A home-run hitter in the making!

Have you ever...

seen a baseball player...

as cute as this?

*Notice the must-have items here are a baseball hat (check), sunglasses to block the sun from the outfield pop-flies (check) and batting gloves (or winter gloves) (check)! I think Ryan may have a future in the big leagues!

What we have been up to

I feel like I am neglecting the blog lately - and I guess I have been. But I have good reason - or at least I have a busy schedule that will explain why I haven't blogged much lately. Our weekly routine goes a little something like this:

Monday: Jake is up and out of the house early for work. I get up at 6:00 a.m. to get myself ready for work, get Ryan up and we're out the door by 7:25 (usually). Work until 5:00. Yoga at the gym 5:30 - 6:30. Home to make dinner, clean the kitchen, get Ryan in bed, and then head for bed myself.

Tuesday: Same morning routine. Work until 5:00. Weight Watchers meeting 5:30 - 6:30. Jake has softball at 1 of the following times, 6:30, 7:45 or 9:00. Make dinner, clean kitchen, get Ryan in bed, and then head for bed myself - sometimes while Jake is still at softball!

Wednesday: Same morning routine. Work until 5:00. Zumba at the gym until 5:30 - 6:30. Home to make dinner. Bedtime routine.

Thursday: Same morning routine. Work until 5:00. Get Ryan dressed and packed to spend a few hours with Grammy and Papa. Zumba at the gym 7:30 - 8:30. Rush to get Ryan home and in bed at a decent time. Jake has softball at 1 of the 3 times listed above. Usually in bed at the same time Jake is coming home from softball.

Friday: Same morning routine. Work until 4:00. Usually some sort of shopping trip (WalMart for groceries/household supplies) then I pick up Ryan. We head home to decide what fun activity we will partake in to start the weekend!

On any given day during the week, dinner may or may not consist of a drive-thru meal and I may or may not actually clean the kitchen! Once the weekend hits, throw in housecleaning, laundry, going places, keeping Ryan entertained because he is NOT a home-body (unlike his Momma!) and we are just exhausted by the time Monday rolls around again!

This weekend will be busy visiting with family. My Uncle Augie (Jr.) passed away last weekend, so Saturday will be spent at the funeral and then gathering with all our family to celebrate his life. Although it is sad that we have to see everyone because of a death, it is so nice to gather with all our extended family. Papa & Shirley are here (Ryan calls him Big Papa because my Dad is Papa!), Aunt Jackie is coming in on the train tonight, David, Michelle, Natalie, Kevin & Shannah are all driving in to be here too. It will be a busy weekend, but what's new!?

I'll update with pictures soon. I just got some good pictures of Ryan off the camera and onto the laptop - now just to find the time to load them to the blog!! Happy Friday, all.

A message from Ryan

Today is Auntie Michelle's birthday! Happy Birthday, Michelle, we hope you have a great day!

Story Time

I wanted to share a funny thing that Ryan is doing lately - so that I don't forget!

Last night I let Debbie host Bunco at our house. So there were 12 of us girls at the house, and as we were just about finishing up, Jake brought Ryan home. Ryan came and sat on my lap watching me roll the dice and this is a conversation we had:

Ryan: Mommy, want to hear a story?

Me: Ok.

Ryan: Jaylynn locked me in the closet and then the witch came in.

Me: What? (Apparently not paying enough attention...) Jaylynn locked you in the closet? That's not nice!

Ryan: No. That's not nice.

I went on about playing Bunco until Jake asked Ryan, "Did you tell Mommy a story?" And come to find out he had been story telling all day. The deal is that he starts telling a story (it's always the same story) and it always starts out like this: "One day...Jaylynn locked me in the closet. And then the witch came in." Then he laughs and thinks he is so funny! And he is! :)

Where has the time gone?

Wow - I used to love blogging - and I still do I just haven't had anything interesting to say lately!

