WE MOVED!

For any of you who read this blog. . .We have moved.

I never could figure out how to make Blogspot look cute. Despite Beth's efforts to help. So I have relocated. You can keep up with our family at

www.littlegraybear.aboutmybaby.com

We may venture back to this realm sometime in the future, but for now I will blog at aboutmybaby.

Hope to see you there!

LIL CREEPER

Our family had a more than blessed Christmas. Grayson got to spend time with grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and his cousin Peyton. Santa was really good to him and Justin and I enjoyed speding the first of many Christmas mornings watching Grayson's reaction to the idea of presents. All in all this holiday was a great reminder of all the things that God has blessed our family with and an opportunity to remember the greatest gift of all, Jesus.
Over the Christmas holiday Grayson did a lot of changing. I feel like over night we entered a whole new era. He is now eating Cheerios, which he loves. He scoots all over the place and is ready to crawl any day. He loves all of his toys and shows incredible interest and attention when playing. Yes, I said playing. He actually plays with things now instead of just bangs them. He has even played his first game of catch with daddy using his new NC State football. He plays peek-a-boo, claps, and dances. I can't believe how fast he is growing and changing. His first birthday is less than 4 months away!!!!!! Where did the time go? Does anyone know how to slow this down?

YAY BABY!

I know it has been ages since I posted an entry. We have been a sickly bunch in the Caldwell household.

Thanksgiving was great! We spent the holiday in Greensboro with Justin's family and had a great time. I got to do my Black Friday shopping with Auntie M and Aunt Luci while Grayson spent most of the day visiting with grandparents.

Since Thanksgiving we have been really busy getting ready for the holiday and trying to stay well. I was sick with a cold, then Grayson had a cold and really high fever (103.9) which scared us half to death, and then I got strep throat which took me out of commission for an entire week. We are all well now and getting super excited about the upcoming holiday.

There are some updates for Grayson. We went to the doctor for the weight follow-up on the 2nd. He had gained some weight but was still only in the 5th percentile. Dr. Murnane was satisfied that he is at least staying on the same curve. Then he was sick on the 5th with the high fever and when he went in he was back under 15 pounds. Justin and I have decided at this rate he can still play football but as a quarterback and if he continues to stay so tiny he may have to be a kicker.

He isn't crawling yet, but continues to enjoy scooting around on hands and knees in his crib. He says da-da and ba-ba all the time. Ma-ma every once in a while too. He is loving his oatmeal, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, bananas, and squash. I would say the squash is his favorite. I am still making all of his baby food, which I really enjoy. It tastes much better than the jar kind and saves us a lot of money.

Grayson's latest development is clapping. He just started this last night. Justin and I couldn't be more proud. For whatever reason he found more interest in "Ocean's Eleven" on the TV than in all the toys scattered in the floor before him. He got really excited and started clapping. When I said, "Yay, Grayson!" and clapped too he realized what he was doing. Justin and I spent the next half hour or so saying "Yay baby" and "Yay Grayson" with Grayson clapping in response. Yes, we do have this on video.

WHAT A GREAT DAY. . .

Grayson and I had a great day yesterday despite the rocky start. On Monday evening Aunt Brooke and little cousin Peyton arrived at our house for the big day we had planned on Tuesday. We had been planning for weeks to take the boys to have Christmas pictures made and then to see Santa.

