Happy Birthday Ryan!

Our baby is one year old! I can't believe a whole year has passed. We had family here and some friends for cake and ice cream. Michael opened all of Ryan's presents and blew out his candles. Ryan did touch his cake, but backed off when he felt how mushy it was. He did finally eat a few pieces of cake that Aunt Holly fed to him (he seemed to prefer the chocolate over the yellow).

He went to the doctor on Wednesday for his check up. He weighs 24 lbs and 11 oz and is 29 inches long. Michael was bigger at that age: 26 lbs and 4 oz and 30 inches long. Today he got one year pictures taken and stayed happy in most of the shots because we kept feeding him puffs!

Merry Christmas!

We had a good Christmas here.  Grandma, Grandpa, and Holly came to visit.  We went to the Children's Museum, saw the gingerbread houses and trees downtown, visited Phipps Conservatory, and played with a lot of new toys!

We had a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve.  He knocked on our door.  He told Michael to leave him some good cookies and Michael said "I already left you some."  He was so excited when he woke up in the morning.  The first thing he did was to check the cookie plate, he noted that Santa left some big crumbs.  Then he looked under the tree and found the presents from Santa.  He got his Francesco car which was all he asked for.  Although later he did say that the Mack truck and the Bob the Builder toys were his favorite.  Ryan's favorite present was his Mommy!  Although the second favorite was probably the hammer and nail toy.  And he got to repeat the opening of presents two days later! 

Medicine

Michael is very envious of Ryan's medicine.  He keeps trying to find reasons to get some medicine.  This morning he coughed a little and then said "I don't know if I need some medicine for that."  He told me that medicine tastes soooo good.  On the other end of the extreme, I have to force the medicine into Ryan's mouth. 

We are Famous!

Michael and I made the paper.  We had our picture taken at a Gingerbread making event and it made the Almanac (a weekly local newspaper).  We just saw it today.  Of course, Michael was intently focused so his tongue is sticking out.  The funny thing is there is another picture of another girl and her tongue is out also.  Guess it is a sign of intense focus. 

Ryan is a cruiser and will walk with help.  He has been pushing around the "walker", but gets stuck frequently.  My back is aching.  Ryan now is on antibiotics, he has an ear infection as well.  Hopefully, he won't follow Michael's track record.

With Friends Like These.....

We were at a friend's house this afternoon and I overheard Michael tell his friend "well, soon I am gonna be gone and you are gonna miss me!".   Wow - that's telling him! 

We need to put the gate up at the bottom of the stairs, Ryan is getting himself into a standing position from the bottom step.  I was fine with him not moving....

Thanksgiving and More

It's been a long time since I've wrote.  We had a good Thanksgiving in Erie.  The weather was good.  We were able to go to the zoo, playground, the children's museum and see some decorated trees.  Unfortunately, I was plagued with a sinus infection and Ryan had a bit of a cold.  Michael ate turkey with ketchup and Ryan had some sweet potatoes. 

On Saturday (the 3rd), Ryan got himself into a sitting position from his belly by himself.   Today, Michael told me that Ryan pulled himself up to the train table, but I missed it as I was in the kitchen.  He'll also eat just about anything I put in front of him.  In the past two days, he's had blueberries, chicken sausage, and french toast.  He doesn't quite understand the concept of chewing and then swallowing though.  He'll stuff his mouth with every morsel on his tray and end up with a stash in his cheek.

Michael recently mocked Ian as well (so be on the lookout - you may be next).  Michael was on the potty and said " I don't want to pee."  "But you have too."  So glad that we can save our voices now for other things. 

Unbelievable!

This evening I was in a conversation at the dinner table and I wasn't even talking or moving my mouth.  This is what I overheard out of Michael's mouth:  "I don't want to eat this last chicken."  "Too bad, you're eating it."  Apparently, I overuse that phrase! 

Ear, Order, and Here Comes Ryan!

Michael has an ear infection.  Of course, it is in the ear that the tube is no longer in place.  We did so well while the tube was in place.  Hopefully, we won't be cursed with them all winter.  So, more antibiotics for him. 

