4th of July- 2011

A parade

A party

Pool time

Glow sticks

S'mores

Family and fireworks

Don't worry, he was under an umbrella for the entire parade!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!

Smiles

He makes you work for it....

BUT

it is

worth the effort!

Teachers do run in the family...

 The video is an abbreviated version of Layla's retelling of Angelina Ballerina, a current favorite.  Notice she is also in full dress-up mode too....she is wearing a lei, ballet slippers and a dress she received on Tuesday from Joan's neighbor. 

Matching, smiles & ice cream

When we found out Grady was a little boy I started racking my brain for ways to coordinate outfits for Layla and Grady.  Well, my brainstorming was limited and for right now involves a lot of tie onesies for Grady.  They are very easy to make for me and comfy to wear for Grady.

The smiles have begun!  I think Joan got the first official smile on Tuesday (although I was slow to admit it!).  Ryan was getting Grady to smile like crazy on Wednesday.  I enjoyed a couple smiles and then ran to get the camera....and shot a picture with a very unsteady hand.  This is the best I could do for now.  If you look closely (through the blurriness) you can see a dimple in his left cheek.

Grady...Grady, can you smile for your momma?

And here is a random shot of Layla with her new ice cream maker from my girlfriend April. 
It really makes ice cream and Layla loves it, thanks April!

To Grandmother's House We Go

Last week, my mom and I took Layla and Grady to meet Great Grandma B for the first time. We stopped at Joan's library first so Layla could play and so we could introduce Grady to Joan's friends at the library.  Layla loved all of the toys (especially the cool puzzle table) and was a chatterbox with Joan and Jill. 

Here are Joan and Grady behind the library desk.  I accidentally focused the camera on the sign and cat and it blurred the background which included Joan and Grady.  Sometimes the fancy camera gets the best of me.

Grandma B got to meet her fourth great-grandchild.  She was pretty fond of this new little guy :)

Joan and Grady

Layla and I didn't get the memo about looking at the camera :)  Even Grady was looking in the correct direction!

 And special guest Penny arrived before we left.  So glad you got to meet Mr. Grady, Penny!

Thanks Joan for hosting a fun day for all of us. 

Layla can't wait to visit again soon and do more spin art!!

Grady- 1 Month

Grady is one month old.  It is funny how S-L-O-W the last month of pregnancy can go and how quickly the first month of a baby's life can speed by.   Grady is a sweet little guy and has been such a good baby for his first month of life.  He has been such a wonderful addition to our family and I am thankful that Layla has embraced him with open arms.  I am interested to see how this second month of life goes for the sibling relationship :)

Grady Stats and Info 

Weight: 10lb 4oz

Height:  22 inches

Clothes:  This week, he made the transition into 0-3 and 3 month clothes (Carter's clothes run small and make you feel like your baby is huge!)

Diapers:  This week, Grady transitioned into 1 diapers.  I was in denial for about two weeks about the necessity of making this switch.  After peeing out of his diaper twice on Sunday and pooping all over me once, Ryan and I decided it was time to bring on the 1s!

Sleep:  Grady is waking 2-3 times at night.  We have gotten a few nights where there has been a 4 and even a 5 hour stretch but nothing consistent.  Ryan handles diapers and burps and I take care of the feeding.  If you know me, you know I am a girl that needs my sleep.....here's to hoping for a few more 4-5 hour stretches!

Eating: Grady is a good, consistent eater and we are working on good form with the breastfeeding :)  The first month has been a bit of a struggle for me with nursing but I really feel like the worst is behind us, it was a very similar start with Layla.

Likes: the Moby wrap, stretching out on the diaper changer, being held, being swaddled

Dislikes: tummy time, carseat (bummer, I thought for a moment he liked it) and bath time

New tricks: Ryan and Cassie are claiming that Grady has smiled at them.  I will believe it when I see it...  In all honesty, I won't accept his first smile until he smiles at me!  Until then, it is all gas ;)

Tummy time...no thanks!

Emerging smiles?

Grady spends a lot of time wrapped to his mama :)

Layla reading to Grady

What it looks like now when I read stories to Layla before her nap. 

Grady and the baby toys are popular with the three year olds

Happy one month sweet Grady!

Dance

Layla started her creative movement class this week.  The class was her birthday gift from Ryan's parents.  She has been so excited for the class but I didn't know how it would go once we actually arrived.  We have never left Layla at a class before so I was preparing myself for a major meltdown when it was time to separate.  When it was time for the class to begin, Layla waved to me and said "you go sit over there, mommy" pointing to the bench outside the dance room.  Layla then followed the little line of girls into the room and told the teacher her name was Layla.  What?!?   Layla is getting to be such a big girl.

Sorry for the glare on all the pictures, they were all taken through a window.

Miss Layla was a chatterbox with the teacher, oh boy!

So that was the first class.  We are hoping Layla continues to love it and that it serves as a nice transition into preschool.  You know, the place where I won't be able to sit outside the classroom and observe at each session :)  Yes, this transition is probably more helpful for me than Layla.