Fiercely Independent

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

We're learning this is very true.  Ryland seems to have inherited my stubbornness and need for independence.  It's a really annoying combination of traits.  For as long as I can remember, I have liked to do things myself.  I won't ask for help, no directions, I won't ever call customer service or take something to get repaired... I hated getting edits on my essays in high school and college, and erased any pencil strokes my art teacher added to my artwork.  Why?  Because I get it in my head that I can do it myself.  And usually I can, which just reinforces this behavior.  But it drives Brent crazy... and poor man, it looks like our child is JUST like me in this sense.  

Examples:

He will absolutely NOT allow you to put a pacifier in his mouth.  If you do, he will remove it and then immediately put it back in himself.

He will not take a bottle for ANYTHING anymore - because one of us has to hold it for him.  A sippy cup with handles is what he gets when he needs milk from a source other than mama.  And don't try to put it to his mouth... Just place it near him and walk away.  He likes to do things at his own pace.

No turning pages of his books - that's his job.

and the biggest one is: Ryland HATES it when we feed him.  He gets so mad that he'll scrunch up his whole face and throw whatever the offensive object was (e.g. a spoon) across the room.  Self-feeding it is. 

He's turning into quite the bossy little guy.  I totally take the blame for this one.  I'm sure he'll develop some of your less-than-desireable traits in time, Brent. 

Maybe a smartphone addiction?  Just like daddy.

he's looking so grown up

 Lately, when friends who haven't seen Ryland for a few weeks see him - they say, "he looks like a kid!"  It's true - he's losing that "baby" look and turning into quite a handsome little man.

His hair is suddenly thick - and no longer baby-fine.  It's got some texture and even some waves coming through.  Maybe there's hope for him having curls like his mama!  Curls on baby boys are really the cutest things, you can't argue that.  His hair is also getting super long in the back on his neck.... like a mullet. What do I do?  Trim it?  I love baby boys with long shaggy hair... but not mullets.  A trim may be coming his way.

His face has lost that sweet chubbiness. Ryland has thinned out - A LOT!  He hasn't lost weight, but he's gaining it much slower than he was.  He was such an adorable rolly-poly baby until he hit 6 months, and now he's shaped like a toddler (of course he still has adorable dimply knuckles and elbows - they are scrumptous)

He has his first freckle - on his cheek. If he's anything like his mama there will be hundreds more to come.

His sweet 2 front teeth show when he smiles - I LOVE it.

and he does THIS thing a lot... the funny head tilt smile.  Very toddler-esque.  

This age is so fun and he is becoming such a good-looking kid (I'm biased of course, but I just think he's so cute!) but I am really missing the baby-ness tonight. 

New Friends

 "Tater" has become a part-time member of our family.  He is with us on the weekdays during the morning and early afternoons.  Ryland loves him and has taken on the "pesky" little brother role.

 These two can be a handful together - but mostly they are just so fun.  Two super handsome little dudes.

 Not sure how I'll keep up with both of them when Ryland is starts running around!

So we've been busy, but having so much fun :)

My baby has teeth...

...just like a big kid.

The new pad

dining room

living room - there's a fireplace as well.  My craft nook is behind the curtain - the curtain is no longer up.

our new door

messy play nook

little kitchen

Ryland loves the washer/dryer combo unit

softest newest carpet I have ever walked on... no dog allowed on here!

10 months!

 Our baby is 10 months old!

Here's an update on Ry-Guy:

*I didn't think he could get any crazier - but he has.  He just never stops moving.  Never.  And he gets so frustrated if you try to hold and cuddle him.  I miss the cuddly stages a lot.  But I think this little guy who is go-go-go is hilarious.

*His favorite new trick is to stand up on something and then let go.  It really freaks me out - he's gotten quite a few head bumps lately.  BUT he's getting good at standing by himself

 *He loves our new washer/dryer (yes, it's a combo washer/dryer... I never even knew such a wonderful thing existed.)

 *He spends most of his day like this.  Standing up against the window.

 * He will still choose a book over any other toy

 *He seems more like a toddler than a baby to me these days.  

*He loves to climb up into things.  In the above picture he was trying to stow away in dad's indoor soccer tote.  

 *He loves to be outside - he whines every time we open a door (to let Shelby in or out) and don't fully go outside.  We are going to have so much fun this summer!

 *He is starting to point.  Maybe it's my line of work that causes me to be so thrilled about this - but I just absolutely love to see him pointing.  It's like he's saying "hey mom, check this out!"

 

*He can crawl correctly now - but he's so over crawling.  Now all he wants to do is WALK.  He is taking little steps by himself - that always end with a face-plant in the floor.  But he'll get it soon, and that makes me SAD. 

Other highlights:

*He has one GIGANTIC upper tooth - the only tooth in his mouth is top and center.  So cute.

*He will be getting another tooth any day now - this one is a doozy and we seriously have not slept for more than 2 hours straight in 4 nights.  

*Besides the teething, he is normally a good sleeper.  He goes to bed at 8 pm and wakes up at 7 am.  Every now and then he still wants a 5 am snack.

*He suddenly loves to nurse again.  I think he was on strike the past 2 months.  He's never been an easy baby to nurse - he's just too busy.  I am definitely enjoying having this calm bonding time with him. 

*he jabbers all the time.  It's so cute.  He has stopped saying "hey" and "hi" though which is a bummer because that was hilarious.  Now it's a constant stream of "a-dabadabadaba"

*Still a great eater.  We hang out with a cute 17 month old during the days now and Ryland eats at least 5 times as much as baby J.   It's crazy.

*Foods that he goes crazy for:

-spaghetti with meatballs

-peaches

-mac and cheese

-yogurt

-waffles

-breakfast sausage

*he eats whatever we're eating for dinner now - I've stopped making special meals for him because he ends up whining for whatever I'm eating anyway. 

*He takes 2 naps.  One at 10 and one at 3

*He's so handsome - this is not a new development of course ;)  We just think he's really stinkin' good looking.

We're quickly approaching the first birthday - we're already making BIG plans for his big day.  Seattle friends, clear your calendars for April 3rd!