Like I said, the morning got off to a rocky start. Monday evening I noticed some rash and swelling in Grayson's "diaper area". By Tuesday morning it was WAY worse. Once I called the doctor and described what things looked like (I will spare the details for those of you who are already embarrassed for Grayson and how he may feel about this blog in 15 years) she said that I needed to bring him in right away. By 10:30 we were on our way home, running late for pictures, and with our diagnosis of an inflamed yeast infection. Poor buddy had to get a special cream.
So I know the title of this entry indicated that I was going to share something about a great day. Yeah, I am getting there. So, we get home and Grayson goes down for a short nap while I get ready for the day ahead. By 12:10 we were on the road and running only a few minutes behind.
The rest of the day was AWESOME!!! Right as we arrived for pictures it started to snow. Grayson and Peyton got to feel their fist ever snow flakes as we were going into the picture place. They both did so awesome for their pictures. According to the photographer, Grayson looks like "a little meatball" when he sits on the floor. What does that even mean?!?!? Brooke and I were so proud by the time we finished. After pictures it was time for the moms to get a reward. Off to Olive Garden we went!!! While having an amazing lunch (both boys were gems during lunch) it started to snow again! We were right by the window and had such a good time chatting, eating, and watching the snowfall. For those of you who do not live here let me say, we don't have snow at all. It was like 70 a few days before so all of the snow that fell melted as soon as it hit the ground. Only in NC!!!!
After lunch we went back to pick up the pictures and then we were off to the mall. It was time for Grayson and Little P to meet the Big Man in Red. Let me share here that by the time we arrived at the mall it was going on 5:00, the wind had picked up to about 70 mph and the wind chill out had to be around 12 below. You should have seen the four of us trying to get out of the car with diaper bags, strollers, blankets, and cameras. Babies were crying and all Brooke and I could do was laugh so hard it was embarrassing on so many levels.
We finally made it into the mall and to Santa about two minutes before his scheduled dinner break. What an event! Obviously we bought pictures of that too. I so thought Grayson would try to eat the beard, but he didn't. He didn't even really seem like he noticed a strange man in a bright red suit was holding him.
After that it was time to head home and time for Brooke and Peyton to hit the road. We really did have such an awesome day. Most of you know that my sis is pretty much my BFF. We don't get to see each other enough now that we both have little babes. I can honestly say that I will never forget Grayson's first snow and first visit to Santa not because we have pictures to document all of it, but because I got to experience all of it with my sis and little nephew. We are so blessed!

SECRET AGENT MAN

Well the crib mattress has been lowered. Grayson isn't even crawling yet and he has already attempted to pull a fast one. On Friday Grayson was taking one of his ususal naps. I heard him wake up, but I was in the middle of some work. Since he wasn't fussing and it wasn't time for him to eat, I decided to let him play for a minute. I could hear him giggling and cooing to himself, which typically means he has rolled over to his back and is having a big time. I actually heard him pick up his monitor which sits on the side of his crib and used to be very much out of his reach. On my way up the stairs I hear the monitor turn off. By the time I got to his room he had pulled up to his knees on the side rail and his leaning back reaching for the boats on his mobile. The monitor is back in place, only sitting a little crooked. When he sees me, he give a little smirk like he knew he was up to no good. I have a feeling I will see that smirk more and more as he continues to figure out all the things he shouldn't do.

THE NEXT STEP

It has taken me days to process the results of the election and to gather my thoughts on the siutation. Nope, our guy didn't win. We are in the minority of our nation with our political views. I am not mad, just disappointed. I was reminded by my mother-in-law that only God can determine the rise and fall of nations. God is also greater than any political figure and will never abandon His children or give them anything they can't handle. Although I am afraid for our nation, I am a firm believer that as an American you have to support and pray for your government and it's leaders. I will move forward from this election year and enter the next four years prayerfully. I will being praying for our new president and his family, our military, our children (born and unborn), our safety and security, our religious freedoms, and our business owners (small and large).

It is so amazing to look into the eyes of my little guy and know that he has none of these worries as a child. He doesn't understand the election, which was evident by the look on his face when we woke him at 6 am to go vote. He is even far from the realization that we live in America and we are governed by elected leaders. It is comforting to know that he doesn't have to know or think about what is going on in the world. However, my fear is that he may never know the amazing America that his parents grew up in.

EEEEE LEC TION

Here we are on election evening, watching those results come in. Grayson went with Mommy and Daddy to vote this morning. His first election. We were so proud. He even go his own "I Voted" sticker. He did not get his own free cup of Starbucks.

