We Have a Baby Boy!

Ryan, one day old.

After spending 4 weeks on hospital bed rest, at week 32 of my pregnancy, I was sent home – after the doctors were confident that I wouldn’t deliver within the next few weeks. One day later, while resting peacefully at home, I went into labor. A few short hours later, I gave birth to baby Ryan (photos here).

On Dec 20^th, at 7:07am, Ryan Ananda Sawatzky – weighing 4 lbs, 4 oz and measuring 18 inches long – popped out of me like a football, after 6 short hours of contractions, 22 minutes of pushing and about 12 pushes in total.

The whole thing happened so quickly, and relatively painlessly. I was focused on being relaxed, and put all my awareness on my breath. I remained calm through out, and while Jeremy shouted “Holy S*&#!” as Ryan came out, I remarked calmly, and with a monotone voice, “That was easy”; we captured it all on video.

You know when you see mothers give birth on TV, you always see the mother crying as she holds her baby for the first time. I wasn’t sure whether I would cry or not. I didn’t want to fall into the cliché, yet, I wasn’t sure if that was a pre-requisite for good mothers.

When they wrapped him up tightly like a burrito in a soft blanket and placed his little body into my arms, I looked down, and saw just his tiny round face exposed, already fast asleep.

I marveled at how complete he was, how serene he looked, how cute his cheeks were, and how much his button nose resembled my own. It was like looking at my own face. I started marveling at the miracle that my body could produce something so perfect and complete. Then I started laughing, and then without any conscious effort, I burst into tears.

Here’s a video of baby Ryan at one day old with his expressive little face

(more videos here):

Motherhood

Since baby Ryan was born two months earlier than his expected due date, he was taken to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) right after the delivery. Those four weeks of bed rest paid off, when we learned that Ryan didn’t need a respirator or any medication. He was just early, and needed to learn all the basic skills that full term babies have, such as maintaining his own temperature, breathing without holding his breath, and take all his feedings through the mouth without a feeding tube.

Napping time with mommy. Ryan, 11 days old.

He has since been moved out of NICU and into the hospital nursery, and recently graduated out of his incubator (used to maintain his body temperature) into a newborn crib – which looks like a clear plastic box.

We visit him everyday, and while Jeremy is at work, I spend 10 hours each day beside his little clear box. I get to change his poo-poo diapers, take his temperature, and hold his tiny body closely to mine – skin to skin.

In between feedings and diaper care, we take naps together, as I lay on a large recliner sofa, with his body morphed onto my chest. Sometimes, his little fingers will wrap tightly around my forefinger. Sometimes he will be holding his little toes. And sometimes, he will rest his fingers softly over his own cheeks.

I love his smell. I love his sweet little face. I love his tiny feet. I love his breathing sound. I love the softness of his skin. I love feeling the small bumps of his spine as I run my fingers gently along his delicate back.

This is the happiest I have ever been.

Looking into his expressive and innocent face, the enormity of how I feel surmounts anything I could ever fully express in words. Time stops, and I can feel my own heart gravitate towards his, as if he is an extension of me. For him, I would give up anything. For his life, I would give up my own. “Ah, is this what unconditional love feels like?”

I had not anticipated feeling this way. It is the most incredible feeling and I could not have prepared for it.

My friend Helaina summed it up perfectly, “There are no words to adequately describe a mothers [or fathers] love and no way to understand it until you experience it. It is simply a miracle”

Finally, I can begin to understand how my own mother feels towards me, and what it means to her when she says I love you. It is, no ordinary love, after all. I get it now – she loves me unconditionally.

Fatherhood

Seeing Jeremy become a father is one of the most precious and beautiful experiences I’ve ever witnessed.

Cuddling with daddy. Ryan, 5 days old.

I love watching his large body hovered over Ryan’s little box, as he meticulously changes his little diapers with utmost care. His big fingers gently maneuvering around tiny moving legs that try to get in the way. Sometimes, Ryan will pee as Jeremy is in the middle of changing his diaper, and daddy will patiently clean him off with a smile and some teasing words.

Some nights, when daddy can’t sleep, he will drive to the hospital at midnight, so he can get another chance to change his little diaper, to hold his little boy as he sleeps on daddy’s warm chest, and to wrap him up like a burrito before putting him back into his crib.

And during the first few days when I first started to express small amounts of milk. Daddy would excitedly drive to the hospital late at night, so his little boy could have more fresh milk to replace his formula.

Daddy loves his little boy. And that love too is unconditional.

Adjusting to Adulthood (Parenthood)

Ever since I moved out of my mother’s house, part of me has always felt that I was a little kid playing the role of an adult. And I think the day Jeremy and I both became adults was the day when Ryan was born.

