36

36 weeks of looking more and more like Daddy

How fun it's been to watch Grey grow!
Two funny things happened today, worth noting in Grey's 'journal':

First, Grey and I joined Chet for lunch at Spanish Inn.  There was a gentleman sitting in the table next to us who Grey was determined to make smile.  (Mind you, this kid never doesn't get a returned smile if she smiles at us!)  Well, this man didn't understand that she wanted him to smile.  She kept smiling and smiling and talking at him.  When he wasn't returning a smile after about 20 minutes, she started whimpering and frowning.  Finally she SCREAMED at him.  I'm talking...squealing and squawking in the middle of the restaurant.  He noticed her by this time (as did every other patron) and smiled back.  She got the HUGEST smile on her face and started laughing when she realized he wasn't "mad" at her. ;)  In said gentleman's defense, he was minding his own business and probably just trying to enjoy a peaceful lunch.  At any rate, Chet and I were pretty amused by our little diva.  She is a character.

Second, Grey was scared to tears of my neighbors dog this afternoon.  The dog that is calm, lays there and is a dachshund (small).  She LOVES boisterous, annoying animals who lick her, bark, jump and knock her over (such as our dogs), yet was crying because of a tranquil, sweet old dachshund.  I thought she loved all animals, but today's episode proved me wrong.  Babies are so unpredictable. :)

Noteworthy at 36 weeks:

• You spent your first night at a hotel in Fredericksburg!  We accompanied Daddy on a work trip, which was very nice, although the hotel was Momma's version of a slight nightmare.  Keeping your busy self away from all the germs and trying to entertain was not easy.  All I could think about - as you were biting and licking the headboard - was the 20/20 episode on what 'substances' are on hotel headboards.  And the headboard was probably the cleanest surface in the room....  You also didn't sleep at all that night.  We shall avoid a second hotel experience with you for quite some time. ;)
• You are exactly 16 pounds!  
• You are TRYING TO MAKE WORD SOUNDS!!  Such a big milestone!!  Woohoo!
• Each week you seem to be a "new person", having learned so much since the previous week.  You understand SO much of what we say.  You understand "no" without a doubt!  The funny thing is that "no" has only come with a 'removal action' (i.e. take a forbidden item away or not allow you to chew on a cord), yet if we say "no", you get so upset.  I love your strong will, because I KNOW you will be using it for good one day.  :)
• You are happy 99.9% of the time.  (Unless we have to say "no" to something)  
• You look more and more like your Daddy.  Your hair is getting lighter.  And I think your eyes will stay blue.  Precious.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:6

Fantabulous Day!!!

GET THIS...


I am so EXCITED...


God is SO good...


Holden Uganda has received funds to build 22 more wells by hopefully the end of 2012/early 2013!  That means up to well #108 has been FUNDED!  Several huge, generous funds were sent, and we are so blessed!

That means that if these wells each served 1000 people (most likely more per well), 22,000 people will get CLEAN water!  

That means that hundreds, maybe thousands, of people won't die this Christmas because of something so preventable.

That means that while we enjoy our extravagance and waste this holiday season, 22,000 people will sip life-sustaining WATER.  They will have something to truly be thankful for.

That means that because of CLEAN WATER, they will be able to live, work, play, learn and most of all hopefully come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ's unfailing love or them, accepting His free salvation above all.

That means that 22 Hope Families will be given joy in such a difficult season, knowing their loved ones are providing LIFE.

That means something so much greater than the gifts that will be under our trees.  Really.  Really.

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.  Psalm 30:12

Grey's First Thanksgiving at 8 Months (35 weeks)

Grey's 1st Thanksgiving weekend was WONDERFUL!  It was the best holiday Chet and I have ever spent having Grey to celebrate with us ... and we have SO much to be grateful for.  I do believe it was also the most relaxing holiday ever, an added bonus.

We spent Thanksgiving Day (Grey's 8 month birthday) with Chet's family in Colorado City.  Leigh Ann took a few photos of the day.

Caul, Grey and Shelbi

Most of Leigh Ann and Randy's family (Randy took the photo).  The forced smiles (or lack therof) crack me up. ;)

Leigh Ann's grandkids - minus Holden and a granddaughter living in the Dallas area.

It made me so glad that Grey was having a great day, and was the easiest grandkid to get to smile for the camera.  She's pretty much always happy! :)

I had to snap this one with my phone, since "swinging" with Daddy is one of her all-time favorite activities these days.

