Busy boy

Graesen and I have both been a bit sick.  Friday we stayed home to rest.  With sleeping in and taking two naps we both felt a lot better. 

We are still stuffy and are both coughing a bit, but it's not slowing us down too much anymore.
Graesen and I were playing with his legos, when I decided to see if he liked riding around in the lego bucket.  He thought it was hilarious!

 We then decided to "go swimming" in his other big toy bucket.  For some reason Graesen thought this was way cooler than his normal bath.

 

 

I had Graesen try on his swim suit while he was "swimming" to see if it still fit.  It was a tight fit!  So, yesterday we went out to find him a new one and a swimming shirt.  I figured he probably needed one, because if he takes after Evan and I he will burn easily even with loads of sunscreen.
Trying on his summer gear:

 

  

With his great grandpa:

 

A cute picture my mom got of Graesen after we ate dinner with my family yesterday:

Today we went to church and Graesen went to the nursery for the first time.  He was getting a little chatty during the offering, and I didn't want him to disrupt the sermon.  He did just fine.  The funny thing is, his babysitter's daughter was working in the nursery today, so she was the one to take care of him the whole time.  I can tell that Graesen really likes her!

After a nice long nap we went to the park.  Graesen is so sweet for putting up with all the pictures:)

 

  

  

  

  

  

 

Then we took him to the gym to go for a real swim.  He was so calm and just took it all in.

 

  

  

  

  

 

Graesen's eczema is getting worse for some reason.  We have tried changing soaps, but it has gotten worse since doing that.  I use loads of Eucerin lotion, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.  If you have any tips, let me know!

One Week

In one week Graesen and I will be flying to somewhere where he might actually need these:

 

  

  

Too bad he likes to eat them more than he likes to wear them!

Struggling

Today I am struggling.  Struggling to get anything done.  Struggling to find motivation.  Struggling to pull myself together.  Actually, I have been struggling since shortly after Graesen was born.  Some events in my life have thrown everything upside-down.  The months since Graesen has been born have been some of the my hardest and my best all at the same time.  I have struggled to push aside these negative events to focus on the joy that Graesen brings me, but every few weeks there is another blow.  Graesen brings me so much happiness, so don't worry, this isn't a postpartum depression kind of thing.  What's happening now would hurt me no matter what point of my life it came at.  In fact, I feel like Graesen is what keeps me from falling to pieces most days.  I am so grateful for him, yet I feel guilty.  I feel like these hard days will affect him.  I worry that these struggles I am encountering will prohibit me from being the kind of mom he deserves.  I constantly think about how I can better handle these bad things in my life so that Graesen does not have to be a victim of such sadness in a family.  So far I am getting nowhere.  I have prayed, but now I will pray harder.  I will pray now that God will make it so obvious to me what to do that even my foolish, human mind will be able to figure it out.
Because this little guy deserves it.

He's THAT kid!

Yup, Graesen is THAT kid.  You know, the one with the snot running down his face and making nasty snorting noises that make you want to gag.  Today he woke up with a runny nose and goopy eyes.  Poor kid has a bit of a cold.  It's not too bad, but he was a bit of a mess all day.  And I even let him spend the whole day in sweats.  His thank you to me for allowing him to spend an entire day in sweats was a lot of tears.  Everything made the poor boy cry today.  I took a few pictures of him today (I spared you some gagging by keeping his nose somewhat clean...when he would let me wipe it).  His eyes are teary in pretty much every picture from today.

 

  

Between tears we had some sippy cup practice today.  It didn't last long, because Graesen realized that he couldn't use the sippy cup and suck on his pacifier at the same time-which of course led to more tears. 

 

Thank you to everyone who gave me information on circumcision.  I am so glad to hear that Graesen's situation may be a normal thing he can grow out of.  I will make sure that a circumcision is not done unless it becomes a TRUE medical necessity.  I absolutely HATE seeing Graesen in pain (which is why I couldn't do the circumcision in the first place).  You would have all laughed if you had seen me when he got his tongue clipped or right after surgery.  The nurses offered ME oxygen after his surgery (I turned it down, because that is just embarrassing!), because I started getting all dizzy.  I must hold my breath or something, but I never realize it at the time so I don't really know.  Sad-I know! :)

