Apraxia of Speech . 2 Years

2 years.

At the beginning of last year I posted a "1 year" update for our boys' journey with Apraxia of Speech.  I commented then I didn't know how often I would update the blog on the topic, and it turns out, it was barely.

Ryder is doing phenomenal.  The boy has picked up an incredible amount of speech in 2013.  At the end of summer this year Patrick shared with me a voicemail message he has been saving since July 10, 2012.  To give you a bit of background (I researched it!) - it was the morning of Ryder's last speech session with Early Intervention (before "aging out" a week later - on his 3rd birthday).  Given what I say on the message, Ryder must have had a hard time having Patrick leave with his brothers (to go to work, and daycare, respectively), and having to stay home with me.  The recording is primarily my voice, with Ryder "repeating" what I am saying.  The most intelligible words he says are at the end:

"I uv ooo" 


I love you.  He couldn't say it fully, but he tried.  He "repeats" other parts of the message, with a few hit and miss intelligible words, but this was the most intelligible part.

When Patrick played me the message - I had no idea he had saved it for over a year - I immediately teared up.  Truthfully, I tear up every time I listen to it.  My baby could not say "I love you" just over a year ago.  Contrast that with his goodnight parting with me at the beginning of December:

At bedtime tonight with Ryder-Me: I love you to the moon and stars, and back!Ryder: I love you in the morning, and in the afternoon. I love you in the evening, and underneath the moon, and the stars, and then all the way back! I win!!

Honestly, he did not enunciate each word perfectly, but it was 100% intelligible.

This (school) year we ended up declining the speech services offered through our school district for Ryder.  It was a very hard decision (and rather infuriating), but it was the best choice for us.  The school district has put up numerous road blocks and rolls (and rolls) of red tape - all self imposed.  We pushed our concerns up the chain of command, stopping short at the Superintendent.  Had we not had 2 more children at home still receiving Early Intervention services, and possibly qualifying for preschool services, I would not have stopped.  If the obstacles are still present when (if) Harvick and Jarrett need the services, we will go further in our fight.

Harvick and Jarrett both remain nonverbal.  They are very communicative, generally in pointing, facial expressions, etc.

Harvick is the more willing participant in speech practice with flash cards and worksheets.  He is so proud of himself when we practice speech with him, even when he is far from the correct sound or word.  He tries so hard!

Jarrett does not like flash cards or worksheets.  Ever.  However, we are able to "sneak" speech practice into play with him easily.  He doesn't seem to mind having to practice when he gets to play!

Truthfully, we don't have a diagnosis for either Harvick or Jarrett.  Nearly everyone involved with their speech is "sure" Harvick has Apraxia of Speech.  However, Jarrett's issues present a little differently, and he has kept us guessing.  We know his speech is delayed, but he doesn't seem to have as great of a struggle learning the correct way to make a specific sound.  But, there is still a struggle.  From what research I have done, Apraxia is not a "spectrum" disorder where different "symptoms" can present in each child (like Autism).  There is, of course, a severity scale - ranging from mild to moderate to severe.  Perhaps Jarrett is at the mild end, with Harvick (and Ryder) closer to moderate.

Both Harvick and Jarrett had ear tubes placed in July of last year.  Harvick also had his adenoids removed.  It's unclear how much of an effect this had on their speech.  Technically, by removing the fluid, they are able to hear more clearly.  For them, it did not mean a "switch" was turned on, allowing them to speak.  We are, of course, happy with the decision to have the surgery completed - neither of the boys need an additional barrier in their verbal communication!

