Date Night

Although we've left Ryan a couple times to go out for a dinner between feedings, Saturday we enjoyed our first real date night out. Grandma Jane happily watched the little guy while Todd and I went to a great party benefitting the Salvation Army. We had a wonderful time and were able to see several of our friends at the event so it was a good way to catch up with so many people at once.

1 month old!

Well, Ryan turns 1 month old this week, and after 29 days finally lost his umbilical cord. So much for the "10 days" they told us to expect when we left the hospital. Our pediatrician doesn't do a 2 week appointment (just a 2 month) so we're not for sure exactly how much he weighs now or how long he is, but he's definitely growing and stretching out. He's really alert in the mornings and has started to react more to us and to toys.

First Lake Trip

We loaded up the car Friday and looked as though we could have been heading out on a Lewis & Clark expedition. Ryan did great on the car ride to the lake and is at that wonderful stage where his alertness doesn't stand a chance against a moving car (or boat). Both Todd's parents were on spring break so they were at the lake also and Ryan got some quality grandparent time with them and their good friends the Lutz's (who are our newest neighbors at the lake) and the Irvins. We took the boat out for the first time this season and Ryan took his inaugural boat ride. This weekend, we also introduced a bottle at night and it was a huge hit. He was a glutton and worked up a sweat getting every last drop. It was a great weekend and we look forward to returning in a few weeks.

Weekend Out of the House

We ventured out of the house quite a bit this weekend and also enjoyed visits from all the grandparents. Thursday my mom was here so Todd and I took advantage and went out for dinner just the two of us. Friday, Todd's parents stopped by to spoil Ryan before leaving for the lake. Saturday we took Ryan to our friend Hudson's 2nd birthday then out to the Brookside St. Patty's Day warm-up parade. That eventing my dad and Marcia stayed so we all five went out to dinner and Ryan did great just sleeping in his carrier the whole time. Afterwards, Todd and I snuck out for a couple hours to meet some friends while Ryan stayed home to get spoiled. Today, the weather is gorgeous so we went to Loose Park and met Todd for lunch then went for a long walk and let Callie play. We've had fun getting out of the house and back into some of our normal activities (the grocery store and Target will have to wait another couple weeks thought!) however Ryan doesn't leave his carrier or the sling so he probably doesn't even know the difference:)

Ryan and Callie at Loose Park this afternoon.

We also had more visitors this week!

Eating before riding in the car = naked baby in Goodyear

Well, I'm not very smooth yet at getting Ryan's carseat in and out of its base and discovered the hard way that feeding him before loading and unloading him and going for a bumpy ride will result in spitting up absolutely everything he just ate. Unfortunately, we had an appointment for an oil change and he was completely soaked and whaling thus resulting in a naked baby in the Goodyear waiting room (albeit wrapped in a blanket). Once he was naked and dry, he was a delightful little guy while we waited. Yesterday, we had to go back to the hospital to repeat his newborn screening exam because it turns out they did it when he was only 22 hours old, and babies must be at least one day old to validate the exam. I know I mentioned it in the last post but it's worthy of a repeat - this kid is eating well and has the cheeks to show for it. The first picture below was taken last Wednesday and the following one was taken just two days later on Friday. He's changing so quickly!

Lots of visitors

We've had a good week and enjoyed getting to see many friends. Todd returned to work on Tuesday which was tough for us all, but we're making the most of our evenings and can't wait for the weekend. Ryan's been eating well, and his little cheeks get chubbier everyday. Last night he gave us a wonderful treat and only got up at 2:00 and 6:00 to nurse; we haven't that much sleep in 12 days! Callie is also doing really well adjusting to the shared attention. She's always been good around kids and knows to be gentle and she's beginning to realize that he's here to stay.

Ryan and Callie's morning routine on the bathroom floor while I get ready.

First Week Home

We arrived home Wednesday on a sunny, 70 degree afternoon while the Royals' first spring training game was on the radio. It couldn't have been more perfect! Todd is home through Monday, and we're loving our time together getting to know Ryan. We had a short night Wednesday evening but got some kinks worked out and are able to get stretches up to 3 hours between feedings now. He had his first check-up Friday and got a good report, however as typical first-time parents we've already placed our first call to the pediatrician after hours:) Ryan has a minor eye infection that doesn't bother him in the least but gives him a constant crusty eye so he's got some eye drops that should clear it up soon. He had his first faux bath today, then enjoyed watching his first border war between dad's hawks and mom's tigers. And per Todd, "Todd and Ryan are thrilled by the Jayhawks' domination over the Tigers ."

first faux bath