Rilyn's First Easter

So, I am having a hard time finding time to do anything these days, which includes blogging so this is a little late and I apologize Great Grandma Herman :)

Rilyn's first Easter was great.  We spent the morning just the 3 of us and had a delicious Decker dinner in the evening.  The Easter bunny was very nice to Rilyn. 

Here are some pics:

And here is a little video for some laughs, apparently Rilyn is already afraid of bees and yes mean mommy did it again just to make sure...

April Ramblings

I know what you're all thinking.  It's been a while since I posted and you missed me. 

Just so you know...I've been playing what those in the biz call playing "hard to get".

Turns out that all those people that you've heard talking about how busy they are when they have a kid are not lying

But...don't you worry your little butts.  I can make a Rocky IV joke out of anything.

The name of the post sums this one up perfectly.  Some ramblings.  I feel like there should be a better title to the post.  I even visited thesaurus.com, typed in "ramblings" and nothing worked.  Let me know if you have a better idea.

First rambling goes to Grandma Decker.  She started watching Rilyn this week and it has been better than I could have dreamed.  Somehow, day 2 of me dropping her off resulted in the discovery that Rilyn and Grandma already have a coffee routine every morning.  I sit the carseat next to the table where my mom is having coffee and Rilyn looks up and glimpses her Grandma.

Queue the smile that would melt the dang devil.  I'm not really sure what happens after that, but my tear ducts are thankful I can't see it.

On a side note.  Although we love Grandma Decker, I was unable to lie to Anna tonight about the discovery of an accidental spilling of 3 ounces of breast milk.  My advice to Grandma Decker.

Put your house in order.

Second rambling goes to Carly.  Carly offered to come to our house and watch Rilyn on Fridays and we can't be more grateful.  Between the two of us, it's saving hours a day driving, and more importantly, precious sleep!

It also got me thinking...either my Dad has unbelievable lady skills and passed those on to his boys, or we're dang lucky. 

Because let's be honest, Decker's, luckily, have somehow married up.

Anna, did you really dream of someone asking you to marry them while talking about some train?

Carly, did you really want to marry a man whose lifelong goal was to name his pet ferret "Star"?

Megan, your embarrassing story is coming.

Third rambling (but actually first) goes to Anna.  I can't imagine how hard it is to go from going from spending 13 weeks with her little girl to walking into a Special Education classroom.  This lady is so amazing that within 2 days she is already completely invested in her kids again.  On top of that, Anna's smile puts Rilyn's to shame when Anna hears the gargage door open when I get home.  Everyday I know that the second she hears that garage door opening I'll see her waiting at the sliding glass door just waiting to hold her girl.

Another side note.  Anna missing her girl has resulted in Rilyn spending more time in bed with us....and not the kind of "in bed" that I can have anything to do with.

Last night, I think I tried to cuddle Anna, and in the process a pinkie ended up on Rilyn.

A repro ensued.  It was sleepy, it made no sense, but it was effective.  I resumed my position on the 2 inches of the bed I currently have ownership of.

I'll leave you with one picture, and a question about it.

Is it normal for a mom to kiss her baby's butt?

Happy Birthday Mashaela!

Today our wonderful niece Mashaela turns 10 and we just wanted to wish her a very happy birthday! 

Mashaela, you have grown into such a fun, smart, and beautiful girl.  We love being around you and listening to all of your stories.  You have such a caring heart, and draw the most creative pictures.

Hopefully, this year is amazing for you and brings you lots of happiness!

We love you,
Uncle Tyler, Auntie, and Rilyn

Oh and look who got to visit the Easter bunny today!!!!

3 months old

Rilyn is 3 months old today!  Time is still going by super fast and we are loving being parents (most of the time).  Rilyn seems to be getting over this whole colicky/fussy baby mood she's been in and we are enjoying playing with her and watching her smile and coo.

Rilyn is still eating VERY well and I'm sure she's gained a couple pounds, but since we don't have a check-up this month I don't know for sure.  She is nursing most of the time with a few bottles of mama's milk to get her used to the bottle and to give me a break every now and then.  She takes the bottle just fine.  I think she is happy as long as she is getting food. 

She loves to talk to everyone and is starting to notice more things around the house...like the dogs.  She will hold toys for a few seconds and attempts to put them in her mouth. 

We think she is teething (and has been for awhile) due to all the drool and constant chewing on her hands.  I am hoping a  tooth pops out soon to validate some of her crankiness. 

