Henry at 2 1/2

Henry Ryan... you are two and a half years old!

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my baby boy is two and a half.  I know I've said this time and time again but seriously, this is the best age. You are so much fun and have the goofiest personality.  You can be shy around people you don't know but around us and family, you are hilarious :)

At two and a half, you are all boy.  You're all about cars, trucks, playing in the dirt and being sweaty.  I can't even imagine what you will be like as a teenager.  You also want to be just like your daddy.  Whenever he is mowing the grass you have to get your lawn mower out. Whenever he is blowing the dirt, you have to get your blower out.  And when he is finished doing the yard, you have to place your lawn mower and blower right next to his.  While I wish you were more of a mamma's boy, it's pretty cute watching you follow in your Daddy's shadow.

At two and a half, you have no fear when it comes to the pool.  It's completely different than last summer and you are ready to swim.  You are kicking and even jumping off the side by yourself. As a mom, this is terrifying yet so exciting all at the same time.

At two and a half, you like to eat.  A lot.  I'm pretty sure mac n'cheese is your favorite and you would eat this every night if we let you.  You're also obsessed with donut holes.  You stayed with your grandparents recently and you ate 12 donut holes... It doesn't surprise me but don't expect to get that much when you're with us!

At two and a half, you are very chatty!  It is so fun to have conversations with you and I am surprised daily with the words and phrases you have picked up and are saying.  I can't say that I understand everything you say but it is close.  Most of your conversations revolve around cars (whether they are fast, red, a police car...) trucks (firetrucks, dump trucks, trucks with big tires...) and playing in the mulch.  You also love to watch the movie Cars and Airplanes and your favorite TV shows are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sheriff Callie.  You're always repeating phrases and know all the characters.

At two and a half, you are so full of life.  You have so much energy and are truly such a happy boy. Your smile is contagious as is your belly laugh.  You still do your "happy dance" whenever you are excited and it is awesome. You give the best hugs and sweet kisses.  You also love your little brother which makes me so happy.  I can't wait to see your friendship grow over the years.

Love you H Man!!

Two!

Henry Ryan... you are two years old!

I can hardly believe we celebrated your 2nd birthday last Friday.  Where did my baby go?!?  You are definitely not a baby anymore and while I miss those days, I am so excited about all that is in store.  You are funny, sweet, expressive, loving and a full blown toddler.  While we have so many wonderful moments, we also have our moments when you whine, when you fall on the floor for not getting your way and when you repeatedly do something with a grin on your face after we have told you no.  While you can definitely test our patience, you can make up for it a minute later with a sweet hug and kiss and we wouldn't trade this time for anything.

Your love for being outdoors continues.  Especially if being outside involves your Dad.  You are such a daddy's boy and want to always do what he is doing.  If Dad is planting flowers, you better believe that you need your own shovel because you want to be right next to him doing the same thing.

Your Dad made a growth chart ruler for your room so we can keep track of your height over the years and you love to stand next to it.  You are about 2 feet, 10 inches right now and weigh close to 29 pounds. We go to the doctor on Friday for your 2 year visit so I'll make sure to update with your official stats after that. You are wearing size 18-24 mth and 2T clothes and wearing size 6.5 in shoes.

You have such a sweet tooth and would love to eat candy all day long if we let you.  You are a little pickier with foods but I can always count on you to eat a hot dog... I promise we're still working on being more nutritional around here...

You are all boy and have a love for all types of trucks and cars.  You love to carry them around and have even been known to bring them in to daycare with you.  You constantly say "vroom, vroom" and push them all over the house.  You also love to fill them up with dirt :)

You are into everything and love to make messes.  You're definitely not afraid to be dirty or wet either inside or outside.  When I pick you up from school you are usually in a different shirt because you have been playing in the dirt outside, playing in the water in the sink or simply getting food all over yourself.

