One Month

Ryan is one month old today! Sometimes it feels like it went really fast, and other times I feel like it has only been one month?! We go for his checkup on Monday, after which I will post his "stats". Below is his one-month picture with his elephant from Aunt Erin and Uncle Kevin...I'll be taking monthly pics with the elephant to see how he has grown. Kyle wanted his pic, too.

Whoa, big flash

"Cheese", of course

Christmas 2010

Kyle really enjoyed Christmas this year. He was very excited about what Santa brought and played non-stop with all of the toys from grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins/mom & dad/Santa. He is very good at entertaining himself these days, and it is so cute to hear him talk to his cars, trains, stuffed animals, etc. and make believe. Below are a few pictures from our Christmas celebrations.

Big Boy pants

Kyle has recently shown an interest in using the potty, so I went and bought him the Thomas pants he requested. Dad started off by putting the underwear on Kyle's head and Kyle thought it was hilarious and wanted to wear them on his head as well. Unfortunately, we've had better luck getting them on his head than his bottom. He says the underwear "hurts"...just a different feeling I'm sure. Perhaps he needs boxers!

Kyle's Christmas Program

On Thursday, December 16th, Kyle's school had their annual Christmas program. Kyle has been practicing lots of Christmas songs lately, so we had a good idea of what we would hear. We were assuming "Jingle Bells", but his class sang "Jesus Loves Me" instead. Below are some pictures of Kyle in his costume.

The week (and 1/2) in review

Ryan is 1 1/2 weeks old now and he is doing great! We had our first appointment Monday and he weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz. (gaining 5 oz. since discharge at 8 lbs.) and he is 21 3/4" long (which leads me to believe he was actually longer at birth).


In the first week, we have had several visitors, wonderful meals, have had a few baths, and have generally done lots of sleeping. The nighhttime sleeping is improving...at first he had his nights and days mixed up...no fun! He loves to sleep on his side bundled up and likes me to pat his chest to fall asleep. He is such a good baby and rarely cries...only when he is hungry, cold, or needs a new diaper! He tolerates the loud noises of Kyle well and Kyle loves his baby brother is and so proud to be a big brother.


Below are a few pictures. You can also check out more photos on our photo page here.

All comfy cozy on the boppy
No more pictures, please
The Gray boys
First bath
Peace at last

Introducing Ryan Bragg Gray

Ryan joined us on November 29th at 10:46 AM weighing 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 inches long. The induction went well and he was born in no time. Just like Kyle, he was born with a head of black hair...I think they look so much alike, so it will be fun to compare their looks as Ryan gets older. Below are some pictures of the first day. With all of the action, we neglected to take a "family of four picture", but we did get some that I will post at a later date.

Just after delivery

Meeting daddy

Kyle meeting Ryan for the first time

Last Day

On our last day as a family of three, this is what we did:

- We took our last "family of three" picture in front of the Christmas tree. I was able to convince Kyle to wear his nice shirt, but he insisted on wearing his "Amen" (A&M) shorts;


- We did lots of laundry. Kyle helped take the clothes out of the dryer and put them in the basket for folding;

- We mopped the floors and also vacuumed the rugs;

Last day to wear this round ball on my front;

And just for fun, here are some outtakes from when we tried to get our last family of three photo:

Me and Russ - Kyle ran out of the picture

Trying to hide the sippy cup (not fast enough)

Kyle is more interested in the "Amen" ornament

We also slept in late and went to 9:30 mass, played lots of games, snuggled before an early bedtime, and I took a long walk on the trail this afternoon. What a fun day!

Tomorrow is induction day. Induction is "in the genes". In talking to mom this weekend, I learned that my due date was around 10/24, and I was born 11/8 (via induction). Sarah was due 2/11, born 2/28 (via induction) and Erin was due 7/3, born 7/14 (via induction). Looking forward to welcoming our baby boy tomorrow!

LBG #2's "Sprinkle" Luncheon

Today, mom's group of friends hosted a little luncheon for me and baby. We had a delicious lunch and cake and I was showered with some wonderful gifts. We had a great time chatting and laughing. It was so fun to get together with these ladies again. I can't wait for them to meet LBG #2!

The gang at lunch

The delicious (and pretty) cake
Kyle excited about the gifts (and curly ribbon)

Preparing for baby

This weekend we received a few baby items to borrow from the Niemanns (thanks guys!) and Kyle was excited to see one particular toy...the exersaucer. He climbed inside to test it out (don't worry, it's still intact). We are going to have to put this toy away until the baby needs it, or else Kyle could entertain himself for hours. He also found his infant to toddler rocker (which he was using as a chair a little before we moved) and "lambie" which he received as a baby gift. Kyle was "daddy" to lambie (which we learned is a girl, according to Kyle) and he did some role playing, which was really cute to eavesdrop on. What a shock Kyle will be in once the baby arrives and uses the chair and exersaucer!

Kyle testing out the exersaucer

Being a good daddy to lambie

Playdate at Gavin's

A couple of weekends ago, Kyle headed over to Gavin's house for a few hours of fun. Russ and I were able to get some cleaning done around the house and enjoy a nice patio lunch at Hungry's. Rachel kept the boys entertained with playdoh, arts and crafts, and rides in the wagon. The two best buds had such a blast that Kyle fell asleep on the way home.

Halloween 2010

Halloween was lots of fun this year...not only did Kyle really enjoy trick or treating, but we also went to a great mom's club party where fireman Kyle got to pose with a firetruck! The first two pictures are from Russ' phone since we forgot our camera (of course) and the remainder of the photos are courtesy of Aunt Kelly. Enjoy!