All about Grayson

Our little guy is growing SO fast!  I can't believe it's been 3 months since I first laid eyes on sweet baby Gray....

Over the last month Grayson has really changed into a happy, easy going, sweet baby boy.  At this age they change so much so quickly so I am going to update you all on what he is up to these days.

Sleep:  Grayson seems to NEED one long nap every afternoon.  I can't complain about having a baby sleep for 3-4 hours everyday, Owen did not take naps like this until he was at least 6 months old.  I really think it has more to do with the fact that he is the second child and we are usually out and about all morning so when he finally gets some peace and quiet during Owen's afternoon naps, he takes full advantage.  It seems like Grayson needs a quick catnap every hour the rest of the day.  Lately we have been putting Grayson to bed around 9-10 p.m.  He was sleeping through the night consistently until this week.  He has been waking up around 3 a.m., 5 a.m. and again around 7 or 8 a.m. Not sure what is going on but I miss my full night of sleep.
Grayson doesn't take a pacifier (that is not for lack of trying), and he doesn't suck his thumb (yet).  So in order to get him to fall asleep he either needs to be bounced, rocked or nursed.

 When I am busy and need both hands (which is most of my day), I usually put him in my Ergo baby (front carrier) so he can fall asleep peacefully and I can still get things done.

 This is by far my favorite baby item - I carried Owen in this on my back until he was at least one year old - maybe older.  It is a lifesaver!

Grayson is sweet and snugly and relaxes his entire body when being held like this...

 I love to snuggle with him while he is sleeping, wish I could do this more!

 Feeding:  Grayson is exclusively breastfeeding.  My sister got him to take one ounce from a bottle when I was at a dinner for almost 4 hours.  Brad and I say every day that we need to get him to take a bottle but it is much more difficult to find the time when we have a toddler that needs attention too.  It is much easier just to nurse him when he's hungry.  At this point he is still eating about every 2-3 hours.  I am very fortune to be able to be at home and with him all the time so I don't have to worry about pumping and giving him a bottle but at the same time I would like to be able to leave the house for more than 2 hours without Grayson.

Play:  Grayson loves his bouncy seat and playmat.  He will sometimes fall asleep when he is really tired while playing.

Grayson also loves his big brother and has started looking around for him when he hears his voice.  However, he thinks mommy and daddy are especially funny right now.  We just experienced Grayson laugh for the first time a few weeks ago and it is the truly the sweetest sound.

We have also realized that he is ticklish.  He smiles with his gummy grin and tenses his entire body - it's almost as if he can't decide whether he loves it or hates it.

Stats:  So many people have commented about Grayson and Owen looking so much alike - see for yourselves, what do you think?  

They definitely look alike, but have their own traits.  At their two month appointments here are their stat comparisons.

Owen:       weight  12 lbs. 3 oz. (70%)   height  23 inches (70%)

Grayson:  weight  13 lbs. 15 oz (85%)  height  24 1/4 inches (83%)

Owen is so funny and has been changing so much as well, I will soon do a post to let you know what Owen is up to these days.

1/2 off weekend

Owen went to visit Brad's parents this weekend in Ohio.  We were sad to see him go but also looking forward to our weekend half off - (thanks for the play on words Laura). 

While we didn't have Owen for the weekend, we got to hang out with this little man....

Since Owen was in safe hands, Brad and I decided to go away for the weekend.  We went to Cincinnati and had several quiet meals while Grayson slept....

We ate adult food and had adult conversation.  It was pretty great!  We stayed at the Marriott in Rookwood and had fun relaxing and playing with our sweet baby.

While we were having fun, Owen was having a great time with his grandparents...

 And Aunt Katie...

Playing with Angel, Owen loves doggies!

 And going on a bear hunt...

By the time Sunday rolled around I was VERY ready to see my biggest boy again.  We met the Drapp's at Entertrainment Junction in Cincinnati.  It was a great place to go on a cold, snowy day.  Owen loved spending the day with all of us exploring and seeing lots of his favorite trains.

Thanks for taking great care of Owen, Mimi and Poppy!

Snowy Day

Who doesn't love a snowy day?!  I know I know some of you are so tired of this weather and if I had to be out driving around or going to work, I would probably hate it too.  However when I get to stay warm and cozy in my house with these two sweet little boys, who can blame me for loving it?

Today, although I REALLY didn't want to, I bundled Owen and myself up to play in the snow.  Usually when we are out in the cold getting in and out of the car Owen holds on to me for dear life while saying "it's freezing, get me out of here".  So I was expecting our adventure to go a little something like this.....

Don't be fooled, this was a picture of Owen hating the snow last year at this time.

This year, however Owen had a much different attitude.  I was expecting to put forth all of this effort dressing in warm clothes, hats, boots, mittens, coats, etc and only stay outside for no more than minute, however he LOVED it!

Here he is seeing the snow first thing this morning.....

 Now it's time to get dressed.....

And head out the door...

Owen said "It's a coldy day"  "Let's run Mama"

 Then he lost a mitten and fell down down in the snow so it was time to go inside to stay warm.

 We checked on Grayson...

Then we read a great Snowy Day book.....

And now everyone is napping peacefully.

Hope you all are staying nice and warm on this snowy day!