Happy Halloween!

Ryan helped us pass out candy. Cute little pumpkin!

Fall Walks

My main job, besides keeping Ryan entertained and the library, is to walk Happy every day. We've been using the stroller more for various reasons, as opposed to the Ergo carrier. He's getting more used to it and seems to enjoy it. I think he's adorable all bundled up for the cooler weather.

Booty Butt

I can often be heard saying (in chant form), "Mama getchya booty butt, I getchya booty butt." It's so catchy that Burke has caught on to using this phrase. Ryan has heard it for so long, I think he recognizes it. It makes him smile, especially when it's whispered.

We've been seeing a lot more booty butt lately because Ryan has recently learned he can roll over on his changing table, even when strapped in. I leave him on the changing table to do whatever. And when I come back a minute later, this is what I see. He looks like he got caught!

First Solids

Yesterday Ryan ate some rice cereal for the first time. We're entering the exciting new world of solid food. He has been reaching for our food and drinks for a while now. Once, I noticed he would bring his fingers to his mouth and suck on them them each time I brought a fork to my mouth. He seems ready so here we go! He ate up every bit of what we prepared.

First I used my finger as a utensil. Then he graduated to a spoon.

A Nice Sunday

On Sunday, October 5 before heading back to New York, we were able to go to Holland State Park and ponder the vastness and beauty of Lake Michgian.

Here is a picture of my family at the beach.















After the beach, my parents drove us back to Detroit (the boys and Christine headed back to Chicago) by way of Grand Rapids where we got to spend time with the Paplawsky Family.

She made delicious cookies and we looked at photo albums to reminisce about Nicole and college, in general. I learned that I apparently have a sucky memory.

I got a lot of time with Allyson this weekend which is rare because of the distance. I'm glad our boys (husbands and sons) got to interact too.

Dorian Sisters

Here is a picture of my college friends. Allyson (Pickens) Paplawsky, Vicki (Cade) McMahon, me & Ryan, Kara McGillicuddy, and Jen (Grieme) Haaga. We were all in the same sorority during our college years - The Dorian Sorority. We were members of the Theta Pledge Class.

The weekend took an unfortunate turn when we learned that our sorority sister, classmate, and friend Nicole McClain Liechty was killed in a car accident on her way to the airport to fly to our reunion. It was a surreal, emotional weekend. I continue to struggle trying to process this tragedy. Although I hadn't seen her in several years, she had an impact on my life in our formidable college years. I will think of her often.

He Loves Lights

On Friday, October 3 my parents drove us to Holland, Mi from Detroit. We had this great big hotel suite so that my entire family could be there. Steve, Joey and Christine drove from Chicago. This made it a family reunion as well as a college reunion. It's great that everyone could be together.

Here is Ryan happily playing on the hotel bed with an alarm clock. He loves electronics with lights: alarm clocks, cell phones, ipods, etc. It's great fun for him.

Becky's Crib

We were in Michigan October 2 - 6 for my 10 year college reunion. We flew into Detroit and stayed at my parents on Thursday night. Amazingly, my parents held on to the crib that my brothers and I all slept in as babies. That thing's at least 32 years old. Now Ryan gets to sleep in it too. I think that's pretty cool.

Visit with Nana and Poppy Lokey

Burke's parents were in town the last weekend in September for Burke's 30th birthday and of course, to see the baby! It was great to see them. The visit was too short.

Nana & Poppy,
Thanks for the cute new outfit, new toy and other gifts. I'll see you in Arizona for Thanksgiving.
Love,
Ryan