HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, RYDER!

One year ago today, our world was blessed with the early arrival of Ryder Hale Matz. It's amazing to see how far he's come!

As Ryder celebrates his 1st birthday, here's what's going on with him:

HEIGHT: 29.5 inches
WEIGHT: 18 pounds, 3 ounces

• Ryder is crawling! Yup, he is fully able to get wherever he wants. Too bad he often gets jammed in corners.


• Ryder can hold his own botlle... finally!


• He can clap, wave and bang things together.


• He loves being outside, especially in his hiking backpack.


• He loves imitating sounds, and can say 'Mama' and 'Dada'. It's fun to have little conversations with him. We have a feeling he is going to be a talker!


• When Ryder is excited, he shakes his arms, legs and whole body!


• He knows the following ASL signs: Bottle, Up, All Done, More.


• He has 4 teeth - 2 on top, and 2 on bottom.


• Ryder is allergic to dairy, soy and peanuts. But little dude loves food! His favorites right now are Turkey, Corn, Peas, Pasta, Eggs, and Carrots. He is not such a big fan of fruit.


• He drinks 4 bottles a day... the bottle is definately his security blanket.


• Ryder has Physical Therapy 2 times each week, and Oral Therapy every other week.


• He takes 2 naps a day, and sleeps about 12 hours at night (with no dream feeds).

Here's to another happy, healthy and thriving year... May all of your birthday wishes come true, Ryder! You deserve it. We love you!