8 Months Old

8 months old and still the smiliest, cutest baby ever! he seriously smiles all day long, he rarely cries. His favourite two people are his big brothers, he thinks they are just the silliest, funniest people in the world. I wonder how long that will last? He has some fussy moments, preferring to have me in his sights at all times, but he really is a happy, easy going baby.



Even with blueberries smeared all over his face he's happy :) he loves to eat. I think he's starting a bit of a growth spurt because the last few days he's fussed for some more food once he's finished his meal. An obvious sign my little one is growing. Currently he eats three meals a day (usually eats when we do) and nurses approx. 5-6 times a day. We've just started giving him a sippy cup with water in it at meals, hoping he'll take to the sippy cup better than he did the bottle. Grayson still refuses to take a bottle, even Gavin can't get him to take one anymore, so I'm not away from him for any length of time.


Grayson has started being able to hold his weight on his arms but hasn't gotten up on his knees on his own yet. I'm not in a rush to have him completely mobile just yet, but I do enjoy watching him try his very best to get to something he wants! usually he rolls in the general direction of the desired toy etc. but often he doesn't quite get there :)


I do love when babies can sit on their own though, makes life soooo much easier! I can set Grayson up with a few toys and he'll play much longer now that he can sit and play. In just a couple of days he mastered the sitting skill. I snapped a quick photo of him sitting unassisted to show he can do it, but for the most part he still has pillows etc. around him for support.


Such a big boy now!

6 Months Old!

Just this month you've started being able to put the soother back in your mouth:)


6 Months Old, you are growing and changing so fast Grayson! Suddenly you've started to LOVE your solid foods and make all kinds of noises while we are eating dinner just so you can get a taste of your food. I think you've gained weight literally overnight, as you suddenly felt much heavier after the weekend. I guess finally adding a breakfast to your morning routine has helped pack on some ounces ;). We are loving your adorable double chin and chubby belly these days and you are comfortably fitting all of your 6 month clothing now.

You think that your brothers are the funniest people in the world :) and you are enjoying playing with toys more and are already getting frustrated when you see something out of your reach and you want it! You are always full of smiles and light up when you recognize someone or hear a voice you recognize.

You are starting to find ways to communicate what you want, like when you are hungry you toss yourself backwards in search of food, your daddy and I are loving this! it's much better than crying and makes for much happier and quieter days.

I'm hoping that you build up your immunity soon and stop catching every cold out there! It seems like you are healthy one week and sick with something the next. Just as sleep starts getting a little better you catch something and wake up all night fussing! I feel bad that you feel awful, and you keep getting bronchitis and have been put on puffers for your last two colds. I'm really hoping you out grow this and it doesn't become the norm for you.

I see how much you've changed over the last month and can't wait to see what you'll be able to do this month! Happy 6 Months baby!


I can't get enough of his cuteness!

updateGrayson had his 6 month appointment today (Feb24th) he's such a little guy! weighing only 14lbs 8oz (3rd percentile), head circumference 41cm (not even on the growth chart), and he was 69 cm (about 50th percentile) for height.

5 Months Old

Grayson had a wellness check -up on Monday, just shy of 5 Months old the little guy is smaller than I thought :) He weighed in at 13.9lbs (10th percentile), height was 68.5cm (75th percentile), and his head circumference was 40 cm - not even on the growth chart the Doctor had! so he's tall and lean. The Doctor commented on our rough winter with regards to illness (mostly nasty colds etc) and I had to agree that it's been a long winter so far- seriously it seems like one of the kids is sick with a cold every. single. week. I recently read an article that children tend to catch 1-2 colds a month and I believe it! Poor Grayson's immune system has been working in overdrive this first winter of his, hopefully that means less colds in the future :)

This past month Grayson has lost some of his "young baby" look and suddenly looks much "older" to me. I think he looks older because he is getting more hair, it's coming in quite blonde. He's taken an interest in toys and so far his favourite toys (besides his hands) are his sophie giraffe, the jumperoo and the exersaucer. He's been reaching for toys and putting them straight into his little mouth - causing him to drool everywhere! I tried at least 3 times to get some video of him enjoying his jumperoo and every time I was recording he started fussing! so I don't have any proof - but he really does (usually) love his jumperoo :)





Some exersaucer play


and 1 more super cute photo of my boy - I couldn't decide which photo I liked better between the top one and this one - so I'm sharing both :) These photos also prove that Grayson gets to wear actual clothes once and a while, & not just his pajamas ;) Catherine mentioned that she rarely sees Grayson in clothes and I had to admit my laziness to her ;)


Happy 5 Months Grayson!

Christmas Day

Grayson was the first to wake up Christmas morning and the three of us lounged in bed while we waited for the other two sleepy heads to wake up. Noah woke up and joined us for some cuddles, and finally Owen woke up around 7:30 and came rushing in to announce it was Christmas morning :) I really don't think Noah knew what was going on. We waited while Gavin went downstairs and put the lights on the tree and got the video camera ready.


