First, in February we welcomed Mr. Grayson James. Things haven't been the same since!
Secondly, on July 15th we are so excited to announce that we are closing on our very first home together. Most of our friends and family know that we have been searching for a home for the past couple of months. Our current situation in the townhouse we rent was/is starting to get a little cramped. Also, the stairs... Coming home from the hospital was not a great time with the stairs. And the kitchen here is pretty much a nightmare. I would say that it is next to impossible for both Ben and I to be in the kitchen at the same time.
Our new home is in Lutz (pictures coming soon after we get settled)! The school district is amazing, the neighborhood is super close to Grayson's daycare, and there is a park within walking distance. Also, we weren't exactly looking for a house with a pool but it just so happens that we will now have a pool! And a fireplace! Homeownership is super scary, but we are also very excited to have a place for Grayson to grow up, a yard for him to play in, and something that we can make our own.
Finally, if all those changes weren't enough, I'm starting a new position at PHSC on July 20th as well! I've been in advising for the past 7ish years and will now be the new Coordinator of Student Activities at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. I've been going through the process of applying and interviewing for some time, but have been keeping everything private just in case things did not work out.
I'm very excited to get started, but it appears that everything is going to be getting under way at about the same time. Needless to say, life is a little hectic right now. But, we wouldn't have it any other way and will be very happy once we are all settled.
Here is the latest and greatest to get everyone up to speed on our little man. Grayson has been taking a "Water Babies" class at Seal Swim School for the past couple of weeks. The program is free for babies 0-6 months. The first class didn't go very well, but he has since gotten a lot more comfortable in the water and seems to be enjoying swim class (and just generally being in the water) a lot more. Here's a shot from before and during the second class:
Pool parties:
True love:
New trick - super flexibility
What are you doing, Mom?!?
Riding a cow on Father's Day - YEE HAW!
These days breastfeeding is not going so hot. I'm still pumping as much as I can, but it's certainly not enough to keep up with demand. Nursing has completely stopped unless Grayson is really sleeping and doesn't realize what is going on. So we are supplementing with formula when necessary. I feel like as long as he's getting a little bit of breastmilk, it's better than nothing.
Grayson does still sleep through the night. He goes to bed around 8:30 and typically wakes up between 5 and 6. He has his routine down pretty well in the evening now. His swaddle and a story from Daddy typically lead him to sleep very quickly. We've been swaddling Grayson since about two-three weeks and it really helps to calm him. He really does know that when his hands are taken away, it's time to sleep.
Ben and I often talk about how lucky we are to have such a good baby. There are times when we feel like failures as parents or feel like we have been pushed to the limit and then we are rewarded with a sweet smile or squeal. This has been quite the journey so far and it's hard to believe someone so small has been able to teach me so much humility, patience and unconditional love in such a short time period.
Next month, we go back to the pediatrician so we will have some updated stats on Grayson's growth and development. Also, next month, our pediatrician recommends that we start incorporating some solids in to his routine. Grayson has been drooling like crazy and I think those teeth will be here soon, but nothing yet on tooth watch so far.
That is all for now - until next time!
B&L&G
