July update

Ryan turned 1 on 6/27! We celebrated Ryan's first birthday with a big party at a neighborhood park. Thank you to all who attended and gave such fantastic gifts! At first, Ryan was hesitant about trying his birthday cake, but then it was full steam ahead and frosting everywhere (including on me). At his 1 year appointment, he weighed in at almost 22 lbs (30th percentile), measured 29" (50th percentile), and still has a big head (90something percentile) but his doctor wasn't concerned since he's always had a big noggin.

After the 4th of July, we went to Aptos to spend a few days with the Giffins, Coles, Hays, and Rosenthals; the men are all Steve's pals from highschool. There were 11 kids total! We had fun on the beach, although Ryan was not happy about the sand and surf until we put some sandals on him (and was very unhappy when a wave hit him).

For his birthday, we got him an Ibert bike seat (thanks, Melissa, for the recommendation!). He's not a big fan of the helmet and cried the first time we had him on the bike (it was the end of the day so he was just cranky, I think). He whimpered a bit when riding away from me, but then would break out in a smile when riding towards me. Unfortunately, I'm too short to ride with him, so Steve is the one to pedal around while I walk the dog. He now seems to feel more comfortable about feeling the wind on his face and riding around the neighborhood.

Four teeth are coming in; the top left was the first to cut through and surprised me because I was keeping an eye on the bottom nubs. He's actually been fine about teething; of course, there's lots of drool, but he doesn't fuss or cry about it. He is definitely going through a "mommy" phase although he's still pretty good with grandmas and grandpas taking care of him. He likes to eat a lot of different things, but I found that spaghetti with sauce is preferred over plain noodles. Spaghetti night also means bath night due to sauce EVERYWHERE!

We're getting ready for some fun with the Tornados at Pajaro Dunes (Steve's training/team building camp) and in Orange County (soccer tournament). We thought we might try to take Ryan to Disneyland, but since he cried the ENTIRE time I had him on the carousel at Oak Meadow park, I think we'll pass this year and try when he's older.

more pics!

Since I'm starting to teach summer school, I thought I better post these now:

1) smooshie face (sometimes he just makes this face when I take out the camera) 2) standing up and cruising! 3) snacking with the Rosens 4) checking each other out (Gia Eichenseer on left)

Congratulations, Jeri and Ray!

My sister, Jeri, got married to Ray King on Saturday, 6/7 in San Francisco. What a great couple and a fun celebration! Ryan was a party animal, danced with his mom, and then proceeded to stay awake in the hotel room until 11:30 PM!

more pics

finally some photos!

Crazy Professor?

I love cookies!

Easter Bunny

Update

I've been back to work since late January, as you might be able to tell from the lack of postings. Steve is currently in week 5 (or so) of his 7-week FMLA leave and I think he's enjoying his time off. He finished the floors and is about to cut down the jungle in the backyard (thanks, Dad Saito, for helping with the front!).

Ryan is now almost 10 months old! His list of experienced food now includes rice cereal, mixed grain cereal, yo baby yogurt, peaches, pears, apples, mangos, avocado, peas, green beans, sweet potato, squash, regular potato, cheerios, happy baby chick chick (yes, this is the name of the meal - it includes chicken, spinach, butternut squash, and green beans. It's actually not that bad), bagel, tofu, ground beef, zwieback toast (holy cow, what a mess!), orzo, shredded cheese (but he doesn't really like the last two). He often crams a bunch of food in his mouth and then gnashes for awhile or cries when he realizes he has to try to swallow all of the bits. He is a very good eater...wonder where he gets that from? No teeth yet, but lots of drool, which has pretty much been the case since he was 2 months old. He's weighing in at about 21-22 lbs. and is about 29" (when we went to the dr., he's average weight and length); his big ol' noggin continues to register in the 9oish percentile.

He's gone on a few outings to places like the SF Zoo (he found the ducks and goats very funny), SJ Earthquakes game (where he managed to fall asleep until I started yelling with excitement), Santana Row, and various friends' houses for get-togethers.

Yesterday he finally starting to do a forward crawl. Up until now, he's been rolling about, backward scooting (and getting really angry about not getting where he wants to go), and doing a drunk man's stagger by holding on to the fingers of whomever is willing to hunch over and take him around the house. He's fascinated and entertained by the animals and has given Montie and Kobee (Grandma Pat and Yeh-yeh's dog) a few snacks (intentionally or not). He still is a very happy little guy and has lots to say to anyone who will listen. Photos coming soon!

First "Airplane"

Here's Ryan zooming around in his first pretend airplane, compliments of Grandma Ann.
Sometimes it's the least expensive toys that bring the most pleasure; in this case, it's the free toy that does the trick (we get our organic veggies/fruit delivered in this box). Ready for takeoff!