Wiggly

Tonight Skyler Briggs turns to me and says while trying to burp River, " I've held snakes, turtles, and lots of other thing, but I've never held anything as wiggly as this little guy." :) 

a sweet little hat

One morning when I made my daily trek to visit river in the NICU, I came to discover a gift that was left for River.

So thank you to the anonymous gift giver, who took the time to make this sweet little hat for my son's head. You didn't know us, but your gift made a big difference. It's a treasure.

these pictures were taken after we had been out of the NICU for about a month on December 28, 2012. 

Butterflies & Sushi -- A Retro Adventure

One of the first adventures we did when we first moved to Colorado and were living in Loveland, we went and got Sushi (our Favorite) and visited the Butterfly Pavillion in Westminster and it was a dream. Not only did Rosie the tarantula crawl across my fingers, but i fell in love with the tropical conservatory, where 1,200 butterflies flutter, flit, and fly freely about. If you're lucky, or of the right ora, they'll land on you (tip, wear bright colors and sprits yourself with a bit of perfume before you go ;). ) It was like walking into a rain forrest with humidity thick in the air. Plus there are turtles in the ponds and a free range tortoise that wander through Skyler's legs. I saw myself going back every week. K, that didn't happen, but we've been back a lot taking people that come for a visit. So worth it if you're in town

This is Manny the Mantis that greets you at the door. 

River's Log -- Star Date : 3 months

Our Sweet River Boy-

We can hardly believe that you are 3 months old today. It's crazy how life has flown by since we got serious about having you. It's feels like it all happened in a flash. Who knew a flash could result in something so cute and lovable as you. We' re just so grateful. 

You keep growing and growing. We finally have an 8 lbs baby, make that 8 lbs 2 oz. 

And the Best thing is you've begun to Smile!

You make really cute noises while you eat and fall asleep. It's like a sweet humming sound. Your cheeks are so kissably-chubby. They MUST be kissed or squeezed all the time, they practically demand it. You love bathes, hate having your diapers changed and a new development is that you're allergic to milk protein. Arg! You have your father's chin and my ears. Your hands are huge and we swear your hair has a strawberry tint to it.

You are such a sweet boy with the sweetest disposition to match. 

Charlie loves to lick your stinky feet (you're officially part of the pack, so welcome), which sometimes is the only thing that can wake you up. You don't mind his barking. You usually sleep through it. Charlie loves to go wherever you are. He skips down the hall with us to change your pants, lays patiently next to us while you eat, and has now started to bring you bones and balls to pay with him. I hope you won't mind sharing your toys with him, because I don't see any way around it. I have a feeling you two are going to be as thick as thieves and just as mischievous. 

River, you are so lucky to have a Daddy/Poppa that loves you so much. He's working so hard to balance work, school, and life. He gets up with you every morning for your 5/6am feeding so he can have some special time with you while i get to sleep (thank you sweetheart). You cuddle up together and you sleep on his chest. You always sleep so soundly in your daddy's strong arms. Skyler changers your diapers willingly. He only  puts up a little bit of a fight if they are poopy. He's eager to be a part of taking care of you and so sweetly makes sure that I am supported and looks for opportunities to help me, give me breaks, or let me sleep. So really River, we're both lucky to have someone so wonderful love us so much. I love how he looks at you. There is a softness in his eyes that's meant just for you. He already has adventures planned for this summer. I just hope your big enough to keep up. :)

You and me River, well even though your our baby . . . your my baby. You've become a part of me. I don't feel right if you're not near me. It kills me when you cry, even more so when i can't fix it. One of your smiles sends me to the moon, and your sleepy face warms my heart. I feel solidly the weight of responsibility of being your mom. I've said many prayers for help and for you to be blessed. I feel a quiet confidence though and I know that I am meant to be your mom and that I know you like no one else. I love cuddling you day and night. I love to sneak you into the bed in the morning and sleeping for a couple of hours with you tucked in my arms. I love how you look at me when I sing to you. I love kissing your sweet little face and stroking your soft downy hair. I love holding you in my arms, with your head on my shoulder, feeling you breathe. I love how you rest a hand on me while you eat and how your eyes flutter when you're falling asleep. I love that you're such a good eater and such a little fish in the bath. I love how you kick your legs while you lay on your back and fall asleep instantaneously when we put you in your car seat. I love your soft blue eyes, cute button nose, and sweet little mouth.

When it comes to you my baby, I love. I love. I love. 

We love. 

and love grows.

Hola Señor Río

Te queremos mucho!!

Not only can my dog catch, he can pass too

My dog is very clever. 

Since we moved into our new house last march he has invented a new game. He waits at the top of the stairs while i stand at the bottom of the stairs and pass the ball up to him. Then instead of running it down to me, he drops it downs the stairs so it bounces right into my hands. Saves him a trip down the stairs and he loves watching the ball bounce. 

Every time I come up from doing laundry, there's Charlie standing at the top of the stairs with a ball in his mouth, asking me with his puppy dog eyes, "Wanna Play?" 

and I can never refuse. 

We three

River & his Nana-Pie

River cuddled right up to his nana and spent the weekend loving on her. 

Thank thank Nana for being so absolutely wonderful in every single way. We all adore you so and can't wait to see you again soon!!

oh charlie dog

if you know my dog, you know why this is funny . . . 

River's New Hat

 Don't be jealous of our adorable baby. :)

River looks so cute in the hat Nana bought him. It's both functional and fashionable. 

NANA'S HERE!!

And the Party can begin!

Dog Pile

This is what a doggy pile looks like at my house. 

(image taken with my phone that's just a phone. nothing fancy. remember the best camera is the one you have with you...or is within arm's reach with a sleeping baby and sleeping dog). 

To Our Isabelle

Happy Birthday Isabelle!

~ love  River ~

Christmas Day

River's first Christmas and our first Christmas away. River boy is still too little to travel and be around all those germs. So we hunkered down in our warm little house with decked halls, and snuggled together during the holiday.

We did our best to keep family traditions and start our own little family traditions.

Here are some of our family traditions:

- Advent calender for the month of December

- Christmas Eve Fried Shrimp - yum yum

- "Open me first" gifts that are PJs- (thanks mom!)

-Star Wars Movies

-New Ornament for every one 

(River got a Star, Skyler got batman, and I got a camera ornament)

-Christmas Ham Dinner

-and Baby's first Teddy Bear

What are some of your traditions that make the holiday bright?

It was hard to be away, but thank goodness for skype. We got to talk to both our families, which made it feel like we weren't so far away.

We hope you had a very merry christmas! 

We sure had fun celebrating the birth of Our Saviour Jesus Christ.

* the briggs