Our Every Day

With these unusual chilly temperatures in June and July, Grayson has spent a lot of time out on our front porch. It is his favorite place to go throughout the day - other than in the bathroom downstairs to play with the dog's water bowl. I don't really blame him for wanting to be on our front porch. It is one of the best parts of our house. Also we live on a busy street and it is the prime spot for people watching! Okay to be fair, the pennant banner has since broken and fallen down so our porch doesn't exactly look like this anymore. But I liked the picture so decided to use it anyway! The other day as I watched Grayson run back and forth, crawl, bear-crawl and lay down (yes, I am sure passing motorists think we are weird) on the porch, I realized that in his short life span he has spent a good amount of time out on a porch... At Grandpa and Grandma M's house. At Grandpa and Grandma S's house. I don't have any pi...

I have no words about Grayson being 20 months old. None. I mean, I guess I have SOME, considering that I am writing this post about him, but still. It is difficult for me to put into words just how amazing this kid is. Because he is. He is mostly indifferent about his little brother, but he does check on him when the baby is crying. Sometimes he gets that "Oh brother, quit crying" look in his eye. I am sure we will be seeing that quite a bit over the years to come. And I have had to say, "Please leave Easton alone!" probably a dozen times or so. I am sure I will be saying that quite a bit in the future. He is so quick to smile these days. All you have to do is catch his eyes, smile and you are treated to a wonderful Grayson grin that lights up his face and shows in his eyes. If you are really lucky, he will come close and his press his forehead to yours. He is also quick to tantrum these days but we know that has to do with his commun...

Today Mike and I went to the two garage sales being held in my dad and mom's neighborhood. I found some clothes for Grayson and a gorgeous solid wood Ethan Allen hutch for $50! It's still sitting in their garage awaiting pick-up but soon it will be our new "command center" in our kitchen. I cannot wait. Pictures to come. My mom was at home with Easton, so I was texting her as we walked down the street. I didn't anticipate to find much at the next house, but I thought I might as well stop by. As we walked into the garage, my eyes landed on a nativity scene. The same exact nativity scene that my family had when I was a child. All that was missing was the little crèche that went with it. I seriously almost cried. I announced loudly, "I HAVE TO BUY THIS!" which was really meant for Mike, but a bunch of the shoppers turned to look at me like I was crazy. I didn't care. It was a whole 2 bucks. I texted my mom, "You will not believe what I ju...

On July 20th, Easton will celebrate his one month birthday! And we will celebrate it too - because what was life like before Easton came along? I can't even really remember. I am almost certain I was sleeping more, but that's about it! Oh that dimple <3 He fits into our little family so well - the calm, laid back child in comparison to his active older brother. I say that but in another six months or so, Easton will also be on the move and then my home will be even more happily chaotic. I can't wait. To be truthful, the newborn days aren't my favorite. I love Easton to the moon and back, but I honestly can't wait until he is just a little bit older and not so fragile. I am happy that he is getting better head control, because his slight little body was almost my undoing in the first days of his life. I was so afraid of hurting him. Which makes sense because I am used to a hearty toddler who likes to take head dives off the couch for fun. The othe...

Grayson's favorite thing to do right now is go outside and blow bubbles. Or rather it is more like, go outside and watch Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa blow bubbles until we are all short of breath! It is an activity he loves to share with his Grandma Carol especially. The other day, I made the mistake of leaving the bubble bottle where Grayson could see them. He grabbed Mike by the hand and took him over to the bubbles and then looked up at him with those big blue eyes. Of course we can rarely say no to that cute little face. Easton and I joined them outside, and I snapped a few pics with my phone. The joy on his face is so touching to this sappy, hormonal mom. All I can think about is how he can't really communicate with us verbally, but he still let us know what he wanted. We just love this little guy so much.

Grayson is getting really good at telling us when he wants to go outside and play. He does not like hearing "NO" to his requests though! The other day he was asking to go outside, so Mike took him out to play in the rain and do some running through puddles. Needless to say, our kiddo loved it! Best buddies. <3

This week is Grayson's first week of swim lessons. What does this mean really? Basically just getting him familiar with the water. Mike - being a certified water safety instructor and all - attends the classes with him, where they have a great time of just playing! It's so fun to watch them. We especially enjoy the long naps that Grayson takes afterwards. Splashing in the water wears a boy out! My hope is that Grayson (and Easton) learns how to swim because I never did. Not for a lack of trying or for attending lessons - I am just very fearful of water where I can't touch. I don't want that for my boys! Hopefully they will be confident in the water, just like their daddy is.

I know I say this every month but it has been a BIG month for our Grayson. Seriously. It really has. For starters - he became a big brother!!! He acts pretty indifferently towards his little brother. Sometimes he peers over the edge of the basinet, pokes him, giggles a little bit and runs away. Usually he just acts really jealous if Mike is spending time with Easton. So we are working on it. Someday he will adjust, but now we are being extra cautious when he is around Easton because who knows how he will react! :) While I was in the hospital, Grayson spent his days with Grandpa and Grandma M - and BONUS! Uncle Robbie, Aunt Tracy, and cousins Emery (2 years old) and Laurenne (at the time she was 9 weeks old.) (And just starting to smile - be still my heart!) Anyway, he seemed to have a great time with them during the day, then in the evenings he would spend time with his Grandpa and Grandma S and Mike.  He was not overly thrilled to come to the hospital to see me, but those ...