Grayson has been pretty fussy today. We really can't figure out why. He has been eating peas since Sunday and seems to tolerate them fairly well. He is eating his oatmeal and everything else is the same. It could be that he is teething, but who really knows? The poor guy can't even tell us what is wrong. I guess he could be feeling the stress of the election.

All of you who know us well enough know that we are praying for the election and the results. At this point our Senate race has already been a huge let down. I guess we have to remember that even the fate of our government is in God's hands and all will go according to His perfect plan. It is only human of me to have to remind myself of that over and over again during times like this.

TUT, TUT. . .LOOKS LIKE SMOKE

Grayson has officially celebrated his first Halloween. We spent the evening as a family at our good friends'(Matt, Beth, and Levi)house. Our friends Kelly, Wez, and Louis were also in town from Levy, SC. I will post pictures soon, but I can't even begin to express how cute our three boys looked. Grayson was Winnie the Pooh, Levi was a turtle, and Louis was a cowboy.

We had a pretty laid back evening with only one major dramatic event thanks to Matt's fog machine. The fog machine supposedly uses "carbon and water", is safe and non-toxic, and will not set off a smoke detector. Well, I don't know about the recipe or the non-toxic part, but we have proved that it will set off a smoke detector. CPI was on our side and some of Thomasville's bravest quickly showed up in front of the building where Beth and Matt reside in their loft. Two ladder trucks, a police car, and two smaller fire trucks came rushing to put out the fog machine. The funniest part of it all was Matt, dressed as the Joker from the new Bat Man movie, leaning out of the upstairs window with fog rolling out all around him saying, "It's alright, it's just a fog machine.", and Kelly yelling down to the police, "We have 3 babies asleep in here, please tell them to turn off the sirens!!!"

The best part of this is the simple fact that it is just another of the many hilarious memories we have made with this particular group of very dear friends. We are so blessed to have them in our lives and to be able to watch our boys grow up together.

O, O, OAAATMEAL

Apparently Grayson likes oatmeal better than rice because he eating it like a champ. He didn't take to it right off last night. It required some working to get him to realize it wasn't the same old rice cereal. This morning he ate it up. YAY, Grayson!!! Up next, PEAS! Well, after we go with this a few more days.

6 MONTH VISIT TO DR MURNANE

We had a great weekend. The first one home in eight weeks. That is border-line insane!!! On Saturday we went for Grayson's 6-month portraits. He did so well and they turned out great. I will post them on here soon. Sunday we planned to go to a pumpkin farm, but mommy and daddy weren't feeling well so we called it a day after church and lunch.

Today Grayson had his 6-month check-up with Dr. Murnane. As I sort of expected, Grayson came out a little under weight. He was in the 7th percentile for weight, while his length and head were in the 30th percentile. She is hoping it is just related to the recent stomach bug and his refusal of rice cereal since being sick. We are now going to be trying oatmeal instead of rice cereal and we go back for a weight check in a month.

He did so well with his shots and all he seems to be reaching all of his milestones just as he should be.

Tomorrow we have our rescheduled play date with Lauren Hagg, our friend from childbirth class. She is only about a week older than Grayson so it should be fun to see them.

HALF BIRTHDAY

It is Grayson's 6-month birthday. I can't believe he is six months old! Time is going by so quickly. The day got off to a rocky start. Mommy had to be at work early for a busy day of testing, this afternoon is a baby shower for daddy's coworker, and everyone was set for a busy day.
You know what they say about the best laid plans? Well we are a living testament. Half-way to daycare Grayson puked in daddy's truck. This was after 36 hours vomit free!!! Daddy turned around, Daddy went home, Daddy called Mommy, Mommy pulled over, Mommy turned around, Daddy cleaned up puke, Mommy called the doctor, Doctor said get pedialyte, Mommy got home, Daddy went to Target, Pedialyte was started, and daddy went to work.
Once feeding time rolled around Grayson was no longer having it with the Pedialyte so despite doctor's orders I had to feed him. He held it down and now he is sleeping. Unfortunately the doctor said this little bug is going around and lasts from 5-7 days. Fortunately, we are on day 5!!! I can see the light! Poor Baby, Happy Half Birthday to you!

