The Campbell Family Blog: Ryan is 13 months

Our busy little boy celebrated his 13th month in Fort Myers, FL meeting his Great Grandparents Bob and Betty Gaynor. Ryan is lucky to have now met all 5 of his great-grandparents that are still living. We had a great trip to Florida and I will post just a few photos here. At 13 months, Ryan is still wearing size 12 month clothes and some of the pants are still falling off. Our favorites are the ones with adjustable waist bands. He is moving on to his 18 month pj's now and and all his spring clothes are size 18 months so he will be in most of them soon. He wore a few shorts and tops in 18 month this weekend. The tops fit great, but shorts are still too big. We started with size 4 diapers this weekend as well. Ryan's shoe size is a 5 and he has a new pair of sandals that his Daddy bought him in FL and some cute brown stride rite shoes for every day wear. We don't have an official update on weight and height until Ryan's 15 month appointment, but at his 12 month he was 23lb 5oz and 32 inches, so probably just a little over those. This year he won't be gaining and growing at the rate he did as an infant (according to Dr) he should only gain about 3-4 lbs this year unlike the almost 15lbs he put on from birth to his 1st birthday!! Apparently the average gain in the first year is 14-16lbs so he was right in the middle.

I don't feel like Ryan added very many words this month, but is still using most of the vocabulary that he already learned. The only words I could think of that are new are "ball" and "thank you" (sounds more like dain tu, but mimics our inflection when we say to ask for something nicely). He still enjoys reading books and is starting to really enjoy some of the new ones he got for his birthday. Some that he has brought me more recently are: "Mommy's Best Kisses", "Chugga Chugga Choo Choo", "That's not my tractor" and his peekaboo books.

Ryan seems to be a very picky eater lately. I am still trying to get him to try new foods and give him opportunities to self feed, but he would be happy to just have milk, apple juice, a whole apple, peanut butter sandwiches, gold fish and graham crackers every day. On our Florida trip he mostly got his way unfortunately. Occassionally I still try to sneak in some baby foods to supplement his eating, but he's not a fan of that anymore except sometimes yogurt. He loves any kind of potato so I generally try to have those a few times a week. He is still not a big fan of pasta, but we can occassionally sneak some in. He is more open to eating ground beef than any cold lunchmeat or grilled chicken. Avocado, edamame and pees he will go for, but green beans, not a chance! Hopefully we will discover new favorites soon that he will enjoy. At least I know he's getting his grains and protein no problem! It's the fruits and veggies that we need to increase.

We have had several visits to our area park this month and even a visit to Lakes Park while in Ft. Myers. Ryan also enjoyed his first visit to the FW Zoo this month and really liked the jaguar walking around and various birds. Ryan loves stroller rides as long as you keep moving and is loving walks in his new red wagon from his Great G&G Gaynor. Ryan is walking very fast these days and yet still hardly notices things around him so he will trip over toys, books, shoes, etc and we are still getting several scratches, bumps and bruises. I hear it's the mark of the 2nd year... injuries... Let's hope they stay minor. :)

While Ryan is a turning into a very sweet and loving little boy who loves giving hugs and leaning in for kisses, he also is developing quite the temper and attitude. This little guy knows what he wants when he wants it and has trouble showing patience for food or things he desires. He has started this yell/scream that Mike and I already find rather annoying when he is wanting something he is not getting. We are trying to teach him to ask for things nicely and that we don't respond to him when he speaks that way. Also, when throwing a temper tantrum Ryan tends to hit his head/face with his hands in frustration or bang his head on a wall or door. Ryan even sometimes throws himself backwards, which always worries me that he will bust his head open on the tile floor. Most of the times he has been on carpet or I've been right next to him to catch him, but it's a little challenging. I know this is one of those things he will grow out of, but we are currently trying to make sure that we are picking our battles and disciplining appropriately. We do however welcome any advice if you've experienced the same things.

Lastly, this month Ryan's Daddy celebrates his last birthday in his 20's so be sure to wish him a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY on March 10th!! Two of Ryan's uncles (My sisters husband and fiancee) also had birthdays this month so happy belated birthday to Uncle Christopher and Uncle Phillip!!