Here is another Michaelism:  "We can order play downstairs or outside".  Translation:  "We can either play downstairs or outside." 

This evening, Ian and I were meeting with our financial advisor in our dining room.  Michael was in the living room watching Bob the Builder and Ryan was in the living room sitting on the floor playing.  Soon after we left Ryan, we heard grunting which was getting louder and louder.  All the sudden we turned around and realized he was on his way to us in the dining room by army crawling!  We couldn't help but to laugh at him and then he just looked at us like "why are you not picking me up?"  He also managed today to army crawl up the small step from the den to the living room.  I have seen him get up on all fours a few times and rock back and forth.  Michael is not going to be happy when he can crawl for real and get into his stuff. 

Dentist

Michael went to the dentist yesterday.  He did very well.   Fortunately this time he didn't have any adult tarter, just normal kid build up.  The dentist and hygienist didn't say anything about his overbite this time.  I think they figure it is a lost cause.  I have told Michael I'm going to buy a finger guard so he can no longer suck his finger.  The most exciting part about our visit was that we saw his picture on the wall of kids.  The hygienist told us we could take that picture home as she was going to replace the picture with his new one. 

Ryan is getting stronger, but still army crawling.  Perhaps he'll be crawling for real by Thanksgiving!  HA!  Michael and I were having fun with Ryan yesterday.  Michael was coloring and Ryan has to play with the markers as well.  Of course, Ryan just gets one in each hand and then puts them in his mouth.  Michael and I would stick a third marker in Ryan's mouth and he'd hold onto it with his teeth.  So, we would laugh and then Ryan would laugh because something had to be funny. 

Crawling!

Well, not quite... Ryan can army crawl - sort of.  He doesn't get very far too fast.  It takes a lot of effort to move all his weight.  He still eats puffs, but other finger foods are hit or miss.  He likes to pull himself up on me, but not with anyone or anything else. 

There is way too much Halloween candy in this house.  Michael was Thomas the Train and Ryan was a pumpkin.  We took advantage of every opportunity to wear the costumes.  We had a party at our Mommy and Me class, Michael had a party at day care, we went to the children's museum on Friday night, and of course, they wore them on Halloween.  Unfortunately it did rain that night, so only Ian and Michael went out and Ryan and I stayed home. 

We had our block party this past Saturday.  Fortunately the weather was decent.  Michael put his helmet on and and rode his bike on the street with all the other kids.  He didn't talk to any of them (even the boy who is 8 months younger than him), but followed them all around.  He still needs to work on his social skills. 

Welcome Warm Weather

We have been blessed with some warm weather these past few days.  It's been in the 60s or 70s and mostly sunny.  We visited another farm yesterday and Michael was able to climb over pumpkins.  We also made ghosts for our dogwood tree and were able to hang those.  Today we visited a playground and played outside in the afternoon. 

Here's another Michaelism:  "Here do you go", translation: "Here you go."

Ryan has now starting fake laughing.  He'll hear someone else laugh and go "HA, HA, HA".  Still not crawling. 

I am very proud of myself as I made a chicken/butternut squash puree for Ryan.  Of course, I think with all the money I spent on the ingredients it may have been cheaper to buy the jars.  Oh well. 

Fall Happenings

This weekend Grandma, Grandpa, and  Holly came to visit.  On Saturday we all went to the fall flower show at Phipps Conservatory.  We saw lots of mums and the trains were out.  There was also a market display for the kids.  On Sunday we went to Simmons Farm and enjoyed the hayride, slide, apple cider, and corn maze.  It did take us 35 minutes to find all the hole punches (five of them) in the corn maze.  And the prize was a carmel apple sucker, which Michael is still working on finishing. 

Ryan Exercising

Here is a video of Ryan playing with a ball and swimming (although not in water). 

Ryan Exercising

Caveman Ryan

Ryan has turned into a caveman when he wants something - he starts yelling.  Today we were at a picnic at a park and he saw a ball in the distance (yes, he likes balls now and he does try to roll them to us) and he started yelling.  The yelling got louder as we got closer and didn't stop until he was playing with the ball.  This video here shows you how upset he gets since he wants to play with Michael's cars. 

