Stayin' Alive

As I write this, Grayson is officially 3 weeks old.  It some ways it seems like 3 weeks have flown by and other ways it seems like an eternity (probably due to lack of sleep).  In his first few weeks, Grayson survived his circumcision, went to the doctor three times, went to Mommy's doctors appointment, visited Granny and Papa (and Great Grandma), and celebrated Daddy's birthday.  He really is a mover and a shaker.

Grayson has put on over 2 pounds since coming home from the hospital.  (He dropped from his initial birth weight to 5 pounds, 15 ounces).  He is now up to 8 pounds, 2 ounces.  I had some difficulty breastfeeding him before my milk came in.  It took about 4 days and we did have to supplement him with formula twice during that time.  But ever since the 4th day, he's been doing really well with the breastfeeding.  But it's really hard.  And EVERYTHING is sticky!  I've been able to feed him and also pump a little bit to start my freezer stash for when I go back to work.  My goal is to make it at least six months, but I'm going to see what happens.

The pediatrician is very happy with his weight gain and how he is developing,  We couldn't be more pleased with our decision to go with North Pinellas Children's Medical Center.  We go to the office in Westchase, but there are also offices in Trinity and Palm Harbor.  There was a little concern about his hip (because he was breech), but an ultrasound has determined that it is fine and all of his tests have come back normal so far. 

Some folks have been asking where we came up with the name Grayson.  To be honest, we both just really liked the name.  Here is the meaning of Grayson (which I love!):

A rare boy, with the ability to love with all his heart.  He is sensitive, and he will give everything he has to the one he loves.  He can be moody at times, and he doesn't like to open up unless he feels absolutely comfortable.  He is usually very athletic, by can get frustrated easily.  He is caring, loving, and is in tune with how others are feeling.  Graysons usually like to help others, and sometimes Graysons give more of themselves than they should. They are always good-looking.  Graysons usually find more luck than the average person.  Sometimes they need someone to provide a little direction, and then they'll get on track.  A Grayson is genuine, loving, and is rare.  

The description seems to sum up our little man very well so far.  We aren't sure what color eyes he has just yet, but it would be really cool if he did have gray eyes.  Turns out that Ben's great grandfather has gray eyes as does my great-great grandfather.     

I've been reading the book The Baby Whisperer and Grayson really is responding to her E.A.S.Y method/routine.  (Stands for Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time).  What activity time does a 3 week old do, you ask?  Basically we stare at each other and stick out our tongues and talk about our plans for the day.  Ben and I have discovered that we have what the Baby Whisperer calls a "textbook baby"  and he is pretty predictable.  However, there are always times that he gets overstimulated or overheated or cold or etc...  But we are learning how to read his cues.

Other happenings in the past couple of weeks:

I tried the Boba Wrap this past weekend and Grayson absoustely loved it.  He fell alseep approximately 45 seconds after we put him in.  (don't mind the hair, glasses, and pajama pants..)

Grayson had his second outing at the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.  He and I walked 2 miles and Daddy ran a little more. 

Grayson and Daddy really enjoy their story time.  (Poky Little Puppy was one of Ben's favorites)

Just hanging out with Mommy:

I've officially been home for 3 full weeks, 2 of them by myself.  The first day that Ben went back to work was quite possibly the scariest day of my life.  I couldn't wait for him to come home from work!  And I can honestly say that being a stay at home mom is the hardest task I've ever attempted.  There are no lunch breaks, there are no coworkers to talk with, and the time just seems to slip away from me.  I'm not sure how others are able to handle this full time (I'm SO not worthy!).  But, my "mom confidence" is growing as the weeks go on and I know that going back to work is going to be extremely difficult.

I went to the doctor two weeks after delivery and the doctor was really pleased with the progress on my incision.  In fact, three different people had to come in and look at it.  Both my sister and Ben agree that the incision looks really good (I honestly haven't had the courage to look yet).  My doctor said that I can start walking (he recommended a half a mile), and then at my 6 week appointment (March 17th), we can discuss running/lifting weights.  

To be completely honest, when I'm out walking, I really want to give running/jogging a try.  However, I know that doing too much too soon could compromise my recovery and when I will be able to actually run again.  So, for now, I've been sticking with walking and yoga.  There will be plenty of time to run/jog in about 3 more weeks.

Finally, I've had many friends/family members who have also given birth to baby boys this month.  I'm currently referring to them as Grayson's entourage.  I'm certain that they will grow up and do gross little boy things, and I just can't wait!  Here they are in birth order:  

• Liam Jordan - born February 2nd to my running buddy Michelle and her husband Larry
• Owen James - born February 6th (same as Grayson) to my childhood friend Kristen and her husband Joey
• Declan  Cole - born February 14th to my college roommate Melissa and her husband Vern
• Dexter Owen - born February 18th to Ben's coworker Micah and his wife Karen
• Malachi Otis - born February 26th to our cousin Kristi and her husband Bo

I'm not going to post any of their pictures because I haven't gotten prior approval from their parents ;)  However, it is really nice to be able to text my friends in the middle of the night, knowing that they will be awake for their feedings.  Just knowing that someone else is going through something similar is comforting and very often we provide comedic relief for each other.

That's a little update about what we've been up to the past couple of weeks.  It's all very exciting stuff ;)

B+L+G