Top Moments of 2010- Part 2

7. Road Trip-

When Grayson was just shy of 2 months old we took him, along with my parents, on his first road trip. We went to Omaha, NE and visited Winter Quarters- This is where my parents served their first mission- We also visited the Henry Doorley Zoo. If you have never been to this zoo- it in itself is worth the trip. It is AMAZING!!!!! We also went to Mnt Rushmore and Cody, WY where we visited the Buffalo Bill museum.

It was a great trip, Grayson did well, but I don't think I will do a 8 day roadtrip with only 1 day not driving, with a 2 month old again. However, it gave Grayson the claim that he had been to 7 states before he was 2 months old.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE POST FROM THIS TRIP

6. Last day at the J-O-B!!!

May 5th was so surreal to me! I couldn't believe that day was finally here. It was the last day at my job at Shearer & Bonney, PC- Attorneys at Law!

I still go back, with Grayson, and visit the old job and the last time I was there, I even trained a gal on something...LOL! At times, I miss getting up and ready everyday and going to work, but I would never give up this opportunity to stay home with Grayson.

5. May 12th comes and goes!

Yep, May 12th, my due date, came and went! I felt no hurry to push Grayson out before his due date, but being anti-induction, I began feeling a bit anxious. Between that and the constant emails, texts, and Facebook messages asking if I had gone into labor yet. I began walking, using the birthing ball, and so much more to encourage Grayson to drop and labor to begin. However, none of it seemed to help. I never got to the point of being "done" being pregnant, maybe that is why none of this worked.

Taking a little break

I am taking a little break from the family blog. I will probably be back within a week or so, but right now I am focusing on getting healthy and a few other things so taking the time to do lengthy posts is not at the top of the list. So yeah, the top ten moments- well, they will be put on hold.
Hope everyone is enjoying this new year and using it to accomplish the goals they have set.

Top Ten Moments of 2010- Part 1

Well, Grayson is napping and I honestly don't feel like doing much- so I figured I could start my Top Ten Moments of 2010!

#10- Farrar Family Reunion

This year we had the first ever Keith & Mary Farrar Family Reunion. Last year, my sisters were kind enough to nominate me (haha) to organize it. Of course- this was before I was expecting Grayson. So, organizing this and preparing for him was a lot of fun (plus other things I had to organize for).

Everyone made it except Eric and his family, and some of Merlin's kids. Hopefully next year EVERYONE will make it!

One of the best memories (besides Madison (Alicia's little girl) telling us how she is "Lovin on Michael (Jackson)") was when Mike and Ryder took the canoe out. There were AWFUL winds and yes- they swam it back. Here are some pictures of them emptying out the canoe and draining the items that were soaked/full of water.

#9- Sienna Visits

I love every year when we get to spend time with Mike's niece- Sienna! This year it was a little more low key then in the past. No roadtrips anywhere. Since I had left my job and stayed at home, we didn't have to worry about Mike and my mother-in-law Kathe getting days off so someone would be home to watch Sienna either.

Sienna was a great help to me with Grayson. I also enjoyed taking her out to the park, zoo and Discovery center (a museum/activity science center).

Sadly- I am not able to locate the memory card that has the 2-3 pictures of her visit here. I had actually taken SEVERAL pictures but my memory card was on the fritz and they ended up being "warped"

#8- Great Grandmas!

Grayson met both his Great Grandmas this summer.
Grayson met my Grandma Farrar at 2 months on the way home from his first roadtrip.

2-3 Weeks later he met Mike's Grandma Hayward when we were picking up Sienna. This picture was taken when we brought her back to Lewiston.

I feel blessed that we were able to take him to meet both his living Great Grandmas

I am sorry to say that Poppy- Mike's grandpa who raised him was not able to hold Grayson on this earth as he passed away in August. However, I am grateful for the knowledge that one day he will be able to be with Grayson.

