Ten Months

Ryan turned 10 months last week, and a few days before that, became mobile. I don't think I would call it crawling yet, it is more the "wounded soldier" move and looks like this:
I can't believe how quickly he can get around!!


Before Ryan was born we received "Philadelphia Chickens" By Sandra Boynton as a gift. I had tucked it away for when Ry was older, but someone at work was raving about it yesterday so I decided to pull it out now. It is a book and CD; the music is super fun. Some instant favorites are "Snuggle Puppy", "I Like to Fuss", and "Belly Button".

Ry was completely enthralled in the book right from the get-go (even though this page doesn't appear to be particularly interesting...)

He would drag the book from place to place and turn the pages back and forth over and over.


And this is just plain cute!
Ry has teeth sprouting out all of the time it seems; he currently has 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom. He is also trying new foods daily. Some new favorites are mac n' cheese, sloppy joe's, and red pepper risotto. He absolutely loves sliced cheddar cheese too. Half of his meals are eaten and the other half ends up on the floor. Stinker!

More Play Time

Last weekend we hung out with our friends Kara and Rob. They have 2 boys, Brendan, 6, and Sean, 2. I went to high school with Kara and we have been friends ever since. I have actually known her since junior high when we went to rival catholic schools and rode the bus together! Anyway....they hosted us for a summer BBQ and we had a great time. Ryan had fun watching the older boys run through the sprinkler and they also enjoyed playing with him on his beach blanket.
Brendan played so nice with Ryan; a very sweet "big kid"


Brendan, "Dr. Sean", and Ry


We are fairly certain that Ryan will play professional football someday

Another New Love

I love my 'pasghetti!!!


I also love to wave whenever someone says my name!

Stuff

Ugh! It has been so long since my last post...life has been a little crazy lately. I started at a new store this week and I am in over my head with newness and transitions. Not only am I starting at a new store which is an adjustment in and of itself, I have started a slightly different job as a "homestore" designer. I was previously focused only on the furniture portion of the business; in my new job I will oversee both housewares AND furniture. Yes, it sounds like double the work, and right now it feels like it too. It is a great opportunity for me, and if I am actually good at it, it will open up even more opportunities for me in the future. But right now it is downright overwhelming. After being back at work for 7 months, I realize that I like to work in addition to being a Mom. For me, it is a good balance. That is not to say that I always love it or don't ever complain about it. But at the end of the day, I do like the feeling of accomplishment that my job gives me in addition to my number one priority, which is my family. Anyway, I am struggling a little bit now as I am finding my balance with my new job. I know it will come. But like with any change in life, there will be some stumbling blocks before I get into the groove.

It seems like Ryan is changing so much with each passing week. He is SO close to crawling. He is getting tons of teeth. His little personality is developing so quickly as he experiences all of the new things that life has to offer...new foods, new faces, new activities. To say he brings Keith and I tons of joy is an understatement. Here a few recent photos...

Possibly his #1 new favorite food, nectarines (goldfish crackers and graham crackers are a close second)


His favorite toy...tupperware


Loves his books!


Hanging with our next door neighbor, Reese


"May I have this dance??"

Princess Reese dancing with her "Little Prince"...Ryan was fascinated by her dress and magic wand!!