Our Inspired Journey

I know that hearing about Ryder and Cole are at the top of the list for those of you who read this blog! So I'm eager to share with you how they are each doing....

My Walking Boy

Cole took his first steps just after his first birthday, but has been using the past two months to perfect the art of walking and I have to say we're all very proud! He started getting better at putting many steps together at Gramma and Gramps house before we left for Illinois and now John, Ryder and I are amazed at how he walks all over the house from couches to tables to toys, all with a sweet little smile on his face. :) He likes walking best, however, when someone else is on the other end of the room holding their arms out for him and then he walks with arms outstretched, a smile on his face and falls (willingly) into the open arms as he reaches them. It's especially cute when those arms are his big brothers. Ryder always says "Whoa, whoa!" and I've encouraged him to hang on tight and not to drop Cole as he puts all his weight and faith in the arms of his brother! Such a cute moment as they hug in victory with Ryder saying, "Good job Coley!"

My Cycling Boy

Here's a picture of one of the things Ryder loves doing best...riding his bike. :) In this picture, we were riding our bikes (while I pushed Cole in the stroller) to the park nearby our house. This was Ryder's first long bike ride since his surgery and though he slowed down at the end, he did a great job pedaling down the sidewalks of our neighborhood to and from the playground. He loves this tricycle from Babi and Deda (my grandparents) and Cole even loves riding on the seat on the back now and is good at hanging on tight!

Cole has begun to crack us up as he LOVES to climb up into the chair at Ryder's little table in our play area, put his "laptop" on the table he got for his birthday, and put his hat on all as Ryder says, "Cole's checking his e-mail again!" Though I know this picture doesn't do the moment justice, it is one of the cutest moments as we watch Cole's quiet, patient, confident personality blossom. He does it all without trying to draw any attention to himself, but all because it seems, that's what he feels like doing at the moment!

Ryder has really become quite the little builder! One of his favorite things to do these days during playtime is build with the Lego set Uncle D gave him for his first birthday two years ago. He has learned that he design very tall buildings and so sometimes, he needs to add more support to a part so the whole building doesn't come toppling down! I told him that he would make a great architect someday since he designs such creative buildings and he said, "Yeah, maybe, but remember I'm going to be an astronaut!" He also loves this one book we have were Brother Bear wears a "space outfit"at the end of the story. So for Halloween this year, we're already planning on having one little astronaut in our family and who knows, maybe in the future too!