Harvick and Jarrett are both enrolled in Early Intervention, and will continue to receive in-home Speech Therapy twice a month until they "age out" (on their 3rd birthday).  At that time, they will be evaluated for further services (one option is the preschool Ryder attended).  Their SLP and OT (we determined an OT was a good fit for us, in helping to learn how to best engage each boy in the therapy) are both awesome.  Harvick & Jarrett's SLP is different than the one we were assigned to with Ryder.  While Ryder's SLP was a good fit for him in the end, we absolutely love the one we are working with now - from the beginning!  Both the SLP and the OT genuinely care about both boys, and the boys love when they come to visit!
Each of the boys also receive weekly private Speech Therapy.  Their SLP is the most amazing person.  I know Patrick and I have put in countless hours of speech practice at home, and that each of the boys work so hard.  But, I very much believe my boys' ability to speak rests very much in the SLP's hands.  Our boys are a handful.  Each of them, in different ways.  Being smart enough to have an opinion, but not possessing the ability to verbally communicate your need, is extraordinarily frustrating.  Our private SLP works with each of them to find what method(s) works best, and tailors each session to the needs of the boys at that time (each boy is seen separately).  Clearly, we pay her for the service she provides, but I don't know how, really, to thank her.  I tell her often, and I pray she doesn't feel it is cliche.

So, what lies ahead for our boys?  

Ryder will continue in weekly private Speech Therapy until our SLP recommends we decrease frequency.  He will be in Kindergarten this year (seriously, I can't believe I have a child old enough to enroll in school!).  His future with "special ed" is uncertain, as I'm not sure anyone would have predicted Ryder would have made the progress he has (we were told he was extremely "severe" at the initial diagnosis).

Harvick and Jarrett will continue in Early Intervention through their 3rd birthday.  They will be evaluated for possible additional services - much of which is at the directive of the school district, we get very little input.  Where they attend preschool next year is largely influenced by the services they will be qualified to receive.  And, we will keep them in weekly private Speech Therapy until our SLP recommends an increased or decreased frequency.  

Walking through this journey with Apraxia of Speech is difficult.  I have had more than a few breakdowns about it.  It is hard watching your child(ren) struggle to do something that is so easy for the majority of their peers.  It is heartbreaking when you overhear another student calling your children stupid, because they don't talk.  But, in the same breath, I am full of pride to hear Ryder's response:

When I picked up the boys from school today, one of Ryder's classmates commented to Ryder that his "brothers are stupid because they don't talk". I began to intervene - but, Ryder's response was so much better than my own - 
"You don't have to talk to be a genius".
 He could not be more correct. Such a good big brother!
(Photo from our October "brothers" picture - in our house, it's "monkey see, monkey do" with those boys!)

Ryder understands his brothers' struggles better than I will ever comprehend.  He gets it.  It's hard.  Of course, he is still a typical 4-year-old big brother, who doesn't always get along with his little brothers.  Sometimes I'm amazed at the fights they can pick with each other, considering two of them don't actually use words to argue.  They are constantly battling over who gets to play with a certain train, or whose turn it is to do a various task.  However, under that, on a deeper level, they get each other.  Ryder is their greatest cheerleader.  He prays nightly, without fail, that his brothers "wearn (learn) to use their words to talk".

In a sign of solidarity, for about a week(+), Ryder has reverted to calling Patrick & me "Dada" and "Mama" whenever his brothers are around. While part of me misses hearing "Daddy" and "Mommy" (or "Adorable"!), a bigger part of me is so very proud of my baby's empathy - he wants to be a good example for his brothers. Simplifying words helps the boys with their speech. He gets it.

A few weeks ago, as I drove home with the boys (on a night Patrick was teaching class), Ryder requested french fries when I asked what he wanted me to make for dinner.  I responded, telling him that wouldn't be happening that night.  Without any hesitation, Ryder asked his brothers "Will one of you just say 'french fries' - mom likes to hear you use your words, and if you will say it, I know she will buy them".  He then proceeded to break down the words for his brothers - eh, feh, fech, french, i, ies (eyes), fies, fries.  Harvick didn't enunciate beyond the "feh" and "ies", but he gave it a try.  Jarrett clearly said "fies".  And, I stopped to buy a french fry for the boys to share.  Ryder knows me well.  It was worth the $1.

