Two Months Already?

Yesterday was October 17th which means Ryan is now 2 months old. I can't believe how quickly time has gone and how much he has changed already. He is really starting to verbalize with lots of coos and grunts. His eyes light up when he sees Mommy and Daddy and we think he is loving the dogs. He doesn't seem to be at all frightened by them and they are very gentle with him. He has out grown most of his 0-3 month clothes and is almost out of Size 1 diapers. He is working hard on holding his head up and is so very strong! Below are some of the cute pics we've taken this month...

My Little Redneck

A proud papa

The mobile is fascinating!

The perfect frown!

Sweetness...

Sweet Dreams and Fingers Crossed

Today was what I hope is the first of many days to come of Ryan sleeping in his own room! He has been sleeping in a bassinet in our room for the past 6 wks, but we are getting ready to make the transition to his room. I say that like I am confident of our decision, but truthfully I am very nervous about it. Our room is downstairs, while he is upstairs. I am not sure exactly when we'll begin to try nights up there, but I wanted to start to get him used to sleeping in his own space. So, today we started with a nap. He slept quite soundly for about an hour. He looked so small in the crib compared to the bassinet which I like because then it doesn't feel like he is outgrowing another thing already! Wish us luck for a smooth transition.

Pumpkins and Cows and Lights, Oh My!

Wednesday night we made our annual trek to the Virginia State Fair. This was, of course, Ryan's first time, but it also seemed like a first time for Jeff and I because of its new location in Caroline County. Ryan slept for the first hour and then I got to take advantage of their nursing station when he woke up to eat. After another quick nap, during which he missed the pumpkins and half of the farm animals, he woke up and remained wide eyed for the rest of the evening. We think he was absolutely thrilled with all of the lights that are flashing and blinking on the Mid-way. We both agreed that we can't wait until next year, because it will be a whole new experience for all of us again!

It Won't Be Like This For Long...

It's hard to believe, but this Thursday (17th) Ryan was 1 month old. For each of the last 4 weeks we've said to him, "1 week ago at this time (or 2 or 3) Mommy was working really hard to get you here." or... "We were cuddling you for the first time." I know they say it will only go faster, so we are trying our hardest to take in as much of it as we can. On a daily basis I think of (and of course get all teary eyed) about the Darius Rucker song, "It Won't Be Like This For Long". These are the words that make my waterworks flow...

He didn't have to wake up

He'd been up all night

Lay'n there in bed listen'n

To his new born baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It's gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laugh'n

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

It wont be like this for long

On Tuesday we went to have pictures taken for the first time. Below are some of my favorites...

Ryan's 1 month stats from his doctor's appointment:

Weight: 11 lbs 14 oz (95%)

Height: 23 1/4 in (97%)

Head: 15 in (95%)

Makin' Me Smile...

This little guy makes me so happy. I could record him all day long!

Adjusting to home

We can't take enough cute pictures of our little boy!

Below are some of the pictures of his 1st month at home. Daddy bringing Ryan in the house for the 1st time!

Ryan's 1st sponge bath (above)
He loves his lotion massage after bath time!
Cozy in his papasan swing! Great investment!

So stinkin' cute!

The First Few

As you can imagine we were thrilled to have our perfect little guy here with us and ready to be shown off to the world. So, it was quite shocking on Tuesday (Day 2 of Ryan's life) when he had to be admitted to the NICU for breathing and blood sugar issues. He spent three days there with a team of wonderful nurses. It was surely the longest three days of our lives, but we were glad for the hospital's proactive intentions and their attention to detail. Here are a few pictures from those days... Before holding him, you had to do a 3 minute scrub down & cover up in the protective gowns.

Ryan got to wear his own clothes in the NICU because he looked like a

stuffed sausage in t-shirt provided by the hospital! :)

Saying good-bye each time we left was painful. We are so thankful it didn't last long. There were other babies in the NICU who were there for weeks on end. Our hearts & prayers go out to their families. Going home day! Ryan was carried out by one of the NICU nurses.