My cousin 'Nafan'

Ryan just couldn't get enough of her cousin 'Nafan' this summer.  Talking about him, putting away things for him, planning to go visit him...  Just the other day she pointed out that there were 2 extra seats in the car; one for Daddy and one for 'my cousin Nafan'.   We talked to her about her other cousins and she would just give us this blank stare.  I knew exactly what was going through her mind, 1 Mama, 1 Daddy, 1 cousin and his name is 'Nafan'.   Luckily, she got to spend some time with Nathan and Natasha and of course, I snapped a picture.

Here they are after Natasha had just returned from a week-long trip to NYC with Tracy, a belated 16th b-day present. Nataha made a special trip to FAO Shwarz to get Ryan the cutest little pink monkey and even brought her the t-shirt she's wearing in the pic.   Tracy, if your reading this, I talked to Ryan and she really wants you to take me to Iceland for her 16th b-day.  She's very generous!

When we were in PEI this summer I snapped this picture one evening on the beach of Ryan and her Nanny.  Really, it says alot to me.  So much so I can't even begin to blither on about.  I'll just let it speak the 1000 words it has to say all on its own.  Hmmm, I'd like to also thank photo-editing software.  This picture was really over-exposed and I darkened it up alot. 

She is her own person.

I can't say that enough. I remember as a child that my mom was all about ribbons and bows.... and I was not. I grew up into a very straight edged (wardrobe) kinda girl; perhaps a rebellion from all of the frilly frou frou that was my lot as a child. But sometimes, since Ryan has graced us with her presence, I feel a little bit of my mom creeping in and I see a little of myself in Ryan.

We decided to have a girls week-end, Ryan and I, and went to Bathurst to visit my mom (Nana) and my Nanny (big Nanny). Motivated by my friend Pam, I brought home all the supplies to make a pretty little pillowcase dress for Ryan. I thought the timing was perfect because I could call on the sewing expertise of the generations. Well we finished the little masterpiece late at night and I presented it to Ryan the next morning. She promptly told me to hang it in the closet. I had a feeling this would be the result but I still wanted to try. I have to say I admire her tenacity. The whole week-end that dress was not going to touch her.

However, since the weather was so beautiful we decided to spend some time at the beach. This was more her scene. The flatfish were biting off the point and there was no lack of fisherman looking for their share. Ryan was among them.

So I guess I am learning from Ryan everyday that it is OK to have dreams and desires for your child. But she has a mind of her own and a voice to let her desires be known! Who am I to quash that?

She does the sweetest things.

So little Ryan started reading. More like she has a very good memory and with the help of the pictures she can give a pretty good accounting of the story that needs to be told. However, she like to read with us while we're reading our own stories. As soon as she notices that we're watching she turns away or walks to a corner to continue. The little girl who could walk around the mall in the buff and not be the least bit shy seems to consider reading to be a very private affair. Last night she was reading Dora and Daddy was reading Diego. I have always loved to read and hoped that she would share that love as well. I'm so happy that she does!

Hello Donna?

We went to St. Stephen in March to see my nephew Nathan compete in the provincial hockey tournament for his age group. Unfortunatley they didn't win (its all for fun though isn't it guys?) but Ryan did seal her relationship with her Auntie Donna. We don't get to see the Thibodeau-White's as often as we would like so Ryan really hadn't had the opportunity to bond with Donna. However, she was stuck to her like white on rice this day and would not leave her side. It was pretty cute and it gave my back a little break (Donna got to do a lot of carrying - thanks Donna!)... When we got home Jason overheard Ryan talking on her phone. She said, 'Hello Donna? It was nice to meet you today. I'm making dishes and playing with my friend Daddy!'
Don't kids say the darndest things?