He Makes Our Day!

I was so excited about being home with Riley on Monday! Since I had the day off, I thought we should do something fun. I decided to take him to see Julie and Connors at The Matrix because I thought Riley would just love getting out of the house and playing with all of the cool toys there. It was fun seeing him play with the kitchenette and big blocks. But wouldn't you know that out of all of the toys there his favorite thing to play with was the kid sized chair! ;-) I guess we will have to get him one of his own!

Riley and Connors playing with in the Chair!


Chef Parker at work!


Riley does something new to make us smile every day! He kept reaching for the spoon the other night so I gave it to him and he started feeding himself! It isn't neat, but it sure is cute!


Riley took a nap yesterday and when I went to get him and this is what he looked like! I don't know how he did it, but the one shoulder look made our day! How did he know the 80's are back?

Long Time, No Blog

Wow...how time flies! I looked back to see when the last time I had posted and asked myself why had it been so long? Then I realized that at around the same time I stopped blogging, Riley started walking! I guess it has been so much fun that I have not had time to post! I have lots and videos and pictures to share though so sit back relax and enjoy Riley's latest favorites.

Playing with the pots and pans...


Reading with mom...


Playing like Mr. fix it with dad...


Eating whip cream...


Playing peak a boo...


Going to the UAH game with his cousins...



I also wanted to include some holiday photo traditions we are trying to start! We have this plan to take a picture as a family in front of the tree every year so we can track Riley's growth. Here is the 2008 edition.


So you can see the difference...here is the 2007 edition! Yes, I am in my pajama's! He was 2 months old! ;-)



I also want to take a picture of Riley with his stocking every year. This year, he was thrilled!


He was much more cooperative as a 2 month old. ;-)



I was trying to add some videos of Riley walking and dancing, but for some reason they are taking forever so I will post them next time. ;-) It will give you something to look forward to and I promise that I won't take so long this time! Happy 2009!

Some of Riley's Favorite Things

Riley is growing up so fast! Every day we are in awe of him as we watch him learn something new! Here are several pictures of him playing with some of his favorite things! ;-)

He loves to drum...



Play Guitar...


Listen to the alphabet song...


Bath time with his duckies...


Ride on his Police Cruiser


and win mommy and daddy over with his SMILE!

Halloween 2008

Riley was a monkey for Halloween this year! He was absolutely adorable! We went to Aunt Candace's house to go on a trick or treating hayride in her neighborhood! Riley did not mind his costume at all and he had so much fun playing with all the kids!

Riley in his Monkey Suit!


I had to include the shot from the back so you could see the banana!


The Boys!


Mommy and the Monkey!


Daddy and the Monkey!


The Hayride!


I am much happier riding in the car pulling the hayride!


As I was looking for pictures to add for Halloween this year, I happened upon pictures from last year! The difference is amazing!

What a difference a year makes!

We had our one year check-up last week and here are Riley's stats!
He weighed 27 1/2 lbs and was 31 1/2 inches long! He had 5 shots and was such a trooper! We are so lucky to have such a happy and healthy boy!

My friend, Nancy asked me to post Riley's stats for the year! ;-)
Birth: 10lbs. 3oz. and was 23 1/2 inches
3 months: 16lbs 11oz and 26in inches
6 months: 20lbs and 28 inches
9 months: 24lbs and 30 3/4 inches
12 months: 27 1/2 lbs and 31 1/2 inches
WHAT a difference a year makes!

FALL FUN!

Sunday was the Sanderson crew's annual pumpkin carving party! I look so forward to this event every year! The Sanderson's provide the coolest pumpkin carving templates and tools as well as great food! All we have to bring is our pumpkins. Before this party two years ago, I only carved pumpkins with a face. Now, I like to carve masterpieces! ;-) The Sanderson family is rich in tradition and they sure know how to create wonderful memories! I am so glad that they always include us!

Here is a picture of Riley posing with our pumpkin! It is a witch face!


He could not resist getting his hands on it!


Here is the group picture! I think the spider is the best!


Riley and Matt had fun playing at the park with Nate and Olivia!


I had to include a picture of the pumpkin from last year. We had to miss the party because we had just got home from the hospital with Riley. Candace and Cate made us this pumpkin dressed as a baby and carved with Riley's initials!

RILEY IS ONE!!!!!

As hard as it is for us to believe, Riley is officially ONE today! Time sure does fly when you are having fun! ;-) We celebrated with our families tonight and it was a great time! Here are some pictures of our celebration!


I LOVE the Happy Birthday Song! I think? Yeah...I do!


Riley's Little Cake...it was Chocolate...Matt's Favorite!


My first bite!


YUMMY!


Now this is the life!


Riley's Big Cake...it was Chocolate Chip...My Favorite!


Opening presents with my cousins Tyler and Abbie!