Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...

We took Tyson to the Denver Botanic Gardens last weekend and had a blast!!
Ty loved to look and touch all the pretty flowers,
and Mom loved to take lots and lots of pictures!

So Many Emotions

As you saw in the cereal post, we are finally putting up some videos. And as I also said, we are learning to edit (aka...Ryan didn't edit one of these videos and it is still really really long). But we both thought these were pretty funny.

And please note, that there were no babies harmed in any of these videos and we really are the most loving parents ever!




This one is poor Ty half asleep and half awake. (And no, there was absolutely no alcohol involved, even though some of his expressions may look familiar to late college or Stonegate beer pong nights.)

Shark Attack!!

As some of you know...I am very afraid of sharks....Terrified. I've been known to gasp (or possibly even scream) when seeing one while surfing....through the TV channels.

I know it is pathetic. Ryan has even witnessed me gasping at Target glancing at the Jaws DVD and even worse...once when seeing a cartoon shark. My brother and Ryan have both warned me to steer clear of the Discovery Channel this week. I think an entire week dedicated to sharks is just my ultimate nightmare.

However, I have finally found some sharks that are just "ferociously" too cute!

Tyson the Tiger says, They're Grrrrrreat!!

Chow Down little man. I'm tellin you, Tyson just loves his rice cereal. Our Dr gave us the A-OK to try it out at our 4 month appointment. First of all, have you ever made instant mashed potatoes?? Exact same consistency, wet or dry. And so far he's an eatin' machine! Of course now I know just how handy all those bibs and burp cloths are. (Thanks again Karlyn for all the cute ones you made!)

Updates on just how big he is: 15th percentile on weight, 70th percentile on height, and 30th percentile on head size. So what does that mean? We've got ourselves a tall and skinny boy. However, his little legs a chunkin up so much and gettin little rolls. Here's a pic just for you Tori!For those that have watched the Ty man, you may know that he's sometimes not the best napper. He's just so excited about the world that he can't seem to miss a step. So I attempted to get him a little friend that will help him relax. My brother (who has 3 girls himself) said that the toy was too girlie and needed to have dirt or some black football marks on it. But either way, as you can see the Bubba just loves his little seahorse. (And it plays musics and glows too!)



Here's a video of the Tysonators first bite (yes, I know its super long...Ryan's getting the editing down here).

In The Summer Time

Well, I must say our little All American Family is just having a ball this summer. So much that I haven't even updated the blog in the month of July. Ok, maybe because I am still trying to balance everything. And I even added another blog on top of it all. I Play It By Year - saved for a little more of my dorky humor and venting. But I promise I will stay more on top of it from now on. Little Mr. T has got some major fans out there and we can't disappoint them.

The Tyster is just growing like crazy. And so far, between adding apple juice and full time formula now, he is just packin on the pounds. I was happy to call my friend Tori to tell her that he's finally now getting his little chub fat rolls on his legs that she so wanted to squeeze! Sad that just doesn't seem to be as appealing on us adults.
I'll get us caught up here on some of the fun times we have been having:

Freeze Frame

And our new baby is.....the Canon Rebel EOS XSI. :) Just got it this weekend, so I am still refreshing my memory with f-stops, shutter speeds, and more. But so far we are having a blast.

Father's Day

Daddy:
Even though I can't talk yet,
I just wanted to say what a great Dad you are.
And don't worry, I'm new at being a baby too, so we can learn together.
I love you and look forward to playing with you.
Thanks for all the hugs and kisses.
Love your boy-o, Tyson

The Gapp's First Fathers Day:
So there are typical activities that people tend to do for Father's Day. Bike rides, golfing, fishing, camping, picnics, cutting down massive trees (oh wait...just my Dad). However, I decided to treat Ryan to go stuff our faces with as much BBQ meat as we could handle at the best damn BBQ festival in Frisco, CO. (http://www.townoffrisco.com/events/bbq-challenge/) And I will say we had so much of a blast that it will probably become an annual event for us. There were 60+ vendors there all smokin up the best meats around. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage...you know your mouth is watering, isn't it? We placed our votes with Brooks Cajun BBQ! It was fantastic ...and their restaurant is actually in Aurora. 6th & Peoria, for those wanting to check it out.

