Prayer Request

First I would personally like to say THANK YOU to the person that left me a comment to share a blog with me today.  It is so nice that in the Blogging Community that we can all support one another so tonight I ask you to please pray for this sweet family. 

The Staats 

Kellie is the author of this blog and she reads my blog along with several of my friends blogs.  So please take the time to read her blog and hear her story. 

Kellie and her husband lost their baby girl Maddie at 4 months on February 17th, 2011 while she was being cared for by a babysitter.  Just the short time I have read through her blog I feel the NEED to help Kellie and give her a BIG hug!  I can't imagine what she is going through each and every day.  My heart hurts for her and I would like more than anything if you would reach in your heart to pray for Kellie and if you are able to help you can by going to an Auction that begins tomorrow Monday, February 28th, 2011 at 12PM.  ALL MONEY RAISED WILL GO TO THE STAAT FAMILY.  Kellie's greatest desire is to be able to stay home in the future and she is exploring the world of becoming a Natural Light Photographer. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.  They did not ask me to write this post I felt in my heart that I needed to share Kellie's story with all of you. 



Grayson's Tube Surgery

{hanging out on Mommy and Daddy's bed before we left for the hospital}

I wasn't sure if I was going to do a post on Grayson's tube surgery, but I am because of two reasons:

1.  For me to remember and some day add to his baby book

and 

2.  For any other Mommy's that might be heading down the road of getting tubes.  My friend Karen from Karen at Home sent me her blog post that she wrote up on her experience with Jillian getting tubes for the first time and it was very informative.  I am so glad that she sent me the link this week. 

{just got to Grayson's room and hanging out on the bed}

{Grayson in his hospital gown}

 

{just waiting that was the longest part of the day}

The actual procedure of getting tubes doesn't take no time.  I was amazed how quickly they completed the surgery.  I think it took 5 minutes.  We barely had time to check our iPhone and Dr. B was back in the waiting room giving us a complete recap of the surgery. 

I really like the hospital we go too.  I loved two things they did today to keep us informed.

one they gave us this card

and two they had this screen that kept us updated on the status of Grayson

Every one told us that it would go great and that he would be MAD after the surgery.  AND yes he was MAD!

 
Many Tears and rocking him or bouncing him to calm him down seemed to do the trick.  I think he was extremely hungry and all he could have until we left was Pedialyte.  But once we were discharged and in the car we gave Grayson a bottle and he sucked it down and was asleep before we got on the interstate to go home. 

Once we were home he took a three hour nap and woke up happy and hungry!  The biggest difference between before tubes and now after tubes was the fact that he eats so much better.  He did end up taking another nap later in the afternoon and I was hoping that he would sleep through the night, but that did not happen.  I do hope that his sleeping continues to improve for the next several weeks.  We have a follow up appointment in two weeks to make sure everything is going well. 

Overall we {Chad and I} are both happy that we made the decision to get tubes for Grayson. 

Right now the only concern that I have is Grayson is still pulling on his ears, but it could also be the fact that he did not nap at all this afternoon.  If he continues to pull on them tomorrow I plan on calling the Dr B on Monday.

Thank you for all the sweet Facebook Messages, Texts, Calls, and Tweets from our family and friends. 
Grayson is VERY LOVED!

{day 24} where

the Joy of Love Post

day 24 - where

subject - Jamaica Wedding

In 2006 Chad and I got married in Jamaica and it was PERFECT! 

We had our family and friends with us on a very special day.  I feel blessed that our friends and family made the trip and created wonderful memories for us.  NOW we all need to do it again... not the getting married part, but going to the beach together. 

Here are a few pictures of WHERE Chad and I got married!

the joy of love catch up post

Thank you all for your sweet comments and wishes for our appointment on Friday. 

the joy of love catch up post

{day 23} facebook

Subject - Sisters

This picture was taken back in 2006 when Chad and I got married in Jamaica.  It is still one of my favorite photos.  I love the blue ocean in the background and the fun bright colored dresses my beautiful sisters are wearing. 



ENT Appt

This morning we had our ENT appointment for Grayson and it is completely clear that Grayson needs tubes.  His ears are still infected after three shots of Rocephin and he is constantly pulling on them.  We go in Friday morning for his tubes and the only thing that I am nerves about is Grayson cannot eat anything after midnight on Thursday.  This will be tough because he still is getting up around 3 or 4 for a bottle.  Please keep our little guy in your prayers on Friday.  

Grayson waiting with Daddy at the doctor!

 

Happy 9 Months

Happy Nine Months Baby G!

