Almost 5 months of being Ryan's mommy :)

I really cannot believe that my little man is almost 5 months...it is true....it goes by WAY too fast!! This week I have been feeling a little nostalgic as I see him just getting bigger and more active every day. I am really loving watching him develop, hearing his precious giggles and am amazed at how he is constantly changing. I feel like every other day he is doing something new. I do miss the newborn stage, especially now that he doesn't want to cuddle quite as much as he used to....he is so interested in all the sounds and sights that are going on around him. He also wants to stand on his feet and sit up and play with his toys....or just mostly put them in his mouth :). It's so crazy how fast time is going by! This past week has probably been one of the harder weeks with little guy...he's been such an easy, good baby, so I don't really have a reason to complain, but when you take a 4.5 month old across the world...he's bound to be a little cranky about it. :) He is finally getting back to a more normal schedule...not falling asleep at 6 and waking up at 4 :) He is now asleep between 8 and 9, and waking up at 7...he is really a good sleeper. He still wakes up to feed, but never stays up at night, we are so thankful for that!

I am still learning how to do life now with my little man. I like to get errands done in the morning, and be home in the afternoon so he can have a good nap. Life does change when you have a baby. There are so many blessings, but I have found that there are challenges too...like having to leave a party because the baby's cranky or trying to figure out the next time Jason and I will be able to go out together....but its part of the life that God has given us, and I hope to cherish theses moments I have. We're learning, and I don't think it will stop. :) Well...time to go...I am trying to look for a place for us to live when we move...praying God provides a place soon!!

Portugal...mini session 3...we come home tomorrow!!

Hello, well...here is a quick update on our last few days here in Portugal. It truly has been an amazing trip. We have been spoiled by Jason's parents, and have really enjoyed the relaxation of the trip. We have been able to do a lot of fun things, but being here for 2.5 weeks has allowed us to take it easy as well. It has been a blessing to be here and see the ministry that is taking place, and of course to be able to show off Ryan! :) Here are a few pics of our last days:

We took a trip to Nazare where I did some pottery shopping and we took Ryan to the beach for the first time :)

Jason was able to visit his favorite soccer team's stadium, and introduce Ryan to the world of Portuguese soccer. This was probably one of Jason's favorite days.

Sunday Ryan was dedicated in the church that Jason grew up in by his grandfather. I didn't understand a word of it, but it was very touching to all, and Jason maybe shed a little tear...don't tell him I told you! :) The lady standing next to us prayed for us as well...she has known Jason his whole life.

We then went to downtown Lisbon, and admired the buildings that were built in the 1700's...truly incredible, and did some sight seeing. 

On Monday we went to a palace in a place called Mafra. It had a beautiful catholic church, palace and the largest library in all of Lisbon. 

Today is the Portugal game in the world cup. We are meeting a missions team that is here from Fresno to watch it. Ryan is ready...and so is his dad! 

We are sad to leave, but ready to be home...can't wait to see all of our family and friends back home! 

Portugal....session 2 :)

Well, I have meaning to get an update up for a few days, and I was very ready last night when Ryan went down for bed at 9, thinking I would not be interrupted. Well...5 minutes after he woke up, wide awake, happy and just not sleepy....that's been one thing...Ryan's schedule has been totally flipped upside down and tossed to the way side. He is changing sooo much, its incredible. A few new things for him are that he is really grabbing onto things and especially putting them in his mouth. The dr says he isn't teething, but he has been drooling and wanting to bite on everything, its been so funny to watch him. He has also really found his voice and has been squeaking and squacking all over the place. He has also been laughing a lot more, which is fun for his Grandma and Grandpa. Well, here is a little update on what we have been up to. :)

On Saturday we went to a baptism/picnic for the church's that Jason's parents pastor. There were about 6 baptisms, and it was so awesome to witness the Portuguese people giving their testimonies. One that sticks out to me was of a teenage boy and it was his father who had said that they had prayed for so long for their son and how overjoyed they were that he was getting baptized, and his dad actually helped baptize him. It was very sweet sight to see. I lost the pics from that day :(, so not pictures for that right now.

