Updates all around...

Alright, it has been sooo long since I blogged that I don't know where to start. Devon is doing well. He's getting big and learning new tricks everyday. I am most proud that he attempts to say thank-you-- it usually comes out "ankoo," but I love it. He started day care this week and seems to be doing well there. She is amazed by how fast he eats-- she has to feed him last because he was finishing his food before other kids had even gotten theirs-- but overall is happy and healthy. I am posting some cutie pie pics of him. One of him cuddling with Harley, my mom's adorable new lab and the recipient of Devon's first kiss with tongue. He loved Harley and even said his name. They played and played together until they were too tired to play anymore. Another picture is of Devon's first Starbucks experience. He stole my cup and because it was only whipped cream at that point I let him have some fun. Another picture is of Devon helping Grandpa D. wash my car. I just love those butt pics. And of course one of Devon and his daddy in Dolphin apparel. Other than that, I think I am out of things to report. My job is going well. The family is doing well. All is well.

Pictures Finally!

OK, so I have had these pictures in my camera for weeks, but I couldn't find the cord to download them anywhere. So finally I asked Josh-- it was in a garbage bag. That's his computer cord filing system. But hey-- it works and I can finally post pictures.

So, there is Devon eating his first ice cream cone at Franks (no ice cream though because I am a mean mommy), Devon at my dad's mill, Devon passed out in his car seat on our way back to Santa Rosa, Devon's turtle face, Devon playing with 100 balls in our living room (thanks Dad), and an actual picture of our new living room. Enjoy!

So far, Devon is somewhat adjusting. He sleeps wonderfully, but is afraid to play in his room alone. Plus he has been in major mommy mode, wanting to be carried everywhere. I think he'll relax when he realizes that this is his place and we are NOT moving again for a LONG LONG TIME. At least he's still cuddly, right?

And one last funny Devon story... tonight, when I was filling the tub for his bath, he actually climbed into the tub, belly flopped in-- clothes and all!!! It was a wet mess, but he sure thought he was funny. Guess I won't turn my back again...

I miss you guys and hope everyone is doing well.

Santa Rosa Here We Come!

I just wanted to send out a post since it will probably be the last one for a while. We officially started packing at 1:00pm today, and are just about finished (it's 7:30pm). I guess we should be pros by now... The movers come at 9:00am tomorrow morning and I think we will be ready to leave this chapter of our lives behind. Thank you to everyone who is helping us out this week by watching Devon and for letting us vent over the phone! We really do appreciate everyone. OK, it's back to work! The next time I post (which could be a while due to cable/internet complications at the new digs) will be from Santa Rosa-- woo hoo!

Santa Rosa Trip...

Most of you know that we went to Santa Rosa from Sunday until Tuesday to hammer out details before the big move. Overall, it was a successful trip. Devon had a blast, saying "hi" and "bye" to EVERYONE that we saw, getting louder and louder if they ignored him until they finally gave a response. But overall, the people were very nice. Oh and Devon went to the ocean for the first time. His little eyes lit up like it was the biggest bathtub he had ever seen and then he took off running towards the waves. He loved the ocean. Too bad it was cold or we would have taken him in the water. I am also including some pics of the night before we left for Santa Rosa. Devon's favorite hobby right now is getting past the child locks under the sink and emptying all of our zip lock bags, aluminum foil, etc onto the floor... Not mommy's favorite hobby to clean it all up. Overall things are good. Enjoy the pictures!

Everything Changes...

OK, so most of you know that there are a lot of things in the works for the Ritters. Josh got a promotion (yeah) and we are moving to Santa Rosa early next month. I know, I know-- moving again. I think we're setting a record for most moves in less than three years of marriage. BUT this is a good move and hopefully the last one for a LONG while. We have a LOT to thank God for-- He has really been pulling things together for us. We have a gorgeous new pad (www.parklanevillas.com -- we are in the Hibiscus model), we think we have a flexible day care provider, and I even have a job interview for a non-profit organization next week. We are really excited, pretty stressed and a little bit scared, but overall very positive about the move.

OK, the update's over. Here are some pictures of the kiddo because I know that's the main reason everyone visits the blog. =)

A preview...

Here is a picture from his session...

Father's Day Pictures for Daddy...

Last week I took Devon to get his pictures taken for Josh. I pulled out the smallest Dolphins jersey I could find in Josh's closet AND even made a Go Dolphins sign. We only ordered a few pictures because we ordered so many at Devon's one year mark, but you are more than welcome to order your own favorites on the JC Penney's website. Just go to www.smilesbywire.com and enter my username as "KARI RITTER" and my access code as "LTTP0106104579JCP" and you will be able to see the entire photo session.

