Lots of Surprise Visits!

Ryder got a surprise visit from his aunt Kayla on his 4 week old birthday! We were so surprised and excited to see her, we didn't want her to leave =(

We're so proud of him lifting his little head! He's been doing this for a couple of weeks now.

Here he is at one month or 4 weeks, whichever it is...

Ryder also got a visit from his new friend Leighton Butler, Katie's little girl and Kristen's neice. She is so precious and kept telling him she loved him and sang him "Jesus Loves You"

Ryder also got to visit his great grandmother, Meme, last week in Greenville, and on the way we gave a surprise visit to his Nanni in Yazoo City at her office. We are just full of surprises lately!

I just love this little bath pic... so sweet

Last night we were sitting in the bed and John Michael caught this smiley face...

must've been making a dirty...

Here is Ryder with his aunt Marlee and cousin Sellers, and aunt Courtney and cousin Walker. Ryder and Sellers are 3 months apart and he and Walker are a little over 2 years apart.

The First Month

It's so weird to even type the words "The First Month." How in the world has it already been a month? I'm so sad! I'll be back at work before I know it and I don't know what I'm going to do. I have enjoyed being home with Ryder so much, he really is a good baby, only cries when he's dirty or hungry, he very rarely just cries to cry. And let me just mention how darn CUTE he is! Oh he is just adorable!! Let me just show him off a little bit and post some pictures from over this past month.

Our Baby Boy is Here!

I cannot believe Ryder will be ONE MONTH TOMORROW!!!! And even more, I can't believe this is the first time I've posted about it. Actually, now that I have a baby, I don't know how people post as often as they do. Wish I could be better about it!

HOWEVER... here is the info on our sweet little angel. He was born Tuesday, September 8 at 2:34 p.m. He was 8 lb. and 21 inches. We had a great delivery and John Michael was the best coach ever! I was so proud of him because he is such an antsy person and a worry wart, and he held it together so well! The whole experience was so surreal, it was the best day of my life and the best experience of my life. I will never ever forget the feeling when they handed Ryder to me. I have heard a thousand times that it is something you cannot explain, but of course I didn't understand that until that very moment. Since we've been home, life has been a little tough just getting used to the whole thing, but it's been so much fun. I have had tons of help and that has made all the difference in the world. JM and I have gotten to get out a pretty good bit considering it's only been a month, so that's been nice.

A little more about Ryder, when we left the hospital, he was 7.8 lb which was fine. Then, when we took him for his 2 day outpatient checkup, he had dropped down to 7 lb...not fine. The doctor was pretty concerned so we started to add in an ounce of formula after each feeding, and we went back two days later and then two days after that, and he was back to 7.5 lb. Then, at his 2 week checkup at Children's Medical Group (which was about a week after he was 7.5 lb), he was up to a whopping 8.9 lb!!! So, needless to say, we didn't let that little boy starve for very long!!

Now for some pictures...

coming in to see Ryder for the first time

Ryder with his papa, becky & aunt kayla

Other exciting news...

I'm also VERY excited to share great news about my good friends Maghen, Shelly & Melanie! Maghen found out she is having a little girl and due in February, Shelly is pregnant and due in March, and Melanie is pregnant and due in April!

Maghen, Shelly & I

Also, I'm getting really excited about Devin & Chris' upcoming wedding in November and Ashlea & Kyle's wedding in May!!! I'm very honored to serve as a bridesmaid in both events.

And I can't forget to mention Clair's news...she is now a Tennessee Titans Cheerleader! Here is a picture of her at the final auditions and then at the calendar release party. We're so proud!!!

During auditions

Clair is on far right

The Time Has Come!

I know it's been a while, but since the last time I posted, we have now set a date to be induced on Tuesday, September 8 (if he doesn't decide to come over the weekend). Dr. Moses seemed confident that he would come before then, but it's already Friday and nothing yet... so we'll see! I've been reminded over and over again that it is a full moon tonight, so maybe we'll get to meet him sooner than we thought. We were both kind of unsure if we wanted to induce because I really wanted to experience the whole "Oh my gosh, this is it" feeling and running out the door, etc., but when the option is there, it's just too hard to turn down. My hands and fingers have been completely numb for the past week and it is driving me crazy. Other than that (and normal but very painful back ache), I have no complaints about this pregnancy. It has been very easy and quite enjoyable! However, PLEASE keep us in your prayers over the next few days. I'm really nervous and anxious about this whole procedure, as I have NO experience in the area of birthing a child! Thanks thanks thanks!

I also have Ryder's room ready! I'll post some pictures below. I could not have done this without my mom, she picked out everything for me. I was getting so frustrated with picking out fabric and she was out almost everyday going to different places. I got the curtains and table topper at Premier Fabrics and the chair cushions & bottom of the table fabric from The Linen Shop. I got the bedding from Playpen and the canvases are from Easely Amused. I think it all turned out really cute! I know it's not the most boyish room, but I just don't know how to do that just yet...