Gray Daze

Life and Loss

2011-07-07T12:04:00.003-05:00

Its been a week for the record book. Up and down emotions....Most of all we reflect on the blessings God has given us and I am so grateful. Beyond belief.

How do we make sure circumstances don't define us? Wake up and choose to be in control over it. Choose to have faith. Pray for peace and comfort. Know that the plan is way bigger than we see.

There aren't any lessons learned here. Just loss. Emptiness. Only can be filled with the focus of all positive blessings in our lives. Helping others. Blessing others. Redirecting the grief and using it constructively to make a difference. Waking up every morning to a new day with a toddler who's very existence is completely miraculous. The love we feel for him is incomparable. unconditional. irreplaceable.

Prayer for full peace and recovery and the gratitude of what the creation of life meant to us. Possibilities and incredible life fulfillment are in our future. What does our commitment to God cost us? Sometimes having faith in the Will of God is so difficult to reconcile with our emotions and our fleshly desires. He never said it would be easy but he will bear our burden if we confide in him. Matthew 5:4. Having faith in Him and his Will means we never have to be alone.

catching u up on your developments

2011-07-07T11:14:00.003-05:00

Favorite things are airplane, motorcycle, trucks, tractors. Although motorcycle is not clear we know what you are saying because you freak out when you see it. Mommy plays a mean joke and if you are starting to fall asleep in the car and I don't want you to, I say I see a motorcyle and you jerk awake. Such a mean trick, but its funny to us.

other new words: pool, ni ni (night night), ou si (outside), bub bles. Mommy and daddy are faces instead of words.

You have been able to put your whole alphabet puzzle together.

Celebrated 4th of July, and you like to say "boom".

You are fascinated with your nostrils and mommy's.

You play ring around the rosie.

And you love to swim!

You are keeping us so busy, but we love every minute of it. You give us something new to look forward to everyday.

in other news....

2011-03-03T08:09:00.003-06:00

Monkey knows where his head, ears, tongue, hands, fingers and toes are. We are working on nose. Nose. Nose. Nose. And eyes and mouth. Oh, he also knows where his belly button is. So sweet. Also, when he reads the word "clap" he claps. Yes, reads. :)

new word - "ook"

2011-02-22T15:15:00.002-06:00

Book. :) You love books, little monkey. And it thrills me. Its going to be fun when you can really talk, because I have a feeling that you have so much to say!!

New Development - mommy must close the door!

2011-02-21T08:16:00.003-06:00

So, the little stinker, figured out how to open the screen door to our garage and without much ado, I might add. When I take a 3 minute potty break, I will now be closing the bathroom door so you, little monkey, cannot get out. When I got done with my quick private moment, you were in the driveway. I really can't believe that I am typing this - mother of the year award right here. But I never dreamed you would be able to do that. So, latches on screen doors... and any other safety precautions will be taken from here on out. Just can't trust your curious and intelligent mind...one more word to describe your actions, "stealth - like" ! :)

Bu Bu

2011-02-17T18:28:00.001-06:00

Monkey says Bye Bye on cue now... says not just shows it. So cute. We went to the zoo with friends today. Its February and it was 65 in the a.m. So nice to be out in the refreshing warm air. It does so much good for the soul. Fitting, that at the zoo, monkey's favorite animal were the monkeys. Well, those and the swimming penguines were fun too! :)

Blowing Kisses

2011-02-16T08:20:00.001-06:00

So, yesterday, monkey, you started blowing kisses.... I am pretty sure its my favorite thing you do so far. Other than your dancing style. :)

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T19:08:00.003-06:00

I am so blessed to have my guys as Valentine's. Thank you Lord. We started the day with a sugar cookie.... Got some valentines. A balloon from Granny and Pa. Grandma and Grandpa gave you a new book and a stuffed teddy that reads back to you. Daddy got mommy some flowers and chocolates. It was a day filled of love... every day is. I heart you both....my favorite and funny valentines. :)

February Developments

2011-02-13T21:11:00.002-06:00

Complete with tooth number 8.

Safety first for the cabinets since you like to eat floor cleaner.

First official hair cut.

Layden, you love to spin around in circles and then stand there and look at us like, "whoa" and then do it again.

The cutest thing that you are doing is giving kisses with sound affects and all!

And, you are starting to take instruction... "layden, go get your green ball". You do!! You are so smart.

February 2011- Blizzard

2011-02-08T09:58:00.004-06:00

We got 14 inches of snow. Layden looks completely overwhelmed at first but then completely settles into the idea. He loves to be outside. (period).

Beginning Messages from Mommy

2011-02-08T09:12:00.004-06:00

So, I have decided to start blogging again. I have been keeping a note book of the past year that I might use to catch up here. Per the suggestion of a friend of mine, I want to leave messages for Layden to read later and for us to remember these times better. As I remember them too, I will post about stories that I remember from my mom and dad. :)

34 weeks! wow, its so close

2009-11-16T10:47:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted in a while. Been in and out of the hospital. On restricted bedrest. Baby's room is just about done. Still just a bit of decorating to do. The pic of me is at 32 weeks.

Doc says stitch comes out at 35 weeks so next week. I am 90% efaced already so it shouldn't be long after that.

I have some cabin fever, but it will all be worth it in the end. I am grateful for the whole experience and can't wait to see his beautiful little face. OH, he is 6 lbs already. Epidural here I come! :)

Entering 29th week! - 7 monhts - third trimester

2009-10-16T17:39:00.004-05:00

Dexter had to help daddy with the crib

crib up

maternity shot no. 1

Time flies when you are having fun. Nothing really new to report. The nursery is ready for decorating.... the crib is up, the carpet is in. Specialist says he will see me at 32 weeks to see how big Layden is. My OB is now on bedrest so we have a different doctor. Joy. At least we get to meet him before he delivers us.

All in all, things are good. Layden is between 2.5 and 3 lbs. and probably nearing his final lenght...although i don't know what that is and won't until 32 weeks, probably. We are introducing Dexter to the toys we already have for Layden. Our family is going to quickly expand and life as we know will never be the same. Although, I will say it already feels drastically different since I have been on modified bedrest. Priorities are already shifted and perspective on life is so different.

We are blessed. And we get to see Grandma and Aunt Kendall in a week.

Week 25

2009-09-28T10:11:00.003-05:00

uh oh. I missed a week...what is this world coming to? :)

Dr. Fumia, the specialist says that Layden is 2 lbs and 1 ounce... here is what the website says about week 25 http://www.parentsconnect.com/ week 25. I don't understand why my computer won't copy and paste, it made life so much easier.

Anyway, things are going well. Yes, I have had some "stones" in the road. But nothing we haven't been able to handle. God definitely has big plans for this little warrior! :)

Here is the latest picture which was taken last week. I hope to have more pics of the nursery this weekend. Carpet should be in and our crib up - at least that's the goal.

Week 23

2009-09-11T09:27:00.003-05:00

check out this link for progress on baby - although 2 weeks ago he was 1 lb sooo... ignore that part!

He is about the size of a Harry Potter book according the website I check that I had been copying and pasting which apparently won't let me do anymore. www.parentsconnect.com - week 23

Layden's room is getting there...this is the most updated pictures. The blue tape is where the studs are for the moulding which is really that's left to put up and then replace the carpet. It's a sailboat/nautical theme.

