Party of Five: Grayson - 18 Months Old

My little baby boy is a big brother now! Two days before Grayson marked being 18 months his little brother arrived. It's absolute craziness that my little boy is not the youngest anymore. He still seems so little but got bigger over night now that we have an infant in the house(if that makes any sense at all). Grayson has taken to his role of being a great big brother. The first day I think he was a little confused by everything. He would point to Hudson and say baby, give him a kiss or two but then go on his way and wasn't really phased by his new presence. Day two, three, four of having a new side kick and he can't get enough of him. He kisses on him, CONSTANTLY! It's amazing to see how quickly the love between siblings occurs...melts this moms heart. The affection is huge for me to see. I wasn't sure how Grayson would deal with sharing my attention but he has done great. He doesn't seem to mind that I hold Hudson, feed him (Grayson did try to nurse today), or devote a lot of time taking care of him.

The world of Grayson is constant. Being held and taken care of is on the top of his list. He is my little side kick and doesn't go far from me. He knows what he likes, and what he doesn't. And, he isn't afraid to let us know when he doesn't like something! Meal time is a lot of fun and when he exercises his vocal cords and right arm throw the most. Food is a challenge with him since he only eats three things consistently; apple sauce, yogurt, and fruit. Again, he knows what he likes and just throws the rest down for Bear.

Grayson loves playing with his sister or picking on her when he gets the chance. If she has a toy he wants, he is quick to scream in order to get it from her. Though, he does a good job of sharing what he has with her. He is also quick to pick up on things he sees his big sister doing. Watching her swim in the pool and ocean has helped him begin to love the water this summer. He tries to go under and swim just like she does, coming back up with a smile!

He is a big fan of his daddy, Papa, and Peeps - preferring to hang out with the guys that are around. I think a lot of times he does a much better job of listening to his daddy than he does his mommy. Aaron can get through to him and doesn't give him a lot of room to act out. Where, I'm quick to pick him up or give him what he wants to make him happy. (I'll have to take this part of the post down in a couple years when he learns to read. I wouldn't want him to take advantage of me!)

As for development, he is doing really well. He speaks more and more each day. I love when he says a new word I haven't heard before. He can follow commands; understanding what we say to him and ask him to do. He is starting to pick up speed when walking around, doing a little baby jog when he wants to get somewhere fast. He can feed himself with a fork, spoon or just his good ol' handy fingers. He enjoys playing ball and throws like a future ball player. He can point to pictures in his book and tell you what they are. Everyday he learns something new - be it picking up his toys or climbing on something and jumping off!

So, what's one of my favorite thing about this little boy....his kisses and hugs!!! He is very affectionate and gives the best kisses and hugs. His kisses make the kissing sound and his hugs are tight and meaningful. Such a sweetheart!