Long For The Flowers

At Uncle Zach's and Uncle Joe's house for the Avs game. Ryleigh is wearing Chris's baby outfit from when Chris was a baby. I love it. You're my best buddy, My favorite friend, We'll always be pals, From now until the end!

Welcome Issiah Michael McGinness January 27, 2004 @ 11:41am 6lbs, 12 1/2 oz, 18 inches long I wasn't able to go to the hospital to see you because Ryleigh was just over 1 month old. But I couldn't wait to see you.  Your sister Jasmine holding you for the first time.  Jasmine is 4 years old. Your dad, Shaun Michael McGinness. You look so much like him.  Dear Nephew, You're here! You finally made it. Welcome to our crazy, dysfunctional and loving family. Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but we're a bunch of weirdos. But hey, you will never be bored. I'm your aunt, which means I'm super fun and you can always come to me if you need anything. I'm here to play with you when you're bored and cheer you up when you are sad. I can love you more than anything in the world, and protect you almost as well as mommy and daddy can. You're only a few days old right now, so you have no idea what is in sto...

My Dearest Ryleigh, We make a great team; the perfect duo. You keep me laughing and on my toes all day long and your just a month and half old. I have so much joy --- going on walks, exploring our neighborhood, and making lots of messes throughout the house. I love the days we spend together more than I ever knew I could, and I love you, than I ever knew was humanly possibly. But here’s the thing: Issiah Michael McGinness was born today, he’s mine and dad’s nephew and your cousin. We’ll be spending a lot of time with him, and because of that, things are going to change. I’m predicting the changes will be for the better. He’s not your brother so you won’t see him everyday but you will be great friends, I’m sure of it. I’m so excited to meet Issiah for the first time and welcome him to our family. I know we will love him, care for him, and keep him safe...always. You two are so close in age I know you’re meant to have a very special relationship.

Growing Fast Loves his tummy time Sleeps with mommy and daddy Eats super fast Fist Sucker Rolls fully onto one side Loves Music Sleeps onto 5 Hour

I didn't have the greatest childhood, actually my childhood was filled with hurt and sadness. I was abandoned by my family and lived in 180 different places including under a tree, before I lived with the Paulsens. They became my family, and I hope they never stop being our family. I have a beautiful friendship with Shauna, and feel a deep connection to her family. If for some reason we don't call them family anymore, that's ok, I will never ever leave you Ryleigh. You will never know the pain and sadness I felt as a child because I will never abandon you. I will always put you first, you are all the family I need. Ryleigh you heal so many holes in my heart. I love you so very much my sweet baby boy.

Dear My Sweet Baby Ryleigh, You are just over 2 weeks old, which means we have just a few days of parenting under our belts. We must let you know that we are new at this parent thing. Sure, we read books, we practiced holding friends' babies, and we took the classes at the hospital, but we have no idea what your cries mean. It makes us cry when your lip quivers and tears stream down your cheeks because you're hungry and Mom makes you wait a few more minutes to eat or when you get mad at bath time because you don't like getting wet. "It can't be that bad!" we say. "You've got it pretty good." We don't know how to entertain you, and we question every decision we make. I am sure we will all get the hang of each other soon enough. You'll be manipulating us in no time. Our lives changed on December 15, 2003 just before 6 p.m. When the doctor told us to look at our baby, we exclaimed, "It's a boy!" I remember think...

You are quite little during this holiday season, just 10 days old. Mom's and Dad's perfect Christmas Gift. You are loved by many and you are going to be showered with love at all our family gatherings. We don't have a whole lot of family traditions but I can't wait to start creating some for our family. Like, baking cookies, making Christmas Ornaments, and seeing Santa. Christmas Eve I put you into Christmas PJ's, this will also be a tradition. I can't wait to see what other traditions we come up with. Thank you for the Christmas Cheers you bring to Dad and I.  Nana also has her Christmas traditions (lots of yummy baking) and is so excited for what's to come now that she has a grand-baby to make new Christmas tradition with. One thing is for sure, Christmas was less about us and all about you. Everything was set up and ready for you to visit their home for Christmas. Nana has set up an entire nurse just for you. She had bottles, formula, diape...