Caveman Video

Apples

We went to the Apple Orchard today (they don't do picking there), but they had a fall fest and it was quite busy there.  But we had to go today to get the last of the honey crisp apples.  And an apple pie, and apple cider, and apple cider donuts, and the list goes on.  The weather has been great all weekend, so we enjoyed a nice sunny day. 

Encountering some storage issues with my online album, so won't be posting any new pictures/videos until I come up with a solution. 

Michaelisms

"Bet cha" as in "Bet cha we got there early to get our apples." Translation: "Good thing we got there early to get our apples."

"So I do" as in Mommy says: "I liked the apple cider donuts." Michael says: "So I do."  Translation: "Me too."

"Sure is" as in "Sure is we're having a good time."  Translation: "We sure are having a good time."

"What letter starts with _____ (ball, table, moon, etc.)?" Translation: "What letter does _____ (ball, table, moon, etc.) start with?"

Ryan's Nine Months

Well, Ryan is skinnier and shorter than Michael was at nine months.  Ryan weighs in at 23 lbs 4 oz and 27.25 inches long and Michael was 25 lbs and 4 oz and 29 inches long. 

Ryan and I spent three hours last night at Children's Hospital.  He was still sounding like darth vader, but otherwise was normal.  Since he breathing still sounded off I took him back to the pediatrician yesterday.  The pediatrician said that he had to go to the hospital for stronger medication to resolve the croup.  So, I was quite panicked and trying to figure out what to do with Michael.  A neighbor watched Michael for about 20 minutes and Ian came home.  We get to the hospital and the nurses did a test (which could have be done at the pediatrician's office) and determine that he is getting enough oxygen and they question why I am there (especially since his disposition is so pleasant).  The ER doctors come in and I get the same reaction from them (we saw three).  They did do an x-ray of his neck and saw nothing.  They also felt that since he seemed to be handling the illness so well that he wouldn't benefit from any more medication.  So, it was an interesting evening. 

Croup

Ryan has croup.  He started coughing yesterday and didn't sleep well last night.  This morning his breathing didn't sound very good.  After a visit to the doctor in the AM he was diagnosed with croup.  The nurse gave him a shot of dexamethasone and a prescription for predisolone (which Michael was just on for poison ivy).   He still had his appetite most of the day and would smile every now and then.  He was just very sleepy and miserable when he'd coughed.  He wanted to be held a lot.  Michael had a cold earlier in the week with a cough, so I am guessing that is where Ryan caught his virus.  Hopefully, he'll be better in a few days. 

Grinder

Ryan has learned some new skills: gurgling and grinding his teeth!  The last one is quite annoying.  I'm not really quite sure how he grinds them as the top one is hardly any tooth!  He seems to really want to feed himself.  He always seems quite proud of himself when he gets the puffs or a biscuit in his mouth and he loves drinking his water.  Michael has a cough right now and his voice is becoming hoarse.  So far he has stayed on the green circle in his new classroom (they have a traffic light discipline system).  Olivia is still his best friend at school.  I went to the huge consignment sale this past week and bought lots of Christmas presents and clothes.  I volunteered to work 6 hours in exchange for shopping earlier than the general public.  I think it was worth it as things were not picked over and there were not any crowds.  We also went on a walked (called Tyke Hikes) through a park and learned about leaves.  Here is a picture of Michael (Ryan is in the background) doing a craft: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tykehikes/.

Babble, B - 52 Bombers, and Buffalo

Ryan started babbling yesterday.  He sounds like Pebbles from the Flintstones.  This morning Ian and Michael went to the air show.  They saw lots of planes and got a special access pass to sit in the pilot seat of the Fed Ex cargo plane because of Ian's connection!  In the afternoon we all went to South Park to feed the ducks and geese at the Game Perserve and shockingly the park's herd of buffalo were visible!  I counted twelve of them two of them being babies.  We also visited the playground while we were at the park.  After leaving the park we stopped to get gas and Michael wanted us to go to pump 5 (he has a fascination with the number 5).  We weren't in a position to get to 5, but we could easily get to 6 on the other side of 5.  So, we pulled up and said "we're at five!", thinking that he saw the 5 on the post and not the 6 on the gas pump.  However, he said "It's kind of like six..."!

