With love, April

23 months

2012-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

23 months!

The biggest thing to happen this month was the transition from crib to toddler bed. It for the most part has been okay with some very rocky points mixed in (mainly waking up to a toddler climbing on top of me at 2am telling me he is hungry, thirsty, or wants to watch t.v.) Getting him down to bed seems to be getting better, although he has been sick and requesting to go to bed ("tired, no bath, sleep in bed", has been heard for the past couple nights). Other than our toddler bed transition, this month was full of adventures around town (again mainly the science center), trips to the park, visits with friends and family, and lots of fun play time with dad!

Skills:

Language: Grey is doing fantastic in the language department, he stills has some jumbled words, and some sounds are not there yet, but basically he already has a large vocabulary and is talking in short sentences. We have really been pushing manners this month seeing has he is in the "I want" phase. He generally will say please (sometimes needs reminding), thank you or no thank you, and sorry. He also will say "bless you", if you sneeze which is super cute! Our favorite phrase has to be "of course", (example: "Grey do you want to go to the park?" "Of course!")

Counting: 1,2,3,4,6,7,9,10,13 is usually how it goes. He is consistent with 1-4, but then the rest of the numbers tend to get jumbled or forgotten. We are pushing number 5 right now. He also can count objects to 2, sometimes up to 4.

Colors: He is struggling in this department. Right now he thinks everything is green, although he will sometimes identify yellow, orange, and brown objects. We are working on it!

Shapes: circle, star, heart (sometimes). This and colors is what I will be focusing on the next month.

Letters/phonics: This is another area that needs work, although I am more focused on him learning shapes and colors right now. I do plan on working on the "Grey" portion of his name though.

Toilet training: While we still are considering this an introductory phase and don't plan on really pushing the issue till after he turns 2, he is doing well. He has gone pee pee in the potty several times and poo poo once. This is our next big challenge as I want him potty trained before he starts his new preschool in September!

I am sure there is more but I am going to end and leave with you with a couple fun pictures from the month!

I love this pic, he looks so cute in his little Uggs!

Helping dad paint the new bathroom shelf.

Playing with dad. He thought this was the best, flying through the air. Justin would toss him on the bed, and after he landed he would run back for more.

So after my failed attempts at getting Grey to bed and my mounting frustration, Justin offered to give it a try. After a half hour of waiting for him to come out of the bedroom, I opened up the door to find both my boys soundly asleep in Grey's bed!

Lately Grey has been really interested in helping me in the kitchen, which I love, but usually results in him emptying out my silverware drawer.

Back to the science center we go!

And it finally happened (Justin is not to thrilled about this, but I think he knew it was just a matter of time), Grey has been given his own side of the computer complete with toddler friendly computer games.

The toddler bed

2012-01-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

So on New Years Eve we finally set up Grey's toddler bed. Making the transition from crib to bed was one I was dreading, and rightfully so! What once was a less than 2 minute procedure (give Grey a kiss tell him I love him and set him in bed), that resulted in an undisturbed 12 hour slumber, is now a minimum of a 10 minute up to 1 hour ordeal! And the undisturbed 12 hour slumber, is right now a thing of the past (in all fairness he has been sick and now we think he is teething). Justin keeps trying to remind me that it hasn't even been a month and that it will get better. I just miss the crib and my sleep!

Tess and Sam came over to spend New Years Eve with us and have dinner and drinks. We put Sam to work because that's the kind of hosts we are!

Greyson decided that he better assist Sam with the bed assembly.

Showing Sam how to get the job done.

Putting together the final touches on his bed.

Making sure all his friends were comfortable on the new bed.

Sleep!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hope the New Year brings you only happiness and has you surrounded by those you love!!!

To celebrate a New Year of blogging I have included my top 10 favorite blog posts, enjoy!

***This was harder than I thought, 10 is not very much for how much I blog, but this is a good 10 (I could have picked at least 10 more!)

Little Darling aka The 1970 Dodge Charger

Travel

Hello Baby

Babymoon

Welcome to the 3rd trimester

Baby Greyson

Lake Arrowhead

Walking!!!

12 months of Grey

Swim lessons

Laguna Mountain

2011-12-29T14:39:00.000-08:00

On Thursday we headed up to Laguna Mountain to play in the snow. We had never been before and were surprised by how close it is and how beautiful! We plan on returning after the next snowfall, it was quickly melting when we were up there, but we still managed to find plenty of untouched snow (minus some animal tracks), and have a good time!

***My very sweet loving husband bought me a new digital camera, he was tired of me complaining that half my pictures were coming out blurry, that I couldn't get a decent night shot, and other general complaints about my outdated camera. I LOVE my new one and so while I posted more than a few here, know I spared you from the 200+ photos I did take (they all came out perfect, good camera = good pictures).

Grey would not touch the snow at first, so setting him down in it to take a picture was out of the question.

My cute boys being so patient with me as I snap a zillion photos using various settings.

Grey was starting to warm up to this snow idea, and mom placing him on various rocks, trees, and stumps to take pictures.

Grey loves Frosty the Snowman, so Justin made him one of his own.

It really was pretty there! The man at the lodge suggested this picnic area, which while okay, was a thousand times better once you trudged up the mountain a bit. All those tracks are from us, no one else was up there!

Family pic in the snow (Grey was oohing at the flashing timer light on the camera).

Grey and his "Frosty Man" dad made him.

Finally coming around to the idea that this snow stuff is not only okay, but pretty neat to play in.

So again, we left the picnic area to hike up the mountain, well after building a snowman I wanted to see what else was around. So having never been there, not seeing any other people, marked paths or what not, we ventured on through the snow and trees and popped out here. A beautiful view of the Salton Sea and Borrego Desert in front of us! Oh and my favorite line of the day would be from Justin, "I don't want us to be one of those families that ventures off the beaten path only to get lost in the snow with a toddler, no food, no water, and no jackets!"

How do you hike through snow?

Me, in sneakers, jeans and carrying a 27 pound toddler!

Besides having his own snowman, Grey thought this pint sized Christmas tree was pretty cool!

Beautiful Laguna Mountain!

Christmas eve and day 2011

2011-12-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Grey's 2nd Christmas was fun and festive. He LOVED the daily advent calendar (as a result he now dreams of candy, no joke, he was talking in sleep last night and the word candy came out of his mouth several times!), watching and singing Frosty the Snowman, seeing Santa (hello more candy, Santa = candy cane), unwrapping presents, finding loot in his stocking, and well really everything about it!

22 months

2011-12-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Grey turned 22 months Christmas eve, 2 more months and we will have a
2 year old!!!

As usual a busy month, holiday festivities, preschool and playgroups, and various trips around town (mainly the Science Center). Not sure about height or weight, but he definitely is a growing boy. He is talking up a storm and constantly surprises us with new words, phrases, and songs (Frosty the Snowman being his favorite right now). He is still a very silly, happy, bright and very active little boy who keeps us busy and on the go. And while the terrible 2's are here, we still love this little boy more and more each day (like is sometimes a different story).

Today we... (Dec. Photo Project)

2011-12-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

December 25th

...celebrated Christmas with the Rowley's! Grey had a blast opening presents, eating sweets, and getting his 1st bike from Aunt Tess and Uncle Sam! It was a fun Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

December 24th

...wish you a very Merry Christmas! We were fortunate enough to spend Christmas eve with Justin's parents and some of my family, including my mom who made her way up to SD. And while we got to bed early enough Grey was too excited about Santa's arrival and didn't really sleep. Oh well, exhaustion and Christmas go hand in hand.

December 23rd

...baked and baked and baked some more! Grey helped by decorating the sugar cookies. He loved pouring the sprinkles on and shoving white chocolate chips into the dough, but his favorite part was after they were baked and he got to use the tubes of icing to further decorate his creations!

December 22nd

...hung out in our jammies. The most exciting part of Grey's day was when he got to go to his Papa Gnome's house and play with the piano and attack the Christmas tree.

December 21st

...had craft day at playgroup. I was supposed to host a craft day so all the mom's and kids could make another ornament (much like we did last year), but my very sweet friend and fellow mom said she would host at her new house. So while I was off duty for hosting, I was very much on for making sure

we had a good craft to make. And we of course made the Santa hand print impression ornaments (same as made on our Dec. 10th post). It was a fun day of hanging out with the girls, making Christmas ornaments, and letting the kids play (the photo above is Kai, Grey, and Mateo playing with Mateo's new train table. Oh my gosh was Grey in love, he was at that table with the trains the whole time we were there!!!!)

December 20th

...had Grey out and about. In the morning Justin took Grey out to run some errands for a couple hours, giving me some quiet time at home. And after Grey's nap, I took him to the zoo to run around for awhile so Justin could have a couple hours himself. The zoo was fun of course, we found a new trail (Fern Canyon I think) that we had never seen before, Grey got some popcorn (he loves popcorn), and on our way out of the zoo he got to see Santa again (we didn't pay for another overpriced picture, but he did get another candy cane)!

December 19th

...made a family handprint Christmas tree! Cheesy I know, but I love it and how precious will it be when one day Grey's handprints are as big as his dad's. The yellow star on top, that would be our cat Poedis' paw print. Justin said "to complete it we should get Poedis to do the star." Ya he didn't think I would really do it, she was mad and fighting like hell, she even tore my shirt, but we got her print on top. Now I have the whole family!!!

December 18th

...sent Grey packing! By 10am he was driving me nuts, so I loaded up his backpack, wrote a note and sent him to go knock on the neighbors door (it really was cute seeing him walk to the neighbors wearing his backpack and carrying a note). Luckily his Aunt Pat and Mandy love him so they didn't care, I hope!

December 17th

... went to San Diego's Christmas Tabernacle (which was lame by the way). Grey got to attack some decorated Christmas trees, sit in a video game bus, see some snow (no intrest in playing in it), look at some real reindeer, and meet Santa! Santa gave him a candy cane so of course he was thrilled. Later that night our neighbors Pat and Mandy came over and gave Grey his 1st present of the season, he loved it, a toy ambulance that lights up and makes sounds (the Grinch may be making a stop at our house to remove the battery). It was a fun day!

