Ryder . 23 Months

23 Months; 31 pounds, 6 ounces

This boy of ours is growing up too fast.  Maybe it's because we have two little brothers in the home now, but Ryder is just growing more quickly than I would like - he's turning into a little boy, and is no longer a baby.

Ryder continues to be a bit hesitant with his brothers, but very gentle.  He will try to give them their pacifiers (without much success - they take a little while to latch on to it, and he gets impatient); he rocks their car seats when they are buckled in, awaiting the car; and he freely gives them kisses - without being prompted.

Don't be fooled by his cute smile, though . . . this boy is mischievous.  He is constantly pushing his limits, and has recently discovered that if he screams it makes his tantrums that much more dramatic.  One day he will follow a specific rule (ie, not pushing/rocking himself back at the table, or not jumping on the couch), and the next it is as if he was never made aware of that same rule.

Ryder continues to have few consistent words (anyone notice the list on the right?!), but is able to communicate what he wants.  He is signing "more" with great frequency; however, sometimes it is hard for us to know what he wants "more" of.

He has discovered a new love for flowers - he wants to point out every single one he comes across, and would smell each of them if we let him.  Patrick and I are pretty sure he has started saying "mell" for "smell", but really just means that he sees a flower!  Evening walks are fun with him - he points out all of the flowers and trees, and then quickly signs "more" if we are passing a house without any.  He also points out all basketball hoops - sometimes Patrick and I have to strain to see the one he is pointing at, several houses down the street.  The kid has a killer memory - he will start pointing and saying "ball" or "buh-woon" (or maybe "mell"?) as we approach the object, even if it is out of sight.  Driving down Riverdale Road is a favorite of his . . . we never noticed how many balloons there are at each of the car dealerships until Ryder started pointing out each of them!

Reading a book with Jarrett and mom.

How else are you supposed to carry around 2 bouncy balls and have your hands free?!

Laughing at a Baby Einstein movie.

Ryder loves our "new" couch (a hand-me-down from Jody & Ann).  It is in our office, back against the two front windows - which makes Ryder at the perfect height to play with the blinds and light switch . . . 2 of the rules that he often "forgets".

Helping his bath ducks give each other a kiss!

Remembering what it is like to play in the playmat/gym.

Playing with his recycling truck, and trying to incorporate Harvick into the game!

A new found favorite game . . . first balance the baby ring toy on your head . . .

. . . then, shake your head until it falls off; follow with laughing hysterically . . . repeat over and over.

Ryder wants to walk down all stairs by himself, unless there is no railing - then, he'll allow someone to hold his hand.

Using one of the "breakfast trays" we bought at the garage sale as an art table.

Playing with chalk outside.

Taking a break from the chalk to help dad (and Jarrett) water the plants.

Putting the chalk away.

The reaction I got (a tantrum) when I asked Ryder to smile.

Look at Ryder's outfit . . . see any significance?!

The shorts are "29" - Kevin Harvick's car number.  AND - they are orange . . . our Harvick's color!

Ryder's current favorite snack spot (sitting (or standing) on the speaker between the wall and the couch).

What?!? You've never followed up breakfast with some chocolate chips and licking the beater of (egg-less) cookie dough?!

Although I was the one to give the treat to him, I fully blame Patrick.  He is raising a little boy that can smell when you open the chocolate chip bag.  Luckily, he had already finished his actual breakfast!

When I went to get Ryder ready for the day, he was sleeping with his knees tucked up under him completely, by the time I got back with the camera he had stretched out some . . . I love sleeping pictures.

Swinging with dad at the park.

Ryder has mastered his shape ball.  Although, he prefers to hold up each shape to you, so you can name it, before he places it correctly in the ball.  He also knows how to open the ball, which he finds much more fun, so, often the shapes are dumped on the floor, he will put one or two back, then empty it out again!

We're still working on putting sunglasses on correctly!

Patrick tested to see if he could still fit in his Bumbo . . and he can . . . although, he isn't so sure about it.

The boys' swings are in front of the bookcase that has Ryder's books . . . the area between has become his favorite reading area.  It's hard to capture a picture of him there because when he notices that you see him reading, he will typically get up and run away.

One more month, and this little boy of ours turns TWO YEARS old.  We're celebrating at a local park - invites will be sent out soon!