The Simple Things

Riley working on a puzzle at the library.

Trying to blow bubbles by the air from your nose
Filling holes with rocks
Digging holes with sticks
First snack trap cup
Getting a library card
Collecting acorns at the playground
Brushing your own hair with a dust pan brush
A day in the life of my toddler

The Blurting Out of Memories.

Lately I've been pondering a lot about the early days of Riley.  I think it has to "due" with the soon arrival of baby Higgins.  I believe it's my way of preparing my brain and body to have a newborn again.  Though it's been less than two years I realize I forget a little more each day.  For a long time now I've been wanting to keep a journal of Riley and our family but I kept putting it off.  So I guess the sun and stars aligned yesterday and started this online blog to get out all the things I have kept in my head for so long.  Who knows maybe someday my children will read it with interest and maybe they won't but what it comes down to is sharing what impact they have had and will have on our lives. 
It was a very rainy morning the day we went to the hospital.  This doesn't surprise me because it seems all special occasions for us occur on rainy days.  I wasn't in any pain but we knew it was time to go.  I had thought about going earlier but fell back to sleep.  We packed up the car early in the morning and headed to the hospital.  They confirmed I needed to stay and I spent the next seven or so hours in the tub.  Anyways my skin had enough of the water so we went back to our room where you were born.  It was just a little before midnight when you entered this world.  Wow what a whirlwind it has been since then!  I think about all your firsts.  Like the first time you got a boo boo, the first time you rolled over, the first time you fell asleep on the floor, the first time you had a pickle, your first steps, your first airplane ride, your first trip to Target, your first Christmas morning, your first time away from mommy and daddy, so many firsts...

So as we prepare for the birth of baby Higgins, my dear little Riley you have paved the way for your new baby brother.  Little do you realize how much your presence has affected us and taught us to be parents.

Bath Time With Daddy

Riley's first bath

As I think about the past 21 months there is so much I could write about.  So I am going to focus on one aspect of our life and that is Riley's bath time.  When Riley was a newborn it was one part of the day we knew would be calming for him.  As time has passed we have had our ups and downs with this ritual.  Tonight though really made me smile.  I heard Brian say to Riley "You know what it's time for?"  Riley answers "soapy".  I'm in our bedroom and I hear this conversation and I can't believe how quickly his language is coming along.  I was keeping a list of words that Riley was saying but it seems I can't keep up with this list.  I would only write a word down when I knew he had it down pat but these days he comes out with these words and I think to myself did he really just say that?  Sure enough my ears heard correctly.  He's started saying Nana, Baba, Auntie, Mimi, sweet, movie and his favorite word these days is car.  It also shocks me how much he is understanding from go throw this in the trash to the difference between upstairs and downstairs.  So my little tiny newborn who used to relax and just lay in the tub, is now a moving and grooving toddler who has things to say.  My Riley you are definitely growing up.