Addition Update

Oh the addition. Depending upon the hour, I either love it or hate it. For instance, two hours ago I cursed the day we decided to build an addition and just swore off ever, ever, EVER, renovating a house we were currently living in. Dave, in true Dave fashion, gave me his best blank stare but I know what he was thinking..."what will I do for the rest of time then?" Its true, he LOVES building especially when he can enjoy the fruits of his labor. I have always joined in his enthusiasm for around-the-house projects and re-dos. UNTIL NOW. Bad timing on our part to decide to build an addition while having a baby in the house. I know I've said this before, but I tip my hat to single parents. How the hell do you manage? With Dave trying desperately to finish our new master bedroom and bathroom (and live by the saying someone wise once told him "happy wife happy life"), I've been left with all things Grady, domestic, etc. This is exhausting to say the least. Again, kudos to all single parents because if this lasts more than the three-four weeks I've been promised, I will flat out loose it.

 

However, as I type this (and realize how ungrateful I sound), I remember how much I love the addition. So far we've agreed on almost everything, except the budget. (He is crazy if he thinks I can furnish, and we're talking everything from matress, boxspring, headboard, dresser, night stands, etc., along with a new TV, linens, bathroom decor, etc. for $2,000!) Anyway, I'm doing my best to stay in budget and Dave has only gone over budget by $400. This little beauty put us over but I just had to!

 

Note to self - I need to find a basket or two for under the new vanity!

 

If you're paying attention, you now know I've been promised a finish date of 3-4 weeks. Some may think that sounds long. Well, Dave started this in early July so when he tells me 3-4 weeks it sounds like a blip of time and I can barely contain myself! Here's where we are so far...

 

Do you love the trim detail as much as I do? Our bed will go up against it.

Ha ha, just noticed the old vanity and toilet hanging out in the new master bedroom! Don't judge!

Water view from bed = ahhhh

Finally getting the shower bench I've been talking about for years

 

My fingers are crossed that the next time I blog about the addition, it will be showing pictures of the finished product!

 

XOXO,

 

Court

8 months old

Trying to get this guy to sit still in his chair for his monthly photo op is impossible now!

 

 

And here comes the broken record, but I can't believe how fast Grady is growing. He's an expert crawler, but that isn't enough anymore. ALL he wants to do is climb up and stand on things - his toys, the media console, the step up from the family room into the dining room, pretty much anywhere he isn't supposed to be is exactly where he wants to be!

 

 

 

So let's see, we have some firsts. First foods like crackers, Cheerios (I still don't know why I was soooo excited to give him Cheerios - weird!), turkey, apple juice, etc. We're allowed to try toast and cheese and stuff, but he still chokes on me so I'm taking this solid food thing VERY slowly! He is Mr. Independent and wants to feed himself too. He has mastered the sippy cup and even takes his water down one handed sometimes. He still twists his feet while eating - hence the nickname fancy feet, happy feet and/or twinkle toes.

 

 

 And for my not-so-favorite first - he got sick for the first time. It was absolutely heartbraking. He woke up one night in the middle of the night screaming (very unusual) so I went in and he was burning up with a 102.8 fever. I panicked and woke Dave up (not sure why I thought that was a good idea but whatever) and pretty much stayed up with him all night. Took him to the dr. the next morning and they said sorry, he's caught a virus and there's nothing to do by Tylenol for the fever and lots of TLC. But, this developed into a nasty cold followed by bronchitis. His cough is the most pitiful thing I have ever heard. Because of the bronchitis, we have to do nebulizer treatments :( He hates it and crys at first, but after a minute of us smiling as big as we can and singing every nursery rhyme we know, he just sits and takes it until we've finished. I swear - he is so good at life! (Incidentally, he HATES Old McDonald Had a Farm - upper lip comes up and everything. And I secretely sing it sometimes just to see that upper lip come up - wouldn't you?)

 

 

He's now standing up in the crib - precious. I watch him in the mornings on the video monitor for as long as he lets me. He sits up, talks, plays with his crib friends, stands up, chews on the railings, and trys to stand without using his hands (which obviously doesn't work yet) so he falls down and starts the whole process all over again. Some mornings he'll do this for an hour, some not so much. Either way he's such a sweet pumpkin head in the mornings.

 

 

 

I'm noticing more and more the transformation from infant to toddler. Example, he's feet are growing longer and less chubby :( His legs are getting stronger and longer. He's starting to thin out :( His hair is getting longer. And the teeth are coming in at an alarming rate - 5 are totally in and 2 more are on their way down. On the plus side, his weight gain has slowed and he's holding steady at 20 lbs. The way he plays with his toys has changed alot too. He plays hide and seek with them, he inspects them, and he loves manipulating things - especially in the bath. He is fascinated with pushing his squirt toys down under the water and watching them come up to the surface. Every time he does this and the toy comes up he turns and looks at me with the biggest grin - almost like he's saying did you see thaaaaat mom?

 

 

And my favorite new thing, his curls. I could stare at them all darn day. Especially the ones that come out from where his ears are...good Lord they are too cute for words! But with this came his first gender mistake. The lady at Sams Club commented on how cute our baby girl was. Dave's stink eye was priceless. I just said thanks and we went on our way.

