anymore, he convinced "Reece" (Charisse) to carry him.  I think he weighs nearly as much as she does.  Patrick and I both told him no, but Charisse willingly gave in to his request.

Charisse carrying Ryder around the vendors!

Before we could leave, I asked Charisse to take a picture of us in front of the peach (and other fruits/veggies) display.  I wish I would have gotten one with her in it too!

Peach Days . 2012
(in the stroller: Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right)

Ryder has discovered the joys of taking pictures, and almost always wants to take one after he has  been in a picture himself.  We're working on him aiming the camera at the subject - Patrick was caught as he was bending down a bit because it looked as though Ryder was aiming low.

As we were walking back to our car, we walked along the street with free children's games - the games were similar to those at Tomato Days from 2 weeks prior, but had very long lines - not worth it!  That is, until Ryder saw the train ride.  It was free, and the line was minimal - so he was able to ride!

Ryder, enjoying the free train ride.  He had hoped to sit in the "green caboose", but when it was taken by the boys in front of him in line, he happily chose the purple car.

We had a fun evening!  Thanks to Charisse giving up her Friday evening, it was even more fun!  Whenever you transfer offices the hardest part of moving/changing positions is leaving the friendships you've made.  Leaving Brigham was hard for me - working in a small office, with the same team daily for 2 years led to several great relationships.  Charisse was on the hiring panel that promoted me to the position that took me to Brigham.  We became friends quickly, and I cherish the friendship we have maintained.  And, to top it off, Charisse loves my boys.  She regularly comes to visit, and even came to the hospital when Harvick & Jarrett were born!  

A blurry shot (I didn't have my flash with me) of Charisse walking with Harvick back to our car, while Patrick is ahead, pushing the stroller.