Turkey Trance

All that triptaphane from the glorious Thanksgiving turkey put me in a bit of a food coma over the last few days, so please excuse the lack of blogging!!! Here I am , though- back to fill you in!! I would like to first of all just say what a great time I had over Turkey Day. Mommy tried all day to get me to say "Gobble Gobble" but I just could not do it. We spent the holiday at Mommom and Poppy's cottage with Mommom's sister Jane, her hubby Mike, and her two awesome daughters- Abigayle & Jacklyn. Really, Abby & Jacklyn are mommies cousins- but for ease of conversation- we just called them my cousins!! They played with me all day and I just could not get enough of them!!!!!!! We went on a nice walk, played, clapped, took steps, ate, and they even got to stay and help me get a bath!! Mommy wants them to come home with us because they helped her out a lot!! She was very grateful to them for all of their assistance. Mommy told me that I had to think about what I was thankful for this Thanksgiving- and here is what I have come up with...

*Family *Friends *Elastic Waist Pants *Yo Gabba Gabba *Avocado's *Fleece Jammies
*Health Of All Those That I Love *Toys With Lights & Sound *Quality Time With Daddy *Gerber Puffs *Soft Flooring *Sleepytime Seahorse *Silky Blanket *Yo Baby Yogurt *Exersaucer *Clapping *Pooping *Pacifiers *Bathtime *Blogs *Teething Tablets/Teethers
*Oxyclean (Maybe Mommy Is More Thankful For This!) *Anything That I Can Bang *Mommies Smell *Mirrors *Music- Any Kind As Often As Possible! *Singing Stage
*Mia, And Memories Of Bob *Fat Cheeks *Everyone Who Visits Me Here On My Blog!

Most of all- thanks to everyone who has been a part of my life for my first eight months here!!
A special thanks to Mommom and Poppy for such a great day and filled with great people and fabulous food. Hope everyone had a Happy Turkey Day...I know I sure did!

Turkey Day Prep

Mommy has been prepping me for my Thanksgiving meal and I am lovin' it!!! She has been giving me more and more big boy food so that come this Thursday, I am a bit accustomed to it. That way I can actually partake of some of the yummy eats that Mommom will be preparing. She did buy me some Turkey Day appropriate baby food- like Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry, Turkey & Apple, and Sweet Potatoes & Cinnamon. I really want to try Turkey, though. So- my prep has consisted of eating some Chicken Cacciatore that mommy made last week as well as Hummus (to get me used to garlic.) All of which have been lip smackin' good. Seriously- check out the video below- I love smacking my lips!!!

I only wish mamma would let me try out some desserts before Thanksgiving- but I have not been able to talk her into that one!! I have a feeling that I will not be allowed to eat any for quite some time. That's OK...I have been trying new fruits recently- like Guava and Kiwi- and I like those...so I am fine with sticking to real fruit in my mesh eater instead of sugary desserts. One day, though- natural sugars will not be enough, mamma!! I will want the good stuff! To be honest, even though desserts sound yummy- I do love my carbs and have been most looking forward to the mashed potatoes- just hold the butter and salt for me!! MMMMmmmmm...Let me not think only of my belly. Thanksgiving should be a fun day not only for the food- but also for the family fun. I am so thankful for all of the people I have in my life to love- not only on Thanksgiving- but every single day of the year!!

Clap Happy

Well...after weeks of me being an elusive clapper- mommy finally captured me in action!! Each time that I would see the camera- I would stop what I was doing...so it was very hard for mommy to catch me in the middle of my clapping show! I have been doing it sporadically- but over the last few days, I have just been so proud of myself that I am starting to do it more frequently and the opportunity to be caught on tape finally presented itself! See how I get so into it that I forget what I am doing?? Then I see what my hands are doing- almost like they are not attached to my body and it takes me by surprise?? But then, wait...those are my hands and I really am the one playing Patty Cake!! YAY!! This is fun...

