The Allen Family

Dear Ryker , We just cannot believe that we have already shared 365 days with you. We are extremely proud to be your mommy and daddy. We have enjoyed every minute of watching you learn, explore, find your personality, etc. Mommy and daddy are so proud of all that you have accomplished and learned this year. We love that you have such a tender heart and want to be snuggled when you are going to sleep. Although that is the only time! You are so independent and do not want to be held down in any way. You went from rolling like the speed of lighting to crawling just as fast. It won’t be too long before you start walking. You love to pull your self up on everything. Your most favorite part of the day is when daddy gets home from work and walks through the door. Your beautiful blue eyes light up and your on a mission to get to him. Once daddy is home you usually won’t let him out of your sight. When you are hurt or need some special little hugs and kisses you go looking for mommy. You love t...

A year ago today I was trying absolutely everything I could to go into labor all because I could not wait to meet our beautiful boy. I cannot believe that we have already shared 364 days with Ryker. He has brought us so much joy and happiness. I thought I would share Ryker's birth story since I am reminiscing. It all started on Tuesday the 28th of October, 2009, I loss my mucus plug which is a little scary for a first time mother not knowing what is going on. Anyways I called the doctor and he told me to just go about my day as usual and he would see me on my original appointment which was the next day (my due date). Early Wednesday morning I had some contractions that were only about seven to nine minutes apart and lasted for only two hours and then went away. Chris and I were so nervous and anxious that we both stayed home from work that day just in case. Dr. Stowers examined me that day at my appointment and confirmed I did lose my mucus plug and that I was dilated to 1 cm. and ...

Ryker has been fevering slightly since Sunday and we just assumed it was his 5... YES I said 5 teeth coming thru at once. So anyways last night he started coughing and running a high fever of 103.4 so I just knew he was getting sick so Chris stayed home from work with me to take him to the doctor today. Once we got to the doctor they checked him out and said he has an ear infection (I was so proud that Ryker has not had an ear infection UNTIL TODAY DAMN IT since so many kids do). The doctor checked him out and figured it was just and ear infection and so many teeth coming in at once that made the fever so high but he was going to check him for the flu too. They swabbed his nose and said they would call us with the results but they were pretty sure it was not the flu because he was being so playful ( Ryker was playing around laughing when his temperature was 103.4...crazy kid). When the doctor called us he said he was shocked but he was positive for Influenza A. Influenza A can ac...

Ryker was munching on a brownie after his dinner the other night and next thing we know he looks like this! He is not letting go of the brownie or the biscuit! Can you say "Chocolate comma"!

I just adore this onesie and I am so happy that Ryker finally fits in it!

Yes I know that little Ryker should be holding his own bottle and it drives this mommy crazy that he wont but little did I know he always holds the bottle when daddy is feeding him. I came home from work the other day to this! What a bunch a CRAP, Chris said he will not hold it for him he does it. So I have been just putting the bottle in front of him like Chris does and he looks at me like I am CrAzY ! Chris thinks it's so funny when he gives me that look. This post is a little late so I will have you know he has been holding it for me now too but he always gives me "THE LOOK" first! Oh I just love my boy!

But will only do so for my own personal benefit..... to get in the toy box. Usually Ryker will only get up to the standing position to his knees so i just figured in time he will figure it out. But a couple weeks ago I was putting toys away in the toy box which Ryker was obviously against so he went over there to get some back out. I pulled out the camera because I thought it was too cute and to my amazement he stood up to his feet because he could not reach. I guess I underestimate the little turd! I think he knows that he has his mommy wrapped around his finger and she will help him out all day long.... hee hee ! I just LOVE that I had the camera out and ready to capture this!

I really don't mean to brag but we seriously have the CUTEST little boy! These photo's turned out perfect. He really dislikes wearing the head piece of his costume but he such a cute little monkey. We think the outfit fits him perfect because Ryker is a little monkey always playing and eating his toes. Our little pumpkin is turning one! It was such a fun photo shoot even though you can see at times he was upset but I think they made such cute pictures.

What a big boy! Ryker is always so happy Love those dimples and that little tongue hanging out! He melts our hearts It's so easy to get him to laugh He is the CUTEST little boy We love ya T oota ! It has been such a blessing having this little man in our lives. We cannot believe that in less then 2 weeks our baby is going to be a year old. This year has flown by but we have enjoyed every minute of it. We don't think there could be two prouder parents than us!

Ryker really loves his puppies. Whenever the dogs are out of their kennels and running around the backyard Ryker is at the sliding glass door watching them. What are you doing Brunson ? Come play with me Saddie !

We headed out for one last camping trip before the snow starts to fly this past weekend. We had a FANTASTIC time with friends and family. Little Ryker was sure excited when he was able to get in the dirt and play. Mommy about had hear failure that her boy was so dirty but I guess I will have to get use to it because boys will be boys. Once he was down he was on the run. He loved the way the dirt felt between his hands. Oops he got a glimpse of a four-wheeler and he was on a mission to get to it. Look at that big boy with a huge smile on his face. Ryker sure is ALL BOY!

We love you so much and are so thankful for all you do for us! Thanks for being the best daddy and husband in the world. Happy 28 th Birthday!

On Saturday Dora, Bret, Brandi, Brycie , Briggs, Aleta, Shay, Chris, Ryker and I loaded up and headed for a fun filled day at the zoo. I have been SUPER excited to take Ryker to the zoo but I wanted him to be a little older so he would pay attention to everything. He sure did pay attention he loved all the animals (that moved) and he especially loved all the people and kids running around. He also had his best buddy Briggs (cousin) at his side. He loves being around all his cousins but Briggs has a special touch of getting Ryker to chuckle with that real hard belly laugh and we sure love to hear it. There were so many baby animals that were born just recently at the zoo so it made the trip much more exciting. After the zoo trip we all went to lunch together and then went to do a photo shoot with Ryker for his Fall/Halloween photo's. You will just have to wait to see those pictures until closer to Halloween and Ryker's 1st birthday but they turned out "TOO CUTE"...