Grandma Comes to Visit

I had a few days of computer training last week and our sitter wasn't available, so Grandma Hayes to the rescue. Though they don't see each other often, he took to her instantly.

First the children's museum...

Then to the park to see the animals...

Look who showed up...Grampa!

Thanks for all your help Grandma!

All things Ryan: 15 months

My plan is to continue 'All things Ryan' every 3 months (15, 18, 21, 24) for year 2. He currently weighs 22 lbs & 14 oz (30th-ish percentile). That's only 14 oz more than 3 months ago. No worries though, its not uncommon for weight gain to slow for an active toddler.

*Side note: I know he may be a toddler per textbooks, but he's still a baby to me*

He's 32.5 inches tall (85th percentile). Up 1.5 inches from 3 months ago.
Oh, and his head remains in the 95th percentile. His development is where the most growth has occurred.

~ He mimics everything we do. Cute sample, we have to kick the bottom of our front door to get it to open in high humidity. Ryan now stands at the door and lifts his leg (he looks like a puppy marking his territory) and pretends to open the door.

~ He's outgrown his first pair of shoes (sniff, sniff). But he loves his new pair!


~ He follows almost all commands. Correction, he's capable of following all commands though he follows only those he chooses.

~ Prior to the last month, Ryan was relatively quite. He only babbled with the 'M' sound. Over the last couple weeks he's picked up 'N' and 'B' sounds as well. It's amazing how a mere 3 sounds can make such elaborate and often very serious sounding conversations.


~ Upon entering our house, every child between the ages of 10 months and 2 years heads directly to our stairs for a climbing expedition. Every child except our own that is. Yes, he's never shown much interest in exploring the upstairs until...well, funny story...I was cooking him breakfast when I didn't hear him for a minute or two so I did my usual 'wheres Ryan' in which he normal pops in the kitchen laughing. Another 'wheres Ryan' and I hear a half giggle, half panic from UPSTAIRS! As I looked at him from the bottom of the stairs I saw my chances of winning mother of the year dissipate. A gate was ordered and installed that day!

~ Ryan loves all things outdoors. Our new house offers new playing opportunities including grass suitable for barefoot play and a screened in back porch equipped with a water table. And we live within walking distance to a park (and a library). Boy love.



~ He signs more, eat, shoes, book, and 'itsy bitsy spider'. He points. He shakes his head no (more often than I'd like).

~ We got a family membership to the areas children's museum. He loves it. The shot is of our playgroup...they grow up so fast!



~ Ry's still a pretty chill kid. And he loves to people watch other kids, especially older ones.

~ He's still the most loved baby EVER!

One Year: Part 2

Here are a few things about Ryan's first year, my first year as a Mother, I want to remember...

I loved breastfeeding. I knew it was the best option for Ryan but I had no idea I would enjoy it so much. I suppose it was a combination of bonding and ease. The milk was always ready, always the right amount, and required no scrubbing bottles with long brushes and hot water. The ability to calm Ryan at any given moment was also a perk.

I surprised myself when it came to feeding Ryan, post-breastfeeding that is. Fresh, organic, healthy...I'm very picky as to what he eats. Oh, and he never ate pre-made baby food...ewww!

I love myself some TV, but, ironically, I've yet to allow Ryan any tube time. In fact, at least as of now, the TV isn't even on when he's awake.

Even I would have bet high stakes against me using cloth diapers....though now I'm a dedicated cloth diaper-er! Who knew?

I'm picky with what he wears. I don't like zippers directly on his skin (rules out most jammies). Don't like the oh so popular appliques on so many tops (I certainly wouldn't want my shirt to be rough). I'm even picky about the type of waist band on his bottoms! And this doesn't even touch on style!

I'm not exactly known for my patience. However, I've surprised myself with the amount of patience I have with Ryan. Now, my patience with other people, that's a whole other story.

Of course I love my child. I expected that. What I never thought about, prior to Ryan, was how much I would love his affection towards me. I'm not sure if, at his age, its love or simply security but I LOVE it when he wants me. Whatever the reason, hurt, scared, happy...its the best.

In addition to becoming a mom, 15 months ago, I got to watch my love become a father. He was a natural from the get go. We make a great team, if I do say so myself!