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!

Happy 3 Month Birthday, Ryder!

Ryder turned 3 months old yesterday!  I can honestly say this has been the best (and fastest) 3 months of my life.  Our precious little boy has gone from tiny preemie of 4 lb 3 oz (at his smallest) to now almost 11 lbs!  I am so proud of his progress.  He is beginning to swat at his toys and even shook his rattle today.

It is never too early to start lifting weights. ;)

Shake that rattle!

"Who is that handsome baby in the mirror!?"

In other exciting news... HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE BRIAN!!  Also, CONGRATULATIONS to ELAINE and BRAD on the news that they are expecting a baby in September.  Elaine is 14 weeks and looking great!  Please keep her in your prayers.

Here is a recent family photo:

I go back to work on Monday (tear).  Ryder will spend the first week with his grandmas and then start "school" on Monday, April 11.  Please keep me in your prayers... it is going to be very hard to adjust to the reality that I am a working mom.  Being home the past 13 weeks has been such a gift.  I have treasured each moment!

Larsons on the go! Ryder turns 12 weeks.

I hate that it has been over a week since my last post.  We had a wonderful week last week, followed by a great weekend.

Highlights from last week... We visited my Mom, aka Nonnie, at her work (South Forsyth High School).  We also went up to Buford to visit Eric's Mom, aka Grandma, at the physical therapy clinic where she works a few days a week.  Both visits were great.  I know the grandmas enjoyed showing off their precious grandson.

St. Patrick's Day is a big holiday in our house. Eric asked me to marry him on St. Patrick's Day six years ago.  Now, after almost 5 years of marriage, we have a beautiful son to celebrate our "luck" on this fun holiday.  I also got my push present... a beautiful diamond pendant.  Eric is setting the bar high for St. Patrick's Day... diamonds every six years. ;) We celebrated with the Spallas and Crows (fun neighbor friends) at the English pub at the top of our street... Bat & Ball.

Eric holding Addie & Ryder

We had to postpone one of my baby showers because Ryder arrived so early.  Mom, Granny, Michelle and Jessica Glaze hosted a great shower inviting our friends up in Cumming, GA.  Ryder got a lot of great clothes and a lot of diapers!

Cute cake! Pictures of me & E as babies.

Sunday, March 20, was a huge day for Eric... he ran his first half marathon (13.1 miles for those who do not run)!!  GO ERIC!!  His time was 1:59:44.... just barely under 2 hours.  He is such a rock star!  I am so proud of him.  Our friend Mike also ran.

Eric's fan club @ mile 4.5 -- Liz's baby bump is showing :)

The "winners" after the race - Mike and Eric

Their biggest fans... Ryder and Vivi (Mike's daughter)

Also, as an aside, I turned 29 on Sunday.  We had a great lunch with the entire family at Fox Brothers BBQ near Five Points.  It was great to see everyone, and I appreciate all of the love as I go into my last year of the 20's... sad.

Ryder is growing so fast!!  Here's a picture of him on his 12 week birthday, 3/21/11.

Ryder loves to stretch his arms out

Big smile!

Ryder's Family Fun Weekend!

Ryder is growing so quickly right before our eyes. Look at my big 10+ lb boy!  He is slowly having some awake time each day and even smiled at me making funny noises at him the other night (the cutest smile I have ever seen). We had a busy weekend that kicked off Thursday with play group and finished at Granny"s tonight (with a lot of fun events in between).  Here are some pictures...

Ryder and Addie at play group

Ahhh... holding hands (unhappily)

Monthly neighborhood play group called Cocktails & Crayons!

Charlie and his favorite Aunt Heather

Cousins! Saturday dinner with Britt, Lindsey and the boys.

Lindsey's favorite nephew (and only)

Looking up at Daddy

Family photo at Granny's

Ryder ponders his Nonnie's lovely new hair cut

Uncle Bryan, aka "UB", and little Rye!

Ryder's Room- Then & Now

Ryder's room has been finished for a few weeks, and I finally took a few pictures of it to show you.  Here it is before...

And here it is now... complete with sleeping baby!

Check out the Ryder Cup pin flag!

The painting above the crib is the 18th hole at Augusta National

The glider where I find myself around 3:30 every morning!

Sweet sleeping baby... uh oh, we have a paci addict!

Nursery details: bedding is Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, crib and glider are borrowed from the Bryant family, hanging frame and rug are overstock.com, dresser is Liberty Furniture,tall narrow bookcase is World Market, shelf above the dresser was made from materials bought at Lowes, paint color is "cloud" from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.