The Rumors Aren't Always True

There is a popular rumor that goes around about Breastfeeding. That rumor- that you lose weight super fast while breastfeeding. I LOVED that! I was looking forward to the weight just coming off after I had Grayson.
Well, fast forward to actually having him....
First off- I had a c-section...so my hard core workouts were put on hold due to the incision. Second- I did lose 30 pounds within a month of Grayson being born. This seems minor, until you understand, I only gained 10 pounds while pregnant. I was SUPER excited with my lower weight, my pre-pregnancy clothes fitting better than before I conceived, and the fact I was doing it without hard core exercise.
Well, as I am quite open about- having PCOS/IR made it hard to establish a good milk supply. During one of my many visits to the local LC we discussed what I was eating. She kindly, but firmly, explained that my weightloss was great- but if I wanted to get my supply up, I needed to be eating more. I was hardly eating 1300 calories at the time. A breastfeeding mother needs a minimum of 1500 calories- preferably closer to 1800, to maintain her supply.
So, sadly, as I increased my calorie intake- I gained back all 30 pounds (remember again- I only gained 10 while pregnant). I promised myself I would not worry about it until Grayson was at least 6 months old. Well, he hit 6 months and then it was Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving I started thinking a lot about my weight. Every time I have tried to lose weight while Breastfeeding, my supply has tanked. By this time I was so down about my weight I was ready to wean if I had to start in January. However, Grayson started asking to nurse and both of us were enjoying the nursing sessions. SO, I was torn.
A visit to my OB, the LC, and a lot of research later- and I am positive there is a happy middle ground.
SO- I am beginning my weightloss journey. Hence, the ticker on the side of the blog. I actually started making some changes about 2 weeks ago and have lost 4 pounds already! My goal is to be down the 30 pounds I gained back by the time Grayson is 1.
I know a lot of people have their miracle diets, etc that they are using right now. I am happy that they have found something that works for them. However, one thing I have noticed, that in my personal opinion, these diets do not follow my personal guideline of what is healthy (The Word of Wisdom found in D&C Section 89), and with much prayer, I knew these diets were not in line with that guideline. I will be using that scripture as my guideline for my foods. Eating mostly fruits and vegetables, then whole grains and lastly meats. I feel the Lord knows what is best for the bodies that he designed for us, and so I will follow what he has set forth as healthy living standards.
I plan on doing Zumba (I have the original DVDs) and walking 3-4 days a week with a friend while her oldest daughter is in school.
Other than that, I hope to just be healthy in my choices, avoid junk foods and find small ways to be more active.
I normally don't share these goals, worried that it will be humiliating when I publicly fail...but that is just giving myself an out. If I share these goals, then I know I will need to succeed as others will be watching me.
So- what are your goals for 2011?

It Looks Like:

Just a quick thought-
It looks like Toys R Us threw up in my living room....
Grayson sure was spoiled by his Aunts this Christmas.

Grayson's First Christmas Part 1

Just wanted to post a few random Christmas pictures. But I felt I should give a little summary of events too.

So here it is. On Christmas Eve we went up to Carma & Amanda's house in the mountains (near Idaho City) to celebrate. It was a lot of fun. Good food, games, great company.

Here is a picture of Grayson with Aunt Joyce.

We played Christmas Carol Pictionary. This is my older brother Brian taking his turn.

Grayson enjoyed the wrapping paper, ribbon, and tissue paper!

He was spoiled plenty. We headed home and he slept the drive down. So, when we got home he was WIDE AWAKE! We tried to go to bed around 11:40, during which time Santa arrived, but Grayson was still not sleepy- so he opened Santa presents at 12:10 am.

He did a great job opening most of his gifts.

He finally fell asleep around 1:45 am and then woke up to eat around 3:30. After that we all slept (with one more nursing session in there) until 9:00 am.

I am quite tired (I actually have the stomach flu today) so I think I will end there for tonight.

Merry Christmas from the Robins Family

7 Months and Mobile- VERY MOBILE

Grayson is 7 months old today! I feel like time is just speeding by. I realized, some of the things that entertained him when he was little are just plain boring now. Funny things he used to do- he hasn't done in weeks, or even months.
Here are the stats:
Grayson is weighing in at 14.5 pounds and is just under 25" tall.
He is just now starting to really fit into 3-6 month clothes, although many 0-3 month Carters still fit him (but that brand runs very long)
He has one tooth that is completely broken through the gum and it's friend is making it's way through right now...Looks like he will be getting his two front teeth for Christmas

Latest Tricks Milestones:
Crawling- very quickly
Pulling himself to a standing position
Walking along the edge of the couch, mom, dad, diaper cases, and anything else that is the right height
Getting into EVERYTHING
Leaning himself up to get out of the car seat
"Headbanging" his head in the direction of something he wants
Slapping his hand on things
Saying "neh-neh" when he wants to nurse

