5 Months

(UPDATE) I just weighed Ryder tonight. Thank you, Target, for putting an orange sticker on an at home baby scale. He weighed 14 lbs and 14 oz. That's over a two pound gain in two and a half weeks. I think the gain is evident from this month's picture compared to last month's. Grow, baby, grow!

Things Ryder has been up to this month:

*Blowing raspberries constantly

*Shrieking for no apparent reason

*Eating non-stop

*Laughing

*Loving his Johnny Jumper

*Sitting in a forward facing stroller

*Playing in his crib when he wakes up in the morning

*Rolling over both ways

*Likes to people and car watch

*Making his preferences known

*Playing in the bath

Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

One Month

One Quick Picture

Ryder looked so darn cute snoozin' away in his swing. I had to get just one quick picture.

Oops! I woke him up. Well, since he's up I should get a few more.

"No more pictures!"

Coming to you live from Higgins Beach....well sort of

Ryder and Brandon enjoying the effects of Hurricane Bill last Saturday.

Beach Bums

Ryder and I joined the Pfaff clan on a trip to Ogunquit Beach. It was beautiful as expected since it is one of the top tourist attractions in Maine. We got there at high tide, so we were actually on the river side which is not nearly as pretty as the ocean side. Aren't all these beach pics making you want to come visit Maine? Good, that's our plan.

This is Dylan Pfaff playing in his hole. He is almost exactly a year older than Ryder. While watching Elania chase after him, I had a flash of me next year doing the exact same thing. I will be sure to enjoy the benefits of a immobile baby while they last.

Check out Ryder in his big boy stroller. He puts his hands on his knees and is ready to roll.

Another Bath Video

Ryder's New Thing

Lately Ryder is constantly trying to put my finger in his mouth. As soon as he gets it he starts talking and blowing. He could do it for hours.

Higgins Beach and Hurricane Bill's Effects

The waves did not disappoint. The water, however, was so cold it gave you a brain freeze when you put your feet in. Brrrrrrrr!

We Heart Weekends

We spent the day mostly just hanging around the house. Ryder was being extra cute, so of course we have pics galore.

Giving the frog the stink eye

We were trying to get a pic of Ryder's knee rolls. He apparently wanted to give a peace sign with his toes.

We did go out for a little while to go to our friend's graduation party at Fort Williams Park. The waves were pretty big due to the storm. Hopefully, tomorrow we will make it to another beach where they are supposed to be crazy.

They Couldn't Have Been More Wrong

Beating the Heat

Summer made her fashionably late appearance this year finally. It has been so darn hot! The other day Ryder fell asleep with his arm over his face. When he woke up the kid has sweat beads where his arm had been. Don't get me wrong; I love it. But it forces some creativity with a 4 month old and no air conditioning.

Okay, this next pic doesn't really go with the theme, but I had to post it. HE IS HOLDING HIS OWN BOTTLE! (tear)

Eureka!

Ryder is in this weird stage where he has outgrown his baby play things but isn't really ready for the next stage up of toys since he can't sit or stand. The Bumbo is great, but he is constantly dropping his toys and then can't reach to pick them back up. Insert a little idea I like to call "Put the baby in the basket". It was wonderful. He could sit up because he held himself up with his arms, he couldn't drop any toys out of his reach, and he got to kiss his sweet reflection. Check him out in action...

I have a feeling I am going to be utilizing this new idea a lot.

Monkeying Around

Dundee Park

After church we headed with some families to Dundee Park on the Presumpscot River. The water was quite chilly, but it was a hot day so it felt pretty good. Even Ryder let us dip him in for a bit. It reminded us a lot of France Park. It was like being back in Indiana for a while.

White Mountain National Forest

We got an early start this morning and headed across the state line to New Hampshire to visit White Mountain National Forest. Once again we were not disappointed with our travels. It was gorgeous. Even the drive was a sight to see.

Crawford's Notch State Park

Self Portrait in front of the White Mountains

Ripley Falls Trail (Look at the trail behind Brandon. It was a little harder than we had thought it would be)

Yay! We made it.

Ripley Falls

Good Night, Sweet Boy

(Working on getting rid of his bald spot)

4 Month Wellness Visit

Well, technically, it's actually 4 and 1/2 months but who's counting. We were in Indiana for the first week and his doctor was on vacation the second, so we were finally able to get in to see Dr. Girard. He is the sweetest guy. He is always so positive, reassuring, relaxed, encouraging and helpful. Just thought I would let you know that Ryder is in good medical hands up here. Anyways, the part you are all interested in...

RYDER'S STATS

12 pounds and 12 ounces (7th percentile)

24 inches (10th percentile) Ryder's projected height is 5' 9''

I can't remember his head size. All I know is it's in the 51st percentile.

The doctor was pleased with Ryder's growth. I was a little sad when I saw the low percentiles, but the doctor assured me that Ryder has been growing steadily since birth and that is what we want. Ryder is just a smaller baby. He is doing great in all other areas. He didn't like the shots, as to be expected, but seems okay for the time being. He came home and passed out in the swing. Note the paci plastered to the kid's face. It's actually curling his lip up if you can't tell by the picture. I dare not move it and wake a sleeping baby.

There Is Fun Stuff Everywhere!

Ryder's first experience in his exer-saucer.

I wasn't even trying to make him smile for this picutre. He was so excited the minute I put him in it.

Now I am off to clean the kitchen while Ryder squeals and plays in his new toy.