December 16th

...actually forgot to take a picture (oops!). Grey went to school and after nap time I picked him up and we headed to the book store to finish some shopping. He had a blast looking at all the books, and running around the store. When we got home we took a family walk to the store to buy ingredients to make soup. And after Grey was in bed and we were enjoying our warm bowls of soup I realized not 1 picture was taken. So here is a picture from a couple days ago on another one of our walks to the store. My boys, too cute!

December 15th

...spent a lot of time fixing dinosaur! Grey has actually been pretty dedicated to fixing his push/ride toy for a couple days now. He gets all his tools and gets to work tightening the screws, hammering the loose bits, and making sure everything is working properly. We think he is making sure it is in tip top shape for when it comes time to hand it down.

December 14th

... made chocolate chip cookies and watched Christmas movies (Grey is sick). He loved helping pour the ingredients into the bowl, sample the chocolate chips, and watch the cookies bake in the oven. The cookie dough he did not care for however. The cookies turned out yummy and my little boy got some rest (well sort of!).

December 13th

... went to the Science Center. We go here a lot now that I know teachers get in free. I love this place, as does Grey. They have an area just for toddlers, he gets to touch everything, even throughout the rest of the museum, and it gives me a chance to sit and relax while he plays with all they have. His favorite is the computer with the fire truck being a close 2nd!

December 12th

... finally got to use the advent calendar I made for Grey in its entirety (I had been laying it out on the floor everyday and letting him pick from a pocket). Today when he woke up there it was completed and hanging up on the wall in all it glory. He was so excited! I told him which pocket to pick and as always his face lit up when he pulled out the treat (today it was a candy), and then promptly started fishing around for more treats in the other pockets. May have to go back to filling it one by one. Oh well, it is done, YAY (click here to see and read more about this 3 month long project of mine)!!!!!!

December 11th

... made eggs in a basket for the 1st time. I saw a blogpost about someone doing this and thought that looks fun, easy, and yummy. So this morning we gave it a try. Incase you also want to try: put butter in the middle of a nonstick skillet, place bread with hole or shape cut out in the butter, flip to coat both sides, crack egg in the bread opening, put cut out bread also on pan to toast, flip egg/bread to cook both sides, remove and eat. And yes it is fun, easy, and yummy!!!

December 10th

... made Greyson's 2nd Christmas ornament. I decided last year that instead of buying a special ornament every year, we would make one. Last year we made handprint snowmen, this year a handprint Santa. I love how it turned out, now if only we had a tree to hang it on, maybe next year!

December 9th

... I (!!!) went for a much needed, well deserved (in my mind anyways), mom's night out! It was a fun evening with the girls at the Prado for drinks and an exchange of pampering gifts (thank you Kelley for my yummy cookies and Berts Bees bath stuff!). It was fun to gab, brag , and rag (sorry dads and kids) and one I hope to repeat soon. Thanks girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 8th

... (Grey) spent the day with dad! While I was off to work, my boys had fun playing, listening to music, and reading. Later in the day Grey and I ran errands, but as soon as he saw dad it was back to dancing to music. And while decked out in Christmas jammies and dancing (and singing) to the Misfits, sorta doesn't seem fitting, it is oh so cute.

Oh how I love my boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 7th

...went pee pee in the new potty (yes all 3 of us did, but obviously we are more excited about Grey.) Today Justin went out and bought Grey a new toddler/adult toilet seat, Grey was so excited he sat on it right away and went pee pee!!! So you know this wasn't the 1st time he has gone in the potty, just the first time we haven't had to hold him up. Toilet training is coming, but so far the introduction is going great! Stay tuned for more potty adventures...

December 6th

...finished the day with some coloring! At Costco they had this huge hardcover spiral bound 11" x 14" 160 pages of Christmas Santaliciousness (what they called it not me). And I thought how neat if year after year around the holidays I break this out and let Grey color in it, sorta like a coloring Christmas scrapbook. Anyways, Grey has been enjoying it, as have I!

December 5th

...ate our way through Costco! Crackers with mushroom dip (which sounds weird, but Grey devoured), fried shrimp, coconut milk (Grey asked for seconds, and got it), Greek yogurt with honey drizzled on top, red bean and lentil soup, mashed potatoes, and chocolate covered pomegranate, we passed on the beef jerky. Shopping done, toddler fed, gotta love Costco!

December 4th

... hung around the house as I was not feeling 100% (drat mixing liquors, rookie move). But Grey and I had fun none the less. We stayed in pj's, watched Miracle on 34th Street, and played with cars. Oh and he found my shoes from the night before and thought that was great fun!

December 3rd

...left the kid at home and went out on a date. Well to a Christmas party anyways. It was so nice to get all dressed up and get out of the house, have a couple drinks (or more), and visit with friends and family. It was a fun night!

December 2nd

... took Grey to Balboa Park's December Nights.

December 1st

...forgot it was December 1st. So in place of a photo take a look at last years December Photo Project and jog down memory lane with me!

Advent calendar

2011-12-12T13:44:00.001-08:00

So back in October I decided that Grey needed an advent calendar, and also decided that I needed to make it. After scouring the Internet for ideas, I stumbled across one made by Pottery Barn and I thought I can make that (other people did as well and I used there already posted tutorials). Of course in the true spirit of my holiday projects (last year I made Grey a stocking) I started this way to late for how detailed it ended up being. All 25 squares (pockets) are appliqued out of felt and hand stitched. Then all 25 pockets were hand sewn on to the tree. In the 11th hour I couldn't take it anymore and machine stitched everything else together. While a couple weeks late, this probably would have been done almost on time if I didn't have to deal with the naughty Christmas elf (you can read more about him at the bottom of this post). The final calendar from star to stump is 5 feet tall and now a part of our holiday tradition, and something I hope lasts for many many years to come.

This is the naughty (evil) Christmas elf (my advent calendar archenemies). During one of my nights of creating applique pockets I made him. Cute right... well when all the glue dried I noticed a permanent glue mark around his face (basically the glue that was suppose to dry clear, came through). I decided this was going to drive me up the wall so I would just redo him. Sounds easy right, wrong!!!!! All I needed was a small piece of flesh colored felt, I used my last piece for Santa. I went to 4 stores to find what should have been an easy task, buy a small piece of flesh colored felt, ya not so easy. At one point my mother n' law even gave me some that she had, only for it to have vanished by the next morning (seriously). At one point Justin was so sick of me complaining about my evil elf and my woes of finding flesh colored felt he got online to buy some, but come on $5 + dollars for a small piece of felt, I told him no way and headed out to yet another store. I asked the lady and she said yes they had some it was right around the corner, yay, after minutes of me being gone she came over to see me starring blankly at the wall of felt, "It was right here!" she said. Evil evil elf!!!!! So I have admitted defeat, finished the elf with glue face and all and there it hangs mocking me with his crooked little smile. I just know the next time I walk into a store there will be a bountiful amount of flesh colored felt.

December Nights

2011-12-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

We deiced to take Grey to Balboa Parks annual December Nights. While it doesn't officially start until 5pm, we decided to head there a little earlier (and good thing, you should have seen the parade of cars trying to get in as we were leaving!!!) As soon as we got there Grey ran into his friend Kai, unfortunately they were on their way out, so it was a quick "cheers" with their milk and off Grey went running. That pretty much sums up our time there, following Grey as he ran around Balboa Park; listening to the music (with the occasional dancing), meeting Santa (no pictures and he didn't really know what to think about him), sharing popcorn with strangers (don't worry we finally bought him his own), eating his first candy cane (LOVE), and riding the train. It was a good festive night!

December Photo Project

2011-12-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

So I did it last year and here it is, December again! And once again I am going to try to complete the December Photo Project. For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about, it is where you take a photo everyday for the first 25 days of December. It did become a challenge last year, and with me working I feel it will be even tougher, but I love that it forced me to take a picture everyday, something I have been horrible at lately (or longer), and when looking back it captures an entire month, a month of crazy Christmas preparations and hullabaloo. So, check back every couple of days to see if I completed the challenge (or if you have a blog join in on the madness, it's fun I promise!).

What happened to November?

2011-11-30T20:44:00.000-08:00

So what happened to November, well for those of you that actually read my blog I just plain forgot/ got too busy/ blinked and November was over. To make up for it and to get caught up on what is shaping up to be a busy December this post will be all about November.

The first weeks of November found us in Palm Springs to celebrate my Grandma's 80th, my Aunt Barbara's 60th (& her husbands 70th), and my Aunt Toni's 50th (and her recent engagement). It was a great time catching up with family, dancing to the live band, chasing Grey around my dad's property, and staying up waaaaaaaay to late!

The middle of the month found us in Children's E.R. for the 1st time, with Grey having a full on outbreak of hives. And because E.R. visits only happen at the worse time of day, we were there not only at night (read way past Grey's bedtime), but on a holiday! Thankfully Children's is an amazing hospital and they saw us fairly quickly, gave Grey some medicine, stickers, and a lion stuffed animal and sent us on our way. All told I think we were only there for an hour or two. A couple of days of Benadryl and rest gave us back a little boy not covered head to toe in red welts. The rest of the month was spent at the park, going for walks (which these days end at the park), the Science Center, and me crafting. I am making an advent calendar for Grey which is yet to be finished (soon, very soon).

And the end of the month found us all at home sick for Thanksgiving! While being sick is not fun, especially with a toddler, we did have a nice relaxing day. We spent the morning at the park (surprise), and the afternoon playing with Grey and me cooking a big meal, sun dried tomato tilapia, mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, ginger garlic carrots, and homemade spiced applesauce and pumpkin pie. Justin and I devoured it, Grey ate the bread and licked the whip cream off the pie! All in all, it was a good Thanksgiving, although we desperately miss our turkeys days spent with passport in hand (oh Jamaica, we will be back!)

21 months

2011-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

How the months keep flying by is beyond me, but here he is another month closer to being 2. AHAHHAHAHHHH did I just say that!

