Ryder Lee: The Terrific Three's!

My big boy is officially three! Ryder is the sweetest three year old and we just love him to pieces! We get a lot of comments on how good he is (most of the time) and that I am so lucky. Don't I know it! I figure he is making up for not letting me sleep for 1 1/2 years... :) Most days he is a great listener, helps clean up/keep things clean, and does his "jobs" around the house. Of course we have the occasional tantrum or day/days where he is a monster, but I assume that just means he is normal.

Some of the best parts about being Ryder's mother are that we get to do so many fun things together. Every week he goes to gymnastics in his very own big boy class all by himself. I really enjoy watching him as he tries new things and is able to listen to the coach and follow directions. Almost every week we make a trip to the library where we pick out new books and play with toys. Sometimes we make it to story time but normally Ryder prefers to do his own thing. We enjoy going for walks on the paths behind the Hillsboro library where we can see the ducks and the "scary tunnel." Sometimes we take his strider bike and he impresses everyone with his bike riding skills. He got a new, red pedal bike for his birthday but so far he still only wants to ride his strider.

Ryder's jobs around the house include filling up the toilet paper holders in the bathrooms, picking up toys, matching his socks in the clean laundry, and helping me put away his clean laundry. He is really good about cleaning up his own messes (sometimes with a little help) and throwing things in the garbage.

Ryder and daddy like to play basketball in the garage with his new basketball hoop from Great Grandma and Grandpa Twigg. They turn on some music and shoot hoops for a long time! Other things Ryder really likes to do include: magna-tiles, legos (especially building lego trains), pretend shooting elk and deer, jumping on the trampoline, and playing on his play structure outside. He talks non-stop about going to "school" and what his school is like. Apparently it has books, toys, and you just learn stuff. His words, not mine. Ryder has imaginary friends.... imaginary SHARK friends. Yes sharks. I guess there are nice sharks and mean sharks because I always hear him telling the nice sharks to watch out for the mean sharks. Sometimes he tells me to look out too! I know it is normal for 3-year olds to have imaginary friends, but imaginary shark friends? Hahaha!

He has gotten a little bit better about brushing his teeth, although generally he wants me to do it for him. At least they are getting clean...

In a week we are taking Ryder in to get allergy tested. Three times now he has gotten hives, raised red bumps all over his torso and arms. We can't tell what brings them on but they almost seem to be related to him having a cold. They are doing a full environmental and food panel through blood work so we should have some answers soon.

Here are some pictures and videos of Ryder at three years old!