We used to think that once we had children, our (social) life would be over; we wouldn’t be able to travel, or be able to sleep through a whole night, or simply pack up and move. But now that we have baby Ryan, our whole perspective has changed. The benefits of the parenting experience far out weigh the tradeoffs. There isn’t anything else we’d rather be doing.

We love the experience so much that we just want to make more babies. Our old dream of traveling to exotic destinations, has been – unexpectedly and willingly – replaced with the desire to get a house with a big yard where our children can run around with the puppies on a sunny day.

Light therapy to treat Jaundice. Ryan, 3 days old.

Aside from the parts we love, the need to breast-pump every 2 to 3 hours for 20 minutes was a new responsibility we did not anticipate. My day and night now revolves around pumping, and the washing of the pumping parts. Not only is it painful, it kind of takes over your life. As a result, I’m tired all the time, and have learned to sleep everywhere I go. Jeremy got a box of earplugs, so he could try to sleep throughout the night, despite the alarm going off every 3 hours.

I really don’t know how working mothers do it.

For the most part, if I’m not at the hospital holding Ryan, I’m either breast pumping, eating or sleeping. Everything else, including housework and ‘work’ has taken a back seat.

Adjusting to the new responsibilities has been challenging, but I’m learning – slowly – to inject breathing room into the equation as time passes. For the first time in six weeks, this past weekend, I changed out of pajama bottoms and went out for dinner (I wore black leggings, because other than my one pair of maternity jeans, it’s the only thing that fits.). Now my idea of leisure is a quick trip to Target [store] to shop for nursing bras, with Jeremy timing me, so I don’t miss a pump and end up hurting myself.

Parting Words

2009 has been a crazy eventful year for me, and hopefully, after Ryan comes home and I get better at balancing my time, I will get to write about what I’ve learned. Until then, I will be on semi “maternity leave” from Think Simple Now.

If you have sent me an email over the past few weeks and wondered where I am, I hope this post answers that question.

If you’re curious, photos of baby Ryan can be seen on facebook, future photos will also be posted there. Feel free to add me for photo updates. Videos can be seen on youtube.

Daily cuddles with mommy. Ryan, 13 days old.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Thank you for your prayers and positive intentions. Thank you for those who sent us baby things – they will be put to good use. Thank you for your understanding and continuous support for this site – despite the lack of new posts – as I transition into a fulltime mommy.

* Got baby tips? We could use them. Share your thoughts with us in the comment section. See you there.

If you enjoyed the article, please join TSN on facebook (add Tina on facebook) or follow us on Twitter.

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

I have used both the Medela swing breast pump and a rentalMedela symphony breast pump

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113 Responses (112 Comments, 1 Trackbacks ):

Comments

Marthe

Jan 06 10, 3:55 am PDT

1
Congratulations!

And welcome, Ryan.
Lance

Jan 06 10, 5:04 am PDT

2
Beautiful!! Savor all the moments with your new bundle of joy…
Aw Guo

Jan 06 10, 5:11 am PDT

3
Cong!!!

Very cute baby!!! It must be feeling great to be a mom! :)
Wendy

Jan 06 10, 5:56 am PDT

4
Oh, Congratulations! He’s gorgeous.

I hope he gets to come home soon. And so glad to hear that you’re pumping. Trust me, it will pay off. And at some point he might even be able to start breast feeding, which, is SO much easier than what you’re doing right now.
Don
Jan 06 10, 6:15 am PDT

5
Congratulations!!!
Tanya
Jan 06 10, 6:18 am PDT

6
Congratulations on becoming parents, Ryan is a beautiful baby and it’s wonderful that he is doing so well. I had a baby girl on 4 December and agree with everything you have written about the experience of becoming a mother.
Jim Littlefield

Jan 06 10, 6:21 am PDT

7
Congratulations! He’s a beautiful baby. I never understood my parents love for me until I had my own. Raise him well.
rusaer

Jan 06 10, 6:35 am PDT

8
so cute the baby is
Positively Present

Jan 06 10, 7:01 am PDT

9
Congratulations, Tina! This is an awesome post. I can really feel the love you have for your new son. He’s adorable and you look great! :)
Alex @ Happiness in this World

Jan 06 10, 7:11 am PDT

10
Congratulations, Tina! I have only one tip for you and that’s SLEEP. You and your baby both. I highly recommend Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, MD. It was our sleep bible and boy did it make for one happy baby and two happy parents!
Nathalie Lussier

Jan 06 10, 7:12 am PDT

11
Awww! I don’t have any baby tips, but I have to say your whole family is just incredibly beautiful! From you, your mom, Ryan, and Jeremy… wow. A very blessed event! Congratulations Tina!
David Giorgi

Jan 06 10, 7:28 am PDT

12
Welcome to the world Ryan, congratulations on choosing fantastic parents, love and peace to you, little one…
Holly

Jan 06 10, 7:42 am PDT

13
Hi Tina,

Congratulations on your gorgeous baby boy!