Anyways, at 21 months Grey is talking up a storm, there is no slowing this kid down in the language department. He is now stringing words together to make short simple sentences like "Who is that?", "More {insert something he wants like cookies or singing} please.", and things like that. He also is counting, although it goes something like this: 1,2,4,7,9,13. He knows some of the letters to the alphabet, and the shapes star and circle. We are still working on colors, although the other day he did point and say "school bus yellow" as a school bus passed us. He is obsessed with Elmo and is quickly falling in love with Curious George. And I have been oh so guilty of letting him watch both t.v shows on an almost daily basis (I know slap my hand, bad mom!). He loves trucks, his books, music and dancing, being outside, picking his own clothes (yep, all we hear when it is time to get dressed "I pick!"), and being close to mom. Yep we are in total mommy clinging (literally clinging, the other day Justin had to pry him off my leg so I could go to work) phase right now. While slightly annoying, I better cherish it before he tells me I embarrass him. As always he is a happy little boy. He is super super silly, loves to laugh (especially when you hurt yourself, but he is quick to give your ouchie a kiss!), and generally is an easy going toddler, who we still love and adore endlessly.

Halloween week

2011-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, Halloween lasted for about a week this year, with pumpkin carving, playgroups, preschool, and trick or treating, there are a lot of photos of our little pirate. I decided to keep it on one post and try to stop myself from posting every picture (he was just so cute). So here is our week o' Halloween in pictures!

Greyson LOVED cleaning the pumpkin. He dove right in took out all the pumpkins insides. He was constantly showing me his hands which were covered in pumpkin goo as was his costume. Dad then carved the pumpkin into an elephant, which we have no photos of (well there is one of our neighbors male dog next to it very very excited!). It came out really cute and lasted about 2 days before the sun and heat took a toll on it.

Grey and his friends Kai and Tyler, this year versus last year

Of course playgroup was a Halloween affair. We dressed the kiddos up and attempted to get a group shot, didn't really work though!

This is our other playgroup (the one he has attended since he was only 1 month old!), we took a Halloween group photo last year as well. Some of the kiddos have moved, some are new, but a majority are in both pics. Can't wait to do another one next year!

Greyson's 1st Halloween parade and party at preschool. I took the day off work to watch him in his parade and help with the party. What I got was a clingy little boy who was not so sure what to make of all the Halloween hullabaloo at school. During the parade he insisted I carry him, and then towards the end decided walking around would be okay if I held his hand. The party also had its moments. Every time I stepped back to take a picture he thought I was leaving and burst into tears. He loved the frosting on the cupcakes (so glad I stayed up late making pumpkin cupcakes from scratch only to have ALL the kiddos lick the store bought frosting off and declare the cupcake was done) and the juice, at one point he finished his and saw his friend Cooper still had some, so he took Coopers juice and poured it into his cup. All in all the party was good and Grey had fun, until I left that is, oh the tears!!!

And finally, Halloween night itself! Grey loved Halloween; he loved trick or treating, running around (in fact that is what we heard a lot that night "I running"), getting candy, playing with glow sticks, staying up way past his bedtime, and hanging out with GJ and Papa Gnome. What a difference from last year when our little crab was just learning to crawl around.

20 months

2011-10-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am not sure where the last month went, but came and went it did. The past month had us busy as usual, this little boy does not slow down. He is growing by the day, last measured he was about 33" inches! The teeth are upon us, he now has at least 16. He is talking up a storm, repeats everything (really need to watch our language!), and has even been stringing two to three words together like, "more cookies", "bye daddy", and our favorite "ice ice baby"! He LOVES books, reading is big in this house, he also still loves music, listening to it and singing it, he will request, "happy" (If you are happy and you know it), "EIEO" (Old McDonald), and "Clean up" (the clean up song). He still signs, he communicates using both sign and oral language. Grey is now saying the names of the body parts as well as pointing to them and has learned knees, elbows, shoulders, chin, leg, arm, and neck. He does all kinds of noises including elephant (he makes a noise and waves his hand in the air like an elephant trunk), bus (beep beep), dinosaur (he makes a growling noise), and car (sorta like a vroom noise). He is also repeating the alphabet, so hopefully within the next couple months he will learn it on his own, we are also working on counting to 5, the colors and shapes. Just so much, Justin and I can't believe how big and grown up he has gotten. Our little boy, so independent and smart!
Enjoy some pictures from the past month.

Bates Nut Farm

Lately Grey has been putting his hands in his pockets, sorta like someone else I know!

Still loves his baby doll! He gives it kisses, drinks of water, and ALWAYS takes it to bed.

We took another trip to Sprayground, this time Auntie Tess came along with us. We also met up with Grey's friends Tyler and Mateo. The cutest moment of the day was when all 3 boys were crowded together sharing a snack!

I recently found out that teachers (plus a guest) get into the R.H. Science Center for free. Grey and I have already taken advantage of this, and with the cold weather upon us, we will be making many more trips!

Lately Grey insists on taking all his stuffed animals (and usually a toy), plus his baby to bed with him. He has a small crib so him, plus a blanket, and monkey, ducky, Tip Top (giraffe), teddy bear, and baby make for interesting sleeping arrangements!

Grey loves his teacher Ms. Meris!

We had Grey's 1st Back to School Night. We made a family collage of pictures. Grey decorated it, including painting us blue!

Baby girl quilt

2011-10-20T19:05:00.001-07:00

Fairies, butterfly wings, and fuzzy pink cotton, this quilt is all girl! I made this for my friend Cheryl's little girl who came into this world a little early (4 weeks early)! We knew she would be an early arrival, so luckily I fast tracked the quilt (gifted to mom about 3 days before she came). I waited to post so that I could confidently announce that both mom and baby girl are doing great! And after 2 long weeks, Finley Louise is finally home safe and sound with her family!!!!!

Bates Nut Farm: 2011

2011-10-07T15:38:00.001-07:00

We took a spur of the moment trip up to Bates Nut Farm to go play in the pumpkin patch. The last time we were there Grey was about 8 months old. It was a perfect day (although missing our good friend Cristina!!!), fall like weather, lots of pumpkins, a picnic around animals, a tractor ride, a hay maze, and a very enthusiastic little boy!

He looks like such a big boy here. Last year he was just learning to pull himself up, this time he was climbing on top of the pumpkins!

Greyson and his Aunt Marion. She is such a big kid that Grey had fun playing with her in the pumpkin patch.

Always fun with dad, especially when he is pushing you in a wheel barrow!

They have a hay bale maze that you walk through and try to find 8 mailboxes with stamps. Grey loved finding the mailboxes, getting the stamp and putting it on his card!

A tractor ride, a toy bus, surrounded by pumpkin patches, and mom, YAY!

As soon as we got to the farm we took Grey to 1 of the pumpkin patches, he loved it until he stepped/fell into a rotten pumpkin, then he kept saying pumpkins were "yucky". After lunch, looking at barn animals, a hay maze, a tractor ride, and a purchase of a toy school bus later, pumpkins were okay again!

A boy in a field of pumpkins, can't believe how much has changed from last year!
(click here to see).

Random photos: part 7

2011-10-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Playing at the playground.

Morning walk with dad (the neighbor's down the street just had a baby and they had balloons on their fence, Grey was given 1 and was oh so happy!) Eating his Greek yogurt, which he loves!

Down at Mission Beach visiting family.

Took Grey to my annual Italian family reunion. Walking with Uncle Frank and giving Great Grandpa a kiss

Fun on the slide and showing off his baby (his dad's old doll). He loves his baby and takes him to bed every night.

Preschool picture day and sharing a smoothie with Grandpa.

Helping GJ pull carrots from the garden.

Streaking the courtyard and riding on his new skateboard (thank you Auntie Dana) with dad.

Reading books with dad before bedtime.

Sprayground

2011-09-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Good old fashion water fun!
A friend told me about this place in Santee Lakes, called Sprayground. Grey was hesitant at first, but as soon as he saw me run through laughing and getting wet he was all over it!
* There are a lot of pics because I couldn't narrow it down, he was having so much fun!

After he was done playing in the water we explored 1 of the 7 lakes. This place is huge and beautiful. We will definitely be back to see what else they have.

1 1/2 year photos

2011-09-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

More gorgeous photos of Grey that my sis n' law took. Thank you Tess!!!

19 months

2011-09-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

19 months... what can I say, it came quickly like every other month, but brought along so many changes I can hardly keep track anymore. Here are just a couple highlights:

Words: I seriously can't keep track, he repeats everything (yikes!), he mumbles some, leaves off beginning and ending sounds of others, and has so many random words down clear. He is picking up language so quickly, the other day he started naming the parts of the face and singing the "clean-up song" ?!?!?

Signs: Still picking up sign language quickly and uses a combo of sign and oral language to communicate

New Animal Sounds and such: sheep, bird, car, bus, chicken, now says "oink" for pig

Body parts: now says the names for eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, (tries to say) hair, head, face, ears

Teeth: 13!!! All 1st year molars FINALLY came through (all at once of course!).

Big news this month!!!: Took away the bottle (he didn't care), took away the pacifier, aka baba, (he still talks about it)!

6 years ago...

2011-09-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

18 months

2011-08-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Will someone please tell me where my baby went???????