His Current Interests:
Mickey Mouse
Books- LOVES BOOKS
Anything he can bang on
Getting into things he shouldn't be- cords, plastic bags of groceries, the Christmas presents
Dancing around the house with mommy

Food front:
Not to interested in purees anymore, although Oatmeal is still yummy
Loves the puffs that melt while they chew them
Loves bread, bananas, mashed potatoes, tiny pieces of apple
Still mostly breast/bottle fed

Now, for the best part- Pictures! He is such a ham and talking all the time!

I have given up on trying to keep him from walking too early. Others are pushing him to walk so there is no point in Mike and I trying to slow him down.

Also, he has gotten to the whiny momma's boy clingy phase. Half the time he won't even go to Mike. He just wants his mama! So, that sad sigh from a 3-4 months ago when he no longer wanted to just be held....yeah, now replaced with the, "Please let me just get some lunch without you crying because you can't see/touch me."

This age is fun, exhausting, and entertaining. I hope that time will start to slow down a little after Christmas so I can just enjoy this time with him.

Standing

So Grayson has been pulling himself to a standing position for a while now. Unfortunately, I have never caught it on video and now he is really fast at it. He has also started trying to go from one item to another! I need him to SLOW DOWN! I think he has inherited his Uncle Eric's daredevil-gotta-get-moving gene. Hoping he is not RUNNING by 9 months like Eric! YIKES!
Anyways, normally he is too fast for me to get the camera and catch him pulling himself up on video but he had fallen a few moments ago and bumped his head on the floor so he was moving more carefully this time. He had only gotten to his knees before I could start filming.
Ignore my messy floor. We are still decorating (hence the box of ornaments) and had toys all over to keep Grayson entertained...but I guess standing with a box of diapers is more entertaining.

Holy Snow Batman!

I really should have posted about ths sooner! The snow in which I am referencing has almost all melted away. However, better late then never!

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Boise got a HUGE amount (for Boise) of snow. 8-10 inches in a 12 hour period. That was on top of the 2-3 inches that was already on the ground.

Well, I couldn't pass up taking Grayson out in it so I bundled him up like the little brother on Christmas Story:

and out the door we went.  I feel I should add, these clothes were purchased after I knew Grayson's gender at the end of season clearance from Children's Place. Thinking my little boy would be 6-7 months when he would even begin to need fleece lined jeans, I purchased 6-9 months thinking they may be a little big but would work. Well, little did I know at 6 months he would still be in 0-3 month clothing. While the jacket works (without the waterproof shell) the pants were GIGANTIC on him.

Although, the snow was pretty deep, above my snow boots. So I didn't dare just set Grayson in it while I took pictures. So, I found this Redneck Sled (aka rubbermaid lid) to sit him on.

He was more interested in the scenery then looking at mommy while she took pictures. Plus it was still snowing!

That evening, Mike and I took him back out so he could really play in it with Mike while I took pictures.

Trying to get Grayson to make a Snow Angel was Mike's goal. Didn't work out so well.

I think Grayson enjoyed the snow- What do you think?

Precious Moment

Grayson was playing on our bed today after we moved our furniture in our bedroom around and put on some fresh, clean white sheets. Him playing in his white onesie on the clean linens was just PRECIOUS!

