Our Little Toddler Gray

Dear Graylon,

I can’t believe that you are 13 months old now, but I want you to know just how amazing you have been to watch and be around. I have enjoyed every minute of being your mommy! Every day you show me something new that you have learned. You really understand your daddy and I when we talk to you. I love how you point at everything you want to look at or get to. You are starting to eat table food better. You gave up the bottle the day before you turned 13 months. Even then it was just a night time bottle. You are curious about everything. You love to go head first off of the couch and mommy and daddy’s bed with us of course holding your feet and lowering you down to the floor. You are a tough little guy. You have bumps and bruises on your legs from all your fearless play. I love when you run over to me and put your arms around my neck for me to pick you up. You even came over and gave me a kiss for the very first time yesterday. I will always remember how great that moment was. I know you love me so much but I also love that you love your daddy just as much. You get so excited when you see him in the morning for the first time or when we meet him outside when he gets in from work. You love Ms. Pat at your daycare and you get along great with all of your friends there too. You are moving up to the next class next week. I am so nervous about it because you have to totally be on table food. I know you are going to do great and catch on very quickly. You just had your very first school pictures made. You look so grown up sitting there posing. You have eight teeth now…four on top and four on bottom. You have a few words in your vocabulary now. You can say “Thank you”, “Mama”, “Daddy”, “Stick”, “Balloon” (kind of), “Ball” and once you said “Please”. It is really cute when I ask you something and you just shake your head back and forth like you are telling me “no”. You are walking like a pro. You have just figured out how to step up into the garage and into the house, but you still want to crawl back down instead of stepping down. You love sticks and rocks. You love being outside and your favorite toy is your new car that you got for your birthday. You love to scream. You love to climb and maneuver your way around stuff. I love to hear you laugh and love to see your sweet smile. I even love hearing your fake cough. You love to do the Hokey Pokey and dance to just about any tune. You make me so proud to be your mommy! I love you Graylon and this last year for me has been the best of my life!

Love,

Mommy

Here is a short video of Gray emptying out my belt/scarf drawer. He loved every minute of it.

Video Catch Up

Here are a couple quick videos to show off Gray's most current dancing, walking (with his toy), and playing skills. The song I overlapped on his dancing video is his favorite song, "Pennies From Heaven" by Louis Prima. Please enjoy our 3 feature presentations.

Gray's Slide Show

All of our Thanksgiving pictures were accidentally unloaded on Grandma Sharon's computer. There will be pictures as soon as we can get them. In the meantime, enjoy this slideshow. Some of you may have already seen it on facebook, but it deserves a spot on the blog as well. Enjoy.

Not Only Does He Crawl, But He Tailgates Too

So Gray has still been busy crawling. He's covering more ground. He's moving faster. And he's pulling up constantly. His diet has added more baby food and eliminated one bottle per day. I can't believe that my son is already nearing his 8 month birthday! I love watching him grow.

Graylon begged and pleaded all week to let us take him to the Georgia/Auburn game this past Saturday. We compromised and told him he could come to the tailgate as long as he was on his best behavior. Well he was. He posed for pictures, ate a hot dog, and threw football. We have proof of the picture posing, but he did all the rest off camera. We had a wonderful time. The Dawgs won too. Gray was pumped!

Not pictured in this post, but also a monumental event...Gray attended his very first UGA Lady Dogs basketball game. He sat in my lap the entire game while Mommy sat on the bench. He would sit still until the crowd would get excited for a big play. Georgia won, so there were plenty of great plays. He was such a good boy, and I thought he seemed very comfortable inside a basketball gym and watching the sport of basketball for the first time. That's a very good sign don't ya think? Anyways, enjoy the pictures of the weekend below. For your viewing pleasure, there is also a video at the end of Graylon pulling up and doing a little crawling. Enjoy!


When I said he pulls up on everything, I mean it.


He had JUST finished his hot dog.


Gray learned every player's jersey number from Pop and the program.


Gray seemed very comfortable sitting with Kelly.


Graylon zonked right out when Aunt Caryn got a hold of him.


I think Jon's glasses look better on Gray than they do on Jon.


Chip and Elizabeth got their Gray time in too. He had just finished throwing football.


There's nothing like play time on Sunday.

Gray Can Crawl!

I wonder how many blog followers we lost during this drought between posts? Our schedules haven't really allowed us to blog lately. There are gobs and gobs of pictures to put up, but for the time being, I'm just gonna put up some cute ones with a video. Heather will chronologically put the rest up later.

The video below is a very special one. It is the first footage caught of Mr. Graylon crawling. This video was shot a few days ago while I was still in Dalton. He is much faster now. Hopefully I'll capture a little more video soon. I'm gonna have to be quick with the camera cause the little guy can scoot now.




He's also battling a little cold too, so keep him in your prayers. He's still as smiley and happy-go-lucky as he always is. Mommy and I just cringe though, every time he coughs.

This past Wednesday, Gray got his pictures made at Olan Mills. He posed with overalls, and a football uniform, and in a diaper. We picked several good ones. We can't wait to show them to all of you. We'll get them in 2 weeks.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures below. They're all long overdue. We apologize for the delay. We're all doing the best we can. Thanks for your patience. I hope all followers of this blog are still loyal and true. We'll pick up the pace as soon as we can.