Weight and Height: 25 pounds, 32 1/2 inches

Signs: sleep, all done, milk, water, eat, baby, music, more, bunny, dog, cat, bird, lion, helicopter, plane, truck/train, car, apple, sorry, cookie, bear, shoes, book, ball, friend, thank you, turtle, duck, monkey, fish, phone, help, open, please, chicken/egg, time
Words: daddy, mommy, kitty, doggy, bye bye, bubble(s), hi, no, me, mine, more, cookie, ball, Kai (his friend), nigh nigh (night night), mouse, bus, uh-oh, oh-no, car(s), poo poo, pee pee, bah bah(pacifier), wow, apple, pa pa(grandpa), up, baby, go, beach, happy, ice, hot, book
Animal sounds and such: woof (dog), meow (cat), eehee (monkey), grrrrrrr (lion/bear), quack (duck), choo choo (truck/train), who who (owl) ,neigh (horse), mmmmmm (cow), snorts like pig, barks like seal
Favorite foods: eggs, cookies, cereal, grapes, yogurt, apples (slices and sauce), nutella on toast
Favorite toys: still loves his stuffed animals and books, but is also really taking to his toy cars
Learning the body parts: head, face, eyes, ear, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, hair, lips, tummy, toes/feet, arms, legs, hands/fingers, penis
Teeth: number nine finally popped up!
What's new: Grey started preschool this month!
18 months! I just can't believe that he is so big already. My baby has been replaced with a little boy and it all happened sooo fast, too fast. While we are still dealing with the not so lovely terrible 2's, this has been a fun month. He is going down for naps without fights, he follows directions really well, he has started to help clean the house (he throws his diapers and other trash away and puts the bathroom trash can in its place), his language has REALLY grown (his doctor called him advanced!), he loves going on walks with his dad (the other day they walked all the way to the park!), he usually gives kisses when asked (my favorite are the ones he does on his own), he loves to jump and dance, coloring has become a favorite, we started letting him occasionally watch videos (he loves baby signing time, he will say "baby" and then sign "time"), he also has become more independent at the playground (going down the slide by himself while sitting up and down the stairs while standing {which scares me}), so much so much, I am sure I am forgetting a thousand things! This has truly been an amazing journey so far, watching Grey grow up and discover the world takes my breath away, he is so inquisitive, funny, and smart. I am truly loving every moment (okay there have been some I could do without).
My little baby I love you more than you will ever know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1st day of preschool (daycare)

2011-08-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Grey had started preschool! While it is a preschool, we are looking at it as more of a daycare type thing (the preschool I REALLY want him to go to won't let him in till next year). But regardless, our little boy is sent off to school 3 days a week. He will have play time, circle time, story time, more play time, lunch time and nap time. The first day was not without glitches! First he was not in the best mood when he woke up, poor kid is teething (we actually do see a tooth trying to pop out), has a slight cold, and has bug bites all over him, getting him dressed was all tears (hence the wet spots on his shirt), but to school he had to go. Drop off was rough, for both, crying lasted longer for me than him, as I was told by the director he got over me pretty quickly once he found the sand toys and water. He met a friend right away, a little girl who apparently was trying to calm him when he got upset that his teacher went on break. They were seen walking around holding hands and generally enjoying each others company until said little (refraining from calling names) girl decided to take a big bite out of my little boy (huge welt on his arm)!!! According to the teacher, they no longer played after that, and Grey calmly and somberly (their word not mine) helped pass out the lunches. When noon FINALLY arrived and I came back to pick him up I was greeted by the director saying "I'm sorry, Greyson got hurt!" and of course was told the whole story. As soon as he saw me, he jumped up from his teachers lap and ran to me crying! I was given an "ouch report", and took home a very sad little boy. Not the best 1st day for either of us!!!

His 1st school packed lunch. He has been on a bit of a hunger strike so I tried to give him some of his favorite. Pizza bagel, peaches, fruit gummies and yogurt raisins. He of course ate NOTHING!!!!

A day at the beach

2011-08-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we took Grey to the beach for a couple hours. I had been bragging to Justin how the last couple of times I took him to the beach he charged at the waves fearlessly! Of course this day he wanted nothing to do with them, but it was still a nice day at the beach!

Sea World

2011-08-17T14:10:00.001-07:00

About a week ago, my dad and I took Grey to Sea World. While it wasn't his 1st trip there, it was the first one where he could walk, or should I say run! Like most places these days, it isn't really about seeing what you came to see (the animals), it is about where you can play, what you can touch, and what trouble you can cause. Add a bubble gun to the mixture and you have a running, touching, bubble shooting little boy (no animals were harmed by our trip)!We started off at the polar bears and penguins. Grey was more fascinated with what was around him then the animals in front of him.

The children's area. Apparently, unknown to me, they have a water area, a get your child soaked to the bone area. While Grey loved this, I was not as prepared as I should have been. No swimsuit, no swim diaper, and no towel (I had extra clothes so really we were okay).

Practicing yoga.

So he would bend into his yoga pose and wait until the water came straight up and hit him in the face. He thought this was absolutely fantastic (as did all watching him)!

As you see he was terribly miserable!

This was the dolphin show, we missed the earlier show because we got there 5 minutes before the show started, apparently you need to show up 1/2 hour before to get a seat. So on our 2nd attempt we got seats, while yay we got to see the show, keeping a kid entertained for 1/2 hour while seating in bleachers is pretty hard. Enter the bubble gun!

First I would like to say sorry to all who had to sit around us, particularly the gentleman straight behind Grey and the lady right in front of him.
So, my dad being the clever Grandpa he is bought Grey a bubble gun to help distract him while we waited for the show. Grey LOVES bubbles and thought this was the best thing on earth. He proceeded to keep his finger on the trigger, producing mass amounts of bubbles and aim it directly at those around us (the gentleman behind us got bubbles to the lower man regions as well as his face when I told Grey to point the gun up not down, and the lady in front got bubbles to the back and face when she was unfortunate enough to turn around.) I can't even begin to explain how many bubbles came filtering out of this gun and hit everyone, bubbles were even landing on the water! But he was distracted, we saw the show without a meltdown, and to this day he LOVES his bubble gun (oh the show by the way, it was called the dolphin show but really no dolphins were to be seen).

Thanks for a great day dad!!!

1st haircut

2011-07-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

So we finally cut off the mullet (yes the kid had a mullet!). At the time I didn't really think it was a big deal for him to get his haircut. Justin grabbed the scissors, I sniped off a piece for the baby book, snapped a couple photos while Justin worked his magic and Grey patiently sat eating a snack and it was done. But then he turned around and my baby looked like a little man, his shaggy, messy, baby hair (aka mullet) was gone and in its place a straight, sharp, little boy haircut. I miss the mullet!Before:
Hard to see because his hair is so dang light, but this is the mullet.

After:
Again, hard to see, but his new little boy haircut.

17 months

2011-07-24T11:48:00.001-07:00

Yep another month, another post!

Weight and Height: 26 pounds, 31 1/2 inches
New signs: bear, turtle, chicken/egg, wait, friend, ball, train
Words:daddy, bubble, mommy, cookie, kitty, no, me
Animal sounds and such: woof, meow, quack, mmmm(cow), grrrrr(lion and bear), choo choo, eeehee (monkey), woo woo (owl), also snorts like a pig, and barks like a seal
Favorite foods: has been pretty picky this month, but can usually get him to eat: avocado, raisins, any type of berry (including GJ's blackberry jam), pizza, cereal, oatmeal
Favorite toys: all about his stuffed animals, favorite being Tip Top the giraffe, then monkey, then teddy bear. Loving his books and magazines!
Learning the body parts: head/hair, ear, nose, eye, mouth, teeth, face, tummy, hands, leg, feet/toes, butt (actually you have to ask him where he goes poo poo and he pats his butt)
Teeth: STILL EIGHT!!!!!
Sleep and Terrible 2's: sleep is good, naps are lasting about 2 hours, and the terrible 2's are terrible!!! Likes to tell us "no" (ya that one came back around to bite us in the a!@), will throw things if he is mad, cry and whine if he doesn't get his way or what he wants, basic meltdowns, fun fun fun!

Lets see, again besides the terrible 2's emerging way before he is 2, I still find this a fun age. He is learning so much! A ton of words are at the tip of his tongue, he can follow basic directions, and learns new signs basically after seeing them once, so many wonderful new discoveries. Just today he figured out how to unscrew my face lotion cap (oh wait that wasn't so good)! He is loving to climb, jump, play with his friends, and just explore what is around him. Can't believe next month he will be a year and half!!!

Random photos: part 6

2011-07-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

I wonder where Grey learned this trick?

Oh, from G Gnome...

...and GJ!

Summertime watermelon!

Skinny dipping in the pool!

Blowing bubbles all by himself!

Braving the cold ocean water with Grandpa!

Sharing his peaches with Tip Top!

Feeding the ducks with Grandma!

Sitting in the wagon, hoping for a ride!

Kai pointing out the otter to Grey at the zoo!

Relaxing in the pool on a hot summer day!

Have I mentioned...

2011-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

...that my sis n' law Tess is an amazing photographer?
Here are some recent photos she took for us.

This is Grey and his Cousin Jacob

And introducing my new nephew, Ryder Alexander!

Last day of swim lessons

2011-06-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

The boys had their last swim lesson, well for this session anyways, and it turned out to be a boys day. Justin took Grey and Tyler's dad took him. Not only did both boys like having their dad's there, but It also gave me an opportunity to take some fun picks of my guys playing in the water!

16 months

2011-06-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Seriously what happened to the last month, it flew by!!! Well another month another update here goes:

Weight and Height: not sure, he is definitely growing both ways though
New signs:helicopter, apple, bear, turtle, cookie/cracker, wait, car
Words:daddy, bubble, woof and lots of almost theres
Favorite foods: avocados, peanut butter banana smoothies, GJ's homemade jam on toast, raisins, blueberries, eggs over medium
Favorite toys: still hooked on the phone, but also loving bubbles and his books
Learning the body parts: can now show you his nose and hands, working on where his eyes and legs are
Teeth: still 8, not sure if the molars are coming next or 2 more on the bottom, this kid is so slow in the teeth department
Sleep and Terrible 2's: the same as last month

Grey is growing so fast and learning new things everyday. It is so neat and amazing to see him becoming his own person. He makes us laugh everyday with his crazy sense of humor. Besides the terrible 2's (hello he is not 2), I am loving this age, so fun and full of energy and curiosity, did I mention full of energy?

