Ryder . 18 Months

18 months old (1.5 years - can you believe that?!?); 28 pounds, 4 ounces; 34" tall.
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I took Ryder to his 18 Month Well-Child Checkup yesterday, and he received a clean bill of health!  He is in the 91% for height, and the 80-something for weight.  His head-size is also in the 80-something.  So, really, he is a "bigger than average" 18 month old, but he is proportionate!  He had to endure one shot, but after a hug and a sucker (not all of it - the nurse gave him a PURPLE one - not smart - he only got to have it until we walked out of the door) he was fine.

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Ryder continues to not speak for himself.  He communicates with us, primarily by pointing, but no words as of yet.  His doctor is not concerned (especially considering that boys typically take longer to talk, and that both Patrick and I were "late" talkers).
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Reading his book.

Playing his xylophone.

Christmas with the Hansen family.  Ryder LOVED the box his book and stuffed animal came in, and kept putting ribbons in and out of it. 

Playing with his new truck.

Christmas with the Sianez family.  Reading a new book!

Taking another bite of dessert - he LOVED it!

Christmas morning. 

Ryder enjoyed his presents, but we had to coax him into opening the last one (after getting the blocks).

Christmas with the Harris family.  Reading his new book.

Petting Buddy!!

Ryder's first "real" snowstorm - where he was aware of the snow coming down.  He thought it was lots of fun when the snowflakes would land on his hand.

My dad will be so proud of this picture!  Ryder loving the Whipped Cream, straight from the can.

Playing "peek-a-boo" in the tub with the shower curtain.

This picture is not flattering of me, but it made me laugh - Ryder brought his book over to me to read, and promptly sat on my stomach (since it protrudes so much) to listen to it.

Coloring together.

Building towers.

He's not Italian at all, but he received this shirt as a hand-me-down, and who cares what he wears to daycare, right?!

Reading, amongst his pile of books.

Taking a break for (his very own) Jamba Juice while painting the twins' room.

Learning to climb the ladder.

"Look how high I am!!!"

The twins' room while in progress.  The paint was wet, so it really isn't that shiny in person - but, it is a bright green!

Eating applesauce by himself!

Bundled up to go walking at night . . . it's cold!

Before . . .

. . . and after the crib was changed into his toddler bed.

As you can tell from the last pictures, Patrick and I decided to transition Ryder to the "Toddler Bed" over the weekend.  In preparation for the twins arrival, we are trying to decide if it would be best for him to have a crib awhile longer, or if he would be okay to transition to a "regular" bed soon.  We were worried that he would constantly climb out of bed (he immediately did following Patrick completing the transformation), but even when he is upset about being in bed (especially for naps), he STAYS IN BED!!!  We're hoping this continues!
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Ryder cut an additional molar this month - on the top, so he has a total of 11 teeth now!  He's finally catching up to his peers in that regard.
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The next month we have lots of activities planned, as well as several projects to get completed in preparation for the twins arrival.  I'm nearly 23 weeks now, so no more than 15 more weeks to go . . . it's getting close.  I will, of course, be sure to take lots of pictures!