Christmas 2009

We had a family-filled, fun Christmas this year.
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Christmas Eve we spent time with my family.  We first went to the Candlelight Service at church, then over to my parent's house for dinner and presents.
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A family picture in front of my parent's tree.

Ryder spending some time with his Great Grandma Sianez.

Ryder was more interested in my dad talking to him, than he was in the present itself.

Ryder sporting his newest hat - a Spiderman hat (there are matching gloves too!).

Christmas morning Patrick, Ryder, and I opened our gifts/stockings together.
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Ryder checking out his gift from us - it does numbers, letters, shapes, and colors in English and Spanish!

Playing with his stocking stuffers.

Having fun with Patrick before more family came over.

Patrick's mom side of the family came over for Brunch and presents.
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Opening presents with his Grandma Jody.

Ryder trying to figure out how to operate his new toy.

We tried to get another family pictures (in our Christmas jammies), but Ryder didn't feel like smiling . . . until I turned him upside down!

Christmas afternoon we went to Huntsville to see Patrick's dad's side of the family, then over to his dad's house for presents and dinner.
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Ryder enjoying his present - it's a walker that is in the shape of a car.  It makes tons of different noises.  Ryder really enjoys being in this because he can stand up on his own!

Showing off his new University of Georgia hoodie from his Aunt Julie - I told Ryder when he is older he needs to get Julie to work at the University he wants to attend . . . perhaps a tuition discount could apply!

Overall, it was a fun Christmas.  As expected for a 5 month old, Ryder didn't seem to care it was Christmas, but he did love all the new toys and books!  Next year, when he can be engaged in opening the presents, I'm sure we will have a great time.
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Merry Christmas!

Ryder . 23 Weeks

23 weeks; 19 pounds, 10 ounces.
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Ryder discovered his head this past week - which, I know sounds weird, but, he is constantly rubbing his hair and forehead now!

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Chewing on cold teethers is one of Ryder's favorite things.

Playing together.

It's a good thing we have 9 foot ceilings!  Ryder LOVES being "thrown" up in the air.

Just hanging out.

I stuck Ryder in his Bumbo, in the shower - he loved playing with all the toys!

Playing with one of his new Christmas toys, well, really trying to swallow it whole.

Christmas was lots of fun (see the "Christmas 2009" post). 
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We are getting more and more settled in.  Patrick is planning on starting the Master Bath "update" this weekend, and I've been trying to decide where to hang pictures.  Once everything is more situated, we will send out pictures.

Ryder . 22 Weeks

This kid is growing like a weed - 22 weeks; 19 pounds!  He is also officially 5 months old.

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Ryder's personality continues to develop more and more every day.  He really is such a good natured baby!

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A typical snapshot . . . a toy in the mouth, while smiling.

The drill is a common sight in our house - Ryder seems fascinated with the bright color, and loves to see it spin.

Ryder can't really feed himself the entire bottle, but he is working on being able to hold it on his own.

We celebrated Ryder's 5 month "birthday" by getting his hair cut.  It was just getting too long - when combed all the way forward, it was in his eyes.  Patrick held him, and, overall, he was pretty good at sitting still!

Ryder was recently given a new toy (I had the exact one as a kid!) - he really likes it!  (You can also see just how much shorter his hair is now).

Another typical snapshot . . . both hands in the mouth, and smiling!

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We are gearing up for a busy week of Christmas fun.  We (really, Patrick) even put up the Christmas tree in the front room (office).  It's a prelit one - so, it has pretty lights, but no ornaments this year.

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We finished up the painting over the weekend (we still have some areas (our bedroom and "powder room" bath) to paint, but we are holding off on those for awhile).  Most of the boxes (other than the basement) are unpacked.  Now - we start the "remodel" of the Master Bath.  Yes, I know, it's a new house - but adding a linen closet will be SO nice!!!

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Merry Christmas!

Ryder . 21 Weeks

No weight gain this week - 21 weeks; 18 pounds, 6 ounces. 
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This weekend my mom worked hard at teaching Ryder how to blow "raspberries" with his lips and/or tongue.  He has mastered the ability; however, he typically does it when the pacifier is in his mouth, which sends it flying, and just gets him mad that he no longer has it.  He doesn't quite get the actions/consequence thing yet!
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Playing together . . . just ignore the drool on his shirt!

Ryder practicing his standing skills with Patrick.

Ryder is getting better at sitting up - as long as he can brace himself on something.  In this picture the TV was too interesting to look away.

Showing off a cute shirt!

"Helping" unpack the dishes at the new house.

One last picture of Ryder in his room at the old house.

Just a cute picture the night of moving day!

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We have successfully moved into our new home, and are working hard to get it settled!

Ryder . 20 Weeks

20 weeks; 18 pounds, 6 ounces. 

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No "big" developments this past week, although the tongue fascination continues - he has started sticking it out when he coughs, which, typically then makes him laugh, or at least smile.

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We are letting him wear all of his 3-6 month clothes one more time (there are about 10 onesies left to wear) before putting them in a storage bin.  He is officially in the 6-9 month size, and is just about able to wear 9-12 month.

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A big smile, while playing.

Ryder loves to practice his standing skills.  Here he is, with Patrick.

Ryder does not like the thought of getting packed in a box, like all of our things!  He was okay with it at first, but he quickly realized he didn't like it.

Practicing sitting up.  It doesn't last long, though.  I can get one or two shots, and then I have to catch him.

Spending some time on his stomach.  He likes it best when we get on the floor and play with him.

Ryder is not a fan of Patrick and I packing/getting the house ready - he wants our constant attention.  Last night, we put him in the carrier while Patrick took down the shelving brackets.  He was very interested in the drill!  Hopefully, he will learn handyman skills from Patrick!

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As I type this email, Patrick (and his dad, Jim) are at the new house with the Contractor/Superintendent doing the final walk through.  We have compiled quite a punch list of things needing repair, and hopefully, all will be well received!  We are moving in just 6 days - the next time the weekly Ryder email is sent, we will be in our new home!  We have a lot of work ahead of us this next week, but it will be worth it!