Random comments from this weekend

Friday night I got mad a Dustin for some reason (probably something dumb since I can't remember why now).  When we were getting ready to read books before bed, Ry asked why I was sad.  I told him that I was mad at Papa and that he didn't even get me any flowers.  Ryland says (in his super-cute broken English) "Eets ok, Mama.  Morning, I get you flowers...outswide, by the pool, pink ones".  I laughed so hard, it was absolutely hysterical!  Dustin was like"Nice, Ryland...way to help me out!"  We then taught him how to say "I got your back".  Too cute!  The argument ended right then!

On Saturday we celebrated my mom's and dad's birthdays.  At lunch, I raised my glass in a toast to my parents and everyone clinked.  Three minutes later, out of the blue, Ryland raises his glass and says "Nice to meet you!"  Cheers! 

We tried these Italian Sodas during the birthday lunch and we were all discussing which flavor everyone liked better.   When it was Ry's turn, he said "hmmmm, let me think" 60 second pause, and then this "Uncle Tylee is my favorite!"  NICE!  Way to single out someone Ry, we were talking about drinks!!!  Hilarious, everyone cracked up!

Love,
Cort

First week of school update

The first couple days of school have been hit or miss. Seems like every other day is a good day and then we have a not so good day. When I take a minute to step out of the role of Ryland’s mom and really think about what we all have been through, especially him, he’s doing amazingly well. But that is easier said than done, because in real life, I am Ryland’s mom and it bothers me so bad when he has a bad day. My heart aches that he cries for us at school, I just feel terrible for him. He got in trouble in music class the other day and when I asked the teacher why she said that it was because he was being non-compliant. Nice. Just what every parent wants to hear… I really don’t think that Ryland knows he is being disrespectful - he just thinks (and says) that no, I don’t want to do that. Even though I understand that this is all so new to him and he really doesn’t know better…I was embarrassed. I started thinking about the “non-compliant” answer and immediately felt guilty. So far this is the WORST part of parenting…realizing how terrible I truly was as a child. I find myself quite often calling my mom just to say “I’m sorry” now. I wonder how embarrassed my parents were when in high school I led a class mutiny in my English class because I hated the teacher so much. She passed out papers to everyone and since I was so defiant (among many other things) I stood up, walked to the window and threw my papers out. Others followed. You couldn’t tell me what to do. I wonder how embarrassed my mom was with that phone call…and even worse, I actually did know better – I just didn’t care.


Again, sorry Mom & Dad…

We’re teaching Ryland the proper way to do/say things at school, rewarding good behavior and celebrating the small accomplishments. Surely things will be better in a few weeks. So for now, we are trying to not make too big a deal of things. This is hard, because Dustin and I have very high expectations and standards. Sorry, Ry – I know that being our child is tough. I know that there are other kids that don’t have to make their beds and can eat chocolate cake all day. But believe me; it will pay off… someday. Love you!

Ryland's first day of work...as a Kindergartener

Ry’s morning starts off with me waking him up. “Ry, good morning – it’s time to wake up”. Ry responds with this “Mama, choot-choot more sleep… please.” I tell him he has 2 more minutes and when I go back 2 minutes later, he says “ok” and gets up. He’s never before asked for more sleep…I don’t know where he learns this stuff, but it cracks me up!


I read an article last night that focused on raising self-sufficient kids. Basically the point was to not help kids too much; let them do things on their own and figure things out. The problem with this is that it takes so much patience…something I don’t have an excess of. My favorite quote was this “In the long run, their independence is your freedom.” That really hit me. I sure don’t want to have a 28 year old living at home with me, having me still cut their meat up in small bites and pick out their clothes everyday! So this morning, I thought of this and instead of getting Ryland ready for school, I coached him. He got ready for school with no problems and was pretty excited for school. Luckily this did not wear off when we got to school and he was ready for everybody to go to ‘work’.

