Relaxing

Ryan is 5 weeks old this week and growing like a weed. We enjoy taking evening walks and singing songs really loud so people stop and look!

I know lots of people swear by their Boppy but I haven't found it any more useful then a regular pillow except for using it as a chair for Ryan to sit in on his own (of course not unattended). Today in my boredom I was trying to come up with other ways to use the Boppy and I am excited to report my new invention. A NECK PILLOW! Believe it or not it is quite comfortable... The only limitation I see is not being able to use it traveling on a plane because you would probably smother the person sitting in the seat next to you.

Weekend Fun

The boys came over on Saturday to help with our huge hole in the backyard. Less than a week before Ryan was born our lovely swimming pool decided to spring a leak - actually more like totally cave in on the side. Since the pool has been around for almost 30 years we thought it would be time to let it pass on to pool heaven. Thank goodness for all the help in removing the concrete - what a mess.

This Sunday Ryan went to his very first birthday party which was at Bay Beach. Hunter turned 4 and his cousin Abby enjoyed cuddling our little buttercup!

Wonderful Little Boys

Last night is one big blur. I think I slept for about thirty minutes and my little trooper Bailey was right there by my side the entire time. Bailey has been such a great big brother and both Tom and I have done our best to give him lots of love and attention. Today as I work in the office I realized he was feeling a bit blue so I made up a special feather bed next to Ryan's swing. I really hope we get this sleeping thing figured out soon otherwise I think I may loose my mind...

Ryan has been smiling for about two weeks but recognition triggered this today. I picked him up and when he saw my face a huge grin appeared on his sweet little face. Just after he was born when he heard me talk he would turn his head in the direction of my voice. I still find this to be amazing. Another noteworthy first was that Ryan rolled over just after one week old. I now keep rolled hand towels on either side of him while he sleeps so he doesn't roll himself into a corner. Like everyone has said, once Ryan arrives I wouldn't be able to imagine life without him which is absolutely the case. There are so may decisions that need to be made like bottle vs mom or nanny vs daycare but even more important is how not to totally screw up this sweet little boy. The new normal seems to be dysfunction with a capital "D". All I want for Ryan is to grow up feeling loved and to be happy and confident. I'm sure I'll want more for him as he gets older but for now it's my job to keep him safe and to remind him how lucky his Dad and I are for being blessed with such a wonderful little boy.

Boy-O-Boy

Tonight we had the missionaries over for enchiladas which Lynne made and froze before she left. Dinner was fantastic! They've helped us with several home projects as we've been preparing for Ryan's arrival and having them over for dinner was long over due. We had a real nice conversation about all of our great childhood memories and all the experiences Tom and I want to share with Ryan as he grows up.

Laundry Time

I'm still trying to figure out how to get the every day chores done and watch Ryan at the same time. Dotie still can't be trusted alone in the same room with Ryan and I'm not comfortable leaving him on a different floor of the house - yep that's me, a first time mom...
Bailey's basement toy basket has come in very handy to keep Ryan out of harms way while I get the clothes washed and folded.

Ryan's First Packer Tailgate 9/8/08

Although we were up to going to the game Tom was worried that a drunken Packer or Vicking fan would fall and land on top of us... go figure! Aunt Pam went to the game with Tom but our family was still able to enjoy grilled chicken wings with all the fixins. Nope, Brats weren't on the menu :)

Me & My Cousins

This is me with my cousins Jacob, Bri and Katie. They came to visit me in the hospital with their parents Bonnie and Jeff when I was only one day old.

Snack Time

Ryan had his follow-up appointment with the Pediatrician on Friday Sept. 5th to check his weight gain. Although last week he was down to 7.2 pounds he is now weighing in at a solid 8.10 pounds. He seems like he sleeps 95% of the time but I guess the milk machine is working. I love how he holds his cheeks when he eats. Yum Yum!

Meeting Great Grandma Dee

Last Sunday Ryan met his Great Grandmother Dee (O'Delia Schuning) for the first time. She was so excited to hold him and couldn't get over how much he looked like Tom when he was a baby.

Big Brother Bailey

I was very worried how Bailey would do with us bringing home a new baby brother but I am thrilled to report that he is doing great. Throughout this past winter Bailey started going to Fun Camp which has helped with his manners and in keeping his weight down. With Ryan coming home Bailey has been going to Camp to help keep distracted. This picture is of Bailey this past Wednesday after a day at Camp where all the dogs competed in the Summer Olympic Finals. In addition to the award around his neck Bailey received first place in the Senior Sprint-Off distance running event. We are very proud of our first born!

Thank You To My Marketing Team

The marketing team at ThedaCare sent this cute Ford Truck flower arrangement last week after we came home from the hospital. The truck will make a great addition to the decor in Ryan's room. I am currently charging the battery on our camera but promise pictures of the nursery soon.

Our First Trip To Door County

The last few trips Lynne was out visiting we ran out of time to show off Lake Michigan. Tuesday Aug. 26th we took a drive to Door County where we browsed some fun shops, enjoyed frozen custard and saw the fantastic view of the Lake.

Of course I forgot to take pictures of anything other than Ryan that day.

He is a great little traveler!

My First Bath

Ryan is not a huge fan of anything that isn't warm and cozy which includes a bath. You wouldn't think giving a little man a bath would be a huge issue - but think again. Thank goodness for Lynne in guiding me through this process. It seemed like it took FOREVER and as Ryan cried the anxiety made me panic and sweat. I hope this gets better soon!

Coming Home From The Hospital

What an exciting day - we are going home today.

Although we were well taken care of at Bellin we can't wait for uninterrupted rest - not to mention if one more person takes my blood pressure or looks at my downstairs region I think I'll scream.

I am also proud to report that I walked out of the hospital instead of being wheeled to the car. After not being able to walk without a waddle for several months and being stuck in a hospital bed for two days I feel like I could run a marathon.

Tom brought home one of Ryan's blankets from the hosptial after the first night to introduce his scent to Bailey. Today Tom and Lynne dropped me off at the house to spend some one on one time with Bailey before he met Ryan. There were lots of kisses, belly rubs and treats exchanged before the crew arrived with lunch in hand. Bailey was thriled to have his family home, sniffed Ryan for about 3.2 seconds and immediatly became distracted with the smell of food.