And, back by popular demand, the belly! 17 weeks to go! The registry has been started although we didn't realize how overwhelming it would be. So anyway...moving right along. Keeping myself busy with my feet off the ground as much as possible!

Send me books or movies!

update

2009-09-01T09:45:00.002-05:00

Well, the baby is 1 lb. Had a full sonogram. Measured all his fingers and toes. Has two arms and two legs. Everything looks great! Growing like a weed!

We even got to see the blood pump into his heart and leave his heart! Amazing. God is Good.

On tap - finish nursery...register...visit from Grandma and Grandpa! Yahoo! Week 22 is just ahead. In case you can't count... lol

Week 21

2009-08-27T09:24:00.003-05:00

The guys started on Layden's nursery - it looks like they are working really hard, huh? :)

For some reason my update won't copy and paste... but the baby is the size of a root beer - about 10 ounces in weight! :)

Video of Baby Bubba!

2009-08-20T07:17:00.003-05:00

Monday, August 17- New Perspective

2009-08-17T07:53:00.002-05:00

So the bosses at work decided that not working at all is in the best interest of everyone, given my doctor's recommendations. It will be good to give me more time to rest, but this will be very hard for me. then I realize again how blessed we are and how short 4 months really is.... I feel blessed to even have the opportunity to not work and TCO is so good to me, I even get paid most of my salary.

This week, I will be going in for a few hours a day to clear my desk and make sure all projects are covered....

stay tuned. I am sure I will have more time to write...

Week 19 - just under halfway and some interesting information

2009-08-13T09:37:00.002-05:00

So, my doctor has limited my activity. Including work. Its considered "lenient bed rest" instead of strict. So she just wants me to be resting as much as possible... not on my feet often esp. every day up and down with the stress of work. So.... one day at a time. Still trying to figure out what is going to happen with work (not work at all or work from home) - will keep you posted.

update on the baby's growth:
This week your baby starts bulking up and packing on the grossly named "brown fat" he'll need to keep warm when he gets evicted from his comfortable uterine home. Other highlights this week:
Vernix, a milky white coating that protects your baby's skin, appears all over your baby's body to keep his skin from getting pickled in the amniotic fluid. Think of it as if your baby has been dipped in yogurt, like those delicious but fake-healthy yogurt-covered raisins and pretzels. Ooh, we feel another craving comin' on ... Under the vernix, a fuzzy layer of hair called lanugo now covers baby's body. Don't worry, your Mini won't look like Cousin It when he's born. Most of the fuzz will fall off before baby makes his grand entrance.
Good news: Your baby's kidneys are fully functioning and producing urine this week. Bad news: That means there will be lots of diapers in your future. But so far you're safe—at the moment the pee just passes into the amniotic fluid.
He or she now weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, as long as a turkey sub from Subway on warm, delicious Italian Herbs and Cheese bread (or Honey Oat bread, or Oregano bread or ... )

Wow - God is Good.

2009-08-10T09:45:00.002-05:00

So regular appointment on Thurs. turned into a whirlwind. When I went to see the doctor only two short weeks after my previous appointment, my ultrasound indicated quite a difference in the length of my cervix in just those two weeks. Enough to be concerned that I would go into preterm labor if they didn't do something quickly.

Dr. Cox scheduled a procedure to stitch my cervix until the baby is healthy and ready to be born. The procedure was short and easy and all is well. I had my first spinal - that was interesting. I couldn't feel my legs for several hours. I am very thankful that the Doctor is watching me so closely and that this was even an option.

Layden is resting peacefully and so am I. We knew that God was taking care of us and anxiety was not an issue.... We prayed for the wisdom and skilled hands of the doctors to do what they needed to do. Best part, I feel no pain now. I expected discomfort for a bit, but nothing. I am actually back to work on the Monday after the procedure.

Leland went shopping for me yesterday - got me some pants that fit and some cute tops... He did good. Some of it is going back just for practical/frugal reasons. I know that I will need to shop again when I am bigger and the clothes will need to be warmer. So, I just needed to get through this little transition period. Although its becoming more and move obvious that I can't fit in regular clothes. Garage sales are a blessing. My friend Elyssa ran into a good one and got me a bunch of maternity clothes from that and I am wearing a really cute outfit today. Comfortable. That's the key.

Update on Dexter: well, fortunately for us, he has that very important appointment this week- snip snip. We hope it will calm him down a bit, in more ways than one. I mean, its not a good thing to walk in on the dog "showing love" to our cat! Its just not right. Just not.

Got lots going on..but gotta take it easy greasy.

More to come....

Week 18

2009-08-06T09:12:00.003-05:00

Your baby's ears are now facing forward and are completely formed so she can actually hear you talking now. You don't need to abandon your potty mouth just yet, but you might want to start thinking about it! Other highlights this week: This week is also the beginning of ossification. And while that sounds like some long and involved paperwork you'll have to fill out, it's really a fancy medical term for the hardening of your baby's miniature bones. And that's a good thing.Your baby's nerves are making more and more complex connections. Her sense of smell, taste, sight and hearing are all developing. A substance called myelin, which makes nerve connections travel faster, is now coating your baby's nerves.Your baby now weighs between 5 and 7 ounces and is about 5½ inches long—about the size of a pickle from the corner deli. (You're familiar with pickles, right? Your regular accompaniment to a big bowl of ice cream?)

Looks like we are going to name him Layden David Gray (Layden means strong and well loved) . We think that fits. Could change, but that's where we are at right now.

Going shopping this weekend. No pants fit. :) Unless they are elastic and I don' t have elastic pants for work.

Concerts and family fun

2009-08-06T08:54:00.005-05:00

In the past few weeks, we have gone to the American Idol Tour Concert, we saw aerosmith, and we went to Lyrics Music Camp Program. Here are a few pics.

Where's Waldo? Can you find Lyric?

200 and something preschoolers

Brian and Leland at Aerosmith

me and Tori at Aerosmith

ZZ top

Stephen Tyler and his orthopedic shoes

the amazing aerosmith set

American Idol

us at American idol

notes from the weekend

2009-08-03T08:23:00.003-05:00

Dexter has pretty much mastered "sit". he does "up" on his hind legs and he is learning to "come" on command. The one thing we can't seem to get him to understand is "down" when we or anyone else walks in.... he is so excited. He just keeps jumping up and while he is little and not forceful...his little claws slice. We need him to master this before the baby comes.

Speaking of baby - we are just about ready to start the nursery - finishing up the last little bit of cleaning out that room. then we will gut it and get going. Going to start washing the outfits that Grandma bought so I don't have to do them all at once.

Name: Layden David Gray - not set in stone. But feel really good about it. Means, 'strong and well-loved'. Will fit. For sure.

Still have plenty of time for this stuff, I know but its going really fast. And would like to have most done before the holidays.... when I am a stuffed turkey myself! :)

17 weeks - we are now the size of a baked potatoe! oooo I am hungry!

