Ryan's recent accomplishments

Ryan is changing more and more every day! He is getting so much bigger - longer especially. I don't want to forget all of the cute little things...so here are his recent accomplishments.

He is becoming more and more interested and focused when you talk with him, play with him, or read to him. I had to take a picture of Jeff reading to him - Ryan had his little hand on Jeff's arm as Jeff read. It was so cute!

Holds onto keys and rattles better, although not too interested in them yet.

Tummy time is less exhausting now than it has been in the past. He keeps his head up for long periods of time & is trying desperately to roll over.

He has also found his thumb and is taking a bottle much better now. Now that he is taking a bottle a little better I feel like I can leave him for short periods of time without planning it all around his feedings. Jeff and I left him with a friend (for the first time) Saturday for about an hour and a half while we went jogging & grabbed a bite to eat. It was so hard to be away from him, but good to spend some time alone with Jeff. Jeff and I would love to do a session together in the temple when we go to Salt Lake, and now that he takes a bottle a little better it is a little easier to think of leaving him with family.

Fall

I love the Fall! I love sweaters and hot chocolate, leaves falling, holidays, and crisp air.

About a week ago (November 6th to be exact, I remember because I was SO excited) I went jogging in the afternoon and it felt like Fall!!! Finally! There were leaves on the ground, people doing yard work, and the air felt more crisp. There are still days that it feels more like Spring to me than Fall, but for the most part it feels like Fall. I think it will always seem strange to see the palm trees in the Fall though. The leaves don't change colors, but there are beautiful sunsets and the air feels more crisp outside. When I got back from jogging Jeff was setting up the Christmas Tree, now that is strange - it is just beginning to feel like Fall! He made a "countdown chain" for when we go to Salt Lake for Christmas too. :)











Fall here: Some mornings are actually cool enough for a sweater.


The AC doesn't really turn on at night anymore (it is set at 78). High tomorrow is 73 and overnight low 59. Can you tell that I'm trying to tempt y'all in coming to visit? :) I wonder how little Ryan will do in the cold cold cold in Salt Lake. He has only felt cold, like 60s cold before.

OCTOBER picture update

I fell behind on the blog...sorry. Here is the update:

Jeff and I decided that we are going to go to the temple the first Saturday of the month. I loved walking around the temple grounds with Ryan. He was so happy to be out of the car and to see all of the sights and hear the sounds. Jeff and I took turns in the temple so that one of us could watch Ryan. I guess he wasn't so good on Jeff's watch - sorry about that honey. I think he had a pretty good first temple trip over all.











Ryan survived the 3 hour road trip (6 hours round trip) to the temple, thanks to the monkey in the back seat, although at first we couldn't tell if he liked him or not. It was kind of a mixed look - one of amusement and terror at the same time. But after our last road trip to Houston (see below) - it is official, he loves the monkey.


Gerber has a little photo contest going on right now - so I thought I'd submit a photo just for fun. Voting is open to the public starting November 3rd. If you'd like to "vote" just go to gerber.com and search for #171512. I know, can you believe how many people have already submitted photos? But, Ryan is cuter than all of those babies, I'm sure of it. :)

This is the one I ended up submitting:


A few that were cute, but didn't quite make my cuts:












Ryan had his 2 month appt on the 13th. He is 50th percentile for weight (12lb,7oz) and head circumference, 75th percentile for height (23.5in). It almost makes me kind of sad - he is outgrowing his clothes SO quickly! Yesterday I had Jeff put some overalls on him for church. Jeff had to be there early so he took Ryan with him while I showered and got ready. When I got to church I was surprised to see that the overalls were about an inch too short and looked super uncomfortable. So he just hung out in his onesie at church. He has also been a drueling machine lately. It was ALL OVER his onesie by the time we got home from church...This morning he took a long nap while I typed this, woke up fussy...checked his mouth & sure enough - those pearly whites are popping through. I really can't even call him a newborn anymore. :(

Anyway, back to his appt - he got a few vaccines & did pretty well in the office, slept for awhile afterward while we ran errands, but when he woke up he was NOT a happy camper. He cried like I had never heard him cry before, wouldn't even let me touch his legs, and had a fever. He even screamed in the bath tub (normally the tub is like the "cure all"). The Tylenol sure did help though. I hope some day I can thank the person who invented Tylenol.