Mommy's Blue Eyed Boys

I got to get dressed up in my preppy outfit today so that I could go and be a party animal!! Mommy dressed both daddy and I in blue to show off our lovely eyes and I think we looked like a handsome duo! The reason for our dapper attire was a trip to church for a Baptism and afterwards a first birthday party. Daddy's friend from his work has a cute little girl and both occasions were in honor of her. In our rush to get out of the house on time, mommy forgot the camera- so I cannot show you a picture of Olivia...but boy is she a cutie!! She has the most hair that I have ever seen on a baby who is 1 year old! It is big, bushy, and curly- and oh so very adorable!! I am not too sure if she just thought I was handsome, or she is just in a perpetually good mood- but she was smiling every time I saw her. I tried to flirt with her and steal her paci- but she is bigger than me and I was not able to get hers- but she sure did take mine right out of my mouth! I was not too sure what to think- so I just tried to grab it back! All in all I had a fun day. Mommy and daddy were proud that I behaved not only at the party- but also in church! Guess this was a good dry run for my Christening this Spring.

Me & My Santa

I got to meet a pretty cool dude today- and his name is Santa!! Mommy and daddy explained to me that this jolly bearded man has a huge involvement in the festivities this time of year. Apparently he lives far away in a very cold place called the North Pole. He traveled all the way down to Pennsylvania today so little kids like me could get their picture taken with him...what guy!!!! So, as the story goes- it is this fun portly fellow who will bring me toys and fun things if I am a good boy throughout the year. Well- I think that I have been a good boy so far- as long as you don't count the night time wakings and fussiness- but you see...these are not my fault, so I should not be held accountable for them. Right now I am just being a baby and that is what babies do!! Mommy and daddy reassured me that they know that I am a wonderful little guy and that Santa agreed...so it looks like I might be getting some loot on December 25th!! Obviously I could not tell the man in red what toys I wanted- but I think that he has some sense of that and will indeed know what to get me. I was a very well humored little man when I sat on Santa's lap. I REALLY liked all that white hair on his face! Very similar to Bud & Poppy's mustaches, which I love to play with- but way more & in more places too!!! It was crazy! I was a good boy, though- and did not pull on it like I tend to do with mustaches. I did not even cry when he held me. Mommy and daddy and the nice lady behind the camera were trying to get me to smile...but I just did not feel like smiling at them- so they had to settle for this very serious picture of me. What a fun day...I can't wait to see all the joy and merriment that this Christmas season brings to my family and all of the people that I love! Happy start to the Holiday Season!

Snow Day

Darn it...we had our first snow of the season (and the first of my life) this morning and I did not even get to play in it. When I woke up it was a winter wonderland...well, not really- but it sure was something I had never seen before!! There was indeed all this white stuff on the tree's, grass, and cars- but the roads and sidewalks looked like they normally do- just a bit wetter. I got to go outside in it when we said goodbye to daddy as he left for work. Some of that white wet stuff, which I learned was called snow, did land on my head and face, but that was the extent of it. I was a bit cold since I was still in my jammies- so we headed back in with the intention of coming back out to play after getting dressed and having breakfast. Mommy had hoped to bundle me up in this nice red fleece outfit that CiCi made me for just this occasion- but we were not in luck!! By the time we were ready- there was no more snow on the ground!! BUMMER! Well- at least mommy and I still got to go for a walk and enjoy just being outside, regardless of the snow accumulation!

Baby Steps

As always- I get so excited about my accomplishments, that I post about them right away...so here is another one! Hopefully this post will not jinx me and I will keep progressing towards the piece de resistance- walking!! Anyway- let me give you a little history. For about the last month- I have been standing unassisted for increasingly longer stretches at a time. It started out at a second or two- and now I have moved my way up to about a minute. I then typically get distracted by something and do a nice, I feel quite graceful, butt flop. As the natural progression would have it- I then started, while standing- to lunge towards mommy, daddy, a table, my exersaucer- or anything that would allow me to fall forward with a stutter step or two and catch me. Then, about a week or so ago- I would stand, braced by the table cubes or my exersaucer and stomp my foot, kinda like a horsey does. The most recent stage has been me standing in front of mommy or daddy and taking 3-4 steps, then lunging into them quite aggressively!! That is what I am doing in the video, so take a peek and tell me what you think...it was right before nap time- so I was a bit fussy! Thankfully mommy only made me perform on demand a time or two before the camera went away and I got my snooz on! (Oh- please excuse mommy's shrill exuberant praise...I like it- but I know it can indeed make dogs bark and glass break!!)

I know it is not walking just yet- but I am definitely taking some major "steps" towards achieving that goal!