2009-07-30T09:57:00.002-05:00

Speaking of packing on the pounds, that's what it's all about for baby this week. He's adding fat stores that will keep him warm and cozy after he's born. Your baby's weight will increase approximately six times over the next four weeks. Good to know you're not the only one tipping the scale. Also this week:
Your baby is hard at work honing his sucking and swallowing reflexes—all the better for eating that 2 AM (and 5 AM, and 8 AM ...) meal in a few months! The finger and toenails are beginning to grow from their nail beds, which would explain why he'll need them trimmed almost as soon as he's born!
Your baby weighs nearly 4 ounces and is a little over 5 inches long—about the size of a baked potato (load on the butter and sour cream, please).

Tegan, Emery, Lawson, Parker.... names on our list just to name a few.... what are your thoughts?

Random Notes

2009-07-29T08:38:00.002-05:00

Breathing... counting to 10.... the car repair shop is jacking us around. They have had my car since Father's Day. And we have gone to get it twice only to find more issues; issues which the repair shop owner refuses to admit and says some idiotic things to Leland. Hence pissing Leland off, me off and the whole world is unhappy when I am not happy.

Way too much to write...just say a prayer that this all works out - quickly!

Also, Leland got home yesterday to a Dexter out of his crate. Not sure how, when or why? But he was out. The house wasn't torn to pieces. No traces of poddy time in the house - so we are counting our blessings. Poor little guy is still itching his brains out though. He is on his fourth week of antibiotics.

Will post some pictures from the weekend soon. We went to American Idol, the puppy swam and then I was sick. Joy!! :) Feeling better now.

Its a boy!

2009-07-24T14:26:00.001-05:00

So we had a successful view of the little peanut's peanut. And have confirmed a boy!! Now on to names and nursery .... any thoughts???

4 months.....

2009-07-23T11:28:00.001-05:00

Your baby is already mugging for the camera as she practices all sorts of facial expressions, such as squinting, yawning and grimacing, which will come in handy when you introduce her to pureed spinach. Check out what else is happening in utero:

You're just getting comfortable with being a new mom, but you're actually on the road to being a grandma. If your baby is a girl, her uterus is fully developed and the ovaries already hold primitive egg cells. Did that just make you feel a thousand years old, or what?
Your baby's skin is still translucent and wrinkly, not unlike an old man's, but more fat will soon accumulate under the dermas to plump her out. If you could peer inside right now, you'd be able to see all of her veins under her skin. And speaking of veins, your baby's heart now pumps about 25 quarts of blood per day, and she hasn't even seen Orlando Bloom yet! Also, her eyes are now locked and loaded at their final destination, facing forward rather than to the sides. (Whew!)
This is the week women get an amniocentesis, if their doc recommends it. In addition to supplying doctors with a boatload of info about the baby's health, amnios are also more than 99 percent accurate in determining what version of baby you'll be having. So if you want to know and you're getting an amnio, now's a great time to find out for sure.
Your baby weighs about 3 ounces this week and measures between 4 and 5 inches, about the length of your mascara

Stay tuned...finding out this afternoon what we are having!!

15 weeks!!

2009-07-20T09:47:00.003-05:00

Although many women don't start feeling the baby move until the 17th week (or later), your baby has been having his own party in the amniotic sac he calls home. If you feel a little flutter in your belly this week, don't discount it as gas or hunger. It could be your babe banging around. Here's more to look forward to:
Baby's head is now resting on his well-formed neck instead of directly on his shoulders like Igor. He's beginning to grow eyebrows and eyelashes this week. (All the better to give you that "Mom, you're crazy" look when he's a teenager.) The hair on the head also begins to grow and, with some creative styling, you'll be able to turn those locks into a Maddox Jolie-Pitt faux-hawk some day.
Although baby's eyes are sealed shut, he's now able to sense light. His eyes and ears finally look like real baby features now. As your baby practices sucking and swallowing actions, he may actually hiccup. You'll know he's had one too many shots of amniotic fluid by the steady thump-thump you feel.
Over the next month, baby will grow faster than ever, so make sure you load up on enough nutritious food and fluids to support his growth. Your baby now measures nearly 4 inches, about the size of a Kit Kat "finger" (regular-size, not the Big one you get at the movies), and weighs almost 2 ounces.
See a 3D image of your baby at 15 weeks
Your Body
Your energy may have returned but that doesn't mean you should be hitting the clubs until 4:00 AM every night. With a baby growing inside you, sleep is one thing that you can't go without. Try these tricks to ensure you beat up the sheets.
If your growing belly is getting in the way of a good night's sleep, surround yourself with pillows to make for an extra-comfy nest effect. Sometimes room temperature can affect sleep, so make sure that your air conditioner is cranked up if you're feeling too hot.
Some sleeping positions are more comfortable than others for pregnant woman, like the "I'm just going to pass out on the La-Z-Boy" position. And get comfy sleeping on your left side while you're preggers: It's what the docs recommend to keep the blood flowing full steam ahead between you and the tadpole.

-----------------
Notes from mommy:
So, in the past few days I have been experiencing what I like to call growing pains. Alot of stretching and pulling going on. Also, when I was in Salt Lake I was explaining to a friend of mine what I was feeling internally - like a little vibration or something like that and she said "that's your baby". Wow!!

We decided to find out what we are having... we want to commit our minds to him or her and be prepared. Now that we know we can know, it would be hard not to know. You know?? :) So, we find out on Thurs. And I will be posting a pic later this week.... 4 months this Friday! Wow!

1/3 of the way through!! Baby Growth Update

2009-07-08T09:18:00.001-05:00

Think of it this way: You're a third of the way through and baby's a third of the way cooked. Now that the "big stuff" (like skeletal and organ development) is taken care of, your baby starts a period of rapid brain growth, fat buildup and detail work. Highlights this week include:
Your baby now has fingerprints! Book 'em, Danno! Believe it or not, he actually created them himself while swimming around in the amniotic fluid. As he moved his hands, the skin on the tips of his fingers formed unique ridges and folds. That's why no one on earth has the same fingerprints, not even identical twins! Cool, right? Baby's arms are now in proportion to his tiny body, but his legs are still on the short size in comparison.
Meconium, that tar-like, sticky first baby poop, is now loading up your baby's intestines, which means you might want to set aside a bottle of olive oil, one of the few things that will get the gooey poop off of baby's bottom.
Your baby continues to gain new and impressive skills such as practicing and controlling voluntary muscle movements (this will help him fling food across the room later in life). Your tiny dancer's movements are no longer the jerky, uncontrollable twitches of yore—he now moves with graceful control.
Your baby is now weighs about an ounce and is the length of a flip phone, or roughly 3 1/2 inches—he's tripled in size from a mere three weeks ago! Luckily, you haven't done the same.

4th of July

2009-07-06T20:45:00.004-05:00

We spent it on Grand Lake. Jerry Brother was gracious enough to allow us to stay at his amazing house... on the lake. We ate, played in the pool, spent the day on the boat, watched fireworks and had a blast. Then we got to come back to broken arrow and have our own firework show at Jill and Mike's. Good time.

chad, Justin, Tara and Eric

the girls riding the tractor

Jerry and me on his boat

me and justin and dexter on the way to the Lake

wrapping up the evening

Dexter's update

2009-07-06T20:38:00.003-05:00

Dexter's first swim

too cute

Baby Pooch at 12 weeks

2009-07-06T20:33:00.002-05:00

Sorry don't know how to change it right side up.

growth for momma

2009-07-02T08:19:00.002-05:00

So I used the rubber band trick this morning on my capris. I need just a little give to wear my normal pants, so I used a rubber band. put it around the button, thread it through the hole and pull it to the button again. I hope you can follow that. LOL

the "bump" is pretty obvious - Pictures soon.

