Happy Haunting

Our favorite goblins, enjoying some pre-trick-or-treat fun on the porch. And a rhino, a nod to Ryan's new nickname from our circle of pals.

All Smiles

Little Ryan is one month old and all smiles. Why, you ask? Well, we aren't positive since our boy wonder isn't quite speaking full sentences yet. But our best guess is that it's because the construction project is making great progress toward that highly-anticipated completion. At least, that's what is making his mama smile these days.

Check out the progress in the new bathroom. (Those holes in the wall are for future medicine cabinets and lighting fixtures.)

And, look at the window (repurposed from the playroom) in the girls' new bedroom. Ahh...such great light in that room.

Lucy can't wait to move in! Soon, sweet girl, we promise! Up next...flooring! Stay tuned...

East meets West

As you might recall, there was a bit of a race between Amy's baby and our baby to see who would make the debut first. In the end, baby Ryan beat baby Liesl by two days.

On Sunday, the two met for the first time. As you can see, Ryan relished the opportunity. And Liesl did her best to sleep through it. Maybe she foresees the teasing he might dish out in future years and hopes to get an early start on coping tactics...

Born to Bike?

Anyone else notice a theme going on here? (Anyone else know another three-week-old with this much bike paraphernalia already??)

Fortunately, Ryan is all smiles about his future as a world famous Tour de France cyclist!

Two by two

Two weeks old, and a champ through two back-to-back soccer games.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: The Construction Edition

Our home could not be a noisier place these days. Between jackhammers excavating, concrete trucks pouring a new foundation wall, power saws cutting wood and removing sheetrock, and nail guns putting up new walls and a new roof, it's louder than Grand Central Station most days. Here's the progress we've made thus far... starting with a new back wall retrofitted to be seismically stable.
A new foundation wall down below, so that the house can last another 100 years.

And, the future bedroom for the girls, complete with a fun vaulted ceiling which is so high that they can jump on top of bunk beds... (uh, who thought this was a good idea, again?)

And what does Ryan do through the incredible decibels of noise? Well, he sleeps like a baby, of course. With guard dog Greta close by on patrol. Yep, I'm pretty sure this noise is indoctrinating him in all kinds of ways. (And if he grows up to be a carpenter, it will surprise no one.)

Eleven Days Late...But Worth the Wait!

On Wednesday, September 21 just before 3am, we welcomed Ryan James into the family.

Proving the old adage, like father like son, he was laid back in temperament, content and cozy in the womb. Three induction methods and 21 hours of labor later, he finally decided to join the bright world.

Much like his uncle Ryan, his eyes sparkle and his smile is warm. And, for the many special James' in his life, he is already proving his merit with his content nature. We can't wait to introduce him to all who contributed to his special name.

We are smitten.