Santa Baby

When I was a kid, I used to love looking through the photo album my Mom kept filled with me and my brothers yearly photos with Santa. You could say that Santa changed almost as much as we did from year to year, and that always confused me. Somehow my Mother made me believe he was really just a stand in for the real Santa who was busy at the North Pole getting ready for Christmas. (thanks Mom for the logical explanation) So in keeping with a little family tradition, me and my good friend Bethany bundled up our babies today and headed to the shopping mall (on a Tuesday after lunch hoping to miss the crowd). Rylin decided that sleep was more important than meeting Santa for the first time, but he did give a little smile for the camera.

The Boys

Duke is still fond of his new little buddy, but not overly interested in what he's doing all the time. That is, until Jordan pays attention to Rylin. This is a moment I caught the other day with all the guys.

Duke likes to rest his head on things. Anything. So Rylin's tummy was a natural perch. Rylin didn't seem to mind. I think I even caught a little smile. Dang that Duke...he would be the first to make him smile!

1 Month Old

Rylin turned one month old the day before Thanksgiving and we had our Dr. appointment yesterday. He weighed 11lbs 13oz and was almost 24inches! They told me he was off the charts for all his measurements (and intelligence) and it confirmed our suspicions that he has been growing like a weed. He now is awake a lot more and likes taking a bath.

I got a smirk out of him today, but I'm still looking for a big toothless grin. We have been getting out now too, and Rylin likes to be lugged around in the sling where he can get cozy and take a nap. He is also sleeping for 5 hours straight at night, which may not sound like much, but to us seems like forever! We still feel so blessed and we love him more every day!

100% Adorable

Notable Firsts

This was a week of notable firsts. On Thursday Jordan's parents brought us Thanksgiving lunch and then we made our first road trip with Rylin to my parents two hours away. Needless to say, he slept the whole time! He got to meet my extended family on both my Mom and Dad's side and was passed around and loved on by EVERYONE.

The Wines Family

The Great Grandkids and Grandmother Wines

The trip back home on Friday started out rough, but Rylin passed out after we got on to the highway. Sunday, we made our first trip to church together. Once again, he was a champ. Doesn't he look cute in his Polo corduroy overalls and boots? Thanks Lindsay!

Sunday afternoon Tess, her Mom, and her Sister came over for a late Thanksgiving lunch. Tess's sister was at his birth, but lives in Austin, so she hadn't seen him since. We had a good visit with all of them.

Rylin & Aunt Oren

Newborn Photos

Since I have been less than creative with taking pictures of Rylin, I enlisted the help of my good friend and photographer Jennifer Sebby to take some newborn pictures. We decided it might be fun to take a trip to Scott+Cooner (my old employer) to find some inspiration. For six years I worked in sales among some really cool modern furniture (not too mention some cool modern people), and I knew that we would find more than a few unusual props in the showroom. So we packed up on a Saturday, and headed downtown. Much to our surprise and relief, Rylin slept through the entire shoot! We had a lot of fun, and I think the pictures turned out great! Here are just a sampling. You can check out more of Jenn's pics here.

Thanks

I know, just what you want to read...some sappy blog about Thanksgiving. I really feel overwhelmed by the thought. This year Jordan and I have so much to be thankful for, and I think I could write for hours about all our happy blessings. Just last year we sat in the middle of what seemed like the most frustrating holiday season. We were on a break from fertility treatments, and watching everyone around us get pregnant. I told myself that if I ever did finally have a family, I wouldn't take ONE thing for granted. So on that note (with a nod to all my good buddies out there who still hope and dream for a family blessed by children too someday) here are a few things that I can genuinely say I'm thankful for this year, because I remember what life was like without them.

lack of sleep dirty diapers 2 am feedings baby crying inability to shower daily achy back spit up and drool getting peed on fading social life cranky husband no spare dollars irrational fears lack of space no more packing easy dirty laundry less me time romance slow down early to bed smelly formula shortest bathroom trips crusty boogers waking early messy house soiled blouses noisy car rides