 

I have a feeling he'll be walking by 9 months!

XOXO,
Court

Look out world, Grady is on the move

It was only a matter of time (a few small weeks to be exact) that he would be crawling. He's been "hopping" and "scooting" since he turned 7 months old. Well folks, he's finally on the go and he really, really doesn't want to stop now! Especially if he finds the TV remote, my cell phone, the laptop, or any other item he is NOT supposed to have. He zeros in on the thing and away he goes. Its not the most elegant crawl though. We call it his "kickstand" crawl, because one of his legs tends to stay straight. I think its because he just wants to get up and walk already.

 

Everyone warned me how "harder" it is when they become mobile, but whoa! I mean you cannot walk out of the room for a second. I suddenly miss the days when I put him down on the floor on his activity mat and he would bat at his hanging friends for an hour. Ahhh, that was a nice time! Its the catch-22. While he has more personality than ever, the little baby is going away and he is becoming more and more independent every day. (No, this does NOT mean I want another baby, k?)

In other news, he has fangs. Oh how appropriate with Halloween coming up. He has two top teeth, not the front two but two spaces over on each side, coming down. Bless his little heart that teething is no picnic, but he handles it so well. I can't believe he has 4 teeth before 8 months old! And with his new teeth, he has decided he wants to eat and pick up little pieces of food all by himself. He still eats the pureed stuff, but he prefers to eat little food bites all by himself. And he has mastered the sippy cup!

Grady and I had our first road trip sans Dave. I had one of my bestie's Kristin's wedding shower so I figured it would be a good time to meet up with friends and even better, Dave could concentrate on the addition all weekend! I must admit, I was a nervous wreck the week leading up to our trip to Raleigh. I used to pride myself on my independence, but since Grady came into my life I rely on Dave more than I'm willing to admit. But, despite the nerves, we made it there and back in one (albeit tired) piece! Here's the proof...

Grady loves his buddy Carson, but I'm not sure Carson is 100% sold on Grady yet

The crazy Aunties!

The beautiful bride and her shower hosts

A few weekends before the big trip to Raleigh, my parents came to visit. They seriously cannot get enough of their grandson  - and it melts my heart! Its hysterical because they come bearing bags and bags of clothes, toys, whatever Nona can get her hands on. She even made him a sweet little Halloween bag! And PopPop just loves his down time with Grady - they always bond over watching sports on TV.





 

Grady got to see his cousins Dylan and Makenna and Uncle Darrin. Dylan is so into Grady its the cutest thing!

Its crazy to think my next post in a week will be all about Grady turning 8 months old!

XOXO,

Court

FALLin in love

I can never decide which season is my favorite - Spring or Fall? Either way fall is just around the corner and I cannot wait!!! Here's my top 10 list of why I LOVE fall.

10.    Yummy soup
9.      Crisp, cool air (but not bone chilling like the winter)
8.      Comfy sweaters
7.      Pumpkin beer
6.      Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks (there are only two times a year I become obsessed with Starbucks...Fall and Winter. With the start of Fall comes the Pumpkin Spice Latte - soooo good. But, with Winter comes the Gingerbread Latte and I am very, very addicted!)
5.      Bye bye bugs
4.      I LOVE Fall colors, burnt orange, dark purple, ahhh.
3.      JEANS.... I swear if I could wear jeans every day of the year I would.
2.      Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?
1.      Taking Grady to the Pumpkin Patch. Ever since I found out we were having a baby, there were several things I could not wait to do. (Admittedly, there were thousands but whose keeping track?) The Pumpkin Patch ranks very high on my list. We have an AMAZING garden near our house that goes crazy for Fall. They have haystack mazes, apple cider donuts, llamas, hay rides pumpkins everywhere...I could go on and on. I literally CANNOT wait to take my little pumpkin to the Patch and take millions of pics.

So cheers to Fall being right around the corner!

XOXO,

Court

7 Months Old

I find its getting harder and harder to keep up with my blog, but I'm adamant about posting something on his monthly birthday. So, happy 7 months old baby :)

This little guy is becoming quite the flirt. He has mastered the art of smiling with his eyes (as pointed out by Aunt Sarah). Everywhere I take him the ladies come over and tell him how cute he is and he just grins and flirts. Oh boy, I'm in trouble! He is Mr. Personality too. If he's not impressed with something, he growls...literally. 95% of the time, he's a happy camper though!

I am absoultely facsinated with watching him play. In the crib he talks to his stuffed animals. When in the family room he'll pick up balls or toys and talk to them, discover with them, and you can almost see his imagination at work.

 

Life with Grady is so much easier than in the beginning because I think we finally figured out his hints, like when he's hungry, tired, annoyed, wants alone time (which he gets from momma), etc. But, I am missing the infant stage more and more as I watch him grow. Don't get me wrong, I still think this age is by far my favorite (Dave reminds me each time I say that that I said that the month earlier), but I remember how slow his moves were, how he snuggled into my arms for several daily naps, his newborn hair, and I could go on and on. Its just a constant reminder to breathe in every second with him because it goes so fast.

