First Haircut and Playtime

Yesterday started out great. I had the day off from work and was looking forward to spending it with Gray. We played, played, and then played a little bit more. When Mike got back from work, we also fit in a haircut for Gray. I was so nervous but ended up just doing the best I could. I swear he looks three years old now. He looks like a different kid. You can judge it for yourself. Keep in mind that Gray has two cowlicks in the very front of his hair so it does look a little uneven.

Mike, Gray, and I then headed over to my office so that I could get a few things done and then we went and got something to eat. During dinner, Gray just wasn't himself. He was fussy and would not eat anything. I thought maybe he was just tired, but when we got home, we figured out what was wrong. Gray was so hot and when we took his temperature, he was at 103! We called our doc and was worried for the rest of the night. I took him to the doctor today and he has an ear infection and the flu (swine and regular) was ruled out. He has felt better today and his fever finally broke around 5 p.m. today. He got some meds and is ready to get better. Mommy and Daddy are ready too.

I have to go out of town tomorrow. The Lady Dogs play UTC on Thursday night so I will miss my sweet husband's 29th birthday tomorrow. We will have to celebrate as a family on Friday.

Enjoy the pictures...


Before the haircut...


After the haircut!


Gray would rather play with a computer cord than just about anything.


He played with it for like 10 minutes...too funny!


He also likes this play wall thing which is compliments of cousin Averie.


Peek a boo!


Our living room doubles as Graylon's play room.


Gray looks tiny compared to Mike's large feet.


Happy Birthday Daddy!

PS - I don't think we have blogged about Gray's teeth. He has four now...two on top and two on bottom. It looks like he will have two more on top very soon.

The Longest Blog Entry of All Time

Once again, sorry for the delay folks. Six days between posts is unacceptable. In my defense, we've been busy since the last post. Many of this blog's followers know we've been busy because we were busy with all of you. Last Friday we headed to Dalton for the second weekend in a row. On Saturday Heather helped throw a wedding shower for her cousin Jonathan and his fiance' Becca. Graylon was fashionably late and was a hit. Most of the people there had met Gray before, but they still got in some Gray love.



Grandma Frances and Grandma Ophia with Graylon at the shower.


Becca and Jonathan at their wedding shower. Graylon told me to wish y'all a very happy marriage.


Once we left the shower it was on to a cookout at our good friends, Jim and Nancy Stevenson's home. Several high school friends were there. Included at the party were Andrew and Brooke with their daughters Emma and Lila. Steven and Ember were there with their son Emerson. Katie brought all three of her children, Gage, Lexi, and Abel. Bret and Alicia came by with their 3 month old daughter, Delilah. Also Michael and Shana Guess as well as Jeremy Shuler came by to see all the kids and catch up with what everyone has been up to. All in all, eight children from the age of 6 down to 3 months were in attendance. We all talked about how things have changed and really enjoyed catching up. We usually meet up each Christmas, so it was great to mix in an extra get-together. Any time we are allowed the pleasure of all being together as a group, it never disappoints. Thank you to Jim and Nancy for hosting, and another thank you to everyone else for coordinating their plans to allow us to get to see you all. We had a blast.



Emma, Delilah, Gage, Graylon, Lila, Emerson, Abel, and Lexi...whew...what an awesome group!


Gage, Mike, Gray, Steven, Emerson, and Emma enjoying a wonderful party on Saturday.


Brooke called dibs on feeding Graylon. Her youngest daughter, Lila, approved her Mommy's technique.

We spent the night in Dalton Saturday night with Grandma Sharon who got to love on Gray, and then we were on to White, Georgia on Sunday to see Granna, Pop, Aunt Caryn, Uncle J, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Rick, Averie, Jon, Ashley and Henry. We enjoyed a steak dinner courtesy of Granna, Pop, and grill master Jon. We also got our first glimpse of a crawling Henry. He was a very active crawler, and it was a real eye opener for Heather and I as to Gray's next phase. Henry was also chomping down some real food which was another next phase moment for us to witness. It was great to see everyone there. It seemed like it had been a very long time since our last time together.



Grandma Sharon and Graylon lovin' life.


Oh boy! Grandma Sharon has some pretty cool toys too.

