"I am Buzz Lightyear!"

Ryker is a shy boy, most of the time. This is especially true when you get him in unfamiliar situations or around people he doesn't see all the time. My aunt and uncle are expecting their first baby together. New life is never anything short of a miracle, but this one comes after more than a decade of trying and was in every way a surprise for them. It was definitely an occasion to be celebrated, so we gathered with their friends and family for a baby shower in honor of Avery Henson. The shower was spectacular!
They had each table introduce itself. I went first and introduced our family. As I sat down and my brother stood up to go next, Ryker ran out to center stage, put his hands on his hips, and announced his introduction to the crowd: "And I am Buzz Lightyear!" The place was filled with laughter and no two people were more tickled than Jevon and I. For a brief moment, Ryker came out of his shell and it was hilarious!

Milkaholic Shower for Avery

We have been working on our letters the last two weeks. Ryker is trying to write them. He also memorizes a verse from scripture with each letter. We do one a week, so we have only begun to tackle the whole alphabet, but so far so good! He really liked the color pages and did a great job at writing his Bs. We've been doing this at nap time because Deklan is occupied with sweet dreams and Ryker has given up his daily nap. Rather than fighting it any longer, he is now going to bed earlier each night and he and I get some quality Mom and Ryker time during the day. The arrangement is working really nicely for all three of us.

Ryker is still working on his potty training. We had a major success one night. After going "both" on the big boy potty he received his long awaited reward: Cars 2 on DVD. He was so excited to be done with diapers and to watch his movie. For the next week he failed to replicate it and then started regressing. So, we are back in diapers once more. We have analyzed the situation from every angle and we think he is just timid. We know he'll get there soon, but we're hoping for one of those confidence filled, Buzz Lightyear sort of moments for him to conquer his fear of the toilet. 

My heartbreakers!

Basketball with Daddy. Ryker is dunking on the tallest level now!

Cars 2 for going on the big boy potty! He was thrilled!

We have had some beautiful weather lately, so we have made it out to the park and are taking walks several times a week (sometimes several times a day if it is really nice). The boys love to stop by the neighbor's house and ring the doorbell, hoping that Robert or Kim will answer. The boys love it when they get to see them!

Lunch after the park. The boys LOVE chocolate milk and apples right now.