This weekend, we celebrated our first Easter as a family of four. Yes, mommy and daddy are sleep deprived and sometimes I feel like I can't even tell you what day it is, but I was determined to still make it a fun time for our sweet big boy (while our littlest little slept the whole time). We went with Nonna and Pop to an Easter egg hunt on Saturday and had a little family day at home today.
The "toddler hunt" aka parent photo session while toddlers run around like puppies.
When this kid hears music, the finger immediately goes in the air.
Our baskets for our two bunnies.
The best "brothers first Easter" picture we got today.
We are so happy to introduce you to our newest little man, Ryder James Oprea. He joined us on March 19, 2015 at 9:54PM and was 8lbs and 21.25in. We are so in love with our little guy and Finn is warming up to the fact that there is another little person that lives with us.
At my OB appointment on Wed. March 18, I was already 40 weeks 1 day and the ultrasound showed the cord was around his neck. His stats were fine, so that wasn't too much of an immediate concern but my doctor still thought it'd be best to schedule an induction for the next day. Also during that appointment, the non stress test showed I was having pretty regular contractions even though I hadn't felt a thing. After my appointment, we headed to brunch to let the fact that we were going to have a baby the next day really sink in. We headed home to finish packing our bags, call our families and spend as much time with our first little man as possible. That night, I was having some more intense contractions, so we headed to the hospital for what started out as a scheduled induction that then turned into active labor. No progress was really made overnight, so they started pitocin in the morning and broke my water around lunchtime. It was also around this time that I had my epidural. Still throughout the day, no real progress was made, so they kept increasing the pitocin. Unfortunately, every time they increased it to a certain level, Ryder's heart rate would drop. The nurses would then have to stop the pitocin, administer another drug to counteract it and and massage my stomach to release the contraction. I was also put on oxygen, because Ryder needed extra oxygen. After this happened three times, the doctor finally came in to talk about a c-section. At this point, it was 9pm and I was actually relieved. I just wanted our little man out safely and gladly accepted the c-section if that's what it was going to take to get him here. 30 minutes later, we heard his sweet little cries and were so in love! Here is a glimpse into our first two weeks with our newest little guy.
Meeting big brother for the first time!
First pic as a family of four!
Going home!
Finn spent a week in Aiken thanks to Oma and Opa to give us some time to adjust and we were so happy to see our little guy come home!
First doctor's appointment!
First trip out of the house with both boys to the grocery store! Nonna has been in town since Ryder was born and has been a lifesaver since I can't do much at all for six weeks. The saddest part is not being able to pick up Finn and not being able to explain why. Luckily, he won't remember it like his mommy will and I'm trying to give him all of the snuggles I can while sitting down.
Speaking of our firstborn, he's picked up a new skill- jumping. It might be the cutest thing I've ever seen.
Here we are, friends. The date that has been on my mental calendar ever since we first heard this sweet baby's heartbeat last August- 3.17.15. So far, he seems to be quite content where he is - much to the disappointment of his sweet little Irishman of a big brother who is eagerly waiting for his new best friend to arrive. We'll just have to wait and see...
It is so hard to believe that our sweet boy will be 18 months this Thursday! He is the most joyful little guy and has never met a stranger. He is usually dancing or waving or both. Right now, his signature dance move involves bending at his knees while waving his index finger around in the air. If you're lucky, he will also add in some side steps. I have yet to capture this on video, but I have made it my mission to do so before he outgrows it.
We have officially dropped down to one nap a day and we are so thankful it's a long one. He usually sleeps for around 3 hours in the afternoon and still sleeps 11 or so hours at night. This tired (still pregnant) momma is most grateful for a huge chunk of downtime after lunch. He doesn't seem to be the pickiest of eaters, but definitely lets us know his preferences. Right now, the favorites are pasta, broccoli, peaches, blueberries, avocados, sweet potatoes and fish. He will also not turn down some good queso and chips when we go on family dates to Taqueria del sol- a boy after his momma's heart!
Finn's absolute favorite thing in the world right now is being outside and running around- this is working wonderfully with the warm temps but not so much with the prego momma whose pace resembles that of an overstuffed penguin. Luckily, this has been daddy's role when he gets home and they will play outside until it's time for dinner. I have a feeling this summer will be filled with much more time at the playground and outdoor activities than last and I'm pretty excited about it. He loves any and all animals and will wave at them- real or fake. He LOVES airplanes and will throw his hand up in the air and yell every time he hears one whether we're inside or outside.
We scheduled Finn's 18 month check up a couple weeks early, since we weren't sure when baby brother would be making his arrival. Clearly, we could've still gone this week since baby brother seems quite content where he is. His stats are currently 24lbs (50th %) and 32in. (25th %). He is also still in 12 mo. pj's, size 4 diapers and 12-18mos. clothes although last weekend, he did fit into a pair of his 9 mo shorts from last summer. We love our sweet little guy to pieces!
Like I said.. loves animals- real or fake.
Golf. All day. Everyday. A boy after his daddy's heart.
Loves going shopping with mommy.
Our "family dinners" have turned into "family breakfasts" as more littles keep arriving!
This big boy also got his very first haircut at 17 months. It was probably the most still I've seen him in his life and I still can't believe it went so smoothly.
Out to breakfast to celebrate!
And to the playground
Besides outside, his favorite spot to go with daddy is to the Golfsmith (and it might be daddy's favorite too).
Eyeing up his shot.
These chunky thighs (in his 9 mo. shorts) are ready for spring!
And because mommy is still pregnant, we go out for doughnuts.
Operation walk this baby out.
We love you so much baby boy and are so blessed to be your mommy and daddy! We know you will be the best big brother and are excited that your new best buddy will be here any day now!