On Sunday was church day. We first went to Massama, the newer church that had about 20 people there. The little girls all fell in love were Ryan and kept coming up to me and saying, "I talk English," laughing, and then running away. There were so cute, it was fun to see how God is growing that church.

We also went to the Loures church, where Jason grew up and it was fun to see all the people who knew Jason when he was growing up and introduce them to Ryan. 

Then on Monday, we went to Ikea, which was super fun and also in the Loures mall. We had a little more of a relaxing day since Sunday was pretty busy with the two church services. 

On Tuesday we went out sightseeing a bit. We started out the day going to Sintra, the little village where Jason and I were engaged over three years ago. Here is a picture from that day. 

And now here is picture of our family in a coffee shop in Sintra...

Ryan did great walking the streets of Sintra while we did some looking around. He was in the moby wrap and enjoyed just 'hanging out.' 

And here are some sights from this beautiful town that was built around the 9th century...so cool! 

This was our castle that we got engaged in..we decided not to make the trek up it this time since it was getting to be Ryan's nap time :)

So....we had a yummy picnic

And then we went to a place called Capuchos, it is an old monastery where only 13 monks lived at a time. Everything was super tiny so that they monks would never be comfortable. The whole place was made out of granite and cork. I haven't seen anything like it before. The whole place was very interesting. 

This was the table that the monks had...just a piece of rock...Jason was pretending to eat :)

So, this is just a little snidbit of what we're up to here in Portugal. We had a great lunch today with an australian couple who works here and has 3 little ones and also another californian couple with 2 little ones. Both couples are missionaries here in Portugal, and it was fun to get to know them and talk about our babies :) And...to end...here is a cute picture of Ryan. There will hopefully be one more post before we come home one week from today. :) 

Portugal...Session Numero Um (Number One)

Well, we are having a fantastic time so far in Portugal. We have taken it pretty easy these first few days while making sure Ryan is adjusted to the time change and change of scenery....one thing I have realized...babies are super adaptable!! Ryan has done fantastic...sleeping around 10-12 hours through the night, and still 3.5 naps a day, and eating well too! We are praising Jesus and enjoying the time that we have and Ryan has to spend with his grandparents. Here are some pics to show our first few days

Here is the spot where Ryan rolled over from tummy to back for the first time: during our layover at LAX

Then we had a good time hanging out in London. We were lucky to get the bassinet for the plane from LA to London, so Ryan slept just like he would've slept at home. Mom and Dad were a little tired, but it was nice to hang out in London for a little bit, where everyone called us 'mate'

And then...here are some pics of one of the main reasons why we came: for Ryan to hang out with his grandparents. :) 

Grandma Ekk got Ryan some super fun toys, and he is enjoying playing with them, and here is a picture of the beautiful view from their apartment on the 6th story.

And then...the tourist'y' stuff....the first place we went was Belem...where we had amazing pastries and coffee...the pastry place was built in the 1830's..and is still up and running. A beautiful place. 

There was a tour group from France, and I think everyone had to stop and say hello to Ryan.. :) 

And then today we went to Ericeira (a little village by the ocean) where we walked around on cobblestone streets, admired the architecture and went to a yummy restaurant where Jason ate fish with the fins and eyes right there (he didn't eat those parts though)

And then we went to have coffee with Jason's parent's fellow missionaries. This coffee group meets every week and we always enjoy when we can catch up with them, and enjoy some yummy Portugal coffee ( I am still having decaf, but it is still delicious!) And Ryan enjoyed being out and about with us as well

So far...that's about it. Tomorrow we will be going to a church picnic with baptisms from the churches that Jason's parent's pastor. It should be fun, and there are many people who are ready to meet Ryan and catch up with Jason. 

As I am writing this it is 11 at night, and this is the first night Ryan isn't in bed by 9...hmmm...so we will see what this little guys' deal is. :) More to come in the next few days! :)