Texas Schleichers: Ryan is 9 months old!

Ryan is now ¾ of a year old! It feels like we’ve said this for a few months in a row now, but Ryan’s ninth month seemed even more fun than any others before it! If we had to summarize this month in one word, it would be PROGRESS!

As of about two weeks ago, Ryan is officially crawling! For better or worse, he can now get wherever he wants to go! He is most motivated by cabinet doors, door stoppers, and Ian’s teeny toys that we attempt to keep out of reach. :) Ryan’s crawling is getting faster and more coordinated each day, and he is willing to crawl increasingly longer distances.

crawling!

Crawling on the sidewalk isn't as nice as crawling inside. :)

This month, Ryan has also learned to get into the crawling or sitting position from lying down. He also seems to like getting into the “push up” position. He can pull himself up to a standing position while holding onto lower items (like stools) but can still only get up to his knees while holding onto a shelf, table, or couch. Sometimes, he has been able to use well-placed lower items as “stairs” to reach a higher item. He is beginning to be more comfortable standing up while holding onto something and has even started to reach out for objects or “cruise” a little (while still holding on). Once, he cruised across the living room pushing an activity table. Often, when Momma or Daddy is sitting on the floor, Ryan will crawl over to us, pull himself to standing, and “cruise” to our arms, letting us know he wants to be picked up. It’s cute (and very hard to resist!) :)

Standing seems to be Ryan's current favorite position.

This stool is the perfect height to "stand up" on!

"cruising" from the activity table to Big Brother's legs!

Ryan even has made progress in the eating arena this month. (Speaking of which, thanks to all of you who encouraged us with your stories about babies in your life who were slower to adjust to baby food. It helps to know that we’re not alone!) He just seemed to need some extra time to adjust! Ryan now readily opens his mouth for pureed food for each of his three meals. He’d still much prefer fruit, but he’ll eat veggies, oatmeal, and rice, too. Though still toothless, Ryan is even making progress with some basic finger foods, like bread, puffs, and small bits of fruit and veggies. We thank our Lord for hearing our prayers and for helping Ryan to learn how to eat “real” food!

Ryan’s sleep routines have stayed very similar this month. He still takes two 1-1.5 hour naps each day and gets up at least once each night to nurse. Surprisingly, he still falls asleep much easier if he’s swaddled – though his arms are almost always out of his SwaddleMe by the time he wakes up. Just this month, he has started to prefer sleeping on his side.

Ryan continues to be VERY vocal, babbling like crazy. He loves “singing” in church. At times his “mama” babbles have almost seemed to be significant – and then he’ll say “mama” while playing with his toys. :) People comment on his “deep voice.” He still loves giggling at being tickled, being held upside down, Ian’s silly antics, and funny noises.

While still mellow and amiable most of the time, Ryan has become more opinionated this month. He has started arching, growling, and protesting angrily if do something he doesn’t appreciate (like trying to change his diaper or taking away a too-small toy). He is definitely a strong little boy! Stranger anxiety was also in full force this month. Ryan definitely prefers being with Momma or Daddy!

Ryan started riding in the shopping cart this month. (Up until now, Momma has carried him in the Baby Bjorn for most outings.) Now that he’s 21 lb. 13 oz. (70^%)and 28 ¾ inches (65%), he’s almost ready to transition to his bigger car seat, too! Our little baby is growing up! :)

Ryan continues to be fascinated by any fuzz or speck he sees on the floor. He will get a very concentrated look on his face and make a singing-type noise as he attempts to pick up the fuzz with his developing pincer grasp. Ryan also loves dropping toys off his high chair, and he now seems to know that they fall on the ground when they leave his high chair tray. :) His developing sense of object permanence makes it a little harder to attempt to hide a forbidden toy, as he now comes looking for it. :)

The highlight of the month was having Grammy and Papa here for a week. Ryan (and Ian) got lots of extra tender loving care and play time! Ryan warmed up to them very quickly, and he did GREAT with them during a few times they baby-sat. He even let Papa feed him most meals and put him to sleep many times while they were here.

reading a lift-the-flap book with Grammy

trying to eat the pages :)

Some of Ryan’s favorite activities include flicking light switches, hitting door stoppers, reading lift-the-flap books (and sometimes attempting to rip the flaps off completely), throwing toys, splashing, and opening and closing cabinets. Some favorite objects include Ian’s toothbrush, his beloved maraca, anything too small for babies :), Ian’s wooden toy mallet, Momma’s brush, and his sippy cup of water.