You are talking all the time and saying sentences.  Unfortunately, we have no clue what you are saying most of the time!  You definitely have words that you know and can say them clearly.  At least clear enough that we know what you are talking about.  I'm anxious for you to communicate better as I feel this will help with some of the whining and you can tell us what you really want.  I'm trying to be patient though as I know one day you won't be quiet :)

Henry, I've said this time and time again and will continue to say it.... you bring us so much joy and happiness and we can't imagine life without you.  These have seriously been the best two years yet and I'm looking forward to many more.  We're looking forward to seeing your personality grow and shine and also to watching you be the best big brother.

Love you H Man!!

Twenty Two Months

Henry Ryan... you are twenty two months old!

It's hard to believe you are two months shy of your 2nd birthday.  It seems like just last month that we were planning your 1st birthday party!  I can truly say that each month gets better and better.  You are expressive, sweet, funny and such a happy boy.  You definitely have your moments when you melt down for not getting your way but we're working through that.  It seems that it is happening more and more lately but I'm afraid that just comes with your age.  

Everyday when you come home from daycare you ask for juice, a snack and grab the remote so you can watch TV.  You love to watch Disney Junior and a few of your favorite shows are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Chuggington, Little Einsteins and Sofia the First.  This actually works out well because it lets me change clothes and then get dinner started.

Speaking of dinner.... Boy, you love to eat!  If it's something you like you are asking for "more" and saying please.  A few of your favorites continue to be waffles, hot dogs, cheese, grapes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and spaghetti o's.  We need to work on adding more veggies to your diet but they tell me you are at least eating this at school.  You also discovered purple skittles recently which makes me happy since they happen to be a favorite of mine as well.  We just have to hide the bag from you because you would eat them all if we let you!

I know I've talked about your love for being outside which hasn't change.  One of your favorite toys continues to be your lawnmower and you whip this out as soon as you see Daddy out in the yard mowing. You would stay outside as long as we let you regardless of the temperature.  You are so determined to be just like him and love to push your mower around.  It's even been known to make it in the house on several occasions....

You love to take baths but would prefer to take a shower now.  We thought it would be a good idea and quick to put you in the shower with us and now you are obsessed!  You would stand under that water forever if we let you.  We can't even say the word shower around you because you are peeling off your clothes and shoes ready to get in.

Cooking is a new favorite hobby of yours.  If I'm making dinner you have to have your pots out and some kind of food to put them in.  The other day I discovered that you had grabbed tortillas out of the pantry and placed one in each pot.  You were so proud of yourself!  All was going well until Bennett discovered the tortillas and ate them.... Melt down followed!

As far as stats, you are wearing 18-24 mth clothes and even some 2T and you weigh about 28 pounds.  You just moved up to size 5 diapers and are now in size 5.5/6 shoes.  You have 9 teeth which includes the top molars in the back.  Where did my baby go?? I can't believe you are such a little boy now and while it makes me a little sad I truly love watching you grow up.  You have a small vocabulary but I'm amazed with how much you understand from us.  I know it's not long before you'll be speaking in short phrases and sentences. I'm also amazed by your knowledge of technology already.  You love to play with my phone and even know how to scroll through the apps.  I think it's time I start downloading some apps for you to play with!

You are all boy and love to play with your trucks and mimic the sounds they make.  Your favorite books even revolve around trucks and we will read Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel and Little Blue Truck several times at night before going to sleep.

I mentioned up top that you are such a happy boy which is oh so true.  You love to smile, giggle and laugh and still love to pump your arms up and down when you are excited.  Nothing makes us happier.  I can't believe you are so close to being two and we're trying to soak up this age with you as well as our time as a family of three. Love you H Man!!

Twenty Months

Henry Ryan... you are twenty months old!

You are sweet, silly, loving, brave and full of life.  I have a hard time believing you are closer to 2 than 1 but I'm loving this new stage.  I love your personality and watching you learn new things everyday.  

I've said this time and time again but you are all boy.  You love balls, getting dirty and being outside.  You also love to do everything that you see your dad doing.  You love anything you can push and will do this as long as we let you. One of the few times I see you so focused is when you're working in the yard like your daddy does.

