Four Months!

Greyman, you are four months already! (and two days, I'm a little behind) I can't believe how fast you are growing and learning.  I love watching every second of it! You are my heart and soul little boy! Your daddy and I love you so much!

Weight:

You were 15.3 pounds this morning at the doctor!

 Height:

You are 25 1/2 inches long! I knew you hit a growth spurt this month!

Clothing Size:

Six month onesies are your best fit. If you keep growing we will be bumping you up to 9 month pajamas before long! I can get away with some 9 months everyday clothes- they are mostly your nicer outfits that seem to run a little bit smaller.

Diapers:

  You're in size 2's still!  I don't have too many left and will probably go ahead and buy a size 3 next mainly because I buy the big boxes at Sams and I don't think you will make it through that many more size 2's!

Feeding:

You're eating all formula now! I went back to work, we moved, your daddy had surgery, and you really love to eat and I couldn't keep my milk supply trying to balance all of the above. You had breastmilk for a good three and half months so I am happy with that!

You eat five times a day- 4 bottles are 6 ounces and your bedtime bottle is 8 ounces. No solid food yet! Your doctor and I talked about it this morning- we may start some cereal in the next month but I am not going to rush it!

Hair/Eyes:

Your hair is almost all blonde! You have a lot of it but it is becoming more hard to see. The back around your mullet area is still dark, but not near as dark as it was when you were born. 

Your eyes are a gorgeous blue! Some of the things you wear make them really pop and they are crystal looking almost! The doctor said she wouldn't be surprised if you stayed a blue eyed boy!

Sleep:

You are sleeping okay. You are having to adjust to me and your daddy being in the same room (which is also an adjustment for me not being able to sleep with the tv on!). You go down around 8 or 8:30 and sleep until 3 (almost on the dot every night), want to be held for a few minutes and then back asleep until about 6 or 6:30. I am going to try and let you start soothing yourself to sleep in your middle of the night waking. 

You have not been swaddled for about two weeks now. You are rolling all over the place and it would scare you so I took you out. You sleep with your elephant mink and pacifier. When I put you down you go down on your back...within five or ten minutes you are turned around and on your belly. You move all throughout the night. The other morning I woke up and your feet were hanging out the slats of the crib. It was funny. 

Fun Stuff:

-You love talking!  You will talk and talk and talk...I have NO idea where you get this from! Haha!

-You LOVE Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! I think it is the bright colors and all the music. You will lay there and kick your feet the entire time it is on. When I sing their opening song to you, you always smile. You really like when your Mimi sings The Hot Dog song to you from the show, too!

- You are starting to really notice toys.  When we put something in front of you, you grab at it (and sometimes you can actually grab it!). Earlier I put the bottle in front of you to see what you would do and you moved your mouth for it and tried to eat. Mean of me but it was cute.

-You can stand up on your own when standing in my lap! You are SO strong!!

-You have great head control! I let you sit in your Bumbo a few minutes each day to help you build your core. I think you will be sitting up very soon!

-You get so tickled at some sounds...like kissing, blowing raspberries, etc.

-You are drooling all over the place. Your gums are just a little bit swollen, but no teeth yet.

-I can't decide if you prefer to be on your tummy or your back. You sleep on your tummy but when I put you on your tummy and you aren't sleeping then you are easily aggravated.

-You have two fingers that you suck on! You will shove them down your throat until you gag yourself and then look at me like it is my fault. It's okay, I'll let it slide this time.

-Wally is really starting to notice and I think enjoy you. He loves to give you kisses! You never cry when he does, just look back at him and smile!

-You still LOVE your swing! I think you are enjoying it more now than you ever have.

Your daddy and I are still so smitten over you! We love you more and more each day! 

Some Big Changes- Part One

In May 2012 John Thomas and I decided to ride through a neighborhood on a random day. We had sort of talked about moving into a larger house, but had not put too much thought into it since it was just us and Wally. As we were riding around we found a house that we loved! We called the realtor, set up an appointment and after a few weeks of praying and discussing, decided to put an offer in contingent of selling our home. Since we did not want the stress of two mortgage payments (who would?) we listed our house on the market. Long story short, we could not come to an agreement with the sellers but decided to go ahead and keep our house listed and keep looking for our new home.

We had our house on the market for about 3 or 4 weeks and had a few people come and look. Early June we found out that we were going to have an extra addition. We had decided we would begin trying for a baby and if it took one month or twenty months, we would stay patient throughout. Month one and I was pregnant. We decided we did not want the stress of preparing for a baby and selling a house, etc. so I called the realtor and took our house off the market.

The next few months we were not actively looking for a house or land, but we had not erased the thought out of our head.

Fast forward to November. I randomly rode through the neighborhood and noticed that same house from May was still for sale and the price had been dropped to lower than our original offer. It was a sign. I prayed, talked to John Thomas and we decided we would call the relator again.

We went and looked at the house and decided we still liked it. Put in an offer (contingent on selling our house, again) and bam, they accepted. Our house went back up on the market at the beginning of December.