I can very much relate to your story. I started following you back in 2008 when I established my first blog. Your article on setting up a blog and getting readers helped me out immensely.

Like you, I was quite the world traveler and longed for nothing more than to be able to journey to exotic destinations.

Just over a year ago, I found out I was pregnant, and my life changed dramatically. I gave birth three and a half months ago, and it has been the most wonderful, challenging, and beautiful experience I have ever had.

I’ve been on this ride only a little longer than you, but I can say that it’s like nothing you’d ever imagined. I wish you the best of luck with everything.

I’m looking forward to reading more posts, when you get a chance. Feel free to stop by my blog if you’re looking to read about the experience of another new mom. I’ve been blogging almost every day about my feelings, experiences, frustrations, and joys of giving birth, the early times with my son, going back to work, and more.

Many blessings to you and your new family,
Holly
Kristi

Jan 06 10, 7:57 am PDT

14
Congrats on a beautiful baby boy! I remember the infancy days of both my children being consumed by nursing and breast pumps — and taking a shower counted as my major accomplishment for the day. It’s so rewarding though and now my kiddos are 2 and 5, and are the most magical part of my life. Days in the backyard w/ the kids, hubby, and dogs are the happiest ones of my life. I wish you all the best. The first years is the hardest and it just gets better and better from there!
Vital
Jan 06 10, 8:03 am PDT

15
Good news, congratulations :-)
Tess The Bold Life

Jan 06 10, 8:04 am PDT

16
Congratulations X 1 billion! The photos and video are wonderful.

I was 17 and pregnant when I married my husband. By the time I was 22 we had four girls, the third pregnancy twins! Both were premies. I can relate to everything you’re saying except the care Ryan is getting is even greater now!

My life was flippin crazy as I grew up with my kids;) However when things were difficult I just kept taking one step at a time! They are 37, 35 and twins 33 today.

I love your dream about more babies and a big house and yard. I love that you don’t dream of exotic travel. Because later on you will do that with your entire family. You can have the best of both worlds. Just not all at once.

Our 38th wedding anniversary is January 14th. I’m so happy we never gave up.

My biggest tip is to keep your camera/video camera on the kitchen table and/or in purse at all times. You’ll want to capture every amazing moment. Welcome to the world Ryan. It is a better place because you are here.
Liz

Jan 06 10, 8:25 am PDT

17
Congratulations! He’s so tiny & adorable.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, emotions, and thoughts during this incredible time in your life.
Carol
Jan 06 10, 8:39 am PDT

18
Congratulations and may God bless you and your family with good health. Darling baby, love the pic of him and your husband.
Christina
Jan 06 10, 8:56 am PDT

19
Congratulations, Tina! I especially like the first picture of him–he looks soooo calm and blissed out. May the journey ahead be joyful and exciting!
John - Zen-Moments

Jan 06 10, 9:07 am PDT

20
Well how cool is that then! Way to go you two.

Your lives have now irrevocably changed. Enjoy the trip. Have fun introducing little Ryan to all the new experiences, especially in nature; tactile, visual, auditory, intellectual, emotional, and spirit.

Of course he’s not the only one that will be soaking up the adventures. Mom and Dad will learn almost as much.

:-)
John
Ricardo

Jan 06 10, 9:07 am PDT

21
Congratulations!!!

What a beautifull moment
Sarah
Jan 06 10, 9:12 am PDT

22
Oh wow! Congratulations! What a gorgeous family you have!
Katherine
Jan 06 10, 9:23 am PDT

23
WELCOME to the Planet, Ryan; we have been waiting for you! You are GORGEOUS and I can see that your Spirit is sweet.

CONGRATULATIONS Tina and Jeremy! VERY fine work! You brought forth an absolutely perfect and beautiful specimen!

YOUR love for and devotion to Ryan prior to his birth was evident, and now it is palpable. I FEEL it in your words, KNOW it in the 10 hours a day you spend with him and SEE it in your connecting with and touching him in your videos.

TIPS? With all of the love you give Ryan through your words, your touch and your presence, your hearts and your intuition will guide you. As someone we love very often says, “Don’t bother”! And, it is excellent advice.

JUST cherish every moment. Continue breathing, drinking in and absorbing every sight, every sound and every smell of your little boy.

MAY you all be blessed with the BEST of Life.

LOVE.
Luz

Jan 06 10, 10:00 am PDT

24
It’s so moving and gratifying to read all this, and especially to look at the pics. My dad is unfortunately in a critical condition, and we do know he’s going to leave us soon, so I feel your post so soothing. Thanks for sharing all this. I have been blessed with two wonderful kids -one will be 18 at the end of April and the other one is now 7-, I will only give you one piece of advice: follow your intuition as a mum seasoned with a lot of common sense. This is the best way to bring up kids.