The water hose is your favorite thing to play with when outside.  It's impossible to try and water anything because you insist on playing with the hose.  And believe me, it's not pretty when we have to go inside.  You are definitely entering the "terrible twos" a little early and have a meltdown when we have to quit playing.

You are such a happy kid and I'm so thankful for your sweet smiles and giggles.  You make us laugh so much and love to do anything that gets a good reaction from someone.  We also have a hard time not laughing when you do something you're not supposed to.  You are quite the little trouble maker and if we tell you no you are usually encouraged to do it again.... We're working on the whole discipline thing and you actually go sit in time out on your own when we tell you to.  I'm not sure how effective this is because you normally have a big grin on your face but we're working on it :)

You really are a good eater and some of your favorites are waffles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, hot dogs, bananas, cheese, guacamole and of course cookies.  You drink milk in the morning and at night and would drink apple juice the rest of the day if I let you.  You weigh about 27 pounds and are wearing size 18-24 month clothes and are still in size 4 diapers.  Speaking of diapers, you are nowhere near ready for potty training!  I wish I could say we would have this down before the second baby arrives but I just don't see that happening.  You barely even notice or seem to care when you go potty so I can't imagine trying to get you to use your toilet.

Right now your best buddy (besides Benny!) is Leo and you have to sleep with him and you carry him around all the time.  I even bought a second one to have as backup in case something happened to the first but you want nothing to do with the new one.  It clearly does not look or smell the same as your original Leo!

Have I mentioned how much you LOVE to be outside?!?  I'm a big fan of being outside too but just not when it's the middle of July in Houston.  This doesn't seem to bother you though and are constantly at the door saying "outside".  Speaking of words, you still don't have much of a vocabulary but can say a few things.  Your favorite word is "uh oh" and I'm pretty sure you say this more than anything.  Your other favorite is "please".  It doesn't quite come out like that but you sure love to rub your belly and say please when you want something, specifically food :).  Hot, what's this, shoes, and juice are a few others.  You love to babble and talk to us but we're not quite sure what you're trying to say.  You can communicate well though and everyday you seem to learn more and more.

Henry, your dad and I love watching you grow and become the little boy that you are.  Your personality is seriously the best and we are so grateful for the joy you bring to us.  We're also so excited to see you become a big brother in just a few months and can't wait to watch you two boys grow up together.  Love you H Man!

Eighteen Months

Henry Ryan... you are eighteen months old!  A year and a half...  A full blown toddler...  Only six more months until you are two..  Where has the time gone?!? 

My last update was at fifteen months and so much has changed since then.    You are looking and acting more and more like a big boy than my little baby.  While this makes me sad and miss that stage I am even more excited about this age and what's to come.

You have the best grin and love to smile when I pull out the camera.  You get this goofy look on your face that just cracks me up.  You also have the best laugh that comes out at the oddest moments.  We're not so sure what you think is funny but you definitely have us rolling when you get the giggles.

Being outside is your absolute favorite thing to do.  You love to play with your lawnmower, drive your truck, pick up rocks and play in the dirt.  All boy for sure.  You always want to go outside when Bennett does and do not understand why you can't always go with him.  We are definitely starting the phase where you throw tantrums and lay on the floor when you don't get your way.  I'm hoping this phase passes quickly but I'm not so sure...

You are such an observant boy and love to mimic whatever we are doing.  Especially your dad.  You can be a momma's boy every now and then but you sure love your dad.  You're always watching what he is doing and then want to do the same thing.

You are also very focused when you set your mind to something.  You get very serious and try hard.  This usually only lasts a few minutes though and you're on to the next thing.  Which is usually playing/hugging on Benny, watching cartoons, climbing on chairs, or most of the time - getting in trouble.

We're still working on your vocabulary but you do say a few things now - hot, uh oh and what's this?  You jabber quite a bit so you're trying to say real words but we just don't understand them.  You also only have four teeth but we see a few on top that are about to poke through.  You are finally not drooling as much as you used to be but we're so ready to see more teeth.  Hopefully soon!