Had a great weekend. Michelle & David and Kevin & Shannah came into town this weekend for Shannah's baby shower. On Saturday Jake kept Ryan for me so I could have some "girl time" in town with my mom & sister, and Natalie of course! We had lunch at Panera with a long-time family friend. (Hi Chris!) Then we hit up Target, Michaels (I went to Old Navy) and back to Target! Thanks, Jake, for letting me have some ME time this weekend. It was much needed and much appreciated!

On Sunday I had 2 baby showers to attend, they started 1 hour apart and there were 10 miles in between them! I ran by Tracy's shower for a short visit but ended up mostly watching Ryan run around outside. Then we headed to Hanford for Shannah's shower. It was nice to catch up with an old friend and see some family there too. Shannah and Kevin got some really nice gifts and I bet are totally overwhelmed with getting the final touches on the room and baby's closet/dresser! We are really excited to meet our new nephew, only a few more weeks! (By the way, nephew, Uncle Jake and Auntie Patty are on vacation from work the week of June 21 - if you decide to make an early appearance, that would be a Great time!! Haha!) Sorry no photos from the weekend - I forgot the camera at home.

Ryan is on a second round of antibiotics - ear infections didn't quite clear up the first time (2 weeks ago). He's having some trouble with these stronger meds and it's causing me some anxiety about whether to continue the meds and deal with the side effects OR quit the meds and pray the ear infections clear up on their own (is that even possible??). Ugh! I just got off the phone with Ryan's doctor and he pretty much said the decision is mine to make but that if I discontinue the meds, Ryan's ear infections are not likely to clear up and could possibly get worse. It's times like this that make this Mommy job really difficult! I hate to see Ryan in pain and it was hard to drop him off this morning knowing he wasn't feeling 100%.

I look forward to keeping up with the blog now, will update with more pictures soon.

The dreaded "double ear infection"

I took Ryan into the doctor this morning because since Easter morning, when he woke up a little feverish and was not all that into Easter festivities, he has been not-quite-himself. He has been skipping lots of meals, sleeping more and then the runny nose and coughing ensued. This morning after Jake left for work, Ryan would not stop crying from his room. I could hear him, through the sobs, saying "I want out of here." So I told him to come to my bed. He crawled in bed with me at 5:45 a.m., we turned on some cartoons and then we both went back to sleep. I figured it was going to be a "sick day" so I just turned off the alarm clock and ignored the fact that I should have been up getting ready for the Friday workday.

I called in sick to work, called my Mother-in-Law to let her know we wouldn't be coming today and then called the doctor's office. Ryan got in early and as always, freaked out when the nurse wanted to weigh him and take his temperature. I am not sure where the fear comes from but he absolutely hates going to the doctor! OH and then when the doctor comes into the exam room and pulls out the stethoscope, you would think he was pinching Ryan with how loud Ryan screams!

We got through the appointment to find out that Ryan has ear infection in both ears. We were prescribed some antibiotics and sent on our way with a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks. For most of the day Ryan has been napping and generally not feeling well. Besides some pancakes for breakfast, Ryan really hasn't eaten anything today. He's just fallen asleep on the couch next to me so I think it's time for medicine and bed.

I hope everyone else is healthy and enjoying the weekend ahead! Say a little prayer that by Noon tomorrow (24 hours on antibiotics) Ryan will be on the uphill mend from this ickiness!

Missing in Action

I'm still here! Since Jake asked tonight why I haven't blogged lately, I decided I better at least pop in and say hello!