Baby growth update - week 13

2009-07-02T08:18:00.000-05:00

Your Baby
Your baby can make a fist and even suck his or her thumb this week—both skills that are über-cute during infancy ... and not so much at the age of 9. If you're really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of baby's thumb sucking on an ultrasound photo. That's a framer! Other exciting developments include:
Your baby's eyelids are fused shut to protect his eyes as they develop. His bones and skull are solidifying and soon itsy-bitsy ribs may appear. (Baby ribs! How cute is that?!) Baby's intestines are finally right where you want them—in his or her belly instead of poking out into the umbilical cord. Baby's tooth sockets are all loaded and ready to pop out baby teeth six or seven months after baby is born (causing baby a lot of pain and you a lot of lost sleep).
Who's that singing? Elton John? Could be your baby: His vocal cords and larynx are completed now.
Your baby-to-be now weighs about 20 grams and is nearly 3 inches long, or about the size of a Nutter Butter, covered in chocolate. OK, it doesn't have to be covered in chocolate, but isn't everything better that

NO a/c and pregnancy don't mix well.

2009-07-01T09:39:00.002-05:00

So we walked into the house last night to 91 degrees! Joy! And the puppy has a skin infection and was at the vet yesterday. We started him on antiobiotics and are plugging him with baby benedryls. (side note)

Anyway, back to AC. So, Monday night we had a guy come out and clean the AC and put freon in it. He said other than it being old it should be fine. Well, then we walk into the sauna last night. Let's just say my hormones wouldn't allow for much tolerance. Leland waited for yet another AC guy to come out to find the whole thing frozen up. I don't really understand all the mumbo jumbo all I care about is that it didn't freakin work.

So, decision time. Coil replacement = $1400. It should do the trick. But what if the whole thing goes out in the next year or so. Then that part won't have to be replaced and just add the rest of the unit to the $1,400. AC units at minimum for us = $5,000. Do we take the risk of having to pay for the labor twice?

Luckily for us, the weather cooperated and our fans saved the night. We all slept well in an evenly and comfortable temperatured home. Not cool, mind you, but comfortable. Peace at the Gray's after the initial temper tantrum. God bless Leland. :)

entry from Leland re: Dexter and the paint comedy

2009-06-29T14:03:00.003-05:00

Last night I repainted the guest bathroom, it’s like a sky blue. I had been doing a good job making sure Dexter didn’t get into the paint tray, but while I was up in one of the corners I wasn’t watching and he had his first experience with the paint! I looked down, and his paw was solid blue and he was walking across my dropcloth leaving little blue pawprints! He tried to eat some of it, too.. so he had blue paint all over his chin and in his mouth. We took him to the sink and rinsed him off. Too bad we didn’t think to get any pictures!!!

Winding up the first trimester

2009-06-25T08:40:00.004-05:00

Went to the doctor yesterday - baby is good. Heart Rate is 168. For those of you who don't know, I had a scary car accident on Sunday but all is well. So very thankful!

I am winding up the first trimester. Things I have been experiencing. Well, not really too much. Grayzor is definitely growing and my tummy muscles are stretching. Baby bump pretty apparent...will take pics this evening.

Other than that - NuSkin business is about to take off. Have a new business partner opening up MD. Looking forward to the amazing results and residual income from that. Have to stay busy and on top of this so I can reap the rewards when Grayor is due.

Will know in a few weeks, the sex. Should we know or not know?? what is your opinion?

What's going on with the baby this week....

Baby's face is looking more human as his eyes have moved to the front of his head and his ears are in place. Hooray! Other amazing fetal highlights this week:
Your baby is able to swallow this week and practices on the amniotic fluid he or she floats in. (And you thought baby food was kind of nasty!) And in case you're wondering how your kid can breathe in all that fluid, here's your answer: Fetuses get oxygen from the blood pumped into their bodies by the placenta and don't breathe with their lungs. Mystery solved!
This is kind of gross, albeit fascinating, so feel free to skip ahead: Your baby's intestines are well under way, but they aren't all where you'd expect them to be. Instead of all being locked away in the body cavity, some are dangling on the outside, in the umbilical cord. Ewwww.
Don't forget to put a baby nail file on your registry—your little nugget's finger- and toenails are forming this week. The chin and nose are also becoming more defined.
Junior has doubled in size over the past two weeks and now weighs almost 1/2 ounce. He's also now around 2 1/2 inches long, about the length of your pinky finger or a Vienna sausage, which, in a few months, will be indistinguishable from one another.

On tap for the second trimester - doing whatever I can since it will probably be the easiest time of the pregnancy. Although I have to say I have been blessed so far with how I feel. Its been amazing! Leland is so supportive and we are both so excited everyday - about the little nuances of this adventure.

Leave a comment... miss and love you all!

pumpkin head

2009-06-18T08:27:00.002-05:00

Week 11

All of your baby's vital organs are now formed and functioning, so the risk of defects decreases this week as your baby becomes less susceptible to outside influences. Phew! Other exciting developments include:
Baby's ears are assuming their proper place this week and the fingernail and toenail beds are beginning to form. Your little "pumpkin head" really lives up to his nickname as his head is nearly as big as the rest of his body.
While testes or ovaries are completely formed now, don't start decorating the nursery. You won't be able to see your baby's gender for a few more weeks yet.
Your baby is really on the move now. In an ultrasound you might be able to see your little acrobat flailing his or her arms and legs and doing somersaults worthy of Cirque du Soleil. You still won't be able to feel any movement, so if you feel something "kick" in there, it's probably gas.
In the next nine weeks, your baby will increase 30 times in weight and almost triple in length. You might feel like you're increasing 30 times in weight at this point, too, but we can assure you're not—because, honey, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
Your baby now weighs a third of an ounce, about the same as two small, Starbucks-sized packets of sugar, is about 2 inches long, the length of one of those sugar packets. Isn't that sweet?

week 11

2009-06-17T08:46:00.002-05:00

No picture this time, but will have some status information either tomorrow or Friday about the growth of Baby Gray. But just some insight as to what is going on with me... as I enter my 11 week.

Very excited about what is happening! So blessed that one more week will be the end of my first trimester.. At week 12 - the pregnancy is considered viable. Given the bit of turbulence the first few weeks gave us, this is very very good news. I will say that I was reminded to have "unwavering" faith. This is a child of God and is perfect. This miracle was a gift and he is in control and our baby is in his hands. I am just the lucky carrier of this beautiful miracle.

Over the weekend we got most of the office cleaned out - soon to be the nursery. That felt good. We moved the computer into our room and Jan and Rick took the roll top desk (which by the way, I am very glad that it has a home within our family). There is still a bit left to do to clean it out all the way, but the nesting process has begun. We will rip carpet out and paint. We haven't decided if we want to know the sex... we are very up in the air about it. It would be an amazing day to deliver and be surprised...but it goes against my character to not be prepared. LOL

I have a bit of a little pouch. So I am beginning to FEEL pregnant. Will do another belly pic next week. Leland rarely falls asleep without his hand on my belly. Precious.