She is struggling a little with sleeping and is still up every 2 - 3 hours at night and prefers her naps to last no longer than 30 minutes...45 minutes tops. This makes for a very tired mama, but I'm trying my hardest not to dwell on the exhaustion.  Hey no one ever said being a mom was easy. We are still co-sleeping and I love it.  I know babies that co-sleep tend to wake up more throughout the night, but having her so close for such an extended amount of time is amazing.  I love smelling her, touching her, and waking up next to her.  It's especially nice that she is in the bassinet for a little while so Tyler and I also get some time. 

Rilyn is starting to find things that comfort her and my favorite thing to watch right now is her crinkling the top of my shirt while she nurses.  Her little hand just goes to town and it is so cute.  She likes the pacifier now, but has no idea how to keep it in her mouth so it looks like I need to learn to sleep while holding a pacifier in for her....

I go back to work on Monday...BOO!  I am struggling with it a little more than I thought I would, but am so relieved she is going to her Grandma's house.  At least I know she will be safe and loved by the next best thing after mommy and daddy.  I am not at all worried about her being cared for, it's just that I am going to miss her so much.  As exhausting as it is to take care of her, the house, and the dogs it is still the best job I could ever have. I am so glad there is only 4 weeks left of the school year.  I hope leaving her in the fall won't be as hard because she will be older, but I'm sure I will be just as sad. 

We are excited to see what being 3 months is all about in Rilyn's world.  We are so blessed to have such a perfect, adorable, smart, chunky, and lovable baby!

Rilyn's First Flight

Yesterday Rilyn and I flew to Montana to spend a few days with my family.  I was pretty nervous flying. I actually woke up at 3:30 and never went back to sleep.  Everything went pretty well and Rilyn seems to have enjoyed her first flight and all the attention.  I really wanted her to eat on take off and landing to help her ears, and her and I planned it pretty well but of course our flight was delayed so she ate while we were waiting to take off.  She cried during take off and landing but slept while we were in the air. 

My family is really enjoying loving on her and I am ready for some much needed relaxation.  I even went and got my hair cut yesterday...well more like chopped off.  Here are some pics from our flight.

Oh and we really really really miss you daddy!!!!


Yes, I know the wings are upside down...I was tired :)



The kids waiting for us to drive us to Grandmas....see Mashaela's poor feet...she had part of her toenails removed yesterday

A nap after all that traveling

Apparently I am a hateful person...go figure...

Rilyn does love taking big dumps...thanks Aunt Kristin...I HATE cleaning up the big dumps

Rilyn loves watching sports with daddy..I HATE Rilyn watching TV

Rilyn has taken a bottle for Grandma Decker, daddy, Aunt Kristin, and Aunt Stacey...I HATE Rilyn taking a bottle because it means I have to go back to work soon

Zoe loves all of Rilyn's toys...I HATE picking dog hair out of my baby's mouth...Zoe doesn't understand that blanket is to try to keep some of the dog hair off the baby

Aunt Kristin took Rilyn for her first jog...thanks for the much needed break...I HATE exercise :) Not really but sort of....

Rilyn has started sucking on a pacifier..sort of....I HATE carrying those carseats around.  They are so darn heavy!

Rilyn obviously loves her Uncle Ryan....I HATE that Rilyn ate all the chocolate see the wrappers in her hand?

Rilyn is trying to learn how to suck her thumb....there is nothing I HATE about this picture...I have a sleeping baby I LOVE sleeping babies plus she is also giving me the peace sign....

Rilyn and I are headed to Montana tomorrow for her first plane ride.  Wish me luck, I'm not concerned about flying with a baby I'm nervous about flying with Rilyn the Rager.  We might be the most hated on our flight.

Happy Birthday MaKenna!

Today is our sweet sweet nieces 6th Birthday!  MaKenna, you are so special to us all, and we love you so much.  Everyday we are amazed at your strength and determination.  This past year had a lot of hard things for you to go through; however, you wouldn't even be able to tell because of your radiant smile.  You always make us laugh and we wish we could spend every day with you.  Thank you for being such a great cousin to Rilyn, she is so lucky to have you.  We hope that you love being 6 and you make so many wonderful memories.  We can't wait to celebrate with you next weekend!
M - marvelous
a- awesome
K - Kcutie :)
e - excellent
n - nice
n- neat
a - amazing

Rilyn loves you already and wanted to say Happy Birthday in her own special way: