Family and Friends Galore

It has been a while since we have updated our blog and so much as happened since then. We have had family visit us in Athens. Gray's cousin Michaela, her brother Max, and her mom Jennifer made the trip to see Gray for the first time. Grandma Sharon and Grandma Frances also came with them to see Gray. It was a short visit but it was so great getting to see them.



Look how much Michaela and Gray look alike. "They're cousins...identical cousins!"



Here are Jennifer and Max getting their Gray-on.

Then it was Mike's first Father's Day. I just want to say that I am so thankful for Mike and his love for Graylon. He is so good with him and I love watching them together.

While I worked all weekend, Granna, Pop, Aunt Caryn, Uncle J, and our good friends Jon, Ashley, and little Henry came to hang out with Daddy and Gray to celebrate Father's Day. Gray visited a tattoo parlor for the first time and watched Pop get an addition to his Cubs tattoo. He also visited his first brewery...of course he didn't partake. :) It was a fun filled weekend for sure.



Daddy and Gray are hanging out in the recliner on Father's Day.

I had to work our last summer basketball camp last week and Daddy brought Graylon by to see me. He got to meet some very important people.



Liz, Tori, and Betsy loved getting to see Gray for the first time. He loved getting to hang out with these girls.



Ms. Ann got her hands on Gray too. About 10 minutes after this pic, he fell asleep in her arms.

We then had the entire week to anticipate Aunt Caryn and Uncle J's wedding on Saturday. The wedding was held at the Carl House in Auburn, GA. It was absolutely beautiful! Caryn was stunning, and Caryn and Jason looked so happy. Every aspect of the wedding festivities were perfect. We had such a great time and Graylon enjoyed getting to meet some of his family for the first time at the wedding. Grandpa Wester, Aunt Virginia and Uncle Fred, Uncle Ric, Aunt Carol, cousins Sam with girlfriend Aryn, Rose, Sara with boyfriend Dan, Kole, Brevin, Emily, Hannah, Jill, Cale, and Steven all got their first glipmse of little Gray for the first time in person. He was so excited!



We are all at Chateau Elan for Caryn's bridal brunch. (Rose, Granna, Gray, Mommy, Grandma Wester, Aunt Virginia, Hannah, Jill, Caryn, and Emily) The blueberry dumplings with vanilla cream sauce were soooo good!



Gray loved being in Aunt Caryn's arms. He thought she was the most beautiful bride!



Brevin and Kole were showing Gray their dance moves and took a break to pose for this pic.



Congratulations Aunt Caryn and Uncle J!!!

There are so many wedding pics to post them all today. There will definitely be more to come...

Happy Birthday Graylon

It's been three months since Heather felt Graylon coming, and we rushed to the hospital. It's been three months since I met my son. It's been three months since I first learned the proper way to change a diaper. It's been a great three months. I've learned so much. I feel like the luckiest dad on the planet. Well as promised I've written a letter to Graylon for his birthday. It's listed below. We've had several visitors since the last post, and I'll bring everyone up to speed with the next post, but this birthday post takes precedent.



Dear Graylon,

Happy 3 month birthday! You have grown like a weed on Miracle Grow. The growth has not just come in the weight and length department. You've absorbed so much information, and have developed one heck of a personality. You seem to eat more, sleep more, and poop more with each passing day. I've not been more than 100 feet from you for your entire life with just a very few handfuls of exceptions. And although you do look like both your mom and me, every time I hold you or talk to you face to face, I see myself. And I already wish children for you because it's such a thrill to hold a little version of yourself. I can't wait to teach you everything I wish I had known or the things I was so glad I had been taught. You'll have several teachers and coaches in your life, but none of them will be the end-all be-all teacher or coach like I will. I'll be able to verify or disprove anything that you've been taught, and for that, I am thankful. In the meantime, let me go ahead and coach you up for your fourth month and beyond.

**Although you aren't using words, keep up your excellent communication skills. You use such wonderful inflection, and in life and on a team, good communication yields great results. Say what you mean, and the only bad question is the one you don't ask. Keep up the good work there.

**You are so strong! I am so proud of the little muscle man that Mommy and I created. Keep eating your bottles and then all your baby food. Get a good night's rest, and take care of yourself.

**Follow your heart. We all have the pit of our stomach voice that tells us right from wrong. In sports, be prepared to make good decisions quickly, and in life trust that gut and stand your ground. You'll always have support from me.

You'll have to deal with these "pearls" your whole life, Gray. I'm a coach at heart, and you are my greatest project. I want the world for you, and I'll do my best to give you every avenue I can to have it. I love you Gray. Happy 3 month birthday again. I'll sneak you some cake when Mommy isn't looking.

Love,
Daddy

Someone Slept Through the Night!

