Trip to Dixon

Because Dean was taking off work on Friday to watch basketball and had poker night on Saturday, Ryan, Gizmo, and I took off to go to Dixon. It'd been the first time we'd been there since Christmas.

This picture was taken before we left, on St. Patrick's Day while Ryan was in his swing. No pinching him, he's wearing green!



The Illini had their first game Thursday night, so I dressed Ryan in this outfit on Wednesday for music class (I always put him in a hat for the class). Unfortunately it didn't bring enough luck. We fell short by 2 points. Better luck next year. We'll miss you Trent, Chester, and Calvin!



Ryan does so well in the car. He slept the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes it took us to get to Dixon. He woke up as I put the car in park at my parents' house. I took him in and then went out to unload the car. My dad (Meepa) rushed over to see Ryan, and this was the look he was greeted with. He didn't blink, flinch, and barely breathed for about 2 minutes.

This is Ryan's first time wearing shoes! He seems to like them. I think this picture makes him look much older than the 5 months he is.

We had many visitors during out trip to Dixon. Among them were my cousin, Michelle, pictured here with Ryan.

And here's Ryan and Britlynn (I hope I spelled that right!). She's my friend Kelly's daughter. She's 10 months old.

In addition to Meema, Meepa and those pictured above, we were also lucky enough to see my parents' neighbors - Roger, Linda, Kenny, Cindy, and Mary, my friend Kelly's sister Christy and her son Tyler, we visited great-grandma Katie (who's still recovering from her broken hip), my uncles and aunts Doug, Julie, Terry, Shirley, and Marcia, great-gramma Pat and great-grandpa Joe, and my cousin Ava.

You be the judge

On Sunday, we attempted "real food" for the first time. We received a home food preparation kit from Dale and Cheryl that I've been very excited about using. Sweet potatoes are the first thing I've made. Even spending less than $2 on sweet potatoes, there was enough to fill 1 and 11/12 ice cube trays (23 cubes in all). I haven't priced jar baby food because I've known that I'm going to make mine for awhile, but I'm sure we'll be saving oodles!



Here is Ryan taking his first bite:



He doesn't like it.

Or does he?

Well, maybe not.

Or maybe so?

Like it or not, he's going to be getting them for quite a few more meals.

new adventures

Because there are no garage sales in winter months, I've turned to the web to find resale baby items. My new favorite website, craigslist. Brand new Exersaucers can retail anywhere from $75-$125. I found this one on-line and bought it from a mom in Round Lake for only $25. Ryan might be a little small for it. His hands can't really reach the toys, not that he could operate the toys if they could, plus his toes just brush the floor of the saucer, but it's a toy he can grow with. AND I can think of a million other ways to spend the $50+ I saved from buying it used.





Another new adventure Ryan has undertaken is rolling over. He's a pro at going from his back to his stomach. And with enough momentum he can complete the 360 degrees and end up on his back again.

Ryan is starting to take notice of Gizmo and bless her heart, she's being more receptive to him as well. Whereas I usually put my hand over Ryan's and together we pet her, just recently he's started reaching out to her on his own and petting her. Surprisingly he actually does pet her and not grab onto her fur. The most endearing part of Ryan's kind gesture is that Gizmo has started showing her appreciation by giving him kisses on his face (If I ever get it recorded and learn how to upload it, I will.). Dean and I are very fortunate, not only to have a happy, healthy son - but to have a remarkable dog as well.

It was more like a summer day on Thursday than an early spring one. I decided that we should hit the dog park. Gizmo and I used to visit the park about 3 times a week. But with Ryan being born and the cold/snowy winter we haven't been there since October. Unfortunately, the paths at the park are dirt (or in this case, mud), a stroller is useless. Instead I put Ryan in the front carrier (look ma, no hands!), threw a jacket over the both of us and off we went. Ryan slept while Gizmo and I walked.

Another picture of me with Ryan in the front carrier. I just love the expression on his face.