We are just doing our normal, everyday routine around here. Jake is back to playing softball two nights a week, I'm attending Weight Watchers once a week and trying to get back to the gym a few nights a week too. It's been busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Ryan is doing well - he's cracking us up everyday. I love to hear his little voice talking so much! Lately, every time I give him something he responds with, "Thank you Mommy" and when I ask him to do something he says, "Ok Mommy" and it's just the best feeling! We are still experiencing amazing bedtime routines - no fuss and usually no tears! Ryan is still sleeping through the night in his big boy transition bed (thank you God - I love my sleep!). One thing we have been having a little fight with is eating. Ryan has not wanted to eat dinner much lately...I try everything I can think of! Tonight I stood in the kitchen listing off all the things I could make for him for dinner "Do you want Chicken? Macaroni & Cheese? Oranges? Pears? Hot Cereal? Cold Cereal?" and every thing I listed, Ryan just shook his head and said, "No." I am out of ideas for this child! He has not really been picky until now. Do any of you have any food ideas I could try? When I do cook (not just heat up frozen food!!) I let Ryan sit on the kitchen counter and help me "cook" so that he is part of the process...but he would prefer playing in the back yard lately.

Anyway, as you can see, not much new going on. We're just hanging in there living life!

Body Pillow

Ryan gives the term "body pillow" a new meaning!!

This is how I find Ryan sleeping most mornings when i go in to wake him up. It's hard to see in these photos but because he's so tall and does not fit across the bed, his feet are both through the bed rails and up against the wall!

All that bed, and he only likes to sleep on top of his pillow! :)

Here's a glimpse...

...at what I am working on in the craft room.

If only I were a better artist, this would be an easier project!!

Monster Jam!

Do you know...

Who LOVES Monster Jam???

Do you know who sat through a few hours...




Of watching Monster Jam and Megasaurus???

Do you know who LOVES Grave Digger???

And loves loud nosies and things that go VROOM???

If you guessed...

Ryan, you would be correct!

We're so glad our little man does so well with the loud noises and big trucks!

She's the Princess

Last weekend we had a great little visit at Kevin & Shannah's house with them, Michelle, David, Natalie, Papa & Grammy!

Here I am - Ryan on 1 arm and Natalie on the other. She eyeballed Ryan's sippy cup the entire time!

She finally got the cup in her mouth - and Ryan thought that was pretty funny!

And here she is with her Grandpa! She was just hangin' out!

It was a great day at the coast. Natalie sure is growing and changing and soon (in a few months) we'll be meeting our newest nephew when Kevin & Shannah's boy arrives! We look forward to many more fun, family visits with all the cousins together!

Where's my Motorcycle?

Hi Grammy!!

Check out Ryan's new motorcycle gear, on loan from our friend and neighbor, Bailey!

Ryan loves all things motorcylce related. In fact, his tricycle has become his new "motorcycle"!

I'm afraid I'm going to be a motorcycle mom instead of a soccer mom --- and that's ok, so long as there's enough Xanax within my reach!! HAHA (totally joking...well, maybe)!

Random Thoughts

• As I type this, I am sitting in the bathroom watching Ryan take his bath. For the past 3 nights, Ryan has insisted on taking a bath (usually we skip a day in between, unless he's played outside and really needs to wash!) and he will stay in the bath tub for an hour if we would let him!
• I should be doing something productive while Ryan is in the bath --- like clean the bathroom counters and sort laundry (but I would rather blog!).
• I started working on some CUTE Easter gifts for the kids. I bought a little inspiration today at WalMart and have some motivation to work on them this weekend.
• Ryan just told me, "I'm filfy" (translation: filthy)! HAHA! So funny!
• I have 4 no-sew fleece blankets to make in order to finish my obligation for Disneyland Give a Day, Get a Day volunteer project. I need to just take the time to sit down and get busy!
• Tomorrow is Friday and that means we are going to Monster Jam this weekend! Ryan is really excited. Every time we see the commercial on t.v. he stops what he's doing and says, "I want to go!"
• I need to make some time to see my friends --- Tracy, I need to see your baby belly before little Hudson makes his appearance!! But I am also working on a crafty project for Hudson and I want to finish that to give you A.S.A.P.
• I have a lot to do! I better get going and do at least 1 more thing before I call it a night and sit down to watch American Idol results show.