The baby simply looks so cute!

:o)
Jen

Jan 06 10, 10:12 am PDT

25
Fantastic news! Love to you all.
Jen
Maya

Jan 06 10, 10:15 am PDT

26
Congratulations!

All I will say is take care of yourself. As mothers we will always care for our babies, but be sure to take a few minutes to yourself and do something you love, just for yourself. I cannot tell you how important this has been for me. It will make the whole journey that much more wonderful when you are healthy and happy :)
Susan Greene

Jan 06 10, 10:15 am PDT

27
Hearty congratulations on the healthy birth of your son. He is a doll. Love the name. My son is a Ryan too!
Nadia - Happy Lotus

Jan 06 10, 10:43 am PDT

28
Hi Tina,

Congratulations! What a wonderful way to begin a New Year…becoming parents for the first time. Glad to hear that all turned out well. You all look so happy and Ryan is so cute. :)
Angela
Jan 06 10, 11:08 am PDT

29
Congrats on your buddle of joy! It’s just awesome to see baby Ryan in the first days of his lil’ life. Thank you for sharing. The video of him w/his Daddy brought tears to my eyes ‘cos it reminded me of my Son/Hubby when he was also in NICU. (born 6wks. early).
You two will make wonderful parents! Take Care!

Ang~
Sayward

Jan 06 10, 11:12 am PDT

30
Congratulations! He is so precious and you two just look blissful. What a beautiful family.

I have one question – were you given a fetal fibronectin test before you were cleared to go home? I ask because I am currently 31 weeks and home on bed rest. I had a positive ffn test 2.5 weeks ago, but then a negative ffn on Monday. I took this as great news and was planning to come off of bed rest at 32 weeks. But if you had a negative ffn and then went into labor, I may want to reconsider.

Congrats again on your beautiful, healthy baby boy. You make me so excited for what’s to come!
Jay
Jan 06 10, 11:14 am PDT

31
Congratulations!

Wish the best for you and your growing family!
Sherwin Maxawow
Jan 06 10, 12:18 pm PDT

32
WONDERFUL! :)
Katja
Jan 06 10, 12:25 pm PDT

33
Congratulations! What a surprise, and a lovely one. I’m so glad you and Ryan are both okay and doing well. He’s beautiful!
Emma

Jan 06 10, 1:50 pm PDT

34
Congratulations. I’m so happy for you, Jeremy and Ryan. Take care and I wish you all the best. Your son is so cute and beautiful.
May
Jan 06 10, 3:42 pm PDT

35
Wow, Tina! This is the first time that I am subscribing to your articles and this is the first gift that I am receiving from you. What a joy! Congratulations, Tina! Both you and the kid are so so beautiful and adorable! Congratulations! Love ya!
Tony
Jan 06 10, 5:57 pm PDT

36
You guys are lovely. Congratulations!
Bristol
Jan 06 10, 6:33 pm PDT

37
I am so happy for you both! I’ve never commented before, but I felt so emotional looking at this post. It brought me back to the birth of my son, Kinjé. He is now two and half and it seems like years since I gave birth. I was definitely moved to tears seeing the intense love and devotion on your faces. I wish you both the absolute best energy and wish you luck and joy on this intense journey. Thank you so much for the insight into your personal life through this eventful time.

Love and peace,
Bristol
Angela
Jan 06 10, 6:59 pm PDT

38
Congratulations Tina! This is incredible news and it’s great to hear you are doing well. Baby Ryan is precious! I wish you, Jeremy and baby a great year of new discoveries and many little clean ups ;)
Tina Su

Jan 06 10, 7:15 pm PDT

39
@Sayward

Yes, I did take a fetal fibronectin test and turned out negative at 31 weeks. Because of the negative result, the doctors were trying to push me to go home, but we remained persistent of wanting to stay until at least 32 weeks.

When 32 weeks came around, I started to believe the test results too, “the doctors know what they’re doing, after all”. So we went home. And we stayed home for one night, and then I went into contractions every 4,5 minutes, that’s when we went in to emergency and discovered that I was at 4cm and at 90% uterus short/thinning.

I wouldn’t trust the test 100%. The docs told me that they were 99% sure I wouldn’t deliver, and then I delivered. Stay at the hospital! Be persistent!
Sushee
Jan 06 10, 7:17 pm PDT

40
gratzy gratz GRATZ
:D
GM
Jan 06 10, 8:12 pm PDT

41
Congratulations! Enjoy the beautiful moment.
Muki
Jan 06 10, 9:58 pm PDT

42
Hearty Congratulations to the proud parents of Ryan :) and welcome to this beautiful world you little fella….

You have a wonderful family. God bless you all.

