Introducing "Maven Ryan"

Well, we finally got Ryan's very special first birthday gift in the mail a couple of weeks ago.  It came all the way from Australia and even though it was a bit past her first birthday, I think it was so worth the wait.

I can't remember if I first came across Maven Dolls on Instagram or Pinterest, or maybe somewhere else entirely, but I do remember that the minute I saw these French-inspired rag dolls, I knew that Ryan had to have one.   Every single one of the Lee's handmade dolls are beautiful, but the fact that she also offers the Bespoke Beauty Service where you can have a custom made doll specifically for your child based on your likes is just amazing.  So I quickly placed my order for "Maven Ryan."

Maven Ryan, simply put, is stunning.  She is everything I wanted her to be and yet couldn't have dreamt up myself.  Lee took my thoughts and perfectly and exquisitely turned them into a doll that I hope will be an heirloom piece for Ryan to cherish and keep and maybe one day pass down to her own daughter.

 She now adorns one of the walls in Ryan's nursery and I think she is the perfect piece of "art" for her room especially until she is old enough to know not to destroy her.  If you are looking for a special gift for your girl, or if you are like me and just want to live vicariously through your child, check out Maven Dolls!

Our Baby You'll Be

We'll love you forever.

July 3, 2013

July 10, 2013



July 17, 2013

July 24, 2013

We'll like you for always.

August 3, 2013

September 3, 2013

October 3, 2013

November 3, 2013

As long as we're living,

December 3, 2013

January 3, 2014

February 3, 2014

March 3, 2014

Our baby you'll be.

April 3, 2014

May 3, 2014

June 3, 2014

July 3, 2014

Love,
Daddy & Mommy

Ryan's Birthday (Party)

I know what you're thinking....how many times can I blog about Ryan's first birthday?  Right?  Well, the answer is, as many as I want!  This is my blog after all. :)

The day before Ryan's actual birthday, I hosted a little birthday party celebration at my apartment with all of my new friends and their babies.  It wasn't anything super exciting.  We had some sandwiches, sang Ryan happy birthday, opened a few presents, and she got to eat a cupcake.  Oh and drank mimosas (the Mamas not the babies).  I honestly didn't take near enough pictures of the festivities, but it was super fun and I'm glad we at least did SOMETHING.  Plus it gave Ryan a chance to wear her adorable 1st birthday outfit again, which washed surprisingly well after her cake smash.

Wooden pennant flag banner from RyleighandRue.

Ryan's new friends are all so sweet and showered her with some super fun gifts!  Then we headed up to the pool for a little swim.

Her very own Dr. Kit! 

Assuming we get to stay in Massachusetts for all of Josh's residency, I know it's going to be so fun to watch all of these little girls grow up together.

Reagan, Avery, Ryan, Charlotte, Avery, & Isabella 

Reagan Kathleen and Ryan Cathleen (only 9 days apart!)

Ryan's ACTUAL birthday was pretty low-key.  Josh was working (no surprise there) and so we woke up and ate some chocolate chip pancakes.  Totally Ryan's idea and who am I to say no to the birthday girl. :)

Pancakes were followed by a balloon crib photo session.  I'm sure she was wondering what in the heck was going on but she seemed to enjoy it.  That is until it was time to pop all of the balloons the next day and she was terrified.... Mom Fail.

We met up with the girls later in the day for some shopping and lunch, which is a great way to end any birthday if I do say so myself!

I can't promise this will be the last post about Ryan's 1st birthday.  I'm still waiting on her big first birthday gift from Josh and I to arrive and I'm sure I'll definitely want to post about that!