20 Months... Growing up

This month has been full of joy at our home. We also have experienced a lot of tantrums and crying fits in stores while I have been trying to get Christmas gifts bought and groceries for our home. Poor Ryker has been dragged around town about twice a week to get things done. I am grateful for wonderful friends who are willing to do trades so there have been a couple days where he is enjoying a friends company and I get a stress free shopping trip.

I am really going to try not to focus on the negative. Ryker is a great kid! I find myself dwelling on the fits and pulling decorations off the tree. In reality, Ryker is just more challenging because he wants to learn and I have been so busy trying to accomplish other things that I have missed many a teaching opportunity. When I take time to sit and read books with him or slow down enough to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie, that is when I find the joy. One of my New Year's resolutions is to take more time to focus on teaching Ryker. Ryker is SO eager to learn. I am always amazed when he will point to a star and shout "Star" or "blue or yellow" or say "oh no" when he hears someone in distress. He is a very insightful child and know when he hears a baby cry that the baby is sad. If we are watching a movie and it gets intense or something happens he understands that it is a stressful situation and will cuddle up to me or whine. Ryker is a sensitive child, this is a great quality that he has. I enjoy his laughter and do what I can to make him laugh. Ryker is a curious kid, I love watching him try to figure things out. We look forward to having a wonderful Holiday season with our families and of course our little guy. Ryker will be so much fun this year. I will post pictures of Christmas once we return from Utah.