Your website is just amazing, simple and so sweet. Whenever I feel lost and need to find balance I turn to you. I am a little unhappy that you are taking a break from this work, yet very happy that you are serving a greater need. You just simply reminded me what children mean to parents…I am not in my home country, but as soon as I finish writing this…I am calling home….

Cheers!
Muki
Lynne

Jan 06 10, 10:29 pm PDT

43
Congratulations! Baby tips that really helped us:

1) Once you bring Ryan home, put a heating pad in his bed/basinette on “low” when he’s not in the bed. Take it out before you put him down to sleep. (You know how nice it is to get into a warm bed, and how shocking it is to get into a cold bed. That cold bed can wake him up.)

2) Put several layers of crib sheets (separated by waterproof pads if possible, or at least a towel) on the crib. When he wakes you up in the middle of the night and his diaper has leaked all over the bed, you just have to pull off the dirty one and don’t have to try to make up the crib in the middle of the night.

3) Try to put him into his crib while he’s still slightly awake so he gets used to falling asleep IN his crib. If you always rock him or hold him until he falls asleep, he’ll grow to NEED to be held to put himself back to sleep when he’s older. If you don’t do this with your first kid, you will definitely learn this with your second!

4) Sleep when your baby sleeps. Nothing else is as important as getting your rest at that point.
Jolly
Jan 07 10, 1:32 am PDT

44
Hi Tina,
I’ve been reading your blog since 2008, but was too lazy to drop any comments but today i couldn’t resist myself, its been a pleasure reading your posts and many a times it has helped me with loads of motivation.Thanks!
Congratulations to both of you and blessings for the new born.
Hemant

Jan 07 10, 2:29 am PDT

45
Congratulations!

God Bless You All!
rinkjustice

Jan 07 10, 4:18 am PDT

46
Congratulations on the baby boy. You must be on cloud nine. God bless your family.
Kris

Jan 07 10, 8:52 am PDT

47
Congratulations!
Let me dry my eyes so I can type my advice to you….

For the first 3-5 months:

Sleep when the baby sleeps. (everyone tells you that- definitely do it!)

Forget about keeping up with anything (laundry, groceries, blogging, etc etc) – everything can wait until tomorrow or the next day or the next.

Accept and ask for help with basic needs – food, chores, etc.

Being WonderWoman mom = caring, feeding your newborn, feeding yourself and getting enough rest for yourself. That’s it!

There will be plenty of time later for everything else once you establish your routines.

Other advice that worked for me with baby:

Only one outing per day. (Only 1 place) Otherwise baby and mommy run the danger of getting overtired.

Introduce normal life activities back into your routine very slowly, i.e. one at a time. (one per week or month)

Accept that you can only get 10-20% done of the kind of goals you used to set. (It will increase as the baby gets older and depending on how much help you have from husband, relatives, nannies, etc. The 10-20% assumes you are doing the majority of the baby caring.)

Savor every moment, even the tired moments. They go by so fast.

Enjoy! Congrats again!
Big Smiles to you!!!
Sayward

Jan 07 10, 1:26 pm PDT

48
Thank you for answering me. That really changes my plans. I haven’t been admitted (been home on bed rest since 28 weeks), but after this negative test I’ve been much more active around the house. Now, I think I’m just gonna go ahead and get back into bed. Thank you, and congratulations again. I look forward to reading more about your family in the future. =)
Laura

Jan 07 10, 2:59 pm PDT

49
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing- it is wonderful to be reminded of the births of my own children- it is such a sacred time.

My only advice is to keep in mind that you know your baby better than anyone- feel your way and follow your intuition.

With my babies I was very present in each moment. It is so true that “the days can be long but the years go quickly.” I also had the experience that everything else takes a “backseat” and falls away- I kept asking myself, “what else really matters, but this miracle in front of me?” I guess they teach us one of life’s secrets. Now my goal is to experience each present moment the same way I experienced my newborns!

Enjoy!
lisa
Jan 07 10, 7:06 pm PDT

50
aahh, what a cute boy!! Congratulations Tina and Jeremy! I’m sure you have this unexplained feeling of being overwhelm with all of these events happening. . It’s a start of a beautiful journey and another chapter in life. Embrace each moments. . .
Tina Su

Jan 07 10, 7:43 pm PDT

51
@kris

Awww.. thank you Kris for all the advice. I need to remind myself to not feel bad about blogging, and you confirmed that. This post, for example, took me 5 nights of sacrificing sleep to complete, and I was exhausted.

I love this: “Being WonderWoman mom = caring, feeding your newborn, feeding yourself and getting enough rest for yourself. That’s it!”

