Grayson 2 Months

I mean, for real, LOOK at that face!!!!

I'm a little late get this post up! Between 2 month shots, dealing with some sleeping issues due to said shots, and getting back to work....this week has been cra-Z! :)

Can't believe our little man is 2 months old!!

Weight/length:

Chunky boy weighs 13 pounds 3 ounces and  is also 23.5 inches long! I cannot get over how much he has grown! Grayson is transitioning into size 2 diapers and is busting out of some of his 0-3 month clothes. We have quite a few sleepers that are already too short! He's more in between sizes, but some 3-6 months things fit him well, while others are far too wide/long. Baby is still a fan of eating---usually 5-6 ounces every 3-4 hours.

Sleep:

We really can't complain about night time sleep. Bedtime was around 8 for a while, but we are slowly getting it to 7:30-7:45, because Grayson is just so tired! After going down, he has been pretty consistent to sleep until 4---and has recently started to go longer, sometimes until 6! Wahoo! We've had a few off nights where he will wake up around 2 or 3 (or both) and fuss for literally less than a minute and then go back to sleep.

Napping is a different beast. Grayson loves to nap in his swing or in the car.....but not his crib. Bad news, kiddo. At daycare, you gotta sleep in the crib! It is a work in progress for sure. UGH.

Likes:

Grayson loves eating, chewing on his hands, bath time, and SMILING! Oh, so many smiles! My heart melts every time! :)

Dislikes:

Grayson hates being burped (sometimes), napping in his crib, being hungry, 2 month shots, congestion, getting his nose cleaned, and tummy time. 

Milestones:

Little man has really started smiling like crazy in response to toys, what we are doing, etc. It is SO awesome and I love that gummy grin! He loves to coo and make sweet baby noises and squeals. On the other hand, he has learned to screech when his upset.....we don't like that one nearly as much,
 He has also just started to discover his hands....and now they are always in his mouth! He loves to lay on his play mat and look at himself in the mirror.....and smile at himself in the mirror. SO sweet. He will open his mouth so big and throw his head like he is going to laugh, but nothing comes out. We are anxiously awaiting that first laugh!!! 



Check out these sweet smiles! Love this kid to pieces!

Newborn Photos

Here are some pics from Grayson's newborn photo shoot--these were done when he was 7 days old. I can't believe how much he had changed since these were taken!

LOVE.

Grayson: 1 Month

Ummm....One month old already?

Time slow down, please!

I cannot believe our little boy is already one month old. It seems like only yesterday that we were in the hospital. I cannot believe how quickly this month has gone by. So many people have told me that once you have children, life starts going on super speed--and I'm a believer! Our cutie pie has definately changed a lot already and it is going to be amazing to see how he changes each month!

Here is some information about our sweet guy:

Weight/length:

At our last doctor visit over a week ago, Grayson was 9.1 pounds and 21 inches long. I think he may have gained some weight since then, but we don't have a scale at home, so I'm not exactly sure. He has graduated from newborn diapers to size ones (he actually did this around the end of last week) and we have officially put away all of his newborn sized clothing (sniff!!!!). He is in size 0-3 month clothes, however, he is not quite long enough for a lot of his outfits just yet. Even though he had a few issues with reflux when he was first born, he has definitely developed a very healthy appetite! (and is a very happy spitter-upper) He is taking between 3.5-4 oz every three hours during the day. My little chunk! :)

Sleep:

Sleep was a struggle there at the beginning, as he was all over the place. After some experimenting with some different kinds of swaddles and schedules, sleep has been SO much better. He has been going to bed around 8:45-9 and sleeping until 1:30-2:30. then again till about 5 or 6. He has also been sleeping in his own room in his crib since he was one week old. Another great sleep helper? Our Dohm sound machine. It's awesome!!

Likes:

Grayson loves meal times, bath time, riding in the car, tummy time (usually), the snugamonkey swing, his bouncy seat, and drum corps--especially Phantom Regiment. He is particularly fond of listening to Faust. Smart kid!

Dislikes:

Grayson hates pooping, being wet/dirty, getting his nose cleaned, and being interrupted during feeding to be burped.

Milestones:

Baby boy has had some really good neck strength from the beginning. He usually loves tummy time for about 5-10 minutes, but then he gets frustrated and it's over. We are still working on staying on our tummy for longer stretches. He can also roll over from his tummy to his back, although inconsistently. He loves his car seat and likes to go for car rides. Sometimes he will nap, other times, he just enjoys the ride!

Here is a look at our day.....

