Our Little Baseball Baby

So sorry for not updating the past two days! We have been busy busy busy. Ryder absolutely loves to be on the go, and sleeps through everything. The past few days we've spent almost no time at home trying to get in all the last minute things we need to do to head home for the end of season and get a little vacationing in for my family while they are here. Only two more games until the end of the season and I can't believe it! We leave to head home after tomorrows game with plans to stop in Pennsylvania on the way home for a couple hours so Ryder can meet his Daddy's side of the family. Everyone please keep their fingers crossed for us tomorrow as we head back to Cape Cod in the motor home. Everyone knows those trips don't always go as planned, and we really want to get home! Plus Ally and Hailey start their first day of school Wednesday which we're hoping they won't have to miss.

This week Ryder has gotten to go to three baseball games so far and seems to love it since he's always very happy there! His Daddy loves having him there :) Speaking of baseball, Derrik's MRI came back positive. It was his lateral muscle under his arm that has been bothering him and they said it looks just fine. His shoulder had a cyst on it, but they said it is nothing to be alarmed over. He has been shut down for a little over a week i'd say just doing rehab on his arm to finish out the season. They told him once we get home and settled they would like him to go down to Sarasota for a week to check out his arm again. Derrik's still trying to talk his way out of it so we'll see how that goes!

On Friday night Uncle Ryan finally made it to Chattanooga to meet Ryder! We were all so excited to see him :)

Enjoy the pictures... I have hundreds so it's hard to pick just a certain few. Ryder can't wait to meet everyone in Pennsylvania and Cape Cod the next few days!!!

Love Always,
The Lutz's

Mommy and Ryder today

Daddy and Ryder sleeping together this morning
After my first bath at home... so cute!

Ryder and Uncle Ry

Ryder with Paul.. He's the usher in our section at the field and took care of Mommy all season through her crankiness durng the heat at the games.

Ryder smiling at Mommy

Some of the baseball wives

Daddy and Ryder at the game

Grammy and Ryder
Me-Maw and Ryder

We're Home (kind of...)

I just wanted to jump on the computer quick and update everyone on how Ryder is doing. We made it home (to the motor home) yesterday and things have been going really smooth. Ryder is the easiest baby ever so far! We spent the afternoon napping in the motor home while Grammy (my mom), Grandpa, and Grandma (Derrik's mom) all went out and fetched everything we needed for the baby on the road yesterday. We have everything we could possibly need at home in the Cape, but needed quite a bit to survive the next week away from home. After we got some rest in we dressed Ryder for his first outing for some dinner at Chili's. For everyone who said eating out with a baby was hard they were wrong... he slept through the whole dinner. I don't think he even knows he left the motor home. When we got home we fed and changed him to get into bed around 11 pm. He woke up twice in the night for about an hour a piece to eat and be changed, but other then that didn't make a peep! I know we're getting away with everything pretty easy so far, but we're enjoying it!

Tina had to leave first thing this morning to get back to her little ones, but we were so glad she got to spend the first few days with us! Derrik is off getting an MRI on his arm right now for precautionary reasons to make sure his arm is just sore for the off season and not hurt. He will hear from the team doctor tomorrow and then we will find out if we can head home or hang out here until season ends on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed the Reds feel for us and just send us home early, but I doubt it. Until we get news Grammy, Grandpa, Auntie Ally, and Auntie Hailey are hanging out with us keeping us company. Uncle Ryan flies in tomorrow night and Ryder can not wait to meet him!

I'm going to try to get some pictures on here before Ryder wakes up... he sleep about two hours strait and I have about twenty minutes left. Hopefully I can get them on quick!! We'll try to keep the updates coming. Thanks once again to everyone for the phone calls and e-mails. We can't wait to see everyone :)

Love Always,

Derrik, Danielle, and Ryder :)

Ryder's 1st picture after birth
Auntie Ally

Auntie Hailey

Grandpa, Mom, and Ryder
Getting ready to go home!

So Cute!

The Lutz Family

Going Home :)

Ryder Lee Lutz

Ryder decided to make a last minute change of plans last night after our plans to get induced on Wednesday. After our doctor visit yesterday I felt quite a bit of cramping, but thought it was from the doctor checking me earlier in the day. Mom, Ally, and I were at dinner around 6 and I felt like my stomach kept hurting, but didn't want to be that over-reacting first time mom that felt like she was going into labor over nothing. We went to the mall after dinner, and at about 8 I told mom we needed to leave because I was definately in pain. We went home and I frantically called Derrik trying to tell him he needed to get on the road and head home. Unfortunatley he was in the middle of a game and I couldn't get ahold of him. After a call to the trainer they got him out of there and on the road. Meanwhile Mom, Ally, and I headed to the hospital because I was in too much pain. We made it here around 9:30 and they checked saying I was 5 centimeters and they weren't sure if they were going to keep me. After a few minutes of them tracking my contractions they decided to put me in the room and within minutes checked me and said I was 10 centimeters and ready to go! Derrik made it here an hour and ten minutes before Ryder was born (just in time for the major contractions). The only thing that help Ryder back was my water would not break which we had to wait for the doctor for. As soon as she got here and did that Ryder was here within about fifteen minutes and a few pushes.