Update on Dexter: He is now tall enough to get into the litter box. Joy. One more thing to make sure he stays out of. We are mastering potty time. And, our new "trick" is when we eat, we tell him to get in his bed. I don't want the "begging" habit to start. So, we may have to tell him 10 times, but we are persistent and he obeys. He may not stay each time...but he gives up after a while and just sits. But the funny part is he tries to be slick. Like we say "get in your bed" and he will scoot back and put his butt on it. Like "I am in my bed, see?" We try not to laugh and be stern...but its comical. He is smarter then he leads on.

That's all for now. Update on baby Gray in the next few days.

Leland's belated birthday party/mom in town

2009-06-12T13:44:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, Mom was in town. It was a very active weekend. We listened to live music in the park... went crib browsing.... a birthday bunco party for Leland and then relaxed. It was a lot of fun... If you don't know what Bunco is, its a dice game where you rotate tables. It was great fun. See pictures below.

Hi from baby Gray

2009-06-12T13:35:00.002-05:00

Here is an update on the baby's status...and see beautiful picture below.

By the end of Week 10, your baby graduates from embryo to fetus, which literally means "little one." It also translates to "I'm just going to keep getting bigger and bigger and so are you!" Other highlights this week:

Your baby has finally morphed from a little tadpole into, well, a baby. Not only is the face more human-like, but that unflattering "tail" (really just the developing spinal cord) has disappeared, fusing into the spinal column.
Your baby now has discernible fingers and toes, which will explain the steady stream of kicks and punches you'll feel down the line.
Junior's skeleton is starting to grow and harden. The ears are beginning to take shape and the eyelids are no longer transparent. Tooth buds are forming, although your baby won't get any teeth until six or seven (or eight or nine or 10) months after birth.
Baby's brain will make an incredible 25,000 new neurons every minute this week. While you may feel like you're losing as many as he's gaining, we can assure you it's not permanent. "Pregnancy brain," like nausea and bloating, is a temporary symptom that soon shall pass. (And then you'll get "Mommy brain," but we won't go there now.)
If you're baby is a boy, he's started producing that macho hormone testosterone. And whether your baby is a boy or a girl, the kidneys are creating copious amounts of urine. Lucky for you, you won't have to change a diaper for another 30 weeks.
Baby weighs only 4 grams and measures 1 1/2 inches, about the size of a mondo Brazil nut.

This weekend, Leland and I will tackle the office and finish getting it cleaned out to start preparing it for the nursery. We are going to move the computer to our room. And we have a lot of throwing away to do...and organizing! So, that's the plan.

darndest predicaments

2009-06-05T09:18:00.003-05:00

Leland is rebuilding the front part of our fence and Dexter was helping. He heard him whining but couldn't find him until he saw his little nose clearing the top of this hole....

gets into everything. Guess we are going to have to get used to it. :)

2009-06-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

9 weeks, about five weeks from the last picture. Not much physically has changed. I am definitely thickening...

Went to have an ultrasound last night...they are checking me every week until 12 weeks. It appears there is little to no hemmorage left... which is good. The baby looked more like a baby with a head and arm and leg buds. Also the doctor said "look at he/she wiggling" oh boy, we have a dancer! I have been doing pretty good. Feeling pretty queasy most of the day and extremely tired. Eating often. Other than that, just blessed by every step.

Here is what happening with Baby Gray this week.

"Big news! You may be able to hear the heartbeat this week with the help of a Doppler, an ultrasound device that captures the chug-a-chug sound of baby's heart. The first time you hear baby's heart, your own heart may skip a beat—it's the first real evidence that there's someone growing inside you! If you can't hear the heartbeat, no worries, your doc will just check again in a few weeks. Other amazing developments this week:

Baby is beginning to move, but you won't be able to feel anything for some time.

Baby is growing nipples and hair follicles (although there's still a chance you'll be giving birth to a baldy!) His pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and anus are all in place, ready to poop and pee a dozen times a day when he's born. Your baby's head is half the size of his body and his little chin is tucked into his chest. His tiny tail is beginning to shrink away, giving Junior a more human and less amphibious look.

Until now, all pre-babies look the same "down there." This week, however, your baby will begin to develop either male or female genitalia. In layman terms, your baby is beginning to develop her hoo-ha or his wee-wee. While you won't be able to find out the gender of your baby for several more weeks, the version you'll give birth to is being developed right now.

At this stage, your developing fetus is 1-inch in length, about the size of a martini olive (you remember martinis, don't you?) and weighs a mere 2 grams—a little less than a penny."

bye bye relatively flat tummy

2009-06-03T12:54:00.002-05:00

This was about four weeks ago; I need to take a month 2 one... This was about one week after we found out. So, I was about 5 weeks pregnant. I always said I would keep these pictures posted for friends and family to join in the journey. Thank you Lord for this beautiful miracle....

By the way, the way that I told Leland was I wrapped the positive test in a bag and wrote a card from baby Gray saying that he/she would meet him in 9 months. We both cried and are so excited!!

rain...

2009-06-03T09:07:00.001-05:00

Dexter doesn't like it. It took him 20 minutes to do his business this morning.... but I held my own. I didn't let him go inside until he went potty. Success!! :) 6:00 a.m. with umberella in my robe, but success!! :)

hurt little bud

2009-06-02T16:23:00.002-05:00

Dexter was playing on the floor last night and must have fallen wrong on his front leg. He yelped for a while and didn't put pressure on it.. He proceeded to put more pressure on it in a bit of time...we called the vet. She said that we could have it X-rayed. But since he appeared to be putting pressure on it, its probably just a sprain. His yelping subsided so we didn't feel like he was in much pain. He proceeded to nap so we left him alone waiting until the morning to see how he felt. We figured, why endure the cost if he is not in pain...even though he wasn't putting full pressure on it. Plus it would have been considered urgent since it was after hours, which would have cost more...so we waited. This morning, he was fine. Shew.

Everyone knows...

2009-06-01T08:48:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, we were able to finally tell Leland's parents, in person. It was amazing to see their faces and share the information and hug and cry. Its such an amazing journey and now everyone can share in it. We then called Sandy, Kendall and Grandma O. Everyone is so excited!

The puppy and his cousins, Hallie and Zeb had fun playing this weekend. Dexter is non stop and probably incredibly annoying to the more mature dogs...but Hallie came around and by the time I got home from church yesterday they were all tuckered out. Poor little Dexter moped around the house all afternoon after they left to go back to Texas. So sweet.

I am headed into my 9th week...this is what is going on.

"This week, your little tadpole is starting to look a little bit more human. Other exciting developments include:Your baby's eyelids, ears, upper lip and the tip of his soon-to-be adorable button nose are forming. Junior will also sprout webbed fingers and toes this week—which you'll be well aware of in a few months, as baby starts early gymnastics classes inside you.Baby's tiny heart has separated into four distinct chambers and is really ticking now—at a rate of 150 beats per minute. That's more than twice your resting heart rate (even when Brad Pitt is on the screen). Your baby is now a little more than ½ inch long, about the size of the rock in Eva Longoria's engagement ring, and is about as heavy as the check Tony Parker wrote to pay for it."

