Michael, Leslie, Rysen , Haylen and Jax Tuomisto

New Adventure

2012-01-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family-

Life is changing drastically for us as Rysen starts school at Countryside Montessori, Haylen starts daycare with Debbie, I finish my Master's program (end of Feb), and I go back to work. I have decided to start up a home business and take a new adventure. I have decided to become a PartyLite consultant. As I get my business up and running, I am trying to reach out to friends and family for help doing some practice shows in February or sponsoring some fundraisers (this could be for school, church, sports team etc and you get 50% of whatever your whole group sells). The shows can be online, or in person. By hosting a show (online or in person) you will get an additional free $50 work of product and really can walk away with some cool and stuff and spend nothing out of pocket. All you need to do is get a couple of girls together and check out candles. http://www.partylite.com

Another way to help me is to check out my online website and register to hear about specials and check out products. I will have my website up and running by Friday and post the link.

If you are willing to help me out (and yes I am begging for the month of February just to get me started) please let me know!! It was be greatly appreciated and I will promise to repay the favor!!!

Thank you so much!!!

Leslie

Visit to Santa 2011

2011-12-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

We took advantage of our google deal and ventured out to Redmond Town Center to visit Santa this morning. Our goal was to be there when they opened since the line gets so long but we didn't quite make it. Luckily we only had to wait about 15 minutes. Rysen started off as not a big fan, but was willing to sit on his lap for a candy cane, but not quite smile. Haylen just was not into it at all, but she looked cute in her Christmas dress:)

Sneak Peek

2011-12-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak from Haylen's newborn session with Shellie from Shutterbox Photos today! I can't wait to see the rest:) It was so much fun and they are ALL going to be amazing!

first 48 (at home)

2011-12-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

We have been home now for about 48 hours! Yesterday we successfully made it to Haylen's doctor appointment, Babies R Us to get some necessities for being able to feed Haylen, the grocery store so we could eat, and to Lowe's for a Christmas tree since that was our day 3 activity. It was a bit of a challenge, but we got it all done so we could spend the day at home relaxing today (all day).

*Here is her update: She has dropped to 7lbs 4oz and her only issue eating. Otherwise she is healthy and doing great! We do have to go back on Monday for another weight check to see if she can start eating more and gaining weight. She is extra sleepy and besides trying to feed her at least every 3 hours, she really just sleeps. She does not really like having her diaper changed, but is getting better and has had a few without a becoming really mad.

She also had her first little bath at home and was not a fan.

Christmas Countdown

2011-12-03T13:44:00.001-08:00

I stole the idea from the Dyks, but I was bound and determined to start a countdown to Christmas as a family this year, even with Haylen's arrival. Michael and I had brainstormed ideas and were lucky to get our calendar all filled out before she was born. I had a discount coupon for Pottery Barn Kids and picked out this countdown calendar and had it monogramed with Tuomisto at the bottom. It is huge and the only place to hang it was in the hall way so the picture is at a funny angle.

I am happy to say that we are on day 3 today and having fun getting ready for Christmas as a family of 4. Here are the highlights:)
Day 1-Decorate the house

Day 2- Pick out a Christmas Tree (For the past few years we have been going to Lowe's or Fred Meyer because they are so much cheaper, but as the kids get older we will probably venture out to a real tree farm:) This year, Lowe's had this beauty for around $27.

Day 3-Decorate the Tree

Haylen enjoyed her first experience in her swing as the tree was being decorated. I can't wait to take fun pictures with her and Rysen for our Christmas card.

Welcome Haylen Blair Tuomisto

2011-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

She has arrived! Born at 7:50pm on 11-29-11. Weighing in at 7 lbs 14oz and measuring 20" long.

My water broke right before 6AM Tuesday morning and it was a very long day of labor, but she is here and we are all doing really well. We are excited to get to head home first thing Thursday morning. Many more pictures to come:)

Maternity Photos w/ Shellie

2011-11-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful maternity photo shoot with Shellie from Shutterbox Photos (shutterboxphotos.com/blog). I was nervous about being too exposed but she got some amazing pics that I love. Here is a sneak peak from her blog:)

Pictures for a Purpose 2011

2011-11-15T19:48:00.001-08:00

We participated in a super cool event called Pictures for a Purpose this year. A group of photographers get together and take family pictures and all of the proceeds go to stop human trafficking. Our photographer Amaryllis (http://www.amaryllisimages.com/) was amazing. We will defiantly partake in this event annually as they offer it. Here is a sample of what we got:)

We participated in a super cool event called Pictures for a Purpose this year. A group of photographers get together and take family pictures and all of the proceeds go to stop human trafficking. Our photographer Amaryllis (http://www.amaryllisimages.com/) was amazing. We will defiantly partake in this event annually as they offer it. Here is a sample of what we got:)

Mom and Rysen time

2011-11-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

I am now on my 4th week at home resting to help Haylen stay put for a bit longer. I have been trying to enjoy some extra Mom and Rysen time on Mondays and Tuesdays since he stays home with me. We have done some art projects, baking, and lots of snuggling. He loves play dough and just being extra silly. His new thing is to wear his Mr. Potato head glasses around while he drives his cosy coupe.

Jump Planet

2011-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

I was lucky to get a punch card to Jump Planet for a really good deal on Living Social. Now that I have been home for the fourth week, we have been trying to get Rysen out of the house a little bit to get some energy out. We have been twice now and although it took him awhile to warm up the first trip, he (and Michael) are having a blast running around, climbing, bouncing and sliding on our Friday morning visits. We then come home and have family nap time which is wonderful:)

Disney On Ice Toy Story 3

2011-11-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

We went with a large group to our first Disney on Ice show to see Toy Story 3. We were really nervous about how Rysen would do because he has not had the best attention span lately. He ended up loving it! We loves Disney and has been asking to go back to Disneyland so he was all about the characters and seeing Mickey. I didn't do a great job with getting any pictures of our group, but here is small taste of excitement.