Nap Time

Usually naps start around 12:45 - 1:00.  Yesterday, we finished lunch around 12:30 ish.  Michael said to me "I'm going upstairs."  I said "Why?"  He said, "I'm going to take a nap, I'm tired."  And he went upstairs and got himself in bed.  Ryan and I came in and covered him up and said good night and that was that.  At the opposite end of the spectrum: Ryan and I went for a walk this morning.  He snoozed for a few minutes at the end of our stroll, which was about 20 minutes shy of the start of his usual morning nap.  However, I am learning that short snooze like that can allow him to stay up and play for an extra hour!  It's crazy how that mini power nap can sustain him! 

Goodbye Summer

We had another day of oppressive heat yesterday, so we went to the Mt. Lebanon Pool. As always, it was freezing. But with the 95 degree heat, you got used to it pretty quick. Ryan seemed to like the pool - Michael still took a while to adjust. The rest of the weekend is going to be a wash with all the rain we are going to get.

Michael and Ryan had a screaming match this morning. Michael would scream and then Ryan would scream. Ryan clearly knew that he was in a "conversation" with Michael. It was pretty funny.

Road Trip

We took a trip to Erie this past weekend to visit several places before the snow begins to fall. Mommy and the boys drove to Meadville Wednesday night to meet Grandma, Grandpa, and Holly at the Crawford County Fair. We saw lots of farm animals and ate lots of fair food. The next day we visited the zoo and a playground. On Friday we played miniature golf (Michael got a 5 on each hole - "Mommy! I got 5!") and we went to Waldameer. Michael made sure that he got his money's worth at Waldameer. He even went on the sky ride with Grandma and Mommy! Michael and Ryan both enjoyed orange sherbet that evening. On Saturday, Daddy joined us (via the bus) and we made it to the beach that afternoon. Michael wasn't too fond of the water still, but Ryan loved it. He even figured out how to dip his hands in the water and then into his mouth to take a few sips of refreshing Lake Erie water!

Ryan has started eating puffs. It's been about a week now and he is able to pick them up with his hand and get them into his mouth. He is also getting pretty good at the sippy cup. He seems rather proud that he can "feed" himself. He cut the top left tooth and the others nearby are coming soon.

Poison Ivy Attacks

Michael has a bad case of Poison Ivy (as does Ian). It showed up on Ian first and then a few days later on Michael. Michael's looked real bad on Wednesday, so Ian took him to the pediatrician that night. He is now taking prednisolone twice a day. It seems to be helping with the itching.

We have been telling Michael to stop playing at the table when we are eating as we have ended up with spilled drinks and food on the floor. Today I was playing peek-a-boo with Ryan during lunch and Michael told me "no playing at the table". I told him he was right and then I stopped, but then when he started to make a bridge with his fork, cup, and the syrup - I was informed that was not considering playing as he was done eating. So, he hears the message, but applies it selectively.

Ryan is a rolling machine and still a pacifier junkie.

Ryan's First Word???

The three of us thought for sure we heard Ryan say "Michael" in the car this morning. We have two CDs of personalized songs in the car and we listen to the Michael one 90% of the time. Ryan made a noise that sounded just like how Michael's name is said on the CD. Is 7 months too young for his first word???

Ryan Rolls Again

Did I not state that I am just not good at journeling? Alas, it has been 2 1/2 weeks since I last posted.

Ryan rolled from his back to tummy today. Michael and I put a toy slightly out of his reach and he rolled toward it. He did it a couple of times in the afternoon. I think he has been practicing at night in his crib when he searches for his pacifier.

We traveled the last weekend of July to Rochester to visit friends. We went to the Museum of Play there and spent time with friends. We had a great time. Then this past week the Payners came to visit. We took a day trip to Cleveland, went to the zoo, and went to Phipps Conservatory. Michael enjoyed the extra attention!

The weather has gotten more bearable, so I decided to take a walk tonight. I asked Michael if he wanted to go and he replied "I really don't want to." So, since Ryan can't speak his mind he went for the walk.