Once at the school, we waited in the cafeteria with him until the bell rang and then walked with him to his classroom. Once in the classroom he asked me where his friends were and I explained that he’d have to make friends. “Just ask people if they will be your friend”. I mean who could possibly say no to him…he’s the cutest thing ever. He was a little bit hesitant, but eventually started playing with play-dough and bid us adieu. He was all smiles and as we were walking out I could already hear him asking the teacher if he could ‘work’ on the computers… Dustin and I were very happy and proud of our little guy as we walked out of the school, past other crying kids and parents. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…the kid’s a trooper; we really lucked out! As proud as I am of Ryland, I am equally as proud of us. It took a lot of work to turn him around on this whole school idea since Meet the Teacher night. We were so relieved when all of our thousands of conversations about school/work over the weekend actually helped the situation. Behind every good kid are good parents, right?

After dropping him off, it was off to work for both Dust and I. My first official day back in the office went well and I am glad to be back in familiar territory! Picking up Ry and walking home was the highlight of the day. Chandler and I got to hear his version of what happened during the day. Here’s a snippet. “Did you make any new friends?” Ry – “yes, many.” We asked him what their names were and he said “I don’t know, but beeg keesses.” Oh great. I am now that mom…the mom of the boy who kisses everyone on the playground, perfect.

He was pumped to come home to surprises/payment for a day of work well done! We sure are proud of the little guy and to makes things even better, he had so much fun that he wants to go back!!! I better go and handle the parent’s homework assignment, make tomorrow’s lunch, etc. Dust just put him to bed and I heard Ry say this to him “Goodnight, Sweetie”…I guess he’s spending too much time with me!!

First day of school

Looking smart

All geared up and ready to go!

Stone family going to 'work'

Close up - super excited!!!

Ry's chair in Mrs. Kaufman's classroom

(next to the computers of course!)

Papa and Ry waiting for class to start

Ry and Aunt Chandler home after school.  Ry's first day of Kindergarten & Chand's first day of being a High School Senior!

Ry's been home for one month today...

and to celebrate, we wanted to share a couple of our new family pics!

Swimmin' Solo

After 4 weeks of swim lessons, 4 days a week, Ry graduated on Thursday and received a ribbon.  The best part was that on the very last day, he finally swam by himself without holding onto anything or anyone!  Big success!  We've been amazed at how much more comfortable he is in the water now.  Here's a few pics of our graduate.  We were all so proud of him!  He was proud of himself and said "Great Job, Lyland" all day!

Once he finally swam on his own, Dustin said that he was swimming solo...there's a song on the radio right now that's called Ridin' Solo and after hearing Dustin say that, it inspired us to re-write the lyrics for our new little swimmer!  Ry has loved us playing the song repeatedly with our new version and dancing/singing along!  The next time you hear this song, think of us!

“Swimmin’ Solo”

Yeeeeeyeeeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine, I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky,
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.


Yeah, I'm feeling good today, finally floatie-free and it feels alright, oh,
Time to do the things I like, swimmin’ to the edge, everything's alright, oh,


No one to hold on to, No one is goin’ help me, no,
And since I got the strokes down right, I'm living life now that I'm free, yeah,


Told me to get my stroke together now I got my stroke together, yeah,
Now I made it through the water better days are goin’ get better
I'm so happy that I didn't miss out; I'm swimmin’ on,
I'm so sorry class is over now, but the floaties are goooone!


I'm putting on my mask to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin’ in the water, I'm holdin’ my breath,
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.


I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine, I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.


Now I'm swimmin’ like I should, never knew floatin’ could feel this good, oh,
Stopped sinkin’ to the bottom, floatin’ to the top, who knew I would, oh,
So watch how I kick my legs, swimmin’ this way makes me wanna sing, oh,


Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,


Told me to get my stroke together now I got my stroke together, yeah,
Now I made it through the water better days are goin’ get better
I'm so happy that I didn't miss out; I'm swimmin’ on,
I'm so sorry class is over now, but the floaties are goooone!


I'm putting on my mask to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin’ in the water, I'm holdin’ my breath,
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.