PUKES MCGEE

Seems like every entry is a first. I guess you have so many of them during the first year. Today we are living through our first stomach virus. Grayson picked it up at baby school (daycare). It all started last night when we went to dinner to meet Uncle Matt's parents, brother, and his Grandmother for the first time. Uncle Matt and Kelly were there too. Matt's Gradmother had just flown in from London. Now, Matt isn't Grayson's biological uncle, but we call him uncle because he is a very good friend of our's.

I should go back a bit and tell that Grayson oddly threw up on Saturday and Sunday morning, right after his first feeding of the day. At that time we just thought it was something weird with his am feeding and being out of town. We were at the OBX with our small group. So here we are at Johnny Carino's and I go into the bathroom to change the nappy and he pukes all over the floor. Imagine my embarrasment when I had to go to the waiter and tell him there was rice ceral puke all over the floor.

We proceed to load up and get in the car to head home. Keep in mind we had become a little comfortable with one incident from our experiences on Saturday and Sunday. Monday we were not so lucky. He puked like 3 times in the car and 2 times once we got home.

Needless to say, we are home today. Grayson has missed his first playdate with Carrie and Lauren, friends from childbirth class and is spending the day recovering. He has not gotten sick all day so hopefully things we be back to normal in time for his half birthday tomorrow.

RICE MUSH

Grayson has officially started rice cereal. He had it for the first time tonight in his brand new bowls and with his brand new spoons. He was truthfully more interested in the spoon. He did well and seemed to enjoy it. It was mostly milk with a little cereal, more like mush than cereal. I will try to post pictures soon.

WHAT A BIG BOY

So I sat Grayson up on his changing table today and he stayed! No swaying and no falling over. I guess it is official, he can sit. He is growing so fast. I feel like if I sleep, look away, or even blink for a second I will miss something.

FIRST RX

Grayson has yet to shake this cold and cough we have been dealing with for the last three weeks. As of today he was officially diagnosed with bronchitis and perscribed his first round of antibiotics. These are firsts that I would seriously rather not be experiencing. It breaks my heart to see him congested and snotty. He can't even blow his own nose. :(

FIRST TRIP TO TOPSAIL. . .CHECK

Grayson has officially experienced his first football game, first trip to topsail island, first family vacation, first time in the ocean (only his toes), first nor-easter at the coast (like a tropical storm), first time in his little pool, and too many more for me to count.

The vacation was great. Grayson was awesome even though he had a bit of a cold. He seemed to enjoy the beach (sand and water)once he had a couple of days to get used to it. The family seemed to enjoyed getting to spend some time with him. 13 in all, in and out all week. Daddy and Grandpa Royal gigged some flounder so Grayson got his first taste of that (via Mommy's milk). All in all it was a wonderful time. We really are blessed to be able to experience such times as a family.

On the horizon

I am exhausted but way excited. We have a lot of fun just ahead of us. Tomorrow Grayson will be attending his first NC State game to cheer on the Wolfpack. This is a VERY big deal in our family. We have his little wolfpack gear all ready complete with socks, outfit, sweatshirt (to go over top in the am when it is chilly), bib, pacifier, and hat. OH BOY!!!

On Sunday we will be leaving for our vacation. Grayson will be taking his first trip to Topsail Island, which has been my family's beach-of-choice since I was a little one. We will spend the week there with lots of different family members coming down throughout the week to spend a few days with us. As I said, I am exhausted and still have tons to do before we are ready to leave. All of the stress that goes in to getting a baby ready for a full day of football and a week of vacation will be worth it when we can look back on the amazing memories we are making. My prayer is that I remember to stop all the hustle so that I can take it all in. These firsts only happen once.