2009-05-21T17:41:00.003-05:00

So its been non - stop puppy action. People can't get enough of him.... our yard sale was a success and we had several offers on Dexter...There are times when I thought mabe I should have taken them up on that. But when he is calm his unconditional love is priceless. He just simply wants to be around us all the time. Its so cute. Anyway, he has been really good about the potty time...we are have gotten used to our schedule. Just this evening, he stood at the back door. I am super proud of him and hope that continues. He was so eager to get out there he flew off the top step of the deck, made the second on and then flipped down the third and fourth...Pretty funny - he just stood up and shook it off. Here are a few shots over the past week. And he is already bigger - I am not sure if he can even fit in that same pocket, seen below.

More to come... stay tuned.

Dexter meets a diaper - Tristans.

another update

2009-05-06T08:13:00.003-05:00

Dexter had a play date with Cody, Ginger and Bailey. We had life group so Jan agreed to watch him for us...and he got to play with the dogs. Apparently they had a lot of fun. I meant to take my camera for Jan but forgot. He was pooped when we got home. He slept through the night. He has been really good about potty time. When I went home at lunch yesterday he had a "surprise" for me, but he just can't help all that yet. He will learn. But aside from that, we haven't had to clean up any messes on the floor or anything. But, like I said, we watch him like a hawk.

Our morning routine is: take him to potty. Eat. He helps me get ready and then he helps dad with breakfast and lunch. He plays with his toys and terrorizes the cats. We take him out one more time and then its off to the crate with his toys and fresh water. That's the worst part of my morning. But his whine was very short lived today - he stopped before we even walked out the door...so that is nice.

Day 2 with Dexter

2009-05-05T08:25:00.003-05:00

Leland's job was slow again yesterday, so he was home early with the baby. I went home at lunch and let him out and played a bit. So, he might have been in his crate for a total of 5 hours yesterday and that wasn't even straight hours. They played when Leland got home. He met the neighbor's dog and the neighbors. He and Buttercup are beginning to show signs of playfulness. Jackson came around more yesterday too.

Night two with Dexter went well. I am afraid to tell you why. He slept with us the whole night. Leland let him out one time at night to potty. He has been doing really well. Granted, we have to take him but we are starting to understand the signs. We haven't been able to make him understand that when we open the front door, he should go through it. We have to carry him. Its still very early though. I am proud that he even goes potty in the grass since he hadn't been exposed to grass until Sunday. He only knows potty paper. But he doesn't stay on it.... so that's hard to do.

This morning, he and daddy were in the kitchen making breakfast and he found his reflection in the dishwasher. Apparently he started to react and play with his reflection. I missed it but Leland said it was funny. He nibbles, well, actually more like bites. And we are trying to discipline that. His cute little tail wiggle when he follows us around is priceless! .

First Night with the Dexter

2009-05-04T09:47:00.002-05:00

He slept hard til about 1:00 a.m. and then we were up every 1.5 to 2 hours with his whimper. We wanted to make sure he didn't have to potty. Then at 4:00 a.m. when it was like his fourth time whimpering, I caved and let him sleep with us. Too cute!! Don't worry - its not going to be an all night habit. He knows he has to stay in his crate. We got to love on him. He is such a cuddler.

Leland and I working our routine. He is going to the gym in the mornings. I feed Dexter and then I will go to the gym after work. I am going home at lunch today to check on him...we will feel him out and go from there. I am not going to be able to go everyday....I have commitments, but for now, while he is a puppy, I am going to make an effort to reassure him we are coming back.

The cats. Buttercup is like "whatever". Jackson doesn't even want to be near him. But they aren't being mean to him either. So I am sure time will help that situation out.

All for now from puppy land.

Our New addition

2009-05-03T21:52:00.004-05:00

So, I know we haven't blogged in awhile.... haven't had too much exciting to report about. But, now we have a new addition I am sure you would love. He is a Chiweenie. Dexter had a good first day with us. He used his puppy pad several times but had two slight accidents, we caught him in the middle of and we grab him up and put him on the paper. We have to watch him like a hawk. But we will get used to him and he will get used to us. We will have it down pat before we know it. He likes to nibble and play and he is such a cuddler. Love him! Looking forward to playdates with Hallie and Zeb.

Kelly and Melissa who rescued Dexter

I told you he liked to cuddle.

crab.... ironic?

Slacker !

2009-03-05T15:45:00.001-06:00

I am a slacker, I know. Stay tuned for updates!

extra New York City Photos

2008-12-19T16:59:00.005-06:00

Today Show

Macy's (34th Street)

inside the Tavern on the Green, on Central Park

lower manhatten

Central Park

New York City!

2008-12-19T16:33:00.003-06:00

As a "thank you" for all she has sacrificed for my immediate family, I wanted to make Granny's wish come true - to go to NYC. We did just that. Here are some pics. But our 2.5 day jaunt consisted of Lady Liberty herself, NYSE, Wall Street, Little Italy, Chinatown, Times Square, 5th Avenue, Macy's, Empire State Building, Tavern on the Green - Central Park, two broadway shows. Hairspray from the fourth row is awesome!! It was the highlight for me. We tried to get on the Today Show, but we were just inches from the place they scanned. The whole trip was amazing. I can't say many nice things about the actual travel - but all worth it in the end. The look on her face was like opening a Christmas present for 2.5 days. It was such a blessing to me to be able to be there with her to witness this trip of a lifetime!

Granny wasn't too sure about the hotel - it was much different than she was used to staying. They didn't even have complimentary coffee. But we were right off Times Square in the middle of all the action. We walked about 100 miles, at least that is what our thighs and feet are telling us. I am serious, she is a trooper! Not bad for two okies (well more like one okie and one half okie (the city girl in me thrives in this city) ! :)

Us at the Top of Empire State

Getting our Autograph by Tony Award Winner Marissa Winkour, from Hairspray

Subway station

Times Square

self portrait at Rockefeller Plaza

core strength

2008-12-14T18:49:00.001-06:00

We went to Cirque Du Soleil to celebrate Granny's birthday -just us girls. They didn't allow flash photography during the show, so I couldn't take pictures of the guys climbing up the poles, or the amazing core strength the guys that did crazy poses, or the women who did the flying trapeze - the whole thing was amazing. We had a really good time. Totally need to see it if you haven't.

crazy

2008-12-14T18:47:00.003-06:00

so, crazy thing happend, our clock fell off our wall over the mantle, broke my votive candles, my snowman and created a reason for us to redo our mantle. After being scared and worried that someone was breaking in to our house because the clock (pictured in the pic below) shattered into a thousand pieces, I was sad by the things that we lost in the casualty. But the church we had when I was growing up - survived so a little angel was helping in that, I believe.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-10T20:40:00.002-06:00

The stockings have been hung and the lights have been strung!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-10T20:12:00.006-06:00

So, we hosted Thanksgiving....it was great! The space for all of us was much better than we anticipated. The weather, as you can tell, was so nice.... so that helped. Mostly we ate, relaxed, visited, ate some more and played games.

Granny and Pa

The Sommers

Baby Lane gives fishy kisses

what we thought would be our Christmas card picture - but went with something different

the Gray family Cranberry mold

The boys

2008-10-28T14:06:00.003-05:00

These Guys light up our lives!

