Water Baby

Have to show G's mad swimming skills to the grandparents ;)

We have been taking swim lessons (loosely termed) for the past 3 weeks. Grayson loves being in the water, and I love the rhythm it gives our days, even though it does include getting suited up (literally), sunscreened, and wet everyday. Really, we just bounce around the pool singing songs and I dunk him under a couple of times. I mean, we won't be tossing him into the lake anytime soon, but I really do think he's picking up on somethings. You can see in the video he actually "scoops" and "kicks" (the official terminology for kiddie swimming). He's definitely the youngest in the class - which goes from 6 mos - 3/4 years - quite the range of kiddos. Zac had off one day last week and came to the lessons with us...I think Grayson loved showing off his skills.

This was at a nearby beach this weekend. Showing off his (semi-new) full fledged crawl and love for anything water related!

 And to round out our week in the water, our river trek to Tadake Falls! We took a nice hike through a small river to this awesome water fall and played a bit in the freshwater spring. The water was cool and clear to the bottom! It was an adventure, but the end of the day was the most eventful of all, losing several items (that quietly fell off as we trekked back) and a car that wouldn't start...in the middle of the jungle. Thankfully, we were with some friends and packed into their car (all 5 of us, carseat, and their dog) to find a car battery. All's well that ends well, and we made it back in one piece!

Happy Half Birthday!

Happy Half Birthday to my precious baby boy!

I cannot believe that 6 months have already passed. There have been so many changes already - so much faster than I could have imagined! He is practically a toddler (to me), moving quickly, interacting, and showing his preferences and opinions!

2 weeks old

I was looking through pictures last night from the last 6 months. It seems like yesterday and yet I can't imagine what life was like without our little munchkin. While tiring and trying at times, being at home with Grayson has been the best "job" I could imagine. I love getting to cuddle and play all day long and see each and every moment of growth. I couldn't trade it for anything!

Almost 6 months

Here's what's up:

Weight: (we'll see next week) - My guess is about 20 lbs, since he was 18 lb 14 oz at 5 months. Since he's become mobile, he's really "thinned" out though!

Height: (we'll see next week) - My guess is about 28-29 in., since he was 27 in at 5 months. Everyone comments on how big/long he is...I guess he takes after his mom and dad!

Clothes: He is in between 3-6 months and 6-9 month clothes. The 6-12 month size is still a bit big, but I'm sure it won't be long. (Sizes also vary so much between brands...)

Sleep: He goes to bed about 7:30 at night. He'll wake up about twice in the night to eat, but go right back to sleep in his crib. Within the past week, he's started taking great long naps! Usually 2 or so hours in the morning and then 2-3 more naps throughout the day from 20 min-1hr. It's been SO nice to get a nice long break to DO things!

Food: The boy loves to nurse! We've been able to only use my milk, which is great, and we made it through the first 6 months! I don't see either of us wanting/needing to stop anytime soon, so we'll keep going as long as we're both happy.

Trying his first taste of avocado

Since about 5 months, we've been trying out some new "solid" foods. So far he's had brown rice cereal, avocado, banana, and mango. We also throw some finger foods at him to keep him entertained, which he loves to play with, but not sure how much is actually eaten/swallowed. He's had veggie MumMums, toast, cheese quesadilla (LOVED sucking on that!), and even a small floret of broccoli (didn't eat any of it, but must like the taste!).

He almost always makes a face when he puts something in his mouth...pureed or whole foods...but then usually goes back for more. I guess it's just getting used to a new texture in his mouth and stronger tastes than he's used to.

Activities and Milestones: Grayson loves to move! If he's on the floor, he's probably scooting around to grab a toy (or dog toy), curtains, or tags. If he's being held, he's probably climbing up the back of the couch or trying to grab hair (even a ponytail or bun does NOT keep my hair safe). He enjoys his exersaucer, but doesn't like staying in as long now that he's mobile. He'll also sit in the bumbo or vibrating seat for a couple of minutes for me to do a quick task, but it's not long before he's trying to escape. He can sit up on his  own and roll from his tummy to back, but hasn't mastered any other "transitions."

