What goes in must come out...

Dear Greyson,

For dinner tonight you ate a chicken patty and cheesey rice and broccoli. You ate a ton! I will admit, it was pretty tasty. Well, after you finished up I grabbed a wipe to clean you up. As usual, you grabbed the wipe from me and stuffed it in your mouth. You do this to be silly and make us laugh. Well, to be even funnier you started breathing really loud out of your nose. I was laughing because you were making so much noise and making a silly face, which of course just eggs you on when all of a sudden a piece of rice shoots out your nose! It made the whole situation even funnier, which of course you just loved!

For the most part you have figured out how to climb up onto the couch. This is great for you, not so much for Mama, Dada and Jinx. Well, this afternoon you climbed up onto the couch and kept climbing over to the end by the record player, which of course had some things on top that you wanted to get. I grabbed the stuff and walked it over to set it all on the piano, which is probably only 20 feet away. When I turned around after setting the stuff on the piano you were no longer sitting on the couch. You were on top of the record player! Rotten little boy! I ran over quickly to get you down and you thought it was hysterical. We have our hands full with you, that's for sure!

Ok, one more funny story! I was sitting on the couch with Dada's computer sitting on my lap. You realized what I was doing and came over to check it out and then tried to pound on the keyboard. I put my hand up to keep you away and you kept slapping my hand and grabbing it. I thought you were trying to move it, which is typical for you. Well you kept persisting so I let you grab my hand. Lo and behold you weren't trying to move my hand, you grabbed my hand, turned it over to give me a high five! Oops!

The picture today is of you wearing Papa's motorcycle helmet. Papa left it sitting by the door and you of course had to check it out! You loved having it on your head, watching me put it on my head, and slapping the side of it.

I love you buddy, forever and longer!

Love, Mama

Holy Wow

Dear Greyson,

I have been so awful about keeping this up-to-date. Sorry, buddy! My work schedule has changed and it has been difficult finding time to write. Let's see, I have a lot to update, but funny stories about you first!

First, you were sitting on the couch playing and Mama was watching TV. A New Kids on the Block song came on and of course Mama HAD to sing along and keep the song going. When I finally stopped singing, you were looking at me like I was crazy and then started smacking yourself in the face and shaking your head no. I don't know if you were really offended by my singing NKOTB or if it was just really good timing, but it was really funny regardless!

Second, you have learned to tackle us. It is probably my favorite thing that you do right now! I will sit on the floor and you will charge at me and then lunge. I always fall over when you get to me and you always giggle! The only not so funny part is when you start head butting me, which always comes once we are on the floor. We're working on that. Earlier today, you tackled me and when we were on the floor you gave me a HUGE kiss. It made my day! I love your kisses.

Ok, now on to the big stuff. You are out of your helmet. We went last Monday for your monthly headscan and as always we go in super excited and leave upset or discouraged. This month was no different, it was actually worse. We were told this time you had a growth spurt (which is what we've been waiting for) and that almost all the growth was on the opposite side. I was dumbfounded. How could this be? Dr. Cole basically said it was one of two things, either a) he's not wearing the helmet enough or b) his sutures have closed up and the helmet is not going to change anything. We all know that you wore that stupid helmet all the flipping time so there was no possible way that was the reason. We have to schedule a CT scan in order to determine whether or not your sutures have closed. I'm not too sure how I feel about this. You cannot stand getting your 3 second head scan once a month, I can only imagine how you would react to a CT scan. We can't do anything until we get our insurance stuff figured out though. We put you on my health insurance, but now that Dada got the job at Huntington (yay!!) we decided to switch you again to be on Dada's. I would like to take you to Cleveland to Cranial Technologies and have them do an evaluation on you. They make a different type of band called a DocBand. I would like to at least get another opinion, but I am also ready to just put this all behind us, too. I just don't want to have any regrets either. Not when it comes to you!

We have to schedule the appointment with your doctor and then go from there. I am not sure when that will be though.

I love you buddy, forever and longer!
Love, Mama

Vacation!