Justin

2008-10-28T13:56:00.001-05:00

He is on his way back to Iraq - the Lord will keep him safe in his care! Thank you all for your prayers!

2008-10-28T13:31:00.005-05:00

After all that has gone on in the past few months - it has been hard to keep up with the blog. So, this is a myriad of different events that we have been involved in. Keeping busy...staying close to friends and family... We love you all!

Stacie and Me at the Tulsa Oilers Game

Tulsa Oilers

Kenny - Look how close we are!

At Kenny Chesney Concert

being crazy at the Kenny Chesney Concert

yellow flowers (not sure what they are called) at the tasting, I thought this was a beautiful pic

I love this photo

wine tasting with Zac and Amanda

Justin and Jill and Mike

me and my uncle Donnie

Justin

me and my handsome brother on the day of my dad's memorial service

Redskins with Jan and Rick

Sweet Wedding - at a bowling alley!!

2008-08-27T19:03:00.003-05:00

Our cousin, Christopher, got married to Heidi June on August 23. Their venue of choice was a renovated, retro bowling alley; complete with its own rockabilly live band, bowling shoes and tasty appetizers, provided by Pink Elephant! Have you ever been somewhere where you could dance in between frames AFTER an eloquent ceremony was orchestrated by a friend of theirs. They exchanged vows on the lanes! It was quite unique and alot of fun!

their getaway

me and the bride

Heidi's boys and Christophers girls - I hear a brady bunch theme

you thought I was kidding about the lanes?

Leland, Axel Rose, tyler and Jill - at the wedding (oh, and there is a bit of Rick in there too)

Boating Fun

2008-08-04T09:39:00.004-05:00

We went on Lake Skiatook with Lindsay, Ryan, Dustin, Amber, and Madison. It was HOT! 103 hot!

set by self timer, on the boat with Ryan and Lindsay

Ryan and his pink raft

Lindsay and me

Cap'n Leland, pimpin

Friends!

2008-08-04T09:28:00.003-05:00

We hosted Amanda's birthday party too. Zac, in this picture (her new fiance) and her parents brought all the fixins. It was just at our house. She had about 25 people there to celebrate both her birthday and their recent engagement. We are so happy for them!

me and Amanda Lynn

the life of the party - Sydney Paige

Joy, Amanda and sleepy Sydney

Leland, Zac, me, Amanda and Ashley (Amanda's life long friend)

Tyler's 21st!

2008-08-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

We had cake and ice cream to celebrate Tyler's 21st birthday!

Last Day - Part I

2008-07-14T08:34:00.005-05:00

Our last day was spent at the beach - although it was a bit cloudy - we enjoyed it til the very last minute! We left on Sat. morning at 7:30 a.m. and arrived at 10:00 p.m in Tulsa.

Chad and Lyric

The Sommers Gang

our last sunset

Chad, me and Leland enjoying some live music

Last Day - Part II

2008-07-14T08:24:00.005-05:00

Granny

Baby Lane eating a carrot - didn't seem to care about all the sand.

the gang

Lyric and those crazy goggles

buried in the sand, I think they had a little too much fun doing that

Thursday - Pontoon Day Part 1

2008-07-11T09:13:00.006-05:00

Today we rented a pontoon and a jetski and played on the water for 4 hours. It was so much fun Jan and Rick decided to stay one more day!

Captain Mike

Lovey and Thurston

Our entertainment

Thursday - PONTOON DAY Part II

2008-07-11T09:06:00.006-05:00

me and dad on the pontoon

the sisters

off the back of the boat

dad, Tyler and chad

Destin Update - Wednesday

2008-07-10T09:40:00.004-05:00

The boys cooking dinner

Jabecca, Jill and Jan

the Destin skyline from the beach

The girls shopped and ate lunch while the boys played golf

Destin - Relax Day

2008-07-09T08:48:00.002-05:00

On the way to golf, the guys saw a rainbow. They got rained out and had to come back because it poured there and they couldn't use a golf cart on the greens.

Colton and Lyric

sunset from our patio

dad enjoying a baby pop

look at that tan?!

Full Day at the Beach

2008-07-08T08:05:00.003-05:00

We spent the entire day at the beach and no one got too burned. We were religiously putting on the sunscreen. Anyway, we spent time in the water on rafts, Leland did some snorkeling, we played volleyball and relaxed in the sun. Fantastic!

me and the boys

Hey ladies at work, Jan wants to know if cash management settled? Cheers~

rinse off at our pool - Tyler in the middle of a gainer - Leland is "whoa- this pool is not big enough for the both of us"

crab hunting on the beach - we didn't see any though

Jan, Rick and I were in charge of dinner- fresh grouper, rice, veggies

Full Day at the Beach

2008-07-08T07:52:00.005-05:00

the beach is crowded!

dad's chariot - the firemen came and picked him up and took him down to the beach

It was awesome!

the boys

Motley Crew

Baby Lane in the pool

2008-07-07T10:23:00.003-05:00

Destin - Day 3

2008-07-07T10:01:00.002-05:00

Our View from the balcony

Baby Lane's first day at the beach

Dad enjoying himself at the beach

storm rolling in and mad chaos at the beach to scurry to shelter

our little umpah-lumpah

2008-07-06T11:27:00.001-05:00

The winner - a bust!!!

Party pics

2008-07-06T11:19:00.004-05:00

Jason playing for the family

Lyric warming up his vocal chords (although he didn't use them)

Bubble Gum Blowing Contest (the winner)

Jill's was bigger than this, I just didn't catch it on camera

Granny was hangin' in there

Destin - Day 2 our Home away from home

2008-07-06T11:07:00.003-05:00

Sat. July 5...After checking out of our hotel, we moved all of our things to the house... for the week!! What a beautiful home. We love it. The views are fantastic and we are right in the middle of all the action but just enough peace and quiet. Our pool and deck area is amazing!! We have already taken full advantage of it. Not too much at the beach just yet because of our late start but there is plenty of time for that.

The Clampetts have arrived.. this is how they towed the trailer all the way from Oklahoma.

Fireworks from our balcony

2008-07-05T12:11:00.004-05:00

We watched fireworks from our balcony.... Since we don't have our beach house until Sat., we stayed at a very nice Comfort Inn. We couldn't really get a good shot of the shows, but, we were able to see several different pockets of shows and avoided all crowds. We ate deli sandwiches and sang the Star Spangled Banner. The only thing missing was my baby brother. We miss you buddy and are thinking of you every second of the day! Thank you for you and the rest of the troops over there for your bravery so that we can enjoy our freedom! We don't take it for granted!

Destin - Day 1

2008-07-05T10:09:00.003-05:00

We drove 12 straight hours to Pensacola (only one hour away from Destin). We got a hotel room to get some shut eye and rejuvenate. We arrived there at 3:30 a.m. Slept until 9:00 and got some breakfast and headed into Destin.

me, Chad and Tyler in the back, Leland on our way to Destin

Cheers - girls at work this ones for you

Baby Lane loving the boats in the harbor

boats in the harbor

from our balcony as we watched fireworks

Getting Ready for Florida!

