big boy bed

So the last two weeks Riley has been fighting us when its time to sleep. he would throw a tantrum and scream and so finally after trying everything would could think of...we took down the front of his crib and put on the toddler railing...and instant happiness! he was so excited to be able to climb in and out of his bed as much as he wanted! I was very surprised to find that he never even tried playing with nay of his toys (I took the noisy ones out and left the soft books and and stuffed animals .) We also..hoping it might help..took him to build a bear and let him pick out an animal to make so he could have something at night time to snuggle with. (I plan on going back now that he ahs fallen in love with it getting a back up!) he picked out a dog. and I love checking on him and seeing his arm around him.

Snow!

this last week has been crazy! Dave went out and measured yesterday afternoon and so far we had 9 inches of snow! I was reading on one of the news pages that this is the most snow we have seen since the 1950's! It has been soo much fun seeing it..soo pretty! Although I am very ready to have my car back and to be get back to our normal routine. But anyway..this morning we couldnt resist bundling up the little guy and standing him in the snow. He was not at all happy..it came up to his waist and he couldnt move! but I have the pictures for his book!

santa!

So today..after being stuck at home all week...my mom came and took riley out for the afternoon...we finished our christmas shopping, and decided that with the weather being crazy right now.that we should try and see santa. We have seeb santa many times at the mall and we always stop at the fence and wave and say hello..we have talked about him and after waiting in line...he was not the least bit thrilled about being close to him. So ..as unprepared as I was to have my picture taken had to jump in and join the fun. I figured it could go either way...but for some reason he is afraid of old people....not quite sure why. but anyway.....here is our santa picture:

merry christmas! stay safe and warm!

special little visitor!

So yesterday morning I was awakened very suddenly and thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest! Riley came barging into my room and asked me to eat with a big grin on his face..I can only imagine what mine looked like! he has never tried (that I have seen) to climb out of his crib. I never heard a cry or a thump..so I didnt wake up! luckily our house is childproofed..because he decided to play for a bit..and let me sleep in a little. So last night he crib was dropped to the very last hole...next step toddler bed! I am soo not ready for that. and his door is now completley closed..just in case. we are getting to the point where he hates being in his crib. I am hoping we can hold him out just a little longer....
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ball pit

SO now that the weather is getting colder and wetter I have been trying to come up with ideas to keep riley entertained ...and amused. So I came across a bag of air filled balls and thought I could throw them into his pool from the summer. Instant fun! he loves climbing in there and just waving his arms in the balls sending the everywhere! We learning fast though to check them every so often..he likes to hide things in there! things like..car keys, remotes,shoes...you get the drift!

christmas tree!

On sunday we ventured out into the cold to find our christmas tree! we bundled up our little monkey and off we went. We walked until we found just the right tree to cut down. then rode the tractor back to the front of the farm. Riley loved being able to run and explore. And dave and I love watching him!
here is a picture of our tree (sorry its sideways)...complete with baby fence! after we got home we had some yummy corn chowder for dinner and then we were going to take a walk down the street to look at lights..but no one had them on! so maybe another night this week. After riley went to bed we set up the tree and decorated it..he was soo excited in the morning to see it there and to see all the lights!

emilee's birthday party!

So last saturday we all went to Emilee's birthday party at papas pizza. Riley had a great time..he kept running back to the door that led into the play room and then would run straight to the little carousel. he loved it. he would just sit and hang on and smile..and then occasionally would let go with one hand to wave and everyone.

then when it was time to open presents he was right in the middle of all the kids trying to help! I cant wait to see him at christmas!

oh my..and a pit full of balls!