You love to eat and lately you're obsessed with cookies.  Always signing "more" when you see them.  We're going through a phase where one day you'll eat one thing and the next day you won't touch it so that can be a little challenging but we're working through it.  A few of your favorites though are still cheese, waffles, goldfish, bananas and any type of pasta.  You weigh 25 pounds and are very heavy to carry around!  You're wearing size 18 mths or 18-24 month clothes and wear size 5.5 shoes.  Last time we went to the doctor you were in the 30th percentile for weight but I feel like you're a pretty big boy for your age!

You're a great sleeper and usually go down between 7:30-8 pm and then wake up between 6:30-7 am.  Definitely manageable!  You are taking one nap and usually go down a little after noon and wake up about two hours later.  If you get off on your sleep you're definitely cranky though!

Have I mentioned that you're all boy?!?  If you're outside and dirty or wet you're most likely happy.  You're dad is a neat freak so he struggles with this a little but I can't help but laugh.

Henry, you are such a happy boy and you bring so much joy to our lives.  Yes, we have our times where we struggle with you when you're tired or cranky but generally you are in such a good mood and always laughing and smiling.  Love you so much kiddo :)

Fifteen Months!

Henry Ryan... you are fifteen months!  

You have changed so much these last two months and are officially a full blown toddler.  You run, you climb, you drink out of a straw and you definitely know how to test your limits.

You had your first two ear infections this month after you battled a cold.  You also managed to get pink eye so it was a rough couple of days.  Other than that it's been a good month!


You weigh 22 1/2 pounds and are wearing 18 month clothes and size 4 diapers.  We purchased your first big boy shoes this month in a size 4 1/2 and you love them!

You recently transitioned to a new room at daycare and so far so good.  I think I had a harder time with the transition than you did.  In your new room you only take one nap in the afternoon which was a little hard at first but you are getting used to it.  Evenings are a little rough as you're pretty cranky with less sleep during the day but I think we're finally adjusting.  I wish I could say you are sleeping longer at night but that's not really the case.  You go down around 7:30 at night and usually wake up around 6 am.

You are still a good eater but have become pickier lately.  We have a hard time with meats unless we disguise them in the rest of your food.  You continue to love cheese, bananas, blueberries, waffles, and mac n cheese.  A new favorite of yours is cookies!  You still take milk during the day but would prefer apple juice if you had your choice.

You have always been a curious boy and love to inspect everything.  You also love to be outside and hate when we have to go back inside.

You still are not saying any real words but I keep thinking we are so close.  You love to babble and you definitely know what things are but just can't say them yet.

While it has been a good month, there have also been some hard times.  You really love to test your limits even once we've told you no.  You've also gotten in trouble a few times at daycare for hitting.  We're working through this but it's hard for you and mom and dad.

It's hard for us to believe that we have a toddler in our house but we truly love this time.  We love seeing your personality shine and look forward to what is to come.  I know I've said it before but I truly think this is the best time yet.

Love you H man!

Thirteen Months!

Henry Ryan.... you are thirteen months old!

I'm not planning on continuing these posts every month but will try to do them periodically so I have a record of your stats and activities at each age.

You are turning into such a big boy and are no longer a baby.  You still weigh 21 1/2 pounds are are 30 inches tall.  You've slimmed out quite a bit and are 50 percentile for both weight and height.  You're wearing 12-18 month clothes and are in size 4 diapers.

You are still a great eater and love all types of food!  You are no longer on formula and drink whole milk throughout the day.  I do give you milk in a sippy cup in the morning and at night but no bottles for us anymore!

You are not walking yet and are just now starting to stand on your own for a bit without holding on.  You love to climb up the stairs and have just recently figured out how to go back down.

You are such a curious little boy and have figured out how to open the cabinets.  Time to put on the child locks!  You love to pull everything out and then climb in.

You are not saying any official words yet but love to "talk" and babble on.  We think you can almost say dog but we're not sure.

Henry, I absolutely LOVE this stage and I'm looking forward to learning and seeing more about the little boy you are to become!