Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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!


 Seeing what's on sale.
 Cutie pie!
Linus - loves his blanket and thumb
 Big brother even though his shirt says otherwise.
 Being a big brother is exhausting!
Tops the favorite picture list.


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Dog Days of July

July heat soared so we continued spending our summer days near water. Be it the beach, pool, or water park. It is such a relief to have easy access to water or I'm afraid we would go stir crazy sitting inside trying to keep a very pregnant mom, cool. The pictures are out of order but we kicked off the month celebrating the Fourth with Melissa and the girls at the beach in Oak Island, dinner in Southport, and then a last minute decision to stay in Southport and watch the fireworks over the water. Grayson feel asleep before the show started but Carrington was wide eyed and in total awe of the colors, sounds, and light show.

The water park was on the list before the summer ends so we headed to Myrtle Beach one Saturday and meet Melissa and Kelly for the day. Grayson is running head to head with Carrington on a love of water. This certainly wasn't the case at the beginning of the season but he has made a drastic change. They both have little fear and go straight for the water slides, water fountains, and swimming under water in the pool.

We really enjoyed a visit from the de Windt girls at the end of July. I was thankful to have Wendy keep me company as this pregnancy comes to an end. It was a typically visit with a trip to the beach, play time at the house, and one night out for dinner. Giselle told Carrington she was her best friend, and Carrington responded back with you are my best friend too! I love it, and continue to enjoy watching them grow up together. The younger too haven't noticed each other too much but that'll change when they realize how cute the other is!

July ended with a big birthday celebration. Katy turned sweet sixteen on July 31st!! I was sixteen when Katy was born and was able to spend the first week after her birth at their house in Charlotte. I loved being there then and love that I've been able to spend almost every other birthday with her. Happy, happy birthday Katy Bug!

Water park slides...




 You can barely see Carrington through all the water. A huge bucket dumps water out every few minutes. I can't count the number of times she stood under the bucket.
 Aaron is holding Grayson under the bucket of water. No tears, all smiles!
 Cooking up trouble. These two are Trouble with a capital "T"!
 Piled high and busting at the seams.
 Playing nail salon!
 Looking for her future partner in crime.

 Beach loving runs in the blood.
 No chance of getting a perfect shot of all four of them.
Dressed up for Katy's Birthday Dinner.
 Birthday girl with her dessert. Lemon cheesecake! Lemon flavor being her favorite type of dessert.
 Making wishes!
Birthday dinner group shot.
 Red, White and Blue!
 It was a sugar filled day as they had just finished ice cream but cotton candy was needed to pass the time before the show.

 We definitely try and spend time outside when the nights cool off. Carrington is usually running toe to toe with Hayden. Grayson does his best to keep up with the girls. He is learning early how to chase girls around.


 Poor kid, his feet can't reach the peddle in his Buzz car so he is forced to drive around in the pink princess car.

Lazy days of summer!


Monday, July 2, 2012

UNC-W Swim Camp

Carrington, our little fish, took swim lessons at UNC-W the last two weeks of June. It was held Monday-Friday for one hour. Most of the coaches are current UNC-W swimmers and do a great job with the kids. They truely teach the kids how to swim and the progress from day 1 to day 10 is incredible. She can swim without a floatation device and has so much confidence in the water. I can not say enough good things about the program and look forward to having the kids participate in future years.


 Great smile and attitude!
 Waiting to get started
 And they are off...
 Splashing the shark/coach
 She loves being in the water.
Group Shot 
There was another coach but she left a couple days early to watch her boyfriend swim at Olympic Trails, pretty cool!
 Swimmers take your mark! Jumping off the diving block.
 Swimming along with the noodle
Lots of hugs and sugar for a job well done.


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Happy Father's Day!

Carrington and Grayson are two very lucky kiddos to have such an awesome daddy! They love spending any day with their dad but wanted to celebrate him just a little more on the day dedicated just for dads. We started off the day by making him breakfast and opening gifts; the annual hand prints from his children and a new weed wacker. The second gift being more of a need than a want but he still acted like he loved it!

A last minute decision was made to take the ferry from Southport to the Fort Fisher Aquarium for the day. It was a great one because we all had a blast! Carrington and Grayson loved the boat ride, and the aquarium was a fun experience too. We saw a white alligator, snakes, fish of all type, and lots of other marine life.

The afternoon was spent relaxing and finished off with steak dinner and peanut butter chocolate ice cream pie for dessert. A great fourth Father's Day for our kids great daddy!

 One lucky daddy and two lucky kiddos!
 Love our family!
 Sibling love!
 Driving the boat to the aquarium
 Don't worry, he doesn't bite!
 White Alligator
 Up close look

 Makes me laugh out loud!
 She's my girl. Look but no desire to touch.
Much better to be on the outside looking in.