Summertime

Here are a few updated July photos of our precious little boy. He looks so good in blue and I really like finding cute blue outfits! Only one week until he will be 6 months old. Below are a few photos of playtime with his cousin, Naomi and his grandmother, Melodye. This summer is hot hot hot so we enjoy mostly playing indoors. Earlier this week we had some cooler (high 70's) weather due to rain and we enjoyed family walks around the neighborhood. One night Ryan rode in his front carrier, the other night in his big-boy stroller. He really seemed to enjoy our time out walking and Mike and I enjoyed the exercise and nice breeze. That's all for now :)

~Emily

Cutie pie hanging out in the Boppy

Precious blue eyes

Cousins playtime

Ryan hanging out with Grammy

Ryan's latest fascinations

Sorry I've been so bad at updating lately. It's been a busy few weeks and going to continue to be that way for a little while. Also, I recently got Mike's old iPhone since he got the iPhone 4 and so I check everyone else's blogs and all other Internet related things that way. I tried to start a blog post from the phone, but it just wasn't working out so now that Ryan is happily napping I thought I'd provide a quick update.

Lately, one of our favorite things to watch is Ryan's fascination with the 'waving/turning' of his hands. He discovered his hands quite awhile ago, but just recently has I guess noticed that he can rotate his wrist so at various times during the day I will see him intently studying his hand as he turns it each direction (think pageant beauty wave ladies). It is really adorable and I always ask him if he's waving to me and when I mimic the movement with my hand he watches and will reach out to grab my hand or smile. Perhaps our little guy is going to be a music conductor like his great-grandaddy Bob.

Another recent fun thing for him is loud grunting/growling or otherwise what I call his "man noises". He will be so loud sometimes practicing all his different noises and you get some high pitched mixed in there as well. It is really funny and we can't help but laugh at his growling, etc. He seems so pleased with himself as he tries out these new vocalizations.

In the world of solid foods, he's had avocados, bananas & peaches. He liked the avocados pretty good the first time, but wasn't as thrilled the next two. Doesn't seem to care much for bananas, but generally likes peaches pretty well. I've tried mixing with cereal to get him to like cereal, but still no success quite yet. I have tried that stuff and I can see why he wouldn't be a big fan. He's had rice and oatmeal baby cereals and I just switch back and forth every couple of days now. So, we'll just keep trying- I believe peas are on the menu this week.

Other news, I enjoyed visiting with some old college friends last weekend at Elizabeth's bridal shower and luncheon in Dallas. Mike got to stay home with Ryan for over 3 hours (so far the longest I've been away from him). We also enjoyed entertaining our friend Kristy Wood from San Antonio and look forward to visiting she and her husband John in San Antonio in August. Lastly, I am excited for Vivian's baby shower that is coming up this weekend and happy for some more girl-time. I think that's it for now, hopefully I'll update again soon with pictures! :)
~Emily

Ryan is 5 months old!

The only picture I got before he saw the sign

Hmmm... what is this??

It sure looks tasty!!

Picture- post sign crumpling (couldn't get him to smile for this)

Where did my sign go??

Our little precious boy is growing with each day and is now 5 months old! I am amazed at the changes and growth he's made just from month 4 to 5. Here are some of the highlights:

• He is now in size 2 diapers and will quickly be moving to size 3
  
• He weighs about 17 lbs now and is almost 27 inches long

• He is wearing mostly 6-9 mo clothing now, although some 3-6 outfits still fit- particularly the two piece ones. His footed sleepers now are 9 months though b/c he's so long!

• He is now scooting to get to toys on a blanket. I have to watch him constantly b/c he goes from one side of the blanket to off the blanket across the room quickly if he wants something (aka the cat)

• He rolls both ways- esp loves rolling from his back onto his tummy so he can move around better
  
• Turns in circles on his tummy especially in the direction of a voice or the TV

• Loves to grab at our faces especially nose, mouth, and ears. He giggles when you pretend to "munch/eat" on his fingers
  
• He has the most precious laugh I can't get enough of it
  
• He likes when we blow on his belly or kiss his belly and giggles when we tickle him- he is sooo ticklish!!