Thank you to those that have read this post in it's entirety.  The community of friends and family that have supported us, and continue to support us, with this journey are invaluable.

I'll end with a reminder of something I shared last year:

To any of our friends with young children (especially Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett's ages) : don't hesitate to tell me fun things your child says.  Or, new words they are learning.  I'll be honest, sometimes it takes a conscious choice to not be sad for my boy(s), but I have never, ever, not been happy for you to experience this. 

We will beat this.  Again (and again!).  

One-step-at-a-time.

Back to School . 2013/2014

The boys' "back to school" pictures for the 2013/2014 school year...

(Last year, we had Ryder's pictures taken by a photographer for "Back to School".  With all 3 boys headed "back to school" this year, we went to Ali (Clearly Seen) for her mini sessions.  Ryder and Harvick participated well...while Jarrett took a bit longer to warm up.

It didn't work out to get shots of the boys' backpacks and lunchboxes with them, so we grabbed a shot along the fence where we could see their names embroidered!

Ryder is so excited to have his brothers join them at school!  Harvick & Jarrett also get excited when we talk about them going with Ryder - and, they love to wear their backpacks!  It will be another 3 years (Ryder in 2nd Grade, Harvick & Jarrett in Kindergarten) before the boys are in the same school together - I'm hoping they are just as excited then too!)

If you're wanting to get your child's picture taken, I'd highly recommend Clearly Seen!  Ali is awesome - and, she's still offering these backgrounds.

First Day of School . 2013/2014

This year ALL THREE boys had a "first day" of school!  Ryder was so excited to have his brothers come with him, and both Harvick & Jarrett loved getting to go!

My post to Facebook last night.
(Tomorrow is Ryder's first day of (4-year-old)Preschool. And, Harvick & Jarrett start (2-year-old)"Preschool". Ryder is so excited for his brothers to join him at school (even though they're in different classrooms)...let's hope the teachers are excited too!)

(First Day of School . 2013/2014

This year all of the boys are attending school.  Ryder has attended one day per week since June 2012, and two days per week the summer of 2013.  This year, he will be attending their Preschool, and will be there on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Harvick & Jarrett will be joining him two times per week - on Monday & Wednesday.  While the school doesn't technically have a 2-year-old Preschool, they have a structured classroom environment.  Everyone was excited for the first day, and were happy to have their name on their backpack!)

(For the most part, the boys cooperated with pictures before school...although the outtakes are often my most favorite!)

And...because I realize that my new method of blogging doesn't provide the clearest/best quality pictures, a few repeats for better viewing!

Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett
First Day of School . 2013/2014

These silly boys wouldn't let me get a good group shot!

We had their names embroidered (in their colors, of course) on their backpacks and lunchboxes!

Ryder's Birthday . 07.17.2013

We celebrated Ryder's birthday with a fun-filled day together...

(Patrick and I took Ryder's birthday, July 17th - a Wednesday this year, off from work so that we could celebrate together as a family.  Ryder's primary request was to ride FrontRunner.  With Soccer Camp that evening, we had to keep the day a bit low-key.  Ryder started his day with new shoes - green ones, of course.  We rode FrontRunner to the Farmington Station where we walked to Cinemark's "Summer Movie Clubhouse" showing of "Happy Feet" ($1 admission!).  Before the movie, the boys played on the playset.  Following the movie, we shared a treat at Orange Leaf, before eating lunch at Cafe Zupas.  Thankfully we left the restaurant when we did - just in time to catch the train back to Roy!  We then took Ryder to Toys R Us, where we allowed him to pick any train - he chose Victor, Annie & Clarabel.  We made it to Soccer Camp that evening, and ended our night with cupcakes (with green frosting!) at the park.

