Ryder . 2 3/4 Years Old

Last week, Ryder turned 2 and 3/4 years old.  After doing weekly updates his first year, monthly his second, I'm glad I moved to quarterly!  Currently, he is wearing mostly 5T and boys size 4/5 (xs) shirts, 4T pants, size 9 shoes, and weighs about 36 pounds.

As with each update, Ryder has changed quite a bit between then and now.  At the last post, we had recently shared Ryder's Apraxia of Speech diagnosis.  Now, it's something we're accustomed to working with daily.  The hardest part is figuring out when it is appropriate to share the information with others.  I'm not a fan of people telling me that he isn't talking much.  Or when he is told/asked something that he can't respond to.  I want to jump in.  I want to explain the reason.  That our little boy is incredibly smart.  That he completely understands what you just said, but that there is no way for him to be able to answer.  For the most part, we leave it alone.  We let the comments go.  But, it's definitely been a lesson in patience.  Ryder has made progress, although it's slow.  There is progress.

Ryder continues to be a great big brother.  He definitely has his moments.  And, Harvick and Jarrett's mobility have presented new challenges to his ability to share.  He likes to be in charge, but they are also learning that they want a choice in what toy they are playing with and/or where they are playing.  Overall, Ryder does a great job.  He often asks to feed them their bottles, and will help feed their pureed food as well.

Ryder has loved being in school this last year, and looks forwards to Tuesdays and Thursdays.  He made one friend quickly, but in the past few months has added to his list of friends.  The teacher has told us about a specific little boy (15 months) who recently started in the class - Ryder has taken a protective, almost "big brother" role with him.  Ryder likes to make sure the little boy keeps up with the rest of the class!

Perhaps my most favorite change since the last update is that Ryder is potty-trained.  As posted recently, this is a new thing for Ryder.  He has taken to it well, and we are extremely happy with how quick his progress has been.  Ryder loves wearing his underwear!

Currently, Ryder's favorite foods change on a regular basis.  Some constants are snack items - fruit snacks, granola bars, dried fruit, cheeseballs, and most cookies/crackers.  He has taken after his father with his love of chocolate - Patrick leaves the 5 lb bag of chocolate chips (Costco!) open on the shelf, and will regularly eat a small handful.  Ryder has learned this, and will often parrot Patrick, and help himself to the "chips" as well.  Luckily, we've taught him to only take 2 at a time, and we are much more vigilant about keeping the pantry door closed!  Ryder also wants his milk to be chocolate ("brown milk") - which, is at least 90-95% regular milk, with just a splash of chocolate milk added!

Ryder's fascination with cars, trucks, and especially trains continues.  His ability to remember every. single. train track's location is amazing.  He has made getting stopped by a train something that I hope for as we drive home.  And, when there is no train in sight, his backseat comment of "Oh man, no train" makes me smile every time.  Ryder also loves to be chased - especially around our island, kitchen table, or really anything you can circle.  He has really mastered the art of being on the opposite side!

And, enough talking...here are some pictures...

Puzzles and painting.

Ryder continues his love of reading!

Ryder LOVED going to Salt Lake on Front Runner!

Going down the slide at the indoor play area at our local mall.  We thought this would be a great indoor play activity during the winter, but Ryder didn't find it very interesting.

We frequently attempt family self-portraits - one of these days, it's going to be really easy...

Ryder pointing out the trains on his Valentines present from the Harris' and Aunt Julie!

Ryder has slept (or rested) with his arms like this since he was little!

Playing with his brothers.

Happy boy!

Playing "train" on top of our stroller box...when Ryder would reach the front, he would jump off, and fall to the floor laughing hysterically!

Reference back to that love of chocolate...Ryder sneaking in a few chocolate chips as he "decorates" the cookies.

Putting food on your fingers isn't just for olives!

As soon as St. Patrick's Day passed, we got out the Easter decorations.  Last year, Ryder loved putting together, and pulling apart, the eggs - it really helped him with his colors.  This year, it was super funny to do a dive across them.



Ryder discovered if he closes his eyes (or covers them) when the camera flashes, that it is super funny...to him.

Helping!
(And, isn't the tape measure on his pants the cutest thing - he did that 100% on his own, to be like Patrick!)

Ryder . 2.75 years old.