Four-Month Appointment

Grayson had his four-month appointment today at the pediatrician's. He's doing well and once again took the shots like a champ. He cried a little, but quickly recovered once they were finished. He was also all smiles throughout the entire appointment plus he wouldn't stop talking. Both the doctor and the nurse made separate comments about how much he was talking to them. That's my little social guy!!

I got a little bit of a "talking-to" because of his weight. He came in at 17 pounds 11 ounces, which is the 95th percentile and his height is 25 3/4 inches, the 75th percentile. He has gained five pounds since his two-month appointment and this is way above average. Evidently they don't want babies to gain more than four pounds in that time period and that is at an absolute maximum.

I now have to cut back how much he eats, which is going to be interesting since he loves to eat...obviously. We also have started cereal, but the doctor doesn't want us to start anything else until he is at least five months old. That was a bit of a bummer for me because I'm very ready to start vegetables to help satisfy him. Oh, well. At least we had a great experience with the cereal. He loved it and did a great job eating it. After the spoon went in for the first time, he was already opening his mouth for the second bite. He caught on quickly!!

A Weekend in the Pocono Mountains

Grayson took his first "official" vacation when we hung out with my high school friends and their families March 17th through the 19th in the Pocono Mountains. It was a little too cold to do anything with Grayson other than stay inside and socialize, but that worked for him. We had rented a house together and Grayson absolutely loved all the attention he received, especially from my friend's daughter Avery who is almost 18 months old. They were absolutely intrigued with each other and it was so neat to watch them interact.

Playing with Avery & Daddy

Just Talking!

Tagged

So I was tagged a little while ago by my dear friend Karen, who will be leaving soon to pick up her daughter from Guatemala. Unfortunately, it took me a while to respond since life has been a little hectic lately, so here goes...

Four jobs I've had in my life:
1. Corporate Trainer & Human Resource Generalist for a financial services firm
2. Human Resources Manager for a private ambulance company (where I met Dominic)
3. Assistant to the Director of Scheduling in college (basically, event planning)
4. Clothing store sales person

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Forrest Gump
2. The Running Man
3. Star Wars (any of the original three)
4. Van Wilder

Four places I have lived:
1. Baltimore City
2. The middle of nowhere, otherwise known as Gapland, MD
3. Columbia, MD
4. Elkridge, MD

Four TV shows I love to watch (only four?!?):
1. The Amazing Race
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Survivor
4. Desperate Housewives

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. France
2. Dominican Republic
3. Bahamas
4. California

Four websites I visit daily:
1. IVF Connections
2. Reality News Online
3. Ebay
4. Yahoo

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Maryland crabs
2. Good pizza (The Thirsty Dog comes to mind)
3. Chocolate
4. Sushi

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Signing the final paperwork to sell our house in the city
2. Visiting friends anywhere
3. Italy
4. Someplace very, very warm

Hangin' with Paul

We're so lucky Grayson has cousins around his age so they'll be able to grow up together. A few days ago, Grayson had the opportunity to hang with his cousin Paul while he was at Aunt Maria's house. They watched some TV, did some snuggling, and drank their bottles together. Maria took a ton of pictures and a few turned out great!

Chilling on the couch

Snuggling

Goodbye, Mom Mom, We Love You!

On Saturday night, February 25th, Dominic's Mom passed away after battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for over two years. She was an incredibly strong and loving woman who was determined to live her final years the way she wanted - and she did. We are so glad Grayson was able to meet her and that we have pictures of them together. We will truly cherish these memories.

I would like to share the quote that was provided to all the guests at the viewings and funeral. Dominic and his sister chose it and they believe this best describes their mother's journey.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path God has laid out for me.

I took his hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found my peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes. These things I too will miss.

But be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much.

Good friends good times, a loved one's touch.

Lift your hearts and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me free.