Swim lessons

2011-06-23T12:15:00.001-07:00

This week Grey started his 1st swim lessons with his friends Kai and Tyler. Day 1 went okay, he liked being in the water and tossed in the air (not a swim lesson, probably a swim lesson no no!), he did not like floating on his back or having the swim instructor hold him. Day 2 went well, he still didn't float on his back, but splashed, kicked, and blew bubbles in the water! Day 3 went so so. He seemed over it and didn't really want to do anything but play with a pool toy. When I tried to take it away he threw a tantrum by dunking his head under the water. The swim instructor happen to come by at that moment and thought she had a star pupil on her hands. Alas I had to tell her it was a baby meltdown, and he surely wouldn't be doing that again anytime soon. Day 4 should bring something interesting I am sure and we still have all of next week as well. Swim baby swim!
According to Sailor Jerry:

A pig on the top of one foot and a rooster on the other is intended to keep a sailor from drowning. The theory behind this has to do with the cages roosters and pigs were kept in on a boat; during a shipwreck their lightweight wooden frames became personal flotation devices and offered a ride to shore, giving pigs and rooster a surprising survival rate. A sailor hoping for good luck should his ship meet a similar fate would get a rooster on top of the right foot and a pig on top of the left.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

To an amazing husband: "Thanks for putting up with all my craziness. I love you more than you know!"
To an amazing father: "There are no words for what an incredible dad you are to our son. He is so lucky to have you!"
Happy 2nd Father's Day!!!

Del Mar Fair

2011-06-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

OKay so really it's San Diego County Fair now, but it will always be Del Mar to me. Any ways, on Thursday we took Grey to his 1st fair. We went with my Dad, sister and her family. I can't say Grey was overly thrilled with the rides, but I think he enjoyed running around and people watching. It was a fun day, thanks Dad!!!Grandpa with 2 very sleepy boys the night before the fair.

Our first photo booth photo!

Grey's first fair ride. At first he was thrilled, but by the 3rd go around he was throwing up the "all done" sign.

I talked Justin into taking Grey down the giant slide, thinking he would love it and dad would be the hero... he didn't like it, and I ended up being the hero by whisking him to the ping pong ball game where he won a goldfish (we gave it away!).

Family portrait at the fair.

They had a bucket of stick horses. Grey thought this was fantastic and proceeded to pull them all out.

By the stick horses was this musical area. Metal post, metal pot, getting to bang as loud as you want, what more could a kid ask for!

Totally fried... need I say more???

The group at the fair. Both boys were fast asleep as soon as they hit their car seats.

Bags bags and more bags

2011-06-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

This bag was made for my husbands tattoo artist, Tricia. I saw this fabric and knew I had to make something with it for her. The fabric is based on Edward Lear's poem "The Owl and the Pussy-cat" (there is a story behind why she had to have this fabric, but too long to tell on here). So after ordering it, I decided to make my new favorite bag. This bag is seriously the best! It is large, roomy, has a zippered pocket on the outside, a large magazine pocket on the inside, and 2 smaller pockets (one with a mag snap closure). It also has padded shoulder straps and a mag snap closure at the top. This bag also got a little something special as well, the first verse of the poem embroidered on the front!

After making Tricia's bag I decided I needed a new summer bag as well. I love it!!! I love the fabric, the handles with square strap connectors (which was only done because I goofed when cutting the fabric, but a lovely mistake in my opinion!), and 3 very large inside pockets (1 to hold magazines/sunscreen, 1 to hold my wallet, and one for other misc. stuff). Plus the fabric is just too cute! And it has already been used on an overnight stay, holding all of my and Grey's stuff (well most).

I made these a little while ago. They are actually the same bags I started this blog with! Reusable grocery/tote bags in the shape of a plastic bag. I still use mine all the time, and love that it folds into its own pocket. These will hopefully be sold this summer!!!

The Children's Pool

2011-06-05T11:28:00.001-07:00

Recently Grey got a Zoonooz and it had a picture of a sea lion, so I started clapping my hands and making a seal like noise. Grey picked this up right away and loves doing the same thing every time he sees the picture in the magazine. So after a morning of continuous seal clapping and noises, I put him in the car to go checkout the real thing at the Children's pool in La Jolla. It was a beautiful day and we had fun checking out the seals, the seagulls, and the squirrels. Grey even got his first kiss on the way back to the car (a cute little girl ran up to him and planted a big kiss right on his lips!), and let me tell you, he certainly enjoyed it as he went back for another one. It was a great morning, and I am sure we will go back to see the seals again, and maybe Grey will get another kiss.

The zoo... again

2011-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

So as you know we head to the zoo quite frequently, I couldn't even begin to count the number of times we have been there. This time we met up with Tyler and his mom to hang out. The zoo has become more about a playground and less about seeing the animals. But the boys had fun!

Playgroup

2011-06-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Justin recently converted part of our driveway into a play yard for Grey. It has a sandbox, pool, umbrella, and of course lots of toys. We had some of Grey's friends and their mom's over to give it a test run and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves, and while we lacked on seating, it was nice not to have to run after the kiddos and actually get to sit and have a conversation. All in all, I say play yard huge success!

Kojo the crocodile

2011-06-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

For Christmas Grey got this stuffed animal crocodile named Kojo. He loves to wrestle with it and dad!

Random photos: part 5

2011-06-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

So here are some photos from the last couple of months, that I finally just downloaded off my camera. Enjoy!

Cruz's 1st b-day

2011-05-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Grey's cousin Cruz turned 1 on May 30th, so we headed to Palm Springs to celebrate. It was a fun day of playing with toys and cousins. Happy birthday Cruz!

15 months

2011-05-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

A look at where we are at 15 months...

Weight 24 pounds
Height 31 inches
Signs: milk, water, eat, please, thank you, all done, help, cat, dog, fish,bird/duck, lion, bunny, monkey, phone, music, baby, book, up, open, just started doing helicopter
Words: none really yet, still have beginning sounds (he does say "woof" when he sees or hears a dog)
Favorite foods: blueberries, avocado, broccoli and cheese, anything sweet (dried fruit, M&M's, cookies, Nutella, etc.), loves anything we are eating!
Favorite toys: anything that resembles a phone, is a phone, can be used as a phone!
Learning the body parts: can show you where his tummy, ear, mouth, head, and feet are
Teeth: 4 up top, 4 down below, thinking the molars are trying to come through 2x2
Sleep: down to 1 nap which last 1 to 2 hours, sleeping from roughly 6:30 to 5:30 (yucky!)
Terrible 2's: are here!!! (and I am hoping this is the worst of it, but somehow think it may get worse) tantrums (arching of the back, stiff legs and crying), fits on the floor, biting, throwing toys, defiance (ya this is a super fun time, luckily he doesn't have meltdowns that often, and they usually don't last very long at all)

I am sure there is more, but really I can't think of anything else in list format. As usual he is a pretty happy guy (tantrums aside), we can totally see his personality coming out and it is one that is very inquisitive and silly. He loves to dance when he hears music, laugh at his own jokes (he thinks he is hysterical, he will do something and then just laugh and start clapping for himself), loves anything to do with books, loves being outside and exploring, flirts with everyone that passes by, wants to play with the big kids very badly, desperately wants Poedis to let him play, lay, and interact with him, loves to be with dad (total dad phase right now!), humors mom with kisses, and keeps amazing us everyday!!!

G Gnome and Grey

2011-05-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

SD!

2011-05-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been thinking what a wonderful place San Diego is! I have always loved SD, but until Grey came along, I don't think I really saw all that SD had to offer. Not growing up here, I had my haunts, visited the beach, a field trip here or there, but that was about it. Since Grey was born, we have been to Balboa Park a gazillion times and have seen almost every museum (hello free Tuesday), combed every inch of the zoo, finally visited the Botanical Gardens and Torrey Pines. We have been to the Wild Animal Park, the tide pools, and the Children's Pool (the Sea Lions), we have visited Sea World, the Birch Aquarium, and have been to Lego Lands Aquarium (not Lego Land,he is still to young, and it is still way too expensive), we have seen the the beaches from afar and up close, we have been to the street festivals, the farmers markets, indoor play gyms, and the puppet theatre, and dare I say... there is still so much we haven't seen or done! So I love SD, I love living here, I love that there are endless things to do here, and I love that I get to raise my son here!!!

***What spawned this rant? A recent trip to the Birch Aquarium and a quick jaunt down to the shores below. After seeing Justin and Grey play on the beach I realized just how much I am going to love raising my son in this city!

Easter

2011-04-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Easter: kids, food, family, fun!
(Tess once again took amazing photos of the whole day. I love having a photographer in the fam.)

Jacob checking out the jumbo cinnamon rolls

I swear all this kid does anymore is run

Loving the big ball the Easter bunny (aka GJ and G Gnome) brought him

GJ and Sophie blowing bubbles (yes they are green)

Hunting for Easter eggs

Dad and Auntie Kimberly checking out what Grey found

Oh the blueberries...
GJ got Grey a bowl of blueberries because he loves them, well cousin Sophie also loves blueberries so she came on over to eat some herself...

... (do you see the face) Grey was so not happy about the sharing of the blueberries

The grand kids looking through photos of their parents as kids (by the way, wow does Grey look just like Justin did as a kid, and boy does Justin look just like his dad)

Oh the Easter grass, how fun

Big tasty strawberry...

Big tasty strawberry shoved in the mouth...

Big tasty strawberry juice dripping down your chin...

Happy Easter!!!

14 months

2011-04-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Another month, another update!
At 14 months, Grey is weighing about 22 pounds and is around 30 inches tall (the official weight and height will be given at next months check up). He now has 7 teeth (very slow in the teeth department). No real words yet, but we have some partials (he usually says just the first couple of sounds, when he sees the object): car, dog, toast, cat, banana. He is still signing like crazy and now added to his list of signs are: bird, duck, cat, dog, monkey, fish, lion, horse (sometimes), baby, water, phone, open, help, and music. He also understands simple commands like "walk to the car" or "bring me teddy bear". We are still fighting between the one nap versus the 2 naps, and that usually leads to a fussy guy in the later afternoons, that and tantrums have totally began (arching of the back, stiff legs, and blood curdling screaming), super fun!!! For the most part, Grey is still a super happy guy, inquisitive, and smart, I swear he is learning new things everyday. While I am still sad to see my little boy growing up and become more and more independent each day, it has been fun to see him grow and learn. I look forward to seeing what the next month brings us.

A week in pictures

2011-04-18T18:54:00.001-07:00

It was a very busy week! Play dates, Easter egg hunts, animals, and family, it was a fun filled week!Monday: We had Grey's friend Tyler over for a couple (or more) hours, the boys had fun following Justin around the house, and both even broke into simultaneous cries when he stepped away for a minute.

