Life as we know it...

Blake's First Halloween & other stuff...

2009-11-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

We've been quite busy this month. Lots to report! Blake had his 9 month check up a couple of weeks ago. He's doing great! Weight is 25th percentile, Length is 90th percentile, & head is 95th percentile. I asked the doc about Blake's head & upon further review, he noticed that Blake's head had grown rapidly in the last several months. We had a CT scan done & discovered he has something called benign external hydrocephalus. It sounds a little scary, but is actually not. He has fluid on the outside of his brain, but it doesn't cause any problems or developmental delays. It will level out on its own in a couple of years. SO, Blake just has a big head...for now!

Blake has been sitting up for awhile now & hardly ever falls over anymore. He can eat his Puffs all by himself. He isn't crawling yet, but scoots all around on the floor. I think it's just a matter of time before he starts to crawl!

Fall brought lots of cute photo ops! We got pics of Blake with his first pumpkin, another visit with Granny, along with his first Halloween! You can click the link below to see pics of all the fun we've been having this month! Love to you all!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111322&id=605989335&l=19dfc483b4

Blake Swinging (Another Version)

2009-10-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, I'm uploading another video of Blake swinging. This one is more of a close-up of his face. Still lots of laughing! Enjoy!

A Day at the Park

2009-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

October is here & the weather has been great the last few days! Today was especially fun! Daddy got off work early, so we went to Market Common to walk around. We got something to eat at Gordon Biersch, wandered around in Barnes & Noble, then went to the park. Blake loves the swing, as you can see below. He wasn't too impressed with the slide. We plan to go the park to play as often as we can!

Love that belly laugh! I could listen to it all day!

Videos of Blake

2009-09-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Blake is able to really enjoy his jumparoo a lot more than when we first got it! He loves jumping up & down. He stayed in there for two different 45 minute sessions!

He was so exhausted after Jumparoo time that he fell asleep before bath time. We decided to bathe him anyway, thinking that he would wake up when we undressed him. We were wrong!

If he sleeps well tonight, you can bet the Jumparoo will be used daily!
I'll keep you updated on that!

The Summer of Blake...

2009-08-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

We've been having such a blast with Blake this summer. He's 7.5 months old now & learns something new everyday! His top 2 front teeth are in & the teeth on either side of those will be in soon. Since he's got teeth on top & bottom now, he likes to click them together. He still laughs & smiles constantly! He's such a sweetie! We are so blessed. He still doesn't sleep through the night yet, but I'm hopeful he'll get the hang of it soon. Here are some recent pics.

Loves playing in the pool!

Found a new bath time toy!

Definitely not a vegetarian!

Enjoying the summer breeze while Pappy swings the hammock.

Sitting with cousin Wade in the hammock.
I think they needed some sunglasses.

The twins enjoyed the hammock too!

Playing in the sandbox with Granna.

The remote king!

Chillin' with Uncle B

Showing off the pearly whites!

Photo Shoot-6.5 months old

2009-08-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

We had some professional pictures taken this past weekend. Some of our little family & some of just Blake. They turned out really cute! Click the link to see most of the pics!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92217&id=605989335&l=6c9bb32f84

Have a great day!

The Cutest Baby in the World

2009-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Seriously, have you ever seen anything as cute as this?!

I didn't think so!

6 month update

2009-07-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Blake turned 6 months old on Monday. He went for his checkup with Dr. Rabon on Tuesday. He weighs 16lbs, 10 oz & is 27 inches long. He did really well during the actual shots; only cried for a bit. He's been a little more fussy than usual this week though; due to gas & poop problems. Hopefully, that will get straightened out soon. Here are some recent pics...

Daddy & Blake wearing their favorite hats!

Just woke up from a nap! (I added the blanket to his head.)

Blake meets "Uncle" Mike!

July

2009-07-04T20:32:00.001-07:00

Granny came to town & met Blake for the first time!

He showed her how to make a fist.

4 generations...

Blake stayed overnight with my parents for the first time this past weekend so that we could celebrate our 6th anniversary. Blake is wearing some of Daddy's socks to keep his feet warm.

Getting ready to go for a dip in the pool at Granna's house.

Happy 4th from my Little Firecracker!

Blake with his cousins.
(From left: Reed, Logan, Wade, & Blake)

5 Months Old...

2009-06-18T20:31:00.001-07:00

Blake turned 5 months old on Saturday! Where has the time gone? To celebrate, we got him in the pool for the first time. I think he really liked it, but it was hard to tell. He was his usual mellow self!

Drying off with Daddy after pool time!

Playing with my puppy in the crib!

Mommy got a new haircut!

Mr. Photogenic

2009-06-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Blake went to watch his Daddy's softball game for the first time this week.
He had his game face on!

They lost, even though Blake had his rally cap on!
Getting a hug from Cousin Wade!
Help!
Bath Time in the sink!

Playing in the Jumparoo for the first time!

More Blake...

2009-06-05T14:46:00.001-07:00

Blake is quickly following in his Daddy's footsteps.
Sitting in the recliner with the remote!

Last night was our first time eating green beans.
Before:

After:

A LOT messier than eating cereal! At one point, it was on his eyebrows!

Blake's Bedroom & Bathroom-Picture Heavy Post

2009-05-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

We finished up Blake's room today & it's really cute! Here are some pics of the finished product.

I made these curtain rods myself. The pictures don't really do them justice. They turned out really cute! 2 bats glued together with a baseball on either end.

I've got a thing for monkeys! Can you tell?

Blake hopes everyone had a great Memorial Day!

More Exciting News...

