Ryder . 19 Weeks

19 weeks; 17 pounds, 13 ounces. 

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This past week Ryder is still fascinated with his tongue, but not quite as much as the week previous.  However, he is constantly pulling his bottom lip in to suck on it - which causes him to be quite the drooly baby.

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Ryder and me at the M&M Store in Vegas.  I have the same picture of just me standing there in March, when I was pregnant with him!  He seemed to like all the bright colors in the store, but became quite sleepy - perhaps since he hadn't really slept the night before.

Patrick and Ryder on Thanksgiving - Ryder is sporting his Thanksgiving shirt!

Smiling after a shower.

Playing with Patrick.

We took advantage of the swimming pool's warm water, and took Ryder swimming.  Here he is in his swimming suite - it is too big (it was a gift when he was born - we looked for a smaller size at a store while we were there, but the smallest was the same size as this one).

Sitting on Patrick's lap at my favorite fast food place - In N Out!!!

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Ryder did okay for his first road trip.  On the way down, he slept a good portion, and was happy and playful when he was awake.  However, once there, it was a different story - the kid had no interest in sleeping through the night like he does at home.  The first two nights were pretty sleepless, the third was better, but still not as good as normal.  The ride home was no fun at all.  Between his tiredness, and the snowstorm we encountered, it was a long drive.  Even with the lack of sleep, Ryder seemed to be in okay spirits while we were in Vegas, but definitely not his usual easy-going self.  It was good to visit with family, both on my dad's side, and meeting up with Patrick's uncle.  Everyone, as expected, loved Ryder!

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The countdown to moving day is on - just 13 days from today.  We have the final walk through for the house in 7 days, and closing in 10 days.  The past month and a half has gone by so quickly.

Ryder . 18 Weeks

18 weeks, and officially 4 months old.  After holding steady with his weight for 3 weeks, he gain a record 1 pound this past week - 17 pounds, 13 ounces.  At the doctor's office on Friday (for his 4 month check up), he measured in at 27 inches long - yep, you read that right 27 inches.  The nurse couldn't believe it, so we measured him again and came up with the exact same length.  She said that is the average length for more of an 8/9 month old.

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This past week Ryder seemed to re-discover his tongue.  He is constantly sticking it out when he laughs and smiles.  He has also discovered that he can pull his bottom lip in to suck on it.

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A picture to show off the tile work in the shower (only 1/2 of what we (really, more Patrick) did - the tub was also tiled).  And, since you all like pictures where Ryder is included best, you will find him sitting in the corner of the shower playing with the drawstring on his pants - too distracted to look up at me!

Ryder hanging out in our new Master Bath.  Luckily, for him, he doesn't quite have enough strength to turn the faucet on!

Sitting on the couch in his Bumbo.  I know I say it most weeks, but he absolutely loves that thing - I think he likes that he is sitting up without us holding him.

Getting some good "tummy time" in with Patrick in the morning.

A shot of Ryder I am sure he won't like in the future.  A great one of that tongue action I referenced above - at the same time the flash caught him off guard.

Another shot of the tongue action, this time with a smile!

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Well, we will be closing on our current home tonight.  While we are both excited to be moving, it seems a bit sad too - the house we are in was our first house, and we have lots and lots of memories associated with it.  The new house will have those too, with time, but it is finally becoming real.

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The next several weekends will be quite busy for us.  This weekend we will be heading to Las Vegas (Ryder's first road trip) to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and part of my dad's side of the family.  Next weekend we will be working hard to get as much as we possibly can packed.  The following weekend we will close (12/10), take possession (12/11), paint Ryder's room, and move (12/13).  The following is our anniversary - 5 years!  The next is Christmas, followed by New Years.

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For the local family - we are planning on moving Sunday, December 13.  We want to start first thing that morning, so that we have time to clean the old house, and unpack at least the essentials at the new one.  We would appreciate any help!

Ryder . 17 Weeks

17 weeks old, and still holding steady at 16 pounds, 13 ounces.

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Ryder's hand-eye coordination is improving quickly.  Several times now, he has put the pacifier in his own mouth - typically, after he has pulled it out.  He is also able to focus better on objects, and purposefully grab/play with things (as evidenced in a later picture).

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Ryder talking to me while I am getting him dressed after a shower.

Playing together on Friday.