It is amazing that we are NOW at nine months and you spent nine months in my belly and now you have been with us for nine AWESOME months!

Your monthly pictures were tough to do this month.  Sitting in your chair was tough as you kept trying to climb out of it and you were moving every where I put you. 

This past week you had your 9 Month Well Visit

and you

weigh: 17 pounds 7.5 ounces 

height: 26.75"

head circumference: 45 cm

What have you been up to this month: 

~ You can now hold your own bottle 

~ You are climbing onto everything 

~ You can pull up on your toys and stand up for a little while before you tumble to your bottom 

~ You crawl backyards and move in circles to get around 

~ You can get up on all fours and rock back and forth it is too cute 

~ You LOVE to eat, your favorite foods are VEGGIES.  You are so cute when you eat after each bit you say "UMM" for Yummy.

~ We have just started introducing you to puffs and the yogurt melts and you are not a fan.  In fact you put them in your mouth and then you spit them out.  

~ Dr. S told us that we can start introducing you to table food.  We will give this a try over the next month and see what happens. 

~  You love playing with your toys and it is so cute watching you grab your shape blocks and clap two of them together.  You love your VTech Learning Walker and Leap Frog Table.  You prefer playing on the ground with your toys than jumping in your jumperoo. 

~  You are SO Happy after taking a nap or when you first get up in the morning.  It is so cute seeing your BIG smile.

~   You have become our little Gerber Baby.  I think I get told at least twice a day when we are out that you should be a Gerber Baby. 

~  Everyone LOVES your eyes and both daddy and I think you have your Auntie Mae's eyes. 

~  You love your socks, the moment I put them on you they are off and in your mouth. 

~  You say Dada all the time!  Everyone is Dada!

~  You still have two teeth

~  You have had four ear infections in the past two mouths

~  You still do not sleep through the night, but you did sleep through the night on Friday night and it was AMAZING for mommy to get a full night of sleep.  You get up at least one time during the night.

~ You have figured out to roll over onto your belly when you are in your crib, but you think it is funny and will not go back to sleep unless you are on your back.  Now if you can figure out how to roll back over and go back to sleep. 

~  You roll over to your belly in your crib and you will climb to the edge of your crib and look over it is too cute and you get SO EXCITED!

{as you can see he is not happy and about done taking pictures}

~  Besides baby food you are still drinking breastmilk during the daytime and if you get up during the night you have formula. 

~  Besides playing in the snow this past month we have also taken you to the park to play on the swings and the slide and you loved it.  Mommy is so excited for Spring and Summer we are going to have so much fun outside.

~  With the warmer weather we have had the past several days mommy has taken you for walks and you love looking around and seeing all the kids in the neighborhood. 

~  You love playing with the car keys and mommy's water bottle.  I try to hide them from you, but you always seem to find them and get so excited when you see them. 

~  You are wearing size 6-12 month clothes

~  You wear size 3 diapers

~  You are in size 6-9 month PJ's

~  You love bath time with daddy and get so upset when we take you out.  You are playing with your toys and splashing more during bath time. 

~  You love your paci and I fear the day we have to take it away.  But it really is nice that you can self soothe yourself in the car or during nap/bedtime. 

~  Happy Nine Month Birthday Grayson I look forward to seeing all the new things you will do this month.  Thank you for your love and all your smiles each and every day!

8 Month Pictures by Jenny Marrs Photography

Several weeks ago Grayson had his 8 Month Pictures with Jenny Marrs Photography in NWA.  We also took the opportunity to have family pictures taken too.  Today I met up with Jenny to get our prints and I LOVE THEM! 

Here is one picture of Grayson and you can go to Jenny's Blog and see additional pictures of my sweet family. 

My personal favorite picture of my family is the black and white print at the end of Jenny's blog post. 

Jenny has been featured in the local Peekaboo Magazine and right now she is running an ad in the magazine for 10% off prints for the month of February.  If you are looking for some one to take pictures of your kids or family you should give Jenny a call.  She is great to work with and his a sweet family of her own.  I have enjoyed working and becoming friends with Jenny over the years. 

Thanks Jenny for capturing special moments of my family!

BIG NEWS:

{Last night Grayson slept all night long}  I don't remember the last time this happened!  I was in total shock when at 6:30AM I woke up and discovered that I did not get up once with Grayson last night.  In fact Grayson slept from 8:30PM until 7:30AM and if he could have a cupcake or M&M's I would have treated Grayson.  Instead we went to the park and played on this beautiful day!

{16 and 17} Together and Staying In

I thought it was very fitting to do these two days together. 