Happy (almost) Friday everyone! I've got some posts almost ready to publish with some recent pictures of the goings on in the Avila household lately...I'll get them up soon.

Crafting

I have got an itch to be crafty again! I have found a way to "mistreat" my windows and as soon as I can get to a fabric store, my living room and master bedroom will thank me!!

I've also got an idea for a really cute hand-made gift for a certain upcoming holiday. I am going to head to Michael's tomorrow to purchase everything I need for my newest craft venture. I can't be any more specific regarding what I will be making because I will be making them for all my nieces and nephews (including unborn Baby Boy F - he can save it for next year)! I can hardly wait to get them done so I can deliver them to you guys!

Ahhh --- I may just go ask Jake if he wants to go to Michael's right now!

We went to a graduation party today for a friend of ours who just graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy. It was pretty cool to see the video of his graduation. A total of 117 Officers graduated. Congratulations Matt! I also have to brag on Ryan for a minute - usually when we go to outings Ryan is clingy on me and shy with the other kids. Today though, Ryan walked straight through the house and to the backyard where all the kids were playing. He was SO GOOD! After about 2 hours at the party, he was ready for a nap when we got home!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Stay tuned for the reveal of the new crafts!

My birthday weekend

Today I am 28! I've had a great birthday day and look forward to my birthday weekend!


I woke up to a cute note left by Jake next to my purse: "Happy B-day, Love You!"


And a cute gift bag was left on my chair at work by my co-workers after I left the office yesterday...so that it was waiting for me when I arrived this morning. They know me well - the gift bag included Bath & Body Works lotion and shower gel along with some cute new earrings and a necklace! Love those girls -- thanks, girls!


A few hours into the day, I was called to the front lobby and a delivery person was standing in the lobby with an adorable gift. It was from a local Candy Boutique and there were 2 cupcake candles inside with some Hershey's Kisses sprinkled throughout. Thank you Debbie!


I LOVE my birthday! And, as Michelle reminded me, it is sort of a funny joke that it usually rains on my birthday! There is rain in the forecast for late this evening and the weekend - but it's held off so far today.


Tonight Mom, Dad, Doyle, Arline, Jake and Ryan took me out to dinner. Mexican food is my favorite so today has been my idea of perfect!


Tomorrow evening we are going to have a few friends over to watch Supercross. It will be my birthday weekend all weekend long! Hopefully I will get to sleep in a little and enjoy some family time this weekend.

Thank you, everyone, for all the birthday wishes on Facebook, e-mail and text messages!

Look out for the crazy driver!

A little public service announcement to all our neighbors who like to enjoy outdoor activities that may involve walking and/or standing on the sidewalks:

Look out for the crazy driver!

Beware of sudden stops...

And reverse driving...

And for the next 14 (or so) years, the streets will be safe while Ryan drives on the sidewalks!

Valentine's Day Weekend Recap

Our Valentine's Day celebration started a little early, on Saturday! Jake asked if we had any plans for the night and my usual response, "none that I know of." He informed me that we did, in fact, have plans and that I should be prepared to go somewhere. I was wearing my pajamas still and asked if I could go like that or should I take a shower and get "ready?" A little later that morning, Jake took Ryan with him to his parents' house to help replace a washing machine while I ran into town.

I met Jake and Ryan at his parents' house after I ran my errands and while there his mom asked if Ryan could come back later to have a slumber party with all his cousins. They had plans to order pizza and hang out playing games and watching movies. Of course that sounded like a fabulous idea so Jake and I could go out on our date.

A few hours later, after Ryan had a bath and we were all ready for our date, we dropped Ryan off with Nanny and Papa and headed to Hanford for dinner. We tried out the new Restaurant, Luna, and thought the food and the atmosphere in the restaurant were fabulous! Then we headed to the movies and watched Dear John - loved it! I decided I wanted to pick up Ryan and bring him home instead of leaving him to sleep there because I wanted him to be home on Valentine's Day morning to open his gift from us and to eat a big breakfast with us!