It's hard to believe Ryder is FOUR!  One year ago, he was barely speaking - at age 4, he always has something to say.  He is remarkable with puzzles.  He is fiercely independent, but also craves the attention of his brothers.  Ryder's favorite toys are his trains.  He also loves books, cars, and dinosaurs.  His favorite foods include PB&J sandwiches, breakfast meals (pancakes, waffles, french toast), cucumbers, and any fruit.  Ryder's favorite color is green, his favorite number is 6 ("because I like to wake up at 6 o'clock"), and his favorite day is "FUN Friday!".  He wears a boys XS shirt, 5T/XS in pants, and a size 11 shoe.)

My FB status on Ryder's birthday...for family who reads the blog, but isn't on FB!

Ryder . 4 Years Old Pictures

For Ryder's 4 year pictures we met up again with Ali (of "Clearly Seen").  She had taken Harvick & Jarrett's 2 year pictures (and family ones!), and she offers a very affordable "birthday" special.  Ryder picked out his own shirts for the occasion, and was quite proud of his choices.  I wanted something more "urban", and the location Ali suggested turned out to have primarily GREEN backgrounds.  Perfect!

Although we didn't do family pictures, I really wanted a shot of Ryder with both Patrick & I.

Such a handsome boy!

We've tried to incorporate a few personal items for the boys' pictures.  Lucy (the dog - named after the neighbor's dog, who gave him the stuffed version of their own "Lucy") and a portion of his train book collection made the cut this year.  Look at that smile!

These are the "outtakes", but I love them!
Notice the mark on Ryder's forehead in these shots.  He literally ran into the corner of our kitchen island granite minutes before we left the house - he kept an ice pack against his head for the drive to help with the swelling.  Ali PhotoShopped them out of the "best" shots, but I like that they are in the outtakes (and I have copies of the "best" ones with it too).  It's clearly not an always-there part of Ryder, but it is typical for him right now.  Crazy kid.

I know I'm biased, but admit just admit it - he is one cute kid!

Apraxia of Speech & Surgery

Upon first writing about Apraxia of Speech, I made a goal to write weekly updates, and I did...at first.  As progress was slow, and our therapy schedule/routine changed, I lessened.  At the beginning of this year, the 1 year mark, I made no promises.  In my mind, I had planned to write a mid-year post on July 1.  Why do I make these goals?  I know life will get in the way.

Fun filled evenings and weekends.  Swimming every week.  Soccer.  Speech Therapy two to four times weekly.  Busy.  Summer life.

Oh, and fluid concerns...

Back at the Early Intervention (EI) assessment for Harvick & Jarrett, the therapists could not get a reading with the tympanogram - an instrument inserted in the ear (like a thermometer) that forms a seal, and a pressure test - intended to check for fluid.  Harvick is a mouth breather, and had a bit of a cold.  Jarrett was wiggly.  The therapists weren't concerned - both boys respond to commands, and passed the birth hearing screening.

When our EI therapist visited, she made mention of no result.  She wasn't content with not having a reading, so she brought the machine to our home at the next visit.  She was having issues with the machine working properly - it would error, or would read as though there was fluid.  Weird.

So, we had the boys' doctor look at their 2 year appointment.  He noticed both ears were "sucked in", but thought it was fairly insignificant - likely due to allergies (Patrick has them, and Ryder seems to as well).  So, the boys took a low-dose allergy medication.  The doctor's tympanogram results a month later showed definite fluid in Harvick's ears, and some in Jarrett's ears.

But, wait.  The boys are healthy.  They have each had an ear infection in each ear (one in Spring 2012, and again a year later).  Antibiotics resolved the issue each time.  Nothing chronic. 

An appointment with an ENT revealed Harvick has "significant and thick (mucus like) fluid".  Jarrett has the same viscosity of fluid, but slightly less.  Harvick also has enlarged adenoids (something we've suspected since birth, but without any significant issues (chronic sickness), it isn't treated).

Both boys need tubes.  In both ears.  Harvick will likely have his adenoids removed (they will do a scope when he is under anesthesia to be sure).

So, how does this relate to Apraxia of Speech?

