Since Ryan was born we have been fortunate enough to go out together a few times, just Adam and I. We went out to lunch last September for our anniverary, Adam's work party in January, dinner for Valentine's Day, attended a wedding in March, and then this one on Saturday. There are probably one or two other occcasions that I am forgetting. I have heard how important it is to maintain a healthy marriage once you have kids, and I think planning regular time together, such as a monthly date night, is a great idea. It's just hard to actually execute, with budget limitations and a little boy who can be difficult to watch. So tell me, how often do you get out with your spouse, without your children tagging along? What do you think about having a designated "date night?"
So now I use 2 spoons with every bowl of food. One for him to hold and "feed" himself with, and the other for me to feed him with. This works pretty well because he is so distracted by his own spoon that he just opens his mouth when I bring the spoon to his mouth. I have a feeling this one won't last, but it's working for now!
What I now know is that yes, they are overpriced, but they serve a purpose. Ryan loves eating these because they give him all the control. I love them because they don't make a mess! (Unless he turns them upside down and squeezes out the contents. But shhhh he hasn't figured that out yet!) Most that I have seen are just a combination of fruits, but there are a few that also contain vegetables. I will pay the $1-$1.50 per pouch for these because they guarantee Ryan eats some fruits and veggies!
Adam wants to get it cut soon, before Ryan starts looking like a girl. That got me thinking.....what would a daughter of ours look like?
But just recently, after much urging from Adam, I have been allowing Ryan and Riley to interact a bit more. It still makes me incredibly nervous, and I watch the two of them together like a hawk. But I have noticed a few things. First, Riley mostly just runs away from Ryan. As long as Ryan is throwing a toy for him, the dog is happy to keep his distance. Secondly, Ryan absolutely positively adores dogs. He really seems to come alive when he is around a dog. He squeals and shrieks with joy.....something he rarely does otherwise!
Riley, or as Ryan calls him, "Daw!"
In order to get Ryan to keep his chest still, they had to place him on a little seat sitting upright, and then enclose him in a giant clear plastic tube. His feet were dangling in the air and his arms were up above his head. I got to stand next to him, but I could do nothing to comfort him. He screamed the entire time.
I know it traumatized him a little bit, because just a few minutes afterwards he fell asleep in my arms, which never happens. It kind of traumatized me too, and I commented to his Dr. that I, too, felt like laying down and taking a nap. Fortunately the x-ray looked good and Ryan was only prescribed an inhaler to help with his cough. He is still very congested, but definitely on the road to recovery.
I know Ryan is feeling better because he's been outside doing lots of mowing this weekend.
But still, I want to get him one. I know a few toddlers his age who have started the process of potty-training and are having lots of success. My idea is that I will put it in the bathroom and Ryan will get used to seeing it. Maybe I will let him sit on it when I use the bathroom. Hopefully it will be the start of something good.
Or, you know. Maybe he'll put the potty on his head and run down the hallway. 
It's worth a try, right? (I will try anything to get out of changing his diapers! It's a wrestling nightmare.)
It's amazing how quickly God can change a heart. I can't imagine having a little girl right now. I mean, what would I do with her?
Oh yes, the dirty laundry is practically stacked to the ceiling and Ryan's toy box has exploded all over the family room. Just another day in mommyhood! 
Ryan's Dr. said that an average 15-month old has a vocabulary of 10 words. Ryan still only says "Dada", "Mama", and "Baba". He makes other sounds but nothing that I would consider a word. I hope the specialist can give me some tips on how to increase Ryan's language skills. I'm not terribly worried about this, because I know it can take a bit longer for boys to develop their speech. (One of these days I'm sure he's going to open his mouth and just start blabbing).
Ryan's Dr. appt was pretty rough for him. The night before he had fallen and hit his head on a rock, so he had a big bruise on his forehead when we went in. Then, right after the Dr. left the exam room, Ryan picked up and dropped a little chair on his toes. I have never heard him scream so loudly in pain! Then the nurse came in and gave him 3 vaccination shots. And finally after that, we went to the lab to get Ryan's blood drawn. All I'm going to say is that it took 3 nurses plus myself to hold him down and draw the blood. Poor Ryan.
The good news is that Ryan's Dr. said his gross motor skills are excellent. (I obviously knew that already!). Now I just need to work on getting him to sleep, eat and talk!