Playful Papa

My Papa does not live in this area...he lives down at the beach- but he was in my neck of the woods today for a doctors appointment in Philly and he was able to stop in to see me for a while!! He got here just as I was finishing a very big lunch- so I had to take it a bit easy at first so lunch would stay where it belonged- but once I was all settled- we sure did have fun! Papa got right down on the floor with me and we played with a new ball that mommy bought me yesterday. It is a mini dodge ball that bounces really high- but right now basically I enjoy chewing on it. Papa did get me (along with mamma's help, of course) to kick and bat it back to him. I was all smiles! That was my introduction to soccer- and I do think that I am going to want to play that sport! I know my daddy played soccer when he was younger- so I bet he can give me some pointers! Papa and I also had some good quality book time. I love reading, but am still pretty bad about sitting still for too long- but we did get through one whole book today. It was a great book, too! It was a gift from Papa and Nana- and boy did I need a new book. Mommy reads to me all the time and I am getting kinda used to all of my books- so this was a great surprise! It had animals in it, which I love- and Papa did a great job reading it to me! Even thought I am not yet 8 months old, I could tell that he got all the words right...Good job Papa! I was so exhausted from the fun playing- that I fell asleep, while you were still here, before mommy could even get me in my crib. The major bummer was when I woke up and you were gone!! Mommy was trying to feed me and all I could do was twist and turn my head- looking in every direction for you. I was such a wigglepuss that mommy just gave up on that feeding! I wanted to play more- but mommy just did not know how to do it like you, Papa!! Thanks for coming to see me and making today a fun day for me. Hope to see you & Nana soon!

CiCi The Sitter

What a fun weekend- CiCi came to babysit for me while mommy and daddy went to a wedding on Saturday night. So, while mommy and daddy were getting gussied up to head into Philly- I was busy getting myself ready for my CiCi. I think CiCi was getting ready to see me by practicing her pucker skills. She got to our house early on Saturday, so not only did I get to spend the night with her- but I got to get some quality day time as well- and she got tons of good kisses in. Tons & Tons of kisses- but I liked them! I was sooooo good for her. I went down for my nap as well as for bed without crying one bit. I also stuck to my schedule and ate all my food for lunch and dinner. I showed her how I am progressing with my solids...I ate pasta with beets & carrots, avocado, pear, and of course the baby food. We played a ton and I had so much fun. CiCi is my mommy's mommy- so it makes sense as to why I like her so much- she really does remind me of mommy (or I guess, to be proper, mommy reminds me of CiCi). They have very similar gestures and the way they speak is the same too. I was on my extra good behavior because I know CiCi is going to watch me in December when mommy and daddy spend the night away for their 4 year Anniversary, and I did not want to scare her away. I think I did a good job of charming her and I think she is looking forward to the first week in December to come back and do it all again- I know I can't wait!!! I am counting down the days, CiCi...Only 20 more to go!!

Finger Foods

I realized the other day that I have been posting a lot about food. Trying all this new stuff sure seems like a big deal to me...so I hope you don't mind all the nitty gritty details of my meals!! The solids are progressing very nicely, if I do say so myself! I feel as though I have a pretty good amount of things that I have tried at this point- very few of which I have disliked. So far, here is my list...rice crispies, carrots, beets, peas, green beans, pasta, couscous, avocado (yes- I tried it again and like it simply cut up into small squares as opposed to the yucky pureed form) peaches, pears, strawberries (do NOT like...too tart) apples, mango's, black beans & rice (NOT a fan!! I think it was the consistency & texture) tomato sauce, yogurt, and ham & white bean soup- with the sodium laden broth drained off, of course. I think that I am building up my palate quite nicely with these things. Mommy is a bit afraid to have me try anything too large that could be a potential choking hazard- especially after she heard Auntie KK had to perform CPR on my buddy Greta the other day after she choked on a Goldfish!! That sure did scare the BeJesus out of mommy (can't imagine how KK felt) so I am sure she will be even more over protective and hypersensitive to what I put in my mouth now. I guess that is why she gives me the mesh feeder so much!! Boy do I go to town with that thing. There is basically nothing left once I have "gummed" what is inside to death!! I like all the fruit that she outs in it- so I don't mind...anything that makes mommy feel more comfy, works for me!! Wonder what new thing she will feed me tomorrow? Glad you are OK, Greta!! Don't scare us like that again, OK??