We didn't have to be at my sister's house until 3pm so we had a good part of the day to enjoy our time together, open gifts, play our new toys and have a yummy breakfast.

Our Christmas Tree













We attempted to get some cute "first Christmas" photos - and while they are cute, not all of them are happy :)




Family photo in front of the tree


The boys playing the "drums" at Maegan and Bill's


We had a great Christmas with family!

Grayson Rolling!

Grayson rolled from his belly to back for the first time yesterday! My mom was here to witness the milestone and we all cheered and clebrated with a very proud baby! He probably hasn't gotten the tummy time that Noah did, but I try to remember to do tummy time whenever possible. Up until this past week Grayson hasn't shown very much interest in rolling over, whenever he was placed on his belly he'd just appreciate the change of view and look around :) all of that changed yesterday! He hasn't rolled from his back to front yet, but I know it's just a matter of days until he does, he is getting so close. I've also found him squirming around his play mat and I sometimes find him in the opposite corner to what he started out - meaning I need to keep a closer eye on him :) Oh baby you are growing up way too fast!

We were sure to catch a short video of him rolling over last night. Way to go Grayson!

Christmas Part 3

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed getting together with Gavin's sister Meggie and her boyfriend Liam. They were hosting an open house and joked that we are always their "earliest" guests, arriving in the morning hours all the time :) Just a reminder of how different our lives have been since having kids - oh well, we wouldn't change a thing!

I love this photo of Noah and his Aunt Meggie! you can just feel the love!


The kids attacking Liam :) what a good sport he is!


More gift opening! The biggest play doh gift pack ever! the kids loved playing with it once we got home :) They also received a Mr. Men story collection - how fun! who else remembers those awesome books? they were my favourite growing up :)


A cute photo of Noah just before leaving for Aunt Meggie's!


After visiting we went home and played with the new presents, made pizza and attended Christmas Mass. The kids were so well behaved during church this time! we really need to make an effort to go more often. I've found that the times we attempt sitting in the pews as opposed to going immediately to the 'crying room' things always turn out better! I think the kids sense that they should behave, when we are in the 'crying room' with other kids things can get a little crazy! Afterwards we stopped home to pick up some hot chocolate and cookies for our annual Christmas Eve Christmas light drive!

Our favourite decorated house - a little blurry


Someday I hope to live here...lol! I can just picture the shiny marble floors now :)


After setting out the cookies and eggnog for Santa, and some carrots for the reindeer the kids were fast asleep after our busy day! dreaming of Christmas morning I'm sure!

Christmas Part 2

After our family Christmas brunch we prepared for a friend's Christmas drop-in party! I love the idea of an open house around Christmas to get together with family/friends that you may not otherwise be able to see near the holidays. It's starting to become a tradition for us to attend this annual party and we love it!

The kids especially love playing together and playing the drums downstairs. I didn't get many photos of the fun evening, but plan to next year :)






We made such special friends during our adoption wait, we are always so happy to spend time with these friends - especially during the holidays!

Christmas Part 1

Oh man I'm so behind in blogging! I'm going to try my best to get caught up within the next couple of days, but of course that all depends on how much the little ones sleep :)

Christmas parties started early this year for us and we didn't stop until we rang in the New Year! My brother, SIL, and Niece were home the week before Christmas so we hosted a gift opening brunch that day with my side of the family. It was nice to sped time with my brother's family and especially nice to spend time with my sweet niece. This year she kept up with the boys and is running all over the place!

Grayson's first gift opening experience :)


The last couple of years my dad has taken it upon himself to purchase gifts for the women of the family - hopefully that tradition continues as it's given us some great photo opportunities and a few laughs along the way :)








Gifts are always crazy with my side of the family - this year a total of 29 batteries were needed for the kids new toys! It was great spreading out some holiday parties because it gave the kids some time to actually enjoy their new presents :) This year I tried out a new recipe I found on pinterest - think we've found a new Christmas breakfast tradition! goodbye pillsbury cinnabons and hello pillsbury biscuits smothered in warm syrup, brown sugar, butter and pecans! Yummy! you can find the recipe here. No photos as those sticky buns didn't last very long!

What a great morning we had!

4 Months Old

I love this sweet baby! Grayson is such a happy baby, he's always smiling and is very close to laughing. I love having little 'conversations' with him, after a feeding he is so content he chatters and babbles away. Sometimes in the middle of the night I'd prefer him to just go back to sleep, but he is still so sweet to listen to. Mommy is still his favourite person :) and I'll take that as long as I can get it! He's started to show more interest in his toys and will sometimes try to reach for them. So far his favourite toy is his own two hands! he constantly has them in his mouth and I try to get him to use his soother instead. Often I look and he's spit the soother back out and has his fist shoved in his mouth again.