ON THE HORIZON

I am exhausted but way excited. We have a lot of fun just ahead of us. Tomorrow Grayson will be attending his first NC State game to cheer on the Wolfpack. This is a VERY big deal in our family. We have his little wolfpack gear all ready complete with socks, outfit, sweatshirt (to go over top in the am when it is chilly), bib, pacifier, and hat. OH BOY!!!

On Sunday we will be leaving for our vacation. Grayson will be taking his first trip to Topsail Island, which has been my family's beach-of-choice since I was a little one. We will spend the week there with lots of different family members coming down throughout the week to spend a few days with us. As I said, I am exhausted and still have tons to do before we are ready to leave. All of the stress that goes in to getting a baby ready for a full day of football and a week of vacation will be worth it when we can look back on the amazing memories we are making. My prayer is that I remember to stop all the hustle so that I can take it all in. These firsts only happen once.

HOLIDAY, CELEBRATE

Well, Justin and I survived our first weekend away from Grayson. We spent Labor Day weekend in Asheville/Greensboro/Thomasville. We were in Asheville for Liam and Kelly's wedding while Grayson stayed at his Grandma Cindy and Papa Jack's house. We missed him, but I must say that I think the little guy had a blast. Our trip to Asheville was nice and the wedding was beautiful, but I was very ready to get home to little Gray Bear.

I must include here that while in Asheville we were able to meet up with Auntie Sarah to see her new house and meet the mysterious man, Sean. Both were amazing, the house and Sean. I can't explain how great it is to see one of your dearest friends doing so well and full of such joy even after a super stressful weekend of closing and moving. Thanks for letting us drop in for a few Sarah.

After our return from Asheville we had a busy couple of days. Kelly and Wez were up from SC with little Louis. They were staying with Beth, Matt, and Levi. We were able to visit with them on Sunday evening for dinner. It was so amazing to see the little boys together and to know that they will be pals for many years to come.

On Monday we had to say good-bye to Greensboro. Before our departure we were able to go over to see Uncle Jason and Soon-To-Be Aunt Luci's new home. Congrats to them!!! After that we went to say good-bye to Uncle Travis because he is leaving for deployment today. We are so proud of what he is doing to protect us and the rest of America. We headed back to Raleigh Monday afternoon for an evening of celebration with my mom, Troy, Aunt Ret, Aunt B, and Peyton for my birthday.

Aunt B and Peyton are still with us and today we will be celebrating my birthday. My first birthday as a mom. I guess the point of all of this is to remind myself how blessed we are. It all seems like a lot of chaos and business, but the bottom line is that we wouldn't be so busy if we weren't blessed with such an amazing family and so many friends that are as close to family to us. These are the people that make life so enjoyable.

Holiday. . .Celebrate!

Well, Justin and I survived our first weekend away from Grayson. We spent Labor Day weekend in Asheville/Greensboro/Thomasville. We were in Asheville for Liam and Kelly's wedding while Grayson stayed at his Grandma Cindy and Papa Jack's house. We missed him, but I must say that I think the little guy had a blast. Our trip to Asheville was nice and the wedding was beautiful, but I was very ready to get home to little Gray Bear.

I must include here that while in Asheville we were able to meet up with Auntie Sarah to see her new house and meet the mysterious man, Sean. Both were amazing, the house and Sean. I can't explain how great it is to see one of your dearest friends doing so well and full of such joy even after a super stressful weekend of closing and moving. Thanks for letting us drop in for a few Sarah.

After our return from Asheville we had a busy couple of days. Kelly and Wez were up from SC with little Louis. They were staying with Beth, Matt, and Levi. We were able to visit with them on Sunday evening for dinner. It was so amazing to see the little boys together and to know that they will be pals for many years to come.