Splish Splash

It's official...I am a big boy!! I have upgraded to the "adult" tub instead of my kiddie bath! Mommy thought I was ready ever since I got to bathe with my god sisters, Evie and Greta, a few weeks ago- but wanted to make sure that I was not toppling over anymore when I sit. Well- I have definitely mastered that, so the only thing holding me back was getting the OK that our tub did not contain lead. CiCi read a story about little kids getting sick and no one knew why...and then it turned out they were being infected with lead from their old tub. Since we live in a house that is 80 years old- mommy and daddy wanted to make sure we were lead free- and we are!!! My first experience was fun-but I did have a slight mishap. I decided to crawl to the small area that was not protected from the Elmo tub mat- and I slipped just a bit, face planting into the water! Thank goodness mamma was right there and scooped me up in one second flat! I did get some water in the face and a red mark on my forehead- but was no worse for the wear once my frightened state dissipated! Mommy just put me right back into the tub and distracted me with tubby time toys and I was smiling again in no time! I was just a splish splashin' and havin' a good old time!! Bath time has taken on a whole new meaning for me now. No longer is it just a means to a clean end or a night time routine- but it has become an extended aquatic playtime! I am a little fishy- with cute buns!!!

In Memory Of...

Bob "Bobert, not Robert" Ryan

Our sweet l'il guy is no longer with us and it is one of the hardest decisions that mommy and daddy have ever had to make. Instead of dwelling on the bad, though- I thought that I would celebrate the little things about Bob that made us love (or sometimes be frustrated with) him!! I obviously did not have a lot of time to get to know him- but mommy and I talked about him a lot today- so let me share...

* Bob liked to drink water from running spigots, but was very picky about having to drink still water. Mommy and daddy even bought him a kitty water fountain- yet he still preferred the tub and kitchen sink, or even the toilet!
* Bob had a bad habit of peeing near the front door and also on any radiator in the house. He was such a pampered guy that he liked a warm pee pee place!

* Bob used to love to sleep on pizza boxes...again- I think it had to deal with the whole temperature thing. Mommy and daddy would have to put a plate on top of the pizza box or else their cheese would no longer be on the pizza, but stuck to the lid of the box, due to his weight!

* Bob loved bugs. He always made this weird noise when he would track them before the kill. (Actually- he would track them...but Mia, our girl cat, would be the one to actually strike the deadly blow!) The first time mommy & daddy heard the noise they thought he was having a seizure of some sort...kinda freaked them out! He also made the noise when snow and leaves were falling outside as well!

* Bob was a gentle cat and as a kitten used to sleep on mommy and daddy's heads at night- right with them on their pillows.

* Bob loved his daddy...they had a special bond and loved sleeping together. Bob loved to curl up with dad and have as many lazy weekend naps as possible.

* Bob was a Valentine's Day present from mommy to daddy more than 7 years ago. He came into our lives through love- and left with much love as well!

I am glad I got to meet you and to know you, buddy!! Just feel lucky that you don't have to deal with me pulling your tail or fur anymore...I promise I will try to be kind and gentle- and will look out for your sis Mia for you! Love ya...

Chasing Tails

I wanted to take a moment today to talk about my kitties. I love them and I enjoy chasing them around the house. I am getting much faster with my crawling skills- but they are much faster than me and I can never seem to catch them! I think that I am playing a game with them- but in reality, mommy has explained to me that they are just trying to get away from me and my grabby pully little hands. It is true- I do like to pull their fur. Not to be mean- it is just how I play with them and I don't understand yet that it hurts them. I love them and would never do that on purpose!
One of the reasons I wanted to talk about Bob & Mia today is that Bob is sick. Mommy and daddy noticed when mommy was pregnant with me, that Bob had started to lose weight and was picky about his food and drink. They really did not think anything of it- other than he was a smart cat and could sense that I was in the picture- even though I was still in the belly. Well- this continued and he was still acting this way once I was born too. Still, mommy and daddy just thought he was acclimating to my arrival. Well- yesterday mommy and daddy noticed that Bob stopped eating and drinking all together. Mommy and daddy took him to the animal doctor today and he has a problem with his kidneys. He was dehydrated and had an extremely low temperature. His blood work came back with problems and the doc does not think that things look good for him- but the nice doctor is keeping him overnight and trying to get fluids in him and do all that he can.

