The Happy Hasselds: Ryan at 4 months

What I never wanted-but knew would happen-has happened. I have neglected my second-born. You might notice that there's no three-month picture. That was my fault. His "birthday" hit right before we left for Missouri, and then we were there for a week, spent a week recovering, and then...well, I have no idea what happened after that. In any case, here are pictures from both months, including "fresh off the press" pictures from this morning for his four month birthday. Check out that smile!

He's tipping! Not able to sit up on his own yet.

And, as with every month, Bella wants to get in on the action. How can I say no?

Ryan HATES laying down (except to sleep) so that means no more parking him in his car seat while I get stuff done. He actually tries to sit up, or he straightens up to the point that he slides out of the car seat. Enter the horsey! This was Isabella's Easter present last year but he's already able to get his feet on the floor. I'm sure by next month he'll be bouncing his little heart out.

And he's ahead of Isabella because she didn't get into the high chair until she was 6 months old and Ryan's already hanging out in there. No food yet, but we should be starting that soon.

Here we are at "Touch A Truck" an event where you can climb on/get photos in/blow the horn of a ton of different vehicles. It was all fun and games until Bella heard a really loud horn, and then she was ready to go. Some day,the kids will love it. (This old-time fire truck seemed safe.)

And here's my little angel asleep.

This is called a Bumbo and it allows Ryan to sit up on the counter and watch me make dinner. I'm sure he could practically sit up on his own without the chair, but we're better safe than sorry on that one.

This picture is out of order, because I took it just this week. He was spiffed up to go to work with me: blue cardigan (with elbow pads!), khaki cargo pants (with pockets!) and his little brown gym shoes. Well...if you've seen Ryan you know they're not "little" shoes!

The kids and I headed off to Missouri to see Maga and Papa as well as Uncle Richard, Jessica and Amy. Here we are at the dock, enjoying a beautiful day.

Ryan gets his first golf cart ride! I'm sure it's the first of many, and if Papa is anything like my grandfather was, he'll be driving it by the time he's 5.

Whispering "Maga things" in those little ears.

Can you tell I'm absolutely crazy about this little guy??

Everyone took turns keeping Ryan occupied. Here Amy stops to chat with my Little Man.

All these websites say that by four months of age, a baby can start putting weight on their legs. Ryan had that licked at a month old. Here he and Papa have some special chair time.

Okay, okay, it's Ryan's page, but I couldn't skip this picture! I think it's my favorite one of all.

Ghosty Eyes! They're a regular occurrence now and they crack me up every time.

I love that Mom just has him hanging by his britches in this shot.

Here he is showing off his standing skills again.

Isabella has mad love for little Ryan. She frequently gives him kisses and high fives and grabs his little fists to play pat-a-cake. I also hear "Ho du" which is a loose translation of "Hold you" and really means "I want you to put Ryan in my lap." She just giggles. I'm not sure he's so thrilled.

I have always said that Ryan looks like Uncle Richard, and this shot proves it-at least to me! Isabella looks like Jessica, so maybe one day her kids will look like me!

Naked and smiling. Life is good!

This was at Uncle Jeff's house. Joshua was spending some quality Father/Son time with Ryan. LOVE that Ryan's hair simply defies gravity and is always at attention at the back of his head.

Here we are at Lincoln Park Zoo-Ryan's first trip! He had his lion hat and giraffe pacifier for the occasion. He will be embarrassed and hate me for it later, but right now, I think it's adorable.