Ryder . 19 Months

19 months old; 28 pounds, 6 ounces.

No big developments this past month.  Ryder cut his 4th molar, so the tooth count comes in at 12 now.  He has been officially moved to a "big kid" booster seat, and sits at the table with us to eat.  He has completely mastered the use of his fork, but prefers if we will help him "poke" the food, and then he will put it in his mouth.  He is capable of using the spoon, but he hates to be messy (which he gets quickly, when eating foods with a spoon), so he will sometimes refuse to eat unless we help him.  He continues to not talk, but he amazes Patrick and I with how much he understands!  Also, we have encouraged him to dance whenever he hears music - it's so very cute when he does - too bad it's hard to really capture dancing in pictures!

Eating with his fork.

A shot of the boys' bathroom, mid-painting.  Patrick put in the window in the toilet/shower room, and it is awesome - it lets in tons of light - the room was a bit of a cave before.  And, of course, we picked a bright color to match Ryder's blue room, and the twins' green room!

Patrick taught Ryder to stick the foam letters to his stomach, rather than the bath wall.  Despite his expression in this picture, he usually thinks it is pretty funny!

Before . . .

. . . and after a haircut!

Building a tower together.

Demonstrating that he wants me to "poke" his food for him.

Once Ryder figured out how to sit on his truck, he quickly figured out it was pretty funny when he would sit backward too!

It's Patrick's own fault - he taught him to climb the ladder!

Part 1 of making Valentines for the grandparents - coloring.

Reading together.  Ryder is currently favoring a set of pop up books - you are typically required to read the lion one, and then the shark one!

Proudly showing off his new booster seat (the tray has since been removed, and he now sits at the table).

Smiling for the camera while eating his cheese.  I've worked with him for quite awhile at smiling on demand - he's finally getting the hang of it (when he's in the mood!)

Part 2 of making Valentines - sticker placement.

NASCAR Season is back, and Ryder loves the cars!

Patrick can no longer work on a project without Ryder trying to help - here he is assembling his new chair for his booster seat.

Being forced to "poke" the strawberries himself!

A common request at our house - to climb on the reclining position of the chairs.

Another project - putting together his brothers' new bookcase.

Ryder wants to help in the kitchen, so I have started to sit him on the counter to help me mix (usually a bowl of water).  He loves working along side us - behind him, Patrick was making waffles for dinner!

The last month was the last of planned activities - we now are pretty much just working on projects to prepare for the twins' arrival.  Ryder is still doing a great job with the toddler bed (transitioned from the crib), so Patrick has started to build his regular twin bed - the crib will be reassembled in the twins' room.

Speaking of the twins - I'm nearly 28 weeks, and doing well.  At my Perinatologist appointment on Friday, each of the boys were measuring 5 days "big" when compared to a "singleton".  My OB has said that it is common for twins to measure a week (or more) "small" at this point . . . but, knowing Ryder's birth weight history, their size isn't surprising.  My due date is May 18, with May 4 being as far as my OB will let me go before inducing labor.  I'm confident I will make it close to that date, but obviously, you never know!  Luckily, I have a very understanding/supportive boss at work, as well as having Patrick at home!!