Ryan Trying New Things

It seems like Ryan has had a lot of new experiences over the last week or so. First, it was going in the Jolly Jumper (see previous post). A day or two later, I decided to try putting him in the Exersaucer because he likes being in an upright position so much. As with all his new experiences, he was cautious and uncertain at first, but then started to wiggle his little legs around.

He bounced on his tip-toes and tapped his feet on the bottom a bit, and checked out the toys.


After about 5 minutes, he was done! He can't really support his upper body yet, so he kind of leans on the edge of the seat to stay up. I imagine that gets uncomfortable after a few minutes. That's been the case ever since; he likes to go in the Exersaucer for 5 or 10 minutes to be upright and play with the toys, and then he gets tired of it.

"Mama, get me outta here!"

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Since he enjoys sitting up, but can't do it on his own, I've been trying to find ways to prop him up in a comfortable position. He fit quite comfortably into the kids' chair, and it supported him surprisingly well. He was really relaxed, watching something on TV.

On the same day, I tried sitting him up on the Dora couch, but he was getting tired. I folded it out and laid him down with some toys. He loves to kick his legs right now. He's such a wiggledy-bum!

Then, he started up with his newest trick: what I call his "vocal exercises." Ryan loves to hear himself screech right now. He usually does it when he's happy, although his face looks all grumpy because he's so serious about it. This video isn't the prettiest example of his vocal exercises (sometimes he sounds like he's singing!), but it gives you an idea of what he likes to do. In fact, 2 nights ago, he did this from 12:30 to 1:30AM . . . party animal. ;-)

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Yesterday, we went for our first outdoor swim of the year at Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Tony's. I decided it was time for Ryan's first swim. Ryan, on the other hand, wasn't so sure he wanted to try it out.

In he went, and he did surprisingly well. His face scrunched up a little bit; he almost cried, but with everyone cheering him on and making a big deal over him, he managed to hold it together. The water was 74 degrees, so he only stayed in for a few minutes. I am amazed he lasted that long in that cold water!

Poor Ryan: his first time in the pool ended with a big splash in the face! How did that happen? Well, while we were all watching Ryan's first swim, Kevin decided to hop off the ladder and dive right in! Thankfully, Aunt Steph was there to catch him, but he got a big dunk and a bit of a scare, and Daddy and Ryan got the resultant splash in the face!

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Besides Kevin's surprise dunk, the kids did great in the pool. Kevin enjoyed swimming with Daddy, while Izzy and Andrea swam on their own with floaties (and with grown-ups nearby).

After the swim, Hannah and Kevin took advantage of their older siblings' absence by helping themselves to Andrea and Izzy's pasta. Way to seize the moment, little ones!