Congratulations Mr. Graylon! Or should I say, congratulations Mommy and Daddy? Gray had a later bedtime last night, but he did not wake up for a bottle like he normally does around 3 am. He went to bed about 8:45 and he woke at 6:30! At first, as I awoke, I thought I had just slept through the bottle feeding. I've done so many of 'em half asleep that it was very possible that I fed my son, and I didn't remember it. But Heather confirmed it. We had been asleep for about 7 hours without interruption. Gray is growing up so fast.

Friends of ours from Wisconsin, the Quinn's, sent a care package for Gray that arrived last Friday. In it were two tie-dyed onesies and some of the best shortbread cookies I've ever had. The onesies fit him perfect, and we broke one of them out today. Our little tree-huggin-make-love-not-war-hippy-baby rocked the outfit today in his bumbo seat, in his crib under the mobile, and out for lunch at Red Lobster today. The onesies have quickly climbed to the top of our favorites list, so thank you very much Sarah and Greg.

On a personal note, I'm really looking forward to my first Father's Day. It just so happens to also be Gray's 3 month birthday. I plan to copy Heather and write my own letter to Graylon on that day. In the meantime, enjoy some more pictures.


Last night after Gray's bath, Mommy combed his hair differently. He looks more grown up this way doesn't he?


Caught ya! Graylon was sucking fingers again. It's his favorite hobby.


Big boy Gray showing off his brute neck strength in his bumbo chair.


Graylon was chewing fingers and watching his mobile friends. Groovy dude!


Tummy time turned into nap time. He had his booty in the air just like his friend Henry.

Good Ole Family Fun

Mommy post, Mommy post! I'm feeling pretty good. This is my third post, and I've really got the hang of it. We got back from a fun filled weekend in Dalton and White, GA yesterday. We got to Pop Pop's house late on Friday night and woke up to a wonderful breakfast on Saturday that Meemaw cooked for us. Graylon got to visit with Aunt Lacey and also Grandma Ophia before we headed to Chattanooga for Henry Lane's christening. Henry did so good during the entire ceremony and we were so glad to be a part of his special day. Afterwards, we headed to Hamilton Medical Center to see our good friends Kim, Josh, Luke, and the new addition to the Swiney family, Anna Kate who was born last Wednesday. Congratulations Kim and Josh! After we left the hospital, we went to Grandma Sharon's house for a birthday dinner for Paul. He turns 78 this week. Later that night, Grandma Sharon took a bath with Graylon and Graylon gave her a big surprise...he pooped on her! Cousin Melinda came over and Uncle Brandon dropped in for a surprise visit. Daddy and Mommy once again got a good night's sleep while Grandma Sharon took care of Graylon during the night. On Sunday, we headed to White, GA to visit with Granna, Pop, and Uncle Rick. We all enjoyed some pizza in Granna and Pop's new house. We arrived safely back home Sunday evening and Graylon truly enjoyed his trip to Mommy and Daddy's hometown. Here are some pics from the weekend...


The classic "Four Generation" shot


Aunt Lacey showing Gray how to sit up like a big boy.


Henry at his Christening and not crying. He's as tough as his nickname, "The Hammer."


What a coincidence. The kid from Gray, GA holding Gray LaBarbera. Good job Uncle J.


Henry's Godmother and aunt, Ms. Marcy posing with Graylon.



The Last pit stop was with Pop and Granna in White. GA. Granna got him the outfit he has on.

Baths and Tummy Time

We're almost to another Saturday, so that means Gray is about to be another week older. Tomorrow marks twelve weeks. Who reading this can believe that? He's getting so big, and each day we find something new that he can do. Since his two month doctor's visit we've been putting a daily emphasis on "tummy time." His neck is really strong already, and the more we practice the faster he'll hit crawling. He's still got a ways to go, but we sure are proud of him.

He's also becoming more mature as it pertains to bath time. On accident, I found a calming tool for him during a bath. The small tub was getting very soapy, so to rinse his hair I ran the bath water into the big tub to get non-soapy water. He was crying and fussing before I turned on the water, but once it was on, he became silent. Not a peep out of him the rest of the bath. The next night I told Heather about my discovery, so we were ready for him once he cried. Sure enough...we dipped into the bath, and he started crying. We turned on the water immediately and no more crying. On the third day, we sat him in the water and he didn't cry period. We'll see where he goes from here. Enjoy the pictures. Additionally, Mommy shot some cute video footage of tummy time.


He's not crying. That's his work out face. He makes the same expression when he bench presses.


He's gotta make sure that Mommy is watching.


Gray is cool as a cucumber during his bath. Thankfully the wash rag keeps the blog rated PG.


No, he's not drunk. The camera was flashing extra bright is all.


Ahhh, now that the bath his over, I'll enjoy a little hand snack.

Since the Last Post...

Well I one-up'd Heather. I now have two days without Gray under my belt, and believe me, I am NOT bragging about it.