On Monday we had to say good-bye to Greensboro. Before our departure we were able to go over to see Uncle Jason and Soon-To-Be Aunt Luci's new home. Congrats to them!!! After that we went to say good-bye to Uncle Travis because he is leaving for deployment today. We are so proud of what he is doing to protect us and the rest of America. We headed back to Raleigh Monday afternoon for an evening of celebration with my mom, Troy, Aunt Ret, Aunt B, and Peyton for my birthday.

Aunt B and Peyton are still with us and today we will be celebrating my birthday. My first birthday as a mom. I guess the point of all of this is to remind myself how blessed we are. It all seems like a lot of chaos and business, but the bottom line is that we wouldn't be so busy if we weren't blessed with such an amazing family and so many friends that are as close to family to us. These are the people that make life so enjoyable.

A LITTLE HOTTIE

So Grayson woke up with a fever this morning. Probably from the shots he had yesterday. His first real fever. 101, I think. Daddy took the actual temp. After some Tylenol he ate and went back to sleep. Seems to feel better, but it still breaks my heart that he isn't his usual smiley self.

A little hottie

So Grayson woke up with a fever this morning. Probably from the shots he had yesterday. His first real fever. 101, I think. Daddy took the actual temp. After some Tylenol he ate and went back to sleep. Seems to feel better, but it still breaks my heart that he isn't his usual smiley self.

Here we go!

So I have decided to give this blogging thing a whirl. I have always wanted to be one of those people that have this amazing journal that I can go back to for all of those "remember when" moments. Well, I am a slow writer. I hate to write in a journal. This seems a little more workable for me. I haven't been able to keep a consistent journal since the beginning of college. That is a lot of lost years, ten to be exact.

One day I was talking with one of my dearest friends, Beth, who apparently shares in my frustration with trying to keep a journal. She is a blogger and I feel in love with the idea of it after talking to her and reading her blog about her life and her family. So here I go with my first entry.

I am starting this just after the 4 month birthday of my son, Grayson. I am sure I will eventually wish that I kept this from day one of my pregnancy. By the way, it was one year ago last week that our lives changed when we received the news that we were pregnant. What crazy news that was. We were going for a consult about fertility options since recent test results indicated I could not get pregnant without some intervention to replace a low horomone. Imagine our shock and the doctor's since my test results were in the "impossible to get pregnant" range. Score plus 1 for God!!! So what an adventure we have been on since.

Grayson has been a huge blessing to our lives. At four months old he is more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I can't believe that God has trusted us with such a special little soul. He has been the greatest gift I have ever received.

As I begin this blog I will do my best to keep it current with all that is going on in our lives and all that we are experiencing day to day. My hope is that I will be able to share all the details of our experiences with those most important to us and maybe a few people we haven't met yet.

Here we go. . .

So I have decided to give this blogging thing a whirl. I have always wanted to be one of those people that have this amazing journal that I can go back to for all of those "remember when" moments. Well, I am a slow writer. I hate to write in a journal. This seems a little more workable for me. I haven't been able to keep a consistent journal since the beginning of college. That is a lot of lost years, ten to be exact.

One day I was talking with one of my dearest friends, Beth, who apparently shares in my frustration with trying to keep a journal. She is a blogger and I feel in love with the idea of it after talking to her and reading her blog about her life and her family. So here I go with my first entry.

I am starting this just after the 4 month birthday of my son, Grayson. I am sure I will eventually wish that I kept this from day one of my pregnancy. By the way, it was one year ago last week that our lives changed when we received the news that we were pregnant. What crazy news that was. We were going for a consult about fertility options since recent test results indicated I could not get pregnant without some intervention to replace a low hormone. Imagine our shock and the doctor's since my test results were in the "impossible to get pregnant" range. Score plus 1 for God!!! So what an adventure we have been on since.

Grayson has been a huge blessing to our lives. At four months old he is more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I can't believe that God has trusted us with such a special little soul. He has been the greatest gift I have ever received.

As I begin this blog I will do my best to keep it current with all that is going on in our lives and all that we are experiencing day to day. My hope is that I will be able to share all the details of our experiences with those most important to us and maybe a few people we haven't met yet.