Tuesday: Music music music, it is what consumes our house daily these days. Grey is obsessed (not an understatement) with music. He has even taken to using Justin's ipod, complete with ear buds. He will walk around for hours (total overstatement) listening to it!

Still Tuesday: The park! With the park being right up the street, and Grey needing to run around, dig in the sand, climb, and well generally terrorize things, we go here often!

Wednesday: First Easter egg hunt and not thrilled. He cried, he whinnied, we left!

Still Wednesday: We are now in a 2nd playgroup (I know can I keep this kid any busier)! Anyways, Grey decided it would be a good idea if he took one of the little ones for a stroll through the park (don't worry mom and I followed behind).

Again still Wednesday: We once again had Tyler over and more fun was had. The cutest moment of the evening, Tyler was crying and Grey went over to him and gave him a hug!

Thursday: Grey and I headed to the zoo. I decided to brave it without a stroller, Grey did really well, and well the times he wasn't into walking, my arms got a much needed workout!

Friday: Justin and I decided spur of the moment to head to the Wild Animal Park. Grey loved being able to stand up in the tram ride by his dad.

Still Friday: It was a hot day, and this little boy needed some water play time. We actually ended up visiting this part of the park a couple times.

Again still Friday: The Wild Animal Park had their butterfly exhibit, this is why we went up there, I love butterflies!

Once again still Friday: The Lorakeets! For those that have not been to the Wild Animal Park, this is one of my favorite spots. You buy a cup of nectar, step into a cage, and fairly large birds charge you having no regard for personal space, all to get to the sweet nectar.

Saturday: Grey's 2nd Easter egg hunt. This one went much better, well except for the giant lady dressed like an Easter bunny, that was too much for Grey and sent him to tears. The hunt however, while fairly crowded, did allow him to find a big plastic Easter egg filled with M &M's. Boy was he in heaven when he discovered that tasty treat!

Still Saturday: My mom was in town and it was her birthday, so we headed up to La Mesa to visit with the great grandparents and grandma. Grey had a blast running around the yard and playing with Gram Gram's phone.

***There are no pics of Sunday, but while I was off to a fun filled Stitch and Bitch event, to do some sewing, Grey and Justin headed to the park with our friend Martha to run around and play. All in all it was a very busy, but fun week!!!

Rag quilt

2011-04-05T09:59:00.001-07:00

Another baby another quilt. My brother and sister n' law are expecting their second boy in June (although the little one already tried to make an early arrival), so of course I had to make another quilt. This time I decided to make a rag quilt. It was super easy, super fast, and is super soft. I am still debating if I like this type of quilt (may be a little to messy looking for my drives me crazy if the seams aren't lining up issues). Despite my feelings, I do believe it turned out cute and it does make a perfect quilt for a baby, we all know babies love texture! So their you go, a cuddly quilt to keep baby warm and keep baby entertained. Oh, I used the elephants with the trunk up because it symbolizes luck (we want this baby to cook a little longer), that and elephants are just cute!

The front of the quilt, is sewn with the seams right side out and then you cut them so they fray in the wash.

The back (my fav because it is all neat and tidy) is flat, but you could easily alternate seams so you have a mixture of frayed seams and flat squares on the front and back.

Close up of the frayed seams that cover the front.

Had to put this in here. Grey couldn't stand that I was taking pictures of a blanket and not him, he kept standing and sitting on it so he could be in the picture. The 2 pics up top are the only ones I got that didn't include him, he was cropped out of the 3rd (sorry bug).

Dad time

2011-04-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Aprons

2011-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well it took a month, but I finally got 2 aprons (and the start of a quilt) done! Sewing has become a lot more difficult to do when you have a 1 year old running around. Thankfully I have amazing friends and family that have offered to take the little monster for a couple hours so some sewing could get done. Anyways, my friend Serena has started her own business, A Conscious Splurge, and asked me to make her an apron or two to use while she is selling her yummy treats at her local Farmers Markets (alas she lives up north, no treats for us). And from there a deal was struck. I would make her a couple of aprons for free, and she would try to pedal my wears at her booth. So more sewing time is needed, because starting in June With Love April will be selling handmade aprons and reusable bags (fingers crossed for both ventures to succeed!).

I decided to try a new pattern (not mine, it is from the Simplicity retro line) and I actually did not do any modifications (shocker). Well, while I think it is cute and flirty, modifications were needed.

The second time around I got rid of the top ruffle, changed the band and the ties (which sorry you can't see, but the second set was much better), added a bib and straps that cross in the back. All in all I think it turned out super cute and fun, but I will be making more modifications next time around.

Serena wanted her logo and company name embroidered, I don't embroider, but I am really hoping my next sewing machine will have that capability (already been checking them out, but don't tell the hubby). Anyways, for years anytime I need something embroidered I went out to this shop in La Mesa, they charge a fortune but do really nice work. This time around I headed to the hood to Fam Mart and WOW, super cheap and excellent quality. My new favorite embroidery spot (watch out everything I make from now on is going to be personalized!!!)

13 months

2011-03-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

( Yes I know "Where is the letter 'G'?" you ask, well now that he is past a year I plan on only bringing the "G" out on half b-days and b-days, so an update with a random photo till then.)

Lets see, he is still picking up sign language very quickly and now knows "thank you" and "eat" along with all his other signs. This month we will be working on animal signs, the ones I know anyways. Besides that he is a very active little boy, constantly on the go. He is an eating machine lately, and has been loving blueberries, hummus, goldfish crackers, and basically whatever we are eating. The most annoying thing this month is he has decided to play shy and timid whenever we get somewhere, he just want us to hold him so he can check out what is going on. Luckily he warms up and is off and running. Also he had decided to throw minor tantrums, usually when he doesn't get what he wants (that's fun). The cutest thing lately his that he gives kisses! Not always when you ask, but gives daddy kisses goodbye and me morning kisses, and sometimes at random parts of the day he will just walk over and plant a big sloppy kiss on you, too cute!

Grey and Kai

2011-03-18T08:57:00.001-07:00

On Sunday Tess took Greyson's 1 year photos and we had Greyson's friend Kai come along so we could TRY to get a couple photos of the boys together. Tess did a great job and got lots of super cute photos of each of the boys, as far as photos together, she got a couple, but we will have to try again when they are older.

12 months

2011-03-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Yay, Grey finally has health insurance, which means we could actually get this kiddo a check up (he missed his 9 month)! He is weighing in at 22 pounds, and measuring 29 1/2 inches, which while sounding tall to me, puts him in the average range for height and just below for weight. But he is a growing boy, so who knows what the next couple of months have in store.
So 12 months... he now has 6 teeth, 4 on top, 2 on bottom. He is a signing fool, he signs: please, more, all done, fish, book, milk and we are working on eat and thank you. He eats pretty much anything as long as he can feed himself, and tells you when he is done by throwing his food on the floor (While Justin and I are not amused by this, the cat is okay with it as long as it is cheese!). He is running all over the place, loves to talk on his play phone (or whatever he his pretending is a phone), and read his books (he even points to the "words"). He still loves Poedis and is trying desperately to be her friend (she still wants nothing to do with him). Loves being outdoors, taking showers, flirting with girls (well generally everybody), and wrestling with his dad! He is still one of the happiest kids I know, with constant smiles and laughter, and Justin and I (if this was even possible) fall more in love with him each day!

P.S. Tram

2011-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Justin and I took Grey to see the snow. While going to our local mountains would have been faster, we took the trek to Palm Springs to ride the tram (3 + feet of fresh snow, sunny, and 50 degrees). Growing up in P.S. I use to have summer camp at the tram and hadn't been back since I was little, so I was really excited to be going again, and taking both Justin and Grey for the first time. My mom, sister and her family met us there, and together we had a fun filled day in the snow. We plan on going again (probably next year unless another big Arctic storm hits), and already learned the errors of our ways the first time around (snow boots a must!!!!!!!!!!!!!)Seriously, so beautiful!!!

My mom toughing it out through the snow. She recently broke her ankle and had steel plates put in, don't think this what her doctor had in mind when he said "rehabilitation."

My boys, and I am sorry, but how cute are they!!!

My sister's boys, okay they're cute too!

Grey was not thrilled about the snow...

...unless someone was getting hit by a snowball!

Me and my sis with our so very So Cal boys (definitely no snow birds here)!

I decided to follow the trail less traveled, and well that meant sinking into snow to our knees!

Grey finally enjoying himself in the snow!

My mom bought us a sled (very cheaply made) so we could go down some bunny hills, Grey and I crashed on the first run.

Justin decided the bunny hill was to small, so hiked up to a steeper part, he ended up crashing too!

My sis after making it down the hill, all while screaming.

And Shea, he ended the sledding after breaking the very cheaply made sled. Good thing too, my toes were cold, wet, and frozen, I was ready to get out of there!!!

1st birthday

2011-02-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

Greyson had a big first birthday party with family and friends. We did an animal safari theme complete with animal masks, tiger dart (well ball) board, and animal print cookies. It was a great day, and so fun to celebrate our little boy turning 1 with everyone. To those that came, to those that sent birthday wishes, and to those that helped with Grey's party, THANK YOU!!!

A special thanks must go out to my amazing sis n' law for once again taking beautiful and priceless photos of Grey and his party, thanks Tess! Grey sporting his party hat.Some of the 4+ dozen animal print "G" cookies we decorated the night before the party.

The party favor boxes, complete with safari animal straw cup, bubbles, stickers, and finger puppet.

Bella wearing one of the masks.

My brother Ryan and nephew Rulyn playing with a mask.

The twins from playgroup came to celebrate, pictured is Celeste (I think).

Of course we had to pull out the tunnel, and as soon as we did Grey jumped inside.

Kai very excited to be celebrating.

Cruz thought the masks were quite tasty.

I had to pull the cupcake away from Grey, he wanted the candle.

Not quite sure about the texture of the frosting...

Over the texture issue!

The little boy in front is Grey's friend Mateo, Mateo had just had his birthday, so he knew all about this cupcake business and jumped right in to help Grey eat his. It was so cute!

Do you think he likes the chocolate?