We drove to Brady Thursday night and stayed through Saturday to spend Thanksgiving with the Shuffield family.  Tisha took amazing photos (of course) that I will have soon, so I didn't even snap one with my phone.  (I know. Cuhrazy!)  Thankfully Tisha did get a few candid ones with her phone of Grey and "cousin" Campbell (9 months old) in their adorable turkey onesies Nicole brought for them:

They rocked "step climbing" like pros!

I plan on sharing her photos of these two cuties soon. :)  Don't worry!  They had so much fun together since they're at the perfect age to learn from and play with each other.

My sister's family was gracious enough to let us crash at their place while they were in Ft. Worth for the weekend.  It was relaxing through and through, even if we missed them terribly!

I haven't ever taken Grey's monthly photos with the dry erase board not exactly on the day of the 22nd (meaning sometimes she hasn't been in the mood), because I love that it is precise.  To me, why take milestone photos if they don't capture milestones....
Well, for 8 months I took them (or the one) today.  Not in her usual onesie.  Wearing a bow.  Oh well!  (Chet keeps reminding me that these blogs are a waste of time and that Grey will not care about them...if he's right, I am positive she will get over the few days inaccuracy and inconsistency.) ;)

I like our guest bed as the backdrop.  I wish I would've thought of this sooner.

I have not kept up with Grey's "One Line a Day" journal as I should, so I am going to be detailed.

Grey, at 8 months/35 weeks, you:
Are a bundle of energy!  You never stop exploring and learning, even if that means pulling everything off shelves and tasting and touching everything in your reach.  I literally can't set you down for 10 seconds without finding you in the next room.
Are crawling everywhere (see above)!  Nothing is safe (including Henri) at ground level anymore!  We love watching you crawl everywhere.
Are free standing and pulling yourself up to a stand on anything you think might work!  You've even attempted taking steps, but have been getting more cautious since you haven't liked the falling part so much.
Are about 16 pounds.  Every time I weighed you this week you were within a few ounces of 16 pounds.
Are fitting into size 6-9 month clothing.
Eat 5-6 oz. bottles about 4 or 5 times a day, with two "meals" of veggies and fruits in between.  I plan on increasing your "baby food" intake, but you are still so messy that I have to plan for it. ;)
Mimic sounds all the time.  You will click even if someone over the phone clicks.
Mimic head movements.  You are really enjoying shaking your head back and forth really quick.
Are not sleeping as well as usual.  I think all the traveling and "going going" has you off schedule, so we are starting sleep boot camp again today. :(  Sigh.
Love "peekaboo"!
Love water and baths, and have recently been interested in feeling falling water.
Are interested in your hands.  This is a silly thing to note, but it really cracks us up!  You give an expression that says, "Oh my word!  Look at that hand!  Out of nowhere it shows up!" as you turn it and stare.  ;)

We hung up Christmas lights and addressed Christmas cards this weekend.  Grey is loving the tree, although it is quickly becoming an "off limits" item.  The weather is beautiful and chilly, so Grey and I hope to make a few Christmas crafts this week.  We were also blessed with a HUGE influx of Holden Uganda donations this past week, so we have ... DRUM ROLL ... nearly 20 wells to build!  GOD IS SO GREAT!  Such a Thanksgiving miracle...thankful for clean water!

It feels so homey and wonderful around here.

Grey, 
What a BLESSING you are.  What a JOY it is to be your parents.  We are so THANKFUL.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presences with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100

34 week old turkey

Chet and I decided to snap a few photos of our turkey this afternoon.  She will turn 35 weeks on Thanksgiving Day, as well as EIGHT MONTHS, but why not extend Thanksgiving into this week too? :)  We have an infinite number of things to be grateful for!

I happen to think my turkey is a doll.  And boy am I ever thankful for her:

Now that we are empowered with the ability to crawl, it's nearly impossible to keep us sitting for long.

 hehe...the faces she makes!

34 Weeks has been a big one:

• You are 34 weeks going on 2 1/2 years old!  It's "get into everything" stage around here!
• You are standing up all the time now!  You are very brave and think you have a "magic" fall net [me].  

