Getting settled

Well, we have moved into our new house and are slowly getting settled. We're about 93% done, but Dennis has been working crazy hours at work so not much has been getting done. I'm hopeful that we will continue to get things finished so it is a comfortable place to live soon!!

Riley adjusted much better than I had hoped. We were nervous because he changed rooms at school (moved up to the 16-24 month room) one week before we moved. I was worried about his whole world being turned upside down. But he adjusted well to school, and the house didn't seem to faze him. I guess since we came to see it every week for 3 months he knew he belonged here.

He is getting so big, saying a few words and many sounds for words, and lots of signs. He is so smart and can point out all of the facial features and can point to each member of his family (he even points to the sky when you ask where Delaney is).

We hope you are all doing well!!

Fourth of July/15 month adventures

Riley is 15 1/2 months old and truly has his own personality. He's such a good child, adapts to the situation and rarely throws full out tantrums anymore (although when he does they are a sight to behold). In the past weeks he has really become a "boy's boy" learning to climb up on everything (carts, store shelves, couches, chairs, and most recently, his little ride on toy). He's in constant motion, and is most happy outside playing with bubbles or kicking or throwing a ball. He's got lots of words now, although only a few are "full" words (bubbles being the most distinct...most are like; da=dog, boa=boat, tru=truck, etc). But between those words and the signs he knows he can communicate with us pretty well.

Yesterday was 7/4 and we took Riley to see the fireworks. He didn't want to take a late afternoon nap so he was up from 3p-10p and did great. Not much fussing and he loved the fireworks. His uncle chris and aunt amanda came and bought him a light stick sword thing and he loved playing with that. He didn't cry during the fireworks but sat watching and pointing. Then he passed out on the walk to the car and slept the whole way home. What a good evening!

Oh, also, most of you know that we are building a house. Well it will be ready for move in on August the 6th. So in just over a month we'll be on a new adventure, getting settled into a new house! lots of fun to come then I'm sure!!

Growing up fast!!

Riley is 14.5 months and changes every day!! He has his share (or more) of tantrums and meltdowns, but most of the time he's a giggling happy toddler, eager to explore and learn new things. He knows several signs now (bath, all done, more, milk, eat, thank you, to name a few), and he has lots of "words" although most of them are one syllable versions of what he is trying to say, and lots of "tricks" - he can tell you what most animals say, and loves to dribble the soccer ball! Here are some pics...

Move out - complete!

1503 Harvard Road is now a part of our history...We are officially moved out of our first home! We moved out at the start of May, and after a trying few days (Riley had an ear infection, two new teeth, and moving out emotional trauma) we were done with our old house. We are living with our friend Sean for a few months while our house is being built. It is coming along nicely, and is built and has a roof and windows. Plumbing and electricity are going in this week, and next week we have a pre-drywall meeting. Things are moving right along, and Sean is being a wonderful friend - even though Riley has some terrible two moments.

Dennis turns 30!

Dennis turned 30 years old today! It was a regular (busy) day at work for him, and he got home around 6pm. He had a nice day at work and had several co-workers wish him a happy birthday. We went out to dinner with his brother and sister-in-law (Chris and Amanda) and had a very nice time. He opened his few small presents (we got each other an iPad so gifts were limited this year) and relaxed until Riley's bedtime. All in all I hope that he had a nice birthday!

New Room

Riley has graduated to the "pre-toddler" room at his school. He has some familiar faces of old friends in the room, which helped ease the transition. He really misses his teacher, Aunt Ronda, and some of his friends from that room. The new room definately has it's benefits though. As I mentioned, several of his friends are in this room, and they get to spend a lot more time outside (which is where Riley would spend ALL his time!). I am still in awe of the teachers, who somehow manage to get 8 1 year olds to sleep on cots and not get up until they are picked up after nap, to sit at a table together and eat, etc. Riley is settling right into his new routine and we are getting used to things as well!

12 month appt!

Riley had his one year doctor's appointment, and it was a rough afternoon. Riley's class is preparing him to move to the pre-toddler room by adjusting his routine. No more morning nap! He is adjusting well, however on Monday his doctor's appointment was at 1pm (nap time) which wasn't a good idea. He did OK in the waiting room for 45 minutes.... (OUCH) and then his pedi decided to start him with the finger prick (double ouch) for Hgb and lead screen. So we finally get him calmed down from that and they are ready to bring him to a room. Next comes height and weight and temperature (which was an ordeal) and then he was happy again even while we talked to the pedi...until he had the nerve to try and listen to Riley. (Since he had RSV and was traumatized at the ED...he hates the stethoscope) Then to top it off...three shots. Riley was inconsolable, and then predictably passed out on the walk to the car and took a nap for 3+ hours before we woke him up.

