Week 110

5-27-12...Happy 40th Birthday Phil!

Last weekend was Phil's surprise 40th birthday party.  Family and friends gathered to share in the celebration.  Thank you to everyone who has made this a memorable week for Phil!  Here are some photos taken the day of the party.

The celebrations continued all week with another cake at Phil's school and upstate at my parents' house. 

Phil's fourth cake; one for each decade!

Ryan went for his 6 year old well visit check up this week.  The doctor said he grew 3 inches since last year's check up.  He's also now 68 pounds, bringing his height and weight off the percentile chart for his age.    He had some difficulty with the hearing test in his left ear and sure enough, the doctor said there was some fluid in it.  This was the ear that he needed to have the tube removed from back in September because it was in too long without falling out on its own.  The pediatrician suggested we give him Claritan or Zyrtec each night for two weeks in case the fluid is allergy related, and bring him back in two weeks to see if it is dried up.  If not, it is back to the ENT to monitor and see if a tube needs to be reinserted.  We're hoping that the allergy meds help the fluid, but also help his skin.  He's had a lot of skin flareups the past few weeks and over the years of dealing with his skin issues, we never related it to seasonal allergies.  Even these recent flare ups we chalked up to the cheating he's been doing on his diet with all of these weekend outings and events we've had.  

Over Memorial Weekend we spent a couple of days up at my parents' house which we figured would be a tad more relaxing than staying home.  At home the "To Do" list continues to stare at me, and I can use a break!  At my doctor's appointment this week, I was told that I have a virus and my body needs rest to get rid of it.  I've had a temperature that has been lingering on and off all week, and I've begun to see a chiropractor for the leg and back pain I'm experiencing.  So we headed upstate and as usual, the kids had a fabulous time.  My cousin was up there with her family as well, making it an even better visit for the kids!

Sunday, June 3rd, is the Autism Speaks Walk in White Plains.  If you can join us, please let me know.  Julia is proudly sporting her new green hair extension to match our Ryan Express shirts.  If you are unable to come to the walk but would like to donate, please visit our team's page: The Ryan Express Team Donation Page

DC

Week 109- Ryan's Birthday Party

Last weekend was Ryan's 6th Birthday.  I told him that now that he is 6, he needs to make his bed everyday.  I'm not sure why I hadn't thought about this for his 5th birthday.  Ryan is all about rules; he is ready for this responsibility and it is time that he pitched in a little around the house.  Well, we weren't sure how it would play out, but Ryan has stepped up to the plate this week.  Everyday he made his bed without us asking.  He was so proud of himself.  At first he would come and tell us that he did it for recognition.  Then after a few days he just did it.  I wouldn't have known unless I went to check.  He also started to become more independent with other things such as brushing his teeth.  Rather than us ask him 5 times to brush his teeth, he's been doing it on his own and telling us that he brushed his teeth.  This independence couldn't come at a more perfect time since baby #3 is on its way in just two months!

Here are some photos from Ryan's birthday party at Fun Central, his first birthday party out at a place rather than home.  His four cousins attended, as well as 2 of our neighbors and his best friend from Kindergarten.  He had a great time!

Ryan loves his new scooter from Grandma

Excited to ride the virtual roller coaster.  He went on 3 times!

Pizza time

Time for cake

Making sand art crafts

 DC

Week 108

Ryan's 6th Birthday and Mother's Day Weekend!

Thank you to everyone who wore their Ryan Express shirts over the past couple of days.  I updated The Ryan Express page on Facebook with pictures that were sent to me of family and friends wearing their shirts.  We were all sporting our shirts on Friday, May 11th.

Many of my colleagues also wore their shirts and it sparked some conversation with students about why we were all wearing them and what they represented.  We thank everyone who wore their shirts and helped us spread awareness, and to those who made a donation to the walk in June. 

On Friday evening we attended my friend's graduation from the Doctoral Program at Western Connecticut University.  The kids just love Stacy and although it made for a late night, we were so glad we could all be there to see her graduate.  This is the same program that Phil is currently attending and will be graduating from in two years.

On Saturday, Ryan turned 6 years old!  He had a busy day attending his friend's birthday party and his soccer game, and enjoying time with some visitors.  Before dinner we took him shopping to pick out a present.  He's been asking for a nerf gun and we finally gave in and purchased one for him.  He was so excited to have it that he brought it to bed with him!  Ryan also picked out a small ice cream cake for dessert.  That morning Ryan was a little disappointed that he wasn't having a party this weekend, but we explained that we would be celebrating next weekend, and he got to do so much all day that by the evening he was a very happy and EXHAUSTED boy!

Happy 6th Birthday to our son who brings us so much joy each day!  Julia took this picture for us!

When we woke up in the morning we found a package outside of our door from Uncle Tim and Uncle Michael in California.  Some more Lego sets and a Lego ideas book that kept Ryan busy all morning!

A visit from our neighbor, Carol, with toys for the pool and goggles, which excited both Ryan and Julia!

A visit from Auntie B, Uncle T, Amelia and Alyssa before his soccer game.  It took Phil an hour to put this one together, but Ryan was so happy to have a Star Wars Lego spaceship!

So excited about his new toy!

Singing Happy Birthday to Ryan.  Aunt Anne, Uncle Chris, Megan and Kate were on face time on the IPhone singing with us!  Look at that smile!

I told Ryan now that he is 6 years old that he needs to make his bed when he wakes up every morning.  He woke up the next morning and made his bed all on his own.  Ryan and Julia came to our room to wish me a Happy Mother's Day and shower me with crafts and cards they made at Young Hearts.  Phil and the kids also made me breakfast in bed and let me sleep in until 9am!

We enjoyed a lovely buffet brunch in Poughkeepsie at the River Station Restaurant.  Needless to say, Ryan went off of his diet a lot over the past three days!

Julia, Grandma Jeanne, and Ryan

Enjoying a beautiful day by the river!

Daddy and daughter!

I like having Ryan's birthday so close to Mother's Day.  It reminds me how blessed I am to be able to make the sacrifices all moms do for their children.  As great as this weekend was, it was incomplete without being able to see my mom.  Unfortunately she had to work all weekend, but we will see her next weekend.  Thank you, mom, for all you do for me and my family.

And sending out big hugs to those with moms in heaven, especially my cousins Donna and Denise, and Mary.  Thinking of you, and Aunt Linda and Aunt Rose today! 

DC

Week 107

We didn't post last week due to a busy weekend.  Then again, we've had a lot of busy weekends this spring, with another dozen events still to come during the months of May and June.  One of our recent happenings was attending my cousin's wedding.  The kids, as always, had a great time.  This is the fourth wedding they've attended in the past 12 months.  They are pros!

Dressed and ready to leave for the wedding.

Ryan dancing with cousin Alyssa.

A hug for the bride, Denise.

Dancing with daddy.

Dancing with mommy.

Some of the Ciaramella cousins.

A happy night!

At Ryan's soccer game yesterday, he scored a goal.  He also had a few great defensive moves that impressed the crowd.  More importantly, he enjoyed himself.  He didn't want to quit or walk off the field.  Even after getting a ball kicked into his face/forehead, he stayed on the field and kept playing. 

Ryan's birthday is May 12th.  On Saturday, May 12th, or Friday, May 11th, please wear your Ryan Express t-shirt.  Unfortunately I was unable to place an order for new shirts this year.  I have a few adult smalls and XL's left that I can sell, but that is it.  I've spent the past two months trying to order new shirts, to no avail.  I am super disappointed.  But we've sold around 150 shirts over the past two years, so if you have a shirt, please wear it!  Thank you for your support!

DC