5:30- 6- Daddy gets Grayson  up before he heads to work

6ish- First breakfast of the day. After Grayson has finished eating, we sit in bed and watch the Today show. Grayson sits in his bouncy chair while I get ready for the day/take a shower/etc. Sometimes he will nap during this time, other times he will be wide awake and happy! He loves morning time, as long as he is dry and clean!

9:00- Second breakfast! After he has digested, we usually play--either on his playmate or I sing songs/read books.

10:00-12: I usually put Grayson in the swing during this time, where he will usually fall asleep after 10-15 minutes. While he naps in the swing, I wash bottles, get some laundry done, and clean up. When I'm finished, I sit near him and watch Netflix! I feel like this is my most productive part of the day. (Sometimes during this time, we might go for a drive instead. Baby loves to ride/nap in the car and mom loves going to Sonic!)

12:00- First Lunch! After Gray's lunch, we play on the playmate/do some tummy time. I have also been singing and blasting some Disney music, which he seems to enjoy. At the end of this playtime, I try to wind him down by reading a book, unless he is super fussy. In that case, I will rock him and sing some power ballads. (wish I was kidding--haha). I then swaddle him up for his next nap.

1:00-3:00- I lay him down in his pack-n-play for his next nap. We are working on laying down drowsy and falling asleep on our own. Some days are better than others, but he usually gets a decent nap in here. This is when I clean up the upstairs/finish anything from the morning/or just lay on the couch near him. Sometimes I might even get a nap squeaked in!

3:00- Second Lunch! After lunch, I try to get some more play time in (depending on his fussiness) and start prepping for dinner

4:00- 5:30- Back in the swing to watch the mobile, maybe he will nap some while mom and dad eat dinner! (yes, we eat when the senior citizens eat--don't hate)

5:30- Supper! After supper, baby is not always in the best mood, but we try to keep him up for at least an hour or longer. He usually does some good tummy time with dad during this time!

6:45ish - We put baby in his bouncy seat in hopes he will get a little catnap while we catch up and watch some TV.

8- Bedtime routine- Nose cleaning, bath, swaddle, lullaby, rocking, last bottle and story. We try to feed him as close to 8:30 as possible, but some days it is as early as 8:15 because he is so ready.

8:45-9ish- Bedtime prayer and down in his crib!
(this is when Christopher and I kiss goodnight as well! We are both pooped! Haha!)

1:30-2:30- Sometime during this time Grayson wakes up for his nightly snack---we are going to work on making this closer to 3 soon!


.....and then we start all over again! I am loving having a routine in place, especially while I'm home. The older he gets, we will adjust it to make it make sense for our family/try to make sure he can stay flexible. However, I love structure and this is great for now! :)

Here are some of our outtakes from our 1 month photo shoot!

Postpartum Musings

Let me paint you a picture....

I've read all the books on pregnancy. I took all the vitamins and avoided everything that was off limits to pregnant women. The nursery is done. Baby's clothes are washed and uber organized in drawers/closet. The freezer is stocked with meals. Now all we need is to bring home our little bundle! But then what......???


It's been 4 weeks since our sweet little guy made his debut....and what a crazy 4 weeks it has been! There is no doubt that this has been the best and the hardest time of my life. Nothing I read, discussed, or did during pregnancy really prepared me for having a newborn.

I discovered that we as women laugh about things like pooping  during labor and sleep deprivation, however, we are evil in nature, as we do not really share the truth. I mean the REAL truth truth. Or perhaps women are stupid and we do not heed the advice from others?

 I'm not really sure, but I figured I would share a few things I've learned over the past few weeks....

1.) An epidural, while a WONDERFUL invention, is not painless. If the anesthesologist hits a nerve, you are in for a whole lot of suck. Also, it may not kick in right away. However, if you are persistant and annoying, you can get your epidural quickly! (and don't get me wrong, I will take the short-term pain from the procedure over hours of contractions.) (I ain't no hero!)

2.) After labor and all the drugs have worn off, you begin to realize that the majority of your body hurts. Not just your...ahem...lady parts, but your arms, your back, your neck---from all the pushing! If they offer you a percocet, take it.

3) So about all that pushing.... hemmorrhoids are real. They can (and will) happen to you. Take the percocet.

4.) Before the nurses shoo you away into recovery, you must first walk to the bathroom and do #1. No biggie, right? Walking and peeing are both skills I mastered nearly 30 years ago. That is....until December 22, when walking felt like I'd been horse back riding on a saddle made of nails....and then when I finally reached the porcelin thrown, it was like my body had forgotten how to function. Peeing became another new goal (kind of like getting the baby out). Warm squirt bottles and little tinkle victories, friends. Oh, and again: Percocet.