Late Friday night Grandma Sharon arrived in Winterville. She was coming to spend some good quality one on one time with her grandson. To us, she was babysitting and being a huge help, but to her, it was paradise. To quote her thank you note after she left..."I wish every day could be like yesterday and today." We needed the babysitter because my brother-in-law to be, Uncle J-Bird, was having a golf getaway bachelor party about 45 minutes north of us in Homer, GA. I was to arrive at the course around 9:00 Saturday morning, and I headed back to Graylon around 3 pm the next day. It was the longest I had been away from him, and although the golf trip was a blast, the time without Graylon was not cool. At the same time, Aunt Caryn was having her girls' night out in Athens, and Heather was in attendance. Grandma Sharon took Gray to the hotel were the girls were beforehand, and he charmed their socks off. From what I was told, he was a hit. Atta boy son! Good job. Heather made it home later that night, so her days away from Gray count remains at one.

Since the weekend, it has been back to Daddy and Gray mornings and afternoons as Heather works the UGA women's basketball camps on campus. She is home in the afternoon, but has to go back for a late night meeting. Wednesday marks the end for this camp, and Graylon and I are glad. While I'm at home with Gray, I am currently taking an online study course for my Health and Life Insurance licence. I plan to go to work for Liberty National Insurance in the near future. So, any blog followers out there looking for any insurance, you know who to call.

Enjoy the pics. The video was on my facebook page, but those of you not on facebook...here you go. Talk to you all again soon.


Currently his favorite chew toy is his hands. We're trying to change that...hence, the teething ring.


Now you can't tell me that he doesn't look at least 3 years old when he's in this thing. He's gettin' huge!


Grandma Sharon and her muscle man grandson


Ok, ok...I'll admit SOME similarities in mother and son. I'm just kidding. He looks a lot like his Mommy.


Sara melting all over Graylon.


Kathryn was getting her Gray on!


Looks like Graylon was the center of attention. I'm sure Aunt Caryn didn't mind sharing her night with him.

Father and Son Week...SWEET!

Hello again everyone. The week has been awesome. Graylon and his Daddy had a week of bonding, and fun, and games, and diapers, and learning, and bottles, and a bunch of other stuff. I have a new found respect for every stay at home parent I've ever known. The hard work was prevalent. The rewards were quickly reaped. And the experience was priceless. Heather and I have our hands full with Graylon right now, and all we want is to give him all the love and attention we can. But, we also talk about a second child somewhere down the road. I've thought this week about not having this with a future child, and I'm so lucky to have an opportunity like this that many dads I know did not get. He's getting so big, and Heather and I are hitting new phases in parenting. This week will forever make me slow down each day as much as I can when around my son. Although I can't wait to teach him stuff, and I can't wait to have a conversation with him, I need to enjoy the now. And I am. I love giving him a bath and feeding him bottles and all that comes with an infant.

The camera did not come out of its case much this week, so I apologize for just the few pictures. Let me remind you that, I'M ONLY ONE MAN...and, I'M DOING THE BEST I CAN! J/k...I love doing this blog; I've just had my hands full. You all understand ;)


I think the drooling phase is just around the corner. Right now, all we have are a few bubbles.


Tummy time is getting better. Stop staring at my son's butt!

Routines, They are a Changin'

As you can tell by the five day gap between posts, our routine has been thrown off just a bit lately.

Since the last post, we had lunch out at Sandy Creek Park in Athens. We then traveled to Canton/White, GA on Friday to help move my parents into their new home. We then continued north to Dalton to surprise MeeMaw for her Over-The-Hill-40th birthday on Saturday. Then Sunday we traveled across town to visit with Grandma Sharon, Granny Franny and Paul. Later that afternoon we came back to Winterville for a new routine starting the following Monday.

Monday brought Heather's first day back at work. That meant that Daddy Day Care was officially up and open for business. I didn't fear difficulty; I was only concerned for Heather's well being. I knew she was dreading this day. To ease the transition, Gray and I took Mommy out on a lunch date to the park. The name of the park escapes me, but for those of you from Athens, it's the one behind the church on Milledge Avenue. We took sandwiches and Heather got to hold Gray and get some loving. Daddy and Gray Day #2 also was broken up by going to see Mommy at work because I had a dentist visit at noon. Again, Mommy got to break up her day with Gray, and this time, she got to show him off at work. Both new-routine-days went by without a hitch. Gray's behavior has been great, and he's really made it as easy as possible on both Heather and I. I feel very blessed to have had these days of just us. We missed Heather a whole lot, but the Mommy-side of my parenting skills are getting a well needed workout. This new routine has made me a better Dad. And likewise, I think Heather is getting the whole absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder bit down pat. She has gobbled Gray up each evening when she gets home, and she lights up like a light bulb.

We are all doing great, though, and we can't wait to see what change awaits us next. Check out a few more pictures we snapped since we last talked. Talk to you all sooner than 5 days from now...I promise.


Who needs a booster seat or high chair...not me!


Mother and son enjoying the beautiful weather at Sandy Creek Park.


Gray and Pop Pop hanging out (literally for Gray) after MeeMaw's birthday bash.


Granny Franny and Paul teaching Graylon a thing or two.


Grandma Sharon took a priceless nap with her grandson.