You’re the best! Thank you again! :)

@Lynne

Hi Lynne! Thanks for these useful tips! I had not thought of most of these. I’ve forwarded to Jeremy your list, and we’ll do our best to follow them. :)

Tina
Dianka
Jan 08 10, 12:35 am PDT

52
Congratulations!! such a beautiful baby!
Vincent

Jan 08 10, 6:20 am PDT

53
Hi Tina and Jeremy

Congratulations! It is a beautiful start of New Year and I believe this will going to be a great journey for both of you.

Cheers,
Vincent
Marco
Jan 10 10, 9:07 am PDT

54
Congratulations to you and your husband!
Kenny

Jan 10 10, 6:50 pm PDT

55
Congratulations on Ryan- What an awesome little guy. My little boy- Aden, just turned 4, and it has been incredible watching him grow. Lynne, Kris and Laura all had great tips and here are a couple more from a really involved Dad. (They might sound small- but made huge differences for us- and most importantly- for Aden)

1. Experiment with music- learn what he likes, what soothes him, what wakes him up.

2.Do anything you can to make sure that both of you (you and Jeremy) get PLENTY of sleep- Ryan will very likely take care of himself that way.

3. I took a month off from work- it made a huge difference in my confidence as a father, and in bonding with him.

4.Dr. Brown’s anti-gas baby bottles were great-made burping a quick and painless event for all of us.

5. Two Diaper bags (His & Hers, arranged similarly- so that you can easily find stuff in each others’ bag) helped us to be able to be a little more mobile and move a little quicker while prepping to go somewhere, because at least one bag was usually “good to go”.

6.Getting really good at “swaddling” seemed to soothe him when he needed it.

7. 2 books that were great for me were: ” Be Prepared- A Practical handbook for New Dads”

http://www.amazon.com/Be-Prepared-Practical-Handbook-Dads/dp/0743251547/ref=pd_sim_b_10

and – “The Baby Owner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance”,

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Owners-Manual-Instructions-Trouble-Shooting/dp/1931686238/ref=pd_sim_b_2

Both were funny, and written by guys for guys.

8. If you are giving Ryan any kind of medications- a notepad, a digital clock with a big display, and a calendar near where you keep the meds. Sleep deprivation sometimes made it tough to keep track of who gave what, when.

9.Keep a sense of humor, communicate, accept help, kiss, hug, cuddle and have fun!

Congratulations again!

BTW- Tina, great blog, and I hope not to see you posting in it too much for a while- we’ll all be here when you get back!
Sarah

Jan 11 10, 5:01 am PDT

56
Congratulations to you all!!

Ik was watching the video and being amazed at the way he looks up. Taking in his surroundings and reacting on what is happening around him.
So special for such a little baby and something I haven’t seen before in my life!
I truly saw an old soul in him..weird to say and hear maybe, but this is one special human being!

I wish you all the enjoyment in the world, but when I read how you guys live life , I’m sure that will turn out just fine.

With love,

Sarah
Hasina

Jan 11 10, 6:49 am PDT

57
Congratulations, Tina! I’m so happy for you! What a lovely family!
Erin

Jan 11 10, 10:22 am PDT

58
Congratulations. You will be great parents.
Kaushik

Jan 11 10, 7:28 pm PDT

59
Congratulations!

What a gorgeous baby, proud parents and beautiful pictures!

Peace,
k
snowing923
Jan 11 10, 9:16 pm PDT

60
Congratulations!
Nathalie
Jan 12 10, 11:41 am PDT

61
Congratulations!
What a beautiful baby!
Oleg Mokhov

Jan 12 10, 4:15 pm PDT

62
A burrito in a soft blanket. Classic. Perhaps the single best description of a newborn I’ve ever come across :)

Hey Tina and Jeremy,

Congratulations, congratulations on finally giving birth to Ryan. As the world’s most renown baby inspector, my professional opinion is that Ryan will grow up to be an insanely handsome, caring, passionate, fun, adventurous, and loving man.

Seriously though, these next few months will be so glorious (and tough, but glorious). My brother and his wife had a kid some few years ago, and although it was demanding, the experience they had raising him during those first few years was very special.

And thank you, Tina, for being so brave and open in a sea of internet anonymity and sharing your sometimes-tough experience.

Your family is priority #1. TSN, emailing, and everything else is a distant second. Take your time to write articles and reply to emails – Ryan is what’s important now.