Tyson spent most of his time sleeping in the stroller. But we know he had a good time because he smelled like BBQ that night too. However, he told me he was a little annoyed by the crazy biker lady that wouldn't stop touching him. Ok, more Mom and Dad were annoyed. It is interesting...when you have a newborn (2 months or younger), everyone asks first before touching him and most of the time wash their hands too (probably been trained by the "Sanitizers"). However, now that Ty is at a certain age, everyone just can't keep their hands off of him. I mean, I know its hard since he is the cutest baby in the world, but I think there should be some limits. A little toe grab, cheek squeeze, or poke on the nose I am ok with. Kind of threw me off the first time. But I don't want to be that crazy over protective mother, so I am "ok" with this. However.... Crazy biker lady was pushin it at the best damn BBQ festival in Frisco. She not only broke Tyson's personal bubble space by being a extra close talker, but she would not let go of his hand.

And here we are waiting in line for Big Hoss' award winning pulled pork and she says, "Oh he just won't let go of my hand". And I wanted to say, "No...its obvious that YOU won't let go of HIS hand, crazy biker lady. Back off." But I didn't. I politely laughed and acted like I was interested in her stories.

And then there was the funnel cake... That damn funnel cake that I just had to have!! So in my book, if you are going to Elitches, State Fair, and now the best damn BBQ festival in Frisco, you just have to have a funnel cake. They looked so good, and even better after we watched a special on fried fair goodies on the Food Network Channel. And so, I had saved just the perfect amount left in my tummy to eat the fatty goodness and we got in line. We waited, and waited, and waited. Then we finally got up to the window to get....a number. A freaking ticket that meant we had to wait even longer for the funnel cake that we have already paid for. I'm sure you're wondering what the big deal is, because let's face it, fried dough, fried in some fat and topped with more fat and sugar is to die for.
But the problem was it started to drizzle...and then rain....and then pour. So here were are waiting for the funnel cake 30 minutes after getting my #52 ticket and knowing that they are still on #31, while Tyson is now starting to wail with Ryan as they stood for cover. I'm sure he felt like an idiot as people wondered why we were still outside with our newborn. Basically, the whole situation could have resulted in a full out Gappinger brawl with a major attitude adjustment. But luckily we both just were able to laugh it off as we finally got in the car and started to eat the now soaking wet funnel cake. Needless to say, I owe Ryan for my funnel cake. Damn funnel cake.

Back to life...Back to reality

This look says it all. We are all very sad about me going back to work. Ok...mostly just Mom. But the good news is I think I got all my crying out of the way last week. I just kept thinking, "This is my last Monday with him. This is my last Tuesday with him. etc. etc. sob. sob." And you all know I am a sucker for music. One bar of a song like Goodnight My Angel by Billy Joel or even Everything I Do, I Do It For You by Bryan Adams...and the water works start a flowin'. Seriously, I was a sobbing mess. Poor Ryan didn't know what hit him. I never thought it would be this hard. I'm kind of attached to the little guy. But the good thing, is he will be in good hands. He will stay with his Grandmas, other family members at times, and then a great home day care. I mean really...just look at us...we have had such a great time!!



As I am getting more out in the real world, I ask myself, when the heck will my "pregnancy brain" will go away?!? I'm sure my Dad would say, "Runt, those are just blonde moments. You've had them your whole life." But whether they are blonde moments, belated pregnant moments, or just distracted-lack-of-sleep-new-mom moments...I just don't know. Here are some of my latest:

1) At the gym, I not only went into the Men's restroom, but I used the restroom and didn't realize it until I walked out of the stall, looked at the row of urinals and thought, "hmmmm, that's strange." I quickly left and washed my hands in the women's bathroom. Because you know, washing your hands would be the embarrassing part!?!?!

2) My niece, who just graduated high school (I know I know, its crazy for those of you who remember her as a toddler dunking her head while bobbing for apples at our annual Halloween soccer party). Anyway...at her graduation dinner, I apparently spelled her name wrong on her card. So if you hear us refer to Kayla as Kalya from now on, blame it on the blonde.