Uncle J holding Graylon. Gray has had better hair days.


Aunt Caryn with her niece, Averie, and nephew, Gray.


"Hey Graylon, baby food is soooooo awesome dude."


Tuesday was Graylon's 4 month doctor's visit. He was to get 3 more shots and get a head-to-toe inspection from Dr. Aldridge. Graylon weighed in at 14 lbs 14.5 oz. His weight put him in the 50th percentile of babies his age. His length was up in the 75th percentile. He cried during the shots, but I thought his recovery was very impressive. We were so proud of him.



Graylon back at home playing with his new toy and showing off his new trick. He grabs everything now, and that includes his toes.


Gray taking a bath on the night before his big trip to see Dr. Aldridge.


"Hey everybody. I'm just sittin' here, shirtless, waiting to get needles stuck in my thighs. I'm pretty tough though, so don't you worry about me."


Gray seemed to fully recover fine. He woke up from his nap after the shots with what seemed to be a little discomfort, but he has been his normal, playful self ever since. He is really getting some serious neck strength and is able to play comfortably in his Bumbo seat. The kid seems to hit a growth spurt every day. You can tell he is growing a lot when a six day gap between posts requires the next post to be as long as this one has been. Enjoy all the pictures, and I'll try and put some video up the next time.



"I think these bandaids make me look tough."


Graylon alllllllll better late yesterday evening.


A worm's eye view of Graylon playing in his Bumbo chair. Look at how his feet have grown!

2 Month Doctor's Visit...aka, Shot Day

Back when we were first in the hospital with Gray, I remember wishing that he could get the necessary shots then to protect him in the outside world. Then, once I found out that he wouldn't be receiving them for two whole months, I was eager for the two months to pass for his own protection. Well yesterday that day came, and Gray was as tough as a two month old could possibly be.

Our appointment was for 2:20 pm. Strangely, I kind of felt like I was betraying Gray a little by playing with him that morning and not being able to tell him what the day had in store for him. He was extra happy and totally oblivious that some random nurse would be giving him three shots in just a few short hours. I'm not one of those people that are frightened to death of needles, but I was unsure of Graylon's reaction. But flash-forward...as Gray took a bath that evening I made sure to tell him, "Son, you've over-achieved all day. Excellent job!"

We arrived to the doctor's office right at appointment time. They first needed to measure and weigh him. He tipped the scales at a very healthy 11 lbs. 10 oz. That's an increase of almost 4 and half pounds in two months. He then measured 23 inches in length, so he has grown 3 inches longer in the two months. Next, our doctor came in to answer any questions we might have and to go over a few tips for us for the next two months. We've been giving Gray a little tummy time thus far, but we are now going to be doing it up to five times a day for about five to ten minutes each time. Then, Dr. Aldridge said goodbye and in came the nurse.

He would be taking 3 shots by needle and one dose orally. The oral was taken first and Gray didn't seem to mind at all. Then the nurse prepared all three needles before any injection. What followed was a wild west style gun slingin' of vaccinations. She chained three shots very quickly while alternating thighs. One thigh got two shots, but once she was done only two Charlie Brown bandaids were needed. The cry that came out of our little man lasted less time than when he gets the dreaded lotion after a bath. The intensity, however, was a little more extreme. Mommy scooped him up, though, as fast as she could, and got him calmed down. He was a stud. He was soooooo over it in a minute or so. He actually said, "Hey lady, is that all you got?" I told him that taunting another person is never a good idea. On our way out the door we made our next appointment for the end of July where he'll get another check up and a few more shots.

Later on that night, Mommy had a booster club meeting, and I needed to get a few grocery items. That meant Gray got his first view of the inside of a grocery store. I put his car seat in the main part of the shopping cart since I was only getting a few things. He was wide eyed the entire time looking right at me with concern and wonder. He is quite the ladies man, as we were stopped twice by women who of course were marveled by "all that hair!" Later on we made it home safely, and he got some wonderful play time in with Mommy on camera. The footage is below. What an eventful day! Mommy and Daddy survived. Gray seemed to be completely unphased and proved to be rather unflappable. We are so thankful to him.