• You are mimicking sounds more, which makes me very happy!  Talking hasn't been on our agenda much lately, but I think you are enjoying the attention you get from copying our sounds.  You just needed some extra motivation. ;)  
• You figured out how to push buttons and understand "cause and effect".  You laugh and get so tickled with yourself when you learn something new, which of course makes me laugh right along with you.  
• You weigh almost 16 pounds.  I almost couldn't believe the scale yesterday!  CRAZY!  You have been eating a TON lately though, so I think you hit a major growth spurt!  I almost called the doc to make sure I wasn't overfeeding you, but then I figured your body knows what it needs better than anyone.  Your Creator is perfect like that.  Who cares if we are eating a half gallon a day, right? ha!
• You are so sweet!  I know I say this all the time, but you really, really are!  You turn your head sideways when Daddy talks to you.  You grab my chin and hold me tight.  You just love life.  Today I thought about how much you were in pain with reflux and colic as a newborn, but how you have grown out of most of it and are happy 24/7!  
• You love trying new foods.  We are pretty much "rogue" about letting you try foods.  I mean, we don't let you have cake or ice cream, but we do let you try all fruits and veggies, and even some whole grains.  Shhh...don't tell your doctor. ;)
• You shake your head back and forth when we do.  
• You laugh with peek-a-boo and have even tried to get us to play by covering your face up.
• You can throw a bonafide fit and understand "no".  There is no doubt about it...you know exactly what "no" means, and you dislike it.  A lot. ;)

I have missed Holden more than usual this week.  I think it's because you remind me of a toddler lately, with all that you are getting in to and learning.  I always wonder if he would have been an active, curious baby like you. [I believe he was not however, and I believe he was laid back like Daddy!]  It is weird how "full" my arms and heart are, yet how that can make me miss your brother even more.  I wonder if Holden would have cracked up over tummy kisses like you do.  I wonder if he would have crawled at 7 months and loved swinging in the park.  You have shown me so much about myself: I have learned about my patience and impatience, about my endless capacity of love for you, about really enjoying each moment.  I definitely credit your brother for much of my ability to slow down and appreciate even the tough moments of being your mommy.  I truly love the gift of being your Momma.  I get to celebrate Thanksgiving this year knowing my son is with Jesus, while holding my daughter in my arms...does life get any richer?

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.  Psalm 26:7

We have a CRAWLER @33 Weeks!

It's official!  Our little lady decided to officially crawl before she turned 33 weeks on Thursday!  This past week was so crazy I almost decided to skip blogging her 33 week blog (and I am already two days late).  I decided to go ahead and blog though, since I think I will enjoy these in the future, and I really hope Grey does too one day...  Life flies by, and I want to savor each moment, each priceless moment.

A little recap of your 33rd week of life, Grey Danelle:

• You have joined the crawling club!  For the past two weeks you have crawled here and there, but not enough for it to be considered 'official'.  It is amazing how a little thing like crawling can be SO AWESOME!  Your Daddy and I have thoroughly enjoyed being your #1 fans as you have made crawling steps.  Such a THRILL to see you accomplish something you have worked diligently at.
• You spent your first whole weekend (two LONG nights and three days) with your Daddy last weekend...away from me....while I flew to Houston.  I don't even think this needs elaboration.  Missed you isn't the word for it.  My heart was beyond full when you wouldn't let me put you down for two days after I got home though. ;)
• Speaking of leaving you, this Thursday-Friday you stayed with the Shuffields while Daddy and I spent the day and night in Austin.  Daddy had work there, so we thought we would enjoy a little date.  You adore Tisha, so you didn't even seem to want me very much when we picked you up. ;)  Oh well!  That made my heart happy too!  Auntie Charys also took care of you Friday, so you were spoiled and loved on to the max!  That being said though---I don't think I can leave you ever again.  Or at least let's not revisit this subject for a very long time.  You have been extremely attached to me today, and that is completely fine by me.  :)
• Thursday morning before we left for Austin, the Shuffields took our family Christmas photos (YAY!!), so you have the BEST ever "33 week photo shoot"...thus I only snapped this one photo on our way out the door with my phone:

• I haven't weighed you in quite a while.  I meant to weigh you before I blogged, but I will try to do that before your 34 week blog.  It seems like you have grown a lot lately, so I want to note that.

• You are a SWEET JOY to be around, and Miss Personality!  You are learning what we mean with many words and sentences, so it is neat to "communicate" both ways with you now.
• You love reaching in for kisses.
• You are getting brave about standing on your own.  You will let go of the furniture and smile at yourself being able to stand without assistance.  You need to remember you will ALWAYS be my little baby, so no need to rush all this!