Even though I am just getting to know my animals, I love Bob so much and I don't want him to not be here anymore. I really want all of you to think of him and send good wishes his way for a recovery! Mommy has been upset, crying, and not herself all day- so it must be pretty serious- because I have never seen her this way before. I know our other cat Mia will be very upset if her buddy does not return- so please think of her too. I don't really know what all of this means- but I know it is not good. So...sorry for the somber blog entry- but Bob is on all of our minds here in the Ryan household and I want him to be on all of your minds too!!!

No Teeth Yet...

But boy do mommy & daddy wish they would come in!!! I have been in quite the funky mood for the last 2 weeks! Luckily daddy was out of town for most of that time- so he still thinks I am an angel...but mommy is wondering where her sweet little boy has gone! I am here mommy...I am just a bit uncomfortable as of late and have been vocal about it!! My toofers hurt- but they are still not here...so as bad as my attitude is hurting you- just remember that I am the one dealing with the actual physical pain!! I wish they would get here too...I am looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. I have been gnawing on EVERYTHING in sight- but I like my hand the best! As much as the pain is indeed bothering me- the constant drool is becoming even more of a nuisance! It is one thing to have a slightly damp shirt- but to be able to ring it out is just a whole other story. It seems as though every time I even open my mouth a crack, a string of drool escapes!! I know I am a baby and this is expected...but, believe it or not, it even embarrasses me at this point! This volume of spit is just crazy!! Oh well...I guess I can deal with anything for a while- but let's go teeth- break on through soon!!

Sensory Stimulation

Mommy and I packed into the car on Thursday and headed down to Maryland to keep Mommom company while Poppy is in Mexico with daddy! I had a great time visiting with Mommom and Sadie, but it turns out that this trip was an educational one too- an education for my senses! Mommy explained to me that it is the time of year when the trees change into brilliant fiery colors andthat I should appreciate what I was about to witness. She told me that her favorite colors are red and orange partially because they remind her of Autumn. There is nothing better than the wonderful scents, colors, sounds and temperatures than those in the fall! The smell of chimney fires in the air, the awe inspiring changing foliage, the slight nip of cold that requires a sweater or light coat, the sounds of crunching leaves underneath and the migrating geese above. All of these things are what mommy loves and appreciates about this fleeting time of year! I know that she he is hoping that I will love them too! Well- the perfect place to witness fall in all of it's glory is down at Mommom and Poppy's cottage. I gotta tell you- before seeing its splendor yesterday- I did not know what mommy was all excited about...but after being there I can agree that it was wonderful!!!! We spent some nice time outside just taking it all in and I was not disappointed! I am bummed that this season only comes once a year and apparently is the shortest of all seasons. I guess that just gives me something to look forward to next year!! Mommy says that I will be able to play in piles of leaves!! Sounds fun- I can't wait!!

Carbs!!!

I think I am a carb addict!!! I have been urging mommy & daddy to give me new things to eat. I am just not satisfied with baby food and have found that I love to feed myself. At first I was given "Puffs" but since they do not really have any nutritional value- so in addition to those, mommy decided to try to incorporate other very small, un-chokable foods into my repertoire. So far we have tried smashed up peas, tiny pieces of bread, couscous, and angel hair pasta. By far I have enjoyed the cous cous the most- running a close second, is the "wormies," better known as pasta! They do feel kinda funny in my mouth- so I do make some funny faces! Mommy has explained that this is the consistency. I am also told that cheese is a good first food (thank you Evie & Greta for the advice) but am waiting for mommy to get to the food store to buy me the good organic stuff before I try that! Any other good idea's?? Check me out eating the couscous- hear me being very demanding to CiCi to quickly feed me more??

Yup- that's me...carb-aholic!!

The Ballots Are In...