Well, had we not been through the thick of Apraxia of Speech, Patrick & I (and our doctors and therapists) may have been concerned sooner about Harvick & Jarrett's lack of speech.   Harvick & Jarrett have still not been diagnosed with Apraxia, but it is suspected.

The surgery has a multitude of outcomes - the best case is that the tubes are a "magic pill".  That, with the fluid removed, they are able to hear clearly, which will allow them to talk clearly.  Worst case is that we are only battling Apraxia, now with no fluid to impede progress.  And, a million in between possibilities.

But, as I wrote earlier this year, we are facing this challenge head on.  Harvick & Jarrett have already received EI therapy and private therapy earlier than Ryder.  And, Ryder has made immense progress.  To think that at his 3rd birthday party he was still saying very few words, and today - Ryder's 4th birthday - he talks constantly.  Endlessly.  He is witty.  He has his father's sense of sarcasm.  He is funny, and he knows it.  He is curious & inquisitive.  He can express himself - with words.

The boys will be in surgery tomorrow morning.  The surgery is short (Harvick's will be a little longer because of the scope, and possible removal of adenoids).  Recovery time is quick as well.  We may be able to tell a difference in their speech as early as hours following.  Or, it may take a little while, as they re-learn to hear words and sounds correctly.  Or, an improvement may not come directly relating to the tubes, but with the intense Speech Therapy big brother received.

Please say a prayer for our little boys as the surgery is completed.  And, while my prayer will be that it is the "magic pill" to resolve their speech, it will be okay if it isn't.

You see, I have a love/hate relationship with this diagnosis.  Because, I want to end this post with "DAMN APRAXIA!"  Yet, I know that without it, Ryder may not be the reflective child that he is.  He understands the power of words.  He knows he can effect emotion with what he says.  He is empathetic because of it.

So.  I'll end this post as I have all other times I have written about Apraxia.

One-step-at-a-time.

Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett
(taken at Harvick & Jarrett's 2-year-old session)

Boys' Birthday Party . 06.01.2013

We thought we would skip hosting a birthday party for Ryder this year.  Our intent had been to do a "big" 1st year party, and then do more of a family thing until he was older.  But, we held a 2nd birthday party to make sure he didn't feel like his brothers were taking over the attention (being born 2.5 months prior).  Then, we did a 3rd birthday party last year since his brothers got a "big" 1st birthday party.  But, something seems extra special about twins turning 2 - 2 2 year olds.  So, I had the idea to do a party for all 3 boys...in one!  

On June 1st (between the actual birthdays) we hosted their robot-themed birthday party.  The boys have plenty of possessions, so we elected to make it a "no presents" party - it was really a barbecue with birthday treats!

If you are looking for custom made shirts, you must check out Bluewater Road Kids.  The owner is incredible!  SO easy to work with, and the shirts are the best quality!  They've held up to multiple washings, and still look like brand-new.

Also - we've yet to have a "birthday cake" at any of the boys' parties.  At this age, we just figure that it is easier to not mess with extra plates and forks!  A few months previous, some co-workers took me to Madbrook Donuts - I decided then that we would order their donut holes as the birthday treat.  Madbrook was great to work with, and was more than happy to customize 12 dozen donut holes with the boys' colors - in sprinkles!

And, I think when my ability to write (and have people still read it) is limited, I tend to summarize things the best:

Ryder . Last Day of School . 2012/2013

Last Tuesday Ryder attended his last day of Preschool for the 2012/2013 school year.  This was his second year of Preschool, with one year still remaining.

This year has brought significant change in Ryder's verbal expression.  Significant.  Ryder has always had high comprehension/cognition test results.  We knew he was intelligent.  But, the addition of his verbal expression has really made us more aware of his deep thinking.

Ryder still has a long way to go.  He still lacks several sounds (most notably /k/), with the frequent misinterpretation of others (/g/, /l/, /th/ are ones we are constantly working to improve).  He still has to think before saying new words.  We have to plan out what his mouth will do (typically syllable-by-syllable) for multi-syllabic words.  But, he is talking.

