Happy Valentine's Day!

Crawling backwards....her new favorite sport.

I love 'U'

Where in the world is Ryan?

Our future world traveler getting the lay of the land...

Perhaps a safari in Africa?  Grandma, Grandpa would you guys like to spring for that?  

Today was 65 degrees so we went for a stroll around the block.  Guess who also made the trip?  That's right, it's baaaaaacccckkkkkk --- Mr. Spatula!

Even kitchen gadgets can use some fresh air every now and then...

Learning my letters while crawling backyards (we haven't quite mastered the forward motion just yet) - stay tuned....

Spatula!

Ryan has a million toys, all shapes and sizes, some make noise, some don't, some have fun colors, some cost big bones, some are freebies.  However, none of these compare to the raw beauty of a spatula.  It's her new favorite accessory.  And, as our little girl grows, it provides comfort as she is teething - her first tooth is starting to poke through, let your fingers beware! 

Spatula, part I....

Part II...

 

Bath time?  Let's bring our new friend, part III...

Even my rubber duckie appreciates the spatula, part IV....

Nothing like a warm towel and a kitchen utensil after a relaxing bath, part V...

Live from the bath tub....

Ryan's new friend...

Sunday night we had some friends over for dinner and that included little Cameron, 4 months.  Ryan enjoyed poking her and attempting to chew on her feet.  I'm sure that's a proper greeting in some cultures.

Ryan and Cameron

If you pinch your cheeks, they look redder, like blush.  Here, let me do it for you.  

I sure do love my Little Einsteins

Just stretchin' my growing bones.

Beeeeezzzzzrrrrtttttttttt....

  

Beeeeezzzzzrrrrrttttttttttt = Ryan's new favorite 'word' 

6 1/2 Months!

Ryan is getting more and more of a personality by the day (sometimes scary as she is perhaps taking after her mother's stubborn side) - she is very active, talkative and an all around happy baby. Here are some random shots from the past few days.   

Playing on the floor with her new toys from Ella - thank you Ella!!

Thinking about crawling, but why do that when mom and dad will just carry you around?

See - dad is a sucker for me! 

Saltines....yum!!! 

Hey, how many photos of me do you want - can't I just play in peace? 

Bringing in 2009 in style!

Ryan had quite the start to her first new year --- we headed out to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Parade (one of the perks of mom's job) and then we flew through Dallas to spend time with Ella, Barclay, Roberto, Erica, Grandma Pegs and the entire Dallas gang.  Ryan really enjoyed her first vacation, seeing as she got away with murder:  sleeping in the killer hotel bed with mom and dad, being allowed to nurse (room service) through the night (as mom was scared the rest of the hotel guests would not appreciate a crying baby), and being spoiled by her grandparents.

Resting up with dad before the big trip:

On my fourth airplane ride so far - I'm an old pro at this...

My first night in California - lounging in style at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica.  Grandma teaches me the best things!!!  I love wine! 

Cruisin' up the coast to Malibu - lunch at Gladstones.

My first trip to the ocean!  

My first steps on the beach - I could get used to this! 

This little piggy went to the beach....

First steps in the ocean.  (Well, I suppose 'steps' is stretching it a bit - first 'being forced to feel the cold water by my parents for a photo op' would be more appropriate).  

Can't we buy a home near all the famous celebs on this beach?  

My own personal walking partner - Grandma and Grandpa pushed me all over Pasadena! 

This is truly the life - high thread count sheets, a king size bed, nothing but a towel.  I have it made! 

I'll take a nice sunset with my dinner please.

Drinking water out of a glass is hysterical! 

When you travel with Grandma & Grandpa you get to try all sorts of new things - this time I got bread!  Yummy...

So excited to sit in a high chair and eat with my peeps!  

Returning home - back to reality.  As you can see, I'm not too pumped to return to the cold, Missouri weather and some tough love in order to get me back on my sleeping schedule.  

But, then again, I'm only 6 months old and my memory is short.  Playing on the ground, at home with my blocks, is just as fun as sunny California!!