We had a few showings throughout the holidays. I was okay with not selling super quick since Greyson was due in February. The last thing I wanted was not to make a closing date because I was in labor.

The end of March came and we still had not sold our house. The sellers of the other house had another offer and we had first right of refusal and 48 hours to make a decision. We decided it was best to go ahead and give it up because we had no idea how long it would take to sell our house.

Back to square one...

Three Months!

Greyson, you are THREE months old today!
 

 I seriously feel like I was just writing your 2 month post. How did a month go by already?
 

Here's what you're up to...
 

Weight:

15 pounds! You are growing like crazy!!!

Height:

23 1/2 inches is my best guess!

Clothes:

Mostly still in 6 month clothes. I'll occasionally find a 3 month we can squeeze you into, and you're starting to wear more 9 months now. They're still a little big, but they work!

Diapers:

  We moved last week to Size 2!

 

Feeding:

Still eating 5 times a day. Up to about 6 1/2 oz. a feeding, and you're rarely fussy for more. Every now and then you wake up early or during the night and I nurse you back to sleep. You have 3 breastmilk bottles a day and 2 formula bottles. We have had a busy month and I can't keep up with how much you eat!

Hair/Eyes:

You are starting to get a lot of thick hair on top! It is also beginning to lighten up. I guess you will be a little blonde baby for summer! Your eyes are still blue and when you wear blue they are so light and even more pretty!

 

 Sleep:

 You're sleeping from about 8 at night to 5:30-6 in the morning. We moved last weekend and just now have your crib back up so your schedule is a little off. You take one and sometimes two really good naps a day. If you are in your car seat and we are on the go, you will sleep the whole time! You love to ride!

 
Fun Stuff:

You can roll from tummy to back! You don't always, but you can when you want to! You're also pushing up on your arms more and holding your head up higher  and for longer amounts of time during tummy time! You are SO strong!!!
 

You are such a happy baby!  You love to grin and laugh. It makes this momma's heart so full when you smile so huge!

In the past week you have discovered your hands and you love them in your mouth. I'd rather you take a paci if you must chew on something, but you keep it in for a minute or so, spit it out, and put your fist in there. 
 

Your daddy thinks you are going to be left-handed ...when you're hungry, those two fingers from your left hand go in your mouth every time. You'll occasionally chew on your right fist, but not as often. 
 

You are a drool monster lately! I constantly have to wipe your mouth. I think you might be an early teether!

You are the most content baby majority of the time! I love that I can lay you down and you can entertain yourself while I get things done!
 

You still love Wally very much! He is starting to really love you!

This month has been a whirlwind! We have sold our house, moved in with your mimi and papa while we hopefully build (that's another story by itself), your dad had to have some ear surgery which ended up being a lot more serious than we thought, and I have gone back to work. You have been a complete champ!
 

Tonight as I put you down to go to bed my heart was so full! Everyday I feel more and more blessed to be your mom! God has blessed your daddy and me more than we could ever imagine! Thank you for making the past three months the best for us!!

We love you so very much!

Two Months

Greyson - you are TWO months old!  Here's what you're up to now.

Weight:

You weigh a little over 12 pounds, around 12.4 pounds according to our scales at home...still packing on the weight! Your thighs are chunky and I love it! We go to the doctor next week so I will know better stats then.

Height:

I tried measuring you earlier. You are somewhere around 22 1/2 inches. I think you have really grown a lot lately. Your pajamas are getting to be tight on your feet.

Clothing Size:

 You wear mostly 3-6 month clothes. You have a few 0-3 month shirts that you can wear. It is a little weird though, you can barely fit into 3 month pajama onesies, 6 month fits perfect, and I am thinking before long you will be able to wear some 9 months! (I'm hoping this is a sign you are going to be tall!) 

Diapers:

  You are still in a size 1. I am guessing we will be moving up to size 2 before long though!

Feeding:

You're eating about 5 times a day now (sometimes 6, depending on what time you get up). It is hard to tell exactly how much you are eating since we are still primarily nursing. I have started a few times a week giving you a bottle at night of formula and nurse you, too. I am guessing you are eating about 6 ounces per feeding, and at night probably closer to 7 oz. 

Hair/Eyes:

You still have a head full of black hair! I love it! People always comment on how much hair you have! Your eyes are a pretty blue! They aren't a bright blue, but they seem to be getting a little lighter!

Sleep:

You are becoming a great sleeper.  You go to sleep at about 9 at night and sleep until about 2 or 3, eat and go right back down until almost 7! The past few nights you have slept until 5, ate and gone back down until almost 9!  You also usually take 2 naps a day, probably around 1 to 1 1/2 hours each.  Moms on Call  has has worked for us!

Fun Stuff:

- You've really started to smile a lot! Especially when you hear either me or your daddy's voice. You have laughed a few times and it is the sweetest laugh ever! I wish I could catch it on video but you always stop. 

 -You are very observant. If there is a ceiling fan in the room, you immediately look at it and won't take your eyes off of it!

