The 7th Month

This month Ryker got a brand new big boy car seat!  He was getting so heavy in the infant carrier carseat, and outgrowing it quickly!  We also hoped a new car seat would help him(and us) have a more pleasant car riding experience (he would often cry for part of or all of the ride), just in time for our long car ride to Minnesota.  The car seat change and facing him forward (a little early to face him forward, but it made a huge difference) made him a happy baby for our long drive.  He only cried about 30 minutes total of the 22 hours up there, and the last 20 minutes of the 17 hours back.  Not nearly the nightmare I had imagined based on his previous car riding experiences.

Diggin' the new carseat

Minnesota or bust!

The trip to Minnesota was amazing.  The weather was a nice break from the heat of Texas, and we got to see and visit with lots of family.  Ryker met most of his cousins, aunts, uncles, and great-grandma.  He loved staying with his Aunt Amy and Uncle Jimmy and his four-legged cousins, Baillie and Henry.  We also had a lovely shower where I was able to visit with cousins and aunts I haven't seen in ages. Uncle Frank gave him his first taste of beer - oh my!

Munching on crackers with Grandma Brewer

Falling asleep on Grandpa Brewer

Walking with Aunt Mary, Uncle Dan, and cousins Annamarie and Sienna

Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Frank, and Ballie, Otto, and Henry

With the Moline gang - missing cousins Zach, Nate, and Seth :-(

Some Aunt Laura love

He had his very first babysitting by his wonderful cousins, Annamarie and Sienna.  They were wonderful and took great care of him.  It was neat to see the nieces that I grew up babysitting, now babysitting my son.  Makes me feel a little old :-)

Cousin and Godsister Sienna

We spent some time up at our cabin on Long Lake where Ryker enjoyed his first boat ride, first bike ride (he rode in one of those bike trailers), and first skinny dip in the lake.  He really loves to be outside and look at and play with the water.

Hello!

Cabin fun

First boat ride

Skinny dipping in the lake

Splash!

We spent a day at the zoo with Aunt Laura (my sister) and Ryker's Amelse cousins (Jake, Nick, and Luke). I was surprised that Ryker enjoyed it and was so engaged.  He loved watching the animals, especially the penguins, sharks and tropical fish, and all the farm animals (especially the goats at the petting zoo).  His absolute favorite part was the butterfly garden.  In the enclosed butterfly garden he was in awe as he watched the butterflies flying all around him, and reached out to try to touch a couple.

Penguins

Amelse cousins at the zoo

Let me touch the butterfly, dad!

Ryker had some awful teething days while on our MN trip, but then they just seemed to stop abruptly - and still no teeth, which is fine with me - I'm not in any rush for him to get teeth.  He began chewing on/sucking his thumb every once in a while, though.

Splish, splash in my new ducky bath

I love my Johnny-Jump-Up...and Kitty

Ryker is now sitting up all by himself.  He used to slam himself backward when he was sitting, but he has gotten the hang of balancing himself.  He can now sit in his highchair.  He still hates cereal and spoons and foreign objects and foods being forced into his mouth, so for now we are taking a break and trying other methods.  He will suck on avocado and chew on the spout of a sippy cup - yay!  He likes to be in control of the food going into his mouth, so we are trying the baby-led solids method, which has led to some food art and finger-painting!

Kitty inspects and approves the new highchair

Avocados, yum!

Cereal painting

Mealtime fun

These dogs are hilarious!

Month 6

Although I already desperately miss the sweetness of early infancy, I am thoroughly enjoying the slow reveal of our little guy's personality.  I had heard it a lot, but it's so true: even though you miss the previous stages, the current one is always your favorite.  It seems like everyday brings something new to celebrate and try to figure out.

Brandi checking on her baby

Go long...

This month we celebrated many new experiences.  Ryker enjoys music and has begun "dancing" to the music. When it is on, he  bounces like a madman in his activity bouncer (he also bounces like crazy when the music isn't on, but he gets really into it with music and especially loves Beyonce, Mariah Carey, and Justin Timberlake).  His daddy may not like me admitting that one, even though he gets exposed to all different artists and genres.

Kitty is NOT happy to share the blanket

Ready for our morning walk, mom!

Playing and talking

Ryker has begun to show a little Three Stooges humor by laughing hysterically every time daddy comically hits himself.  Laughing also occurs when mom sneezes and we rip paper.  Oh, to be so easily amused again!

When the camera goes on, Ryker gets serious and distracted!

Daddy's scratchy kisses!

Drum roll please...  Ryker has finally mastered the art of rolling over.  He can now successfully maneuver his chubby arm out of the way and push his bulky body over with a push of his very voluptuous leg. He does it every time we put him on his tummy now!

Worn out from swimming (he loves the pool!)

Ryker enjoys daddy singing the ABC song, and his face brightens even in the middle of a fit when he hears it.  Mommy, on the other hand, would be okay if she didn't have to hear that song again for a very long time!

I wonder where my blue eyes come from? (Grandma Voorhies)

Chillin' with Uncle Loren

We enjoyed our first 4th of July as a family, and had a cookout and watched the fireworks with our amazing Team D friends.

Watching the fireworks... with Daddy... in the buff (the best way to be)!

Not so interested in the fireworks

Ryker took his first tumble.  He fell about a foot or so off the couch.  Luckily there was a pillow there, but he still got a little bump on his head.  He cried for a bit, but took it like a champ.  Daddy, on the other hand, was very worried seeing his little boy hurt for the first time.  It was a good break-in for the future bumps, scrapes, and bruises that come with raising a rambunctious little boy.  Lesson learned - no more raised surfaces for our little mover!

"The blowout"- a gross but somewhat proud moment for parents (maybe I'm the only one to be just a little proud).

We started introducing solids this month.  The very first introduction of oatmeal cereal went surprisingly well. By no means did he love it, but he didn't object too much and even got some of it down.  He was very exploratory   After that first time though, he gagged and coughed and sputtered every time any food or sippy cup was inserted into his mouth.  He even got to the point where he shuts his mouth tight every time he sees the spoon coming toward his mouth.

First meal ended up mostly on his face

More interested in the spoon as a lightsaber

Jon celebrated his first Father's Day this month.  We kicked off the weekend swimming with dear friends.  Then, on Father's Day we went to the Ranger's baseball game and watched a dear friend sing "God Bless America" at the 7th inning stretch. A special way to celebrate a special daddy.

"I'm your Father's Day gift. (Mom says you're welcome!)"

Father's Day at the Rangers baseball game

6 month stats:
Weight: 17lbs. 15oz (60th percentile)
Height: 26 1/2 " (50th percentile)
Head: 43.2 cm (50th percentile)