Now that he's five, Ryan is a little bit bigger - which is pretty exciting when you're a 5 year old with dwarfism! We have had to update the wardrobe quite a bit this Winter! Good thing that I've been practicing with my sewing machine! I'm getting pretty good at hemming and have visions of attempting a pattern soon! I'm starting to really enjoy the craft!
Here is JuJu helping me hem some pajama pants.
And at 5 years old, Ryan is stronger and more coordinated. After the hot Summer and Fall, we finally dusted off the kids bikes and Ryan jumped on and is pedaling so fast that I have to jog to keep up. His bike is the smallest available and we put two pedal blocks on each pedal to make the pedals accessible. Last year riding his bike was quite a stressful experience, so it's fantastic to see his ear-to-ear smile this time around.
Ryan has also acquired a large amount of confidence in his "old age". We couldn't be prouder watching him try new things with a brave face. When I signed Ryan up for baseball, he was nervous trying the new sport after having such a hard time with soccer. But he put on the uniform and gave it a shot. And though he admits he likes watching sports best, he has come to love playing baseball!
I often forget how small Ryan is in our day-to-day lives. But when he's out on the field with his teammates and is just half their size, my heart swells with pride and a touch of sadness. I sit on the sideline and watch him as he tries to keep up with his friends' speed and agility. But his enthusiasm and determination not only get the job done, but he does it with the most contagious smile ever. He instantly became his team and coaches' inspiration. And I couldn't be happier how frequently he reminds me that being small doesn't have to slow him down.
All ready for our first day on the field!
On the first day, Ryan won the Value Medal for listening!
Ryan's confidence doesn't stay on the baseball field! For Christmas his Auntie and Uncle gave him and his sister a super fun gift! Though he's cautious by nature, Ryan didn't take more than a fraction of a second to get behind the wheel of his new car! Uncle Sean did a lot of research and was sure to find a car that had a "slow" and "fast" speed. After just one day driving slow, Ryan asked to go fast. And he hasn't slowed down since!
Uncle Sean taught Ryan some driving skills too. He's learned to pass safely, back-up, drift, and to drive through a course with technical turns. Looks like this is just the beginning of a race car driving career. And if you ask Ryan, it's exactly the right path for him. When he grows up he wants to be a NASCAR driver. Racing is in his genes ... just like his Grandpa, Uncle and mommy. We hope that one day soon he can meet one of his favorite drivers - Rico Abreu. Rico is a little person just like Ryan.
All 5 year olds need to know how to swim! And with Ryan's newfound confidence and strength, he had a great swim lesson with Teacher Mommy! The water is a scary place for kids that are cautious and nervous natured like Ryan. It's even more challenging for Ryan since he will not be able to stand in the standard shallow water depth like most of his peers already can. Ryan will have to work extra hard to keep up - and stay safe - in the pool with his friends.
It's been a great start to being five years old! And though I look back fondly and with some heartache, I can't help but to enjoy what this new stage of life brings. And to think that I dreaded this age! Not only due to the fact that he's growing up, but also since he's gaining full understanding of having dwarfism. And despite some trepidation with being "little big" forever, he's not only accepting it, but he's LOVING it. And he's growing up in these countless ways that stack up to something pretty amazing. ... this is just the beginning, I can only imagine what else is in store.
... on to the next adventure!
