Tracking July

Last night I had one of those embarrassing moments where I hoped no one heard what I just said or did, but sadly, as always in those cases (because, let’s be honest, that’s really what makes them embarrassing) someone was right there trying not to laugh. I apparently have gone to new levels in my parenting skills that even I am a little bit like “wow, really, relax!” I was dreaming that Ryder was holding a roll of toilet paper and dipped it in syrup and then was posed to chuck it across the room like a professional football player. I found myself simultaneously correcting Ryder, snapping my finger at him in the loudest “you better think about what you are about to do before I beat your tail” mom snap and waking up from my deep sleep seeing Chris beside me reading his iPhone. The light of the phone was not hiding his grin one bit. I was embarrassed that even my stern parenting woke me up from my deepest sleep (thanks Mom, 27 years of life and the mom-snap still smacks me back into order, now that’s effective parenting!).

Needless to say, the past few weeks are showing Ryder becoming his own self with thoughts, in sites, and even the occasional “let’s see how far I can push it before mom snaps”, literally or figuratively. Ryder is continuing to find greatest enjoyment out of reading activities. Although he isn’t reading just yet, he is loving the process. He received his first library card a few weeks ago and we proceeded to check out 15 books of various subjects: puppies, trucks, numbers, alphabet, and classic Dr. Seuss. We even joined the summer library reading program (20 minutes of reading time and after 15 hours he gets a free book, we are half way there!). As we left the library that day we got in the car to see 110 degrees on the thermometer! Book reading is a great way to stay cool!

Other summer fun has been jumping and belly sliding in mud puddles after summer rain showers. The art of blueberry picking with Grandma (a few in the bucket, a few in the belly, check on the progress of other pickers, a few in the belly, repeat) and even a Tide’s baseball game with Oma! But aside from reading I think Ryder’s favorite activity in life is being with his Daddy. He literally pushes me home to see Chris, reminisces about what they did in the past “I bike ride on bridge and it was fun! I rode in his car from the softball game, so fun. I love Daddy…can I take a nap?” “sure,” I say, “Anytime.” to which he says, “When’s Daddy home?” darn, I knew that was too easy!

But thankfully as I am slowly being traded as the best person in Ryder’s life I am still number one with a sweet and very bright young lady. My Rory girl is growing faster than a summer weed and loving life. She prefers to be in the action, especially if it involves monitoring what Ryder and me are doing throughout the day. She is cooing conversations, rolling over in her crib, and enjoying reading time nearly as much as her big brother. And just like with Ryder, I find myself finishing conversations and activities with Rory in my dreams… And yes, I wake myself up from those as well, hoping Chris isn’t smirking to himself as I just carried on a cooing conversation with our daughter who is sound a sleep in the next room.

Until next time!

Ryder’s books of the month:
“L” is for Library by Sonya Terry, Illustrated by Nicole Wong.

I Love Trucks! by Philemon Sturges, Illustrated by Shari Halpern.

Rory’s book of the month:
Raindrop, Plop by Wendy Lewison, Illustrated by Pam Paparone,