Extra side note: Today is the 4 year wedding anniversary for me and my girlfriend of 11 and half years, Heather. We are amazed at how fast time flies, but I am so thankful for her. I love my baby's mama so very much.


Look out paci, you have competition.


Playtime in the morning is the best way to wake up. I wanted to kiss him; he wanted to wrestle.


He used to just sit in his swing. He has now totally made friends with the lizards flying above his head. Look at that focus!


Graylon was smiling and shirtless just moments before his shots.


This is a little closer to "Go" time. Notice the game face now. He is such a gamer already! In the future he'll definitely sink a buzzer beater or hit a bottom of the ninth grand slam.

Happy One Month Birthgray!

Graylon was born one month ago today. Everyone pick your jaw back up...we couldn't believe it either. We have already forgotten what life was like without the little guy. As you all already know, he changes so much. I think the constant changing contributes to the days passing with such quickness. We are so thankful to chronicle these moments on this blog. I hope you all enjoy reading and watching as much as we do writing and posting.

Today Gray got to celebrate his big day with a trip to the doctor. No shots were given just yet, but he did get to weigh in. Two weeks ago he had weighed in at 8 lbs 1 oz. Heather had guessed 8 lbs 10 oz before we went to the doctor. I jokingly said 10 lbs. Well, once we got him on the scale we were amazed at his chunky butt weighing 9 lbs 6 oz! Dr. Aldridge seemed pretty surprised too but very pleased. We asked a few questions about our trip to the beach next month and his eye crusting up after naps sometimes. We left the doctor's office informed and satisfied with the health of our boy.

Then it was on to Bishop Park for Graylon's first stroller ride. It was a beautiful day for a walk in the park, and Graylon did great. He might have been half asleep, but we really enjoyed ourselves. I finally got some action for the video camera. I've posted a clip below. We also took a couple of pictures. Gray seems to be the outdoorsy type.

We made one last stop before we went home. Right before Graylon was born, Heather and I fell in love with this alternative Mexican restaurant named Taqueria del Sol. It has outdoor seating and plenty of room. We had fish tacos and barbeque brisket tacos and sweet tea. The UGA baseball coaches were eating there. Heather used to work on the same floor as them, so they were all eager to get a peak at him. I think Coach Perno wanted to make a scholarship offer on the spot, but I told him he was too young. We enjoyed our lunch and made it home.

What a wonderful day! We had a lot of fun together as a family. It's been fun reflecting back on Graylon's first month, and we are excited to see what he'll do next. We really enjoyed our walk, so we'll probably attack our neighborhood tomorrow. I'll catch up with some more pictures again later. Until then, enjoy the video and pictures below.

Happy Birthday Gray!



Graylon laying with a casual yet charming lean.

Visitors Galore

Thursday has been a day of visitors of all ages. Some time before noon, our friend Katie Collins
and her 4 month old, Mack, came by to visit. They brought us lunch in the form of Chik-Fil-A. They also brought a large box of diapers. It was great to see them. Little Mack has a great smile, and Katie was an excellent source of tips and advice.

After they left, Heather headed out for her doctor's appointment. She had received an excellent report from Dr. Thompson, and after going to that office so often over the past nine months, Heather's next appointment is not for another year. We were so blessed that Heather carried Graylon for nine months, delivered him, and recovered with such success. I am so proud of how well she did. I know she'll be an excellent mother, and I can't wait to be proud of the things she'll do in the future.

Once she arrived home, we welcomed Polly and Ishan into our house. They were our next-door neighbors when we lived at Brighton Park Apartments. They now live in Lawerenceville. Polly's husband and Ishan's dad, Rick, was unable make the trip because of work. They also brought gifts. Books, toys, onesies, and a blanket were all in a big goody bag. Ishan has grown so much. He talks like a grown up. He asked insightful questions, and he seemed genuinely interested in little Gray. He turns 5 next month.

