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!