Dear Greyson,

We had such a busy week this past week. We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa out in Illinois. We left Friday after Mama got off work. Dada packed up the car and boy was it packed! You could barely see out the back window. We were all so anxious to get going! We ate dinner on the road, you of course had your favorite, chicken nuggets! You did not sleep the entire ride out! That isn't necessarily a good thing, buddy. Mama had to ride in the back with you most of the way because otherwise you would get very cranky. Mama got a video of you cracking up and laughing on the way. I was trying to check your diaper, and apparently was tickling you! Of course I couldn't stop because your giggle is just too funny! We sent the video to everyone. Aunt Emmy told us that whenever she is in a bad mood she watches/listens to the video because it instantly cheers her up. She also sent it to Aunt Dana, who was having a bad day that day and she said it made her bad day much better.

Saturday we hung out and waited for Aunt Libby, Uncle Jason, and Brenden to get there. The whole family together, yay! Sunday was more hanging out and relaxing. Swimming and playing. All week you were bound and determined to make friends with Kasey, the cat. He wanted nothing to do with you, though. A few times he hurt your feelings and hissed at you.

On Monday, we all packed up the cars and headed to the Brookfield Zoo. It was an hour and a half car ride, but you had your Grandpa in the back with you so you were a happy guy. The zoo was so nice, it is a European style zoo, so there were no bars or cages around the animals. You really liked seeing the monkeys. Dada and Grandpa took turns carrying you when you weren't in the stroller. Their arms had to have been sore by the end of the day! The last thing we did at the zoo was ride the tram around. That was definitely not the best idea we had. You were exhausted (no afternoon nap) and decided that would be a great time to be Mr. Independent and not want to be held. Not by Mama, Dada, Grandma or Grandpa. You pulled some lady's hair (twice) and managed to get her to move, cried, tossed your sippy and crackers (almost losing your sippy over the edge) and were overall not a happy guy. We all dashed for the cars as soon as the tram stopped. You ate chicken nuggets from BK on the way home and fell asleep about 15 minutes from pulling into the driveway. Not the best timing! We put you straight to bed and you were out for the night.

The rest of the week was spent hanging out with the family. You spent a lot of time in the pool, which you loved! Grandma bought you some bubble bath, so at night you got to experience that. You weren't too sure about it at first, but by the end of the week you were enjoying it. Mama taught you how to put the bubbles in your hand and blow them off, and you found it very funny to put the bubbles in your hands and then clap. You would get the biggest smile on your face as the bubbles would go flying. The only problem with the bubble bath was that the bubbles made it hard for you to find your toys.

On Friday you got to do something really special. Grandma and Grandpa took you, and only you, to the Discovery Center in downtown Rockford. Mama and Dada were not invited! You got to be a weatherman, you sat in a big tractor, and you loved the balls that were floating. There was an area just for kids 18 months and younger that you played in. You and Grandma kicked off your shoes and ran all over the place. You rolled balls, climbed, and slid. Grandma and Grandpa are already looking forward to taking you again and again and again!

You were so unbelievably spoiled this week by everyone. Whoever was nearest you'd run to and put your arms up to be held, unless Grandpa was in the room, because then no one else mattered. He would take you all over the house showing you things, he'd walk you outside and you'd look at the birds, he'd tickle you, take you swimming, read to you and give you lots of hugs and kisses. Grandma made you lots of yummy dinners. You especially loved that she had grapes in the house! She'd cut them up and you would devour them. Grandma was full of kisses for you! You even returned a few of those kisses, which made her so happy! Mama and Dada are in for a treat trying to de-grandma and grandpa you.

Overall, it was an awesome trip. We were all so sad that the week went by so fast. As always, good-byes were tough, but we made it through and are counting the days before we get to see them again.

The trip home was pretty uneventful. Chicago traffic wasn't too bad, not great, but not awful. You slept for about an hour and then played, snacked, watched movies and whined. Instead of going straight home we went to Aunt Emmy and Uncle Kevin's. Uncle Kevin threw Aunt Emmy a surprise party! We missed the surprise part, but made it for the party! You loved running around the backyard. You danced a little, chased the big kids and climbed up the big hill (and then proceeded to fall down the big hill). You ate lots of frosting and cookie cake that Sami and Devin snuck you. You were full of hugs for Uncle Greg and gave Uncle Kevin high-fives. Aunt Emmy and Aunt Jenny were lucky enough to score a couple of kisses from you! Happy birthday

party day, Aunt Emmy!

You had another tooth erupt this week, you now have 4 teeth on top and 2 on the bottom! You still walk on the sides of your feet, but we are noticing they aren't as bowlegged anymore. Yay progress!

I love you buddy, forever and longer!

