Standing and taking steps and a special visit

Riley is starting to let go of his supports (table, couch, whatever's there) when he's standing and standing by himself more and more. He does it best when he's distracted by playing with a toy in his hands or hearing a noise or looking at you. We could tell that he's also been thinking about taking steps without holding onto things, and Riley had started letting go of one support before cruising to another. Thursday night while Scott was talking to Riley's Uncle Nick, Riley was leaning with his back against the couch playing with me. Then, he stood up straight unsupported, I held out my arms (I was a few feet away), and he took a step towards me. He did it several times after that. He's continued to do it a little bit the last few days. You can tell Riley's thinking more about walking and "considering" it. A few minutes ago, he was leaning with his back against the couch again. Scott was laying on the couch tuckered out (he's been digging this weekend), and I was standing a few feet in front of Riley talking to Scott. Riley looked at me like he wanted me, leaned off of the couch and took two steps towards me...... He's starting to get it.

Riley's Grandaddy and Nana Wright came for a visit this weekend. We had such a great time with them. Riley really enjoyed playing with both of them, checking out Grandaddy's beard and cuddling with Nana. Last night, we went to Destin for some seafood. Riley was a little unruly. Nana helped settle him down by playing with him in the next room. There were windows between the two rooms. We looked over just in time to catch Riley plant a big kiss on her cheek. Earlier yesterday, we went to a local park. I didn't even know the playground at that park existed. It's a great place. Riley wasn't so sure about it at first, but he ended up really liking it. He got so excited in the swing that when we slowed the swing down, he crouched down in it and started to slowly blink his eyes. It was really windy and that seems to calm him always, so that made him even more relaxed. Grandaddy and Nana also brought Riley's birthday gifts. They got him some cute outfits/swim wear, a teddy bear AND a Kawasaki four wheeler. Riley loves pushing the buttons. He doesn't totally get how to move it with his feet, but he's getting there.

In four days, Gramps and Grandma Pokswinski will fly in for a week. On Saturday, Riley will turn ONE!!

Riley loves pushing the buttons on his new four wheeler

Nana helping him on

Wearing the cute tiger pajamas Aunt Beckie and Uncle Mac gave him, sitting on the Auburn chair "Aunt" Rachael made for him. I think Riley looks like his grandmothers in this picture. This expression reminds me a lot of his Bebe, but he's got his Grandma's cute dimples and is holding his shoulders and hands more like hers.

Showing off tooth number 8 popping up

At the park

He really liked this car. Grandaddy was bouncing it for him.

Swinging - and flirting with the mama who was pushing her baby next to us.

So much fun!

"Look Dada, I'm driving to you!"

Nana reading a book to Riley. He had gotten a strawberry on his shirt.