Adventures of Ryan

Friday, March 1, 2013

Short and Sweet

February is a short month, but we somehow managed to cram quite a bit of exciting things into the quickly passing days!

The month started with the Super Bowl weekend … While daddy went golfing with some friends Ryan and I went to the park for some fresh air and a swing! Ryan loves the outdoors, but he’s had a change of heart when it comes to swings!

Clearly, he is not a fan!

Super Bowl Sunday was a relaxing day at home – we were hoping for a 49ers win, but regardless we had a great time rooting for our team!

The day wasn't a total loss either, Ryan gained his 2^nd cousin that day! Scott’s sister and husband had their first – a baby girl – born just before the end of the game! Now Ryan is the proud cousin to Freida, his 4 legged cousin :) and to Alexis, his Super Bowl Sunday cousin!

The month also started out on a good note with a couple of doctor appointments. Ryan is thriving and he proved it at his appointments. We were beyond relieved that his sleep study results were good and he passed his hearing test with flying colors!

Here he is smiling big at the doctor enjoying our good news!

We kept very busy this month getting some things lined up for Ryan’s sister-to-be, meeting with friends and family and our usual errands that are always part of our weekend.

Sometimes while running errands we get a bit sidetracked … here’s Ryan “test driving” one of his favorite cars …

As you can see from his shirt, he’s seriously considering a career in auto racing …

Racing and cars is in this kid's DNA ... as you can see!

And somehow between all of that, we managed to have some fantastic quality time at home!

Here’s Ryan’s first experience with crayons … not really too sure how they work yet, he had more fun “organizing” them and probably would have eaten a good chunk of them if we weren't watching closely …

Ryan has been busy this month – he’s picking up so many new skills it’s blowing us away!

He’s taken up cooking … here he is "helping" in the kitchen ...

Now it's time to whip up some dinner for mommy …

Sign language has become a major part of our everyday life. Ryan has picked up so many signs now. He can tell us when he’s hungry, when he wants milk, if he wants crackers, when he’s “all done” or if he wants “more”. He’s most recently learned to sign “ball”. Sometimes we get a little mixed up about the context – but in general he’s embracing the signs and loves his new found ability to communicate!

Here we are studying our sign book:

Shapes and colors are still a challenge, but we are starting to get the hang of them. Ryan loves his new puzzle … he’s pretty quick to celebrate – even sometimes if we've managed to fit the wrong piece into a spot :) But overall he is really picking this up quickly.

Here he is as he figures where to put a puzzle piece – my smarty pants!

Food is still a big part of our daily adventures. Ryan has been experiencing all sorts of new flavors. Some new favorites include artichoke hearts, sharp cheddar cheese, hummus, tomatoes, eggs and more. Somehow vegetables are getting pushed aside for “tastier” foods … funny how that works!

Here we are enjoying some eggs for the first time!

And as you can see hummus is a big hit!

Our BIGGEST and most exciting accomplishment of the month would be Ryan’s FIRST STEPS! He’s officially standing on his own – he’ll let go, stand upright on his own and claps and squeals until we congratulate him!

And only a day after he discovered standing, he got even more brave … He’s already taken a few steps and turns and is getting more stable everyday. It’s only a matter of time until he’s running around our house!

Here is my big boy – standing all on his own!

Ryan is so excited about his new accomplishments and we couldn't be happier. He continues to amaze us each and every day - words cannot express how proud we are!

... On to the next adventure ...

Saturday, February 2, 2013

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!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Santa Claus is coming to town!

December was a fast and fun month! Ryan enjoyed the holiday season and all that comes with it!

We started out the holiday season by getting together with some friends for a holiday portrait party! They did a great job - we had a nice visit, shared some good food and took some nice family pictures!

Here we are smiling for the camera!

And here's Ryan "hugging" his little sister!
Yup, it's a girl! We're very excited!

Next on our list of holiday fun we had our LPA Christmas party! We were very excited to catch up with our new friends and to celebrate the holidays!

Here's Ryan all ready to go!

It was a great day of fun - there was lots of delicious food as usual and the turnout was fantastic. Ryan got to see some friends that are just about his age and Scott and I enjoyed visiting with their parents.

The highlight of the party was Santa's arrival!

Here is Santa arriving on his Fire Truck! That was a big hit!

Next, Santa surprised all of the children by having a present for each and every one of them! And he even took the time to sit down with everyone.

Here's Ryan meeting Santa for the first time!

And here's Ryan and mommy enjoying their day!

Next on our list was Christmas shopping of course. Scott and I braved it with Ryan in tow and he did GREAT! We were able to get everything on our list - and then some of course. And we all had a great time.

Here's Ryan enjoying a break at the mall playground!

Our last stop before Christmas was a visit to see Santa! This was Ryan's first time visiting Santa - he was really young last year. We got to the North Pole nice and early ... we had a bit of a wait but we figured it easier to wait on the early side than be in a long line.

Here we are waiting for Santa to arrive! ... Ryan needed a power nap before his big moment ... or maybe he just couldn't handle the excitement!

And here we are with Santa! Ryan loved him - we think Santa might have more nervous than Ryan! He didn't really believe us when we told him that Ryan wouldn't be upset!

And clearly he wasn't ... :)

Before we knew it, Christmas morning had arrived!

Up bright(?) and early and ready to see what Santa brought!

We had a wonderful Christmas morning together. Scott and I made brunch and Ryan loved the goodies that Santa brought ... well, the paper and containers were a big hit! Maybe next year we'll like the actual presents more :)

Opening a present with daddy ...