Once Upon A Bean!

Another year has gone by so fast and my little nephew Ryker is ready for another birthday. I had to take the time to dedicate a small blog entry to honor this sweet boy. Ryker will be turning three years old in the next few days and I cannot believe how fast he has grown. I can remember the day he was born and the first time I saw him as his "Great" Aunt Steph. I remember when I first held him that he was wide awake and looking around, like he was wondering "What is this strange place?" To this day he still looks around and tries to figure things out, how they work, and how they are built. He had always been a very curious boy since the very first.

The second thing I noticed when he was born was his adorable dimples. There is something about that smile of his combined with the dimples that prevent me from saying no to him or not smiling myself. They are seriously irresistable.

The third thing I remember about him when he was first born was his bright blue eyes. They are so blue and you can see his emotions in his eyes at all times. He has "Smiley" eyes.

The fourth thing I remember about him was that the first time I held him I knew I loved him. I may only be his auntie but I adore this kid and will do anything for him (any time, any place, any where). He will grow up knowing he his adored and loved very much.

Ryker has the best parents in the world! I think it is so great knowing he is growing up in a home where he is so loved and cared for. I don't think Candace & Brett could have had a better kid. I know that Candace's life revolves around this boy and she is constantly teaching him, reading to him, singing with him, and playing with him. He is so lucky!!! He is the light of his parents life and a soon-to-be Big Brother.

Ryker is a typical boy. He loves trucks, cars, tractors, planes, helicopters, motorcycles, and anything with wheels. He loves dirt, sand, jumping, swimming, and playing. He loves his shows on tv: Super Y, Sesame Street, Sid the Science Kid, Dragon Tales, Curious George and don't forget the movie Cars. He loves his "blankie", his golf set, and his stuffed animals. He loves playing with his cousin Halle and they laugh and run around together. He has the sweetest voice and likes to sing Sunshine, ABC Song, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Wheels on the Bus. Ryker loves cookies, brownies, ice cream, popcorn, cereal, ravioli, and pretzels. This kid has great taste!! He loves all his grandma's & grandpa's because they all spoil him so much. He adores his mom & dad.

Ryker has had many nicknames since he was born. We started calling him Bean while still in his mommy's belly. From that came Beanie-Boy & Beans. He is also called Stinkin' & Baby.

Since Ryker started talking he has been trying to say my name. It started out as "Seppie" and has since evolved to "Steppie". My favorite thing to hear is when he says my name and then goes "Hi, Steppie!" We have this little game where I go "Ryker.........HeBeeJeeBees" and he laughs at me and does it back. Ryker's favorite thing about me is my truck. He calls it "MY Steppie's green truck". He has adopted it as his own and loves when he get to ride in it. Sometimes I think he tolerates me for my truck and cries when IT leaves. That's ok though. It makes me happy to make him happy and if riding in my truck does that....then so be it!

I am so lucky to be an Aunt to such a great kid!!! I hope he grows up knowing I will always be there for him, to spoil him, teach him, and listen to him. And to give him "goodie" bags to take home, and ride in my truck, and make tents with. He is a sweet, silly, smart, awesome boy and I love him. Happy Birthday Bean!