Ryder's First Easter

This day was special not only because it was Ryder's first Easter, in fact his first holiday, but it was also Ryder's debut at church.  Is there a better way to start worshiping the Lord?  I can't think of any better way than celebrating Jesus being risen from the dead!  Just another reminder of how blessed we are- so much to be thankful for!

Pictures Before Church

 Ryder's Easter Bucket and Pajamas

Uncle Zack and Aunt Jessica

Ryder was so happy to finally meet his Uncle Zack and Aunt Jessica, who got to come in from Memphis to visit for Easter weekend.

Easter with the Smith Family

Today my mom had her family over to celebrate Easter.  It was Ryder's first time to meet most of them, so of course we had lots of photo ops!

Ryder's First Photo Shoot

This past Wednesday, Ryder had his newborn photo shoot.  I have to thank my good friend Ashley Nelson for setting me up with the magnificent photographer Cortney Smith.   Cortney is the sweetest, most creative girl.  I couldn't believe the positions she got Ryder to pose in.  Check out her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/cortneysmithphotography.  Here is a sneak peak at his photo shoot!

Nap Time with Dad

This just may be may favorite moment over the past week.  I can't begin to express how much these two guys mean to me.  It's so weird of thinking back 10 years when I was a senior in high school chasing after Michael Greer.  He's been my best friend for as long as I remember, but seeing him with Ryder and having him take care of me after 40 hours of labor, gave me a whole new appreciation for what a wonderful man he is and how lucky I am to have him.  My life is a true modern day fairy tale!

First Dinner at the Greers

Meeting the Fandrich's

Coming Home

I thought these pictures deserved an individual post.  It was pouring rain and storming when we came home, so I didn't get to do my planned photo shoot on the front porch, but these pictures leaving the hospital were still a monumental moment.   I couldn't wait to get away from all the interruptions and to start playing house.  Now, to be honest at the time I didn't know how difficult life at home would be.  We were so exhausted and tired of the hustle and bustle and constant interruptions of the hospital.  I guess you could say that I had a romanticized version of the perfect home life, that didn't include a screaming baby that I didn't know what to do with, but that's what this "ryde" is all about!

At the hospital

We took lots of pictures in the hospital.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Snug as a bug in a rug!

 Mama Jean and Ryder

 Practice Photo Shoot

 Baby's Yawns are the Cutest!

 Pop and Ryder

Ryder's Brithday April 12th, 2011

Ryder came into this world on April 12th, 2011.  He is worth absolutely every second of all 40 hours of labor.  I'm starting this blog to both remember and share with others this fantastic journey of parenthood Michael and I have taken on.  I'm going to actually be writing about all these experiences in the near future, but for now I'm just going to worry about catching up on the pictures I have taken so far.

Ryder's Bithday
April 12th, 2011
8:11 p.m.
9.8 lbs
20 3/4 inches