Trick-or-Treat

2011-10-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Rysen had his 1st trick-or-treating experience this year and we had a blast at Uncle Ryan, Aunt Ryean's house for their annual party. Rysen was a bit overstimulated and made it out to about 5 houses with all the kids before he got a bit scared of some of the decorations, but he had a blast! We can't wait for next year!

Pumpkin Carving 2011

2011-10-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

Rysen was really into carving pumpkins this year. He was very insistent on having a "scary" pumpkin with triangle eyes.

Remlinger Farms 2011

2011-10-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to make sure we do some special things with Rysen before Haylen arrives so the 3 of us ventured out to explore Remlinger Farms and get pumpkins this year. We were so lucky and the rain held out and we got there early enough that the crowds were very minimal. Rysen loved the rides, the train, animals, and splashing in puddles picking out pumpkins. He even picked out a small green one for Haylen.

crazy

2011-10-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't blogged in so long because life is crazy and flying by! Every weekend in September was book to the fullest! Michael and I took a vacation to Arizona for my friend Funda's wedding, Michael spent a weekend in Bellingham for his friend Anna's wedding while Rysen and I celebrated my Mom's birthday with her and Papa at the lake and to top it off I turned 30. So much has been going on! We are so happy to report that Haylen is growing and doing very well. I will be 32 weeks this Friday (10/21) and this is when Rysen was born. We are really hoping she stays put until November, but we are ready if she decides to make her entrance. Her room is pretty much done, her clothes are washed and put away, and we all have bags packed for the hospital. Last Friday was my last day of work so I could relax and rest up for her arrival along with trying to wrap up my last two classes of my grad school program. Here are a few pics of our craziness:)

It's a Girl!!!

2011-07-21T06:12:00.001-07:00

After a very long ultrasound and a semi-uncooperative baby, we were able to determine that Rysen is getting little SISTER!! We have decided on Haylen Blair Tuomisto for a name. The thought of a girl is slightly overwhelming because we have all boy stuff, but now we can sort, purge, and shop for fun new girl things:)

I do have placenta previa (along with a few other concerns) and will now be monitored every week at the specialty clinic at UW. I am glad I have such a great team of doctors for our little girl. They said their best guess is that will have a baby at 36 weeks, but there is no for sure. They will watch with ultrasounds every other week and hope for the best.

The Dyks: a friend for the day

2011-07-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Dyks: a friend for the day: "Rysen spent the day with us today. I'm pretty sure we did 147 things today to keep everyone happy and entertained. Rysen is a calm, full-sen..."

Rysen had a super fun day with the Dyks and cried when I picket him up to bring him home. He was most excited about learning to jump on the bed:)

Happy Birthday Rysen!!!

2011-07-13T21:03:00.001-07:00

Michael and I are making it a tradition to take our kids actual birthday off to have a fun family day to celebrate. This year we woke up and opened presents. Rysen was so cute and saying ""OOO WOW" at everything he opened from Mom and Dad. Then we had some serious play time followed by eggo waffles (his choice) for breakfast. With so much playing, he asked for a nap around 10 AM so we had family nap time:) When he woke up we checked out the Kid's Qwest Children's Museum in Factoria and followed that up with a birthday dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. We could not have had a better day celebrating our little angel. Happy 2nd Birthday Rysen Michael! We love you to the moon and beyond:)

Rysen's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Rysen's 2nd Birthday with a Bob the Builder Party in our backyard with his new swing set. We had a huge turnout and tons of fun! Thank you all that came out to celebrate with us!!!

Boating with the Irwins

2011-07-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

We had a perfect day to take (a VERY much anticipated) cruise with Chris and Sarah on their boat. Rysen did great and we had fun stopping at Ivar's on Lake Union for lunch. Rysen insisted on wearing his mask menu side out. Thanks guys for a fun trip and we hope to do it again soon!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Rysen just is not ready to stay up until 10:30 for lake fire works yet so these pop its are as crazy as it got, but he loved once he got the hang of it!!!! (so did MT:)

Rysen's 2nd Birthday "Lake" Party

2011-07-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

My parents threw Rysen a birthday party at the lake over 4th of July weekend since my brother and sister-in-law were here and going to miss his big birthday party. It was Thomas the Train themed and Rysen loved it!!! Thanks everyone for stopping by for cake and for the generous gifts!!

And it is done! Thanks MT for all of your hard work and thank you Gar for helping so much!!!

2011-07-02T05:50:00.001-07:00

The swing set is done!!!

Michael stayed home on Friday and worked really hard to complete the swing set area. It turned out perfect. We appreciate all of his hard work and Gar's help!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day MT!!!

Swing Set Build

2011-06-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

We bought this beauty for Rysen as a gift for his 2nd birthday from Costco. Thankfully Papa T was able to come over and help over a weekend with this enormous project. There were a million pieces and little steps. They got it almost all set up and MT has just a few finishing touches to do. Rysen already loves it!!! MT also build a new fence and expanded the back yard in our many household projects this past month.