2009-05-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

Blake is 4.5 months old today. He developed a little cold (sneezing, coughing, runny nose), so I decided to take him to the doctor to get everything checked out. Last time he had all these symptoms he had an ear infection as well.
He had a great doctor visit. He weighed 15lbs, 4oz with his clothes/diaper on. He was very well-behaved, laughing & smiling during his exam. No ear infection & the congestion isn't in his lungs-only in his head. Then, she looked in his mouth & what did she see?!
A tooth poking through!
Hooray! It must have just gotten there because I just felt around in there a few days ago & didn't feel anything. It will be difficult to get a picture of this milestone, but don't think I won't try!

Rice Cereal

2009-05-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

Tonight was our first attempt feeding Blake cereal. Not very successful as far as him actually eating any, but it was fun to watch him try! Here are a few pics & a video of him trying to eat cereal.
I don't think he liked it. What do you think?

Whew! Thank goodness that's over!

Mother's Day & more...

2009-05-16T20:22:00.001-07:00

I celebrated my first Mother's Day last weekend & it was great!
Here are Blake & I in the front yard. It was bright out. That's why we're so squinty!

Monday, May 11 was B's birthday. We celebrated by going to dinner at P.F.Chang's.
It was delicious!

Blake turned 4 months old on Wednesday. I looked back at some old pics.
Here's Blake with a loaf of bread & at about 1 week old!

And here's Blake with a loaf of bread at 4 months old!

Blake also had a playdate with his friend, Ryan, this week. They weren't really that interested in each other. They just looking at us since we were taking a million pictures of them.

Blake is such a happy baby all the time.
I'm so blessed to have him & am thankful for him everyday!

Blake Rolled Over!

2009-05-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Actually, it was more like the weight of his head caused him to tip over, but it's still exciting! He did it 3 or 4 times today! Yay!!
Brian was at work & didn't get to see it the first time. And by the time he got home, Blake was eating & couldn't do tummy time on a full stomach. We'll have more tummy time later though!

Laughter is the Best Medicine!

2009-05-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Blake smiles & laughs all the time now! It's so sweet! Here's a short video of him laughing. Unfortunately, I had the camera turned the wrong way. So, you'll have to turn your head (or your computer) sideways. Also, Brian thinks I'm waiting to take a picture. He doesn't realize I'm videoing.
It's hard to believe that Blake was as tiny as his new cousins when he was born! He'll be 4 months old next week!

Double the Pleasure...

2009-05-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Double the Fun...
The Martin Twins have arrived! Logan James & Reed William arrived at 10:40 & 10:43am, respectively, on May 5, 2009. Logan was 5lbs, 8oz & Reed was 6lbs, 9oz. Here are a few pics!

Logan (back) & Reed (front)

Logan

Reed

Looks like Wendy has her hands full!

Getting Settled...

2009-05-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

We moved in to our new place last week & are getting settled. Blake's room has been painted & we've unpacked most of his stuff. All that's left is to hang things on the walls, etc. Will try to post some pics soon!

Blake's Dedication Service

2009-04-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Blake was dedicated yesterday at my home church, North Conway Baptist. It was a really sweet service. Blake was VERY well behaved! Everyone commented on how good he was! He received a New Testament bible & a certificate. During the prayer, he was smiling & laughing! Our families were there. It was a perfect day!

Poor Blake! He was so tired from all the excitement!

On the Move Again...

2009-04-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, we got the CO for our new apartment! Today we painted Blake's room & brought over the large furniture pieces from the storage unit. We'll move the rest over the next few days & should be all moved in by the end of the week! YAY!!! I'll try to post some pics of our new place (& Blake, of course!) soon.
P.S. Baby dedication for Blake at NCBC tomorrow. I'll have pics (& possibly video) of that too!

Update!

2009-04-20T02:14:00.000-07:00

It's 5:00AM & Blake just woke up. He hadn't rolled over, but was laying completely perpendicular to the way we put him down! One of his feet was even almost sticking out between the bars of his crib! We'll see if it happens again or if it was a fluke! It won't be long now!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-04-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

There's been lots going on the last couple of weeks. Blake & I have had lots of outings!

On April 5, we helped throw a baby shower for my sis-in-law, Wendy. Her twin boys are due to arrive on May 5! She got lots of great things to help prepare for their arrival!

My friend, Cherie, came to visit from Columbia during her spring break. She met Blake for the first time & treated me to a belated birthday lunch. Thanks, Cherie!

We've started trying on some of the hats we have for Blake. Most are still too big, but we did find one that fits.

I don't think he liked it, but only because he didn't know how cute he looked!

We had a great Easter with both our families!

Unfortunately, it appears that camera has seen its last days. The flash no longer works & all our pictures come out dark. I'm having to rely on others to email me pictures they take of us.
So, it looks like we'll be camera shopping soon.

On a happier note, we should be able to get the CO on our new place next week, so we could be moving next weekend! Keep your fingers crossed!

My Cup Runneth Over...

2009-04-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today (April 2) I celebrated my thirty (gulp!) third birthday!
Last night was dinner & cake with my parents, brother, Brian, & Blake. It was a traditional Griswold celebration with the blowing out of candles, then a re-enactment of the blowing out of candles because of "camera malfunction".
For my actual birthday, I spent the day with Blake. It was a typical day with feedings, burpings, diaper changes, & naps. But I swear he smiled at me more today than he ever has. It's as if he knew it was my birthday & was giving me little gifts all day long. My mom (LaLa) came over in the evening to watch Blake so that I could meet Brian for dinner & a movie. We had a delicious dinner at PF Chang's & then saw the movie, "Taken". It was a great night. After we left the movie, Brian presented me with a very sweet card. I also got a heart shaped necklace from him & matching earrings from Blake. I was so surprised & touched! I have a wonderful husband & family. Last year at this time, we didn't even know about Blake & how our life was soon going to change forever! Now, we can't imagine our lives without him! I am truly blessed!