Reminiscing...

Saturday I was putting our Christmas pictures in our photo album. I had filled one up as a result and started to flip through. The album starts with pictures from when the babies were born (yes, a very large album). It amazed me to look back on those pictures. One that struck me in particular was me holding Ryleigh a few days after birth. She was curled up in the fetal position on my chest. Her little bum and feet were in my hand, up on my chest. Her little head was nestled on the bottom of my neck. So tiny. A sharp contrast to now. Cayden woke early yesterday morning due to congestion. He fell back asleep on me and I just left him there. His feet and bottom rested on my lap. His head was on my shoulders. By comparison to day 1, these babies are just huge. They really do grow so fast.

9 months is quickly approaching (this coming Friday). So hard to believe we are quickly coming to one year. They've been hitting some major milestones lately, with both Gabe and Ryleigh crawling forward. Ryleigh promptly started to crawl into laps and pull herself up to standing. She will even take a few steps if you hold both of her hands. We are in trouble! C ayden is content to watch it all from a sitting position - which for him is legs spread and arms out to his sides. He is more interested in balancing. Of course he tries to crawl and has conquered reverse. All in good time Cayden!

As of last Wednesday, Ryleigh weighed in at 15 lb 13 oz, Cayden 16 lb 10 oz, and Gabe has regained the lead at 16 lb 11 oz! Size wise, the boys are always neck and neck. Although they still look very similar, their personalities are really starting to help tell them apart. We've had a lot of visitors lately and Cayden has won the 'most laid back baby' award each time. He has no problem holding down the couch and watching football with the guys. Ryleigh is too busy for such things, preferring to crawl around and see what else is going on. The minute she gets bored, or stuck, she will let you know. Gabe just enjoys jumping away in his exersaucer and flirting with the ladies. Yikes. Their nanny was sick today so I had the pleasure of spending the day with the trio. Today was the first time they all 3 wanted in my lap - with Ryleigh and Gabe crawling up themselves and Cayden just reaching out his arms and crying till he got held too. It was amazing how quiet it got once they all 3 were there - oh yes, it can be done! One on each leg and one in the middle and we were all happy. At that point they all looked at each other as if to say 'now what do we get her to do?!' Oh the fun we are in for.....

A quick thank you to Nana and Grandpa Sowers who watched the whole crew yesterday so that Jon and I could go see the Buckeyes beat Michigan. It was such a treat to have some time to spend together. Happy Birthday Big Daddy!

Results

As  expected, Ryleigh takes home the first Cayden John Baby of the Week Award. 

Baby of the Week

Court and I decided last night to begin a Baby of the Week contest.  Best sleeper, eater and overall behaved baby will take home the crown and gain the coveted acknowledgedment on the refrigerator.  While Connie will be placing her vote at close of business on Friday, Courtney, Austin and I will each vote Sunday evening.  This will come as an absolute shock to those who know the trips well, but little Ryleigh Roo may have a slight lead and seems to be inching away from Cayden.  Cayden is pretty much baby of the year and has no peers......my sisters nearly ripped his left arm off when it was time to choose a baby for an overnight stay in November.  However, Rye has cleaned up her act this week, big-time.  She has slept later, ate better, and required a little less attention.....not to mention she has far and away the best hair.   I even tested her tonight by putting her in her crib while wide awake.....and we didn't have to return (crossing fingers as of 11:00pm).    Gabe appears to be teething and dropped out of the contest within 45 minutes. 

Stay tuned as this epic battle continues.....

On a side note, i was preaching to Courtney this evening how Rye was a serious contender for the baby of the week.  Shortly thereafter, Austin proclaimed that his sister was "not a chicken tender."  I gazed at him dumbfounded as the dots were not connected right away, until Courtney figured out that he thought I said his baby sister was a "chicken tender", not a contender.   Maybe, you had to be there.......

More blog updates forthcoming........soon.

Easily entertained......