Devon on the Carousel...

OK, so it is officially my birthday, but I HAD to take Devon on the carousel today at the mall. And as I predicted, our little daredevil LOVED it. He held on tight and squealed every time that the ride went up. Then he had fun playing in the toddler play area with all the "big kids." He certainly has no fear. I am including some pics, including one of him cuddling with the kitty.

Also does anyone have any input on which is more kid-friendly-- Great America or Discovery Kingdom (Marine World)? We want to get season passes while they are super cheap so that way we can go for a few hours at a time and leave early if Devon gets tired whenever we have days off together. I worry that the animals at Marine World will be too far away to hold his attention and their rides for kids are pretty minimal. Great America would be more fun for the adults, but I can't remember how kid friendly their rides are. Online, they seem to have quite a few, but I just don't remember. I was there last when I was eight. So any input from other moms and dads would be great...

We miss everyone and hope to hear from you soon.

Pictures...

I have been receiving phone calls lately requesting pictures of Devon on the blog, so here ya go. Devon is doing really well with the exception of his allergies. He seems to like the new digs, especially when Josh and I take him to "play" tennis. Oh and he learned how to open doors which is really fun. I am going to have to master those baby-proof door knobs. He has two new teeth and three molars coming through (lucky guy). He's turning into such a big guy. Enjoy the pictures!

Thank you!!!

Our big move was Saturday and we have a lot of helpers to be thank. Mama & Dave, Steve & Jenni, Maffoo-- we could not have done this weekend without you. Josh and I are sooo thankful that we have family that are always there for us, even when we live far away. I will post some pictures of Devon "helping" us with our move. Thank you again to everyone who came down and moved our stuff in the rain!

Nada en Particular...

Apparently, poop is my theme for April and I am NOT entirely stoked about it. About a week ago, I was giving Devon a bath and he was spashing around having a good time. I was near enough that I could see his head and most of his body. Basically I could tell he was safe. Well after a few minutes I notice that he is having a blast-- giggling, laughing, splashing-- you name it. So as a "good mom" I decide to go on over and play along... UNTIL I got close enough to see the reason of his fun in the tub. Of course, he had pooped for the first time ever in the tub and Yes, he was blowing bubbles in the water. Of course I was mortified and felt like the worst mom ever, which is why I waited sooo long to blog this experience. But I recovered. I got Devon cleaned up and I bleached the tub and I silently thought that this would be my low point as far as pooping stories go.

Ah... tonight. Keep in mind that I babysat for one family from 7:45AM until 5:00PM and then headed over to a different family to babysit their 18 month old with Devon. The last time I babysat Morgan, she had suffered an upset stomach and all of the fun stuff that goes along with it so tonight I even checked with her mom and dad that she was feeling better and that she hadn't eaten any new foods lately to ensure that I would not be dealing with another stomach incident. The first hour went smoothly. Then after dinner I noticed that she was holding her tummy so I walked to her room to grab a diaper and wipes to attempt to isolate any mess. A few seconds later Morgan met me in the room. Her diaper had not only leaked, but she had a streak of pooh running down her leg and in between her toes. Yuck! I managed to get her cleaned up with minimal dry heaving and managed to keep Devon away from the mess despite his constant attempts to get involved. I thought I was in the clear until I got back to the living room. In the middle of the floor was a pile of pooh that had leaked through her diaper, down her legs, through her toes, onto the cream colored carpet. April is NOT a good month for me so far. After twenty minutes I got everything cleaned up except the stain and was determined to quit at the end of the night. But the parents decided to give me a 50% raise so I decided to stay. I can't help wondering if pooh is my future though. I truly hope this is the last of it for a long while. If not, maybe Jenn will loan me Tessa as she is always so determined to help Emily get cleaned up.

OK, that's all for now. I hope everyone had a great Easter!

He's Walking...

OK, it's official. Devon can walk. For the past two weeks he would take 2-3 steps and then sit down. Last night, he took 10 steps before sitting down. Now that he has figured out that he can walk, I am sure he will start walking more and more. The fun begins...