- Tummy time is getting a little better. You have rolled over one time but I am pretty sure it was on accident! You can prop your head up and turn side to side really well! It's only a matter of time and you will be rolling over all the time!

-You have really gained a lot of control over your head. When someone is holding you, you don't look quiet as much like a bobble head! 

-You're trying to talk to us a little bit!  You like to give a few good yells and "talk" to us. Sometimes we are talking to you and sometimes you do it on your own. I love that you are content when someone isn't holding you- not always, but majority of the time. It makes doing things around the house a little easier. 

-You love your white noise machine. We have it on all night for you and I bought another one that stays in your carseat and pack-n-play with you! It is an answered prayer for when you need to be soothed!

-I can't believe how big you're getting! The past week or two I have noticed how big you have become!

You are so wonderful and so perfect! Your daddy and I often talk about how amazing it is to be your parents! 

We pray that you will grow to be a healthy strong boy (and I pray you will be tall! ha), but most importantly, we both pray that you will grow to be a man of God. That you will let Jesus into your heart and strive to be like him in your everyday life!

We love you, sweet Greyson!

  

Easter 2013

I love Easter! It is such a wonderful day to remember the wonderful promise we have as Christians. My heart aches for those people who do not celebrate and truly understand the significance of Easter.

There are only a few times that I can think back to where I do not remember going to Easter Sunrise Service with my dad. My brother and mom started coming once Reed was a little older. It always holds a special place in my heart. I love getting up and watching the sun rise in front of our church. Where we are standing they have the three crosses in front of us. Seeing the crosses in the morning sunrise always touches my heart. I praise God that He Lives and I do not have to spend an eternity in Hell! 

Here are some pictures of our Easter..and Greyson's first!

Greyson's Easter presents from the Easter Bunny. 

Instead of a basket, the bunny opted for the train bag that he will be able to use more than once a year. :) 

He will have a basket when it's time to hunt for eggs!

His Easter outfit- I promise he was more excited than he looks here!

All of his presents from Grandmommy, Mimi and Papa, and the Easter Bunny. Spoiled little boy.

Of course I did not forget Wally- the Easter bunny was just late ordering and it isn't here yet! Whoops!

We had a wonderful Easter, I hope you and your family did, too!

March Instagram Dump

We had a busy month! Here is what we were up to in March!

Greyson started sleeping in his crib...I had mixed emotions at first and now I am thankful I went ahead and have him in his crib. He seems to sleep longer lengths this way!

Uncle Reed took Greyson on his first four-wheeler ride! Welcome to the south; where you ride four wheelers before you are 2 months old! 

My mom celebrated another birthday! We went to Liberty's Tap Room in downtown Greenville- one of our favorites!

One of my best friend's and neighbor, Kate, had her second sweet baby. Greyson and I have enjoyed spending some time with Kate, Lola, and Averie!

John Thomas and I had our first night out to a friend's wedding. We couldn't stay away the whole night, but enjoyed some time together.

Greyson is enjoying tummy time a little better. I had the front door open one afternoon when it was nice outside and he enjoyed looking out the window. 

Bonding time for the brothers!

My sweet boy is doing so well while his momma and Mimi are enjoying time together...and shopping...every other day.  :) John Thomas and my dad is ready for me to return to work so we will stop going out. haha

We went to another wedding and Greyson went with us! Jason is a good friend of John Thomas and me- he tried to help Greyson catch the garter but no luck! 

Here we are at the wedding reception 

We decided to take a family portrait in the photo booth...even Greyson participated!

The days are flying by!

Perfect Timing.

This week has really been hard for me. I would be lying if I said I am happy all the time. One night Greyson cried and cried and cried. It absolutly broke my heart. I felt so helpless and honestly, hopeless. I kept telling myself that the days and the nights are long, but the years are short. (My long term sub at school told me that and it really stood out to me.) One day I didn't even get into the shower until about 10pm. He was still crying but John Thomas was trying everything he could to calm him. I sat on the side of my tub and broke down. It was my first real break down. I thought how hard it was, but how in five, ten, twenty years I would long for the days where I am holding my baby and bouncing and loving on him. I had to think of it that way, some for sanity and some just to remind myself that this will pass. It was a hard conclusion for me to come to. I felt like such an awful mom and to verbalize how I felt made me feel like I was failing.

 

Last night was a good night. He was asleep by 10:30 or so and only woke up twice to eat and went back down right after. It was good and I felt good when waking up this morning.

 

Greyson was in his crib and swaddled, without a fuss I would like to add, as I sat down on the couch to do my devotion. On Thursday mornings I go to Bible Study at church and we are currently doing a Beth Moore study.

 

 

 

The opening paragraph had me go to Psalm 127 in my Bible. I read the scripture, looked up and laughed. I opened the scripture and sent it to John Thomas at work.

 

 

John Thomas's response was the exact same as mine.

 Perfect timing.

Thank you Lord for such a good reminder when I was beginning to feel so defeated.