A big one

I was busy subbing a lot last week, so I didn't do any posts.  Because of that I have a very big one today. 
On Friday Graesen had his post-op appointment at the urology office.  They are very happy with how he is healing.  I was very sad, though, because I was told that Graesen my have to get circumcised.  I really did not want Graesen to be circumcised, because it seems to be such a painful procedure.  I have known for years that if I had a son I would not circumcise him.  Besides, the new testament of the Bible states that God does not care if men are circumcised so long as their hearts are dedicated to Him.  To me there was just no reason to put Graesen through that (I know that everyone has their own opinion on this topic, this is just what I felt about it).  Well, now there may be a reason.  Apparently, Graesen's skin "down there" is too tight, and getting tighter.  It's just a fluke that it is happening to him.  If it gets any worse we will have to go ahead and do the circumcision for medical reasons.  I can't imagine how much harder it will be to do this at such an old age than it is with a newborn.  Graesen is active now and I know that he will not stay still for the procedure.  I'm assuming that he will need some sedation for it to work.  We go back to the urologist in 8 weeks.  Hopefully, we will get good news and not have to deal with any of this.
After the appointment Graesen and I had some time to waste.  I had to coach a swim meet that night and didn't want to waste time driving home and back before Graesen and I went to the meet.  I decided to take Graesen for a walk at Manito.  It was a cold, but beautiful day.  I just love the area. 

 

  

 

After we walked I took Graesen to a neighborhood cafe by the park.  I got some dinner and an italian soda, and Graesen enjoyed some black beans and applesauce I packed for him.  He just loves sitting in a high chair and eating his own food at a restaurant.  I can just tell that he feels so grown up!

Last night I took Graesen shopping while he slept.  I have discovered that this is sometimes the best way to get some shopping done.  He snoozed in his carseat while I picked out birthday presents for my niece and nephew and some cute stuff for Graesen.  I found the most adorable shorts and tops to match them.  Graesen was starting to grow out of most of his short sleeve onsies, so I was glad to find some new ones that I liked.  How cute does he look in his new outfits?

 

  

 

 Today I took Graesen to the park to swing and play.  I had so much fun taking pictures of him while he played.  He just loves the park and it is such a joy for me to see him so happy and so curious about everything around him.

 

  

  

  

  

  

 

 Tonight Evan and I picked out an Easter basket for Graesen at Michaels.  I just love it.  I also found a couple of things for his basket this year.  He will be getting a shovel and rake to play with in the sand or dirt, and the most adorable stuffed giraffe.  I saw that giraffe months ago and wanted to get it for Graesen.  Yesterday, at Target, I saw that this was the last one left, I gave in and bought it for Easter.

Valentine's Weekend

My sister, Rachae, came in town with her family on Thursday night.  Friday we went over to my parent's house to visit.  Graesen and I had to leave after a little while, however, to go to the doctor.  Graesen started to develop a couple of different rashes (on different parts of his body) and some eczema.  I called the doctor, because I was a little concerned that the rashes may have been a reaction to the new medicine he is on.  I was told to bring him in.  I was really disappointed when we got there, because the doctor spent about two minutes with us.  He never answered me when I asked why he thought Graesen's skin was doing that, and just said "I don't know" when I asked him about one of the rashes in particular.  He ended up just writing us a prescription for Hydrocortizone cream.  I was embarrassed I even called after the way the appointment went.  I felt like the doctor just thought I was stupid.  I really miss our old doctor.
Graesen was so cute playing with the paper on the table.  I just had to take a picture.

When we got back from the doctor Rachae and I went for a 10 mile walk.  Walking uses different muscles than running.  I was so sore!
Saturday Rachae made dinner for everyone, then my sisters and I went out to see "Valentine's Day" (for their birthdays).  The movie was so cute!
On Sunday I dressed Graesen up in his red gear for Valentine's day.  I gave him a new toy and some treats (it was hard to find gluten-free and dairy free treats!). 

 

  

  

 

 We went to church then over to my parent's house.  Rachae and I went for a five mile walk while my mom took care of the kids.  When we got back Graesen was so tired!  Aidan and Addison came in to watch him sleep.  It was too cute!

 

 

 Evan spent a little time with us then headed off to work (he had to work all weekend).  He got me these amazing chocolates.

 

 

My mom made a turkey diner to celebrate Valentine's Day and the birthdays of Rachae, Shawna, Paul, and my Grandma.  Here are the cute cupcakes:

 

 

My special gluten-free dessert:

 Graesen got some Valentine's gifts.

 

 

 Addison dressed up like a clown:

We finished the night by watching "Couples Retreat" on payper view.  It was really funny.
Today Graesen and I went back to the lactation specialist.  He was able to get 4 oz.  The nurse said that is low, but because of his age we can add more solids and should be able to make it to a year!  So, no Reglan for now!  I'm glad about this, because Reglan often causes depression.
Big boy food (squash, peas, turkey, prunes with reflux medicine, and black beans):

 Also, today my grandma had surgery for a herniated disk.  She is in a lot of pain and had a bad reaction to the anesthesia, so please keep her in your prayers!