Time for bed
I was going to try to do a longer video, but the little guy was really fussy tonight. Fussy and an expensive camera don't mix well. Take this as a video memento.
Food Is Fun
We've been really busy trying to keep up with the little man lately. He's crawling (in a Quasimodo sort of way, dragging one of his legs behind him) and pulling himself up with anything he can get a hold of. That's made for quite a few tumbles and several bruises. He's also been experimenting with "talking"; he's constantly babbling and making new sounds. His most frequently used is "th" and his newest is "y" (think "yeyeye"). Both the husband and I have been pushing him to say "dada" or "mama," trying to bribe him into saying our "name" first. I think the kid is brilliant, and he's planning to save "mama" for Mother's Day since he knows it's coming up.
We've also been experimenting with foods for a couple months now. He's moved beyond oatmeal and is trying out all kinds of veggies and fruits. He decided early on that he wasn't a fan of purees, so we've skipped them and gone straight to roasted and steamed veggies and fruits. He seems to like the independence of feeding himself, and we like that we can eat dinner all together as a family. The other plus for his mature palate, the adults in the house are eating many more veggies.
We started with strawberries, and he loved them. He showed the extended Shoo family his love of strawberries at Easter dinner, creating a produce massacre.
Another favorite is carrot. Hopefully he'll have some good eyes and not have to wear bifocals in 8th grade like his mom did.
Zucchini with dill was a hit. He developed a little rash after he ate it, and we were worried that it was an allergy. His pediatrician assured us that it was just dry skin. He's had it since with no adverse effects. (Auntie Kristi is excited her Bug likes zukes since they're one of her favorites, too.)
Grammy and Gramps came over for dinner the other night, and we gave him asparagus. But he was much more interested in his potato wedges from the grill and Gramps' hat.
Avocado was a hit but difficult to hold. Quite a bit ended up smushed into his high chair. I think we'll be washing the pad every other night or so with his new eating habits.
Who knew something as mundane as dinner would take up so much space on our cameras' memory cards?
Too much to do.
I've been meaning to sit down and do an update, but as it goes, life gets busy. And so has Grayson. He's growing by leaps and bounds. We've gone from crawling to running the Baby 500 in the living room.
We have resorted to taking the cushions off the couch and using them as barriers. Tonight I setup a "baby fort." This actually kept him entertained and in one place for a good amount of time. Well, in baby time.
It's amazing to watch his thought process. He'll analyze an object, feeling the sides out, exploring the texture.
Then he will stick it in his mouth.
He keeps mom and dad busy.
Luckily we've got Clancy for the cleanup. Who needs a Roomba when you've got a dog.
A week in Instagram
I started using Instagram when it first came out with my iPhone 3G. I since moved on to an Android and it wasn't till this week that it was available for Android.
Clancy Shoo
Five years ago (shortly before we were married), Chris and I took Buddy to the St. Patty's Day parade downtown, and I fell in love. The APL had adoptable dogs walking in the parade, and I saw Clancy and had to have him. We went to the APL that afternoon, and I described the dog to the woman working. "Clancy?" she said. "Are you sure you want Clancy? He's a bit...rambunctious." He was too small to sleep in the kennels, so he slept in a basket of towels in the laundry room. When she opened the door, he bounded out and ran right into my arms...then started licking and chewing on me and everything else in sight. We took him home that day.
Bud wasn't quite sure what to do with something so little and with so much energy.
He'd wear himself out pretty quickly though.
He's always been one for cuddling. In fact, when I was in labor, Chris was downstairs playing on the internet, and Clancy was in bed with me holding my hand.
He helps me with my work.
He and Buddy have become partners in crime (with Bud being the criminal mastermind, and Clancy acting as his lackey).
Clancy has even become Grayson's playmate, bather, and pillow.
Our family wouldn't be the same without him.
Out in the front-yard
Grayson got to play in the grass today.
A little unsure of this green stuff.
Ya, it was totally awesome.
Pics from Gpa Shoo
Grandpa Shoo posted some photos of Grayson, so I thought I'd include them on the blog for all to see.
Hello, you're not paying attention to me so place me on the table so I can be the center of attention.
Both Grandpas have been giving Grayson lessons on crawling and walking. This kid is going to be up to running quick.
The Bug – 5 Months
The Bug is growing up and developing into his own little person. He’s nearly always in a good mood…
unless he’s sleepy or hangry (and who can blame him).
He’s really interested in the world around him, and he focuses very intently on those things that interest him (which is nearly everything).
He’s started eating solid foods and really likes apples and bananas. He also likes to play with the tablespoon while we eat dinner.
He likes books, and not just eating them. His Gramps even has him reading the paper…at least the Toys-R-Us ads.
Chris and I are arguing over who he resembles most. It really goes either way, depending on the day and his facial expression.
There’s no question, though, that this guy has stolen our hearts and turned our world upside-down. He’s even become Clancy’s little friend, and Clancy can always get a laugh out of GrayBug.
Kisses
Grayson has started giving "kisses." Or at least that's what we think he is trying to do. Either way, he is doing a terrific job of slobbering all over his mom.