Baby Dylan ~ 8-9 Days Old

Very quickly, you must know that Hannah Bear apparently caught on to how adorable I thought her, "I dropped the rice," statement was because this morning, as I put on my makeup and she sat on the couch eating her waffle, she randomly announced, "I dropped the rice," just to see me smile.

Have I ever told you how much I love that girl?

*****

Approximately six weeks ago, my nephew was born.  Throughout Ryan's entire pregnancy, I was busy planning for our newborn photo shoot.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on that tiny, squishy little man.  To strip him down to his little bare tushy, bend him in all sorts of adorable ways, and just take picture after picture.

We were all set to take his pictures one week to the day that he was born.  And then I injured my eye.

I was devastated.  And determined all at the same time.  So I went over the next day - wonky eye and all - to take newborn pictures.  Dylan was eight days old.  Neither Dylan nor I were very happy that day.  He was tired, but wouldn't sleep.  He did not want to bend and be squishy.  But take pictures we did.

{I'm a sucker for tiny feet}

{a personal favorite - it made the announcement}

{mama love} 

 {thumb sucker}

{Packers in his blood ~ but NOT from my side}

Since I didn't get any squishy, completely bare pictures during our first attempt, the kids and I went back the second day to see if we'd do any better.  We took some more adorable pictures, but Dylan still did not want to sleep.  Or squish.

{serious thought}

 {again with the tiny feet}

 {oh.my.word.}

{I told you.  She's jealous.  She wanted to pose, too.}

So, while they might not look like the Pinterest pictures I've been hoarding for nine months, they make me smile.  And I think my sister likes them, too.

Wordless Wednesday

{announcements are out - there's more where this came from}

Wordless Wednesday

{this is love}

Not So Wordless Wednesday

{in less than eight days, this little nephew of mine will be in his momma's arms}

{we're all waiting on you, Little Man...you're momma especially so}

{come quick - your cousins can't wait to meet you}

{auntie can't sleep at night - she's so excited}

{tonight would be fine}

just beautiful

Last weekend, I headed over to my sister's house to take some pictures of her precious baby belly.  We're nearing the end (or rather, the beginning!) of this thing, and I wanted it documented for her.  We rescheduled this appointment a million times - if I'm being honest, she wasn't really thrilled about posing for such pictures as she's not feeling especially beautiful.  But, oh - she is!

       

{getting to this picture led to some very hilarious outtakes!}

I keep trying to tell her that she will look back on these photos with nothing but happiness, but she seems unconvinced.  She's uncomfortable, and in pain, and she's ready.  We're all ready, really.  I say this as though I've been carrying a big baby around in my belly for the last nine months, but honestly, I just want to meet my nephew.  I'm ready to watch my sister fall into this role of mommyhood and fall in love with the little man she's made.  And, I want all the little newborn gear to fit him for his newborn photos, so he better hurry!  I'm so, so eager:)

Silent Sunday

{37 weeks and counting}

Baby Shower Fun

Nearly two weeks ago, my mom and I hosted a baby shower for my sister here at our house.  While getting ready for the party with two little ones wasn't easy, everyone pulled together (thank you, Aunt Kathy!) and we were able to get everything ready just in the nick of time.

If I do say so myself, the party was a huge success.  The decorations turned out wonderful, the food was yummy, and the company was perfect.

Ryan looked and (more importantly!) felt great, and she did very well being in the spotlight.  She received lots of beautiful, snuggly things for the little guy we're all anxiously waiting for:)  She has since set up his nursery and unpacked all of her goodies - I am just so very happy for her!

Take a peek into our little, baby bash:

 {Cake table}

 {One of our guest activities - we asked everyone to leave wishes for the baby.  So sweet!}

 {By this time, you should know I'm a sucker for party details.}

 {Check out these adorable diaper cakes.  And that sweet, little man in those sonogram pictures?  Yes, that's my nephew!}

 {Paper products}

 {Baby boy banner}

 {Yummy, sugar cookies made especially for our party}

 {Momma was excited to unscramble some baby words}

 {My cousin, Kristin, and her little man, Owen, playing Baby Shower Bingo}

 {So excited for baby bedding from Grammy and Grampy}

 {Momma and Papa John cutting the cake...and our invite in the background}

 {Sibling love: my Uncle Tom, Aunt Joanne, and Dad}

 {These cousins LOVE when they get to play together}

 {Momma and Papa John with his mom and Aunt Michelle}

 {Grampy, Ryan, and Grammy}

 {The girly-girls}

 {Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jack traveled from Cleveland to be here with Rypie - we are so happy they were here for such a special event!}

{Momma's first subway art}

Little One - we are waiting for you!

Wordless Wednesday

{because one is never enough}