Headed to see the Dawgs play at Averie and William's house


You can tell by the smile that UGA/UT game hadn't kicked off yet.


Pop feeding Gray some sweet potatoes.


Gray and Henry were finishing their secret hand shake with a chest bump.


Yep. He can hold his own bottle...most of the time.

What's Cuter Than Baby Laughter?

I know that Heather has been carrying the blog torch lately while I learn a new job out of town and go parading all over the country watching the Bulldogs. Well here is one from me. Spending time away from Heather and Gray has been difficult to say the least. The only thing keeping me sane is knowing that it's temporary and knowing that the time spent away from them is for them. Once reunited Gray and I still played the same games, and I got him to laugh at the same stuff. The video below is proof. Whenever I change his diaper and he isn't sleepy, I'll do a combo of tickling his ribs while I put my face on his belly. It cracks him up every time. I look forward to the day that he is laughing at an inside joke that only we get and the time we'll spend pulling pranks on Mommy. Well, I know it's short, but it truly is sweet. Watch Gray laugh, and I'll try and get back to lots of posting as soon as I can.

Awkward Sleeping Positions and Green Beans

I haven't intentionally taken this long to blog. I was so proud of the last blog's video that I wanted it to headline as long as possible. This has been a very fun and memorable week. I start work with Liberty National Insurance next week, so this is my last week bumming around Daddy Day Care. I've had one of the most extreme cases of cabin fever of all time, but I'm not looking forward to giving another soul the responsibilities I've owned the past 5 months. I knew all along that this situation would not carry on forever, but now that it's here, I'm not pumped. I'm a tough guy though, and I'll be fine. We've spent more time wrestling this week, and Gray promised less poopy messes. We've had a blast.

This week has had it's fair share of milestones. Gray's sleeping habits and positions are ever-changing. He prefers his side and tummy now, but will occasionally mix in a back nap. He likes to root his face into the corner of the back of the crib and the mattress. Of course, I had to lay a hand on him a million times to make sure his breathing was not affected. He's sleeping harder and therefore growing a ton!

On Wednesday our friend, Shannon, came by to visit Graylon for the second time in his short life. She was smitten like a kitten. We ate dinner, and then she got to see Gray's bedtime routine. She also posed for a picture, and it's below.

I've also really wanted to get spoon food going with Gray this week. If I or Heather don't get it done, then it means that more than likely MeeMaw or Granny Franny will be trying next week while I train in Dalton. Or, the folks at the day care will be introducing him to bananas and green beans. Both scenarios aren't the way I would want if I could choose. I would prefer I or Heather do it. So we're REALLY trying to get Gray to love some green beans in the video posted on this site. Rice cereal is not cooperating with our boy so we skipped right into the beans. He did well. See for yourself.

Enjoy the pictures too. Bare with us between posts. I won't have our computer in Dalton while I train next week. I will, however, have Graylon and the camera. I may figure out a way to blog something. On this same subject, keep Heather and I in your prayers as Heather spends the majority of next week in Winterville without her boys. I'm training in Dalton while Gray spends time with a combination of grandparents to help us save one week's worth of day care tuition. We'll be reunited in no time. The "time" part is what we're not looking forward to though. In the end we will be just fine. Enjoy the pics in the meantime.


I told the most hilarious knock-knock joke. Gray is such a sucker!


"You talkin' to ME?"


Shannon offered to babysit like 100 times. I think Mr. Graylon charmed her socks off.


One of those new sleep positions I was referring to. He's in deep, deep sleep here...for real.


This was the moment he had anything with flavor in his mouth for the first time. Who wouldn't be smiling?

UGA Picture Day

Saturday morning at around 4 am, and without having gone to sleep, Uncle Rick, Henry's dad Jon, and I set up three tailgating chairs outside Sanford Stadium and waited. We were waiting for 9 am. At 9 o' clock, the UGA promotions department would begin to give out tickets to reserve a spot next to Uga VII at picture day. This year will be only this Uga's second football season, and he was so new last year, that he didn't attend Picture Day. So we expected a crowd. 150 tickets were going to be given out, and when we got there I counted our spot in line. I calculated around 50th, so we felt satisfied and tried to make the best of the wait. I woke up two hours later. The sun was up, and there were approximately 100 more people behind me in line down East Campus Road. The time finally to stake our claim to a spot finally arrived, and we inched our way toward the booth. In the other direction was Coach Richt's line. Uga and Coach Richt are, by far, the most popular picture takers on this day. They are the only two with the need for prearranged tickets to get pictures. So we finally got our Uga ticket and thought we would just go get in the fast moving Coach Richt line, and try our luck. 250 Coach Richt tickets were given, and after Rick, Jon, and I GOT OUR TICKETS, the guy right behind us got the last one! We were lucky and exhausted. We headed home to tell everyone the good news, and we were to come back to the stadium with wives and children to take some pictures.