Oh ya, he likes the chocolate!

Knowing Grandpa G Gnome is a chocolate lover, he had to share! (I love this picture!!!)

The mangled cupcake and a very messy boy!

I forgot to have Tess take a family birthday photo, so this is what we have. Funny though, I think I like it better than a posed family shot.

Reading one of his birthday cards.Grey helping to clean up after his party.
All cleaned up, in jammies, with monkey, and getting ready to call it a night.

Birthday shirt (the aftermath)

2011-02-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

I decided that I wanted to make Greyson's 1st birthday shirt, so after scouring the Internet for ideas I went to the fabric store, had Justin take the little monster out for a couple hours so I could actually sew, and set out to make his birthday shirt. However the shirt I planned was not working out, and time was running out, so in a last ditch effort to not waste the materials I had bought and still make Grey his own birthday shirt, this idea was born. Super simple, but I think it turned out super cute. And the hippo patch, I had actually bought that to put on his coming home from the hospital shirt, but in the end decided against it, so sorta fitting that it wound up on his 1st birthday shirt.

***Oh, yes I know this is a onesie, and had I been smart enough to try it on him before sewing it it would have been, but alas, it was to short to snap, so we just kept it unbuttoned and tucked it in. Lesson learned, must first try on clothes before sewing on them.

1 year old!

2011-02-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

It's official, we have a toddler! I still can't believe Grey is one.

The week leading up to his birthday had been a rough one, he decided to catch up in the teeth department and popped out his top 4 all at once basically, so that meant lots of fussiness, crying, and no sleep. By the time his birthday rolled around Grey was sick and by his birthday night Justin and I were feeling under the weather as well. As for his birthday, Justin got up with him that morning and both dad and Grey had fun playing with his birthday present, a set of wooden alphabet blocks. Then after a morning of playing in the house, we were off to the Science Centers Kid City to have a birthday playgroup with his friends. After playgroup we raced home to have a champagne toast with Grey's Grandma GJ and Grandpa G Gnome. Grey had fun playing with his grandparents, eating his birthday card, and staying up past his bedtime. After our little boy went to bed Justin and I popped another bottle of champagne, and looked through photos of Grey's first month, I can't believe how fast the time has gone, how quickly he has grown up, and how much he has learned. This not so little baby, has definitely changed our lives, and while Justin and I had a full and happy life before Grey came along, I can say for certain, I can't imagine our lives without him! So to the first year come and gone and many many more to go, Greyson I love you!

This is why we need baths...

2011-02-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

12 months of Grey

2011-02-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

A couple days old with dad

1 month old with dad and Grandpa G Gnome

2 months old with Great Grandma

3 months old with dad

4 months old with Grandpa

5 months old with Grandma

6 months old with Cousin Saxon

7 months old with Grandma GJ

8 months old with Cheryl and Kai

9 months old with Hannah

10 months old with Cousin Cruz

11 months old with mom

12 months old with mom

Being sentimental!

2011-02-17T18:44:00.001-08:00

Okay, I can't get over that fact that I am about to have a 1 year old! It feels like eons ago I was pregnant (LOVED my belly!), and was Grey really that small? I am sure in the next week I will be posting more "Where did my little baby go?" blogs, but in the meantime here is a quick glimpse.Here I am a little less than a month before Grey (gender unknown at the time) was born.

Grey about a day old. Look how small!!!

Here he is all grown up at 11 1/2 months! Seriously, "Where did my little baby go?"

Museums and aquariums

2011-02-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Grey and I took a trip to Balboa Park to take advantage of Free Tuesday in the park (every Tuesday one or more of the museums is free to residents). This Tuesday was the Museum of Man. Grey wasn't as fascinated with all the the things they had to look at, as much as watching all the people, climbing up the stairs, and looking through the banisters. Still it was fun.

Wednesday it was back to the Birch Aquarium with our Outdoor Classroom. Grey had a blast running around and playing with all the things they have for kids. He even got to touch a real Sea Star (not starfish, sea star), of course after touching it nicely he then decided to grab it. He got to play with a fake one after that. Looking forward to going back!

A trip to the Desert

2011-02-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday Grey and I decided to take a trip to the Desert to visit with the family. When we got there we headed over to my childhood park (much has been changed), to let all the boys run around and play. There was absolutely no one else there so we had the place to ourselves, it was fun to see the kiddos running around together and playing. After the park we headed back to my dad's house and got to visit with my Grandma and Aunt Barbara as well. Grey stayed up way past his bed time, but had a good time playing with his cousins. It was a short visit, but nice!

Grey loved following his Cousin Rulyn around the park.

My brother watching the kids play.

Instead of sand or the rubber mats, they had wood chips. Grey was fascinated with this, and decided to bury himself in them.

They had this giant sitting swing, so Sunnie sat down with Cruz and lulled him to sleep.

Grey was having fun playing with his Grandma GG.

This was probably one of the highlights of the night. Cruz was sitting in the walker and Grey decided to take him for a ride all over the house. Of course why we were all laughing, Cruz was not as amused and started crying. Grey stopped pushing him, leaned in and gave him a love (he rubs his head against you), and then picked up Cruz's pacifier and put it in his mouth for him. It was soooooo cute!

Making his new camera face while posing with Grandpa.

Again, new camera face with Grandma.

Going to the park

2011-01-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

Grey absolutely loves going to the park, and with it being right down the street we are frequent visitors. It is so fun to bring him to the park now that he can walk (although it means no real relaxing on the park bench, as we are chasing him all over the place)! He loves to explore the park, play in the sand, climb the play structure and follow the big kids around. Here are just a couple photos from our last couple of visits when I actually remembered the camera.

11 months

2011-01-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

11 months... one more month and I will have a toddler! I swear the months just keep flying by, so much so that once again I am late with his 11 month update, oh well. So at 11 months Grey is a little over 20 1/2 pounds and is about 28 inches tall. Still in the average range for both height and weight I believe. He walks and runs all over the place, has learned to clap (although he does it at really random times) and wave goodbye (which he has associated with the word dada), he prefers to feed himself, loves to snuggle with the cat (who does not share his same affection), constantly says mama and dada, and what sounds like banana (after we say it). He is very very talkative, constantly babbling away (gets it after his dad)! Still sleeping through the night (6 to 6), still only 2 bottom teeth, still prefers to be outdoors, and still incredibly happy.

La Jolla

2011-01-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Kathy and I took the kids to the Children's Pool in La Jolla to see the Harbor Seals and to let them run around on the beach and explore some tide pools. The weather turned on us early that day, so instead of the abundant sunshine and heat wave we had the previous couple of days, we had wind, clouds, and cold. The kids had fun regardless of the weather, and well it was La Jolla, so really you can't complain, BEAUTIFUL!!!

The seals just hanging on the rocks, not quite sure how they got up there.

Grey loved being so close to the seals, but the rope (yes just a rope) that supposedly blocks the seals from us, well he didn't quite understand that one. And who could blame him, they look so cute and I wanted to cuddle with them too!

Grey wasn't so crazy about walking around the tide pools, probably because the monster waves were crashing so close to us.

It was a full moon that night, so low tide was low. Lots of tide pools, but not much in them, that we saw anyways. Still fun!

The kids had fun playing on the beach and sharing their shell finds with each other.

Grey is still a little wobbly on the sand.

The kids had a blast playing together, it is so fun seeing them grow up together. I can't wait for the summer when they can go into the ocean.

10 months

2011-01-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

I have been so bad at doing his monthly updates lately, sorry! So on December 24th, our little boy turned 10 months. 10 months!!! The big news this month, he started walking, at about 9 1/2 months he took his first wobbly steps when we were at baby sign class, and the days following practiced his new skill every chance he got. The past month feels like a blur to me, probably because we were busy going here and there. Grey still prefers to be outdoors he loves going to the park. This month he decided to become a picky eater, so he has been eating through boxes of Mum Mums and Happy Baby squeezable fruit packs (at least he is eating something!). Lets see, he is weighing in at about 20 1/2 pounds and best guess at height is 27 1/2 inches. I think that puts him in the average range for both. He is talking up a storm (well babbling) and just keeps getting smarter everyday. And while he understands the word "no" his selective hearing seems to working in his favor, not ours. Grey is still a very happy playful boy, when he is not teething anyways (still 2 teeth), and we can't believe how fast the time has gone by.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve we took Grey to the zoo's Jungle Bells. We met his Grandparents, Aunt Tess and Uncle Sam, and a surprise guest, family friend Stuart there (Stuart and his family live in Denmark, so this was quite the surprise!). Grey of course fell asleep as soon as we got home, missing the count down to the New Year, but Justin and I actually stayed up sipping champagne and talking. New Year's morning was a lazy day at home. Happy New Year!

1st Christmas

2010-12-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

Greyson's 1st Christmas started 4 days before Christmas, when we headed over to the Rowley's to celebrate before everyone scattered out of town. Then a couple days later it was up to Palm Springs to continue the festivities with the Winkle clan. With so many pictures taken it was hard to narrow down, hopefully the following give a brief summary of a lasting memory (for me at least). Hope all had a Merry Christmas!Grey was so fascinated with his grandma GJ's tree, it spun and what do you know, little toys hang from it!

Cousin Sophie loves Greyson, she was so cute, giving him hugs and helping him take decorations off the tree.

Grey with his grandparents.

Cousin Jacob helped Grey open his presents.

We got to P.S. the day before x-mas eve, so we headed to the Living Desert (sort of like a zoo, but not), to see their Holiday Lights, Grey slept until the last 1/2 hour or so.

Trying to be fancy with my camera that hates taking night photos (my dad and nephew Rulyn).

Grey's cousin Cruz is only 3 months younger then him, so this was both of their 1st Christmas's. They had fun investigating the packages. Because Grey is mobile he would help bring them new ones, and well, also steal what they were already investigating away from Cruz.

Family Christmas photo on Christmas Eve. My family had a big Christmas eve, with all my aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids. It was super fun, and Grey slept through the whole thing, not getting to visit with one cousin, aunt or uncle of mine! Oh well, we had fun.