I'll be getting in the tub with Graylon tonight. We hope for a solid night's rest afterward. I say hope because he seems to be in a full-out growth spurt. Two nights ago he woke and ate at 12:30, 2:00, 4:00, and then 7:30. This time in between jobs for me has been such a blessing. What was once such a scare, is still a concern, but in the same respect is such a wonderful comfort. We are both so involved. Every day is Saturday to us, and we are so thankful to be able to live the way we do. We are well aware that these days won't last forever, but we are overjoyed at the opportunity to live these days while we can. Please keep my job search in your prayers while I continue to pursue a new job. I still have the luxury of being picky,(although I really haven't had the opportunity to do so) but I am eager to find a job that I'll be truly happy in.

One of these days I'll film again. We expect more visitors this weekend, so I'm sure I'll film a little bit then. Until then, enjoy a few more pictures. Talk to you all again real soon.


I'm starting to figure out that these hands are mine...all mine!



Heather, is he asleep yet?



This post brought you by Nike...Just Do It.



"You got the right one baby!"

Gray is an Eight Pounder!

On Tuesday we loaded Graylon up in his car seat and trekked out to the doctor's office. He weighed in at a robust 8 lbs. 1 oz. He's as strong and healthy as ever, and we are so proud of him. Also, Gray seems to like riding in the car. Like a lot of babies we know, the hum of the car puts him to sleep. Although he rides well, we did opt out of a Easter trip to Dalton. After asking our doctor her advice we concluded that the risks outweighed the rewards. We are going to rest up at home this weekend, and before too long, we'll be traveling everywhere with him. He'll see our home town of Dalton later on this summer. All of you hoping to see him this weekend, please know that we really wanted to introduce him to the Carpet Capitol of the World and let him hang out with all of you, but the thought of him getting sick because of it scares us. We love you all, and I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

We got another visitor yesterday too. A co-worker of Heather's and friend, Emily Deitz and her daughter Briley, stopped by to bring us dinner and to get a peak at little Gray. He still confuses day with night, so of course he slept the entire time they were here, but he was glad to see them. Emily's "Poor Man's Lasagna" was delicious. Thank you so much. We snapped their picture before they left. Little Briley is a cutie and is an excellent talker. Thanks again for the visit.

Last night Gray slept solidly until about 2:30. He woke up hungry and active. The doctor told us we could up the bottle size to 3 ounces, and he's been taking every ounce like a champ. So after he chowed down and burped, he was eager to play and be talked to. I thought this to be an excellent chance to break in his rain forest swing that Heather's Bunco group gave us. I captured a little of it on the video camera and have included it below. He's growing so fast. I think that the swing will be an excellent source of visual and audible stimulation. He did wonderful. Enjoy the video and additional pictures below. Talk to you all again real soon.




Emily, Briley, and Baby Gray


It's night time, so Graylon must be awake. He's cute as can be though.


Mommy and Gray were dancing to Matt Giraud on American Idol. Graylon voted for Matt like 12 times last night. He's a HUGE fan.

What a Busy Day for Gray!

Today was an action-packed day! Heather needed to go by the office for a couple hours, and Graylon needed to get a weight check at the pediatrician's office to make sure he was recovering normally from the jaundice. So we drove two cars, and Graylon had to ride in the back seat without a friend back there to keep him company. He rode with Heather there and then me back. It was tough. Of course he slept and was fine, but I was constantly checking the roads to see where I was going to pull off the moment he started coughing or something. The trip went fine, and he weighed in OVER his birth weight of 7 lbs 5 oz...he weighed 7 lbs 6 oz.

Later on we welcomed some more visitors who came to meet Baby Gray...our friends Karen and Brooke. They brought some very thoughtful gifts. Additionally though, they brought birthday hats, birthday plates, birthday napkins, and birthday cupcakes. We had a little birthday party for Graylon while Graylon slept. It was a great idea and so thoughtful of them.


After they left, Mommy craved a little "holding Graylon" time. As he slept, he began to snore. It was pretty cute so I whipped out the camera. I've attached a little clip of it below. You might need to turn your volume up to hear it. We're pretty sure he's hitting that first growth spurt because he sleeps longer and eats larger volumes.



P.S.- Mommy snapped this picture while I was writing this blog post. Graylon was comfortably watching "Friends" on the big screen. It was his first time sitting by himself on the couch. I think he really liked it. Now, all I need to teach him is how to work the remote and tuck his hand in his pants and he'll have officially entered manhood at age 13 days.