three years and counting

Tony and I celebrated our anniversary at La Caille this past weekend. When the waitress surprised us with chocolate covered strawberries with a sparkler in it, the neighboring table offered their congratulations and asked us how many years we've been married.

When I replied "three", I thought that couldn't be right. It had to be more than three! Wasn't it more like nine or ten? But I quickly calculated 2011 minus 2008 and yes, that was indeed three. Not that it seems like three years = forever, but honestly....I can hardly remember my life before Tony.

We sat on the patio and enjoyed one of Utah's lovely summer nights. And as we were chatting, Tony said somewhat non-chalantly, "I've been meaning to ask if you want to start on the adoption process."

I looked over at my husband of three years and I kid you not. My heart melted. Earlier that day at the farmer's market, we saw three little Asian girls. Tony saw them, called my name and I could see the look in his eyes. He was smitten.

So with the morning's memory fresh on my mind, I replied, "Are you ready? You know our little girl will have you wrapped around her little finger." Tony said he didn't think it would be any more than Ryan having his daddy wrapped around his little chubby fingers, but I know better.

So I guess this is it. The beginning of another adventure...

the farmer's market drummer boy

For those of you who go to the SLC farmer's market...have you seen this kid? We've seen him quite a few times and he's amazing.

For those of you who haven't been to the SLC farmer's market, you should go. If for no other reason than to see this kid. I think he's going to be famous some day.

He's ten and a half.

first steps...

It's always hard being away from home, but this time I was SO afraid I was going to miss Ryan's first steps. I kept telling Tony to make sure Ryan DIDN'T take his first steps while I was in New York. He was to do whatever it took - duct tape wasn't beyond the realm of possibilities.

And if by chance, Ryan did take those first few steps, Tony wasn't, under any circumstances, to tell me about it. I didn't want to know I missed another first - especially this one.

So yesterday afternoon I arrived back home. We went straight over to pick him up and I spent several hours just playing with him. And a few hours after I was home, he did took his first steps! Yes, he's holding onto the strings from the blinds, but we'll take it.

I love the look he gives the camera just before he falls so gracefully backward...

ryan and charlotte

Cousin Charlotte came over to play the other day. It was actually the first time the two cousins sorta interacted.

And I have to say, it was so darn cute.

Although Charlotte wasn't too keen on sharing her binky.

Can't say that I blame her though.

look what we had in our backyard last week....

We actually had two of them, but I only got a good picture of the one. It was really amazing to see them but they sorta creeped me out how they were watching Abby so intently just below them.

On another note, I'm headed to New York tonight and may or may not be able to post until I get home end of next week. It's the New York Gift Fair which is a fun show, but August is NOT my favorite time of year to be in New York.

ryan's birthday

For Ryan's 1st birthday, Tony and I took him to the zoo. He loved looking at all the animals, but I think his favorites were the giraffes with the elephants in a close second. I loved watching the look of wonder in his eyes as he tried to process what these large animals were.

I loved that we had a low-key celebration without a lot of fanfare and gifts. All we really wanted was to spend time with our little boy. And that's just what we did.

So we did without the big party. We did without the birthday cake. And we even did without a lot of presents. Grandma and Grandpa Mano sent some great books which we love and some cute clothes and he loved the books books and toys from cousins. We gave him a snappy little $5 car that says "Finn McMissile...British Intelligence" which he loves.


Afterall, besides spending a day with mommy and daddy at the zoo, what more could a one-year old ask for?

happy birthday ryan

A year ago today, you came into our lives.

It was a bit early - 6 weeks to be exact. You were so small and cute and fuzzy. We called you our little monkey - partly because we couldn't decide on a name, but you kinda did look like a monkey.

A very cute, loveable monkey.
Leaving the hospital without you was hard. No, it was more than hard. It was heartwrenching. But we came to visit you everyday and spent hours and hours just holding you and loving you.
I couldn't believe how much love I could have for such a little bundle. From the very beginning you've brought such joy and wonder into our lives.

And now here we are. One year later. So full of curiosity.

A bit of mischief....

And a bunch of smiles and laughter.

Happy Birthday to our little Ryan.

We love you and love you and love you and love you.

Mommy and Daddy

people we love: Auntie Gerry!

Auntie Gerry was in town for about a just a couple of days for Uncle Yosh's funeral. They didn't have much time to spare so we rushed down to Orem to see her. We only got to see Auntie for about 1-1/2 hours, but we'll take every chance we get!

Ryan first met Auntie Gerry almost a year ago when he was still in the NICU which seems like such a long time ago.

Since she lived just a half hour away from my family in Pleasanton, we were able to see her lots and lots. And now that I live in Utah, I miss that.

If Ryan is lucky, he'll have many, many visits with Auntie Gerry and if he does, I'm sure he'll discover that Auntie Gerry can be very entertaining (just ask any of my siblings about the infamous whale watching trip!).

cousin Jacob

A week ago we were able to meet cousin Jacob - my cousin Alana's son. He is all boy just like Ryan and so, SO cute - even with those big owies on his head (it's tough learning to walk!).

I love this picture - even though we just met little Jacob, I think it shows his personality so well. And we think he's #1 too.

We had such a fun time visiting with Alana, Kara and Auntie Linda!