Baby T2 Update

2011-06-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

Life has been so busy with school, work, house hold projects, and a few fun weekend trips and I have really been neglecting the blog so I decided to do a quick baby T2 update. We have had quite a few ultrasounds, but not all of them I was able to get a picture. This picture was done at at 13 weeks. Baby is growing and doing well. I think my morning sickness (actually evening) is finally starting to go away and I am able to keep down a bit more food. I am still tired, but getting more bursts of energy here and there. I can not believe how fast this pregnancy is going! We will find out the sex of the baby on July 20th!!!! We can't wait to know if Rysen is getting a little brother or a little sister:)

10 weeks!

2011-05-19T19:59:00.001-07:00

(This is baby T at 9 weeks)

We have made it to 10 weeks and are 25% done with this pregnancy! I haven't blogged yet because this pregnancy has not been easy yet...but I'm hoping it will get better. I don't know why I thought it would be different and easier from the last time around. I have had so much more nausea this time, have been exhausted all the time, and experienced way to much bleeding. It took until this week and our 3rd ultrasound to figure out that I have placenta previa and have had a placenta abruption which has caused the bleeding. The good news is now that they have it figured out, all of our doctors say they are a lot less worried. It feels like we have had so many doctor appointments already and it feels like so many more coming up. They are still a bit worried about this baby coming early like Rysen did, but we have a great team of doctors trying to help us prevent that.

The baby looked great this week and is growing fast. We have two more ultrasounds in June and will keep you posted:)

We are EXPECTING baby #2!!!

2011-04-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

The blood work done this morning came out positive and the embryo transfer worked!!! We are do December 16th from my calculations and are so excited. We will be 4 weeks along on Thursday and our first ultrasound will be about 3 weeks after that. We just need to stay pregnant now and wait patiently!

Arizona Fun

2011-04-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Rysen and I decided to get away for a few days to relax in the sun and let MT have some guy and project time. Well, we fell in LOVE with the place. We visited my good friend Funda and stayed with her parents at their amazing home. We did a lot of relaxing, ate yummy food, and visited the Phoenix Zoo (which is a top zoo in the US) and a train park. We got wonderful weather and had a fun time swimming and laying around by the pool. I seriously could move there. The good news is that MT and I will be headed back for a few days in September for Funda's wedding.

Here is some of our fun pics in random order:) The first one Funda's parents backyard and pool. Amazing!!!

Transfer Day (sorry a little late)

2011-04-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have been a little behind, but we were are cleared and our embryo transfer happened on March 31st. We had 11 embryos frozen and the first 1 thawed did not survive the thawing process, but the 2nd did and looked great! We are so excited and will find out if we are pregnant or not on Sunday, April 10th. We are hopeful, but know there is only about a 50/50 chance it will work. I will post when we find out so stay tuned!

(the white spot by the embryo is just the reflection of the light)

Saturday morning with Lionel

2011-03-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

Rysen got a Lionel train set for Christmas from Grandpa and Lola (MT's parents), and we decided to put it away until we felt like he would not break it. This morning we decided to put it together and play with it. I am not sure who had more fun, Michael or Rysen. It is a super fun train set and Rysen loves watching it go round and round.

Transfer Update 03/11

2011-03-12T08:50:00.001-08:00

I had my suppression check this week (on Thursday) and got the go ahead to move forward with our next medication. A suppression check is just an ultrasound to check my ovaries and make sure the injections I have been having are doing what they are suppose to and they are. I started my new estrogen medication last night and I love it because it is just a little patch. I wear one for two days, then go to two for two days, then three for two days, then move up to wearing four of them every two days along with one injection of only have 1/2 of the medication I have been taking. I have blood work appointments this Thursday and next Thursday. If my ultrasound and blood levels are still where they are suppose to be on Thursday the 24th, then we will continue forward with our Transfer on March 31st! Time is flying by, I am feeling great, and this has been a pretty easy process (compared to last time).
Here is the small little patch. Painless and simple:)

in full swing

2011-03-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Monday) I had a practice transfer and hysteroscopy. I was so lucky to have the same doctor that transferred Rysen for this procedure and she had reviewed all of my chart and completed the whole thing in less than 10 minutes with little discomfort which was amazing. She is an amazing Doctor and I am so glad we have a team at SRM (Seattle Reproductive Medicine) working with Dr. Lin to make sure we have the best possible chance of success. Everything looks great and she said we are ready to go!

Then today this little expensive packaged arrived from FedEX..

It was shipped overnight and some of its contents needed to be refrigerated right away.

I got all of the meds unpacked and prepared for my first injection. I was nervous at first, but all of the routine came back to MT and I quickly, even after all this time.

This is a bit graphic, but I wanted to show that needle for my first injections is very small (like an insulin needle) and really painless. I get a pretty small amount of medicine that goes just under my skin on my stomach. I do this one for about two weeks.

There is no turning back now:)

To blog or not to blog...

2011-02-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

So most people have known about my issues conceiving and having to go through IVF. I am really open about it, but now as we think about a 2nd, I was not sure how public, or not public I wanted to be for some reason. Michael and I have been talking for months if we would try again for one more child with our 11 frozen embryos. We changed our minds at least a million times in every possible way. The financial cost was a huge one to swallow and it feels like we have just reached a comfortable place with me working at good job and having two incomes and having more financial security. Did we really want to spend that kind of money to have another...or are we just so happy and grateful for our amazing little guy. Well we have made the decision... We are going to try for 1 (only 1) more little Tuomisto. After research, it is much cheaper to do an embryo transfer than a full IVF procedure thank god! Thanks to our tax return, we have met with the doctor already and started the process. It is a huge for our family. I am at a place where I am hopeful it will work, but not unrealistic about the chances that it won't. We have a transfer scheduled for the end of March all set. I am going to use the blog to help me process all of the ups and downs and injections as we wait to see if there will be a little one on the way by the end of 2011. Stay tuned...

