Fast & Furious

Grayson's latest game is hide and seek coupled with chasing after us (or Roxy) once we're spotted. Here's a video of him going after daddy, laughing all the way.

The Wheels Are A Turnin'

Lately, it seems like we've been able to watch Grayson figure out new skills in just a matter of minutes. You can practically see the wheels turning in his brain as he sorts through different problems until he finds a solution. Here are a few videos we took tonight that capture some of what I'm talking about.

Grayson mimicking daddy tapping sticks together (Fair warning: Gray squeals a few times in this video so you may want to turn your speakers down if you're at work or some other public place)

Standing up like a pro

Discovering the toy cabinet but can't seem to get to the toys (Fair warning: Roxy barks at the end of this video and nearly scares Grayson out of his skin. Don't let her do the same to you)

Minutes later the problem is solved and he successfully gets to the toys

Assisted walking (Editor's note: at the end of this video you'll hear a snippet of why it seems like I live in a musical. Michael tends to break into song at any moment and make up the words as he goes. The funniest part is he's the one taking the video and he doesn't even care that it captures his silly song.)

I know what you're thinking, but back off ladies. The crazy black socks-with-shorts-wearing, mole-killing, musical singin' man is all mine. You'll just have to go find your own.

More baby news!

Another set of friends welcomed their second son into the world on Saturday. You can see pictures of sweet baby Liam (yes, crazy coincidence with the name!) by clicking here. We met parents Erin & Charles when we lived in St. Louis, but they've since moved to Dallas, NYC and now live in Seattle.

They, along with big brother Baird, welcomed baby Liam at 9:04 a.m. Saturday morning. He weighed 7 lbs, 6 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Congratulations to Erin, Charles & Baird! We are thrilled for you all and hope to see you sometime soon!

Happy Dada's Day!

To all the dad's in our lives and who read this blog, I hope you have a nice relaxing day. Whether you're a new dad, old dad, father-in-law, stepdad, or granddad, I hope you know just how loved you really are.

Here's a look back at Michael's fatherhood journey. The parenting adventures have only just begun, but he's quite a natural and I look forward to seeing his relationship with Grayson continue to grow.

Welcome Baby Liam!

Our friends Rob & Michelle welcomed a son this morning and we had the pleasure of meeting him this evening. After 30+ hours of labor (yes, his mom deserves a gold medal in childbirth), Liam Robert entered the world at 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 inches. Here are some pictures of the sweet boy:

The proud papa and his son

Grayson meeting his future BFF

The Many Faces of Grayson

We took some pictures tonight to try and capture Grayson's new teeth now that four are all the way in. It's difficult to catch him smiling with his top teeth showing so we had to provide some assistance.

Mini-fangs

Mr. Mischievous

Silly monkey showing off his bottom teeth

Standing like a big boy

Grayson's Weekend Checklist

• Practice cruising around the coffee table (check)
• Learn how to take off pants (check)
• Hang out with Auntie Em and Uncle Levi (check)
• Nap (check)
• Hone waving skills and bye bye vocalization on command (check)
• Still to come: visit from Pappa tonight, then bath & bed

Our Early Bird

I think I've found some more of my DNA in Grayson. His body clock appears to be set as a morning bird and since his daddy is one of the biggest night owls I know, this may be a little of mommy's genetics shining through. 

Grayson wakes up chatting and smiling, typically right on schedule at 7:30 a.m. When he is learning to master new skills like crawling or pulling up he tends to wake up in the 5-6 a.m. range to get in some extra practice. All of this hard work wears the little guy out and he can barely keep his eyes open past 7 p.m. these days. 

His bedtime used to be 8 p.m., but I can't remember the last time he actually made it that long. Grayson's started rubbing his eyes and even laying his face down on his hands when he starts getting sleepy. It's the cutest and most pitiful thing all at the same time. 

Of course, we put him to bed when he's sleepy but I must admit this early to bed, early to rise schedule puts a damper on our evening bonding time. I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune down the road when I can't seem to get him to sleep, but right now when the sun is still high in the sky at 7 p.m. it's hard to get in bedtime mode. 

Swimming Buddies

Grayson's second cousin Luke came over for a swim this afternoon. Gray had fun watching the big boy splash and swim around with his floaties, and Michael and I got a glimpse at what we're in for next summer. 