School has played a part in this.  He has been able to receive regular Speech Therapy in group and individual settings.  Patrick & my experience has been interesting - we have learned how to be Ryder's greatest advocate.

Ryder . Last Day of School . 2012/2013

Cute boy!

We had been talking with Ryder about his last few days of Preschool for a little while - to prepare him for it ending.  On Sunday night, as I talked with Ryder, I loved our conversation:

Me: Ryder, how many days of Preschool do you have left?
Ryder: Just TWO!  Monday and Tuesday.
Me: That's right.  Are you going to be sad on your last day?
Ryder: No, I do not "fink" (think) so.
Me: That's good - I don't want you to be sad, but it is okay if you are.
Ryder: MOM! I will NOT be sad.  My last day of Preschool "jus" (just) means that I am GROWING UP!

And, grow up, he has:

2011/2012

2012/2013

We are so proud of Ryder, and are looking forward to his last year of Preschool!

RAD Ryder

Ryder made it 3 years, 8 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days before he had to go to the doctor for being sick.  And, the appointment was really a wasted one - the doctor suspected allergies.  After 6 days of no improvement, we took him in again to a different doctor (his was unavailable) who found that Ryder had a "very severe" ear infection.  The doctor was concerned Ryder's eardrum would burst overnight.  Thankfully, it never did.  The antibiotics (the first of his life) worked well, and we had no further issues.

Until today.  Another month (and 6 days) have passed.  Over the weekend Ryder developed a bit of a cough - nothing to really worry about.  On Monday night I noticed a bit of wheezing as we read a book before bed.  He had played hard that night, and had been coughing - he didn't complain, so we went along as usual.  Tuesday morning we didn't notice anything, but that evening, the wheezing was becoming a bit more prominent.  He woke up this morning wheezing some, but had no other symptoms of sickness.  He still went to daycare.

This afternoon I was able to get an appointment with the doctor who found his ear infection (or so I thought - we were seen, in part, by a Physician Assistant.  A HORRIBLE one).

Ryder was diagnosed with "Reactive Airway Disease" (RAD).  It sounds worse than it is.  Really, it's kind of like asthma in children too young to get an asthma diagnosis.  It is common for children to "outgrow" this.  If it persists with frequency until age 6, Ryder can participate in diagnostic testing to determine if he has asthma.  But, really, given Ryder's near spotless health record, asthma is not likely.

Ryder's treatment includes a steroid, and nebulizer treatments.  Due to his extremely low oxygen levels, they wanted to perform an immediate treatment.  Thankfully, Ryder tolerated it well, although he had the saddest little expression the whole time.  The Medical Assistant was very kind, and helped get Ryder a book to help distract him.  We now have a nebulizer at home, and will give him treatments as needed.  

Ryder insisted that I hold it at first, but I was able to convince him to hold it himself, while I read the book.  He definitely wasn't a fan, but he did an awesome job!

Ryder . 3 3/4 Years Old

Ryder is just shy of 4 years old!  He weighs in at about 43 pounds, and in size XS Boys.

Ryder has made tremendous progress with his speech.  He is intelligible to most people, without any issue!  He still has some missing sounds (specifically /k/, and often /g/ and /l/), but he is working hard to increase his ability.  I have a separate post to recap our progress in speech - but, Ryder is doing so well!

His favorite color is green (I may have influenced this with "his color", but really, he does love green!). He would eat PB&J every single day of his life, if we let him.  He doesn't love to try new foods, but is a good sport about trying at least a few bites (usually it's 3 - "because I am just 3 years old").  Ryder LOVES to be outside.  And, while the warmer weather has made outside time more accessible, he loved to be out when it was cold too!

Ryder is a great helper to Patrick & me, and to his brothers.  He plays well with Harvick & with Jarrett separately - they play all together occasionally, but are typically split 2 and 1.  He has begun to recognize his brothers' speech deficiencies, and is so precious to watch as he helps his brothers "learn" new words.