Love, Mama

PSA: Swim Diapers

Dear Greyson,

Mama and Dada learned a valuable lesson this weekend about swim diapers. Never ever put a swim diaper on a baby that drinks like a fish until he is ready to get right into the pool. We went to Pam and Ed's on Friday night to go swimming and learned this lesson the hard way. For some reason, Mama and Dada thought it would be a good idea to get you ALL ready to go swimming before we left for Pam and Ed's. The thing is, swim diapers are not absorbent buddy, they are there strickly to catch the poo. You poor thing were soaked by the time we got to Pam and Ed's. Dada's shirt was soaked because he picked you up, your carseat was soaked, and your legs were soaked because it was literally dripping down your legs. I couldn't help but laugh!

On a side note, swimming was so much fun! You just love Pam and Ed! Dada took you into the pool and you showed off for Aunt Emmy. You splashed her, threw a ball at her, and showed her how you can blow bubbles. We took you down the slide, which you loved, and played with the balls. Ed took you out back, too and you had some boy bonding time. You loved that! Ed pushed you in the swing and took you around the backyard. We are so lucky to have such an awesome extended family!

On Saturday we went up to visit Gramma and Papa up at the campground. We got to celebrate Christmas in July and see Santa Claus! You gave him a high five but you were not happy when you sat on his lap. It was really hot that day, so we actually spent most of our time in the camper. You were so happy to see Gramma and Papa. You were showing off, jumping from Gramma to Papa and just loving all the attention they were giving you.

Sunday was a really fun day. We went to the zoo with Uncle Jason, Aunt Libby, Big B, and Grandpa. It was so fun to see you looking at the different animals. We let you run around in the aviary and you loved it. At one point you were chasing a bird who was walking around his cage. It was a fun and exhausting day! When we got home we ate dinner and played. You went from toy, to toy, to toy! We finally put batteries in the ball popper, which you thought was hysterical! You kept trying to catch the balls as they would pop out.

Something really fun that you just started was dancing. When you hear music, you get a huge smile on your face, bend your arms (like a chicken) and twist your hip. It cracks me up! Another huge deal, you have ANOTHER tooth coming in! Your left inscisor is coming in already and the right is bulging! You didn't start teething until so late, and now I feel like your poor little gums aren't getting a break. I also have to brag about you, because you started kissing! It's the absolute best. You did it before, but now you make a kissy noise, too!

On Wednesday we had your 12-month well check. You did awesome! You flirted with the doctor and only cried for a minute or two. We have to take you up to Toledo Hospital to get a PT evaluation, she doesn't feel like the PT we are getting at Wood County is enough anymore. That darn head tilt just won't go away! We were also told that we need to take you to an eye doctor as soon as possible to make sure your head tilt isn't because of vision problems. Lastly, the doctor also wants us to take you to an orthopedic surgeon to get evaluated. She isn't too concerned with it, but told us it's not a bad idea to go and get your hips, knees, legs and neck checked out. This is all because we brought up your bowed legs and head tilt! I'm so ready to be done with doctors, and I know you are, too! I can't complain though, I'd much rather deal with these types of medical issues than something else.

I love you buddy, forever and longer!

Love, Mama

Birthday Party!

Dear Greyson,

We did it! Yesterday we had a very successful birthday party for you. Thank you so so so much Aunt Emily and Uncle Kevin for hosting the party at your house and thank you so so so much to everyone who helped pull the party off! Grandma and Papa brought all the corn, Uncle Dave and Andy helped set up and brought the incredible cake, Grandma and Gampa brought the small cake, ice cream, oreo dessert, and other misc things, Aunt Jenn and Uncle Greg brought two different salads, Great Grandma and Grandpa brought the chips, Aunt Dana brought her yummy potato salad, and Aunt Pam brought her yummy salsa.

You were in such a great mood all day and loved having lots of people around to smile at. I was so amazed at how many people came out to celebrate. I had so many people comment on how happy you are and what a sweet smile you have. You loved showing off to everyone. At one point you were in the living room surrounded by people and you were covering your mouth and doing your fake laugh. All to get a laugh out of the people around you.

We had baby pools and sprinklers up for kids to play in. You really enjoyed splashing in the water and playing with the splash balls. The smash cake was fun. At first you just kept sticking your fingers in the cake and eating it that way, Dada helped you a little bit and then Mama did, too.

It's still hard to believe that you are already one. I thought it would hit me at the party, but it didn't. One of these days it will...

I love you buddy, forever and longer.