Before Tylenol and after Tylenol pictures:










Much more like himself after :)

This last week we went to Houston for a training that Jeff had for work. He slept most of the way there (4 hour car ride). And everything was ok once we put him in the bath tub - of course. He is one relaxed kid in the tub.


During the day Ryan and I did some shopping, read lots of books together, went on lots of walks, and we got to go to the NASA Space Center.

I found this amazing park built by the Armand Bayou. You could actually walk right out onto the bayou. Apparently there are American Alligators there. I didn't see any, but while taking a picture did hear a huge thud sound in the water and looked over to see lots of bubbles - no way it was a fish.












I couldn't believe how beautiful and peaceful it was. There were a few people at the park just sitting on benches looking over the bayou in quiet contemplation. I even found writing on this bench that said, "Do you know Jesus? Jesus loves you. Jesus cares."


I love how most Texans are really quite religious and aren't afraid to talk about God. While at the park, there was a woman there who seemed a little disheartened...I asked if there was anything I could do for her and we had a great conversation. She spoke openly of God and her trust in Him. There are so many God-fearing, good people in the world. I'm so happy to cross paths with so many of them.

Ryan slept through most of the adventure at the park.


We did get to go to some restaurants when Jeff was done with work for the day - although we quickly learned that Ryan's fussy time was in the evening. Sleeping in the pack n' play and in the same room as us messed up his schedule a little bit. But he is almost back to normal and is oh so happy to be home - he just seems a little bit more in his element.

One of the restaurants we went to was on the Kemah Boardwalk. We had been to the same restaurant on the boardwalk back in May.








Ryan didn't seem to thrilled about the picture, although he is thrilled to be a part of our family, I'm sure :)

We got home from Houston Friday night, Saturday was the ward Halloween activity. I found spider web pajamas for him for Halloween, which worked out perfectly since he fell asleep while we were there.


And woke up later, of course.


I hope all of you had a happy Halloween. We love you and miss you.

Picture(s) of the week

Pictures of the week. Well...last week actually


Squeezing in a Sunday afternoon nap together





Ryan loves when Jeff plays with him, like when he whistles I'm so Glad When Daddy Comes Home. But he does not love when Jeff moos like a cow.



He is all smiles after a good night's rest (yes, even during diaper changes)




Our little farmer. Adorable in overalls, isn't he? I think it makes him look a little older though. It almost makes me sad how quickly he is growing and changing.




He is happy when he knows it is time for a walk. Lately we've had to cover the stroller with the mosquito net. Those smart mosquitoes - sometimes an occasional one or two will still get in.






Just relaxing on the couch.









We enjoyed conference online (yes - Mormon Tabernacle Choir is on the computer monitor behind Ryan). Ryan was actually pretty good during conference. And it is such a blessing to be able to go back and listen to parts we may have missed and soon to be able to read them in the Ensign. I know that we can receive answers to questions and prayers as we listen to and study the words of the prophets. What a blessing!!! I hope that Jeff and I will be able to teach Ryan to love and follow the prophets.




I looked at the window and what did I see?

A gecko (?) staring back at me. I tried desperately to help it get back outside by using paper and a plastic cup. Nope- it was determined to find its own way out. Well, as I chased it, it finally ended up on Jeff's shoe that was by the door - so we just set his shoe out on the porch that night. The next day I asked Jeff, "So were there any surprises when you put your shoe on this morning?" To which he replied, "No." And I laughed. I had to include this picture for Jeff's sister, Carrie. Love you Carrie!


We hope everyone is well & that all y'all enjoyed conference as much as we did.

The 'squitoes

Mosquitoes...BLEG! black, large, everywhere, germy

They're like mosquitoes on steroids. Yuck! And there are swarms of them out there after sunset! I'm convinced they are part of the testing in this earth life. What else are they good for? Ok, maybe they do feed the fish...but there are plenty of other bugs and insects to feed the fish, right?

