Dear Rya D.,
You're four-months-old today! This month you started drooling big time. The upside to all this drool is that we don't have to fill the dogs' water bowl anymore because they just stay hydrated by licking your chin. Speaking of Bruco and Paolo, have I told you how much they love you? They adore you and judging by your giant smiles I believe you love them too.
You smile the most for Currier. We were worried that Currier would be jealous of you but he's not. He has loved you from the second he met you and you are fascinated by him. He wants you to be a part of everything. If we're about to head out somewhere he'll ask, "Is baby Rya coming?" and I'll ask, "Do you want her to come?" The answer is always, "yes". He also looks out for you. Whenever you cry, he yells, "Mom, Rya needs you!" If I can't get to you right away, he calms you by saying, "Sh sh sh, it's okay baby Rya." I'm not foolish enough to think you'll always get along this well but I am smart enough to know that you two have a special bond. It's comforting to know that you have each other.
You started laughing this month. Not for me though—just your daddy. He bounces you on his belly and sings silly songs and you think it's hilarious. At first we didn't know what the heck the sound was that you were making and then we realized you were laughing. You have a quirky, contagious laugh and I can't wait to hear more of it!
You still haven't slept in your crib in your own room. You sleep in a co-sleeper beside our bed. You usually wake around 4AM and I pull you into bed with me and nurse you until you fall back asleep right beside me. I can feel your tiny breaths and your warm little body against mine and that's my favorite time with you. I don't want these moments to end.
So Miss Rya Diane, I guess what I'm trying to say is we're all crazy about you! You're the perfect fit to our wacky little family.
All my love,
Mama
I had a huge pile of paperwork to go through and bills to pay (not to mention the hundreds of emails in my inbox!) so I gave Currier a big bag of pipe cleaners to keep him busy for an hour so I could get a few things done. This is how I found Rya...
If you look into her eyes, you can actually see her plotting against him!
On our walk today, Currier picked a dandelion and when I asked if it was for me he said, "No, it's for Rya!" It's hard to believe that one day he'll probably pin her down and fart in her face.
Yesterday afternoon we took the kids to the Mount Pleasant Rec Center for a swim. Rya's first pool experience was a success. She stayed in the water for almost an hour squealing in delight.
The aquarium just got some new residents and we were invited to the welcome party. On Friday evening after the aquarium closed we got to see the unveiling of Penguin Planet! It was so cool to be at the aquarium after hours without the crowds. The penguins are on loan from the San Diego zoo and will be here in Charleston for one year. We plan to visit them often and check them out on the Live Penguin Cam.
Dear Rya D.,
This morning we woke to find that a leprechaun had broken into our house last night leaving behind a trail of clovers. We followed the clovers around the house and discovered a card and a prize from the little Irish elf. That's not all the leprechaun left behind—the stinkin', lazy leprechaun used Currier's potty and forgot to flush! Happy St. Patrick's Day—hope yours is as wacky as ours!
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up and feast your eyes on the incredible, amazing and always talented Rolling Rya!
Our friends, Cinnamon and John, had a BBQ at their house over the weekend. After dinner, we put Max and Currier's little sisters, Amara and Rya, to bed and let the big boys stay up to watch the Wizard of Oz in their dinosaur jammies. As always, they had a blast and we look forward to many more good times together.
This evening Currier said, "Oh Mommy, the sky looks so boo-tee-full. Did you get up on the ladder and paint it purple?" I arrogantly replied, "Why yes I did!" Which reminds me of a great book:
Man, this kid is going to need some serious therapy! 
I occasionally stick Rya in the shower with Trent in the morning. Trent sings to her and she LOVES it.
Last night we took Currier and Rya to see Playhouse Disney Live at the Performing Arts Center in North Charleston. Currier is totally crazy about The Little Einsteins right now so he was completely thrilled to see Leo, June, Quincy, Annie and Rocket. Trent and I anticipated an auditorium full of toddlers as a headache, but it was actually a really enjoyable show. Both Currier and Rya behaved beautifully—no whining or crying! They were such a joy that we might just attempt a little side trip to Disney World this spring/summer when we visit family in Florida.
