I love night night time.

Ryder's love for books continues:
A few weeks ago, he threw his fat chicken leg over my stomach and sat down on my lap, leaned back, with book in hand. When we were done reading "Wheels on the Go" {for the 36384947 time} he started chewing on the corners.. Which lead to:
"we don't eat books, we eat babies"
I love this little nugget.
Ps. He just brought me a book to read, shocker!

I live for little moments, like that.

Lately, I've felt so fortunate for this adventure, we call Texas. As much as it sucks to be so far away, it has been one of the biggest blessings thus far in our marriage. We have been able to identify ourselves as our own family and have to rely on each other so much more.

I've been able to spend day and night with my son, without having to hear that I "do nothing" all day. {yeah, I've heard it plenty. YOU try keeping a house spotless, without a maid, while watching a toddler. Be my guest.} I'm pretty sure, I have the best husband ever. He always makes sure to let me know he could never do my 'job', and on days like today, its nice to hear.

If nothing else comes out of moving here, I'm content in knowing we've grown as individuals and even more so a couple. Having an understanding and appreciation of each other and the duties we each hold that we didn't have before.

This week has been one to remember. Ryder has discovered his love for books. He brings me books all day, and puts his chubby arms up for me to pick him up to sit on my lap. He snuggles into my arm and lays back while i read. As long as I keep reading, he'll keep snuggling.

Every night we have the same routine. Diaper change, lights off, TV on, and a blankie on the floor with a bottle in hand.
Usually, he'll roll around after he drinks his milk and I pat his back until he's asleep. But, the other night as soon as his bottle was gone he stood up and walked behind me.

I tried to ignore him, so he'd come lay back down. But he didn't. I felt his little hand on my back and thought for sure my hair would be pulled any minute. But it didn't.

He started rubbing my back, for at least a minute. I started crying as soon as he started. I didn't want to look back, because I didn't want him to stop. It's like he knew that it comforted him to sleep and just wanted to do the same for me.

When I did look back he got the most adorable, bashful smile.. Then gave me the biggest hug he's ever given me, followed by a long "awwww". Knowing, he did something really great. He fell asleep in my lap that night. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.

I wish my husband was home every night, and knowing how much Ryder adores his 'Da-ee', I know he does, too. It's hard knowing he has to miss those cute things. We miss him like crazy. I know he misses us, but I see the love that it must take to work for 14 days straight at 100+ hours per week to support and give your family everything they need. I'm truly blessed. I never thought this would be my life, but I'm so glad it is.

The Willards: The Texans

I'm sure by now, everyone knows that we relocated to Texas.


our home {the one on the right}



After weeks of searching, we finally found an adorable Duplex in Crowley. {about 30 miles SW of Dallas}

Since we are new to town/state, we were happy that they offered a 6 month lease option just in case we hated it and also because Tyler's job can take him just about anywhere in Texas.

Everyone keeps asking about his job: Right now he's working a 14/6 schedule. He's literally gone the full 14 days, working up to 120 hours per WEEK! We miss him so much, but I'm so grateful to have the 6 days off to get us back on track. I love that we agree on the importance of me staying home with our son, it has been such a rewarding blessing to be able to spend my days {and nights} with him.

Wednesday started Tyler's 14 days on, its always hard the few days, but I have to keep reminding myself of why we're here and look forward to the future.

This last week with Tyler home was a little stressful, lots to get done. Our great friends, the Donnelly's brought our stuff all the way from Henderson to Crowley for us. We got it all unloaded and now it's just a matter of finding a spot for everything and getting everything put together... If we ever locate where the screws to Ryder's crib are.. Oy.

Once everything was unloaded we could have a little fun, we went shopping quite a bit. We sold all of our big furniture before we moved, so I had been couch/table-less for a month..We got a couch, cute, red entertainment center and a refinished antique table that I LOVE... That I still need to find chairs for.

 

 We also carved pumpkins for baby boy's 1st Halloween! He loved rolling them around, and it was near impossible to get a good picture that he was smiling and wasn't blurry:

I know much more has happened, and should go back a year and catch up, but I know I won't. Our family feels so blessed to be where we are, but we definitely get home-sick. I'm hoping that blogging will help everyone feel like they're a part of our everyday life, even though we're 1,300 miles away from 'home'.

Ham.Bone.

I'll leave you with this cutie.. He was REALLY excited about the Albertson's chocolate cookie sample.