Ryder was born at 11:11 p.m. He was 7 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long. He is so incredibly little compared to what we were expecting. He is so precious and is constantly sleeping or just looking around. I'm sure this won't last for long :) We're all doing great, but ready to get some rest!!!

Thank you to everyone for all the phone calls and text messages :)

So Exhausted!

Our Doctor

WEDNESDAY IS THE DAY :)

Mom, Ally, and I went to the doctor today and got great news! I am 3-4 centimeters and 70% effaced already! The doctor thinks i'm a great candidate to get induced. We are opting to go this route because our doctor is not working Thursday-Monday and after that would want to be on the road home with Derrik's season ending Monday afternoon. Plus I probably wouldn't make it until then anyhow.

Derrik will most likely head home from the away trip after Tuesday nights game, and we go into the hospital at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. 1:15 a.m. as in right after midnight on Tuesday. I've had people call me back confused wondering if I meant it was in the afternoon. They will start me on Cervidel to soften my cervix(not sure on the spelling) when we get there until 8 a.m. and around 8:30 a.m. they will start the pitocin (spelling once again) which should start the contractions. The doctor said right after that they will break my water and things should really get going after that.

We are extremely excited and nervous :) We can't wait for Ryder to be here! Check back for updates.... we're big computer people so you know we'll have the laptops at the hospital!

A Much Needed Visit!!!

Mom called this morning as Derrik was about to head on the road AGAIN asking if i'd like her and Ally to fly in tomorrow a little ahead of time for their visit! I am so glad because the next few days are going to be the longest ever with Derrik gone and it being so close to Ryder's arrival. They get in tomorrow around five and I can't wait :) I need my momma right now...

Get Well Soon...

We were informed yesterday that Papa, Derrik's grandpa, is in the hospital. The last update we got he was doing well, but wants to be home. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

Two Weeks and Counting

For a while during baseball season it felt like the weeks were flying by, but at this point they seemed to have come to a complete stand still! We have two weeks left, and not much going on. Today Derrik and I went to the doctor, and didn't get any news. Most of my friends who have been pregnant were getting checked at about three weeks, but it seems our doctor has no interest in doing this. We heard the heartbeat which is still great, and were basically told they would see us next week. I was looking for a little more, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. I go again next Wednesday. I'll keep you updated.

We Have Carpet!!!

What a great day it is! We have carpet in our apartment downstairs! On a day when my whole body aches and I literally wish I would go into labor as we speak things like this remind me that it is all finally coming to an end. Everything is finally coming together to make it into our home. Jason and Jason (my brother's friends that live with my parents and help out with all the major projects going on around the house) got back into town last night from a trip back to Florida in perfect timing to move in all the furniture. They are currently picking up our bedroom furniture, and plan on putting Ryder's furniture in tonight! I can't wait to finally be able to move in and call it home :) Only fifteen more basball games and we can head out!

Some Belly Pictures

Here are some new belly pictures... just getting bigger and bigger at this point! He's more then welcome to come at any time :) I'm ready!

Happy 50th Birthday Daddy!

Today is my dad's 50th birthday! I wish I could be with him, but unfortunately my flying days are long gone at this point. He's spending the day relaxing up in Boston with my mom which we all know he needs after all the work he has put in down in the apartment getting it ready for us lately. We figured that was the best birthday present he could ask for... a day alone with my mom! Happy Birthday Dad!! See you soon!

THREE WEEKS TO GO!

It is offically three weeks until my due date, and I couldn't be more excited that the countdown is finally coming to an end! I'm not comfortable in anything but Derrik's sweats and t-shirts, and don't really want to do anything ever.

I went to the doctors today, and didn't really get much information. The doctor didn't feel the need to check me since I haven't been having any contractions so I'm not sure if anything is happening yet. I also asked if they would do an unltrasound in the next few weeks, and they said that they wouldn't unless I was past due (which is NOT allowed to happen!). I wish I had more to report, but it kind of looks like another week of sitting around and waiting for Ryder to come. I guess it can only go on for so much longer! Derrik comes home in two days which I can't wait for because it makes time pass by much faster, and my family flies down in two weeks from today to visit and drive us back up to Cape Cod!!!

Some pictures from Ally's trip to Chattanooga

Finally Becoming Friends

For anyone who didn't know Derrik and I are complete suckers for animals. A few months ago a cat started coming around the motor home and was as sweet as could be. She would come up to us and let us rub her, roll on her back so we'd rub her belly, and just hung out all the time. After a while we decided to take her in. After many trips to the vet to make sure she didn't have any crazy diseases, for vaccines, to get spayed, and finally de-clawed she has made herself a permanent member of the family. For quite a while Chloe and Turbo were not big fans of this new family member, but over the last week or so have really begun to accept their new sister and it is so sweet! It is nice to finally have some peace in our small home again!

