Happy New Year's Eve!

Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming out poor of love, support and especially the prayers.  They are working!  Ryder continues to do very well, despite a minor set back yesterday and needing to tube feed every other feeding.  The nurses and doctors warned us that he was working at a pace not usually maintainable for someone his age, so he got too tired to continue with all bottle feeding.  He is, however, continuing to increase his intake, so hopefully he will have gained weight since yesterday.  He is at 4 lb 4 oz right now.  All vitals and tests keep coming back with great results.  We are so blessed!  Here are a couple updated pictures.

 Our first family portrait... taken by our great nurse named Lauren!  The NICU nurses have been outstanding.  Each one seems to be an angel that fell from the sky!  I cannot wait to bring him home and come back to do something nice for them.

 Last night after his 9 PM feeding.  You can see the little tube coming from his nose.  It goes directly to his stomach to feed him.  His shirt says, "Great things come in small packages."

Cute picture from 12/29... Auntie Lindsey gave this to him.  It says, "My Auntie is Awesome"... AND SHE IS!  Eric washed it a few weeks ago and asked me if he shrunk it when he was folding it.  Little did we know then that it would swallow our little guy up!

A special thank you to all who came to see Ryder those first few days and everyone who sent wishes via text/calls/flowers.  It brightened his spirits (and ours too).  Currently, we are back and forth between home and the hospital.  We try to only visit with him during eating time, as his sleep is SO important.  We look forward to accepting visitors when we get him home (hopefully by next weekend).  For now, visits are with feedings at 3, 6, 9, 12, if you would like to see him.

We are thankful for the very generous offer some have made to bring us dinner!  We are lucky to live in an amazing neighborhood that organizes support for new moms.  Our mom's club uses a website to coordinate the efforts.  To access our CareCalendar site, please visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/60692 and enter the following information in the appropriate spaces:

CALENDAR ID : 60692
SECURITY CODE : 7672

Thank you again to everyone for your love, support, prayers and thoughts.  Eric and I are comforted by it all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!  Ryder cannot wait to meet you all.  He has proved he is eager, so I mean it when I say that. ;)

Ryder Louis Larson has arrived!

It is with overwhelming joy that Eric and I share with you that our son arrived very unexpectedly in the wee hours of Monday morning.  At 2:58 AM our little 4 lb 11 oz (2168.2 grams), 18.5 inch (47 cm) angel was born.  Ryder came out breathing on his own and never needed a ventilator or incubation.  He did, however, have to go to the special care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he stayed until this afternoon (he already graduated to the regular NICU).  Superman, as I affectionately think of him, is "going to eat us out of house and home" as his nurse puts it.  He is eating great and is already up to 25 cc's of formula.  Eric and I must leave tomorrow evening, but we will be at the hospital very often to feed and care for Ryder.  Our prayer is that he comes home very, very soon.  Right now, all signs point to him coming home perhaps as early as this weekend.

You are likely wondering how this all happened... Eric and I are still in shock ourselves.  While I always suspected Ryder would like to make a slightly early entrance into this wonderful world, I did not expect a "33 weeker" as they have called him.  On Christmas Eve I thought I had a stomach bug and was having trouble eating.  I spent much of Christmas Day in bed with many "braxton hicks" or false contractions.  I had the practice contractions for much of my pregnancy, so I did not think much of the increase.  Sunday morning, while sitting at Flying Biscuit (restaurant), I had my first "real" contraction.  It was certainly a different experience.  We came home and tried to manage the random, infrequent pains with a bath, soft music and relaxation.  Unfortunately, the contractions were about 7 minutes apart by 2:00 PM.  We went to the hospital and they were able to stop my labor with fluids and terbutaline (a drug) and we were home by 8 PM.  By 9:30 PM I was already having regular contractions again.  We called the doctor and went back to the hospital with the full expectation that they would again stop the labor.  Unfortuantely, by the time we arrived, I was in a lot of pain and after getting to the labor and delivery room was 6 cm dialated!!  I will never forget Eric asking the nurse, "So, this means you can't stop it?!".  She quickly told us, "You are having this baby tonight."  After I tried to get myself together, completely in shock and terrified about having a baby this early, Eric and I put our labor classes to use.  Ryder came into this world with his grandmothers and greatgrandmother cheering him on and Dad doing everything to help me push.  My family and hospital labor teams, including an on-call doctor I had never met and a nurse who only had 2 months of experience, did an amazing job!  I do not know why we had Ryder early, but I know he is so perfect and we are looking forward to taking extra special care of God's precious gift to us.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  Here are a few pictures.  Many more to come!