The primary lesson I taught this last week was on talents. One of the 5 year old girls said that one of her talents was "I can run really really fast away from the mosquitoes!" A talent indeed. She didn't even mention that she can play the cello.

Much much cuter pictures to come...of Ryan - no more mosquito pictures. Bleg!

Grateful

Ok...ok...so I know that I have been posting pretty often as of recently, and they are all baby pictures (almost). But he is adorable, and I want family to be able to see how he is growing and changing - so I'm trying to post weekly.

I suppose that this post is almost like a journal entry...but there is something about expressing some thoughts and emotions that helps you to remember it and somehow embrace it even more. And I can't seem to find my journal.

Ryan has been so much fun lately! He has always been fun, but he is starting to interact with us more now. He still sleeps a lot, but when he is awake he is playful. He has started to mimic some of our facial expressions or things we do. Jeff loves to stick his tongue out and in and out and in & then watch Ryan mimic it - it is pretty stinkin cute! When he is in a good mood (usually) he smiles back at us. Ryan that is. :-) He coos when he hears us talking to him.

...I had this realization the other night as I was trying desperately to pray before going to bed (I was SO tired!) that I need to be thinking more about Heavenly Father and praying throughout the day.

Well, yesterday while trying to encourage Ryan to take a nap in his crib I decided to sing some Primary songs to him while I rubbed his tummy. As I was singing "I am a Child of God" "Love is Spoken Here" and "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" I felt the Spirit so strongly. Ryan's eyes were fixed on me as I was singing, he was calm and seemed to be listening to every word. I wondered if he might be feeling the Spirit strongly as well. It was so interesting...as we felt the Spirit there in his bedroom (at least I think he did too) I felt like we bonded. I didn't even know that this could happen - but I felt like my love for him increased 10 fold. The rest of the day he seemed to respond to me more and interact with me more as well. It was fascinating! I guess I've always known that when you feel the Spirit together with your spouse then your relationship grows closer, but I guess I never realized that this could be possible with a newborn. But it makes perfect sense - since they are so perfect, pure, and recently from Heaven.

The rest of the day I found myself often thinking of Heavenly Father and His love for me. It just came - effortlessly. And I felt like a good mom yesterday...I'm so thankful for Heavenly Father, that He knows our hearts and He loves us even with all of our shortcomings. He is so merciful and kind. I hope to be that kind of parent as well.


The picture of the week:
(and no, he doesn't sleep on a pillow - I just propped it under his head for the picture)


I know...I know...I keep saying that he is smiling more and is playful & then all you get are pictures of him sleeping still. I promise to get some more of him smiling - but sometimes they're hard to catch!

P.S. For those of you wondering...it did finally stop raining. I guess Oso Creek (not far from our house) flooded on Sunday and that was part of the problem. I was glad that Ryan and I got home from church safely! I felt like the Accord was like a little boat just riding along the water, but obviously you can't stop. I think there was about a foot of water on the roads at certain spots. I warned Jeff, who had a meeting after church - so he got a ride from someone in a truck & we left the Civic at the church until the roads cleared. He got home about an hour after me - there was about 2 feet of water on the road at that point & some cars were stuck. Since then it has only been raining off and on - but no more major street flooding...Between that and the "fender bender" Jeff was in last Friday - we have been feeling very protected & watched over!

5 weeks ago...

5 weeks ago from today our little Ryan joined our family. He has been such a blessing and we sure do love him!



In the past 5 weeks HE has:
- slept through the night once (10pm-5am), wahoo!
- learned to love warm baths
- grown 1.5 inches and gained 2 lbs and 7 oz (as of his Dr appt on Monday)
- gone through appx 360 diapers
- learned to take a pacifier when he is sleepy!
- taken one nap in his CRIB!
- developed quite the adorable mullet of strawberry-blonde hair
- managed to pull of Jeff's glasses once while swatting at him (he does have a bit of a personality to match the red hair)
- smiled purposefully a few times
- developed extraordinary strength through lots of "tummy time"
- managed to choke down his PolyViSol with iron (smells disgusting and tastes even worse - yes, I tried it to see what I'm putting him through)
- learned to sleep in an "X" shape like Jeff
- associated car rides with sleeping and sometimes fall asleep in the car seat before we even put it in the car
- won the adoration & spoiling of several ward members, friends, & neighbors
- taught his parents more about love
- spent hours and hours in his bouncy seat (he LOVES to be bounced!)
- gone on several outings around Corpus Christi
- has slept for 6 hours during the day & has still managed to sleep at night
- spent a lot of time with his tongue sticking out