3) Again at the gym, I get off the bike...get the squirt bottle to wipe down my nasty sweat and flat out spray myself in the face. Good news is the guy next to me got a good chuckle out of it and my face was squeaky clean.

4) And finally, in a photo album I gave my Mom for Mothers Day...I spelled my own son's middle name wrong!! Again, if you hear us say Tyson Kieth (instead of Keith), blame it on the dyslexic new mom.

Here are some pics of some of our latest fun times.

Mother's Day

To my Mum:

As I get older, I realize more and more just how special you are. You are such a strong & beautiful woman, inside and out. One that I strive to be. You always put others first and are the rock that holds many together. You have a great sense of humor and a hug that gives so much love. You are honest and kind, but will put me in my place when needed! You give more love and sacrifice so much for our family that thanking you each day would never be enough. You are the person I call when I am happy, when I am sad, when I am sick, and when I need advice. You are my best friend.
I am the daughter, woman, wife, and now Mother I am today, because of you.

To My Husband:
You made this first mothers day incredibly special. When I think about what it means to be a Mother, I think of you and the incredible Father that you are. We have made it to this wonderful part in our lives and I couldn't have anyone better by my side. You are my shoulder to cry on, my smile to laugh with, and the warm arms that I want to be held by. You are always so calm and understanding, especially when I am not! You are an amazing Father, a loving husband, and by far the perfect man for me!

To my Bubba:
I will forever remember the moment when they brought you to my arms. I had never felt such love before. You are absolutely perfect and made all the pains and strains so worth it. You are the joy of my life. You give me the sparkle in my eye and the purpose of my being. You give me a sense of who I am and the Mother I want to be. You truly complete our lives in every way. Thank you for snuggling with me, thank you for smiling with me and thank you for making me a Mom!

Ty, I love you with all my heart,
Mama

The "Sanitizers"

First of all...Tyson is smiling more and more each day and it just melts our hearts. You quickly turn into that obnoxious person talking in the highest of high pitch voice to try and get a little smirk out of the little guy. But it is all totally worth it. Already we can tell that besides looking at the beautiful faces of his Mama and Daddy :) he loves to stare at the blinds, railing, and anything red. Perhaps a matador in previous life...Get 'em bull fighter!


And now about the "Sanitizers":
So I am realizing that the world of Mommyhood is a completely different world and one that is very new to me. I have been going to the park each warm day and we love getting out and about. However, last week, I must admit that I was very intimidated (which is very rare for a social butterfly like myself). You know that feeling when you are walking in the school cafeteria with your tray, praying that you don't spill your milk and "straw-hat" meal while looking for the perfect kids to sit with that will hopefully become your bestest of friends?!? Well, that's how I felt at the park. But instead of trying to impress the "plastics" like in the movie Mean Girls, I was trying to get just a friendly smile from group after group of Parker Moms, which I like to call the "Sanitizers".

Now really, think about it...Every mom these days carries the Purell bottle in their purse, car, and in every room of the house just in case someone with the pig flu walks in and wants to infect your child. And I must admit that we fall guilty of this - of course with our generic Target brand bottles. However, the "Sanitizers" take it to another level. Not only do their kids have the cleanest, cutest clothes ever, but these Mom's are so put together and polished that their just-stepped-out-of-the-salon-wearing-a-juicy-warm-up-outfit look just doesn't compare to my thank-goodness-I-at-least-showered-and-threw-on-Ryan's-hat look.

Here I am..."Hi look at me and my new baby...wanna talk? No? Ok, I know he can't play on the slide with your kids yet or look adorable in the bucket swing, but look, he just grunted...he's probably letting one go right now and filling that diaper of his. How about just a little smile then? No? Ok then, I will just sit here by myself and read Shopaholic Ties The Knot and be the loser that I am" Ok, so I didn't really try and that may be more of an exaggeration, but it was very intimidating with these "Sanitizers".

Oh and by the way...if you are a Mom, and stay at home during the week, apparently 10:30AM is the time to go to the grocery store. So gather up those coupons and head to the nearest King Soopers.