Ryan - 5 Years

Ryan, Ryan, Ryan....where to begin!  My middle child who is most like me in looks and probably personality.  He's quiet and shy around others and then talks my ear off all day, wanting to be wherever I am and even following me to the bathroom so he can talk to me on the other side of the door.  He's very creative and artistic--I've saved so many drawings and love to see what he comes up with every time he sits down to make something.  He still loves his Lego building, swinging, all things sports--especially playing catch with Dad and riding his bike.  He was close to riding without training wheels all summer but just didn't trust himself enough to have us let go.  Finally one night we went to the park and told him he had to try riding on the track and if he crashed he would just land in the grass and it would be fine.  He took off and was pedaling so fast and didn't want to stop, even when it got dark.  He spends some time every day riding and we're hoping his little bike holds up until he can move up to the next size.

Ryan attends preschool three days a week and we hear from his teacher he's not as quiet as he was last year--he will actually talk to her more but she has to get very close to understand him since he practically whispers!  He's surrounded with good friends right in our neighborhood--mostly girls, but he's not too cool for that to be a problem yet.  He's not as interested in TV or video games like his big brother, but he likes a little downtime in the afternoon where he'll relax on the couch with his beloved blanket and watch something for maybe 20 minutes while I work.

Even though Ryan is quiet he's very observant and taking it all in.  He'll report to me when neighbors come and go and what cars are parked outside their house.  He'll tell me what certain people wore in primary or who said something silly at preschool.  And every now and then Ryan will go from cool and calm and turn into the Incredible Hulk and lose his temper!  He is not patient and if he can't get his seat belt buckled or his sock on just right--he'll yell and clench his fists and I try not to laugh.  For the most part though he's so easy-going and such a fun kid.  He's likes to keep up with his big brother and built forts together...then sometimes tease and fight.  He likes to include his younger brother and do things he likes...then sometimes pester and tease him.  Ryan is his own man and does exactly what he wants to do and we love him for it.