Ryan Christopher

Sweet little Ryan Christopher joined us on October 29 at 10:07 p.m., weighing in at 8 lbs, 3 oz and measuring 21 inches long. He has a full head of dark hair (just like his mommy did when she was born) and most of his daddy's handsome facial features.

We stayed in the hospital until Friday midday, and now we're settling in well at home. Ryan's proving the old adage "all new babies do is eat, sleep and poop." And, while things haven't gone perfectly (we've already had a 4 a.m. call to the pediatrician's exchange and a chat with St. John's lactation consultant hotline), he still feels like the perfect little gift.

Mommy and daddy got zero sleep on Wednesday night or Thursday night, so Friday was a little rough, but after a shower and a few stretches of 90 minutes to two hours on Friday night, we're beginning to feel human again. Today (Saturday) has been awesome -- he's either been sweetly asleep in his bouncer seat, or intently staring at mom and dad while we talk and sing to him.

Parenthood isn't glamorous, but I've never felt so fulfilled as I do today. It's a pretty amazing feeling to look down at this little person and realize that he's part of you -- and that you have the awesome responsibility of raising him. Words cannot describe the joy.

Many thanks to our family and friends for all of their support, gifts, food, cards, flowers and well wishes -- you're helping to keep us sane and make life so much easier.

Visitors are welcome -- our only request is that you are fully healthy (it's flu season, after all) and that you call to check in first (life with a newborn is a little unpredictable). We love you all and can't wait for you to meet our Ryan!