Hannah and Chloe sharing their bed

Hannah taking Turbo's favorite spot. Turbo wasn't thrilled!

All three girls sleeping with me last night!

Our New Baby Mobile

Over the past month or so Derrik and I have been looking at all the different car dealerships in Chattanooga for a car that would be suitable for when Ryder arrives since his daddy's little red sports car isn't going to be doing us much good with no back seat. After many days dealing with car salesman and phone calls to dad making sure we weren't getting scammed into any deals we finally have our new car! We are so excited and now really can't wait for Ryder to get here!My happy husband in his new car!!!

After our day at the car dealership (since my husband was in such a good mood with his new car) I figured it was a good time to convince him to head to Babies 'R Us to get our stroller. The car seat should be here in a few days and we can offically have Ryder and leave with him from the hopsital :)

Chloe and Hannah checking out the new stroller

Derrik and the girls doing what they do best after a long day out of the motor home while mom comes home with lots of work to do.

Derrik is now on the road for five days in Huntsville, Alabama. This is one of the last two road trips of the season which is really exciting because it means season is really starting to come to an end. Huntsville is only two hours away so Derrik's coach let him drive his car in case anything happened and he needed to get home (he will do this on the last road trip too). I'm not thinking anything is going to happen in the next five days, but it is nice to know that if anything did he could be home really quick! I go to the doctors tomorrow and hopefully will get a good update :)

My New Obession!

I have recently discovered the world of digi-scrapbooking. It is basically scrapbooking, but on the internet. The past two days i've spent countless hours on the computer looking at all different ways to do this since I know I will have tons of pictures to put into photo albums very soon! Derrik is off doing his fantasy draft for the upcoming football season with some teammates for a few hours so I decided to try to put a few pages together. I've been trying to play around with some different pages, but unfortunately don't really have any interesting pictures to post at the moment. The wedding pictures have kind of outdated themselves and besides baseball we haven't really had anything to take pictures of the last few months besides our animals. Consider this a trial run with the whole scrapbooking world and hopefully there will be some more interesting ones to come! The screen is kind of small so if you want to see it better you can click the "scrapblog" icon in the bottom right hand corner which will take you to a link to view it in a full page. I hope everyone will enjoy my new little hobby :)

I need your number...

After an attempt yesterday to try to upload a new program to my phone, all I managed to do was delete all my contacts out of my phone. Could you please message or e-mail me your phone numbers!

Thanks :)

E-Mail: Danielle.Lutz@FMPS.com

A new site for our growing family

Hello Friends and Family-

We have decided to switch websites since our babysite was getting full, and we were going to have to start paying to keep it up. A close friend uses this website, and it seems to be a pretty good one to use long term. Unfortunately with this website I can't send out updates whenever we put up new posts or pictures so be sure to check back frequently to see new pictures... especially once Ryder arrives!

It is officially only 23 days until the end of baseball and 26 days until Ryder is due! We are now going to the doctors every week until the end of the pregnancy which can't come soon enough! None of my clothes fit anymore and my belly officially looks like a torpedo coming out of my body. It is uncomfortable to do just about anything, and at this point i'm pretty sure I have no fear of labor... bring it on!

I unfortunately can't fly anymore so my days up in The Cape are done, and everything left to be done in the apartment has been left up to my mom and dad. They are doing such a great job and send me pictures every day with updates on what's going on. They are down to painting, trim, and some tile then things should be done. Then the carpet goes in next Thursday. Everything should be done by the end of next weekend which is a two weeks ahead of schedule for our arrival home!

While I was home last time mom and I got to go through all of Ryder's stuff. We washed all of his clothes, built the baby swing and bouncer, and organized everything into baskets so she knows exactly where it goes once the nursery is done. It is amazing how many clothes Ryder already has! We packed some stuff for Ryder just in case he decides to come early. I'm sure I pretty much guaranteed he won't be here early since I am kind of preparing for it, but i'd rather be prepared and take the stuff back to The Cape if the need be then to have nothing if he comes early.

Ryder's concerned Uncle Ryan brought to my attention I never updated about the blood work we had done when my sugars came back high the first time around. The second round of blood work came back just fine, and we haven't had any issues since.

For anyone who has noticed, Derrik has been on the disabled list for for a few days now. They have him on it for a total of seven days. His arm had been sore for a little while, and it finally got the best of him a few days ago. Luckily nothing seems to be wrong and he's been rehabbing it. He feels much better and throws a bullpen tomorrow that will hopefully show he's ready to start pitching again at the start of the next series on Tuesday. Luckily season isn't too much longer and he can take a few months of to let his body recover.

That is about all we have to update at this time. We are just sitting around waiting for our little one to get here :)

Love Always,
Derrik and Danielle