Two Wheelin'

I'm calling it. Ryker is officially walking now. About 3 weeks ago he surprised me by taking 3 or 4 steps between 2 objects. I couldn't believe it. I don't even think he knew what he had done. I had pictured his first steps with him reaching and stretching from one object to another, but he just went for it. I was so excited. I thought this was it. He was going to be walking soon. Then pretty much nothing for 3 weeks. Just the same old walking hanging on to things and pushing things. Then last Wednesday, I was doing dishes and I heard him coming up behind me. It sounded like he was walking. I turned around and there he was with a big old grin, standing behind me. I knelt down and he continued to me. Of course then I tested him to be sure it wasn't a fluke. He walked from the couch to me about 5 times. Every since then, he's been walking. He's not good and not fast, but he definitely walks as of August 12th.

Sometimes he walks AND shakes his maraca. This kid has skills.

Who knew we had hot chocolate? Thanks for emptying that cupboard Ryker.

Whooooaaa. Sometimes you have to concentrate on your feet.

And sometimes, you just have to go for it.

And sometimes you need to celebrate your new found skills with a little music!

Construction Underway

The foundation started last week and I couldn't be happier. I have been working my butt off for months, but there was no physical evidence of it. Finally, we are underway. So far, so good.

Ryker trying out the big rig.

Steering wheels are SO FUN!

Let's Hit the Pool!

Ryker is a big fan of the water and an even bigger fan of hamming it up for the camera.

Normally, I would opt for trunks, but with a beach body like this, he needs to show it off "Speedo style."

Yeah, kick it.

The Next Kasey Kahne?

I'm sure Kasey Kahne doesn't drive the Home Depot car, but I don't know anything about Nascar. I was lucky to come up with a name. I guess I could have refered to my Nascar PEZ collector set...hee hee, I'm such a nerd.

A few tips from his Grandpa and Asa and he's off........

"Hey, I need a push over here."

Wait until he finds out these things go on their own. Good thing the don't go very fast.

Figuring out the remote control car.

And on to the big stuff.

Sweet Sweet Summertime

At this time last year, I was 8 months pregnant. One thing that got me through the hot summer was all the fresh fruits and vegetables that were in season. I craved fruit the most and bought a half flat of strawberries and one of raspberries each weekend. Ryker must have gotten a taste for the for fruit, because he can't get enough either.

Here he is showing off his newest favorite. Luckily there is a blueberry stand down the hill, about a mile from our house.

The only problem is that sometimes I have to scoop them all up and hold them until he finishes the ones in his mouth. The most I've counted him shoveling in is six. He has bottomless cheeks when it comes to smuggling food.

So pleased with himself.

They're a little messier when he has to eat the previously frozen ones.

Learning to use a straw didn't go that well. Finally, something I'll get to teach him that he doesn't already know by the time I think of it!

For all those non believers

I really do have an excuse for being a recluse this summer. Everyone seems to think I should be done with all this lumber I've been finishing. Here's a visual for you. I'm not that slow, there's just a lot and I have to go through it 4 times with all the coats. AND I do have a 10 month old to watch in my spare time:) So get off my case!

Slow, but steady. Two hours most nights for that last month. By my calculations, I'll be done by September.

He's always so far ahead of me

Getting a little help rehydrating after swimming from Clayton.

I always let Ryker practice with a spoon, but he makes a huge mess because everything just falls off. I got him these little sporks. The very first time I put a green bean on the end and handed it to him, he put it straight into his mouth and handed it back, ready for more. Why didn't I think of this earlier?

The salmon was a little trickier, but he got most of it in his mouth.

"Load me up Mom!"

The next morning he ate bananas off his spork, but this time instead of handing it back, he would try to stab another banana. Of course, that part needs a little work. He doesn't quite have the angle down.

"Delish!"