I did not feel too well physically this whole week, which made it a little tougher to keep up with Grey and her active little self.  Thankfully we are all healthy in our home now though, and we are praying we stay this way all winter!!  What a wonderful (and daunting) blessing it is to know I get to be a mother: teaching an eternal being everything that is important about life and eternity.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  Colossians 1:9-12

32

I have the GREATEST respect for photographers.

I don't know why I get these wild hairs to use my real camera. ;)

Too Dark. Too Light.  BLURRY. (Of course all the great smile ones were too blurry to share since I was acting a fool to get those smiles...)

This is my darling at 32 weeks, even if her Momma can't use a Canon:

 

This goofy lip-sucked-in smile is all her lately!  I love that I got a shot of it. :)

 Crawling efforts

That sweet quilt was a gift to Grey from a precious lady here in Snyder.  I love it!!

Grey and I spent the whole day together, welcoming November and this epic weather.  Due to Grey's immune system being shot for these past 3 months (I think being a preemie started it off more susceptible and immature), we made the VERY difficult decision to keep Grey from daycare until she's at least a year old.  So instead of the normal daycare today, she stayed home with me.  It was such a bittersweet decision, as Grey was thoroughly enjoying her teachers and friends, and I was able to get a lot more Holden Uganda work done without the constant baby interruptions.  Her daycare is a beautifully warm, loving place.  I choked back tears as I filled my car with all the sweet things they had already done with my baby...who knew baby crafts could be so darn precious?  Even this quilt came from one of the board members of the daycare.  Sigh.  

But my oh my did I LOVE getting to snuggle and kiss and talk to my daughter all day.  I know the days and weeks and months are flying by so fast, that she will be big and grown 'tomorrow'.  I am savoring the fact that I am able stay home with her and keep her as healthy as possible...and Chet and I will make this work.  It's a BLESSING INDEED!

At 32 Weeks:

• The most noticeable thing of all: you are loving "scream wars".  You and Daddy have scream wars several times a day and you crack up over them.  You would probably scream for hours if we let you.  You aren't saying many words yet, so I do like that you are mimicking us, even if it's in the form of screams. ;)
• You are easily frustrated by your physical abilities, or lack thereof.  You just want to be able to crawl and stand up on your own and walk all over, and when you can't you cry.  
• You are amused by everything you do.  You watch your hands manipulate food and toys like a hawk, watch your toes as you are trying to walk, and even watch yourself make faces in the mirror.  
• You recognize more words.  I can say "kitty kitty" anywhere, and you look all over until you spot her.  If you are hungry and we say "bottle" or "bobby" (our word for it), we better have it in our hands to feed you right then.  You can also recognize bath, momma, daddy, more (for food) ... and I think you know the meaning of "NO!", but you are trying to ignore that one. ;)
• You continue to pull hair, twist hair, grab hair, etc.  It's your minor obsession when someone picks you up.  See above bullet point on "NO!". ;) 
• You are the sweetest person on earth.  You and I had a rough day yesterday, and right before you finally went to sleep (I was crying), you grabbed my face and hummed; totally made the world alright again.  You rub grey bunny's ears on our cheeks when you're falling asleep, so we can share in grey bunny's snuggles.  You try to make everyone smile.  When someone looks at you and won't smile, you will try and try...if they continue to not smile you start crying.  

After MOPS, I am flying to Houston for Brittney's bridal gown shopping weekend.  This will be the first time I have ever left you with Daddy...and EVER for two nights.  I am literally not allowing myself to think about it more than a second, because I burst into tears every time I do.  I know you guys will have the best time though!  

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," Ephesians 1:18

Halloween 2012

{{Happy 1st Halloween Princess!  I mean Grey Bunny!}}

Grey Bunny and her friend/future husband the Baseball Player (aka Trevor)

Lame Mom didn't snap a lot of pictures of Grey's first Halloween.  In my defense though, she had a really rough day.  I think she is either cutting another tooth or has an ear infection.  She spent a large part of the day in way out of character crying.  

Thankfully a late afternoon nap was just the cure we needed to get our "party face" on!  Grey loved seeing all the people at the Colonial Hill Trunk or Treat.  She also loved her costume and seemed content to wear it all night.  

I saw all the kids born in 2010 (Holden's age) running around getting candy and playing games...and it really hit me that Holden would be at the age that he would ((gulp)) probably pick out his own costume.  Wow.  

Each day is a blessing.  Never forget that.

Chet and I could not be happier to spend the evening with the most adorable bunny on earth.