We haven't been for his 4 month wellness check-up, our Doctor is just back from maternity leave and is working only a couple of days a week, so he will have his appointment in January. Grayson has been suffering from a terrible cold this week and has been put on antibiotics because of the phlegm in his lungs. He is sounding a little better this morning so I hope he is on the mend, otherwise he is to go back in a few days for puffers :( hopefully it doesn't come to that. He had me very worried monday evening and I am glad he is starting to act more like himself. It's so hard when your kids are sick and even more nerve wracking when your baby is sick!

Grayson hasn't rolled over yet but he hasn't had many opportunities to practice. Once he's feeling better I'll have to try to fit more tummy time into our day. He has good neck control and is quite strong so I think he will get it soon.

Happy 4 months Grayson! With each baby the time seems to go faster, If only I could slow it down a little...

silly baby, he's been drooling and blowing bubble lots - hopefully it doesn't mean he's going to get teeth early.

3 Months Old

3 Months old already! Grayson has been entertaining us this past month with his sweet baby smiles and the sweetest baby talk! when we talk to him he tries to "talk" back. He has been more playful and interactive lately and Owen and Noah have enjoyed playing with him more. Sometimes I will playfully stick out my tongue at him and he will copy and stick out his tongue, and his newest game is to play "pop the soother" - he gets the biggest smiles when he spits out his soother on purpose It's the simple things in life :) but he sure is becoming more fun. We've tried to capture some of this fun on video but he gets distracted by the camera and just stares at it!

Here he is having some cuddle time with his brothers. Owen likes to hold him when he's "not fussy and not stinky" heh- don't we all ;) Grayson watches the boys play and I'm sure he's taking in all of the big brother trouble and saving it for me!



Grayson is an easy going baby and has never minded tummy time. He doesn't get on his tummy as often as he should, but I've been trying to make an effort to do tummy time more often.


Recently we brought out the baby swing and he loves it! he seems to like the swinging/swaying motion. He definitely likes to be on the move and the swing has given us a few breaks from having to carry him constantly. Still, his favourite spot is either in my arms or in the baby carrier.


I'm not sure how much Grayson weighs now but I've certainly noticed him getting heavier, and he's got some cute chubby thighs! He likes to feed every 2-3 hours during the day and will stay awake for about two hours before needing another nap. Nursing is going well but it has also made for a picky baby - he only likes me to feed him. I've been pumping and freezing milk and have quite a stockpile - all in hopes that Gavin can start to give him some bottles :) we thought he didn't like to feed from bottles because he would always refuse to eat when Gavin tried, but we've learned that he just wants mommy to feed him! he associates feeding with me and will take bottles from me. Gavin tried to give him a bottle once when he was sleepy and it worked for a bit, until Grayson opened his eyes and saw that it wasn't mommy, once again he refused to eat - he sure has a stubborn side to him too!


A few weeks ago Grayson caught a bit of a cold and since then hasn't been sleeping well. He was doing a five hour stretch early in the evening from about 8pm to 1am, and then up every two hours after that. While it wasn't perfect, it at least seemed like he was on his way to longer periods of sleep. The past few weeks have been awful with regards to sleep, (he's only sleeping two hour intervals) and I really am needing to make some changes in our routine to hopefully get things back on track. I keep reminding myself that the sleepless nights are temporary but it really is wearing me out!

Happy 3 months Grayson! you are just too cute and we are loving watching you grow and learn new things!

Halloween!

We started our Halloween fun by having Catherine and Hannah over for dinner. We served our usual halloween meal 'pumpkin spaghetti' the kids love it and it's easy to prepare ahead of time. This year the trick- or -treaters started arriving at the door at 6, and they came in big numbers! I was glad we made the last minute decision to pick up more candy "just in case". We had lots of candy left over, but I have no idea how many kids we got they came too fast to count!



Grayson dressed for the holiday by wearing a borrowed halloween sleeper :) super cute! Grayson and I stayed home to hand out candy, but we enjoyed watching the kids trick-or-treating-from the porch.


Our collection of mostly disney themed pumpkins. Catherine and Hannah carved mickey, and we carved goofy and "a ghost with flames" as per Owen's request.


Trick - or - Treat! Gavin said this year was much easier because the kids could go up to the houses on their own! no carrying any young kids up and down the stairs, next year he will have Grayson to carry around :)


It took Noah a few houses to figure out what was going on, but after he did he was so excited! he would run from house to house saying "candy! candy!" heh- I don't think he realized just how much candy he'd be given.




Thanks to Catherine she caught these videos of the kids :)


This spooky house set Owen off for the rest of the night. He wanted daddy to go up to the houses with him after that. He had wanted to come home but stuck it out for the love of candy :) I'm glad he mustered up enough bravery to finish the night and continue to have fun.





Pirate Owen!


Cutest little strawberry, dragon and pirate around! here they are enjoying a treat.


My three trick- or- treaters


My three cuties!


We checked the boys candy to make sure it was safe and took out the candy we don't like them to have (really hard candy and gumballs) then we helped ourselves to some of our favourites :) Grayson snatched this lollipop as if no one would notice, but I was sure to snatch it back just after I took the picture:)


Happy Halloween!