Family

A lot of you have asked us about Tess (Rylin's Birthmom) and I realized that I haven't updated much about she or her family recently. Because open adoption is a new concept to a lot of people, and all parties in our situation are pretty transparent, I feel like we have an obligation to share some of our story whenever we can. We do feel truly blessed to have been matched with a birthfamily that is so much like ourselves when it comes to honesty and openness, and we know that it is no coincidence.

We continue to have a great relationship with Tess and usually text or message one another on a weekly basis. Because we live so close, she has been able to visit several times a month and continues to be surprised by how much Rylin has grown and changed. We laugh about how he has her lips and his birthfather's pointy head! Sometimes she brings a few of her friends, and sometimes her Mom is with her. Rylin gets lots of attention (which he is beginning to love), and no shortage of kisses and photos. Tess is working and taking classes to finish her high school diploma and to get a few college credits. She is definitely a typical teenage girl who is very social with lots of friends.

I asked her today when she stopped by for a visit to give me an idea of her perspective of life after October. (Because that's what everyone really wants to know) She said that she knows her decision was the best she could make considering the circumstances. She has days where she misses him and feels the true loss of parenting, but she says she is confident in her choice. She said that getting to see him has helped a lot. We both mutually agree that our relationship is better than we could have imagined it would be and are thankful for that. She thinks about Rylin all the time, and she has been keeping a journal since pregnancy that she plans to give him when he is older. We listen to a CD that she made special for him and gave to us after he was born.

My hope for Rylin (and I know Tess's too) is that he always feel wanted and loved...and I think we're off to a pretty good start!

Jumping Just Because

Rylin has been especially active the last couple of weeks and Jordan and I were beginning to think he needed something that would let him move around a bit more. I found this great Jumperoo (yes, that's really whats it's called) on Craigslist and I'm not the only one who thinks it was a bargain for all the entertainment it's provided...

This Ain't No Fruity Pebbles

4 Months Old

Today is Rylin's 4 month birthday! He is 17 lbs 9 oz and 26 inches long! He loves to grab his toys and put them in his mouth, recognizes his bottle with crazed anticipation, rolls from back to front, and has ratcheted up the volume of his squeals! He loves his Daddy most of all and gives him lots of smiles and chuckles. He has also discovered Duke, and likes to rub his fur when he comes close...which Duke loves!

I've Got the Beat

We've started early making sure that Rylin has as much rhythm as his Papa. I present to you exhibit A....

Love you Dad...You never cease to make me laugh!

For the last month we have been going to "Baby Bounce" at North Park mall on Mondays with a few of our friends and "Tiny Tots & Tunes" on Wednesdays at our church. Both groups consist of music, rhymes, and stories made to positively stimulate your baby. At first, we were both a bit confused...Rylin really just sat and stared at everything and I couldn't believe how corny people could be. Now he gets a little more excited and I can tell he enjoys it, and I'm right there with all those other corny Moms...doing anything to make my baby smile! Here are a few pictures from this week.

Erin & Henry at Baby Bounce

Me & Rylin (with a death grip on the bells)
Bethany & Atticus at Tiny Tots

Me & Rylin...he was about to pass out!

Brrrrrr!

It's no surprise that Texas just got a dumping of snow, and Dallas received a record 9", but it was really hard to believe without seeing it! Here is a little footage of our snowy couple of days.

Rockin'

So I'm not sure that I ever posted photos of our completed nursery, but I have a good reason. It's not really completed. We did get one step closer this week, though. I've been looking for some time for a rocking chair. No offense to you Mom's out there who love their gliders, but I am not a fan. First and foremost, because they don't mesh with the look I am going for...and I know, I know, but comfort isn't my first priority. I didn't want something uncomfortable, and Jordan wouldn't allow that, but I was looking for something pretty specific to go with my retro theme. I was pretty set on finding some sort of Danish looking-wooden framed-loosed cushioned-mod rocker, so I started scouring Craigslist and eBay. My budget was low, so I figured I'd at least have some reupholstering in my future (ask my poor cousin Candyce about my sad upholstery skills...her sofa and chair found out the hard way), but I didn't mind a fixer up-er. Finally after loosing multiple auctions on eBay because of my thriftiness, I found exactly what I was looking for and I won the auction! Jordan and I picked up our package from Greyhound on Tuesday and I couldn't wait to get it open.

Turns out the upholstery was in great shape and went great with our color scheme! A little wood polisher, and we were good to go. I've already been reading to Rylin at night in it, and I must say it's pretty comfy. My Mom texted me last week (yes, she is a texter now) that MiMi and Papa wanted to pay for it and that was even better!

The last item for the nursery is in the works. My Dad is making me a special table to sit next to my rocker. I promise to post more pics when everything is in place.