5.) DO NOT bother packing much for the hospital in terms of clothing. I had some cute soft jammies, but after I realized that everything south of the equator was like a murder scene, I stayed in my hospital gowns. No need to ruin soft jams!

6.) To piggy back off #5: Granny panties. Invest.

7.) Use the hospital nursery to its fullest. This may be the last time you sleep. Ever.

8.) Newborn babies cry. A LOT. Like, sometimes all the time. Your baby may hate to be wet or dirty, so they may cry. However, he may hate being changed, so he may cry. Don't take it personal. Your beet-faced munchkin will eventually let up. Or maybe not.

9.) You love your baby, but those first 2 weeks kind of blow. You think you will never sleep again. You might be partially right, but baby can get on a schedule eventually. But during those first 2 weeks, forget it. No sleep. Caffiene drip, please.

10.) Postpartum hormones are jacked up. You can go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in a matter of minutes. Why am I crying, you ask? It could be a number of things. I'm overwhelmed with happiness from the birth of my son..... I just ate a deli sandwich for the first time in 9 months....or maybe I just forgot where I put my favorite hair tie. The possibilities are endless!

11.) The baby blues are NORMAL. Do not feel bad for feeling sad sometimes. Your life has just completely changed and it will never be the same again. This was something that I knew, but I didn't really understand. It may take a few weeks to get out of this crazy funk, but make sure you talk with your partner and friends about your feelings. It's normal to feel frustrated, guilty, and like a big, fat mom failure. Just keep sharing those feelings--- It helps!!! Eventually, this mom thing feels more natural and routine.

12.) Oh yeah, sometimes your baby will only sleep 30 minutes at a time. Sometimes he may only want to sleep while being held. Sometimes he will lull you into thinking he's asleep, but, he's not. 

13.) Don't look at yourself in the mirror on the way to the shower that first week. Everything is....lumpy and different. I mean Picasso. For reals. Things start looking better after a couple of weeks. But not the stretch marks. Those churls are there to stay.

14.) Your day revolves around the clock. When did baby eat, pee, or poop?? How long did he nap?? Wait, he pooped 10 times today??? Did we feed him Taco Bell?????

15.) You will worry about things you've never worried about before....like the baby's poop. Color, consistancy, frequency. Take notes and be prepared to bother the pediatrician.

16.) You will have a new appreciation for pediatric doctors. And you will be thankful you did not choose that career path.

17.) Your once clean house is now in need of sweeping, mopping, and dusting. Your laundry may never get done ever again. Oh well, NAPS now are better options than cleaning. You can clean another day. Maybe when the baby is in kindergarten?

18) And one more....the love you feel for your baby is out of this world....nothing I can explain.

After 4 weeks of having baby home, I'm feeling like I have a handle on life again. If I could ever give a new mom any kind of advice, it would be this.....good luck. No matter what I tell you, it won't prepare you. Our babies are different and what worked for me may or may not work for you. However, just be ready for the best, the worst, the hardest, and most rewarding time of your life. Covered in yellow, seedy poop. (No worries--that is healthy!)

And here are a few pics from the past few weeks adventures! :) Enjoy!

Little Man's Big Day!

Well....I planned on writing about the events leading up to Grayson's birth a little sooner...however, having a newborn takes up every minute of my day right now. :-) I also knew I needed to do it soon ( before I forgot everything)!

Don't worry....not too many gory details. But be aware, this is a birth story....

At my 38 week appointment, I found out I was going to be induced on December 22. After the initial euphoria wore off, fear and anxiety set in. I began to really worry about the effects of pitocin and how long I would have to labor on my own before I could get an epidural. The weekend leading up to the big event was a whirlwind...and let's not even talk about Monday night before. Let's just say, I had a pretty hard time sleeping!

Tuesday December 22, Christopher and I were up around 3:45 AM to get ready to head to the hospital. I had to be there at 5:30. I've never been more nervous in my entire life! Knowing that in a few hours
 1) I was going to be in labor and
2) our son was going to be born.....TODAY.....sheesh. There are literally no words to describe all the emotions I was feeling.

We arrived at the hospital and had to wait a little while as the desk people completed some paperwork and buzzed someone to take us to labor and delivery. I took advantage of this time to put on some make-up, to which Christopher promptly made fun of me. But hey, if I was going to be pushing a kid out of me, I might as well TRY to have a decent looking face, right? Ha! (at least it lasted for a little while)

Around 6, we were taken to our room---which was HUGE and comfy. I was really impressed how our hospital made everything feel so calm and tranquil, especially considering what is going on on that floor!!( Did I mention I was a bag of nerves? ) After settling in and changing into my stylish hospital gown, we met a few different nurses, who were taking my blood, checking my vitals, setting up my IV, etc. I'm pretty sure I told each of these ladies how strongly I wanted an epidural ASAP and was curious as to how soon we could make that happen. (Much to Christopher's embarrassment. He asked me to be a good patient. Sorry, babe). All of them were very reassuring that I could get one, however, they all politely told me that laboring on my own for a while is strongly encouraged, as an epidural could slow things down. My thoughts, who cares how slow it is as long as it doesn't hurt???