Froggy and Think

The other morning we woke up to froggy windows (as Michael called them) as it was so hazy, hot, and humid. Today he told Daddy to "think" twice today when Daddy did not or could not provide the correct answer to his questions. We went to the pool the other night to escape some of this heat and this morning Michael and Daddy saw some race cars.

Ryan will roll over to the left now from his tummy, but the preferred way is to the right. He is very good at picking up the ladies when we are out (although, he has a thing for the over 70 crowd). And according to Ryan, Michael is still the funniest person in the house.

Also, if you are keeping score... I'm already not achieving my goal of three posts a week! Oh well.

Malicious Michael

The three year old thinks he has out smart us. He knows that he gets a diaper at night and he has decided to hold his poop until he gets his diaper. It started this weekend when we heard movement from his room in the morning. Then he did it again last night before bed as he stayed up until 9 walking around the room working on getting the poop out (we didn't realize it was happening until after the poop was out). Then he stood at the top of the stairs waiting for someone to change him. He thinks he may have won, but we have some other plans for him!

Third Time is a Charm

Well, it appears that the third attempt at potty training has worked. He has been in underwear since last Saturday. We did have some accidents yesterday, but both were a result of other incidents (one was a bad fall). Otherwise, he has been accident free. Now, we have moved on to a Thomas chart. I made a lot more spots for stickers this time. He also keeps reminding us to give him his white chocolate chip. I guess when the bag runs out we'll have to tell him he's done.

Ryan still only rolls one way. He is addicted to his pacifier. If that's not in his mouth something else is. He was also squawking like a bird this evening and who knows why!

Potty Success

We are going to Chuck E. Cheese tomorrow! Michael has had three days in underwear and has been pretty successful. He had two accidents the first and second day, but was accident free today. He also pooped on the potty. We still have to take him regularly, although a few times he did initiate it. We finished the cars sticker chart and I had to make him a Bob the Builder one. We also have resorted to white chocolate chips as a reward. We pulled out all the stops. We are hopeful that this third attempt at potty training will be our last.

Ryan Rolls Over

Ryan can roll over pretty well now from his tummy to back. He's perfected it today. He only goes in one direction. It's to his right. His head takes the lead, then the arm, torso, and finally the legs. It looks like a bit of a struggle.

He seems to be a good eater (no surprise there), so far he has tried and eaten rice and oat cereals, apples, pears, peaches, carrots, and peas. The poops are getting stinkier!

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth of July! We spent the weekend in Erie. Saturday, we went to Waldameer Park with some friends from RPI. They have two children, Owen, 7, and Violet, 5. Michael and Violet had a fun time on the rides. It was great as he had a "riding buddy"! On Sunday we saw the new CARS movie and we went to the Zoo. Michael fell asleep after about an hour and 15 minutes of the movie! Yes, he fell asleep in the loud movie theatre. Ryan stayed home with Grandpa - they both survived. We also went down to the lake to watch the boats and fishermen. But Michael was devastated that he couldn't go fishing. Who knew he'd be so upset. We found his missing CARS phone which he hid in Grandma's storage over 8 months ago. Michael has 15 stickers on his potty chart. Plan B will be executed at the end of this week. Ryan's second tooth is coming in and after a day of stranger anxiety, he adjusted to his vacation surroundings.

Ryan's 6 Month

Took Ryan to the doctor today for his six month appointment. Here is the stat comparison:

Ryan
21 pounds 6 oz
26.75 inches

Michael
20 pounds 7 oz
28 inches

Not sure if the height descrepancy is accurate.

Michael's earned 6 stickers for his potty chart since Monday, but still peeing in the diaper most times. We'll have to go to Plan B soon.

New Blog

Here is my attempt at a new blog. I don't have a lot of confidence in this attempt as I am just not very good at "journaling". My goal right now is to update three times a week. We shall see.

We are attempting potty training round 3 right now with Michael. We are easing into it - there is a potty chart with a "road". If he pees on the potty he can put a sticker on the road. As of now we are letting him initiate it. Started it yesterday and there are two stickers.

Ryan's been eating avocados and still loves to laugh at Michael.