Sunday morning I woke up early, laid on the couch for 45 minutes reading my book and enjoying the quiet, still house. Before Ryan woke up I made breakfast - French Toast, bacon and sausage - and an English Muffin for me! Just as we finished eating breakfast, Ryan woke up and was sweet as could be!


Ryan opened his Valentine's Day present from Mommy & Daddy. Then Jake opened his gift from Mommy! (Jake had given me a Rose on Saturday.) Ryan finished off the sausage and spent the rest of the day playing with his toys and playing outside - the weather was beautiful this weekend!

Today, President's Day, was a nice, lazy day at home with Ryan. Jake had to work til early afternoon so Ryan and I hung out doing laundry, cleaning the kitchen and playing. I had to make a run to WalMart this afternoon and Ryan came along. While we waited in the checkout line Ryan wanted a bag of Doritos. He was so good in the store, not begging for anything, that I bought the bag for him. He started eating them in the car and as we were almost home I asked him if the chips were good. He didn't answer. I asked him again if he liked his chips. Again, no answer. I turned around and found Ryan sound asleep in his car seat with his hand still in the bag of chips!

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day with the ones you love! I'll be sure to add pictures to my next post - these picture less posts are getting boring!

"You're Here!"

Last night I went to play Bingo with some gal pals for our February birthdays! Jake kept Ryan home while I got some much needed girl time in.

This morning when I went into Ryan's room to get him up, this is the conversation that occurred:

Me: (Not turning on the light because every morning he requests only the hall light be turned on!) "Good Morning Sunshine!"

Ryan: "Mommy! You're here!"

Me: "Yes baby, I'm here!"

Ryan: "I miss you!"

Me: "Awe, I missed you too!"

Ryan: "I love you!" (always with emphasis on the word love!)

Me: "I love you too baby!"

Ryan: "Me not a baby!"

HAHAH!!! I love him so much - he just melts my heart with the sweet things he says these days.

And that's all I've got for you today.
Happy Thursday!

Does that make me a bad Momma?

Ryan decided to start potty training ALL ON HIS OWN last night - used the toilet 3 times before he went to bed, even! Today I am told he only used the toilet once while at his Nanny's house. Since I've been home from work this evening, Ryan has not asked to use the toilet at all. I asked him several times and he finally agreed that he needed to. THREE TIMES we have gone into the bathroom and waited, and waited and he still did not go. Five minutes after finally getting a diaper back on him, he decided he needed to go and my response, "You're wearing a diaper Ryan - I'm not playing around with you on the toilet!" HAHA. I feel terrible now that I think about it and can't believe I'm blogging it but I like to be honest!! :) I know we have a long way to go in the potty training adventure - I'm just looking for someone to be honest with me about how difficult it really can be.

It's about 45 minutes before Ryan's bed time - think I can convince him to go to bed early so I can go to bed, too?

Welcoming a Nephew!

Kevin and Shannah are having a Boy! They invited the family down to Round Table Pizza yesterday afternoon for a Gender Reveal Party. We arrived to find pink AND blue cupcakes decorated on the table, with pink AND blue jelly beans to snack on as well. They had each of us hold either a pink or blue cupcake (depending on what we thought the baby would be) and take a picture as a group for the baby book. Then they told us we had to wait until after lunch to find out girl or boy. When they brought out the pizzas, we quickly saw BOY spelled out with tomatoes and olives on each pizza! (I forgot to take my camera - sorry, no pictures from me!) It was a cute way to reveal the sex of the baby. And they wrote down their top boy names and let us give our input on what names we liked and which ones we disliked, OR to give suggestions of spellings or our own name ideas for Baby F.

We look forward to Baby F's arrival in June.

Congrats to Kevin & Shannah - boys are lots of fun! :)