A picnic at a nearby park just after 5 months

He loves being talked and sung to. He'll return almost any interaction with a huge smile or giggle. He also loves his Sing Over Me CD before each nap and bedtime or in the car. As soon as it's on, he's quiet and calm.

We've started sign language (well, I have), so we'll see how long it takes for him to respond. So far, we've done "mik", "more", "banana", and "all done." We also started attending an infant massage class each week this month. Grayson was as relaxed as could be and enjoyed every minute (as he should!).

I can't believe how fast he is learning, moving, and changing.

What I love:
- Making you laugh until you get the hiccups (you get that from me)
- Watching you move all over
- Sweet cuddles in the middle of the night - even though I'd die for a full nights sleep, the precious sleepy cuddles, I know, are fleeting moments
- Seeing you light up when daddy gets home from work
- Watching your reactions and expressions when you watch something new
- Seeing others delight in you as much as I do
- Your giggles when you watch/play with Shisa
- Your open mouth kisses
- Your gummy smile
- Your long, curly eyelashes
- Being your mama!

The next 6 months are going to be full of activity, travel, and changes for all of us, but I can't wait to see what's in store! What a blessing each day is for our little family!

Baby's Best Friend

Grayson is a big grabber these days, latching onto anything that crosses his path, especially hair - making life quite treacherous for me and our furry little dog. He loves watching her run around, and he especially gets a kick out of her playful growls.  It was really fun to catch this moment of Grayson really playing with the dog, although it might have been an accident that he caught the bone instead of Shisa's fur. 

He's also becoming mobile! I guess he's trying to imitate his Marine daddy as he does the low crawl everywhere!

Oh, and post video, I guess Grayson won the war...a few minutes later I saw Shisa licking G's toes and Grayson licking...well...the dog toy. Hope those immunities are all built up! I'm sure it's not the worst that get into that little boy mouth. Already understanding "snips and snails and puppy dog tails..."!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Ok, we really aren't "those" parents who think the whole world is just as obsessed with our baby as we are. But since very few of our friends and family get to see Grayson in live action, we thought we'd share a little snippet of his new(ish) and BEST trick....laughing! He is quite a happy baby and will laugh for us pretty often. It tickles us that he is so entertained by small small things...so excuse the fact that we are making fake sneeze noises for an inordinate amount of time. It happens when you have kids...

PS - I love his fakey laugh at the beginning with Zac...It's like a "Ok, I'll humor you dad..." I'm sure it won't be the last time to throw us a bone!

I don't think a mom can find anything more joyful than the sound of their baby's laugh.

Baby Grayson

To jump back in (and once again, hopefully more regularly), I can't wait to share and record about our new lives with a little one. I am motivated to write it all down here, if nothing more than something to look back on for our own memories. We are admittedly obsessed with our little one, so you've been forewarned of any gushing about our Gray-babe.

I can't believe that Grayson is nearing 3 months old! Part of me feels like we've had him forever, and we've done so much in the short 2.5 months, but the time is just flying. I am not exaggerating when I say I love every second of being home with him. I am most content at home with him on my lap, playing and singing (though the chores and cleaning and cooking I could do without). He is such a content and happy baby, and we couldn't be more blessed (or lucky). He cries only when he "needs" to, and is usually easily calmed (phew!).

He is growing (and therefore eating) like crazy. Zac regularly comes home, especially after being away for a day or so and comments on how much he's grown and changed! I love waking up to his sweet smiles, his coos brighten my day, and his sweet yawns and little snores make a wonderful end to the day. We love our Baby Grayson!

Here are a few pics from his first month or so of life!

About 1 day old. None of his hats (or clothes, for that matter) fit! 

Snuggling and napping with mama

Sweet dreams in (one of many) Christmas card photo shoots

Our very own Frogger

First visit to the beach. Certainly not the last!