A whole new world!

Now that Riley is 2 years old we are seeing lots of changes in our sweet little boy. Mind you - Nate and I never thought we'd have a "relaxed, laid back" child based on our own "strong" personalities. But man, when you see yourself coming out in a 2 year old it can make you a bit crazy! I still don't believe this is the "terrible 2's" as many refer to - but rather our little ball of energy is continually wanting to know the lengths of his limits. All in all there is a lot of discipline and reminders that fill my day. I find myself sometimes in my head saying "why don't you listen to me" - really that's me screaming that in my head as for the 5th time we're disciplining for the same thing. Definitely leaves me feeling exhausted by the end of the day!

All in all though we are truly enjoying our lively boy. Riley is full of life and becoming more of a little boy each day. He is very independent, has a wonderful imagination - his new game is to pretend to go to work, then he comes home and tells me what he did that day. He also likes to give you pretend objects - his favorite is to give you a Peterbilt truck while we're sitting around the dinner table, he will say "Here ya go" and we'll ask "What is it?" Love his responses. Riley also really enjoys saying prayers over our meals...I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that he can tell we think it is so cute. He still loves the outdoors and we've been blessed with unusually warm weather and sun this winter. He loves to ride his bike outside when he hears the big kids out there. Riley is still very sweet and gives wonderful hugs and kisses throughout the day. His favorite places are the YMCA and the library - or riding the light rail downtown while visiting daddy's office. We are so blessed by the joy he brings into our home!

Here are some random pictures of the last couple of weeks. Riley had his first bought with the stomach flu followed by a yeast infection and then a crazy temperature and an inner ear infection. For a kid that is never sick I wasn't quite prepared for our last month of doctor visits and days stuck at home!

After throwing up ALL over the family room

too hot for clothes - literally

New dog (he named Benjamin) from his Auntie Tali. I'm sure it has nothing to due with the fact that that morning he was in 2's class with a little friend named Benjamin! Oh well - still cute!

Riding his bike - yes, I still need to get him a helmet

relaxing in the pillows on mommy & daddy's bed