Disneyland 2011

2011-02-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

This years trip to Disneyland was so much fun (rain and all). Rysen still got to do so much and we loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa and seeing Kim, Rhett, Peyton, Lucy, and MaryAnn. Next year when we go we are going to visit a few more places and we can't wait. We love our time at the happiest place on earth:)

Help Us Start a Wave!!!

2011-01-30T21:00:00.001-08:00

We as a family are very thankful for all we have and want to find opportunities to give back. One of the first thing we have chosen to support is clean water in underdeveloped countries such as Africa. Clean water can do so much. We are asking our friends and family to give up a few Starbucks (or other treats) and donate just $5. All of the details are below of how the wave works. It is simple, easy, and ONLY $5 :) If you are willing to help, please send me a message for an invite to join the Tuomisto Family Wave!!

20 million people for clean water
Why Clean Water?
Water is the basic foundation of life. When it is scarce or non-existent, people are unable to thrive. Think of all the ways you use water throughout your day. What if you didn’t have access to clean water?
The reality is 894 million people in the developing world lack access to a reliable supply of clean water to meet their basic daily living needs.
What’s more, over 1.5 million children under the age of 5 die every year from preventable illnesses linked to dirty water and poor sanitation—that’s 1 child every 21 seconds!
These statistics are tough to hear, but they are an important part of understanding the problem: millions of people are thirsty.
Our goal is to unite a community of 20 million people, each giving $5 and inviting 3 friends, to help provide clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to millions of people in the developing world. Are you in?
What is 3for5? 3for5 is an idea centered on the belief
that regular people, when united, can truly impact the world’s most pressing problems—such as providing sustainable access to clean water.
The idea is simple:
First, go to www.3for5.org and register as a droplet by donating just $5 toward clean water projects in the developing world.
Second, talk to 3 of your close friends about the clean water crisis and 3for5, and invite each friend to become a droplet by donating $5 and inviting 3 more friends.
Third, follow up with your friends after a few weeks. If they haven’t already done so, encourage them to invite 3 of their friends to participate in 3for5.
Amazingly, after just 15 iterations of friends inviting friends, we will have united a community of 20 million people for clean water!
Tools to Get Involved
The 3for5.org website has a variety of features that are specifically designed to help you along the way.
InForm
You’ll find more information on the website about the clean water crisis, the history of 3for5, and our current water projects and partners.
InITIaTe
The 3for5 website provides you with an easy way to securely process your donations using PayPal as well as retrieve your donation history for tax purposes.
engage
3for5.org is designed to foster community- building. You’ll be able to stay up-to-date on the progress of the 3for5 Movement, view aggregate donation totals, and track progress within individual friendship networks using the 3for5 ‘My Network’ tool.
www.3for5.org

Crazy Kid

2011-01-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Best Friends

2011-01-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

Tuomisto Family Christmas

2011-01-08T14:20:00.001-08:00

We celebrate with Michael's parents and Ryan and Ryean-Marie and the kids usually the weekend after Christmas. The kids had a blast and everyone was spoiled! We didn't make it all night as planned, but it was still a great family Christmas.

numbers and letters....

2011-01-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

Rysen got number and letter magnets from Uncle Shawn and Aunt Ashley for Christmas. He loves them, but me not so much. I feel like all I ever do is pick them up and step on them. Here is the little dude in action. He loves the letter O particularly.

Elledge Christmas

2010-12-27T21:22:00.001-08:00

We headed the the Elledge Family Christmas dinner in the evening on Christmas day. Rysen's cold was getting to him so it wasnt' too long of a night. He did well and had fun playing with cousins and hanging out with the huge family. We ate way to much yummy food and Rysen got his first Thomas the Train and track set from his cousin Marley in the gift exchange and then got some cool mega blocks from Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Brad. He also gave Mayli a sing-a-ma-jig and some cool new clothes. It was a great evening.

Christmas Morning (at home:)

2010-12-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

We left early from the lake to have Christmas morning at home and open packages. I am not sure who was more excited about Rysen's new truck....Michael or Rysen:) He has a little growing to do, but he will be driving it around by the spring. He also scored a Tag reading system, some blocks, and new shoes.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-27T21:14:00.000-08:00

Santa visited the lake house Christmas morning and Rysen wanted Uncle Sean to help check out what he brought...

Christmas Eve 2010 at the Lake

2010-12-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas eve and part of Christmas morning at the lake with my family. We had a wonderful time with tons of food and family time. Rysen go way to many fun new toys and is in love with his new vacuum. Thank you Mom and Dad for a perfect Christmas!!!

1st trip facing forward

2010-12-26T07:56:00.001-08:00

Rysen is now facing forward in Michael's truck. He is still right at the height/weight requirements and we will keep him rear facing for awhile longer in the Edge. We noticed that it was not as easy for him to sleep, but he loved the view!

A Family Sunday

2010-12-26T07:46:00.001-08:00

We ventured out to take a walk at Old Country Village. Rysen visited the ducks for the first time and was matching Dad for Seahawk Sunday.

Christmas Photos

2010-12-12T17:45:00.001-08:00

We decided we were going to have some inexpensive photos taken each year of Rysen for Christmas. This year we spiced things up with a little suit. It is no Shutterbox, but they still turned out cute:) Here is a little taste...