After impressing the slew of nurses with my juicy, fat veins, we met our delivery nurse, Julie.....who  was AMAZING. I need her number so I can schedule my next birth with her. Julie also got to hear my song and dance about an epidural and she gave me the same response as the others.  However, she said she would go ahead and get me on the schedule, since sometimes the anesthesiologist can get booked up pretty quick. God bless, Julie. It wasn't the response I wanted (as I was ready for it right then and there!) but I would take it.

Why yes, I  DO wear pearls whilst in labor. I did attend an SEC school at one point in my life. 

View of our room from the comfort of my delivery bed.

Daddy hanging in the rocking chair.

The best thing about Julie was how thorough and informative she was. Every time she was doing something, she explained what it was for and why it was being done--which I loved. Not to mention we had quite a bit in common with her and she was so easy to get along with. Loved her!

After an initial check (2.5 cm dilated, almost 90% effaced--wahoo!), Julie started me on a low dose of pitocin around 7 AM. She explained what contractions were going to be like, what I might feel, how I might feel them, etc. And then....we got to do some waiting. We watched some episodes of Modern Family and The Office and I started to feel something, I assumed were contractions. Really, just some mild cramping...nothing too terrible--I've had worse periods. I figured I could deal with this, just as Julie came in to slowly up the pitocin. We had a good time watching our favorite shows and laughing with the nurses who came to check on me. Slowly, the contractions did start coming a little stronger, but again, nothing that I couldn't talk or laugh through.

At 9 AM, the doctor came in to break my water and check my status. Julie calmly told me that this was going to really get my labor going and thank goodness, Dr. Mullaly said she was good with me getting an epidural when I was ready, since baby was already so low. (thank you, doc!!!) I'm not sure how quickly it happened, but the contractions came on stronger and closer together. I was not able to pay attention to the TV and I was really having to concentrate through each one. Around 10:15, Julie brought in the anesthesiologist to perform my epidural---I was the first one of the day! Lucky me--and thanks Julie for getting me on the schedule! Unfortunately, I wouldn't call the process painless. For one thing, I was having some pretty strong contractions during the procedure, which made it that much harder to be still. I was definitely in the middle of one right as the doctor was putting the needle in my spine. DE-lightful. Also, I felt her hit a nerve as she was threading the catheter....and oui. That sucked.

Initially, the epidural settled in my right side. I'm talking full on dead leg ONLY on the right. I could still feel the contractions on my left side, especially in my back and lower abdomen. Julie assured me that this sometimes happens, so in order to even out the medicine, she had to literally tilt me over on my left side with the help of a plethora of pillows. It took almost an hour, but eventually, the epidural was in full effect on BOTH sides and I was completely comfortable and very sleepy. Epidural = my new BFF. Julie checked my progress and I was pretty disappointed to only be at 4cm. After all those painful contractions, I really felt I should be farther along. Then again, I knew as a first time mom, labor can go on for a long time.

Over the next few hours, we napped, ate ice chips, and just chilled out in low lighting. Around 2:00, Julie came back to check my progress and I was skeptical that anything had happened. Much to my surprise, I was at 8cm and baby was very low! Holy cow! We were almost there! This is where things started to happen really fast. Julie changed my position to what she called "Queen" position....which essentially was just me sitting up in the bed like I was on a thrown (or toilet), with the lower part of the bed dropped down. It was pretty uncomfortable, since I couldn't feel my lower half, however, I had to dig my heels into the bed to stay upright. Giving birth is truly glamorous!

Again, couldn't tell you how long I was sitting this way, but I know it wasn't too long before I started having this really uncomfortable feeling. It wasn't pain, but definitely discomfort.  Christopher called for Julie and this seemed to get her excited. She said my body was kicking in and the feeling was the pressure from the baby (in her words--like I was going to need to take "a serious bowel movement." Yum) and  I would start feeling this with each contraction. Nurses started bringing baby birthing paraphernalia in our room and setting a few things up slowly. The way Julie had talked, I figured we were in for a waiting game to push, and then for a long pushing process. Even though I was telling myself this, I began to grow increasingly uncomfortable , to the point where I didn't  know how I could not NOT push. The feeling was so incredibly intense! I remember turning to Christopher and telling him "I really feel like I've got to push this kid out of me!"....and this time I called the nurse.