Love, Mama

Happy 1st Birthday!

Dear Greyson,

Well, it happened. You turned one year old today. We had a busy morning of running around, but between that we had some time for fun. We went and got our hair cut today. You look like such a big boy with it cut! Mama looks different too, with a new short hair cut!

We went up to the campground to see Grandma and Papa and eat dinner. We picked up Cousin Sami on the way up because she just had to see you on your birthday! Grandma made yummy steaks for dinner. You couldn't eat it though because you are too little, so you had grilled chicken instead. You loved getting to run around outside. Sami picked out some new little trucks for you which you loved rolling around the ground. Between those, the ball, and rocks, you were in heaven! Grandma made you birthday cupcakes too. You really really enjoyed those. At first you would just stick your finger in the frosting, but by the end you picked up the entire cupcake to take bites out of it! Papa went and filled up a bucket with hot water to help clean you up. Once we were done he set it on the ground for you to play in. Boy did that make you happy!

Now, I figure I'd take a bit of time to describe just how I'm feeling today. I've been thinking a lot about what I want to write to you today on your first birthday. And now that it's here I am at a complete loss. You, little boy, make me so unbelievably happy. A year ago today, my life completely changed. When I first laid eyes on you, I looked and thought, "hello there little stranger." I loved you then when I first met you, but little did I know that that would be a love that would grow and grow and grow. I had no idea just how much more I would love you the more I got to know you.

Here are some things that I miss about you when you were itty bitty:

1. You would smile in your sleep. It was the cutest thing ever!
2. While sleeping, you used to make a little humming noise. (You used to sleep a lot, so a lot of my memories are of you sleeping).
3. Before you learned how to giggle/laugh, the noise you made when you were happy/excited was hysterical. I have no idea how to describe it, but I loved it and miss it.
4. You used to fit in my arms. I could lay you down across me and you'd fit. Now you hang all the way across me!
5. The swaddle. That thing was a miracle worker.
6. The playmat. You could lay under that thing for what seemed like forever. You could stare at those toys hanging from above for so long, and your favorite was the toucan.
7. Non-mobile. I used to be able to set you in one spot, walk out of the room, and when I came back you'd still be in the same spot. Now when I leave a room, chances are it's because I'm coming to find you!

It's amazing how fast a year goes by. At the time it didn't seem like it was going by all that fast. Mama and Dada made some big changes is our lives after you were born, changes that were for the best for our family. Looking back, it seems like such a long time ago, but in regards to you, it seems like just yesterday. I remember bringing you home and the first night we were alone with you, Dada and I looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and said, "now what?" I remember calling both your Grandma's on the phone crying so many times because I had no idea what you needed. I remember the first bath we gave you, and I was too scared to do it so I just took pictures. I remember the long nights of getting up with you. I remember being so scared and excited when you started crawling. Then walking...and now here we are. One year old. If this past year went by this fast, I don't even want to think about how fast this next year will seem.

I love you buddy, forever and longer.
Love, Mama

Last Day as a Baby

Dear Greyson,

This is is, your last day as a baby. Tomorrow you enter toddler-hood. Wow. While I watched you play today all I could think about was just how big you looked. You were in an outfit you've worn many many times, playing with toys/balls that you've played with many many times, but something was different about you. I honestly have no idea what was different, but I have a feeling it was you preparing me for all the emotions I am going to be feeling tomorrow.

We bought a bubble machine for your birthday party and decided to get it out and make sure it worked for Saturday. While Dada worked on the bubble machine, I took the bubble wand out and blew bubbles for you. Holy moly did it make a lot of bubbles. You thought it was pretty neat and had a huge smile on your face while popping bubbles. I got pretty excited to get the bubble machine up and working, thinking you would be so into it. We turned it on and quickly realized we needed to get it outside because it was producing mass amounts of bubbles. We grabbed you and the bubble machine and ran outside all excited. I set you down in the grass, Dada turned on the machine and you...took off for the basket of balls. You lost all interest in the bubbles when we got out there and you remember there was a basket of balls under the gazebo. We could not get you interested in the bubbles again after that.

Your fourth tooth (the right top tooth) broke through today. No more 3-tooth grin. I loved your silly 3-tooth grin. It was so cute! Once the fourth tooth is all the way in you are definitely going to look like such a big boy! I can barely remember you without any teeth!

I love you buddy, forever and longer!
Love, Mama