MRSR Santa Train

2010-12-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

We ventured down to Elbe, WA today to go on our first Santa Train ride. We met Grandpa and Grandma there and had fun on our first real train ride. Rysen loved looking at the window and having a cookie, but was not Santa's biggest fan. Rain and all, we still enjoyed the Christmas music and festivities of the season.

Santa 2010...

2010-12-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

This was at Redmond Town Center (where we went last year). We waited in line for almost two hours and ended up with this one shot. Rysen was not thrilled at all and they were not patient at all.

I am so thankful Lori (Dyk) shared this fundraiser going on in Kirkland for a local church. There was an amazing professional photographer and Santa. We happened to be there first customers and there was no line so we hung out there for almost 30 minutes and got these wonderful images. Rysen still was not the biggest fan, but we could at least take our time and not have tears and screaming:)

For our third (and last stop) we went on the Santa Train with Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. It was fun rain and all, but Rysen still was not Santa's biggest fan. We did manage to get a perfect group shot with my parents though.

Well we tried to see Santa on 3 different occasions this year and lets just say Rysen is not the biggest fan...

Shutterfly is SWEET!!!!!

2010-11-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

Shutterfly has so many amazing Christmas cards this year it has been so hard to choose! I am always worried about someone having the same card as us and this year I have no worries since there are so many choices with Shutterfly. Some of my top choice are

I love the black and white photos with color messaging and the light blue and red color scheme. Each year we send out so many Christmas cards and we I am just not up for making my own as I have done in the years past. This year, I can not wait to let Shutterfly do the work so I can enjoy so many of the seasons wonderful activities such as taking a ride on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Christmas Train, hitting up Snowflake Lane at Bellevue Square with family and friends (at least twice), visiting Santa, getting Christmas pictures and heading downtown to see the lights, trees and Winterfest at Seattle Center. There is way to many memories to be made with my family than slaving away in the office making Christmas cards that do not turn out nearly as perfect as Shutterfly's.
This year Shutterfly is having a sweet promotion to pass along their wonderful cards.

Check out all of there super sweet stuff! ( I also love their baby announcement and photo gifts!!!)
http://www.shutterfly.com/

· Christmas photo cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards
· holiday cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards
· wall calendars to http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars
· Christmas cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
· birthday invitations to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-invitations
· photo holiday cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery
· baby shower invitations to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/baby-shower-invitations

Updates

2010-11-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by and we have been beyond busy at the Tuomisto house! Rysen is so big and growing each day. His vocabulary is amazing and he enjoys running, bugging Jax, and reading. Michael and I were lucky to go on a cruise in October and had an incredible time visiting Belize, Honduras, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We choose to be on the adventurous side and spend our time cave tubing, zip lining, snorkeling with sting-rays and drinking fun drinks on beautiful beaches with our new friends Adrienne and Ryan (from Puyallup) and Barry and Danielle (from Indiana). I also have to say I spend a large amount of the evenings in the Casino and won more money than I gambled. Here are some slideshows of our updates:)

Evergreen State Fair 2010

2010-08-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

We took our yearly trip to the Evergreen State Fair today and it was so much fun. Rysen loved the animals and wanted to give them all loves (hugs and kisses) and it was so cute. He also experienced his first Fisher scone and could have easily ate a whole one by himself. He also really liked the horses this year. Everyone was so nice that was showing their animals. So many brought animals out for Rysen to touch or stopped to let him pet them. It was a great day!

I just had to show what a difference a year makes. This was Rysen last year at the fair

Reptile Zoo

2010-08-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

We took our first family trip out to the Reptile Zoo in Monroe last weekend. It has double in size since the last time I was there and Rysen had fun pointing to all of the reptiles. We were lucky to have Grandpa and Lola join us for lunch at Subway and at to check out all of the fun reptiles. We will be going back again soon to this as well! Here are a few of the interesting things we saw.

Casper Babypants

2010-08-27T20:25:00.001-07:00

We took Rysen to check out all of the rage of Casper Babypants. He loved the concert and besides being really crowded at the University Bookstore in Mill Creek Town Center, it was a blast. We will definitely go again (hopefully at a park)! Rysen clapped and wiggled to all the fun and crazy tunes.

Rysen's 1 year Pictures

2010-08-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to have Shellie Ganz with Shutterbox Photos capture Rysen turning 1 and update our family photos. They turned out amazing. Here are the links if you would like to see:)

Slideshow
http://www.shutterboxphotos.com/slideshows/

Online Store
http://www.shutterboxphotos.com/photocart/

Passwords for each- lest

Husky Football Picture Day 2010

2010-08-20T19:32:00.001-07:00

It was way to hot, but we ventured out to attend Husky Picture Day 2010 at Husky Stadium. It was tons of fun, and we can not wait until Rysen can run around to play on the field. It was a little difficult with the 90+ degree heat and the poor little guy was getting heat rash so we only ended up with like 15 autographs on our poster. Next year we are hoping for just a couple of degrees cooler!

MT's new toy

2010-08-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Michael finally broke down and bought a much needed lawn mower. This is his first brand new one! All of the others he had found on the side of the road for free. He has been battling so many issues with our previous mower and he got 1/2 way through the lawn last weekend when he just gave up. The next day he we came home with this beautiful Husky. It is just what he wanted to add to his Husqvarna collection.

Rub a dub dub...3 boys in a tub:)

2010-08-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

I was not good at taking pictures this weekend at the Lake with the Dyk family, but we had a blast crappy weather and all. I did get these cute pics of the boys taking a bath together Saturday night. We can't wait to go back again! (Lori posted fun pictures of the weekend:)

Afternoon at the Willis Tucker Park Splash Pad

2010-08-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

We decided it was too hot to sit around at home so we ventured out to the splash pad at the park for an hour. Rysen had tons of fun and we will be going back soon!

