Happy Fall, Y'all!!

Gray is just giddy with excitement about Fall. He's going to his first football game this weekend in the new motor home. Unfortunately, its not an Auburn game, but rather we're traveling to Oxford to "attend" the Ole Miss vs. Alabama game. In case you were wondering, Travis will go in the game, but Gray and I will stay behind and watch games on TV.




Gray now weighs 8 lbs 8 oz and seems to grow and change every day. He rarely cries and is, overall, just a very peaceful baby. We are so blessed - for many reasons.



Several of you have asked how our older 4 legged children are adjusting to the bundle joy. Karleigh, the soon to be one year-old Beagle Travis got me when I was having such a hard time last Christmas, is surprisingly doing the best with the baby. While she's very curious about him, at the same time she will just sit and stare at him in a very protective but sweet way. Allie, my 10 year old "first born" lab, isn't liking the idea of not being my first priority. She just ignores Gray and sulks a little. However, GG (my mom) has been in town and Allie adores her. Therefore, she's been spending some time with my mom and dad (she loves him,too, as he takes her for walks and rides). Ace, Travis' 10 year old aka "The Chosen One" duck hunting dog, isn't phased by Gray in the least. He continues to be the most laid back dog ever.

Our photographer, Monica Carroll (http://www.monicacarroll.com/), came last week to photograph Gray (can't wait to see the pics!). She said the sweetest thing. While he was asleep and she was taking pictures of him, he kept smiling and laughing. She said, "His angel sister, Grayton, must have been whispering something funny or tickling him because he kept grinning and giggling". I like the thought of that.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and well wishes! As you can imagine, Travis and I just can't get enough of this precious angel.

Until next time,

Leigh

1st Doctor's Visit

Yesterday Gray had his first visit with his pediatrician. While he'd previously lost a 6 ounces from his 8lb 2 oz birth, I'm happy to report he's back up to 8 lbs. When we took him back to the room at the doctor's office and placed him in his diaper on the examination table while waiting on the doctor to come in, he wet the table like I've never seen!! Travis and I just died laughing! We quickly cleaned him up, then the table, just in time for the Dr to come in.
He loved his first outing and slept most of the ride. Our next visit is on Friday, october 2nd.
Its so hard to believe he's already a week old! I wish time would just stand still. Gray is such a cuddler and sleeps best on my chest or beside me - putting him in the bed was something I said I'd never do..."Never say never" and besides, selfishly I kind of like him being so close. I sleep best, too, smelling his head and hearing him breath while, simontaneously, thanking God for such a priceless gift.
He's feeding are up to 3 ozs and he just loves to eat - just like his momma!! :) Leigh

Our First Family Picture

First Night Home

We're finally home--we came home Sunday afternoon. Our first night home was exciting! We were all so tired. Gray is just precious...he's looking all around...we thought him staying awake a bit would help him sleep longer. Ha!....and he slept so well in the hospital !....Everything is good right now, as he sleeps on my shoulder and chest ... Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, and congratulations !! Leigh and Travis

Baby Gray is here. 8 Pounds 1 oz. and 21 inches long

Diaphragm seems to be intact

On Monday, Dr. Gonzalez (the specialist) was kind enough to put my mind at ease about Gray being born with a Diaphragmatic Hernia. He explained the diaphragm is actually a tent keeping the lungs and heart above and bowel, intestines, liver, etc. below and when a baby inhales or gasps for room air the first time, if there is a hole or incomplete diaphragm (as in Grayton's case) or tear, organs can get pulled into the lung area. There's no guarantee this won't happen. However, he certainly looked Gray over and nothing he saw gave him any indication that the diaphram is not completely intact.

Answered Prayers, for sure! Thank you all who've prayed for Gray, Travis, me as well as our families. We've certainly felt each and every one of them.

At home, I'm starting that nesting phase and a very nice added energy burst - neither of which I ever experienced with Grayton. Unless Gray and God decide something different :), two weeks from tomorrow, he'll be here! Please continue to pray for him as well as the most "normal", uneventful C-Section and birth that Brookwood Hospital ever experienced! HA!

Meanwhile, I continue to go twice a week (Monday and Thursday) for non-stress tests at my OB's office. So far, he's been very responsive but no contractions to record.

Thanks again,
Leigh