Congratulations again,
Oleg
Jae

Jan 13 10, 9:21 am PDT

63
Congratulations! He’s beautiful!
Martin Wildam

Jan 14 10, 1:48 am PDT

64
Congratulations!
We have a two-year-old who arrived 6 weeks earlier and a 2 month baby and I can feel with you – my current main desire: Get more sleep. ;-)
Ralph

Jan 14 10, 5:12 pm PDT

65
Congratulations Tina!
Deb

Jan 15 10, 8:31 pm PDT

66
Congratulations, Tina!!! Sooo happy for you… He’s adorable…
Kevin Jimeno

Jan 16 10, 10:14 am PDT

67
wow amazing….the most impacting experience of someone’s life.
Remain aware everyday of the beautiful growth and journey you baby has begun….being conscious through the ride is the secret to life as we know it, congrats!!
kompostela

Jan 16 10, 1:45 pm PDT

68
Your baby is so cute! You look so great being a mother! The photo with your husband holding your baby is so touching!
demiz
Jan 16 10, 6:37 pm PDT

69
Wow.It is simply wonderful.
Julie Angelos

Jan 17 10, 3:55 am PDT

70
A huge heart felt congratulations with real tears dripping down my face as I relive the miracle of life through your words. Thank you for being kind enough to share your experience with the world. Every birth truly is a miracle.

Enjoy every moment.

What a beautiful beautiful baby boy.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga

Jan 17 10, 6:52 am PDT

71
Thanks so much for sharing your joy with us. It’s been a long time since my baby (now 16) was a baby. I can only say… continue cherishing every moment because they truly do grow up too fast. Love and light to you and your new family.
Victoria S

Jan 18 10, 12:55 pm PDT

72
Congratulations! What an amazing story you’ve gone through with this pregnancy, and I am so glad to see you and your family so happy.
Farouk

Jan 20 10, 12:36 am PDT

73
congrats for the baby :))
Inner Game

Jan 20 10, 3:40 pm PDT

74
Congratulations! You and Jeremy must be so happy.

And what a lucky child! To have two parents as switched on and aware as you is truly a blessing.
Alaia

Jan 21 10, 1:32 pm PDT

75
Time flies! I’ve been out of the blog mix for so long, I didn’t even know you were pregnant! He’s a beautiful little boy! Congratulations
Adam

Jan 24 10, 10:50 am PDT

76
Congratulations Tina! I’m happy for you!
Luke @ simplifi.de

Jan 25 10, 5:09 am PDT

77
Congratulations Tina, Jeremy, and Ryan!

And an extremely well written post – I could just feel the joy jumping out of the words!
Zen Choices

Jan 25 10, 5:58 am PDT

78
I’ve enjoyed TSN for a while now and just wanted to offer a big Congratulations. I never get tired of seeing new babies. They have the power to instantly turn anyone’s thoughts into loving ones. I just welcomed two nephews into the world within a week of each other…

a href=”http://zenchoices.com/a-new-baby-lives-in-a-kingdom-we-adults-left-a-long-time-ago/”>Two new babies
Trainerpack

Jan 27 10, 8:31 pm PDT

79
Beautiful baby boy!
Paul
Jan 29 10, 2:46 am PDT

80
Congratulations!
Christine

Jan 31 10, 9:07 am PDT

81
What a beautiful baby and such beautiful pictures. They really brought me back to my children’s newborn days. Congratulations!
Heidi Howes

Feb 01 10, 10:30 am PDT

82
Congratulations! For more parenting tips from likeminded yogi mamas, I love http://www.mymommymanual.com You would fit right in with them if you don’t already know them!
Juliet Rojas
Feb 03 10, 3:15 pm PDT

83
Hello, my name is Juliet from Toronto.
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on baby Ryan!!! He’s gorgeous!!! I have seen pictures of him and watched videos when you guys were in the hospital.
I have 2 kids myself, Lana is 5 and Philip is 4. I noticed that the nurse was teaching you how to place Ryan in the car seat (carrier). To me he didn’t look to comfortable. I just want to to suggest using what is called… Jolly Jumper Cuddle Bag with Head Hugger you can find it at Toys r Us. It really helps the baby snugged and its padded so well, you wouldn’t need to use receiving blankets. Search it online. See if you guys like it.

Goodluck! Take lots of pictures and videos..they grow up way to fast!! and enjoy your moments with him they are so rewarding.

Best Wishes!

Juliet
Martyna Bizdra

Feb 11 10, 4:40 am PDT

84
Congratulations :) he is happy to be born to so conscious and loving parents. with your openness and drive to wisdom you have given him a great life already.
Beautiful you
xx
Martyna Bizdra
Barrie Davenport

Feb 11 10, 10:24 am PDT

85
Oh my, what a wonderful, incredible time of life this is for you and your husband. It is so miraculous and it is such a blur! If you can force yourself to give up the energy it takes to write things down — do it! Write down daily blurbs on your feelings and what the baby is doing. It’s such a fog when you think back on this time of having a new baby, and it’s such a blessing to have memories written down about how surreal and special it is.