In the past 5 weeks I have:
- kissed him about a thousand times
- learned to do several household chores with 1 hand
- made it through lots of nursing discomforts (thanks to a priesthood blessing, prayer, the passage of time, lots of hot showers, & the advice of consultants)
- loved taking him on regular stroller rides (almost every evening)
- laughed and cried at the same time
- rarely showered AND gotten ready without hours between the two
- changed lots and lots of soiled diapers and outfits
- gone through multiple of my own outfits in a day (see above)
- learned to get ready for bed super fast (I never thought the day would come)
- learned to blog much more quickly
- had an increased surge of energy since pregnancy
- loved holding him as he falls asleep
- read lots of stories and scriptures to him (whether or not he was really listening)
- cooked very seldom
- loved life
- taken a million pictures (just about)





Being with him every day it is a little harder to see the changes. I can definitely tell he has gained weight, and I think he is more and more beautiful every day! The picture on the left was taken his first week of life, the one on the right was taken today.





The picture on the left was his first outing. The picture on the right was taken before his one-month appointment.

2 years ago...

Two years ago from today Jeff proposed to me in his backyard while we were sitting by the fire and playing games. He wrote this adorable poem - super creative, and a big surprise! At the end of the poem it said, "will you marry me?"

It has been a fun 2 years and quite the adventure! I'm looking forward to more adventures and more fun with you, Jeff.

You are my sweetheart and I love you.



I can't seem to find a picture from the day we got engaged...but this was close to it.

A few fun adventures & a baby blessing

A FEW FUN ADVENTURES

Jeff's family came to meet Ryan last week. It was so much fun to have them in town & we had lots of adventures together. Ryan was held, kissed, & played with all day every day. He didn't mind at all. :)


First trip to the beach! He was only out of the car long enough for the picture and for us to dip our feet in the water...but it still counts right?


First trip to the Aquarium! They have a super cool aquarium here that is right by the ocean - they even have a spiffy dolphin show


First trip to see the windmills...although he didn't wake up or get out of the car this time


BABY BLESSING

Ryan's baby blessing was this last Sunday. It was wonderful, of course. I'm so thankful that Jeff holds the priesthood worthily and was able to bless Ryan. It was a sweet blessing. I just felt so overwhelmed with gratitude as Ryan was blessed - I couldn't keep the tears back. But there were no tears on Ryan's part; he slept through the whole thing. He did, however, have a nice diaper that leaked through his blessing outfit (following the blessing, thankfully) - so all of the pictures were taken in a white onesie that I had brought to church as a backup.

We forgot to take pictures outside of the church...so this is outside of our house.


We are always admiring this little one...it is amazing to think of how recently he was in the presence of Heavenly Father. He is our little angel.


It was SO nice to have Jeff's family in town for the baby blessing! We just love our little Ryan and it was fun to have family to share such a special occasion with. I know my family would've made it if they could've, but my mom came just after my delivery & it is expensive to fly here, plus my little brother, Todd, just left for his mission the Wednesday prior to Ryan's baby blessing.
(left to right - Carrie, Robyn, Dana, Ken, Jeff, Ryan, and I)


3 generations of Grittons


Grandma and Auntie Robyn with Ryan


So photogenic! He is having more & more random smiles...so fun! You'll have to excuse the legs in the background - these moments can't be planned, you know.


He is so easy to love!


We hope all is well for all of you. We miss the Grittons already & we're excited for the Neeleys to meet him - but we will see all of you at Christmas. I'm sure the next few months will fly by & we will continue to post lots of pictures for all y'all.