Pictures from Cooper's Birthday

Cooper had a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" (it is a children's book, for those who do not know) party... here are some pictures...

 

The Birthday Prince!

 

Playing with his custom sippy cup from Aunt Heather

 

 Time for cupcakes!

Happy Holiday Party!

We enjoyed a weekend of parties after a very hectic week at work.  Our sweet nephew, Cooper, turned 1 on Saturday.  We celebrated at Britt and Lindsey's home-- pictures to be posted soon!  We also celebrated the holiday season with many friends at two different holiday gatherings. 

We are busy this week with childbirth class (our last one) and two pediatrician interviews.  Last Thursday's doctor appointment went well... Ryder (aka my stomach) is measuring about 1 cm ahead of schedule.  We go back on Dec 30 for our 34 week appointment.  The only bodily change getting bad (if we put weight gain in the positive category) are the veins in my legs.  A big thank you to Granny and Mom for that genetic treat!

I am almost finished Christmas shopping.  Eric helped a lot this year by coming along to keep me on task.  It is amazing how efficient a man can shop!  Shirt, book, toy... check, check, check- let's go.  He is in and out of a store before I would have even had two items picked out.  My feet thank him!

Lastly, our neighbors are having a baby girl today!  Please keep Katie and baby Addie in your prayers.

Getting ready to be a dad!

Last Tuesday we started our childbirth preparation classes, which are on Tuesday evenings for 3 weeks.  Last week we learned about signs of preterm labor and the stages of labor.  I'm not sure what tomorrow is about.  Our class has 5 other couples all about the same stage as us.  I think it was very eye opening to hear all of the details for the men in the room. 

We continue to prepare the house and reorganize our small space.  Here's a picture of Eric wearing his new "Dad" tshirt... see the baby in the carrier on the front.  The shirt is from the movie "Hangover"; however, it seems to fit our situation well.  Notice Eric is in fully in character, complete with the stroller!

Two Healthy Kidneys!!

Today's appointment went GREAT!  Ryder has two healthy kidneys.  He was showing off for the doctor... he stuck out his tongue, showed us his practice breathing (his chest was moving up and down- so cool), and he played with his feet.  Super cute! We go back to the specialist at 36 weeks for one last check before delivery.

My Fabulous Family Shower

On Sunday, Mom, Michelle, Ashlee, Courtney, Kellie and Lindsey (super house hostess), all hosted me and Ryder a shower.  It was so wonderful to have everyone together.  The food was very yummy (shrimp and grits were superb)... kudos to the chefs.  A very big THANK YOU to everyone for the overwhelming amount of love and gifts.  Our son is spoiled and he has not even been born yet... what a lucky child to have such an amazing family.  Thank you all for your love and support.  We appreciate all of the great gifts... bedding, car seat, high chair, bath tub, exercise frog, bath toys, clothes, books (oh- I just LOVE all of the books), blankets, golf bag (perfect for the golf themed room, Linda!), diapers, etc, etc (there was so many wonderful things).  Here are some pictures from the shower...

 

Adorable decor... Ryder is all set with monogrammed gear thanks to his Aunt Lindsey!

Britt & Lindsey's dining room

So many lovely gifts!

Those who know Eric after a football game (or just after a fun night out) will laugh at this picture.

 Fun Aunt Sandy got Eric a shirt... I'll have to shrink it a little, but he LOVED it!!!!  We have our first day of childbirth classes tomorrow, and I think he is going to wear it. :)

 The blanket that Granny (aka "Gigi") knit/crocheted for Ryder... super soft and oh so special!!

Lindsey, Courtney, Ashlee, Heather, Becky

 The Grandmas!!  

Gigi Ala, Nonnie Upchurch and Grandma Larson

30 Week Profile shot!

Our next doctor appointment with the specialist is tomorrow.  Please send prayers up for Ryder's kidneys (think shrink!).  Hopefully my body also continues to hold strong for him.