The important stuff....Height 30" Weight 23 lbs 5 oz - he is totally healthy and developing right on schedule!!

Next week is a busy day for us...we close on the sale of our house and Riley moves to the pre-toddler room!!!

A photo diary...

Dennis had to work very late on St. Patty's day, so Riley and I sent a photo journal of our activities during the evening to make him feel like he wasn't missing out on anything.

After going to the grocery store, we played outside until time for dinner!

After dinner we came upstairs and played with his NEW chair!!!

The philly phanatic was riding the ATV!

Then it was time for a bath!!

Then reading a book and then time for bed!!

We hope you enjoyed a brief glimpse into our bedtime routine!

Happy Birthday Riley!!

Yesterday, 3/16, was Riley's first birthday!! We had a fun day; Dennis and I were both off from work and we spent the day with Riley. He woke up and we played, and had breakfast. Then we went to get professional photos taken, which was harder than in the past, Riley kept running away.

Then we took a nap and after that we went to daycare to share cupcakes with Riley's friends there.

After that we went to get Riley's very first haircut, which was an experience. We went to pigtails and crewcuts and they were great- when Riley decided halfway through that he was done they artfully bribed him with animal crackers until they were done.

After the haircut we went to the playground and had a wonderful time there, then home for a nap!

In the evening Dennis' parents and Chris and Amanda and Mikey all came over. They had fun playing with Riley and opening presents (Riley wasn't super into opening presents yet, but liked the toys after the fact) and eating another cupcake (with Ice cream this time!)

After that it was bath and bed...all and all a wonderful way to mark Riley's first birthday!!

Sleeping like an angel

All snuggled up in his pack n play for a pre-party nap!

Warm days at last!

Riley enjoyed a trip to the park yesterday after school. Swings are fun!

Spring antics

Riley is becoming more adventurous by the day. Last fall, he hated to touch the grass and since he was crawling, we pretty much could contain him to the blanket. No longer...he is off and running through the yard, and he loves to play with the pinwheel we have in Delaney's garden.

As his one year birthday comes upon us, Riley is showing us how much trouble he can get into! We took him to the store and he climbed up INTO the shelves, and he can run the length of an aisle in no time!

He also loves playing with a balloon that he got for Valentine's day, and a box that we got from costco. Needless to say all that money we spent on toys has been wasted!

He thinks that he is big enough to PUSH the trike and not just ride in it now!

He loves his tickle me elmo and kisses his tummy when he's laughing!

He has been trying to get into the tub, and hiding behind the curtain.

He LOVES to push doors open and closed to play hide and seek!

We've had fun taking advantage of the nice weather for walks and trips to the playground also!

Every day is a new adventure and we are having so much fun!!

11 months!

Riley is 11 months old now, and I can't believe that he will be a year old so soon. He is a joy to be around and every day he is learning new skills. He is running around the house at will, and he's starting to sign back to us. He is transitioning to regular milk and using a sippy cup instead of a bottle. We are still having battles at dinner time but the rest of the day he eats well and he's growing quickly.

Riley has had many new friends join him in the world this month. We are so happy to welcome Eden, Connor, and Bryson to the world! Their parents are so excited to have them here and we can't wait to meet each one of them!

Here is a picture of Riley's stylish bathtime hair. It's getting SO long but we are waiting until his first birthday for a haircut.

Today we took advantage of the somewhat warm weather and we went swinging at the playground. He enjoyed the time outside for about 10 minutes until the cold air got to us.

TEETH!!!

Well, Riley's second front tooth decided to peek through, and we are very happy because he is starting to sleep better again! We have our happy Riley back, and he is walking all around the house. It's amazing how quickly he went from stuttering steps to walking like a pro, all around without falling!! We are unfortunately planning on being snowed in again this weekend...although we are still holding out hope that the weather won't be too bad. We're supposed to go to northern VA for a weekend of friends but we're playing it by ear. Here are a few pictures of the LAST snowstorm!!

Tooth!!

Well Riley left school early due to being inconsolable. He hung out
with Nikki at work for awhile until Dennis got off work to bring him
home. After a short nap Riley was much happier and Dennis solved the
mystery...riley's front tooth finally popped through!!! I'll try to
get a pic but here is one of us taking a walk with his new trike,
enjoying the nice weather!!

Sign from Little D

This is a late post, because I wanted to tell the story to Delaney's grandparents before I posted...and then time got away from me.