• Sometimes he will giggle or smile after he sneezes when I say "Bless you"

• He is trying out new higher pitched sounds that make US laugh b/c they sound so funny

• He has a new smile that he does sometimes with his lips pursed that we call his "grandpa" smile- I'll try to get it on film to show you it's too funny

• He is still having some 1am feedings to add to his 4:30-5am feeding, but we're slowly seeing more days where he is back to going down around 8:30pm at night and sleeping until around 5am which I obviously like much better! When he wakes up he just eats and goes back to sleep and is up for the day between 8-8:30am

• Ryan is still breastfeeding every three hours during the day, 4 hours in the morning due to his long nap, but last month I let him start trying rice cereal and oatmeal a handful of times. I plan to gradually start a few fruits and veggies during his 5th month to be ready to eat solids a little more regularly when he turns 6 months old. This is something I keep going back and forth on b/c the pediatrician recommended starting him on solids at his 4 month visit, but the AAP recommends no solids until 6 months. However, at 6 months babies iron stores start depleting so I figured starting a little cereal and teaching him how to take something other than nursing wouldn't be too bad. I plan to make his foods because I think it will be fun and it is a cost effective and nutritious choice for him. So, for this month I am planning apples, peaches, avocados and sweet potatoes. One new thing each week.

Ryan is such a joy and we love him so much. We feel so blessed to have such a happy, energetic and busy little boy! He has his fussy moments and definitely seems to have an idea about what he wants and the way things should be (Can we say type A personality shining through already??!) I know he'll keep us running after him in no time at all. We love you, Ryan!!

Belated Father's Day post

This is a little late getting posted, but wanted to share a little bit of Mike's first Father's Day. Last year on Fathers Day was when we revealed to our families that we were expecting little Ryan. So, we had a mini-celebration with just Mike and me last year. However, this year was technically Mike's first Father's Day. Ryan and I (okay, really just me this year) made breakfast in bed for Mike of French toast, bacon, and grapes. We also let Mike order the new iPhone for his Father's Day gift. But we wanted to get something for him to be able to open that morning, so Ryan and I picked out a new pair of sunglasses to replace the ones Mike lost at the Ranger's game and a new pair of swim trunks since he's had only one pair for the last couple of years. I think Mike was pleased with his gifts and we're still waiting for that iPhone (should be here soon). He seemed to enjoy relaxing in bed and Ryan even slept in a little bit that Sunday so he didn't get Mike up too early. After breakfast we got ready for church and then came home for lunch. I offered to take Mike out for lunch, but he said eating at home was fine. In the evening we went with my family to Concerts in the Garden in Fort Worth to see the "Big Bands" show. I love going out to the gardens every summer and having a picnic and enjoying a show. Also, it wasn't nearly as hot as I imagined it would be since there was a really nice breeze going on, but Ryan didn't do so well at it. I think it was a mixture of the heat, being tired (since it started around 7:30 which is typically the start of his bedtime routine), and the loud music. Ryan seems to love music in general, but we were sitting pretty close to the speakers and even moved back to try to get away from the loud noise. Overall, at a little after 9pm we called it quits and loaded up for home. It was sad to not be able to stay for the fireworks, but Mike and I actually got to see them after we picked up our car at my Aunt's house and headed home. I think the Concert in the Gardens will be more fun next year once Ryan is a little bit older and hopefully can sleep through some of the noise if he gets tired. Oh well, it was a busy day and we were glad to spend some time with just the three of us and some time with the rest of the family. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures from the Gardens (I don't think anyone took any), but I do have some from Father's Day morning. Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day- Daddy!

My two sweet boys!

Mike's breakfast in bed

The tasty breakfast!

Video issues

Mike and I have been taking several 2 minute and less little videos of Ryan with our camera. However, I can't seem to get any videos to upload anymore to my blog. Any suggestions? I'm not sure what the problem is. Perhaps with our new camera the size comes across too large?? Anyways, after about a half hour of waiting each, I got a few uploaded on facebook- so I'm letting everyone know so they can go and check them out on my profile page. I'm just not patient enough to wait over two hours and it still not work on the blog. Hope you can enjoy him there! :)
Love,
Emily

Ryan is 4 months old

Slumping over!

