Man Down!!

Matt had to get hernia surgery on Thursday.  He moved all of our office furniture (including a big cherry corner desk and hutch with iron work) up the stairs by himself while I was pregnant, and it caused a bad hernia...oops.  Unfortunately, they couldn't correct it laproscopically and he's been in terrible pain ever since. It's so hard seeing someone you love in such tremendous pain.  We got his doctor to up his pain meds, so hopefully that will help. 
Luckily, my mom and sister have been SO helpful. I couldn't have taken care of both of my "boys" without them!!
Riley was a trooper in the waiting room at the surgical center. 

Therapy

Riley had his first Occupational Therapy appointment this week. The doctor noticed that he turned his head to the right side more than the left, and that he has a slight flat spot on the back of his head. The weaker side of his neck is due to the fact that he was a long baby, that he was head down the majority of my pregnancy, and that I have a short torso, so his neck was probably turned in one direction for several weeks before he was born. We are working on stretching his neck, exercising the muscles, and getting him to lay on the other side to avoid a helmet.

Here is a pic of Riley with his Occupational Therapist, Jennifer, showing us how to stretch one side of his neck.... he looks THRILLED!!

Welcome Beni!

My cousin, Katie, had her first baby on March 23, 2011.  Her name is Benedetta Lucia Vitale, and was 7 lbs 10 ounces. 
And.... I have to add... that my brave cousin made it through the 30 hour labor without any drugs!! I am so proud of her!!

Here is a picture of the little one with her Momma. I can't wait for Riley to meet his new cousin at Spider Lake this summer!

Kiss me, I'm Irish!!

We had to dec our Irish lad out in his shamrock outfit today. Happy St. Patrick's Day, Everyone!!

Love my Aunty Lib

Aunty Lib came to play with me this week. She carried me around all day, fed me, bathed me, and even changed my diaper!! I just love her soooo much!

What is THAT?!

His facial expression was just too classic not to post!

1 Month Update

I can not believe that our baby is already one month old! Time has been flying by, and we are loving every second with the sweet boy.  We had our "one month" pediatrician appointment yesterday, and here are his updated stats:
Weight: 10 lbs 15 oz (79th percentile)
Height: 22.75 inches (85th percentile)
Needless to say, we always get a "gasp" at the doctors office by the nurses due to Riley's size (and then they proceed to ask if I'm sure he's mine due to my size!!)... he is one healthy and growing boy! He does have the increasingly common acid reflux and colic problems, so that has led to many sleepless nights. We are hoping his medicine will start helping soon... although he's still super cute even when he's screaming 3am. :) He's much more alert these days, and loves laying on his play mat and looking at the toys above his head. He gets bored easily, so we spend our days jumping from play mat... to the swing... to the stroller... and just bouncing around the house.  We have lots of fun together, and just love him more and more each day.

The big boy sitting with Daddy... probably watching sports!

Double Trouble

Monkey Butt :)

 

Babysitter in Training...

Out sweet neighbor Lauren is going to help babysit Riley once a week after school so that I can get a few things done around the house. She was absolutely amazing with him yesterday, and calmed him down all by herself.  It was especially nice for me because I was able to fold clothes, make dinner, pick up the house, and get the mail! We can't wait for her visit next week!

This is why Daddy has 2 hands...

I love my Grandpa

Grandpa came over last Sunday to spend some QT with Mr. Riley. They did lots of rocking in the rocking chair and even sat on the dog bed for awhile to give some love to the pups. Riley loves him sooo much!

Baptism

Riley was Baptized on February 27th!  It was a nice intimate ceremony with one other family, and Riley was SO well behaved! He literally slept through the entire thing... I guess that is one good thing about Baptising a 2 week old baby! We wanted to get him Baptised before Lent  because the church will not Baptise babies during Lent, and while Matt's parents were in town so that they could share in the festivities.  It was also a very special occasion because Riley wore a Baptismal gown that my Grandma Daly handmade that I wore on my Baptism day along with the majority of my cousins on the Daly side of the family.  Each child that has worn the gown has their name embroidered on the gown, so I am honored to have his name added.

Here are a few pictures of the Baptism, and of the reception that my parents hosted at their house after the ceremony. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a special day!!

The little man with his Uncle Johnny/Godfather

With Auntie Lib/Godmother

Family Pic

With Nana and Pop Pop

With Grandma and Grandpa

The priest making the sign of the cross on his chest with the oil

Being Baptized

Delicious cake!

The McDonnell's/"Cavenders" joined us for the celebration...

Riley and Heidi

Riley and Mike.... notice...still sleeping...

Meeting Nana and Pop Pop

Riley's Nana and Pop Pop (Matt's parents) were able to spend about a week meeting and cuddling with their new grandson.  Riley enjoyed every second of the attention, and we certainly benefited from the extra sets of hands! This little guy is going to be one lucky boy surrounded by lots of love.

Oh, Hi Pop Pop... Nice to meet you!

All this meeting and greeting is exhausting! 

Chatting with Nana

You're pretty comfy too... night night!