8 Months

Gray Man is 8 months old today!  This month has been an exciting one for us because Grayson has conquered some huge milestones.  Here are some things we noticed about him this month:

• Grayson weighs 20lbs, 2oz and he is 27.5" long.  He is definitely growing but we have noticed it is starting to taper off and not be so rapid.
• He is sitting on his own without any support and also able to sit up from lying down without any problems at all.
• Grayson has mastered the army crawl!  This boy is all over the place now.  We think he would prefer being on the move rather than staying in one place.  He still crawls on his belly using mostly his arms and his right leg to propel himself.  The left leg is more of an accessory that drags behind him.  
• Shortly after crawling, he started to pull himself up to stand.  He will grab his activity center or the couch and just stand right up.  Every now and then he uses his mouth for support.  It didn't take him long to figure out how to sit back down either.  It is pretty funny to turn on the video monitor and see him standing in his crib.
• He loves making different sounds but our favorite sounds he has made are "ma-ma" and "da-da".  He started saying "ma-ma" earlier this month and "da-da" just recently.  We don't think he knows those names are associated with us but hearing him make those sounds melts our hearts.
• Grayson's first tooth made an arrival!  We were very lucky that he didn't get too fussy during the process.  He had a couple of moments but nothing a little baby Tylenol or some Orajel couldn't fix.  We are definitely continuing to reinforce the "friends are not food" rule since his little mouth is now sporting a sharp weapon.
• He continues to be a good eater and seems to be enjoying solids.  He has cereal in the morning with his 11am bottle and some sort of veggie or meat with fruit at dinner.  So far we have not found anything this boy doesn't like. 
• Due to his new found mobility, we have been teaching him the word "no".  Outlet covers are on and cabinet locks are being installed this weekend.  Although safety measures are in place, little man loves to crawl over to an outlet and reach out.  We tell him "no", he stops and turns to look at us with the most devilish smile and starts to laugh.  It may be a game to him, but eventually he will realize we mean business.  :)
• Grayson loves to swim.  We have taken him to the pool a couple of times and held him out in front of us so his body can float.  He immediately starts to kick and giggle.  I love that he is so comfortable in the water and can't wait to get him in classes so he can learn how to swim and be safe.  
• He is still wearing size 3 diapers.
• He is wearing some 6 month clothes but alot more 9 month and even 12 month clothes.  
• Grayson is sleeping 10-11 hours at night.  One thing we love about him is that when he wakes up, he just sits up in his crib and plays with his taggy blanket, schnoolie, giraffe or jelly cat.  He doesn't cry or scream out for us, he just happily plays until we come get him.  

Everyday we are thankful for this bundle of joy in our lives and can't get enough of him!

First Tooth!

Standing like a big boy!

Daddy's idea of fun

Little Man got a few new toys.  This is a workbench
that makes sounds and lights up.

Grayson's Father's Day gift to Shane that he made at daycare.
I thought it was funny...that face cracks me up!

Below are a couple of videos showing Gray on the move and standing up.

Brooke

On a different tangent, my "little" cousin, Brooke, graduated from high school a couple of weeks ago.  She asked me to take some senior pictures for her so she could send out graduation announcements.  The only time we could connect was a hot and sunny afternoon.  I had to battle with the sun alittle but I was able to capture some good pictures of her before she heads off to college.  I love this girl so much and have been part of her life since she was born.  I am so proud to see what a beautiful woman she has become.