Ryan is 21 months!

Cooling off after Trick or Treat with "Elmo's World"

Handing out candy before it was all gone

Mike and Ryan on Halloween

Papa with Ryan and Charlie

New hat to keep us warm

Pumpkin party- Ryan, Juliette, and Naomi

Helping Mom bake in the kitchen

Feeding Mr. Bear a drink of water

Ryan is 21 months now and I actually have to stop and think most of the time before I respond when someone asks how old Ryan is these days. My new response is typically that he will be two in February, so I don't have to sit and think how many months that is. Ryan is falling stereotypically to the "terrible two's" by challenging the authority of his parents and constantly testing us to see what he can get away with. It is extremely challenging (and exhausting) to stay consistent with him all the time, but I know already that it is paying off and will continue to reap benefits in our relationship with him as well as how he learns to respect others as well as their belongings.

Lately, Ryan seems to really be working on those two year molars. He has started crying when we brush his teeth and seems to want ice or a "teethy" several times throughout the day. He is also back to chewing on all his toys and books. I did have a friend tell me that her child worked on these 2nd molars for 4 months before they actually started breaking through, so we may still be in for the long haul, but it's definitely been about a month so hopefully he is making progress.

The time change last weekend has proven to be a challenging one for Ryan. As a teen and young adult this was the time of year I always looked forward to- for the extra hour of sleep! Being a parent has certainly changed my opinion. Pre-time change, Ryan had been consistently waking up between 7:15-7:45am and so the first morning of the time change when he woke up at 6:30 it seemed very logical since to him it was 7:30. As the days went by we tried to move his lunch, dinner, and bedtime slowly back in 20-30 minute increments and by day 3 his daytime schedule was completely switched  to the new time. However, his body hasn't seemed to adjust yet to the morning time and is still waking him up early... What started at 6:30am for 3 days, gradually moved to 6am, 5:45am (2 days), and just this morning 5am?!??!?! Oh boy, we are not okay with that one. I'd prefer we even go back to the 6:30 at this point. He is getting one 3 hr nap each day and seems well rested when he wakes up, but I'm just getting at a loss of what to do for him. We tried the earlier bedtime last night (by 30 min) which resulted in the 5am wake up instead of later. So, tonight I believe I am going to suffer through keeping him up until at least 8:30pm in hopes that it will help adjust that morning wake up. Wish us luck!

Other things in Ryan's world include pretty good eating minus many veggies, yet typical for a toddler. He is eating what we have at most meals, but does have his backup corn dogs, hot dogs, mac 'n cheese, peanut butter, chicken nuggets, etc. for days that I make spicy foods or salads or something I know he won't eat. He tried yogurt pretzels for the first time today and is a fan. He is back to eating edamame and all kinds of potatoes, and trying new fruits like oranges and honey dew melon. He is still talking up a storm and is especially interested in all things "Elmo", "Bob", "Bus" (school buses), and naming colors everywhere. Current colors he can say and identify include: red, blue, purple, pink, yellow, "een"-green, and white.  He can point out when asked orange, but has yet to attempt to say that one. I'm not sure exactly when kids are supposed to learn their colors, but several places I've been where people observed him naming colors and asked his age, people seem impressed that he knows colors that well at his age, so that just makes me more proud of him!! :)

Ryan still loves loves loves his Toby cat and chases the poor cat around constantly to hug him, lay on top of him, pet him (sometimes not too gently), and just get in his face. Toby puts up with a lot and is very patient around Ryan, but will vocalize to him when he has had enough. Unfortunately Ryan knows where most of his hiding places are already.

Other activities for Ryan include Moppets at the Church on Rush Creek on Tuesdays, Little Gym "Beasts" class on Wednesdays, random play dates with "Nomi" aka Naomi at least once a week, other random get togethers with friends, and general errands around town with me daily. Ryan is now very interested in "pretend" play such as handing us cookies and milk off a story book page and encouraging us to "eat it" including pretend eating sounds, and sharing drinks and snacks with Mr. Bear as well. He loves stickers and band aids and while we are not seriously involved in potty training just yet, he has occasional successes with going "tee tee" in the potty for blue M&M's. He is a big help around the house with chores and follows directions well about 90% of the time.

Finally, Ryan keeps me constantly thinking as I try to understand all his new vocabulary, and has me up and going all day every day. He truly is a joy. I love all of the sweet smothering hugs and kisses that I get each day and watching how excited he gets learning new things and doing some of his favorites. He is growing up so fast and I can't believe it's already time to plan the 2nd birthday party! Now if we can only work on some of the temper tantrums and that early wake up time, life will be much happier around our house. ;) Thanks for the ways each of you bless our lives and for the continual prayer. We certainly appreciate it and love you all!!

Sincerely,
Emily