Ryder loving the snow!

Ryder totally gets the concept of smiling for a picture...now, if I could just get him to have a natural smile when I request it!
The top left picture was taken first thing in the morning - it was dark, and he couldn't keep his eyes open with the flash!

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Ryder & I headed to the Treehouse Museum - just the 2 of us!  Harvick & Jarrett had been sick with RSV, and my parents watched them while Ryder & I got to spend some time one-on-one on my day off!

Left: Patiently reading a book of Harvick's choice.
Center: Getting a "horsey" ride from Papa.
Right: Getting Patrick to draw a train for him - he watches so carefully!

Playing.  On the right, Ryder requested "a picture of my wu-cy (Lucy)".
Lucy is the neighbor dog.  His owners (our neighbors!) gave Ryder a stuffed version of their dog, Lucy, for Ryder's 1st birthday.  We named it Lucy, of course - Ryder LOVES this dog.

Playing outside.
Check out the height on Ryder's jump!

This box couldn't really fit all 3 boys - it didn't stop them from trying!
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Helping Patrick.

Ryder frequently stomps around the house, with his arm up in the air like this, making trumpeting noises - he is an elephant, of course!  I asked him to "show me" when I had my camera in hand - I think he was skeptical that I might be teasing him about it - I really just wanted to capture what he does!

Ryder . 3 1/2 Years Old

Our baby is three and a half years old (last month, actually - I'm just slow in getting this post published).  It's cliche, I know, but this kid is growing up too fast!

Ryder is such a fun little boy.  He has developed quite a sense of humor, and is often trying to tease Patrick or me about things, the way we do with him.  He's a great big brother to Harvick and Jarrett - he has his moments, but overall, he gets along with them well.

Ever since Ryder's "Teddy Bear Parade" at school, where he took his dog, Lucy (instead of a teddy bear), he has rediscovered his love for the dog.  Lucy spends the nights with him in bed, and stays out in the Family Room when we're playing, and at the end of the table during meals (she "just watches").

Ryder always answers that his favorite color is green (and, really, I don't think it is because that is his "assigned" color), but often chooses something blue when given the choice.  He will tell you his favorite food is peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, but he continues to be a good eater of most food.  Ryder rarely turns down fruit, and likes most veggies (broccoli and cauliflower are "not his favorite").

Ryder is doing extremely well with his speech, and is progressing at Preschool.  His verbal expression has increased immensely, but he still struggles with intelligibility for people who aren't around him often.  My favorite things for him to say are "I wuv (love) Lucy (the stuffed dog)", "my brovhers (brothers", and "everyone knows dat (that)".

Bath time.
(with Harvick in the right picture)

Jumping on the neighbor's trampoline; showing me how the cake toy works; showing off Lucy in the box he painted for the "Teddy Bear Parade"; and watching the Christmas Train go around (and around and around) the tree.

I love that Ryder finally understands the concept of looking at the camera...even when he is super silly when I just wanted to take a quick shot!

Playing with brothers.

A lazy weekend morning, playing in our pajamas.

My always-healthy little guy got rather sick mid-December.  After throwing up all night, I stayed home from work with him the next day.  He hasn't fallen asleep in my lap (much less requested to sit with me when tired) in over a year.  And, he requested to only wear underwear, and be wrapped in a blanket (after taking a nice hot shower) - I couldn't deny the request, and made sure to grab my camera before we sat down.  Thankfully, the bug he had only last 12 hours!

Ryder LOVES his trains!

Helping Patrick eat his last packages of DingDongs - in the picture on the right, he's irritated with me for taking his picture.

If you missed my FB post, Patrick & I bought this giant cardboard train for the boys - they helped to assemble it and decorate (with crayons).  Ryder loves it (and, we still have it - it just had to move downstairs after a few weeks)!