2008-07-02T16:07:00.006-05:00

Okay, Destin, Florida is only two days away...we leave in 24 hours. I can't wait! All 18 of our family members are going and renting a house right next to the Gulf. So, in honor of the holiday, I got my toesies in the spirit (see pic below). Tonight, we will be packing our car since we leave right after work tomorrow, complete with food and drink for the week (and of course, sun screen). Here is the link to the house we are staying in....

www.vrbo.com/37463

After a 15-hour drive (with a stay in Vicksburg), we will be planting our butts on the sand and soakin' in the sun. Check back for updates!

See ya soon!

Texas!

2008-05-30T08:37:00.003-05:00

We spent Memorial Day weekend with Leland's family in New Braunfels, Texas. We did what we do best, ate and visited. Oh, and we got some sightseeing, sailing and other fun stuff in too.

Canyon Lake, Texas

Getting Ready to Sail on Lyme's Legacy

Leland in his element

Mom and Dad Gray

The whole Gray family

Baby Lane Turns 1 !

2008-05-20T09:37:00.005-05:00

May 11, we celebrated Baby Lane, AKA boogie, and his one year on this earth. We have each been blessed by his adorable spirit. As you can see from the photos, he was more than entertaining...

I have video of the cake process but for some reason it won't upload.

Jan had the 5-0-Glow!

2008-05-17T11:17:00.005-05:00

We hosted Jan's 50th! Everyone had a blast!! We had to move everything in to the garage due to wind, but at least there wasn't any rain, Thank you Lord!

Cake courtesy of Mandy P.

Decorations

Dad, Jan, Rick and me

Jan arriving

The birthday girl!

Her grand entrance!

Getting Caught up

2008-05-17T10:50:00.004-05:00

Okay, so alot has been going on and I have neglected the blog. April 12, was my 31st. I got to celebrate complete with my baby brother home from Iraq. It was wonderful. He was here for three weeks! Anyway, the family was great threw me a shindig and my hubby got me my very own set of golf clubs. As of today, over 1 month later, haven't touched them. I have to get lessons first, according to the pros I seem to be surrounded by. So, as soon as I find the time to take a lesson I can actually enjoy the clubs! We karoaked, partied, hung out on the deck around the firepit and ate, ate and ate. Here are some pics.

Justin, me and Chad

Leland, Justin and me

Tyler, Justin, Chad and Sarah

Jan and Justin

Tara, Eric and my dad

Jason's Birthday!

2008-03-19T14:56:00.004-05:00

I beat you, Mandy! We went to Edmond for Jason's birthday (3/15). It was fun! We spent quality time together, ate Mexican and played Wam Bam! It was awesome to enjoy his day with him and get to see those precious boys!

Mandy with the DareDevil Baby Lane

Me and my dad

Jason and Baby Lane

Really? How cute is he?

Jason and Leland

Jason opening up his cards - Holy Cow!

The girls with Baby Lane

Lyric with Auntie Jill

Time with Family

2008-03-11T11:21:00.005-05:00

Jason and Mandy were in town with the boys the last week in February. It was a great time. Here are some pics. The adults went to Karaoke on Friday night and then on Sat. night we had a shrimp boil and did a little garage dancing!

Baby Lane loves his paw!

He is about to get into trouble!

The girls at Karaoke!

Oh and Lyric on the mic and playing his air guitar!

Our Finished Products - Artwork

2008-02-26T09:41:00.003-06:00

Christjon's

Mine

Leland's

Aim's

Aims and Christjon Visit Tulsa

2008-02-26T09:04:00.003-06:00

Aimee and Christjon visited us this past weekend. We had a great time. We got pedis and then they generously accepted our request to help decorate our guest bedroom. We each had our own canvas and painted with our own style. Its fun to see the results.

We also ate fondue and enjoyed visiting. It was so nice to have them in town and just chill.

Pictures!

After our pedis
Before we ate our fondue
Eating our fondue, obviously
Lunch at Los Cabos!

Kim's trip to Tulsa

2008-02-20T09:10:00.004-06:00

Dinner at Tucci's with Heidi and Kim. That place is an upscale Italian restaurant, where the servers are all batting for the same team (if you know what I mean). Leland said the gawking from admirers next to us made him feel like a piece of meat....welcome to our world, baby.

Kim was in town at the beginning of February. It was so fun...Glad that she got to make another visit to T-town. Here are some pics.

Edmond Visit

2008-02-20T09:06:00.002-06:00

Baby Lane and Uncle Rick - Uncle Rick getting some sugar!

Leland feeding baby Lane
The Gang and a friendly game of Wam Bam!

Baby Lane

2008-02-19T15:18:00.004-06:00

I had to put this on here - he is the cutest! After a long sebatacle (sp?) - I have promised to update my blog. We went to visit Mandy and Jason and the boys...here is some footage from that and I will put some pics up too.

been a while

2008-01-14T08:26:00.000-06:00

Its been a while since I blogged. Here's the catch up scoop....
car wreck on November 30. Car was practically totaled, but they did decide to not total it and fix it. 6 weeks later, I am still driving a rental. Thank goodness the guy who rear-ended us has car insurance and they have all been really nice about it. It could be a worse situation. Though, I do miss my car. I haven't really been inconvenience. Injuries: minimal... but I am seeking the incredible practice of chiropractic medicine and it does wonders. There was some minor soft tissue damage that she has been trying to fix for me. Leland got away unscathed. Jan and Rick were with us and Jan is in the same boat as me...soft tissue damage. We are blessed that we weren't hurt any worse.

Anyway, here are some pics.

http://www.graytinvestments.com/mazda/wreck/mazdawreck1.jpg

http://www.graytinvestments.com/mazda/wreck/mazdawreck2.jpg

Introducing Kylie Helene Morton

2007-11-06T13:33:00.000-06:00

I got to meet my new beautiful cousin, Kylie. I visited Matt, Beth and Kylie over the weekend of November 2. It was good times... seeing how the family is adjusting. They are truly blessed by this little miracle and Teddy (their dogy) is adjusting well too!

Tulsa Hope Academy

2007-10-22T16:04:00.000-05:00

Leland and I volunteered our time with a group of awesome people from our church on Sat. 20th. We painted this center that has been donated for the Tulsa Hope Academy - which is a program created to help high school drop outs who have been dealing with issues such as drug overdoses, sexual abuse, etc. to help them get on the right track.

We painted two large rooms, a hallway and two bathrooms. The boys that were there to represent the students were awesome and very inspirational! We had a very fulfilling day and everyone was very pleased with the results!

It was very rewarding. We want to do more.

Family Fire Night

2007-10-22T16:01:00.001-05:00

When Jason and Mandy were in town, we had a little bonfire. It was fun. Pictures of bubby and Baby Lane are priceless!!

Have fun with the pictures!

Update on Leland's Efforts to Become Deputy Sherriff of Tulsa

2007-10-12T11:18:00.000-05:00

He had his physical fitness test Wednesday. Apparently, it went well. He had an outline of what he had to accomplish based on his age bracket, and he far surpassed all areas of running, toe touches and sit ups. He was feeling good about it!

They say that he SHOULD know something within the month! Hopefully this will all be worth it!

New Baby Cousin - Kylie Helene

2007-10-02T08:28:00.001-05:00

Matt and Beth had a baby girl, October 1. She is beautiful!!