More Thanksgiving Pictures & Welcome Cole Nathan Jarvis

Here are some Upchurch Thanksgiving pictures.  We celebrated at my cousin's (Kellie and Chad Milford) renovated 1895 farm house... you can see some of the neat details in the background.

The Upchurch/Larson Family (Ryder "coming soon", Cooper 11 mo, Charlie 3 yr)

Check out the amazing built in cabinets on the right side (all recycled wood from the farm)

The Davis/Milford Family 
Notice the mantel over the stove on the left side of the picture (behind Kellie)

Welcome Cole Nathan Jarvis (Becky's nephew)!!

Proud Aunt Becky and baby Cole (8 lb 13 oz, 21.25 inches)

Welcome Jonas Clemens Mayer-Blasig

My host-brother, Joerg, and his wife, Susi, had a son on 11.18.10!!  Jonas Clemens Mayer-Blasig was a beautiful and healthy 49 cm (19.3 inches) and 2500 g (5 lb, 8 oz)!  Here is a picture of Claudia and Bernhard (my Mom and Dad over the pond) holding their new grandson.  Jonas is their third grandson. 

So thankful on Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone.  Eric and I are so thankful to have spent it with our entire family.  We had dinner on Wednesday night at the Milford's "new" renovated farm home (from 1895) with the entire Upchurch family.  Chad did an AMAZING job on the renovation... the home is a work of art.  Thursday started with Eric and I cheering on Brandy as she ran the Thanksgiving half marathon (Go Brandy! She got her best time yet).  We went to the Larson's for a late Thanksgiving lunch and celebrated with many friends and family around an amazing meal that Michelle prepared.  Lastly, we had dinner at Granny and Pawpaw's with the entire Ala family (extended family on my Mom's side).  Granny made every dish imaginable.  The day was so beautiful (nice, warm weather) and we enjoyed every moment with the family.  Ryder especially enjoyed all of the great food.

Here are a couple pictures from the Larson gathering.

Here is a sneak peek at the nursery paint color!  Efrin still has to come back and do some touch up, but this gives you an idea.  I love it!

I'm feeling well... the acid reflux is not fun, but I'm learning different ways to manage it.  Ryder has found his favorite spot is under my right rib.  He often tucks himself onto my right side and my stomach looks lopsided.  It is quite uncomfortable for me, but he seems happy.  We go to the doctor next Tuesday to check his kidneys and also make sure things are still going well for me.  Please keep us in your prayers!

Happy Thanksgiving

I took the day off today to go to pick up Ryder's dresser from Liberty Furniture.  Of course, it did not fit in my car, so my Dad came with his trusty Aerostar van to save the day.  Efrin Gomez (E. A Gomez Custom Painting) will come to paint the office and Ryder's room this weekend.  I look forward to being one step closer to having the room ready.

Eric and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!  We all have so much for which to be thankful... family, health, jobs, etc.  I am especially thankful for my little baby boy.

Putting the knobs on the dresser!

 The view from the doorway (I should have closed the blinds)

 Ryder's new Liberty Furniture dresser!  Huge thanks to Jason Brian for the hook up!

By the way- when in Roswell, check out Lucky's on Hwy 9 near downtown Roswell.  We had dinner with Alison and Chris Copenhaver there last night and the burgers were yum!  They have kettle cooked chips and sweet potato fries too... yum.  Alison and Chris gave Ryder his first Georgia baseball hat, among many other goodies.  Thanks guys!!

Good news from doc!

The specialist doctor checked me out today and everything looked much better than two weeks ago.  The rest made a huge difference!  I can do easy walks and light exercise (like yoga) now!!  I'm so relieved for my and Ryder's health... and for my sanity. :)

Relaxing (not as easy as it looks)

Eric and I spent the weekend at home where I made every attempt to be compliant with the doctor's "rest" orders.  Eric found time to smoke a pork shoulder, and I picked up the house and caught up on some "Real Simple" magazine reading.  I look forward to good news from the doctor tomorrow.  Hopefully I will be back in the gym at least doing yoga and be allowed short walks in the neighborhood.  Heaven help me if the "rest" order continues!!

 Preparing the pork shoulder...YUM!  It was Eric's best smoked pork yet!  The trick, we think, was 5 hours in the smoker and 2 hours in the oven.