Oh and his other favorite hobby right now is feeding Mr. Studley. I spent many days trying to discourage it, but he thinks its the funniest thing ever. So I caved and took some pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

Also for Devon's birthday we had some pictures taken (thank you Nana Ritter) and I will be sending out photos to family and friends. I ordered mostly 5 X 7s, but you are more than welcome to check out the images online and order more of your favorites. You will just need to log onto www.smilesbywire.com and enter the name "JOSH RITTER" and the access code is "LTPP0209102212JCP". I don't think you'll need the album number, but just in case it is 2007-02-23 11:01. You will be able to view all of the poses taken that day and you are also able to order your favorites.

OK, well that is all for now. I will try to post again soon.

Devon Update...

OK, so it has been a while since we have posted. Sooo much has happened with Devon since our last post. In less than two weeks time, Devon has become a force of destruction-- his favorite thing to do is to empty our bookcases of all of their contents. He also likes to climb everything-- the scariest part is that he thinks it's hilarious when he falls down. So Mr. Man literally has no fear. When I was babysitting on Wednesday, he managed to pull a jewelry box onto himself while I was reading Jayden her naptime book. Poor guy cut his head, but thankfully he didn't need any stitches. And he tried to do the same thing again on Friday.

Oh and we have him in swim lessons this month. His daredevil tactics in the tub pushed us into thinking learning some water safety might be a good idea. He loves his class! He is the only one who enjoys being dunked and practicing floating on his belly. He kicks and splashes and has an awesome time. The teacher thinks we should move him up into the next class. We'll see how he does.

Still not walking, which I am sorta thankful for given this latest phase of destruction. He loves to pull himself up on things and walk supporting objects. He has even ventured to take a few (very few) steps unsupported at all. I think he will be walking very shortly.

Surprisingly, Devon is small for his age. His weight of 21 lbs 15 oz places him in the 40th percentile, while his length still keeps him at the 85th (31 inches). Thankfully Devon's Dr. doesn't make us feel bad-- I have heard some stories from other parents that were guilted when their kids were below the 50th percentile. Devon's Dr. basically told us as long as he continues eating (and we ALL know how much he loves to eat) and stays active, there is no need to worry.

I am posting some pictures of Devon's first haircut on 2/21. Also some pictures of Devon playing in the tub, brushing his teeth like a big boy. Enjoy!

Prayer Request...

Please pray for Devon. He has an ear infection and a really high fever. During the night, it got to the 104s and it is currently in the upper 102s. Thank you!

Almost on vacation!!!

I haven't been much of a blogger lately, which is funny because I still check everyone's blogs each day. I thought I should post some pictures of the little man and we will see everyone next week.

Pictures as Promised...

If we could only get him to drink out of his sippy cup...





Thanks Grandpa for 100 balls to play with!



Bathtime is his best time of day, but as you can see by the last picture, he crashes out fast afterwards!

Devon Update...

It has been a long time since I posted so I thought it was time. Devon has learned a ton of new things since my last post. He crawls now. He plays with toy cars and busses. He chases the cat. He basically goes after everything he has been told not to. Still no words, but he makes "da" "mmm" and "ba" sounds. And he likes to immitate too, mostly in noise level.

And our hungry hog is now refusing to eat baby foods!!! The entire week that he was sick he was only allowed Cheerios and Saltines. Now the little monster refuses to eat anything that he can't feed himself. Which is cute, but a lot more work. Plus I don't think he eats enough at dinner time because lately he has been waking up every two hours and screaming until he gets fed and then he falls right back asleep. So anyone with ideas on foods that will stick with him through the night, PUL-LEASE let me know.

Overall, he is still really sweet and cuddly. I will post some pictures soon. Hope all is well with everyone and I will talk to you all soon.

Splish Splash, he was taking a bath!

OK, So I haven't really had a lot of time to post lately, but I did manage to capture these moments of Devon on film while he was taking a bath. He is getting cuter by the day and is a lot of fun. Those of you with keen eyes may notice Devon's got a hold of his favorite bathtime toy, which interestingly enough, I didn't notice was in the picture until later... but I thought you could use a good laugh. So happy Thanksgiving to everyone and we will be in touch soon!

Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Thank you Grandma Stacy! Our new furniture arrived and it freed up sooo much space. We are finally starting to feel less like we are living in Kiddieland and more like grown-ups. We can hide his toys and diapers in the coffee table and having a chair as opposed to a loveseat really created more space. We love love love it! Woo hoo!

Halloween pictures...

For those nanas and papas just dying to see Devon the Dragon, your wish has been answered. Although we did NOT go trick or treating (Mom had to work), we did manage to get some pictures of Mr. Man is his costume. Enjoy!






Devon the Dragon's backside.

Hi-Yah! Devon busting out some scary dragon moves.