9 Months!

9 months Old!! Wow...can't believe it has flown by so quickly. And, the stats are:

Weight - 18lbs. 11oz - 10-25% (quite a drop from 75% he has been in but Dr. is not concerned...he is still chunky and doesn't look like he is missing a meal)
Height - 29 inches - 75% (AKA - long and skinny)
Head Circumference - 44.2 cm - 25%

Riley is so much fun and getting ready to start crawling. He is getting up on all fours and rocks back and forth, but falls to his tummy before actually taking a step forward. He sits and reaches for things and loves to touch all the new textures he is discovering around him...the carpet, tile, walls and Rex's tail of course. Rex is very patient with him and lets him explore his tail and paws. The silly dog sits down right next to him so what does he expect?

Riley is very into playing with his toys and loves the bang things together. He eats like a champ and has eaten just about everything we have given him. We started meats this weekend, but I think he is still trying to decide if he really likes it. Anything mixed with a little pear seems to go down fine.

Riley is still sleeping through the night and I feel very blessed! We start dinner time around 5:30 and then our bedtime routine begins and he is in bed by 7:30 most nights. Usually we don't hear from him again until about 7 in the morning.

What can I say...we are very proud of all the achievements our little boy is making and are just so thankful for such a wonderful blessing! He is just perfect and we love him more than words.

So, in other news we are getting ready to make our big trip to Australia. I have started making all the preparations, like organizing clothes and items we will need for the 16 hour plane ride. Sometimes I think we are crazy, but we can't wait to be there to introduce Riley to all his family. What fun he will have with his Aunties and grandparents and even great-grandparents! Lots of posts from that trip to come I am sure.

I had to include this picture because his smile is just too cute! So happy:)

Almost on the Move!

So, I haven't taken Riley's 9 month picture with the Koala yet, but we did have some fun today taking pictures at the Dallas Arboretum. These ones are not the professional shots, just a few we took after our session playing in the grass and the Texas Town. He is almost on the move! Riley can get up on his hands and knees, I just don't think he has been interested in anything enough to make a move for it...but, it won't be long.

I can't believe how much he is changing and growing. We go to the doctor on Monday for his 9 month Well Visit. I am excited to see how much he has grown and will post his new stats and 9 months pictures then!

8 Months!!

Look at that boy! Sitting up by himself, reaching for things and grabbing them with his little fingers. I can barely get his attention for the 3 seconds it takes to get the picture because he is more interested in the white sign I have placed beside him...which he must destroy after each month now!

Riley is growing so fast and changing so quickly. He is sitting up, though not getting into the sitting position by himself, and he can roll front to back and vice-versa...not that we ever see it in person. If it weren't for the baby monitor I don't think we would know he can do it. He rolls around and scoots all over his crib in a little bear crawl, but put him on the floor and he won't do anything. So, funny! He loves to eat. He wasn't a big fan of the asparagus we gave him last night, but mix it with a little pear and it's a winner. He is enjoying his swimming class even more now he is getting more mobile and is able to pull himself up and stand on the climbing equipment they have in the pool. He is grabbing at everything in sight and really learning to pick things up with his fingers. And, he is such a good sleeper:) This is something I prayed for long and hard! We start eating dinner around 6 and he is usually down by 7:30 and then we don't hear from him again until 7:30, usually 8! And, to top it off, there is nothing more sweeter than being awakened in the morning with my sweet little boy saying, "Mamamama" from his crib. OK, so Chris would tell you that he probably isn't calling for me, but he is making the sound and I love that! He also loves to make the "papapapapa" sound with his mouth and some other new ramblings.

We are so proud of all the new milestones you are reaching, Riley! Your Mommy and Daddy just love playing with you and getting to experience all your exciting firsts. You are a precious gift and we are so thankful for you!

Blue Bonnets Are Out!!

We had a great time this afternoon getting out to take some Blue Bonnet pictures. We used to drive past this field last year when I was seeing a specialist during my pregnancy. I told Chris then that I wanted to come back next year with our baby to take some pictures in the Blue Bonnets when they were in bloom...this place did not disappoint. I have a feeling this begins a family tradition as long as we live in Texas.

A Walk in the Park!

So, as I had mentioned in my last post, Riley really likes going to the park now that it is warmer and we can enjoy our walks in the neighborhood and local parks. Here are a few pictures and a video from our first couple of trips.


First trip to the park


Swinging with Daddy...not sure what to think!


Fun with Mom


See what I mean about the slide...just not impressed!


He's getting a hold of this swinging thing...now he seems to really enjoy it.

7 Months Old!

Riley Alan is 7 months old!!! He is beautiful and fun and such a blessing to our lives.

He is almost sitting up by himself. He will still tumble after a short while, but he is getting it! He loves all the new foods we are trying...I still think avocado is his favorite. While he will eat them, the newest addition, peas, doesn't appear to be his favorite. Nor are carrots! He is starting to take more interest in his sippy cup, but has really taken to drinking out of the regular glass. While sometimes a little messy, it is really cute!

He enjoys his swimming class and is becoming more active in the water. Today he tried to put his face in the water a few times. I can't tell if he just likes the taste of the salty water or if he is ready to take a dunk! Each night before he goes to sleep we read and sing, which seams to calm him right down. And, finally, he is sleeping all the way through!!! I am putting him down around 7:30 and haven't been hearing from him until 7:30 or 8 the next morning. I can't complain because he has been sleeping from 11:00 to 8-8:30 since around 8 weeks of age, but it is nice to be done with the late night feed!

Since the weather has been warmer we have been able to get out and about more. He enjoys our trips to the park and likes to swing. He is not so impressed with the slide! Not that he doesn't like it, he just really isn't excited about it.

Unfortunately, since we don't go back to the doctor until his 9 month check up I am not sure how much he has grown. I may have to get an estimate on our home scales and tape measure and update.

Anyway, we are so proud of our little man and all the progress he is making! We love you, baby boy!

Mmmm!

Just cracks me up that he "Mmms" after each bite. So cute! I think he really likes avocado, what do you think?