The picture I mentioned above - Patrick was holding Ryder, and he kept reaching up and grabbing Patrick's nose.  It looked to me like he was aiming for the glasses, but wasn't able to reach them - when I told Patrick to put his face a little closer, Ryder grabbed the glasses, and pulled them right off of Patrick's face!  While I thought it was funny, Patrick didn't see quite as much humor as I did . . . that's okay, Ryder is also getting good at grabbing my necklaces and earrings - so, we both have to deal with his new skill.

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We spent quite a bit of time this past week at our new house, working on tiling the Master Bath (thanks to Jim & Martha for your help!), and cleaning the house (thanks to my parents and Rory!).  The tile looks great, and the house (especially the floors and vents) are clean!  This week we will be going back to do the finishing touches to the tub/shower.  As of yesterday, the base coat of stucco was complete, along with some various spots for the final coat.  The siding and brick are completed.  The kitchen base cabinets and bathroom vanities are installed.  And, nearly all of the light fixtures are in place.  It seems to be coming together, and we are getting so excited.  We should close on our current house next Monday, and hopefully move into our new house in just under 4 weeks.  It has happened so fast!

Ryder . 16 Weeks

16 weeks old, and holding steady at 16 pounds, 13 ounces.

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No new developments this week; although, he is spending more and more time in his Bumbo.  He can sit up for a few seconds on his own, but he tends to still fall forward quite quickly.

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Ryder was tired, and not really wanting to smile at me.

Ryder showing off his cute shirt, blue eyes, and staticy hair.

Spending some time on his tummy.  He is starting to pull his arms under himself (almost in a "crawling" posture), but isn't able to get the legs under him yet.

Playing on Sunday morning.

Lastly, Ryder watching Patrick make breakfast on Sunday morning.  The Bumbo is so nice - it fits on the counter easily (not taking up too much space!), and Ryder loves to be included with what we are doing.

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This past weekend was full of meeting new family for Ryder.  He was introduced to 2 great aunts (and a great uncle, and 2 long-time family friends of my mom's), and I am pretty sure he loved them all!

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The Craft Fair was successful!  Ryder was super good both days, but I am sure it will be a completely different story next year - when he is 15 months, and won't be as happy about everyone holding him.

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Finally, things are moving along well with the house.  On Saturday, the brick was up, one side (of siding) was completed, and the rest was prepped for siding or stucco.  The paint has been completed, and they were working on the tile for the bathrooms and kitchen.  Tomorrow, Patrick and I will be tiling the shower!  We still aren't sure on the closing date, but for those of you who are local, pencil in December 12 and 13 (Saturday/Sunday) as moving dates!

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Oh - and one last thing, thanks to my parents, Jim, and Martha for getting boxes.  At this point, we are thinking we have nearly enough; however, if any of you (locally) run across some paper boxes (that the reams come in), or super sturdy boxes, please get them for us.  As we get more things packed, we will have a better idea of how many we still need.  Thanks!

Ryder . 15 Weeks

15 weeks old, and almost 17 pounds. . . 16 pounds, 13 ounces.
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I have pulled out the 6-9 month clothing, although he still fits comfortably in 3-6 onesies.  The 3-6 month pants are at the "perfect" length right now, but he will quickly grow out of them.
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A serious face.  Ryder was sitting on Patrick's lap when we were in the office reviewing house stuff.  He wasn't in the mood to smile - he was ready to eat, and go to bed!

Ryder wore his blue M&M shirt on Halloween.  Here he is outside in a pile of leaves.  He loved kicking the leaves - he loved the rustling noise it would make.

Another one of Ryder spending time in his “Bumbo” – he loves sitting up on his own.  And, it is great that we can have him on the counter with us when we are getting dinner ready.

Ryder LOVES to have his diaper changed and his clothes changed.  Last night, he was having a great time getting ready for bed! . . .

The house I talked about is officially going to be ours!  We are praying/hoping/keeping our fingers crossed that it will be finished NO LATER than 12/07, so that there is adequate time for walk throughs/repairs, closing, etc.  However, the Developer is saying it will be finished by 12/11.  So, while we know we have family we could stay with for a few days if necessary, it would be awful to have to move our stuff more than once.  With this said, keep us in your thoughts/prayers/wishes/whatever else that the house can get done a little early!
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This week Patrick and I are finishing getting ready for the Craft Fair . . . come see us - Friday 10:00-8:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00!
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And, I am back to work . . . full-time.  And, in case you were curious - at this time, I have been asked to be the Lead for 2 offices - I will be in each office 2 days/week.