14 Months

My first thought when I compare his 13 month picture to his 14 month is not about how big he is gotten, but what a difference in weather. It looks like we have gone from summer to winter in one month! Crazy! Despite my longing for Fall weather, we have had a wonderful month in the Dahms family. We ran in the Susan G Koman Race for the Cure, celebrated Grandma's 75th birthday and uncle Pete's 50th and I got to spend an extra day with Ryan when my school's power was out. Ryan continues to grow and change everyday. The biggest and most obvious change is that we have a runner- walking is a pastime for Ry Guy. With running comes the mess he leaves in his wake. He is into anything and everything. As a result, this month Ryan has learned some new lessons to live by:

#1 Don't run really fast with pot in your hand- you could fall and bump your nose.

#2 Don't try to squeeze between two pieces of furniture- you might get your head stuck!

Along with being more mobile, he is much more vocal. Responding with "Mm hmm" when asked questions, or "Ohh" when we tell him something. We are getting small moments of 2 way conversations which is super fun! His favorite new hobbies are being chased (He LOVES it!) and playing with daddy's mini helmets during games on Saturdays and Sundays! He also has started to dance more. On the way to daycare this past week, "I've Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas came on the radio. He started bopping up and down in his car seat- it was hysterical!

I have told our friends and family who have babies younger than Ryan that although I look at their baby's developmental stages with fond memories, I have not once longed for Ryan to be back at a certain stage- I absolutely love every new stage and continue to absorb every new and amazing development- whether it be major like walking or minor like hugging stuffed animals. Each new discovery he makes or milestone he reaches causes such awe and wonderment in us, how can we help but feel unbelievably blessed and grateful for the life and love God has brought to our lives!

13 Months

I think am I finally over the shock of receiving an email 1 month ago titled My Toddler This Week instead of My Baby This Week. It is official: we have a toddler. I have come to terms with it (I think!) Our walking man makes it hard to call him a baby anymore. He is just growing up before our eyes. If you last saw Ryan at his 1st birthday, you would hardly recognize this little guy. He is on the move and into everything. Some of his new favorites and tricks are pulling out all the Tupperware, hiding toys in cabinets, hoarding mini helmets, dog leashes, safety edges and others in his pack and play, saying "Nana", blowing kisses, patting us on the back and pointing to things he wants. It has been fascinating watching him learn to walk- the progression of skills is amazing. Over the weekend, he has gone from using furniture as an anchor to pull to his feet and stumbling around...to now standing up on his own, walking from room to room, turning 180 degrees, b-lining it to a toy...it's incredible! While it was been an adventure filled month, it has been a sentimental month as well. Ryan transitioned beautifully from nursing to cow's milk. It was tougher on me than him, but we are enjoying our snuggling time before bed. I have also returned to school. I thoroughly enjoyed my summer with Ryan- most of the time I feel so blessed to have had the summer with him, yet at other times it is a sad reminder of what I am missing while I am at school! I believe that God helps me through these tougher times in my life.

When I first dropped Ryan off at daycare when he was 4 months, he smiled at all the kids. Knowing he was happy comforted me as I drove away. Then after my 1st day back-to-school this year, I went to pick up Ryan from daycare...I pulled in the driveway, got out of the car and saw Ryan waving. Then he said "Hi Mama!" It was then that I knew everything was going to be okay! I love this little man so much and pray that God gives me the strength to be the best mom I can possibly be.

1 Year Old

Our baby boy has turned 1! My, how time truly does fly! I finally completed Ryan's 1 year video montage just in time for his 1 year birthday party. Creating the imovie was a wonderfully reflective process that allowed me to visually relive those moments in time that have passed so quickly. I find it hard to remember how little he once was or how stationary he once was! Creating the video helped me realize the significance of this milestone and celebrate the miracle of his life.

At his 1 year check up, Ryan weighed in at 22lbs 12oz (55%) and measured 33.75 in (95%)- his head continues to be off the charts, but in proportion with his height! Dr. Timm said he is a perfectly happy and healthy baby boy!

I will continue to post on Ryan's blog; however, it will not be a monthly post, rather a happenings post, so you'll have to check in every once in a while. Consider becoming follower of the blog. Thank you to all family and friends for helping make this the most amazing time of our lives!