Delaney sent us a sign to wish us a Merry Christmas and to let us know that she's OK. As you may remember, we spent the days leading up to Christmas in Yorktown. After the Christmas eve celebration, we came home and got ready for Christmas Day. Then I went to bed while Dennis finished up a few things. I got in bed and was saying my prayers, and asking God to tell Delaney how much we love and miss her, when Dennis came back into the room. I asked him what he was doing, and he was putting something away. But what got his attention was that Delaney's christmas tree, which is in our bedroom, was on. It is on a timer, and comes on a dusk (around 5) and stays on for 4 hours and goes off around 9. It was 1230 AM on Christmas Day and the tree just turned on all by itself. It was the perfect Christmas greeting from Delaney, and made us both so happy.

We just wanted to share Delaney's Christmas greetings with all of you!

Angel Day #2

January 15th is here again. This date is so complex for me. It is always a sad time as I wish that Delaney was still here with us. I can only imagine the trouble she would be getting into as a terrible two, and all the fun that we would have together. I try to remind myself to be thankful, for the unexpected gift of three weeks together. The doctors told us that Delaney would probably not be born alive, or she would probably die within hours of being born. But our little fighter stuck around for 20 days. They weren't all easy, fun days, but she fought to stay with us, to show us her personality and courage. And by doing that she touched so many lives. Not just the few immediate family members who had a chance to meet her, but many others who heard her story and have been touched. And so, we remember Delaney every day, but January 15th is especially difficult.

In honor of Delaney's angel day, Dennis and I took off of work. We sent Riley to school for a half day. We went to see the neighborhood we hope to move to, and looked at the house we want to build. We plotted out where Delaney's garden will go at the new house. Then when we went to visit Delaney, and there was the green awning over her area and a new little baby grave right next to hers. As if we weren't having a hard enough time with this date, to have such a stark reminder of what it felt and looked like two years ago. And my heart breaks to know that another family is going through the same tragedy that we have lived through. So, we came home, and hugged each other, and watched the video we made for Delaney. My sister Jenna is coming up to spend the evening, and we'll go get Riley from school, and go visit Delaney again. With Jenna and Riley around, hopefully the evening won't be TOO quiet. When it gets too quiet is when we start to relive those horrible moments, so we'll try to stay a bit distracted this evening.

So thank you to EVERYONE who remembers Delaney with us, it means the world to us! We love you all and thank you for being a part of our lives!

BIG steps!

Well, Riley shocked us all yesterday and walked halfway across his room. All evening I was trying to "encourage" him to walk using little snacks, and he would take 3-4 steps and then lunge for me. So when we went upstairs to get ready for a bath, he was playing by the window with some stuffed animals, and I was across the room by his closet. I turned on the tickle me elmo, and he turned and looked, and then walked halfway to us like it was nothing. It was the first time that he's initiated walking without us encouraging him, and the first time he had chose walking over crawling when he was trying to get somewhere. I guess we're really in trouble now...

Rough start to '10

Well the end of 09 and the start of 10 were not the best in the Carter household. Riley got a nasty stomach bug from daycare and was sick wednesday and thursday... and then Dennis and I rang in the new year thursday night and friday with the same bug. Then starting on Sunday Riley got sick with RSV, which was also going around day care. He stayed home Monday and Tuesday, and Tuesday night was breathing too fast and so we made our first (and hopefully last) trip to the ER to get evaluated. Riley had RSV and an ear infection, but luckily improved and we were able to go home that night. Wednesday and Thursday Riley started to improve, and he was well enough today to return to school. Hopefully we got our share of illness out of the way for awhile!

Here is a video of Riley playing with his basketball hoop last night, the first time happy Riley made an appearance in about a week!

Delaney's 2nd Birthday

The 26th of December was Delaney's 2nd birthday! We can't believe that our little girl is two years old already. We had a family gathering for Delaney's birthday, complete with the now annual tradition of singing (continuing the Williams family tradition, as poorly as possible) Happy Birthday at the memorial garden. It didn't rain this year, although it was pretty muddy, and we were so happy that so many family members could celebrate with us.

This year we asked all the family members to write messages to Delaney on some balloons, and we sent them up to her with our birthday messages on them. It was very exciting to think of her getting all those love notes from her family.

Now we enter the twenty day period of the year that is even more emotionally laden than any other part. Each day holds special memories for us, and they are still some of the best days of our life. Dennis and I remember Delaney EVERY day, but during this time we remember specific events of our time together, both good and bad. As the 15th of January approaches, the memories get more somber, and Dennis and I have planned to stay home together on 1/15, as we will probably do every year. It is a day to reflect on the good days, and remember our sweet girl. We thank you all for your support and mostly for remembering Delaney!!!