 Eric's current game day partner... sorry Mia... Ryder will take your spot soon!

A fun Packer's outfit from Eric's family, the Duchow's, in WI!  Ryder can only sport this gear when "The Pack" are not playing Atlanta! :)  Thank you Irene and Barbara!

Showered with love

Saturday night was our first shower, hosted by the amazing Sprinkle girls... Lindsey, Allie, and Caroline.  The "House Divided" theme was a perfect couples shower complete with red/black and orange/blue tailgating decor.  Each detail was perfectly planned, from the "Baby Larson Loves Dawgs/Gators" coozies to red velvet and carrot cake (orange) desserts.  The girls outdid themselves!!  A HUGE thank you to all who came.  Ryder needed everything we received, and we appreciate it all so much.  Here are some pictures from the party and of the amazing gifts.

Great basket of very needed goodies from the Billington's!  The puppy is so soft.

 The Grateful Dead shirt from Jimmy (and also one from the Glaze's)!

 The cute letter blocks from Jessica and Jeremy!  Ryder is all set with toys and many useful gifts from the Glaze's!

 How big around are we!?!  Beau and Brian won!

All of the great gifts...  thank you, thank you, thank you!  Ryder's going to love his Sleep Sheep from Uncle Britt and Aunt Lindsey!  Look at the adorable Dawg wear from the Carpenter's and the great "BullGator" onesie from the Lunsford's.  We will certainly put the sterilizer from the Ryan's to good use! Ryder will love the gator and red dog onesies from Uncle Brian and Aunt Liz!

Check it out... the BOB running stroller (Eric will put together soon)!!!  WOW!  Thanks Wine Club & Anything-But-Wine Club!  That is so wonderful..

On another note, as most of you know, we found out on Tuesday that I have some health concerns and the doctor needs me to rest more to avoid early labor.  I am certainly taking the direction very seriously and will be absent from many upcoming events.  Hopefully my follow-up appointment on Nov 16 will show signs of improvement.

Just another Friday night

The sleigh crib, on loan to Ryder from our friends, the Bryant's, was our Friday night project.  You can see the Augusta National 18th hole painting above his bed (definitely need a new frame for that).  I also ordered a pillow for Ryder from Color Me Cute (www.colormecute.etsy.com).  Check out our progress so far...we still have a long way to go!  Now, we are off to go get some pizza!

Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia

On Sunday we went to Helen, Georgia (about 90 minutes north of Atlanta) to enjoy Oktoberfest.  Helen is a Disney Land like village that somewhat looks and feels like a German town (all Germans are laughing at this comment, but it is really as close as we will get in Georgia).  Me (+ Ryder) and Eric + Britt, Lindsey, Charlie (3 yrs), and Cooper  (10 months) all put on our Oktoberfest attire and ate schnitzel and drank beer (well, just those over 21 and not pregnant!).  We had a beautiful day and enjoyed the scenic drive.  Here are some great pictures from our trip...

Kicking it into high gear!

The nursery project is one step closer to being ready after a Sunday afternoon of cutting trim and using the nail gun Eric got for Christmas (thank you Mom and Dad!).  Here are some updated pictures.  We should have it painted soon.  I will post another picture after construction is complete.

Isn't that a serious face!

Notice the new trim above the bead board and crown molding along the ceiling since the last picture.  The paint has been ordered-- "Cloud Blue" from Restoration Hardware-- along with a matching rug!

We registered this past Saturday at the new baby store in Alpharetta called Buy Buy Baby (www.buybuybaby.com).  I chose to register there instead of Babies R Us because everyone can use their Bed Bath and Beyond coupons to get 20% off an item.  We are also registered at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child (www.rhbabyandchild.com) for our bedding and some splurge monogram outfits (what I have referred to as Ryder's church clothes). 

We have our 24 week appointment tomorrow morning.  The doctor will test for gestational diabetes (all women get this test) and measure my progress.  I hope they do an ultrasound to check on his kidneys.  If not, we will get an update on them at our next specialist appointment on Nov. 2.  Ryder is kicking me very often now, and you can even see some of the kicks through my clothes.  I said he was going to be a soccer player, and Eric quickly corrected me to say that our son was going to run cross country!  We'll see. :)