I am so mad at myself for not making more time to blog about my crazy, wonderful life.  I can honestly say I have never been busier nor happier.  Motherhood has truly filled a void that I didn't know even existed.  Ryder is a true gift from God that I don't know what I did to deserve.  The knowledge of God's greatest gift, his son Jesus, has a lot more meaning now.  I can't imagine giving my son to live a troubled life here on Earth, to go through all the pain and torment to allow us, as sinners, to be able to get into Heaven.  So what makes me think about all this?  Today was Ryder's two month checkup.  All 15.4 lbs, 24 1/2 inches of him.  Yes, I have a big baby.  Along with his regular stats, Ryder had to get 3 shots today.  I'm pretty sure I cried more than he did.  I would do anything not to have to see him in any pain.  I'm so thankful that God's love was so great and powerful to give me and Michael and Ryder a shot at a home in Heaven one day! 

Inspired To Do List

As much as I love being a mom, I feel like I've lost a little of myself these past few weeks.  I know it comes with the territory of being a new mom, not only taking care of Ryder, but also recovering from my surgery. Nevertheless, it has still been difficult.  This week not only have we gotten to get out of the house more, I've actually gotten to start getting some things done around the house.  I'm a home body, but with that, I like to actually be doing stuff at home- cooking, reading, scrapbooking, working out, blogging, looking at my favorite websites for ideas, etc.  For several weeks all I did was eat, sleep, and watch TV.  Then, I have to schedule just getting out of the house.  I have to make sure Ryder is completely full before we leave, so he'll be the precious little boy that everyone loves.  I'm very lucky since he is an extremely good baby the majority of the time- no colic for us knock on wood.  This week I've started to feel awake again.  I can't believe it's almost summer time.  This beautiful weather has inspired me to get up and be on the go again, even if it's just at my own house! :)

So with that being said, I'm making a to do list which I hope to accomplish by the end of the weekend

• Go through jeans (see which ones I can actually fit in)
• Load Light Room on my computer
• Move pics from my internal hard drive to my external hard drive
• Hang picture of Ryder
• Make a Coca Cola cake
• Grill out
• Watch Eat Pray Love
• Finish reading The Carrie Diaries: Summer in the City
• Hook my Wii up and play/use my 3 games I got for Christmas including Zumba!
• Clean off carport 
• And most importantly as always, kiss, hug, and love on baby Ryder Knox Greer

Ryder's 1 Month Shots

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