Easter Fun on the Farm!

We enjoyed several Easter events with our family last weekend.  From egg hunts at Kellie and Chad's farm house, to brunch at Chateau Elan, to playing in Nonnie's new playhouse!  It was a splendid weekend full of Ryder smiles... which are the best!!

The Milford Farm... gorgeous Victorian home

"why are the eggs empty, Grandmama!?!"

Ryder sleeps through the egg hunt

Ryder and his Godmother, Ashlee

Easter Sunday church service

Ryder and Grandma

Ryder and cousin Larry

Nonnie's new playhouse

Granny's great grandkids!

My happy Easter bunny baby!

Uncle Bob as the bunny

 Ryder had his 4 month old check up yesterday.  Everything looks good... he is in the 11th percentile for weight (77th adjusted for prematurity), 19th percentile for height (89% adjusted for prematurity) and 7th for head circumference (56th adjusted).  He was 12 lb 10 oz and 24 inches long.  Our doctor is great and spent a lot of time with us answering the many questions I prepared in advance of the appointment.  After that, poor Ryder had to get 4 shots.  He didn't go to "school" today because he has been running a slight fever and is very, very tired since getting the shots. Daddy let him sleep in our bed while we got ready for work this morning... Eric had the remote in his hand at one point... was quite funny!

We are heading to Orlando, FL for Eddie and Meghan's wedding this weekend.  Ryder is staying one night with Nonnie and one night with Grandma.... should be a fun weekend for them all!

If you like smiles...

... check these out!  Ryder is already flirting with women.  It is hilarious to watch him play to a crowd.  Today, we went to visit Eric at work, and Ryder was flirting with the women at the bank in a big way!  Thanks to my friend Katie for this adorable t-shirt.

Happy Baby!

Ryder is doing amazing!  He is now 16 weeks old and 13 lbs.  He is really developing his own little personality.  Ryder has a little trouble holding up his head, but he enjoys tummy time, so it will get better.  Ryder is a sleeping champ... he is sleeping 9 hours at night!  Daycare is going pretty well.  We found out last week that Ryder made it into our first choice, Dunwoody Christian Academy, and he can start there on May 23rd.  I am excited, as they have webcam to watch Ryder while I am at work.  Peachtree Road Lutheran School is very nice, but Dunwoody Christian is more convenient to my work.

sweet baby boy!

We celebrated Easter a little early this past weekend with our neighborhood Mom's club.  Our new neighbors, Aregush and her daughter, Gahlela, came with us.  They are Ethiopian and love to share their culture with me!  I really enjoy having them next door.  Here are few pictures from the neighborhood Easter egg hunt.

Look at that happy baby!!

Heather, Ryder, Katie & Addie

Heather, Ryder & Gahlela

 

Eric and I are both well.  Eric just wrapped up a big project at Habitat for Humanity building playhouses to raise money for the DeKalb affiliate.  We "won" the below house for my Mom!  Thanks to all who bid!

Other baby news... CONGRATS Jamie and Robby.... Carson R. Monk arrived on Friday.  GREAT JOB JAMIE!  After many, many hours of pushing, she had a beautiful baby boy.

Elaine and Brad are having a boy!  Boys, boys, everywhere!!

My host sister, Vera, is expecting her third!  CONGRATS VERA and family!  Fingers crossed for a girl. :)

Back to work & Go Braves!

My first week back at work went as well as possible.  I severely missed Ryder, but it was so nice having him with his grandmas for the week.  Next week Ryder starts daycare... that will be REALLY tough.  Work welcomed me back with open arms.  I know my teammates were glad to get my work off their plate.  Brandy, my dear friend and cube-mate, did most of my work... BIG THANKS to her.  I hope to repay the favor sometime soon. 

We went to Cocktails & Crayons, our neighborhood play group, today.  I mentioned this group before... it is all of the neighborhood parents of small children getting together for a beer while the kids play... we love it!! 

Ryder is growing so fast!!  Our little preemie hit 12 lbs today! Here are a few pictures from tonight:

Future Braves fan... Ryder watching the baseball game!

Ryder's play zone

ok... totally looks more like Daddy!

 A picture from yesterday:

Ryder smiles a lot now, but it is sometimes hard to capture

Ryder spends the day with Grandma

Ryder spent yesterday with Michelle while E and I were at work.  Here are two pictures she took.  I love his big smile and big brown eyes!!

Back to work

Today is my first day back at work, and I wanted to take a quick moment to post a sweet picture of Ryder sitting in his Bumbo.  He is with his Bic Bic today (Vickie Sprinkle) and will spend the rest of the week with Grandma (Eric's mom) and Nonnie (my mom) since the day care is closed for Spring Break.  Ryder looks unhappy that I am going back to work!

Ryder can hold his head up for short periods

This morning... back to work for mommy!