The Last Stop

Philadelphia was the final destination of our east coast tour. Of course, I will go there any chance I get. It just so happened that I was able to work in a business trip so that Lisa and Ryan could play in the city.

Ryan entertained a group of rowdy Eagles fans at Zach's house on Sunday and met my old roommate Josh for the first time on Monday. On our way to meet Josh, we cut through the park where we met this cute, friendly dog...


While I was working they got to run around the city. Did I mention that Ryan is independent?
How cute is this outfit?

Apparently he also tried to go for a swim...

Last time Ryan was in Philly he was just over 4 months old so he couldn't appreciate the finer things in life - like cheesesteaks. There was no way I was going to leave the city without giving him his first taste...

Fun in Jersey

We spent our second weekend in a row at my parents' house in NJ. This time, Lisa and I went to the grand opening of the NICU at my mom's hospital. We can only hope that we'll never need the services of that type of unit, but let me tell you, this place was impressive. Top notch equipment and care with as many comforts of home for the family as possible.

On top of that Ryan had a blast. This is the "cabinet of toys" at their house. It's been slowly growing since our niece was born 6 years ago...
Grandma did a great job of teaching Ryan how to stack rings.



Sunday morning was spent on the screened in porch watching Grandpa mow the lawn...


Ryan got to spend more time running outside too. More of his Mr. Independent Phase I guess.

Maybe he's not so independent after all. Here he goes making a break for it down the walkway to Grandma.

Once we finished up here, it was off to our next East Coast destination - Philadelphia.

Let's Recap

Sorry it's been a while since an update. We've spent quite a bit of time on the road and then a bit more time recovering from being on the road.

In our last post, you saw some of Ryan's multitasking skills, here are a few more from that day. He has now taken to sitting in chairs like a "big boy".



It's definitely a far cry from how he used to look in that seat.Many nights were spent in it in Emeryville allowing Mommy and Daddy to eat dinner. My Oh My how far we've come.

Multitasking

1. Cuddling with Mommy
2. Petting Mieko
3. Brushing his teeth
4. Watching the Wonder Pets

All in a day's work...

An Early Errand

While at my parents' house over the weekend Ryan took off down the driveway early Saturday morning. I am pretty sure he was checking to see if the newspaper came yet.

Sorry, Dad, doesn't look it got here yet :)

On the Road Again

Sorry for the lack of updates. Things have been just a bit hectic. We just got back from New Jersey. Lisa and I enjoyed a late night out celebrating an college's buddy's wedding on Long Island. Grandpa (my dad) stepped up to the plate and managed Ryan on his own. Ryan got the grand tour of Somerville, checking out all the best parks along the way.

Tomorrow we are heading down to Florida for a couple days. After that its back to NJ next weekend then to Philly the beginning of the following week.

Hopefully, we'll make it through with our sanity intact. I'll try to get some pictures posted along the way. Wish us luck.

13 months

Another month older today...We spent the morning at the park playing, running, climbing swinging and sliding. His independence was again evident - except when it came to the jungle gym and slides. He knows better than to tackle those on his own.

off and running...check out the little rat tail that his hair is growing into. I think Lisa would much rather have the bald spot than a tail...

Check out the concentration on the monkey bars. Want to know what he sees from up there? Look into his eyes...

At first he thought about attempting to slide on his own...

But he realized he was a little over matched and let Mommy help him...

Kiss the Kitty

As Ryan gets older, he is beginning to take a much greater interest in the pets. Him and Igor are definitely buddies. They bond over food, play tug of war and chase eachother around.

Mieko is a bit more elusive. She enjoys her privacy and generally disapprove of anything that makes more noise than her. Still she can be very receptive of Ryan's pulls and tugs. This sequence is fairly typical for them...
First, Ryan attempts the speedy approach...

Mieko reacts in her typical fashion. If you've never met her, you might think that this face indicates fear and or danger...don't worry, they are both used to it.

Here we have success - kisses for all...

Mister Independant

Walking has made a profound change in Ryan...He wants to escape. Don't try to hold his hand unless you're still willing to go wherever he wants. Don't expect him to stay close by. But fear not, he'll look back from time to time to make sure that YOU follow HIM.

Labor Day

A day off from work, extra time with the family...and a great excuse to take lots of fun pictures of the boy...

Family Pool Fun

With the wonderful weekend weather, we made it over the to pool for the last time this year...The big mushroom is always a hit...With my parents in town for the weekend I got to play in the pool and have visual proof that I was there :)

Lots of Fun with Kelly

Ryan had two play dates with Kelly over the weekend. They got together on Friday, with Lisa taking pictures. She gave them to Kelly's mom before I got to post them, so I was beaten to the punch. They are adorable, so head on over to Kelly's Korner to see them. It should be noted that I in no way endorse Ryan's outfit. My very well meaning friend in grad school there thought it'd make a great birthday present - and get under my skin :) thanks keith.

Kelly and her mom came over to our place on Sunday to enjoy the end of the summer and the last weekend at our pool.
Here they had a meeting of the minds comparing the relative merits of each of their sippy cups.


Ryan wanted to drive Kelly to the pool himself, but unfortunately there aren't enough seatbelts, and the pool is barely a block away.