He got really excited for this one, but fuzzy camera!

Something is funny!

What's going on over there??

Our little man is now officially 4 months old!! At his well child visit he checked in at 26 inches (90th%) and 16 lbs (75th%).  He is growing like a weed! He got his shots again which was sad like last time, but at least I didn't cry this time! :) The Dr gave him the okay to start baby rice cereal and oatmeal anytime between 4-6 months. I went and bought some at the grocery store yesterday, but haven't fed it to him yet.  I keep going back and forth about waiting a little bit longer. On one hand I get excited to see how he would do and try it out with him.  On the other, I've read several things about the benefits to baby of breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months. I have friends that have started cereals at 4 months and those that have started at 6 months. I am torn about what is right for us (him).  When I do start all the baby foods I'd like to make them on my own because I have heard it is very easy to do and can save you a lot of money in the long run as well as giving baby fresh veggies and fruits which means less preservatives.  What has Ryan been up to this month? Well, he loves his feet! He holds them and sometimes even puts his toes in his mouth. His new thing is also standing. He wants you to hold him standing so he can bounce and look at you right in the face all the time.  He is also consistently rolling from tummy to back in his crib and sometimes on his play mat.  He is getting so close to rolling from his back to his tummy and gets all the way on his side and you can tell he's trying to get it, but hasn't accomplished it yet.  He is wearing size two diapers and Pampers brand continues to be our favorites! He is wearing some 3-6 month outfits, but mostly getting into 6 months for the one piece outfits.  He laughs when being tickled (and he is VERY ticklish!!) and sometimes laughs in response to Mom or Dad doing something he thinks is funny! He got to go swimming on Memorial Day for the first time in the Roberts' pool.  He liked to splash, but was really only interested in the water for about 10-15 minutes then he was ready to get out. Could have also had to do with the fact that he needed a nap and was close to a feeding during his two different pool times.  I have yet to see any of his swimming pictures because I forgot my camera and so Mike took them all on my Moms and she's not yet uploaded them to her computer or Shutterfly for me to steal! :)  Ryan's sleeping much better in general approx 8:30pm-4:30/5am, feeding then generally up by 7am. The past few nights he's been a little off and I'm not sure why, but hopefully he gets back to his steady routine soon.  His eating schedule is much better too and ranging from every 3 hrs-4hrs during the day (if he gets a good nap he occasionally goes the longer time, but when he's awake it's right at 3 hrs).  He is also a little drooler for sure.  Some of this could be due to the fact that he is upright a lot more than he used to be, but we keep burp rags nearby for constant "drool-catching".  I don't think he's teething yet, but he does love munching on my fingers and puts EVERYTHING in his mouth.  He likes to play with people's faces and touch their mouth (sometimes inside), nose, cheeks, and facial hair. I'm trying to think of more of his accomplishments this month, but overall he's just becoming much more alert and active and enjoys interacting with other people.  He does get startled by loud noises sometimes after which a very sad crying spell will ensue.  I know babies are more sensitive to noise, but hopefully as we introduce him to loud things he will get more adjusted and not so scared.  He is still getting nighttime baths (almost) every night, but doesn't always get Bible stories anymore because he has started anticipated the feeding after bath time and gets very anxious and basically throws a tantrum until I go ahead and feed him and put him to bed.  I play a lullaby CD while he nurses before bed and he typically goes to sleep without a cry and when he does cry it's only for a few minutes. He has a blue bear he loves to have in his car seat with him when we go places and he also loves holding his burp cloth.  I change it everyday so it's not a specific one, just holding on to it is comforting. Attached are some of the attempts at a 4 month picture.  I have a feeling this is only going to get more and more challenging as each month passes. He is already starting to notice the "sign" and wanted to touch it when I put it down, but I distracted him from it for long enough to get a few pictures.  None of them are just perfect, but they are pretty cute. I think that's all for this month's post- Enjoy the pictures!

Ryan photos

Loving some tummy time on the Boppy pillow

Mommy's so funny- our little smiley boy

Mmm yummy fingers

Mommy trying to catch a picture of me holding my toes (a new favorite thing to do)

I love playtime!