A day at the beach...

2010-08-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

A few weekends back we decided to get out to the beach in Edmonds and let Jax run around at the dog park and take a walk on the beach. It was a wonderful day!

Rysen's 1st Birthday Party

2010-08-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

A little late, but here a few shots from Rysen's 1st birthday party. We had a Pooh theme and celebrated a local park. Thank you for all of the family and friends for coming out to celebrate with out little guy!

Happy 1st Birthday Rysen!

2010-07-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rysen turned 1 and we celebrated with a fabulous day. Michael and I are took the day off (and are planning on making this a tradtion) to spend a fun filled day with our special little guy. We started off with lots of balloons and some presents from Mom and Dad. We then headed out for Rysen's first haircut at Lil Klippers in Wallingford before heading to the zoo. He then took a nap while we took a drive over to Magnolia. We then hit up the aquarium and Red Robin for dinner with our good friends Sarah and Chris. There were so many firsts such as ordering a meal for himself (which he didn't even eat:), point at the animals at the zoo and the fish at the aquarium, and of course the haircut. It was an amazing day to celebrate our little man.

Rysen's new pool

2010-06-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

On one of are few nice days this month, we decided to bring out Rysen's new pool for the first time. The water was still a bit chilly from the garden hose and it took some time before he went in on his own, but he loved it. We can't wait for more warm weather. The only trick will be to keep Jax out of Rysen's pool:)

The Koi Pond

2010-06-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

We went to the Plant Farm up by Tulalip to get all of our vegetables to plant in our garden this year. While shoping, we found this fantastic Koi pond where we could feed the fish. Rysen loved it and we can't wait to go back!

I will post garden pictures soon:)

bath tub time

2010-06-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

Rysen's favorite time is bath time and I had to share some fun pictures and my cute little guy.

A visit to the Outback

2010-04-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

We visited a Kangaroo Farm out of Arlington on Friday. We have been wanting to visit for over a year now. With Michael having spent time in Australia, he has a thing with the Outback and anything that has to do with it. It was so much fun and we would recommend for everyone (especially kids) to take a visit. It is $8 for a adults and $6 for kids over 2 and worth every penny. They had kanaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, emus, an ostrich, miniture horse, miniture donkies, tons of chickens, roosters, lemurs, peacocks, lamus, and much more. You get to wander through the kanaroos. You can feed and pet them and see the babies in their pouches! We even got to hold a litle joey before we left. We will go back soon!

1st trip to the zoo

2010-04-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Rysen and I finally joined Lori, Mason and Andrew for a trip to the zoo! Rysen loved looking at all the kids. We had tons of fun and can't wait to go back. We will be getting an annual membership after I start working. Andrew really wanted to show Rysen the flamingos and Rysen loved them.

Big Boy Car Seat

2010-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

After researching tons MT and I decided on a car seat for Rysen. It arrived Monday and Rysen loves it! MT calls it his Lazy Boy. He has always sat in the middle of the back seat and we moved him to behind the passenger seat so we could use the latch system. He loves looking out the window and giggling at himself in his mirror:)

3 dogs and a swing

2010-04-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

All 3 of us were sick with a bad cold for over a week so we stuck close to home last weekend. We had told my parents we would watch O'Ryan and Big Max while they went to Eastern Washington wine tasting and it worked out well. We did get a nice day on Sunday so we ventured out to the backyard to clean off the patio furniture and deck. We also got Rysen this swing for Easter and MT hung it from the maple tree. It was a little high, but worked until Dad can fix it. Rysen loved swinging and the dogs loved laying in the sun.

Tulips 2010 or Bust

2010-04-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

We made it to the Tulip Festival sick and all. I was bound and determined to get there for some fun pictures and they are almost done blooming for the most part. Even though we were all still a little under the weather, we took our cough drops and on we went. It was so windy, but we still got to see beautiful tulips and get some good pictures. Here are a few to share:)

9 Months

2010-04-17T11:52:00.001-07:00

Rysen is 9 months and doing great. We had his well child check up on Wednesday and didn't need any shots. It was so nice. He is weighing in at 18 lbs, 4 oz (15.08 percentile), he is 29.25" long (81.77 percentile), and his head circumference is 44.5 cm (27.15 percentile). He is looking great on the growth chart and making steady progress. He is tall and skinny, just like his Daddy. He got a cold this week and then passed it to mom and dad so the whole house is under the weather and not feeling well. The only issue we are dealing with is a rash that comes and goes. They do not think it is a food allergy like I thought it was. We are now on a special daily bathing routine and a cream that has to be applied 3x a day for two weeks. If that doesn't fix it we have to go see a dermatologist and an allergist. I am hopeful he just grows out of whatever it is!

NoDessa 2010

2010-04-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Helping Dad get ready for his riding trip & Rysen's 1st bike trip

2010-04-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

While mom was working, Rysen helped Dad get ready for his NoDessa weekend. He even wore his motorcycle gear (thanks to the Mallamo Family) and sat in his lawn chair. We also took Rysen on his first bicyle ride. We went to the Dyk's house. He loved it and everything is in working condition. We can't wait to do a bigger ride soon!

Big Changes at the Tuomisto Household

2010-04-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I have officially accepted a job offer with Fairfax Hospital in the Juanita area of Kirkland!!! I will be teaching in their outpatient private school which is the Northwest School of Innovative Learning (NW SOIL). I will be teaching 7th, 8th, and 9th graders for the most part. I am so excited for the opportunity and what taking the job will do for our family. It is year round, but great hours and pay. Just not as much time off. It feels like such a relief to have made it through student teaching and no income for this long. Michael has done an amazing job at supporting our family and making sure everything is taken care of during this time so I could finish school. I can't wait to be back at work and give him back some of the things that he wants to get!!!