After jumping off the side a few times, Luke finally got brave enough to try out the diving board. And then we couldn't get him to stop. 

Meanwhile, Grayson relaxed in the shallow end with his umbrella boat.

Another First

On Saturday we had an impromptu swim party with some of our friends. It was the perfect time to introduce Grayson to the pool. Up until now, he'd only had a few toes dipped into the water because it hasn't quite warmed up yet. 

As you'll see from the pictures, I think he enjoyed this oversized outdoor bathtub. This afternoon his cousin Luke is coming over to join in the water fun!

Fun with cups!

Cruisin' in the boat

Hanging out with Rob

The 2.5 seconds he allowed this hat on his head

Of course, Roxy had fun too!

Going Vertical

After about a week of hard work and many frustrating attempts, Grayson finally figured out how to pull himself into a standing position.

Unfortunately, he accomplished this around 5:15 a.m. this morning in his crib. I didn't even know he was awake and then suddenly over the monitor I heard a clanging noise. We had a floor lamp over by his crib that we thought was out of reach, but were planning to move once he was mobile (which was apparently a day too late). Once standing, Grayson was able to reach the lamp and was busy pulling it toward himself, making the pull switch clang against the metal base. Thank goodness daddy rushed in there before this resulted in injury.

So, all of this excitement has led to two "to dos" when we get home this evening. Find a new home for the lamp and lower Grayson's crib to the lowest possible setting.

When I went in again at 7:30 a.m. to get him up for the day, he was busy trying to pull up again on the opposite end of his crib. He couldn't see me so I stood there and watched him go from his knees to a full stand and then grin with pure glee.

Pediatrician Check Up

Grayson had his 9 month check up this morning so I have new stats. He's weighing in at 20 lbs. 4 oz. and is 29 1/2 inches long.

He showed off his teeth and crawling tricks for the doctor who I'm sure was very impressed. Luckily, we didn't have to get any shots this time but that will change at our next 12 month visit.

At each check up we're given a sheet with normal development milestones for his current age. Under the emotional and behavioral development stage it lists "may resist diapering." Is that an understatement or what?!

Lately our diaper changes (and bottle feedings for that matter) consist of Grayson trying his hardest to flip onto his stomach and crawl away, meanwhile Michael and I try our hardest to keep him in the right position to finish the task. The little bugger is super quick so we're getting quite the workout wrestling with him.

9 Months

Dear Grayson,

Today you turn nine months old and seem to be changing more and more quickly before our very eyes.

These days you're more likely to wear a t-shirt and shorts than a onesie, making you seem even more like a little boy instead of a baby. You're not a fan of shoes, though, and manage to pull them off in record time no matter the style.

We did get your black dress shoes on long enough to capture a few wedding pictures over the weekend. You were so adorable in your little slacks, shirt, tie and vest. I can't wait to get the photos back from the photographer.

You've started initiating when you want affection which, of course, your parents are happy to oblige. My heart melts every time you pull me in for a hug or you cuddle up for a quick snuggle. The truth is, you're just so lovable and I hope you continue to be outgoing and expressive.

You're still quite the Chatty Cathy and continue to be incredibly vocal. You love babbling and blowing raspberries non-stop, but have yet to really say mama or dada. It's becoming apparent that you understand certain words, it's just going to take a little longer for you to say them yourself. I have a feeling that once you start talking you won't stop (I think that's some of my DNA finally surfacing).

We may have to break a few pacifier habits in the near future because you seem to enjoy having one paci in your mouth while holding one (or two) in your hand. Luckily, we've confined this behavior to your crib for now. While sleeping, you also enjoy being up on your knees with your butt in the air. I'm not sure if you're dreaming about crawling or practicing it in your sleep, but you rarely sleep lying all the way down.

Music is one of your favorite things, particularly classical songs that your toys sing. You also love playing on your baby piano or anything that can make for a temporary drum.

The teeth on top are starting to surface and you've quickly gone from gummy smiles to a few small chiclet teeth. There are two on the bottom and four along the top breaking through.

So many changes in just one month. Your father and I see the boy in you more every day as the baby starts fading away. It's exciting and heartbreaking all at the same time. We love you and are so proud to be your parents. How did we ever live without your ear-to-ear smiles and silly belly laughs?

Love always,
Mom