Our Little Ryker Man Update

Our little Ryker man just turned 2. About 2 months ago  - his vocabulary is around 9 words.

He spontaneously says:

Mom, Momma

Dad, Dadda

Bobba {bottle}

Out

More

Me 

Ball

On occasion, when prompted,  he will say please.

We had his 18 month check-up and shots a few months ago. He was sick for his last appointment so he was unable to get his shots and we took care of the cold and rescheduled his well baby.

His doctor had me fill out a questionnaire and then asked me the normal questions. Dr. Selby said he should have a larger vocabulary. Around 50 words. You would think by now I would be an expert but I'm not. All of my kiddos have been different.

He only had a vocabulary of around 3 words until about 8 weeks ago when he said out after I covered his feet with a blanket. Then the next day he said me and ball. Believe me, Kale and I were overjoyed and I still didn't think a lot of it. He just turned 2. 

But, we completely understand where his Dr. is coming from. If there is an underlying cause, we would rather do the speech therapy than to have him start school unable to really communicate or be behind in his communication skills. 

 By age 2 Morgan was spilling out sentences :) Colten was in that ball park and 

Tyler - well he had a speech impairment. He didn't really start talking until he was 3. 

I have middle-tone deafness in one ear {or both I just can't remember from that long ago}

So Ryker had a hearing test at Easter Seals and it went great. He passed with flying colors.

We wanted to blog about it and keep our family up to date on our kiddo. I was in shock hearing this but at the same time - at 2 it's been a little frustrating trying to communicate with Ryker. He can't use words so he either yells or screams out of frustration. I just want to hug him and tell him its ok but he's still frustrated. I know he's trying to tell me...but there are no words. 

Prayers and more prayers for Ryker as he starts this journey.  

We will post a few updates over time on his progress :) This post is about a month old so we will be sending out an update soon.

~ Our Shank Family

Colorado Summer Vacation {4th of July}

{catching up on our blog!}

Fourth of July was huge this year. Most of our families joined together in a tent or two to celebrate the 4th and enjoy the parade.

It was pretty fun and the kids {obviously} had a blast. Yes. Candy was involved!

Before leaving out to the parade we got a cute pic of just the kiddos:

Then onto the 4th of July parade we went :)

After the parade we went to Aunt Jody's house for a family Lunch. It was really great food and good times. So thankful for family.

Blaine Saying a Prayer before we eat

It was a wonderful day! Happy 4th!

~ Our Shank Family

Happy #30 Kale!

When I got back from Texas, we loaded up again. This time for a while. We would hit St. Louis, Kansas, Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, back to Kansas and Home.

First Stop was for Kale's Birthday. He turned 30 this year! I got to have a good laugh because now I'm not thirty something alone. 

Kale wanted to celebrate his birthday this year in St. Louis at the Cardinals game BECAUSE the Royals were playing. He went as a Royals fan and the kids and I went as a Cardinals fan. 

We got our butts kicked of course.

A little photo recap of our adventure in St. Louis.


Our infamous silly face camera catches: When we celebrate like 40 years of marriage this will be funny. Today. It's just fun.

Our attempt at a normal pic. Is that even possible?

We hit the TGI Friday's before the game for some pre-game food. 

I think Tyler was THE most excited he's been in a LONG time. This is huge. His first pro-game of any kind. Free as a bird in those stands. So many new sights and smells. He absolutely loved it. I am so glad he was able to be there. This kid had a blast!

When Ryker got restless, I took him off for some stroller time and dipping dots. Morgan accompanied us of course because she heard the word ice...

After the game, we had some fine entertainment. We were certain Ryker wouldn't even make it through the game. But he did. And wide awake too. So to wear this little guy down he and daddy wrestled. For like 30 minutes. It was too cute not to document.

 At the end of this super long day, I was just glad to be in a bed at all. Snuggled up with these two. Best. Day. Ever? No. But it was an amazing day.

Happy 30th daddy!



~ Our Shank Family