Daddy and Natalie at the Family Fish

Alain and Natalie went fishing at our city's annual Family Fish fun at the park. (I stayed home with Ryan.) For the event, the city stocked a few hundred fish (catfish) in the ponds for people to catch. They had a contest for the most or biggest catch. Alain and Natalie did not catch any fish, but they did enjoy feeding the hungry ducks and spending time together.

More pictures of Ryan

Here are more pictures of our sweet boy at home during the first week.

Settling at home with new baby

Ryan was a bit jaundiced when we left the hospital. For the first week, we were in and out of the pediatrician office to have his bilirubin levels checked (for the jaundice). It peaked each day, but luckily, it went down by the end of the week. Thank goodness! Ryan's skin color was orangey-yellow; it looked like a bad spray tan all over.

The first week home with Ryan was great. He slept most of the day and fed every 1.5 to 2.5 hours. He slept well most nights; AND he did pull a couple of all-nighters, too. For the most part, he is a calm and easy baby.

Arriving home wearing his "going home" outfit.

We just love the way he curls up on our chest and sleeps!

When we got home, it took Natalie a little warming up to her new brother. At times, she was a little jealous when either Alain or I was holding Ryan, but she adjusted pretty quickly. She wanted to hug and kiss Ryan all the time. At the moment, she calls him "baby" or "Ry-Ry." She also says, "love you" to him. So sweet!

Ryan is a cuddle baby; loves to be held by Daddy or Mommy.

Ryan sleeping in a relaxed, chilled-out position.

May 1st--Ryan has finally arrived!

So here I am, the morning of our scheduled induction on May 1st, Friday. We checked in at the hospital at 8:30am. They checked my vitals, hooked me up to monitors, and started my IV's. They also gave me my epidural early so that I can feel comfortable. Yay for that ;-)

I was so nervous about the induction, but everything went well. Alain and I felt more relaxed and prepared this time around. We were ready and waiting for our little son to arrive at any moment ;)

We are so happy to finally announce the birth of our sweet baby boy...

Ryan Alan Roels

...born on May 1st, 2009 at 3:08pm. Ryan weighed in at 8 pounds 9 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Wow! He is a big baby!

Our bonding time with Ryan was awesome. He loves to nurse and snuggle close to Mommy and Daddy. The more and more we look at him, we notice some features he got from us. Ryan has Mommy's eyes, hair, lips; he has Daddy's feet, forehead and cowlick (in the same spot like Natalie's too). He is just adorable! Natalie did great in meeting her little brother. She stared and studied him, and kept saying "baby." She also gave him gentle kisses and said "love you." It was so sweet!

Proud Mommy and Daddy!





Our family

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes, sweet messages, and thoughtful gifts. We are truly grateful to have family and friends who love and support us each day! Love to all!