{day 16} - Together

Subject - Grayson and I

{day 17} - Staying In

Subject - Grayson

don't worry I didn't let Grayson eat the pretzel or apple he just likes to suck on them.  It is too cute watching him with new foods!

the joy of love - {day 13, 14, 15}

the joy of love

I am still really enjoying doing these posts even though I am several days behind.  It has allowed me to take different pictures that I would not think of taking.  

{day 13} - Routines

Subject - Grayson

I am happy to say that Grayson has a great routine in the morning, but where we struggle is after he comes home from daycare.

pictures from our morning together:

playing peek-a-boo

breakfast time

 

There are days when Grayson falls asleep the moment we get home because he did not nap at daycare, which than makes for a long night of getting up with Grayson 2-3 times.  Than there are days when we get home he plays, eats dinner, takes a bath, gets a bottle, and goes to bed.  I really wish we could be consistent with his bedtime routine because I think it would help, but when Grayson is tired he is SUPER fussy until you put him to bed.  So if anyone has any ideas for me please let me know.  I am willing to try them.  When Grayson is at home all day he does great with a morning nap and an afternoon nap and goes to bed between 7-8PM and sleeps until 4-5AM and it is WONDERFUL! 
If only he could stay home with me...oh well he will sleep through the night one day!

{day 14} - Jewelry
Subject - Melissa's Favorite Jewels

diamond bracelet - wedding gift from Chad

Grayson Necklace - gift from Chad after having Grayson

Cocktail Ring - 1st Valentine Gift from Chad

My Engagement Ring and Bands - all from Chad and it is my favorite piece of jewelry

{day 15} - Kiss

Subject - Grayson and Mommy

Today Grayson is NINE MONTHS OLD...happy birthday sweet baby G!

Willette: the Joy of Love {11 and 12}

So we are behind on the Joy of Love Project, like 5 days.  We will catch up soon...

day {11} Dreams

Subject:  Mommy and Daddy

day {12} the Eyes

Subject:  Grayson and his baby blues

A day does not go by that I don't get a compliment on Grayson's eyes or that he should be a Gerber Baby.  Grayson's eyes are a beautiful blue and his eyes remind me so much of my sister Meahgen's eyes.  They book have piercing blue eyes and dark eye lashes. 

so in love with those eyes! 

I think those eyes are going to melt a few girls hearts in the near future. 

I am hoping to get the next 3 posts of the joy of love completed tomorrow, but with trying to catch up on work and another doctor visit it has been a busy day! 

busy bees...

Our little family has been busy this past weekend.  We spent the weekend with my mom and Grayson's Grandma and it was PERFECT!

My mom left today to go back home and we miss her already!  Grayson loved spending time with Grandma and was spoiled from the moment she got here. 

One quick note:

Grayson was back at the doctor yesterday and his ears are still not clear and they are still bothering him so with that his doctor has decided to try one round of a three day shot called Rocephin.  We have completed two rounds and we have our final shot tomorrow afternoon.  We also are going to a Ears, Nose, and Throat Doctor next week to discuss getting tubes.  I just want Grayson to feel better.  I feel that we have spent from the beginning of December until now going to the doctor with Grayson.  Please keep our little G in your prayers.

I am working on catching up on the joy of love posts and hopefully I will have them all posted tomorrow. 

Needless to say we have been busy bees... tomorrow it is back to work and our normal routines. 

Heart Day

Happy Heart Day to all our family and friends.  We sent out Grayson's 1st Valentine's late this year because of all the snow so I thought we would share it online for all to see. 

Have a great Valentine's Day!  

 

We are luck to have my mom here for Valentine's Day.  Chad and I are going on a much needed date!  Have a great day!

A few weeks ago Grayson had his 1st Valentine's Photo Shoot and I created this colleague of his photos.  They are too cute!   

so BIG



Happy Saturday!

New Look

Grayson says HI and you are still at Stafford Stories we just got a new look from Tricia Nae Designs. 

It is perfect and I love it!  I have new links at the top of the page to easily navigate and I love that my blog page looks clean and less cluttered.  So I hope you will stay awhile and take a look. 

Today is a busy day of cleaning and getting groceries as my mom is coming for a visit and we are SO EXCITED! Grayson is already at school thanks to Chad for taking him for me.  It is his first drop off since Grayson started in August 2010.  He was shocked that I let him drop him off, but it is really going to help me get a lot done before I go get Grayson this afternoon. 
Thanks Chad!

Before I go I took Grayson outside yesterday and we went sledding down the driveway.  We were out VERY briefly, but he laughed and smiled and had a great time.  Here are a few of our sledding pictures. 

Look at all that snow!