Here we are already pushing the middle of July! It’s been a wonderful couple of weeks in our world!
Ryan missed his 2nd swim class – instead we spent the morning at the pediatrician’s office … another ear infection! Not the best way to start out a weekend, but Scott and I are glad that we have Ryan’s “ear infection MO” figured out so we can catch and treat them early. My little man is so amazing … we had a great Saturday regardless of the infection!
Sunday we were thrilled to go for a nice long walk in our neighborhood. It was a great day – just pushing 80 degrees. Ryan loves riding forward in his stroller – he talks to the passing trees and cars nonstop … well, until he wears himself out …
The next weekend’s fun began on Thursday when Ryan and I headed to the clinic for his hearing test. Who would have thought we could successfully test an infant’s hearing? They put Ryan and I into a soundproof room, and the nurse testing him sat in the adjacent room behind a window. She’d play sounds from speakers that sat on both sides of Ryan and I. When he’d look towards the sound, it was reinforced with lights. She also ran a few other tests, all were really non-invasive and Ryan did great! The nurse was pleased that we were able to test so much. And thankfully we found out right then and there that Ryan’s hearing is in good shape! What a relief. After so many ear infections, you can’t be sure.
The following day we had more doctor appointments – the first with his Ear Nose & Throat Dr. The doctor prescribed ear tubes for Ryan. That will be a great solution for him. It’s a simple procedure, they come out on their own – and while they are in, they prevent ear infections! What a relief that will be.
Shortly after the clinic, Ryan and I headed to his pediatrician for his 9 month visit! Ryan is growing well ... he had another good sized growth spurt and our doctor is very pleased with his motor skill development! We think he’s due to crawl any time … he’s ready to go … it’s just a matter of it “clicking”.
On Friday the 29th, Ryan turned 9 months old! How can that be?! Time is going by so quickly!
Here is my big boy’s 9 month old picture:
Over the past couple of weeks, Ryan has had quite a few firsts to add to the list! He’s doing new things all the time, it’s so much fun!
Time for mom and dad to start watching what they say and do … Ryan is starting to learn how to mimic sounds and movements. One of our favorites is how he sticks his tongue out in response to our sticking our tongue out! We aren’t certain where this one came from, but I am suspicious he noticed our tongues when we yawned? It's a mystery …
It’s quite comical …
Scott and I shared some special firsts with Ryan over the weekend too.
On our way to his appointments on Friday, I took him on his 1st train ride … he’ll probably enjoy it a lot more when he’s older, but he still got a kick out of the quick trip he and I took …
Holding the ticket for mommy:
Enjoying the view!
Having fun together:
Later in the weekend, Scott and I were thrilled to see that Ryan can (finally!) sit up comfortably in a restaurant high chair. And (for now) he loves it! As do we … we loved being able to sit with Ryan and still eat at the same time! Oh, the little things …
In spirit of our big boy in the restaurant high chair, Scott and I thought that Ryan might enjoy the view from the shopping cart at the grocery store … are the days of pushing stroller and cart through the store over? … maybe not quite yet …and yes, those are bags of flour next to him ...
I’d say that Ryan’s favorite first over the past couple of weeks was his experience in the swing. Boy, does he love that! By the 3rd “swoosh” he was hooked – all smiles and giggles. The irony is that he hated his swing when he was a newborn!
Here’s my big boy having his first swing:
And last but not least, was Ryan’s 1st Fourth of July. What a great day we had! Scott and I coordinated a BBQ at a local park with some friends of ours. Because it’s a busy day for the parks, Scott, Ryan and I got there at 6:45am to hold a spot – we got the spot we wanted, set it up and enjoyed the morning at the park. It was beautiful weather so we were quite comfortable being outdoors and the time flew by. Before we knew it, we had the company of about 12 friends and 7 kids, 6 of which are under 18 months. Our patch of grass was very busy! We are so lucky, it was a great way to spend the holiday!
Here we are ready for the day of fun …
And here’s Ryan – ready to celebrate his 1st Fourth of July!
That sums up the past couple of weeks … eventful but a blast as usual! Ryan is pure joy – I can’t get enough of him, he’s always amazing me and making me so proud.
… on to the next adventure!
