Tag: COVID baby

3 Years

unravelingtheyarnLeave a comment

3 years ago, I was having a baby in the midst of a pandemic. It was an odd time… We “self-quarantined” for week before going in to have her; we had 2 nurses that I don’t recall ever switching out; we saw no one in the hall the entire the entire time we were there. We were in and out of the hospital within 24 hours of having her and we didn’t have visitors for days after we got home. It was a dark start to what would be one of the brightest things in our lives. Ryken Spree you were exactly the little light we needed in a weird time. And not just for us, friends from India to US would say to not stop posting photos of her, because she made their day better. So smile after smile I continued to!

She continues to be a light (sometimes a rapid flashing light) 😂 but still a light. If she isn’t giving off a little sass, she’s smiling, giggling, or over exaggerating her expressions so you’re sure you know what she wants. She talks nonstop, most of the time telling us what to do or how to do it and it’s about 50/50 on the sweet vs sassy chart.

Ryken, you are the best big sister and best little sister all wrapped in one. You keep Zayden on his toes, cuddle with him, check on him when he’s hurt and you love to hug, squeeze, kiss, and share with Kyden. Although you are the sweetest you ensure to show your bold & confident side at home. They say your 2nd child is your wild child and I have no doubt you will live up to this hype. You are fearless, especially if someone questions you. You are confident, especially if someone thinks you need help. You are beautiful, inside and out. You make our life a happier place every single day and without you, I’m not sure where we or your siblings would be.

A few things I want to remember about you in this stage of life. Stomping your foot and walking away saying, “I’m frustrated, I don’t want to talk to you right now,” or “I’m angry, please leave me alone” or “I’m never talking to humans again,” are among some of your go to sayings when upset. You currently dream of being a ballerina, and request the ‘ballerina song’ and dance around the kitchen with your best ballerina moves (note, the ballerina song is some random rap song that says the word ballerina in it) 😂

Playing store, school or “mom” are your favorite games to play with Zayden and the neighbor kids. You have your own colorful, bold and bright style, wearing pink daily, princess dresses, bows (which we still call bones), light up shoes or rain boots are your go to style choices. Your sweet voice can quickly change to a loud “scary” voice when you’re being silly and your hugs could literally change the world.

Thank you for being our light sweet girl. Happy young, wild and THREE to you!

The Big 2 | Ryken

unravelingtheyarnLeave a comment

I have tried to write this a couple times this past week and my mind can’t seem to grasp how in the world Ryken Spree is 2 today! I still remember the day after multiple miscarriages and we finally had made a pregnancy long enough to make an “announcement” just to find out a few weeks later we would have my last ectopic pregnancy. And now look at us…Zayden is 4.5 and Ryken is 2 and baby girl on the way. Our baby girl is 2 (even though she constantly reminds me she’s not Baby, she is Ryken). ❤️

Ryken is so incredibly sweet, loving, empathetic (which I didn’t know was a thing at that age but she is) and also a hell-raiser all in one. There’s not a day that goes by that Jason and I don’t exchange a look that says – how did she do that, keep a straight face, don’t give in and let her know that is kind of funny. 😂 Zayden, for the most part is a rule follower, so when this sweet, blue-eyed innocent girl doesn’t follow the rules then smiles and goes “Op, sorry mama..” and continues to break the rules, it floors me (in laughter most days). Although she loves to break the rules, she does love some things more…like her big brother – I think he’s her favorite. She loves any and all animals and will say, “Oh it’s SOOO CUTEEE” at even the most questionable animal. She also loves her baby dolls, anything soft and squishy she can carry around, baths, her big Ollie and little Charlie. And did I mention hugs? She will give you 15 hugs & 10 kisses in a matter of 5 seconds, and it’s the best.

Some of our favorite things she does… Dances to songs and TV shows.
Makes sure everyone knows which is “MY puppy”
When we tell her no or she doesn’t get her way, she will ask again in a super high pitched, innocent voice say, “Pleeeeeaaaase.”
The sassy & attitude-filled looks, although they can test you – I would much rather raise a child that will be a bold and fierce woman who isn’t ashamed to hold her ground (just if she could lighten up on her parents a little, that’d be helpful) 😂
She is one of the most independent child I know, always exclaiming, “No, I got it.”
She’s a straight up Popsicle Monster, she thinks she needs one all the time and some days I’m fine with a 3 popsicle type of day.
After every bath, she will walk out in her animal towel and try to scare you, but quickly explain,”It’s just me.” It’s probably my favorite thing.
Late night bed time singing – I mean, again can test you a little but also is the best.
Every time we start a prayer, she sings her prayer over us and if I try to explain its mom or dad’s turn to pray, she lowers her voice like she’s an adult and sings her prayer again. Zayden taught her this prayer he learned at school, so it’s always a pretty cute moment to see. Acting like a zombie or monster. Exclaiming she is little, but STRONG! That’s just to name a few of our favorites about our sweet girl!

Happy Big 2 Sweet Ryken! You are loved more than you can even imagine! We know this is your last few months to be the baby but that doesn’t mean you won’t always be the baby girl in our eyes.