We got to the stadium around 1 pm, and did our best to track down Mr. Uga. The promotions staff did an excellent job of herding us all through as quickly as humanly possible. Everyone we encountered working this event were friendly and made the experience great. We finally got to see Uga VII, and he seemed pretty worn out and sleepy. All the kids did great with him. We then headed to see Coach Richt. Once again, we waited in a line. The Coach Richt meeting included one autograph, so his line moved a tad bit slower. Even waiting in line, we were all entertained. While waiting, the football players came through, and we got to see a glimpse of some of our favorites. We met with Coach Richt, and he was a pleasure. Heather mentioned that Gray's Uncle Brandon was in the Army, and Coach Richt wanted to send him a personalized message. He said Sgt. Byers, but the camera only caught the "Byers" part. So Uncle Brandon, here you go:



The day was long, but well worth it. Jon, Rick, and I can claim all the Daddy brownie points, but it was gratifying to us as well. We had a great time. Jon was the driving force behind the entire event, so I'd like give him a special "thank you." Here are a few pictures. There will be more to come. Getting Brandon's message didn't allow us to take a picture of the family with him with our camera. Aunt Kelly and Ashley were taking pictures though and the professional one was snapped, so we'll have it eventually. Enjoy the pictures we have, and an edited video of the day. I'm going back to sleep.


"Oh boy! I can't wait to see Uga!"


The Lane's were anxiously awaiting their first peak at the baddest bulldog in all the land.


The LaBarbera family epitomizes everything Georgia. They sure look good in red and black.


Heather and I had the privileged of posing with UGA's quarterback for the 2027-28 season.


Just moments before we got to see Coach Richt and Gray faints from excitement. Jk...he was sawing logs.




GOOOOOOO DAWGS! SIC 'EM!

A Couple of Minutes of a Typical Graylon Day

Graylon is a day away from his 5 month birthday! Mommy and I can't believe it! He has turned into such a big boy. It's been a while since the last video clip, so I've attached one. It's a two and a half minute clip of how Gray typically spends his day. It's hard to lay him on his back to play. He immediately rolls over onto his belly to look around. He was talking a lot, so I thought I'd whip out the camera and catch him. Excuse the drool, and enjoy.

ATTENTION ALL NON-GRANDMOTHERS...He doesn't do a whole lot, (except be cute) so don't be waiting for a grand finale'. I could watch him do anything though. I've watched him sleep at length. I just wanted to put out the disclaimer, so that all of Gray's fans don't have a let down. If you're looking for a little of Gray smiling, talking, and grabbing then watch away. If you're looking for walking, basketball dribbling, or roller skating, then don't bother watching. Anyway...enjoy.

The Week of the Roll Over

We had another great week with Graylon accomplishing a couple of firsts. He rolled over from back to tummy and from tummy to back. He's done the tummy to back before, but only when we had tucked his arms up under him to help him prop his head up. This week he did it from the normal crawling position. The back-to-tummy roll kind of freaked me out a little. I laid him on a blanket in the floor on his back while I was folding some laundry and watching golf. Next thing I know, I look down at him a few minutes later and he is on his tummy. I totally missed it.

Missing it was kind of the theme for his roll over firsts. Earlier, he was on his belly in the floor and just talking away. I thought I'd grab the camera and catch it for the blog. Once I started rolling the camera, he stopped talking as much. I kept going though, just in case. When he continually didn't do anything I started talking to him. As I got in position to do some up close talking, he rolled over. The camera only caught his feet in the air on the roll. I captured it, but I didn't. I was glad to have the moment recorded, even though it wasn't the most accurate camera pointing in the world.

We are headed today to Jonesboro to attend the wedding of a coworker of Heather's, La'keshia Frett. Aunt Caryn and Uncle J are getting their first baby sittin' gig with Graylon. Granna will probably show up as well as many of Caryn's friends, so Gray gets to be a celebrity today. We are so glad to have family around to allow us to go to the wedding as a couple. We'll surely miss him, but it will only be a handful of hours.

Graylon took several cute pictures this week. The famous "almost" video is posted. Included too is a quick video of him in his Bumbo seat. His neck is super strong and he can concentrate on his hands a lot easier while in it. He's growing up right in front of our eyes.


Graylon relaxing after a hard day's work.


"Mom, seriously? You're stilllllll taking pictures?"


No coincidence that the pillows are yellow, and his outfit has yellow in it.


He looks really long from head to toe in this picture. He's pushing 5 feet tall I think.

Videos of Graylon and His Hands

I promised video, and videos I'll provide. Gray is learning to use his hands as evidence will show in both clips. He grabs his toys and our fingers, but he doesn't limit himself there. He has been known to accidentally grab chest hair off me and head hair off of Mommy. The bottom line is he is figuring stuff out. It is truly amazing watching him grow right in front of my very eyes, and I wish you could all be here to witness it with me. In lieu of you all being here, I've posted a couple of short video clips. The setting is our living room, and the main character is Mr. Graylon LaBarbera. The first clip takes place Wednesday morning and the second was filmed just moments before this post. Making a guest appearance is Mommy, aka Heather, and the occasional narrating was done by Daddy, aka Me. Grab your popcorn. The clips aren't that long, but for the first time EVER there are 2 of them! Enjoy.

Video #1



Video #2

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!