Easton and Owen Turned 1

2010-04-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

We celebrated with the Gamradts as Easton and Owen turned 1. There was yummy food and lots kids playing. Time has went by way too fast!!!

Best Friends

2010-04-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Rysen loves Jax! and Jax is starting to like Rysen more and more:) I am sure they will be best friends in to time!

The Bubble Machine

2010-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Rysen got a bubble machine for Easter from Grandma and Grandpa Bonfield. The first one didn't work so we took it back and got a different one. At first Rysen was mad because he thought this one was not going to work, but it turns out Mom didn't put that batteries in right. With a quick fix, he realized it worked and loved all of the bubbles everywhere. I don't think inside the house is the best, but it was fun. Jax also loved chasing the bubbles around and eating them too! It's cheap entertainment:)

Easter ( a little late)

2010-04-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter here at the Tuomisto household. Both sets of grandparents came over for a wonderful filet and crab dinner cooked by mom Mom and Rysen was spoiled rotten as usual:) I was not good about getting any family pics, or pics with grandparents this time, so I will work on that. Here are a few of him checking out his Easter baskets and new toys.

The Easter Bunny

2010-04-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

Rysen had his first visit with the Easter Bunny today. He would not smile for anything and was interested in everything else but looking at the camera. We did get one cute picture that we bought, and Dad snapped these two photos.

Look What Finally Fits!

2010-04-02T21:31:00.002-07:00

Rysen got this Pooh costume from Aunt Bec when he came home from the hospital. He loves Pooh and we are so excited it finally fits:) He looks so cute in it!

putting toys away

2010-04-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

We have been working on putting toys away when we are done playing and Rysen decided to put himfelf on the shelf while I was cooking dinner. I went to check on him and found him all the way in the cube:)

Visit to the Quad

2010-03-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

I had a meeting in Seattle yesterday for school so we enjoyed a beautiful day with a walk around the Olympic Sculpture Park and along the trail the Elliot Bay park. It was perfect. After that we decided to swing by UW since the cherry trees are in bloom in the Quad. Here are the pics we snapped of Rysen.

Hey cousin Kai......

2010-03-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Awhile back Ryean Marie and I bought the boys matching pjs on our shopping trip to the outlet malls in North Bend. Kai has been loving his pjs and is close to growing out of them, and Rysen is just now fitting into his pair. I am hoping for at list one pic of them together in them:)

laughter and my interview

2010-03-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

I had my first big interview today on my new job hunt now that I am done with my program in June. It is at a hospital in Kirkland. It went really well and I am so excited about the job. It is full time and year round which will be a change, but I really like the work I would be doing. I will wait and see if all the cards fall in the right place for this one, but keep in mind that this is just the first opportunity of many that will be comming my way:) (I am keeping a positive outlook as I have applied for 16 upcomming jobs!) Anyways I came home on a beautiful day to play with my little man and he was laughing up a storm. This is his new laugh and we love it so I thought I would share.

some firsts

2010-03-24T19:19:00.001-07:00

This is Rysen's first ride in a cart and his first time in his little stroller. He loved it although he is showing his serious face in the picture:)

Dawgs Win!!!!!

2010-03-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Rysen was supporting our Dawgs again tonight as they beet Marquette tonight in their first round of the tournament. I snapped a few pics of him supporting his team and also took a look back at my little future Husky:)

8 Months Old!!!!

2010-03-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Rysen is 8 months old as of yesterday and time is flying by faster and faster!! We are having so much fun watching him grow and learn new things. His little personality is really comming full circle and he is our little angel. We couldn't have been blessed with a more amazing son:) To celebrate we decided to take Rysen swimming since it is one of his favorite things. We have now went the past two weekends to the Mountlake Terrace Pool in the mornings. (On Saturdays from 7:30-8:30AM and Sundays 8:45-9:45AM they have a wonderful happy hour swim for $2:) MT was out of the water due to his food injury, so he got to take fun pictures and a video of Rysen doing his bobs. He is also sporting his new 1 piece swim suite and new crocs I got him!

the dog park

2010-03-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Rysen took his first trip to the dog park and loved every minute watching all the dogs play. It was a beautiful day so the park was full of all different kinds of dogs. Jax went swimming and ran all around. We love the action shot of Jax getting his ball.

at the park with my cousins

2010-03-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

a few weeks ago I went to a Party Lite party at Ryean-Marie's house so MT and Rysen met Kai, Mayli and Uncle Ryan at a park in Kirkland to do some playin! This was Rysen's 1st time swinging at a park and he loved it. These swings are still a little big for him, but he will grow quick. I was so happy Dad captured some of it for me while I was enjoying mimosas and candles:)

Vancouver 2010!

2010-02-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

To end a already amazing month, we decided to venture up to Vancouver to check out some of the Olympic activities (although we didn't watch any events). On my bucket list is to attend the summer games and watch swimming. Knowing that this may be the closest I ever get to that and adding the fact we could drive and make a day trip out of it made us pack our car and head north:) We packed a lunch, and ended up taking the BOB and a backpack to tour venues and Olympic activities all over by their new subway system. It was unbelievable!!!! Even though the Olympics will be over tonight, we can't wait to go back to Vancouver soon. There is so much to do!

really? all our hard work and practice is paying off!!!!

