Apple Cider Century

Another Michigan weekend, 100 miles in the saddle, another year of success, and a day full of wonderful memories.

Congratulations Scott, Brad and DeChantel...you guys rocked!!!

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Remember this???...sniff, sniff (turn off playlist at the bottom before playing)

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AND HERE'S RYLAN!!

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SWEET baby Boy..

Are you really one month old already? It's hard to believe that the time has gone by that fast but at the same time, you seem to have been part of our family for so long already. Has it really only been 31 days? What a contradiction, I know!

When I was pregnant with you, I knew I would be just as happy with another girl as I would with a boy...but now that I have YOU, my life seems that much sweeter to have my sweet little boy. I can't wait to share life with you and watch you explore the world and develop into the person you will become. But meanwhile, I will just love the baby that you are...your little toes, your fingers that wrap around my shirt and finger, your little head that snuggles into my body just right, your precious eyes that capture my heart with one look. Really, could you be that perfect?...Yes, you are, my sweet Rylan.

At one month, you are 22 inches long and are back to your birth weight of 9 pounds and 4 ounces. You can hold up your head for long periods of time and love to look at lights and faces. You can focus on us when we talk to you and we know a smile is just beckening to come through one day soon. You are content unless you are hungry or have the hiccups and love to be snuggled and held. You don't really care for the swing too much but love to be held close in the sling. You are such a good baby and we enjoy you every day.
And even when those ugly hiccups emerge, and cause you such freight, you are still so cute.
It's okay, Rylan...we are here to LOVE you until the hiccup monster goes away! xoxo

Govt Affairs Conference: Daddy goes to Washington

Last Saturday, I had to go to Washington, DC, for our annual government affairs conference for work. I also had board meetings to attend to as well. Because of the nature of the meeting, I left on Saturday and it was go-go-go through Wednesday night when I came home.

On Tuesday, we visited Capitol Hill to speak to members of the Illinois Congressional delegation on issues about our work. In between those meetings, I managed to sneak a tour of the Capitol which was guided by a staffer for my Congresswoman, Judy Biggert.

The Capitol is AMAZING. I also was fortunate to meet the work Congressman for my office, Mike Quigley, who won the special election to fill Rahm Emanuel's seat. I actually went to college with his Chief of Staff, who also lived in my dorm. The universe shrinks once again.

Pictures below.

Meet Rylan Thomas!

We couldn't be more in love with this little guy and he is such a wonderful addition to our family. Being a family of four now is so wonderful and we are loving every day. It's hard to believe he is going to be one month old this weekend...why oh why does time have to go by so quickly??!! He is a very good baby...appears to have a laid back, go with the flow personality and is becoming more awake and alert each day. He adores being held, loves his baths and only really fusses with his frequent occurring hiccups {hello pacifier ;)}. Makenna Claire loves having "baby Rylan" as her "little brother" and just can't give him enough kisses during the day. We couldn't feel more fortunate for these two little gifts of love!

Sibling Admiration and Such LOVE!

Hello little brother....hello big sister!!!

After Mommy and Daddy, Makenna Claire was the first to hold "Baby Rylan" and she couldn't of been more ecstatic. And today, over 3 weeks later, she is still beaming and just adores the little guy.

Can you see the Awww!
And the firsts of many daily kisses Rylan gets from his big sis.

He's "so beautiful!" Makenna saids multiple times a day, everyday.

Yes he is, and so is his Big Sister.
Welcome home little brother. This is just the beginning of the magical relationship between a sister and a brother. What a gift you have in each other.
REALLY, can we get any luckier...I think not..my heart is full of happiness, love and pure joy.

xoxo

I know I have been a bad blogger and many of you are patiently waiting to see the many promised pictures of sweet Rylan, and they are coming...I promise! We have just been busy being Mommy and Daddy to our wonderful two children, enjoying the moments and cherishing the time because we know it goes by so quickly. And yes, also trying to find the time to rest, sleep, and keep up with the daily chores. Now that I have a few moments to spare, before I tuck myself in for much needed sleep, I am here to add a few photos.

So here's a few to wet your palate, and I will try and add more as the days go on! Thank you for your patience and I won't let you down!

Aug. 20..One last photo shoot of the belly profile! 4:45 am right before leaving for the hospital!

At the hospital, waiting my turn for the operating room, but enjoying passing the time with our families. One more snuggle....Me and our sweet little girl who was about to become a big sister. She was so excited and was sure she was going to have a little brother!A family of three, about to be four!!
OR Beauty...hee,hee...aren't we cute???
And welcome little boy!! Minutes old, in my arms....We love you so much already lil Rylan!!!
Stay tuned!! Nighty night...