I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine, I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.
Swimmin’ solo, soooooloooo, yeah it's like S... O... L... O... S... O... L... O... S... O... L... O...


Loving the pool and got stress no more,


I'm putting on my mask to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin’ in the water, I'm holdin’ my breath,
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.


I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine, I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooo.
I'm swimmin’ solo, I'm swimmin’ solo, sooloooowoooo.


 Here's the video for this song.
 

Highland Village Balloon Festival

Or Wastavall, as Ry calls it!  We had a good time wandering around this small festival on Friday night.  It's wasn't overly crowded and a great first experience with carnival rides for Ry.  He loved staying up late, seeing the lake, riding the rides and going out for ice cream with the family afterwards!  When it's just the 3 of us at home, he gets restless and bored easily.  He thrives when we get together with more people and there is more craziness, laughter, people to play with him, etc!

Uncle Tyler (Tylee) & Auntie Leah

It's pics like this that remind me of how much I love Dust...he just cracks me up!

Sliding down the giant slide!

At the bottom!

This boys loves him some Uncle Tyler "Tylee - hold me, play with me, etc"!

Future Pilot

Chandler & Cortney (My baby sister)

First time on the swinging ship!

Hand's up!

$24 dollars later, everyone had a ride on the ship - Ry was so excited that everyone went with him!

Chandler & Leah

The Stone's

Enjoying some ice cream & shaved ice

Meet The Teacher Night

Meet the Teacher Night went pretty well for Ryland.  His teacher, Mrs. Kaufman, seems really nice and we are going to keep in good contact with her about everything.  Ryland liked her and said "Hello Mrs. Kaufman" when we got there.  As Dustin and I started to explain everything that was going to happen again, while we were in the room, he started to tear up.  We showed him everything in the room and made everything seem so much cooler than it actually is!  We tried hard!  His seat is right at the front of the class and he shares a locker with another little boy. There are 3 computers in his classroom and on the walk home, he told us that it's not his school - it's his work...just like Mama & Papa.  So actually, Monday will be the first day of "work" for Ry.  Since then, we've tried to bring up the whole school/work situation as much as possible...poor thing is probably sick of me talking about it every 5 minutes!  I even picked up some books yesterday about a Dinosaur's first day of school that explained things in a cute way.  I am worried about all the little things and he is only worried about us not going to "work" with him.  Monday will be a hard day...  I am so worried about him crying when we get there.  Once he starts crying he gets so worked up and it's hard for him to calm down.  There's so many things he doesn't understand...but there are so many things he does understand...like incentives to do well.  The way we look at it, everyone deserves to get paid after a hard day of work, right?!?!

Here's to wishing that Monday is a success for everyone!
Cheers!

Dustin & Cortney

Snaps!

Not a huge fan of wearing the 3D glasses at the theater, but once they were lens-free he decided to let his inner Drew Carey out.

On our way home from the doctor in Houston, we stopped to spend some time with Christen, Todd & Nyah.  Ry got to ride a horse for a couple minutes and loved it!

Kenzie & Ryland - they finally met...on a scorching hot day in a Target parking lot!!!  (Cort & Misty style!)

Fun at the water park!

Swimming makes you a "hungry little fella" as Ryland says all the time now!

Today in the mail Ry received his official Certificate of Citizenship!!!

School Boy

We’ve been back and forth on this issue ever since we met Ryland. What should we do about school? Kindergarten vs. Pre-K. After much advice, research and spending time with Ry, we decided to go with Kindergarten and see how things go. We can always pull him out or repeat if it is too much for him. As most things in life, you just don’t know until you try…


So…yesterday we went and registered him at Valley Ridge Elementary! Next week he will be tested for the English as a Second Language program and we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about this program in our district! Looking forward to seeing how things go in the next couple of months.

We haven’t even been home a month and we’re already school clothes and school supply shopping! Wow – this is so not where we imagined ourselves 6 months ago, but we are loving this and having a lot of fun with Ry! We are really hopeful that the challenges of school and a more structured environment will be good for him. Crossing our fingers and we will keep you updated!

