Little Slugger

Logan & I took our little slugger to his first college baseball game! Wallace State in Hanceville played Lawson State at home at 3pm. It's great that Stryker's first college baseball game was Wallace b/c that's where Logan played. He seems very comfortable at the ballpark...which is perfect since his parents are huge baseball fans.

First playdate!

Stryker had his first playdate with Jeremiah Butler! Coco, Stryker, & I met Julianne & Jeremiah at Savage's in Homewood for lunch. It was great to see both of them! Jeremiah was born on Jan. 7, 2010. Can't wait for more playdates in the future!

Rolling at 5 weeks old!!!

Who would have ever thought it...Stryker rolling at 5 weeks?! I would agree with most people saying that it's a case of parents exaggerating about what their children can do, but not in this case. It was early afternoon when I laid Stryker on the couch for tummy time. I grabbed my camera so I could take some pictures of him holding his head up. All of a sudden, he kicks is left leg in the air & rolled over!!! I was so excited that I screamed making Coco come running into the room. I told her what he did but also realizing that it was probably a fluke thing. Surely, he couldn't do it again...at least while he's still so young. I asked Coco to take some more pictures of him holding his head up while I call Logan to tell him. As I was talking to Logan, I put Stryker on his tummy. He starting kicking, lifting his left leg in the air, & rolled over again!!! Amazing!!! Logan got to hear our excitement on the phone! Needless to say, I've had the video camera with me all the time since then. Can't describe the feelings you get as a parent seeing your child do something for the first time. We're always so proud of you Stryker!

First trip to Cullman

It was Stryker's first trip to Cullman to meet my grandmother (his great-grandmother) - Mamo. Logan was at work so Coco & I took a short trip to Cullman this morning. We picked Mamo up at her apartment around 7:30am. Mamo rode in the back with Stryker while we headed to Cullman Regional Medical Center. The weather was nice so we sat in front of the hospital while some of my hospital friends met Stryker (the inpatient PTAs/tech & RRTs). After talking with them, we headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Mamo held Stryker for the first time. He just slept in her arms. After eating & returning Mamo to her apartment, we headed to see Mr. Steve & Mrs. Karen Johnson (Mr. Steve was my personal trainer) at their house. It was so nice to visit everyone. Can't wait to come back for another visit & maybe see some more friends.

1 Month Check-up

It was that time already...Stryker's 1 month check-up. Unfortunately, Logan was home sick with the stomach virus so I had to take Stryker by myself. We had a good report about his progression with height & weight. Our pediatrician informed me that babies should weigh ~2 lbs more than their birth weights at 1 month. Stryker's right on target. He weighs 8 lbs 12 oz (30 percentile) & 20.5 in long (15 percentile). I was so proud of our little boy, especially since he's considered a preemie. At the end of our visit, Stryker had to get the second round of Hep B vaccine in his thigh. Surprisingly, he only screamed/cried for a second until I picked him up. He's such a tough little guy! We'll be going back to pediatrician for a 2 month check-up.

Sad day for Mom :(

It was the first time leaving Stryker for the entire day. Since I start work at Trinity Medical Center on April 12th, I needed to complete hospital orientation. That terrible day was today. I left at 7am with tears in my eyes & Coco holding Stryker. The tears continued on my way to work. Thankfully, Coco did not take offense when I called/texted her numerous times during the day. Orientation & the drive prevented me from getting home to my little boy before 5pm. I was extremely happy to hold him in my arms the rest of the night. I guess I should go ahead & tell on myself. I convinced Logan that Stryker needed to sleep in our bed Sunday night (the night before orientation) b/c I would be gone the entire day. Can't believe I'm turning into such a softy with this little boy!

Look what I can do

Stryker is already trying to hold his head up! He's not suppose to do that this early. Logan had Stryker resting on his chest. Then, Stryker kept pushing his arms against Logan to hold his head up. This picture was taken while he held his head up for 15 sec!!!! He does this all the time. I knew he was an exceptional child (b/c I'm bias), but now it's true!

Let's go for a walk

With such a beautiful sunny day, we decided to take the family (including the pups) to Star Lake in Hoover for a walk. Stryker stayed asleep the whole time & missed the pups chasing the ducks/swans around the lake. Really enjoyed the afternoon with my family! Truly blessed & could not ask for more.

Take me out to the ballgame

Stryker enjoyed his first trip to the ballpark. We traveled to Clanton, AL for Logan's softball tournament. It was definitely a long day but Stryker loved it! Well, when he was awake. It was a beautiful sunny day so we thought it would be good for us to be outside. Logan was still attentive to his little Munchkin. He wanted to hold Stryker between games. Every time Logan came to the dugout, he had to come say hey or kiss Stryker. It's so comforting to know being a dad is still such a high priority even when he's playing softball. Stryker did bring his daddy good luck...got 2nd place in tournament & .800 batting average (tied for highest on team)!

Growing more

Logan & I had to take Stryker to the pediatrician again this morning for a check-up. He's already gained more...7 lbs 6.3 oz! Can't believe our little boy is growing so fast but so thankful that he's healthy. Before the doctor's appt, I took Stryker to see Coco at Vestavia's golf/pro shop. Then we picked daddy up from work. After the doctor's appt, we took our first trip to Oneonta/Springville to see some of Logan's family. Logan's paw-paw was able to see Stryker for the first time & hold him. He told Stryker that he'd buy him some cowboy boots when he gets a little older.

First sporting event

Stryker went to his first sporting event...Logan's basketball game at Gardendale United Methodist Church! We figured it would be okay since there's never any family that watch the late games. Stryker loved it! He stayed awake in my arms the entire game. I would take his little hands (well, big hands) & say "go daddy" or "yeah daddy". Logan said Stryker brought him good luck even though they lost the game b/c Logan shot great! Stryker's loving sports already.

Still growing!

Logan & I took Stryker to the pediatrician again this morning for another weight check. He surprised everyone weighing 7 lbs 4.9 oz!!!! This little preemie is definitely not having any trouble gaining weight. Just hope he doesn't grow up too fast.