 

 

At his six month check up, his pediatrician mentioned that babies who tend to sleep through the night at an early age (cue proud mommy moment) start to wake up in the middle of the night around 6 months. I told her probably not my little cherub, but I swear Grady heard her say that and decided to do just that. And starting that night for about 3 weeks he started waking up 2 to 3 times in the middle of the night. I was beside myself. I kept saying it will pass and I would go in, pick him up, and rock him back down. Finally into the 3rd week I decided enough was enough, no more excuses, and I "ferberized" him. Well, 2 nights later he's back to his old self, and actually sleeping in even later. THANK GOD!

 

Some sad news to report, we've dropped the crib because he learned to stand himself up, we got rid of the top portion of the pack-n-play, sent the Bumbo seat to the attic because his thighs are way too big, and he is just about over the weight limit for his little whale tub. Tear! Here's a picture of his little buddies who came over to play. Yes, Grady is only 2 1/2 weeks older than his friends (but they are twins who were born early so it makes sense he would be that much bigger, right?)

 

 

He's still a great eater, trying new things every day. We're onto chicken which I'm not sure he's in love with yet, but I'll keep trying. I have a feeling he's going to steal the spoon/fork and feed himself shortly. Mr. Independent!

 

He's not crawling yet, but he's so close. I just know I'm going to get a call at work from my nanny telling me that he crawled! Lord help us all. He's into everything already so its a whole new world when he becomes mobile. I admire his determination. When he sees something he wants (and why is it that its always the cell phone, remote, etc...things I don't want him to touch?) he will figure out a way to get it. Usually this involves him rolling around from side to side then sitting up and assessing his progress, then rolling around again until he makes it to his destination. Not conventional, but he gets where he wants to. Again, I admire his determination :)

 

He loves Porter more and more each day. Its so sweet!

 

 

He is now sitting up all of the time. And quite proud of himself too! I watch him in the middle of the night with my video monitor and he has gone from sleeping to rolling over, sitting up, and playing with his stuffed animals. Problem is sometimes he can't get himself to lay back down, so he'll look around and suck his thumb until he musters up enough courage to face plant into the mattress and eventually fall back asleep. And I'll lay in bed just smiling and laughing while watching him! 

 

We went on our first little family vacation, but you'll have to check in again because thats a WHOLE entire post in and of itself!

 

XOXO,

 

Court



 

Life Lately

Dave has made amazing strides with the addition. He had a crew of 5 come and finish the framing he started last weekend. So - we now have walls and a roof. Finally it looks like something I can relate to! I've been busy trying to decide on colors, fixtures, furniture...the fun stuff. I must admit I'm so excited to have a new master and bathroom, but its been so overwhelming. So far I've purchased our headboard from Pottery Barn (LOVE IT).

The colors are gray (maybe from these Benjamin Moore colors)

and a very, very light glass blue, and hints of silver and beige. No clue on the rest of the furniture, but more than likely it will be a dark, almost espresso color.

Here's what the addition is looking like these days...

Dave hasn't started on the existing 1/2 bath which will convert into our master bath, but I cannot wait!
If I've said this a hundred times before, oh well. Dave is an amazing husband and father and I have taken him for granted. I got so used to having him around and helping with the house stuff and Grady. He's just as overwhelmed as I am these days, maybe even more so. I had my first (of many I'm sure) meltdowns this weekend and told him I needed him around more, blah blah blah. Thank God Dave is such a good guy - instead of telling me what a crazy person I am, he just gave me a hug and asked what he could do to help. So, I dedicate this blog to my best friend, Dave. You're my rock, my world, and I love you more and more each and every day.

XOXO,

Court

Breaking Ground

For the past 3 years we've talked about it, saved for it, planned for it, and now we're finally doing it. THE ADDITION! Dave is building our new master bedroom and bathroom and I don't think I can put into words how freaking excited I am. Dave is doing much of the work himself...pardon my lack of enthusiasm for that! I wish he would sub most of it out, but he is not having any part of that. This is why I sometimes call myself a construction widow (no offense to anyone!) He works all day for a semi-custom home builder and now comes home every night and dives right into the addition. Bless his heart. We're scheduled to be finished in early November. So while Dave is busting his butt in the dead heat of summer, I've been online shopping for linens, paint colors, and decorating ideas - poor me. Its not all that easy though. For the past 6 months I've been so lucky to have such an amazingly hands-on husband. He has been so good about making Grady his priority during this addition, but I lost my helper :( I hope he knows how much I appreciate him, and perhaps I took him for granted because I am really missing him now. I have such admiration and respect for single parents!

A major thanks to Jon and Meg for coming to town and helping us BOTH out. Meghan played with Grady (which meant mommy got a little break) and Jon was a tremendous help to Dave - pouring rain and all! I promise next time you guys come to Maryland it will not rain and we will eat crabs!

Thanks for my new "roar" toy Aunt Meghan!

To date ... foundation DONE! Dave is gearing up for the next phase - whatever that may be!

XOXO,

Court