I love your blog — it is so sweet and personal. In fact, I included your blog on a list of favorites on my blog! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
marko

Feb 11 10, 4:35 pm PDT

86
Congratulations!!! I wish you all the best!
fatmata

Feb 11 10, 9:39 pm PDT

87
i urge both parents to hold on in there. if god gave u guys a beautiful child even though he was premature and kept him alive then u should be thankful i know that if the baby is kept in the safe arms of his parents then he is blessed with everything he really needs. God did is will now its up to the parents to do theirs, take a break then let God do the rest. by seeing photos i know that there is no doubt that it would not happen. once again u are blessed i wish u and ur family the best beautiful child.
Rocky

Feb 12 10, 1:56 pm PDT

88
Congratulations Tina !
eleven

Feb 13 10, 4:17 pm PDT

89
he is so cute…I want to kiss him…congratulation!!
Ballet Moves

Feb 21 10, 7:05 pm PDT

90
Congratulations Tina, Ryan looks gorgeous. Hopefully you’ll be back home and breastfeeding like normal soon.

I’m sure you’re going to love being a Mother.
Gaming News Blog

Feb 26 10, 2:41 pm PDT

91
Congratulations on the child and becoming a parent :)
Monica

Feb 28 10, 8:51 pm PDT

92
Congratulations! Welcome Ryan.
Me
Mar 12 10, 6:58 pm PDT

93
wait how did he open his eyes on day 1?????
Me
Mar 12 10, 6:59 pm PDT

94
sorry, Congrats BTW.. its all so beautiful
Tyesh Barnor

Mar 14 10, 2:55 pm PDT

95
Congrats on a beautiful baby. The time goes by so fast when you are a parent and especially a parent of a newborn. My son who is now 15 years old is six feet tall and I still can’t get over that. I still remember how he would hold my hand without any hesitation but now that is long gone. He seldomly wants to be around me. lol.

Enjoy every minute!!!!!!
Marc

Mar 16 10, 2:00 pm PDT

96
Congratulations
circle rice

Mar 19 10, 9:56 pm PDT

97
Congratulations on your beautiful family! I just found your website while googling “How to deal with difficult people” and found excellent advice. I definitely am going to be a subscriber now. You have some great advice here!

Amy
Jenny
Mar 20 10, 5:56 pm PDT

98
so cute little guy!:)
Will
Mar 29 10, 7:10 pm PDT

99
Congrats!
Hailey
Apr 02 10, 7:56 pm PDT

100
What a beautiful family! Congratulations! Baby Ryan looks adorable!
Christian Louboutin

Apr 14 10, 11:33 pm PDT

101
Congratulations! So cute!
imeye tool

Apr 19 10, 8:59 pm PDT

102
I came to know about this site from pluginID.Looks like a very informative site.Congrats on your delivery
DaveUrsillo

Apr 21 10, 5:48 pm PDT

103
Congratulations on your new child! Best of health to him, you and yours.

Happy to have found your blog and look forward to reading more in the future!
Dave
Michelle
Apr 22 10, 9:31 am PDT

104
Tina, I have been missing your posts. I hope everything is ok with you and your family.
Daniel Dessinger

May 01 10, 6:31 pm PDT

105
Congratulations. How wonderful. Your child is a gift and a blessing.
Josh
May 02 10, 6:03 pm PDT

106
Are you still alive?
Yee Shun Jian | RichGrad.com

May 05 10, 5:14 am PDT

107
Congrats! He looks healthy.. any updates (pics etc)? =)
Noritake

Jun 05 10, 10:01 am PDT

108
Many many congratulation. Very cute baby. I hope this will bring
more happiness to your life.
Core Fitness: James Thompson

Jul 19 10, 7:45 am PDT

109
Beautiful story! He’s so cute and it looks like you handled the whole thing quite well! I can’t wait to have one of my own someday.
Blog Income for Women

Sep 26 10, 11:07 am PDT

110
Congratulations Tina! He’s beautiful.

Krizia
cidenon avr-3311ci

Aug 04 11, 12:07 am PDT

111
I and my friends ended up analyzing the best ideas found on your web page and then suddenly I had an awful feeling I had not expressed respect to the site owner for those techniques. The young men came as a consequence thrilled to learn all of them and have now truly been taking advantage of those things. Many thanks for truly being quite accommodating and also for finding varieties of exceptional areas millions of individuals are really wanting to be aware of. My very own honest apologies for not saying thanks to sooner.
abyooda

Feb 07 12, 11:52 pm PDT

112
such a warm explaination, i like it so much, wish you have that big green yard to play with your children in a sunny day :)

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How to Have Good Luck - Jul 05 10

Think Simple Now. Happiness and Happy Life

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