My big boy!

First, a huge apology for not updating the blog in over a month! We have had a busy and difficult last several weeks so I really am sorry!

The last time I updated the site we had just returned from Northern Michigan and were getting ready to endure the long drive to Atlanta. The drive did indeed prove to be long, but Rylan was of course a trooper. He did absolutely amazing in the car, sleeping in hotel rooms, and changing locations several times. Jason's cousin Meg's wedding was beautiful and Rylan enjoyed being the center of attention. He danced the night away and stayed up until 11:00 that evening. It was absolutely a blast and we enjoyed every minute of watching our little man steal every one's hearts. After the wedding, we headed up to Lake Nottely and enjoyed a few days of relaxation and boating. Rylan enjoyed his first tubing experience and loved being on the boat. Every time that someone fell off of the wake board, skis, or knee board, he would let the captain know with his ever famous "uh-oh." We ended up driving home from the lake in one day. That was a very long trip, especially when your toddler only decides to sleep a total of 3 hours during a 14 hour trip. Thank God for the movie "Cars." I think Rylan watched it three times!

This past week has been super exciting, so much so that I don't know what to tell you first! I think the biggest event is that Rylan pooped on the potty tonight! Yeah!!!! The last few days he has been telling me he pooped. When he tells me, I check, but there is nothing there. Then, a few minutes later he goes. Well, I finally got the clue that he has been telling me that he has to go, not that he already went. Tonight before bed, he told me, I put him on the potty, and then he went! I think he is ready to be potty trained, but we have lots of visitors coming in the next few weeks, so I think I will wait until everyone leaves and have a go at it. If it works, great, if not, we will try again down the road.

Ry also started preschool this week! He attends every Thursday from 9-2:30. He had a great first day and did not cry at all. I think that almost upset me more. I feel very confident about this program and am really excited to have Rylan be involved in something so wonderful. It will be a great place for him to be for the next four years before kindergarten begins. The program is located in the church where Rylan was baptized. I am excited about the opportunities that are available to become more involved myself!

I also joined a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group that meets every other Friday. This also gives Rylan another opportunity to play with other children for a few hours a couple of times a month without his Mommy. We attended our first meeting on Friday and it went very well for both of us. These past few weeks have definitely opened my eyes to some things that have been missing in my life that I did not even realize. Things definitely happen for reasons that we may never understand, but I am thankful for more than I can even begin to express.

The Eckel family is doing really well. We are so blessed each and every day of our lives. Thank you God for...well just everything...