-The Stone’s

Television

Dustin & I have been home for over 2 1/2 weeks and have not found the time to sit down and watch a 30 minute TV show.  I know there will be those reading this that don't understand our loss, but watching TV used to be something that Dust & I always did together.  We have a few shows that we both enjoy watching together and one of them is Modern Family.  Last night we re-arranged our schedule to specifically carve out time for a 24 minute episode.  (In theory, this should've been a piece of cake...)

We went upstairs to the family room and got Ry playing with his Hot Wheels racetrack and started the show.  PAUSE "What are you doing"? Ryland asks.  We explain that we are just going to watch this real fast while he plays.  PLAY.  PAUSE - the timer is beeping and the chocolate chip cookies baking are ready.  Run downstairs, assemble cookie plate, pour glasses of milk, gather up extra napkins, get Milkbones for Sadie since theses cookies have chocolate and of course, we share most everything with her.  PLAY.  PAUSE - clean Ryland's hands and pick up cookie pieces from the carpet.  His first time with warm chocolate chip cookies.  He loves them, but eats them so slowly that half of the cookie ends up on his hands, his clothing or furniture/carpet.  Well...at least he likes them (I know Oma is breathing a huge sigh of relief right now).  PLAY.  PAUSE - Internet issues/technical difficulties, have to re-start the stream.  (Our DVR ran out of room while we were in Kazakhstan and missed all our faves, but amazingly got all the ridiculous shows that we don't care if we miss.)  PLAY.  PAUSE - Out of nowhere and in the span of a second Ryland jumps up from playing and bolts over to the candle warmer and dips his whole hand in!  I freak out!  Rush to the bathroom to start the cold water!  It was just warm, so no burns, but he is crying because him scarring me so bad, scared him.  Washed his hands 11 times to get the scent off...still there.  He keeps waving it around and making the gross face, because he doesn't like the way it smells!  Re-arrange the candle warmer and have the talk about be careful/don't touch/you're not in trouble, you just scared me....  PLAY.  PAUSE - round 2 of technical difficulties, Dustin fixes it again and also goes downstairs to start downloading the episodes so that we don't have anymore streaming issues the next time we do this (no clue when that may be).  PLAY  65 minutes later, we finished a 24 minute episode of Modern Family.  Success?  We're just not sure whether to classify this as a success or a failure...  :)  I guess anytime there is family time, laughs and warm cookies with milk...you should count it as a SUCCESS!

-Cort

Circus

Big exciting day at the Stone house...we went to the circus.  The first time for Ry and the first time in a long time for the rest of us!  Grandma & Grandpa got us some tickets and we had a couple extra, so we dragged Tyler & Leah along with us.  The show was great and there were always 10 things to be looking at, not including the people watching!  It was sensory overload for us and I'm sure it was over the top for Ryland, too.  He did really well, but towards the end he asked to go home.  He said that his favorite part was the elephants and the tigers; he LOVED the cotton candy part, too!  He's passed out asleep now, snuggling the stuffed elephant he got at the show.

Excited for the show to start

Mama & Ryland

Cheesin' it up!  He stood like this and danced quite often during the show!  His latest dance move is holding his hands up and swinging his hips (like hula-hooping minus the hula hoop) and he told me that this is how Papa dances...

The Stone's

Grandpa, Grandma & Ryland

Tyler & Leah

Ryland adores Uncle Tyler & Aunt Leah

Papa...being Papa...

A few new pics...

We are still adjusting to all of this...big time!  Still trying to figure out what works for us...  We know this is normal and that our lives are a work in process right now!  Looking forward to the smoother seas ahead of us!!


Here's a few pics we wanted to share!

For whatever reason, I saw this bath pancho and HAD to have it!  All kids need a bath pancho, right?

Snuggle Time with Sadie

A couple mornings a week he reads books on his own in the living room 

Of course, he is a Texas fan already and apparently this is his new favorite pose!