A Mommy Moment

Well, I had a mommy moment the other night. I shared this on my breastfeeding blog, but wanted to share it here.
I must admit, I used to hate that people would get up and say "You never truly understand Heavenly Father's love for us until you have a child of your own." As someone who was TRYING to have children but couldn't it drove me nuts! I will admit, it still does. To someone who wants children and can't, or has not met their eternal companion yet, it is telling them that they can not truly appreciate Heavenly Father's love and plan for us. I completely disagree with this. I think you can understand this without having children.
What I think people MEAN to say is, your perspective changes when you have children. This is what has happened to me this Christmas season. I am not suddenly "understanding" I am just seeing it differently.
Every song this Christmas that has to do with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus is bringing me to tears this Christmas. "Mary Did You Know", "Mary's Lullaby", and "Joseph's Lullaby" are the top culprits. Anything that talks about them just wanting to hold Him and cherish Him as their own and not think of what his future holds starts the water works.
A few nights ago, Grayson was particularly fussy due to teething. While trying to get him to sleep, I was nursing him while rocking. I began to sing to him "Silent Night" when the thought occurred to me. Mary probably had nights like this, nursing baby Jesus, while rocking and singing him to sleep. That did it. I could not fight back the tears. I tried to fight through my sobs to continue singing but could not do it. I finally had to take a moment and just cherish the thought that had come to my mind.
We are all entrusted with these precious little ones. Heavenly Father has given us each the WONDERFUL responsibility of raising HIS children here on Earth. Not just parents, but as a community. If you be an aunt, uncle, Sunday school teacher, school teacher, ANYBODY- you have this amazing role in a child's life. Like Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Savior, we are each chosen to play a role in the upbringing of those precious little ones around us. What a wonderful thought!
I already understood my Father's love for me, it isn't that my understanding has changed, it is just my perspective has changed a little.

Wait- Christmas is When?

I can not believe how fast time has gone by. I feel so behind. Normally, all my Christmas stuff is up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Between a teething baby, a husband who has been busy with work and school  (or watching any football game that may effect BSU's standing) and not able to help with the decorating much, our trip to Texas and colds - I have found myself VERY FAR BEHIND on everything Christmas! I was so enthusiastic this year that I would make all the presents....but as time is flying by, I am starting to think that may not happen. I just BARELY set up the last of my Christmas decorations (well, what is getting put out this year) last night!
I looked at the calendar today and realized that Christmas is only 2 weeks and 2 days away! Holy Christmas Tree!
I feel like I have dropped the ball. Luckily, my husband reminded me that last year, I only had a job that took up 40 hours a week. This year, I have a job that requires my attention 24 hours a day 7 days a week, making it okay to be a little behind, not have perfect Christmas decorations, and that I shouldn't feel like I need to have everything "ready" by a certain time.
So- to all the other moms out there- I feel ya'! Especially for those with little ones who are still attached (aka breastfeeding).

Texas Part 2- Pictures Pictures Pictures

These are some pictures from Texas. They are in no particular order (sorry). I have so many I may just end up doing a slide show and posting it on here.

Alia got out one of her old pull-ups she had stored somewhere (or maybe it is from a little girl Terrie babysat, I don't know) to show us the diaper that Grayson couldn't wear because it was for girls. (It had The Little Mermaid on it). I guess it makes a great hat though!

Of course, Mikey had to play with the boys. He had a to-do-list that said "Tickle Vigo" on it. Drake got to box with Mike in their front yard. Cory got a lot of great pictures from this. Here is one I randomly clicked on to upload.

Friday, the day the kids were still in school. While Alia was napping, Mike and I took Grayson out to the front yard to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.

So, for all of you who know Terrie, I thought I would include pics of her kids that I snapped so you can see how big they are getting. This is Alia, their baby girl- now 4 years old- in La Valitta.

And here she is in the zoo playing.

Here is Maya at the zoo. Maya has SUPER long hair. She is writing a book and it is really good so far.

 

OK- here is one of Grayson as we explore Baby Led Weaning (a form of starting solids-not weaning from nursing)

Here is Terrie and Alia having a mommy daughter momen at the zoo as we took a moment to cool off under the fans in the "hut" that is located in the African part of the zoo.

Here is a picture of Mike and Grayson I snapped while at the Tower of the Americas.

Here is Mike wearing Grayson in the Ergo. In all honesty, Alia was worn in the Ergo as much, if not more than Grayson, except on Mike's back.

Here is a picture of Drake and Grayson at the Tower of The Americas. You will notice that Drake and Vigo both put on white shirts and jeans so they could match Mike, Grayson and I.

And here is Vigo and Grayson. I love Vigo's eyes and smile in this picture. His personality really shows. By the time Vigo and Grayson sat down for a picture, Grayson was tired and having none of this.

Below is a picture of Grayson at the top of the tower where you can go outside on an observation deck. It was really windy and we enjoyed the faces he would make from the wind.

He would literally lean into the wind and then make these faces and LAUGH!!!

You can see Terrie in the background viewing the sites (mostly likely through a camera lens)

I already posted the one picture of Addison and Grayson that I have edited.

The amount of pictures we took is a little overwhelming but I will try and post more.