Winter Wonderland

Winter has taken it's toll on us this year!  But we have come through with smiles as usual!  

Ryan decided to embrace the cold and flu season by getting both a cold bug and a flu bug – once the cold bug went away, he decided to give the flu bug a try!  Poor guy probably had more sick days than healthy days this month.  It was a challenge for us all!

But true to form, Ryan rose above the bugs best he could and took any moment he could to be the fun-loving guy he is! 

Here he is recovered from his flu bug - smiles and back to himself!

Not too many adventures this month with the illnesses spreading through the house – Ryan was generous with mommy and gave me both the cold bug and then the flu next! 

Ryan took advantage of the time at home and he mastered his walking toy and zips all around the house – complete with both left-hand and right-hand turns!  The only “driving” skill remaining is backing up, though he’s figured out a few ways around that problem of course.  One such way is to walk around to the other side of the toy and push it back in the direction he came from!  Pretty inventive idea!

Here’s my guy cruising around!

Ryan has also been working on some more “skilled playing” – putting toys through shaped holes, pushing toys, etc. 

Here’s his first impression of how to approach his new puzzle:

And here’s another method …

Working on our shapes …

We have “out” and “in” down pat with this toy!

Food is an ongoing adventure for Ryan.  He's getting more and more interested in finger foods as we expand his menu.  Though as he learns of new flavors, he's discovered that veggies aren't his favorite.  It's quite a challenge to sneak them in, but I try to camouflage them into other foods ... Here he is enjoying his mac and cheese ... I added peas in hopes of a tasty healthy meal ... but Ryan caught on really fast ...

... we already figured out how to separate the "icky" stuff from the good stuff!

Ryan is a big football fan just like his daddy.  He still throws his arms up in the air for “Touchdown!” whenever he sees a game on TV.  Sometimes he calls a touchdown just before it happens ... Just luck or does he know something we don’t?

Here he is ready to root for his team in the Superbowl!  

With the lack of “real adventures”, Ryan made the best of our weekend errands and chores!  He enjoys helping mom and dad get things done!

Here he is at the grocery store … he’s very good about pointing out EVERY balloon the store has on display!

We love helping load and unload the dishwasher!  Hopefully this continues for the next 18 years … but somehow I doubt that!

Ryan's big adventure of the month was another sleep study.  We had a few appointments because he kept catching bugs all month long!  Finally at the end of the month we did the full study and boy was it a long night!  

Here we are getting settled.  Ryan was having a great time exploring the new surroundings!

It was a tough night for Ryan - sleeping wasn't easy since he's older and more aware of things now.  All those wires stressed him out quite a bit.  He was having such a hard time that we opted to hold him for the night.  Scott and I took turns holding him while he slept.  And thankfully that got us through the study with enough sleep and data!  

Here's Ryan the next morning having some morning milk ... what a night!

That picture sure makes one feel sad for Ryan.  Clearly he had a rough time - but my guy is so tough - just look at him a few short hours later! 

He amazes more every day.  The things he goes through and how he handles it all!  I can't put into words how proud I am!

Now it's time for a new month of fun and adventures ... starting with the Superbowl!  

Go Niners!

... On to the next adventure!