Growing too fast

I had a moment today when I realized how big Ryland is getting. I had to remove his infant insert from his car seat since he is over 11 pounds. First it was the newborn diapers, then the tiny little onesies, and now the car seat insert. My little man is getting big before my eyes, and I just treasure every moment.

6 week check up

It is hard to believe that it has been 6 weeks since Ryland was born. I remember making the appointment before going to the hospital to deliver. The appointment went fine, and I am going to make it after all. I now have no excuse to not go to the gym.

Who wears the pants in this house?

Today was the first day Ryland wore pants. What can I say? He is the man.
What? What you looking at?

3rd annual crawfish boil

We made the trip to Texarkana for Clint and Kristi's annual crawfish boil. This was the first time we packed Ryland and all his stuff for an overnight trip. It is crazy that such a little boy can need so many necessary things. We had a great time visiting family and friends, and the crawfish were tasty.

Ryland stayed with Nanna, so John Chris and I could have a good time with the guests and a full night of sleep. Great idea, but it didn't quite happen. At 2:30AM we woke up to a funny sound. Cooper had too many crawfish and too much beer, and he had an upset stomach. Needless to say, we cleaned carpets at 2:30AM and again with a steam cleaner when everyone woke up.

Meeting some more family

While we were in Texarkana visiting family, I thought it would be a great opportunity for Ryland to meet some of his great grandparents. My grandfather was hesitant to hold him because it had been so long since he has held a baby. My grandfather kept calling Ryland, "Little Ben". He was very excited to meet him.
My grandmother enjoyed meeting Ryland and having a chance to hold him.

My aunt was also able to come by and meet Ryland. She was great in calming him when he started to fuss. The visit was short and sweet, but I am glad I had the opportunity to introduce them to each other.

Colic?

Ryland has been crying a lot in the mornings and having terrible gas pains. John Chris and I were concerned, so I took him to see his pediatrician. The doctor examined him, and we talked about symptoms. The doctor says he believes it is colic. He made some suggestions about changing his food and different ways to help relieve his gas. We will try anything, because it is heart breaking to watch him cry and see him in pain.
He is growing well and getting big! He weighs 11.5 pounds - the size of a 2 month old.

Afternoon at the park

We made a trip to the park because the weather was beautiful! John Chris had fun throwing the ball for Cooper, and I enjoyed little Ryland in the BabyBjorn. I caught myself thinking of how fortunate and blessed I am. I have a wonderful little family, and I am so proud.

First Bath in the little tub

Ryland took a bath in his little tub for the first time tonight. John Chris and I were shocked that he actually loved it. He made all kinds of funny faces and moved his arms around like he was trying to tell us how excited he was.
He got silly when John Chris started washing his hair!

Easter

Ryland was posing in his Easter outfit. The hat was a little big, but we thought he looked adorable.
The Easter bunny brought Ryland an Easter bag of goodies. Ryland wasn't so excited at this point in the photo shoot, and he had enough.

Cooper wanted in the pictures!

Our first Easter family portrait

Aunt Emily and Uncle Jeffery come meet Ryland

Aunt Emily and Uncle Jeffery came out for the weekend, and this was their first visit to meet Ryland. They were great with him, and he loved for them to hold him. Emily and Jeffery were both naturals in caring for a newborn. They look like an ad for Polo!

Ryland and Grandpa David

Ryland and Grandpa David are drinking buddies already. They shared some great moments while Ryland filled his belly. I think Ryland even got some burping lessons.

Way too much meat

Dad and I went grocery shopping, so we would have some meat to cook on the grill. I know I am married to one EGG HEAD, but my dad is one as well. (Side note - look up Big Green Egg - it is a grill, and EGG HEADS are fanatics) The guys grilled 2 pork tenderloins, bacon wrapped shrimp, chicken, beef tenderloin, and a brisket. Yes, we had way too much meat. Everything was delicious. My mom and Jim were also in town, so they came over to eat dinner with us. We still have food left over.

Last minute road trip

My dad was in Austin for work, and he was able to come meet Ryland. The only problem is that Austin is 3 hours away, and there were no rental cars available due to a major hail storm a week prior. Dad was fortunate enough to sweet talk Aunt Mary Anne in to driving him halfway to Waco to meet us. The trip was Ryland's first road trip, and he did awesome. He slept the entire way down and back. He even slept through a mini photo shoot by Aunt Mary Anne! My dad was excited to meet Ryland, and they had an opportunity to bond. My dad sat in the back seat and "visited" all the way back home. My dad just needs a grandfather name.........

Aunt Chanda and Uncle Brad

Ryland really loves his Aunt Chanda and Uncle Brad! We love to spend time with Branda, and our little boy loves them too.

Visit to the pediatrician

Ryland made a visit to Dr. McCoy for his little boy procedure. Since he was in the NICU, he was unable to have it done at the hospital. Everything went well, but I was so sad when the doctor brought him back to me. I could tell he had been crying and screaming because his face was blood red and his eyes were swollen. It broke my heart to see him upset. I felt like it hurt me worse than it hurt him.

2nd PKU test

Ryland had his second PKU test today. He was a trooper until they pricked his heel. He then screamed like a little girl! I hated to hear him scream and cry, but I know that it was necessary. After they took his blood, the nurse put an adorable Garfield band aid on his little foot. No news is good news on this test, and we should have results in about 6 to 8 weeks.