Ryan's First Haircut

If you been following photos of Ryan, you will notice that he was beginning to become a little scruffy. So Paul and I decided it was time to take Ryan for his first haircut! He was a very good boy and did not cry or fuss. Although the cool car chair and the cartoons helped "ease his mind".

>>Initial Shock...perhaps a little denial..

>> Shock and denial wears off...anger sets in

>> Bribes are provided...

>> Acceptance is achieved

Happy Halloween!

I've always loved the holidays. Now with Ryan, the holidays are even better! We started celebrating Halloween a good week prior to the 31st. Ryan wore his costume more than he's worn some of his clothes! Yes, I love the holidays and this Halloween couldn't have been better! Here's a breakdown of our 2010 Halloween:

Gymboree Halloween Party: What's a holiday without celebrating with a special Gymboree party? Ryan's been going to Gymboree since he was just 6 weeks old. As a new Mom, I found Gymobree to be a great way to (1) meet other new moms, (2) get Ryan out of the house, and most importantly, (3) a guarantee that I'd actually get dressed the day of our scheduled class (I'd like to say "ensure I'd shower", but that would have been a lie!)! Normally Ryan loves Gymboree, but with only a 30 minute nap that day, our LION became quite untamed and unruly. We stayed for the party (and managed to have a little fun) and then went home and crashed!

Mom's Club Halloween Party: I met my first "Mommy friend" (Andie) at the 2009 Mom's club outing when our boys were just 8 weeks old. One of the 2 Mom's Clubs were in hosted a fantastic Halloween party. I took a few hours of VP time from work and my little LION and I met Andie and Logan at the party! There was a photographer, pumpkins, food, candy and lots of other kids (something like 40 kids). Most of the other children sat the entire time, but NOT Ryan! He ran from one thing to the next including running into the arms of other mothers! I left the party sweating and ready for a nap, but went back to work with a big smile!

Pumpkin Carving Party: Brian, Kristy and Riley had their annual pumpkin carving party! Here's sweet Riley hugging Ryan.

Neighborhood Costume Party: The Zoo Keepers took the untamed LION to the costume party. Our neighbors hosted a costume party Saturday night. We were the only family there with just one child, which tells you just how many kids were at the party! The party was complete with cookie decorating, apple bobbing, a "boo-box", photographer, drinks and lots of fun! Ryan had fun "playing" with a 2-year old neighbor boy!

Halloween Trick-of-Treating: Ryan and his friend Noah (The Wizard) had fun Halloween night trick-or-treating at a few houses. Ryan didn't really get the concept of putting candy in his bag, but he LOVED carrying his bag/pumpkin. He was also caught entering a few homes uninvited (WHERE ARE THIS KID'S PARENTS)? Maggie dressed as a bee, too! Yes, I love Halloween!

Great Grandma Turns 90!

What a weekend! Ryan's Aunt Andrea and Great Grandma Meister flew into O.C. on Saturday to surprise Paul's parents for their 60th birthday party luncheon hosted at our house on Saturday afternoon.



We wrapped up the lunch and headed straight to Arcadia to celebrate my special Grandma's 90th birthday! We had a nice family dinner with aunts and cousins, complete with crowns and tiaras for the Birthday Girl!!

My 1st Birthday!

What a special birthday!
A few months ago, my colleague invited Paul, Ryan and me to join his family in a "box suite" at the circus! How a 10 month old would react to the circus, I didn't know. But seeing the circus in a "box suite" was certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity that we were not going to miss. Much to our surprise, Ryan was literally mesmerized by the circus. He loved the lights, animals, and music! That night, the theme for Ryan's first birthday was born!
On Sunday, 10/3 from 12-3pm, we celebrated Ryan's the big day with family and friends during circus themed extravaganza! I love party planning, but hadn't ever had the opportunity to plan a child's birthday party. SO MUCH FUN! We held the party at our local neighborhood park with wide open grassy space and beautiful views. We hired a "taco man" for ease (and FUN!). We had a parachute, riding toys, a ball pit, big balls, small balls, cupcakes, candy apples, cotton candy, popcorn, and most importantly, lots of friends and family to help celebrate the big milestone! Here are a few pictures from the special day.

Ryan loves his ball pit!

The parachute was popular!

It's my birthday and I can cry if I want to! Mom, I told you I don't like wearing the hat. Why did you put it on me?

Cupcakes! Chocolate, vanilla and coconut for Christy (I don't dare disappoint the pregnant woman) and my mom.

My cute little man! Makes my heart smile! P.S. I totally realize Ryan's pants are too small. . .you mean high waters aren't in style? Maybe he'll wear pants that fit for his next birthday party!

BIG DAY - I'M ONE!!

I'm O-N-E!

Today we celebrate a very special milestone! Our little man is one! As I awoke to Ryan fussing in his crib at 6:30am this morning, I laid there remembering what I was doing exactly one year ago. . . . showering and putting on make-up nervously getting ready to head to the hospital for our induction! Paul and I were both pretty anxious and a little nervous, but I remember neither of us said anything. We just drove wide-eyed to the hospital really "prepared" for an event we'd never ever be prepared for! We had just no idea what to expect! After a pretty uneventful labor (as labors go, that is), out "popped" our very little special delivery! 6 pounds of joy, Ryan Andrew Blake. I'd never seen a baby so little.From the beginning, our little man was calm, low key, and pretty happy. Now, just one year later, while "little" would definitely NOT be what I'd use to describe him ("porker" would be more appropriate), our little man is still the most calm, low key, and happy guy.

We have a great day planned to celebrate this special milestone! Here it is:


I woke-up at my normal time of 7am. I got to come into bed with mommy and daddy to have my milk! My last bottle of formula.

Doesn't everyone text message these days? Ryan LOVES my phone.

My new favorite activity: playing in the pillows!
Mommy and Daddy worked while I played with Ana. At 3pm, we headed to Pretend City in Irvine. First, I went fishing!

I rode in a fire truck complete with a hat!

I share my dad's love for cars. Look at my face!


After Pretend City, we headed home where we had a birthday dinner with my Grandparents! I got to "water ski" with my G-pa!

Time for cake! My Granny made me my very own chocolate cake!
I'd say I liked it!
So did Maggie (she had to be pulled away so as not to get sick)!

Time for gifts! I have no idea how lucky I am!

I love my new chair! But most of all, I love spending my birthday with the people I love! I'm one lucky little man!

Let's PARTY!

Today marks the two week look-out before our little man's big #1 birthday! On his actual birthday, we will have a nice family celebration, just the 4 of us (including Maggie, of course). Then, a few days later, we will party it up with a circus theme extravaganza! We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with family and close friends!

No Clowning Around!!

Apparently, Ryan doesn't like clown wigs. Should we surprised? Probably not! Still fun though!!