You could hear Julie come running down the hall, as she had seen the contraction I was feeling. After a quick check......it was time to get moving! Things from here went so quickly, it's hard to remember all the details. Julie and two other nurses came in and at 3:50, we started pushing. I never knew how much your body really takes charge when it is time to get that baby out. While I didn't love feeling the pressure (again, not true pain....but hard to explain), I feel like it made me much better at getting the job accomplished. During the entire pushing process, everyone would get really excited and tell me how great I was doing--which I wasn't sure if they were just trying to make me feel good or if I was legit doing an adequate job. After about 45 minutes of pushing, Julie's count downs started getting a lot faster (I found out later that it was because the doctor was caught up in a C-section...and they were trying to stall me). Dr. Mullaly finally came in and the nurses hurried her to me. Two contractions later and I heard the doctor say, "Look at your beautiful baby!"  Grayson Christopher entered this world at 4:50 pm, 7 pounds, 14 ounces, 20.25 inches long, healthy and perfect.

I'm still overwhelmed with how blessed we are and how well our labor went. 

We are so in love and so very thankful!

Our little family.

38 Weeks

Such a late post.....but OH well-- Sorry!  :)

How far along? 38 Weeks!

Symptoms? Sore hips/back, fatigue, peeing ALL the time, inability to be comfortable, lightening crotch, cramping, contractions, baby dropping (kicks are still high, but lower than they were) AND swelling hands and feet! I thought I'd made it without this symptom. BOO!

Sleep: Trying to sleep....but feeling so excited!
Best moment this week: This week was pretty crazy, but I guess the best/worst moment was started Sunday. I had been having contractions that became regular so we went to the hospital, got hooked up in labor and delivery, and then we were sent home as I was only dilated 2 cm and the contractions fizzled out. Bummer. However, at my appointment on Tuesday, I had not dilated anymore, but I was about 80% effaced. Basically (according to the doc) I could go at anytime., so she asked my my thoughts of being induced. My response....YES, PLEASE! So.....next Tuesday, December 22, I am going in to have this baby! (Now don't get me wrong....I'm starting to panic a little bit about labor.....but I'm just trying not to think about that part....We are going to have our baby!!!!)

Miss Anything? Being comfortable.....and not having a belly the size of a globe.

Movement: Poor boy is cramped....but he's as active as ever. He was really excited the night we went to the hospital!

Food cravings: Nothing really---actually, haven't been very hungry this week.
Gender prediction: Sweet boy!

Labor Signs?  Quite a few (and a few that are gross, so I won't mention them)---but mostly just contractions. They've been irregular since Sunday.

Belly Button in or out?  Still both....mostly flat!
Wedding rings on or off? Off! Fingers be fat!
Mood: Excited and Anxious!
Looking forward to: Next Tuesday! This is really and truly happening!!!! We are going to meet our SON!

37 Weeks!

How far along? 37 Weeks!

Symptoms? Sore hips/back, fatigue, peeing ALL the time, inability to be comfortable, lightening crotch, cramping, and possible contractions??? 

Sleep: Sleeping better...except, as soon as I lay down, I feel like I have to pee again!
Best moment this week: We accomplished so much over the weekend! We got all of our Christmas decorations up, installed the baby's car seat, put our weather tech in the CRV, and did some baby shopping! We also had a fun date night in watching the Disney Christmas Parade online while eating homemade chocolate dipped marshmallows. So fun! :)

Miss Anything? Being able to put my socks on by myself....and not feeling like my stomach is taking over my entire body.

Movement: Still squirmy boy...but I think he is as cramped as I am uncomfortable! Just 3 weeks, little man!

Food cravings: Spicy foods......sweet foods...you name it, it prb sounds good to me. However, I have been feeling a little nauseous at night, so dinner does not always sound as good as breakfast or lunch.
Gender prediction: Sweet boy!

Labor Signs?  Possibly? Everyone who sees me thinks baby as dropped (I can't tell....he's been low the whole time) and I'm pretty sure I have had some random braxton hicks contractions. I woke up the other night with terrible back pain and started to panic, but it went away and never came back. I guess I will find out more at my 37 week appointment on Thursday!

Belly Button in or out?  It's a little bit of both....
Wedding rings on or off? Officially off! Just in case!
Mood: Just DAWG tired. I'm too tired to feel anything lol
Weekly Wisdom:  Just take it a day at a time!
Looking forward to: My 37 week appointment and doing a little Christmas shopping this weekend! :)