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

6 Months Old!

look at that chunky monkey!

Its safe to say this has been the most unbelievable, joyful, crazy, exhausting, etc. 6 months of my life. And I wouldn't trade a single second of it (well, maybe the gall bladder fiasco!) This little guy has brought more joy and laughter and love into my life than I ever could have imagined. I can't get over what a good little guy he is. The only fussing he does is when he's tired and he's trying to tell me he wants to sleep. Other than that, lots of laughing and smiling!

He is full of new tricks and personality. As I write this blog, he is just waking up from a nap and talking to his crib friends, and blowing raspberries. Crazy little guy. He is such a happy baby!

What's Grady up to? Well, sitting is a new adventure he is liking more and more each day. He wants to crawl so bad. He gets a little frustrated when he tries and I keep telling him he'll get there soon enough. If he could only get that one arm to cooperate! (cue the raspberries again!)

What's Grady eating? A lot! So far he's tried and loves cereal, yogurt, apples, pears, bananas, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, green beans, and avocado. The only one he didn't care for was the avocado, which is weird to me because it might be my favorite food. I'm making all of his food (well, 95% of it) and although its a little tiresome and overwhelming, I love doing it. I'm such a freak about organics and germs, so I like that I'm in control (shocking I know) and know exactly where his food is coming from. New on the menu this week, oatmeal and mangos - yummy :) Now that his two bottom teeth are really in, we may think about puffs - just not 100% sold that he is ready yet.

He's Mr. Independant lately too. He grabs his bottle and tries to do it all by himself. He's getting pretty good at it too. He also grabs the spoon towards the end of his meal. But, he's all business in the beginning. In fact as soon as I have him in the highchair and sit down, he immediately opens him mouth like a little bird. So stinkin cute! 

He had his 6 month checkup earlier this week. He's tipping the scale at 17.3 lbs (60%) and he is in the 90th percentile for height - go figure! Everything else is just perfect. I hate his well visits, though, because I can't stand that he has to get shots. He does really good considering, but it breaks my heart. One of the 3 vaccines is given orally. The nurse put the little tube in his mouth and Grady decided he was a big boy, took the tube out of her hands, and sucked the meds down in a second or two. The nurse told me that was a first! My little aggressive eater :) He also completely swooned the doctor which his major flirting skills. She had such a hard time keeping a straight face when he gave her his flirty eyes as she checked his heart beat. Finally she gave him and gave him a huge hug and giggle. Oh boy! (yep, still blowing raspberries!)

Grady is all boy too. He figured out that he can growl. He started this when Aunt Meg and Uncle Jon were in town. He growls at his giraffe when he holds it - too funny!

XOXO,

Court

4th of July

Normally we blow the 4th out of the water, so to speak. In years past it has been filled with boating, tanning, drinking, and topped off with an awesome fireworks display in downtown Annapolis (I seriously love watching the fireworks downtown - all of the boats honk their horns during the finale - its awesome.) Last year was a little more toned down since I had just announced to the fam I was pregnant, but we were still keeping it hush because I was only 10 weeks along. This year was the most low key 4th I've had in a very, very long time. We had Dave's family over for a small cookout. Dan, our in house pyro, brought some small fireworks over and Ryan loved watching them. Once everyone left and we put Grady to bed, Dave and I enjoyed a cocktail (or 4) on the back deck and watched everyone gather at the beach for the big show. People all around the neighborhood were setting off their own fireworks, and even though it was popping all around us - loud as hell - Grady never budged. I will admit I was a little uptight knowing the popping would likely continue until midnight, maybe even later, but my little Angel never woke up :)

Mommy made me watch the fireworks from inside :(

The 4th brought back a lot of childhood memories for me. I remember mom dressing us up in red, white and blue, hairbows to match, and going to the Wellington Polo Club (at least in my memory that's where we went) to watch the fireworks. I have a very vivid memory of lots of bug spray, which I HATED, and sitting on the hood of the Volvo station wagon. As I reflected on past 4th's, it became very clear that we were going to start creating our own family traditions. I love it. I can't wait to make every holiday, big or small, so special for Grady so that one day he can have kids of his own and while watching fireworks he can reflect on the memories we made with him. Melts my heart!

XOXO,

Court

Utah Give Me Two

If you know me you know that I am a major movie buff. Other than super scary movies, I can zone out to just about any movie out there. Dave, on the other hand, not so much. I can count on two hands the amount of times we been to the movies together, and we've been together for 10 years! However, Dave has one movie that he is in love with and can actually quote it (which is my forte!) Its Point Break. You know, the old surfer movie with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. Oh yeah, and who could forget Gary Bussey! It is a good movie! Anyway, Dave's favorite line from that movie is "Utah, give me two". This is when Gary tells Keanu, while they are on a stake out, to grab him two hot dogs. Just watch the movie, okay? So, in honor of Dave's only movie quote, I thought I would give him a shot out and name this post "Utah, give me two." Because this post is about Grady's second tooth, which just popped out. His face has totally changed with his two little snaggle teeth. I just love it to pieces and we giggle everytime he smiles!

and just because the camera was out...

He he!

XOXO,

Court

Weathering The Storm

Unless you just crawled out from under a large rock, you know that the DC/MD area just got slammed with a crazy storm. That would be an understatement.

I'm sort of OBSESSED with the weather. I love watching the weather channel (TWC) and I'm secretly jealous of storm chasers, as in I want to be one. I'm the crazy person out on the back deck looking for the tornado while TWC is screaming at everyone to get inside and seek shelter. But, this was not the case the other night. Sarah and Jonathan got into town earlier that day and because the guys were planning to take the boat out super early Saturday morning we went to bed early. About an hour after going to bed, Dave and I shot straight up from sleep and I asked him what the noise was that woke us up. No sooner than I asked him, Sarah came to our room and told us that a major storm was hitting us with 90 mph winds. Holy. Shit. We got out of bed and came into the family room and sure enough, as we looked out the sliding glass doors the big trees behind us were bent in half and lightning cracked every second. Wow - this was serious. I started to panic so I got Grady out of his crib and we all just hovered in the kitchen. Grady woke up half way through the storm and was happy as a clam to see everyone standing around. Our neighbors' tree snapped in half. You could feel the house move with the wind and I thought for sure the roof was lifting off the house several times. The power flickered on and off several times, adding to the panic. It took about 30 long minutes for the storm to pass and we finally went back to bed. Well, admittedly I laid in bed but I couldn't calm myself down enough to fall back to sleep. For the first time in my life I was scared of a storm. I suspect this has something to do with a little miracle that I met 5 months, 1 week and 1 day ago.

The next morning we forgot about everything, Dave and Jonathan went fishing and Sarah, Grady and I ventured out for groceries. As we drove to Giant, we noticed all of the street lights were out on the major roads. We then passed Wawa gas station and couldn't believe how long the line of cars getting gas was. Still, we pulled up to Giant, fussed with getting Grady into the shopping cart with the new cover, and walked into Giant. SICK. It was dark and steamy in the store and smelled so gross. That's when we both realized there was no power, anywhere, not even at the grocery store. Duh, that's why everyone was at Wawa getting gas, for their generator. I guess since we didn't lose power we didn't feel the urgency in the morning like everyone else. But, we wanted to be a part of it. So we pulled up and waited for gas, for a while, and I had 3/4 in the tank to begin with. Whatever, you would have done the same thing!

The rest of the weekend was great with awesome company! Jonathan and Dave caught dinner Saturday morning and Sarah enjoyed every minute with her favorite Schoen man, and she had a great time playing with Grady too ;)

XOXO,

Court