G goes to School

Greyson started a preschool program on August 20.  He's currently enrolled in the The Gardner School.    I know it's important to give Grey certain opportunities that we cannot provide at home.  At the very least, he will acquire the socialization skills necessary to prepare him for Kindergarten and beyond.  During his last visit with the NICU follow -up clinic, which was 5 months ago, the Pediatrician and Behavior therapist both recommended a structured pre-school environment a few days a week.  Even though we've all coddled  G and I worry about his tender soul, I think this experience is valuable.  Well, at least I tell myself this in my weakest moments.  We still have a lot of legitimate concerns with our little man.  G managed to only gain 1/2 a pound all summer.  He's still only weighing in @ 24 lb., which honestly is the weight of many 12 month olds.  He wears mostly 18-24 months in clothes, which makes us all a little sad.  Gigi is convinced he will be pushed around by the heavy weights in his class.  I know he will be okay, according to his teachers, Grey is a cheerful, outgoing leader.  I pray his teachers will provide the love and safety that we give him each day.  More to come on the pre-school experience.

Favorite Character: Diego
Favorite Food: Chocolate Chip Granola Bar
Favorite Saying: "I'm just a baby"

Favorite Toy: Plastic Skeleton 

Beach Life

So the blog is more than overdue for an update. We just returned from vacation so I have a few new recent photos to share. We spent the week in Watercolor Florida and we had a wonderful time! The weather was perfect and the beach was timeless. Honestly, I could sit in beach chairs for eternity just watching the ocean and listening to the waves. I feel like Watercolor, along with Seaside is a secret treasure found among beach life. I absolutely adore this graceful, old fashioned beach town. Matthew and I could spend hours looking at the colorful architectural designs of homes found among this town. I can’t go here without fantasying about a beautiful, simple beach life. Anyway, I’m beyond fortunate for the time I got to spend with my family. Emily, Haley and Taylor even spent some time with us @ the beach. Taylor and Grey loved the pool, golf cart rides and ice cream! I already miss their laughter.

A little Sunday Snow

It actually snowed today… I guess this is proof that old man winter is still alive. Of course we had to run outside and snap a few shots of the first snow of 2012!

I decided today that I should update the ole blog. Everyone deserves to see some updated pictures of Mr. Grey. You might be just as surprised as myself… he’s growing right into a little boy. He talks all the time, did I mention he talks ALL the time! Today he’s been constantly rambling about Wonder Pets and saving a duck! We’ve had a couple long conversations about trucks too.

So, I should update you all on our no pediasure diet. This has definitely proven to be a wise decision. The random vomiting seems to be issue of the past. Grey now drinks high calorie soy milk from Bright Beginnings. He still takes a bottle in the mornings and usually another in the late evening. No, it’s not ideal to have our almost 3 year old still drinking out of a bottle, however, milk in a cup just isn’t working for us at the moment… sometimes you simply have to roll with what is working for you. Grey’s been in feeding therapy for almost 3 months and it’s unfortunate to report that we haven’t seen any true improvements in the weight category. I’m not really sure what I was expecting from this form of therapy but I can say that I’m a bit disappointed. I’ve learned a few techniques and tips but I think it’s time to part with our weekly feeding therapy. I’m actually going to call Monday and say thanks for your effort and time but we are going to continue on with our lives, which will not include a Friday surrounded by constant rushing and long commutes to and from Vanderbilt to end with Grey wiggling out of a booster seat and throwing all vegetable items that hit his tray. At times these visits were entertaining but they all ended with the same conclusion… the toddler has eating issues.

Grey weighs close to 23 pounds. We’ll continue to do our best and dedicate special attention to his diet. He actually ate multigrain Tilapia for lunch today, which is a big deal in my book!