2010-02-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

So we came home from Dinseyland on Tuesday and by Thursday afternoon Rysen was sick. It was not fun and he was not eating or keeping any fluids down so we took a trip to the Dr. on Friday. )On a side note he weighed in at 16 lbs 3 oz.) He had double ear infections, a respiratory infection, diaper rash, vommiting, fever, etc. They gave him antibiotics through an injection and within 24 hours are kids was starting to come back to life. He is still on meds for a few more days but is pretty much back to normal! He even decided sick and all he can roll over now (both front to back and back to front)!!!! We have been practicing every night for what feel likes for forever:) Tonight I tried to get a video but of course he wouldn't do it. We also have been working on him sitting up and bearing weight standing. He is getting closer with sitting, but still pretty wobbly but surprised us with standing for a few seconds holding onto his toy without any other support. We were so excited!!!!

Breakfast with Minnie and Friends

2010-02-25T19:39:00.000-08:00

We ended our vacation with an Magic Morning in the park with having a special breakfast with Minnie and friends. Rysen loved the characters and even warmed up to Captain Hook after a bit. Chip and Dale loved him, but his favorite by far was Pooh. The whole trip could not have been more perfect. It created memories for MT and I with our son that will last a lifetime. Although he won't remember, we can always show him the pictures. We will definately go back soon! (like when he is 2:)

Valentine's Day

2010-02-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

Rysen spent his first Valentine's Day at Laguna Beach and driving the Pacific Coast Highway in 80 degree weather followed by a special dinner with Tim, Joe, Rhett, Kim, Peyton, Mom and Dad at the Irvine Spectrum. We all had a fantastic day of feeling the sand between our toes:)

Vacation Day 2- 1st day at Disneyland

2010-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

Well I am starting with day two since I forgot to take pictures on Day 1. We made it to California safe and sound without any glitches although traveling with the little guy kept our hands full. We got our sweet rental car and drove about 40 minutes or so to our motel at Disneyland. We left our house at 6:15am and reached our hotel at 4:30 PM. It was a long day. Overall Rysen did great! He was not into much napping though, and wanted to do some loud talking on the plane and didn't want to sit still, but no crying or tears at all!!!! Once settled we headed to Downtown Disney for dinner at ESPN zone. We had fun checking out a few things and got excited for our next day at Disneyland.

We woke up and got all packed up for Disneyland on Saturday. We were also babysitting my friend Kim's 3 1/2 year old daughter Peyton until 3ish so we had two strollers, snacks, and everything we would need for the two kiddos for a whole day. We got to Disneyland about 10am and stayed until 5:30. We had so much fun!!!!!! Here are some pictures of our highlights:)

lots more to come with so much more still planned!!!! Two more days at Disney, a day at Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa today:)

Golden Gardens

2010-02-04T10:20:00.001-08:00

I had Monday off so Rysen and I ventured out to visit my friend Kye and her 8 week old son Soren. I got pictures at Golden Gardens, but forgot my camera while we were visiting Soren. I'll have to get photos next time:(

At Golden Gardens I thought Rysen would be excited to see the boats and water, but he was more interested watching the birds.

He is getting so big and is so much fun!!! I love spending as much time as I can with the little guy and looking forward to our vacation next week to California and a few days at Disneyland!

Also on a side note: he is rolling over from his front to back in both directions!!!! All the hardwork and practice is paying off:)

walk

2010-01-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

MT was working on his truck all day so Rysen and I ventured out for a walk to enjoy the weather. I waited for Rysen to just be up from a nap so he could be alert and have a fun first experience of being in the stroller without his car seat and facing forward. I got him all bundled up and set with a few toys and George and we were on our way. Well 2 blocks in he was sound asleep. We walked for over an hour and he slept the whole time. In fact, when we got home he was still sleeping so I wheeled him inside still in the stroller and he slept for another 20 minutes. Must be growing again:) We will continue to get out and enjoy the weather whenever we can using the BOB.

If I only had a video or a picture...

2010-01-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

So tonight while Rysen was getting ready for his bath and MT took his diaper off to hand him to me in the bathtub, Rysen (facing away from MT and toward Jax) peed all over Jax. It happened so fast and were a bit in shock, that he ended up shooting it all over Jax and it was a large amount. Usually Jax sits right next to the tub and licks the water that Rysen splashes up from kicking so he always sits by the tub. This was pretty much the funniest thing I have ever seen!

Jax did pee on one of Rysen's things awhile back, so this must have been payback. Looks like Jax will be getting a bath too:)

Sweet Potatos are a hit

2010-01-16T21:43:00.001-08:00

Rysen choose sweet potatos as his first food. He loved them!Rysen choose sweet potatos as his first food. He loved them! We are trying them all this week and then adding a food each week for awhile to see how he does:)

Rysen is 6 months old

2010-01-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

Rysen had his 6 month check up and is doing great. Here are his stats based on his real age: Head Circumfe
rence 42.5cm 16th percentile
Height 26.75" 64th percentile (90th percentile if you adjust for his prematurity!)
Weight: 15lbs 7oz 15th percentile

He got his shots, had some blood work done and we got the go ahead to start fruits and veggies!
He is not rolling over yet, but so close. We are practicing everyday and keep you updated as soon as it is happening:) Here are some pics from his appointment.

Tuomisto Family Christmas

2010-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Tuomisto Family Christmas after New Years this year due to all the busy schedules. It was fun and everyone was spoiled with such generous gifts. Rysen loves his cape that Kai, Mayli, Ryean and Ryan got him and his train that Lola and Grandpa got him (along with all the other stuff too.