I really really wanted to start a tradition for our family. So I bought Twas the Night Before Christmas, and we sat down as a family and read this classic story Christmas Eve. A tradition started (and yes I cried a little!).

Grey with his stocking Christmas morning, and one of the zillion Mum Mum crackers he ate that day!

Of course we brought his very early Christmas present down. Grey and dad had fun walking around with his dinosaur Christmas morning.

Grey was trying to do everything his older cousin Rulyn was doing.

After a long Christmas morning, Grey decided to relax in his new shorty robe his Auntie Jennifer got him.

Today we... (Dec. Photo Project)

2010-12-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

December 25th

...celebrated Greyson's 1st Christmas! He had a ton of fun opening presents, stealing toys from his cousin's, and eating a TON of Mum Mum's (his favorite cracker). It was a great morning.
Merry Christmas!!!!

December 24th

...wish you a very Merry Christmas!!!

December 23rd

...are heading to Palm Springs for Christmas. And just in the nick of time, thanks to Jody and Dawn, Grey's Christmas stocking is done!!! Thank you both!

December 22nd

...well I, felt like Supermom! Some days, well, I just feel like I tackled it all, overwhelmed, stressed, yelling at husband, but supermom all the same!!! Today, after shopping in the rain, I came home made cupcakes, cookies, dinner, served wine and treats to my guest and her child, made craft projects, played with the kids, picked up the house, wrapped presents, continued with baking, and packed for our trip out of town. Supermom (today anyways)!

December 21st

...got out of the house! Despite the rain, Grey and I headed out to the craft store and then to Gymboree. Today we took their play and learn class, which means Grey got to go through tunnels, climb up ramps, and climb stairs. He loved it!

December 20th

...once again stayed inside (it is still raining!). But today we did attempt to clean the house up a little. After I scrubbed the bathroom, literally from celling to floor, Justin and Grey recaulked the bathtub. It was so cute to see Grey trying to help his dad, even though he did take several union breaks!

December 19th

...stayed inside. With it being cold and raining, it ended up being a family day at home. We all sat around on the floor playing with toys. Not sure if Justin and I had more fun playing with the toys, or Grey did. Anyways, it was a good day!

December 18th

...went to music class! At today's music class Grey was more interested in chewing on the instruments then playing them. It was still fun, and we have 2 more classes.

December 17th

...attempted to fix and finish things! First it was to Burlington Coat Factory to find a snowsuit (we did not), then to the special yarn store to buy more yarn for Grey's still not finished Christmas stocking, and then to the doctor to have Grey's horrible cough checked. Turns out he just has a cold. And in the mean while every chance he got, he was walking!

December 16th
...Grey took his first steps!!!
In place of a photo I posted a video.

December 15th

...listened as Justin spun records. Grey absolutely loves when his dad plays the record player, so today while I attempted lentil soup (it turned out yummy) Grey sat in his chair for an hour listening and drumming to the beat (sometimes) while Justin played record after record.

December 14th

...headed out to lunch. My mom was in town so we went to Casa De Pico with my mom and grandma. Grey loved being out and about and having his own plate of avocado. Thanks for lunch mom!

December 13th

...got out of the house. So after being stuck in the house for 2 days (well we did take a walk to donuts), I thought a trip to the park was only fair. Grey had a blast trying to follow all the big kids and eating sand. It was a good day!

December 12th

... ??? Okay for those of you actually checking to see if I post a pic everyday, yes I am a day late! Grey went another night with no sleep, so Sunday the last thing I wanted to do was get on the computer. I did however take a couple pics of Grey's total fascination with the washing machine (I tell him "it is the greatest show on Earth").

December 11th

...were in a sleep deprived fog! Grey is teething and last night we were back to the newborn days of getting up every 2 hours!!! Hopefully tonight is better. So in my sleep deprived state I stayed in my pj's, didn't care that Grey was up and the T.V. on, and did not take a single photo today. Here is Grey sleeping (which I hope he does tonight) at less than a week old.

December 10th

...hung around the house and then went to visit my Aunt Wendy, Grey was crabby! I took a couple photos, but nothing spectacular, so today you get one of the photos of him and Santa from Baby sign. This is one from when the photographers flash did something funny, but I love how it looks.

December 9th
...had a super fun day! First we saw Santa at Baby Sign Language class, (this is the second time Grey has seen Santa, and no he is not amused by Santa, no crying, but definitely no smiling), and later we went to playgroup. Playgroup was totally chaotic today, first their were about 10 parents, two of them have twins, all the kids were a little cranky (well one or two were okay, Grey not being on of them), and we did another craft project, a Christmas tree made of all the kids hands. Luckily there was wine and a lot of homemade cookies to get us through it. And at the end I have a very worn out kid and a Christmas tree made with all his friends hand prints!

December 8th

...well Grey, discovered wrapped presents and ribbon. Last night I wrapped a bunch of presents, and when Grey got up he discovered them. He of course pulled the ribbon off the packages, but I couldn't bring myself to tell him "no". So sorry if you receive a package that is slightly torn or missing ribbon.

December 7th

...canceled all our plans (Botanical Gardens and Gymboree) to do more shopping. Grey was not happy about this, so he decided he would do anything he could to stop me from getting ready to go. My solution, put him in the bath tub!

December 6th...hung out at home for most of the day and then went out shopping. I volunteered to do my dads Christmas shopping (don't ask), so Grey and I headed to Mission Valley to buy for the family. We got a couple gifts taken care of, but my dad has a big list, so I am not even close to being finished. So much for being ahead of the game this year. Anyways in our mad dash from store to store I forgot to take a photo, so here is a photo of Grey's hand print snowmen, we made them at playgroup last week.

December 5th...went to our friends Dawn and Greg's house for breakfast. They made us yummy oat pancakes with real maple syrup. Then after breakfast Dawn, the expert stitcher, helped me with Grey's stocking. I had the brilliant idea that while not a hand sewer would hand stitch (needlepoint to be exact) him a Christmas stocking, why I thought this was a good idea is beyond me, but here it is less than a month till Christmas and I am still not done. Luckily for me Dawn stepped in and stitched his name, added the date, added the details to most of the animals faces and other little miscellaneous stitches. Thanks Greg and Dawn for a great morning!

December 4th

...went to Gymboree Music class! Grey got to try out the maracas, drums, bells, play with a bouncy ball and bubbles. He showed off his dance skills, stole other kids instruments, and generally had a good time.

December 3rd

...met Kathy and her daughter Hannah at the zoo! The kids had fun playing on all the little play structures throughout the zoo (there are actually quite a few). I was going to post a cute one of the two of them, but instead you get me and Grey in this play helicopter. The reason is, as we were leaving the zoo, I sent Justin this picture and told him we were just now leaving the zoo, he wrote back "In a helicopter...!" I didn't even put the two together when I wrote him, but after it made me laugh, so there you go.

December 2nd

...had a busy day! Grey slept through baby sign language class, so when he woke up we headed out to finish our Christmas shopping (yay!) and stopped by the craft store to buy materials so him and all his friends could make snowman hand prints. After a short nap we headed to the park where Grey got to play with all his friends, eat sand, go on the swings, eat more sand, and then it was home to clean up!

December 1st... walked to our local Farmers Market. Grey got to try Persimmons and loved them. Here he is with his apples, persimmons, and yellow squash. Now all I have to do is cook it all up for him!

9 months

2010-12-17T18:10:00.001-08:00

Okay very very very late with this post! Grey turned 9 months on November 24th, and while I took his monthly photo and did his foot print (every couple of months we take his foot print), I never did the post, I actually just got around to downloading the photos off my camera. So...
9 months, not sure about height (missed the 9 month check up because of the F-ing insurance people), but my guess is around 27.5, weight is about 20 pounds. This was a big month for Grey, he started crawling, not scooting army style on his belly, but actually crawling, and quite fast. He also got his bottom 2 teeth (at the same time). He has been babbling away, his favorite words being mom, mama, dad, dada, and a bunch of other random sounds. He also is signing milk, still working on the others. Grey is very active and prefers to be out and about then at home, unless of course he has both mom and dad. And while not the most cuddly of babies, I still sneak mine in when he is tired (as a result I am still rocking him to sleep, and no I don't plan on giving it up and I don't care that it is a bad habit!!!). He is still a super happy boy and he amazes us everyday!

Walking!!!

2010-12-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

Today Grey took his first steps!!! This is a short video of him taking about 4 steps. He did this all day today.

Laugh

2010-12-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

Because I don't have enough to do... (Dec. Photo Project)

2010-12-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Because my friend Anna is doing it, because I love taking pictures, because I love blogging, and well just because! You should try it too, click on the picture to see what it is all about and then check my blog everyday to see if I completed the challenge.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

This year Thanksgiving was spent in town (our first in about 4 years) at Justin's parents house. We opted to skip the turkey and all its trimmings for a tropical theme. I made the macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, Jody made super yummy ginger carrots, Dawn made the lemongrass rice, and Kimberly made the mango cheesecake. We of course had mai tai's and all had a wonderful turkey day, including Grey who decided 5pm was a good nap time, and then proceeded to wake up an hour or so later and continue playing with his cousins till about 8. Oh well, hope all had a good holiday!

Last Thanksgiving I was 7 months pregnant and we were in Moorea, Tahiti.
Click here to see our babymoon photos!

Random photos: part 4

2010-11-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Sporting his pink "Save the boobies!" headband.

His new favorite thing to do in the bath, stand up...

then fall down on his butt, making a big splash!

Showing off his standing skills.

He loves to pull out all his books from his toy basket then flip through them and chew on them.

A boy and his dinosaur

2010-11-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

We decided to give Grey his Christmas present early, this dinosaur walker. He loves it and has already been cruising up and down the streets or should I say sidewalks of SD, and Grandma and Grandpa's hallways.
(sorry about the blurry pics, they were taken with my phone)

Justin's 35th

2010-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

For Justin's 35th I threw him a dessert and drink party at our house with friends and family. It was a fun (LATE) night and we enjoyed visiting with everyone that stopped by. And the most amazing thing, Grey went to bed at 6pm and didn't wake up till 6:30am, he slept through all the noise!