And the new President of the United States of America is...JACK RYAN!! Who would have thought that so many citizens would a) even know about me and b) feel that I should be the leader of this fine country of ours!! As my first order of business- I would like to put an end to all naps and veto the current Bill that requires 4 portions of veggies a day for all children!! YAY!! I think I am feeling a little dizzy from all this power! I believe I will follow the McCain lead and have a female VP- so Greta, Evie, Elizabeth, and Antonella...which one of you is up for the challenge?? Seriously, though...I did go with mommy and miss Kathy to the local Methodist Church a few blocks away so the ladies could cast their vote for the next Pres! I was expecting a huge line and so I had mommy pack all kinds of provisions for a potentially long wait- but there were about 4 other people there...so we breezed right through! I had hoped to go into the little booth with mamma- but there were stairs leading down to the lower level where the voting actually occurred, of which my stroller could not maneuver...so I could not do it and was bummed!! The walk to & fro was kind of a wet one- but I still liked being outdoors and enjoyed the changing foliage.

I will not get into all the political talk about what side I agree with- but I just feel proud to be part of this country, glad that my mommy got out there and did her part today, and privileged that I got to accompany her! I know that I am first Presidential pick- as previously stated, but obviously not old enough to handle that big and important a job...so I will eagerly await news tomorrow when I wake up (after having slept through the night for my mamma- hope hope) about who is the new President Elect.

Clap Happy

I am the Baker Man! What?...you might be asking?? Well, let me explain! Mommy has, for as long as I can remember- played a game with me called Patty Cake. Up to this point it has been mommy who has been slapping my hands together, making goofy faces, singing, and urging me to do the same. She is indeed a nut- but I do like to keep her happy. So- yesterday morning I obliged and clapped my hands together!! In all of the excitement with my daddy being home yesterday- I forgot to update you- can you believe that? Such a cute milestone and it totally escaped my little brain?? The funny thing is- we were not even playing Patty Cake at the time. We were just sitting on the floor hanging out and I just up and decided to do it! Of course- as mommy does with all of my developmental milestones- she screeched, picked me up, smothered me with kisses and praised my wonderful accomplishment. She made me feel so good that once she set me back down- I did it again! When daddy got home- mommy tried to get me to do it a third time- but I was just all in a tizzy to see my dad and I just could not even think about doing it. It all happened so quickly that mommy could not capture it with her camera...but stay tuned and I am sure a video or picture will be coming soon. IF I choose to cooperate, that is!!

Short...But Oh So Sweet

Daddy was home today for a brief layover. Last week he was in Florida for a work convention. He arrived home today at 11am and has to leave tomorrow at 5am to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He was supposed to get home at 8pm tonight, but then I would not have gotten to see him, because I would have been nicely tucked in my crib- adrift in dreamland. Daddy missed me so much, though- that he booked an earlier flight and so we got to spend some quality time together today! I don't want him to leave again so soon- but I am OK with it, because this trip will be fun for daddy- he gets to go deep sea fishing with Poppy and Elknu (unkle) Paul. I am typically a mamma's boy, especially as of late with all of my teething fussiness- but today was ALL ABOUT DADDY! From the minute that he walked in the door- I only had eyes for him. At a certain point, when mommy was blocking my view of him- I even craned my neck to get a good look at my dad!! I am sooooooo bummed that he has to go away again tomorrow. The one consolation is that I know he needs a break after all the hard work he has been putting in at his job- so I am glad that he will have some down time and can just relax on the open water and hopefully catch us some dinner!! Mommy keeps telling me how good fish is for me, and I am dying to try some- so what is better than some freshly caught sea chicken?? Have a fun time daddy- but come home soon!!!! I miss you too much when you are away!

Two Lovely Ladies

On Saturday- I got a visit from not one...but two- yeah that's right, TWO, wonderful ladies!!! Nana had set it up with mommy that she would come watch me for a bit, while mommy ran some errands. It was so nice of her to do! Mommy really needed the reprieve because daddy has been out of town and I have been quite "delicate" as of late. You might be asking why I have been delicate?? Well- it is kinda a mystery to us all right now- but the consensus is teething! Mamma really did appreciate the free time- even if it was just to go to Trader Joe's & Babies R' Us! Anyway...Mommy left to go run her errands and lo and behold- who shows up at the door but Auntie Courtney!! What a rockin' turn of events for me. I was having a blast with Nana- but two dear, fun, wonderful family members is always better than one!! I had so much fun that I got upset when they left...stuck with just mommy yet again!! Come back soon, guys!