Whoa time really does fly! I know I say that a lot, but each month it proves to be even more true! I feel like we were just welcoming this little guy into our lives & now we spend our days chasing him around! 

11 Month Stats: 

Weight: 18 lb 6.5 oz. 

Tooth Count: 6 with one showing through his gums

Favorite Foods: Bananas, Blueberries, Yogurt, Toast, Grilled Cheese, Chicken, Meatballs, Sweet Potato Fries 

Favorite Toys: Basketball Hoop, V-tech Turtle, Mega Bloks, Shape Sorter, Magnet Letters

Favorite Activites: Bath time, Opening & closing doors, Playing with Dexter & his ball, Begging for food, Being a ninja & breaking into things he should be in & pulling things out [examples include the recycling, dog food bin & nightstand drawers], "Coughing" to make us laugh, Being told "Bless you" when he sneezes, Pulling things off of the bookshelves

Least Favorite Things: Being told "no," Getting out of the bath, Not getting to play with things he shouldn't have

He is such an energetic little boy! He always wants to be moving. Always! Diaper changes are an interesting activity now since he for sure never wants to lay still on his back for like 2 minutes. He's like a contortionist when it comes time to get dressed! 

He loves having his picture taken! I'm sure that somehow stems from my constantly taking pictures or videos of him since he was very little. Whenever he sees me snapping pictures, he starts posing & either giving a smile or a creepy, silly face! He does get a little camera shy when I'm trying to take a video of him doing something new, like saying "dada" or making clicking noises with his tongue. 

He also recently started coming up to me every once in awhile, putting his hand on me [usually my shoulder] & giving me a serious look, then trying to eat kiss my face! It's one of the cutest things that he does recently! I could shower him with hugs & kisses all day. & I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes I do! 

As we quickly approach February, I've been in birthday planning mode like crazy! Gathering a bunch of ideas & spending way too much time on Pinterest looking at parties I could never imagine pulling off! Excited for our little get together we have planned for here in Germany & the second one in the states my mom is planning. It will be a bit belated but it'll still be fun to get to celebrate with friends & family back home who can't be here for his actual birthday! 

Not only am I planning for his party, but I want to make his day extra special! Valentine's Day is no longer one for Greg & I, but instead it's a day for all 3 of us to enjoy! Stay tuned for the cute stuff I planned to fill February 14 with love & birthday fun! 

Yes the thing that strikes fear into most parents & their fellow travelers - there's a baby on board! That's right, flying with a baby can be quite the scary thought. I know I was crazy nervous the first time we flew with Greyson.

Our trip was an 8 hour plane ride from Germany to Baltimore immediately followed by a 6.5 car ride to my parents house. Greyson was about 7.5 months old at the time and already constantly wanting to move around. He easily lost interest in toys at this point & was much  more into anything we had, but he was [& still is] an overall chill baby. We didn't buy new toys for him since he wasn't too into toys still at this point.

Since we were flying Space Available through the military, I was worried about the loadmasters banging up our stroller. Despite hearing the positives of taking the stroller along & checking it, we opted to not bring it at all to avoid damage [last minute-ish trip & no time to order a bag for it]. Since my husband was with me, this didn't end up being a terrible decision. I wore our son in my Moby wrap in the airports while carrying my bag & my husband managed his bag & the car seat. It was nice when the long flight ended to not have to wait around for our stroller to be brought up to us. We just walked on straight to the lovely customs line.

We decided to bring our car seat which I know many choose to not do and just hold the baby on their lap. That may work for short domestic flights, but for our long flight & car ride, our car seat was not only a must, but a good decision. It gave Greyson a space of his own to hang out & play with some toys; not to mention sleep without us needing to hold him for hours without moving.

I was given the best piece of advice before our trip - nurse Greyson on takeoff & landing. We started the take-off with him in his car seat but the pressure [& screaming toddler] quickly bothered him & nursing immediately helped! He was calmed & intrigued by his new surroundings. He loved playing with the movie screen on the back of the headrest in front of us & lifting up the armrests that are between the seats. After some playing & food, he nursed to sleep & was out until we landed. I don't even think anyone around us would've known we had a baby if they didn't see him.

The hardest part honestly of our trip was the following car ride. We were all exhausted from traveling all night & being trapped on a plane for 8 hours. We were literally stuck in the middle of the night - we left Germany around 11 PM and got to Baltimore around 12:30 AM. Since Greyson slept so much on the plane, he wanted to be up and move around when we were finally off. That's when the fun started, because he did not want to be strapped into his car seat again. If he got cranky on the plane, it was okay because we could take him out & play with him or walk the aisles, but that's kind of illegal in a car. Everyone else [except my mom who was driving] was asleep & here I was playing this annoying toy's song over & over again because it was the only thing that kept him calm. And if I let it not play for longer than 10 seconds, you better look out!

All in all I would say it was a successful trip for us! We all made it there in one, big, yet tired, piece! And I may be crazy but I am going to attempt the same trip but solo this time in February. I will have the stroller this time for ease & since it is planned further in advance & will pray I can get a flight into closer to my parents' house than Baltimore!

What are other tips or tricks you have found work great for flying with an older baby? I would love to hear what others have found before I go on my adventure in February!

I've never really been someone who writes New Years resolutions for myself. Yes I start the new year like everyone else - wanting to eat healthier, workout more [especially after holiday sweets]. But those are things I tell myself to do all year round. And they are so much more for myself than anyone else.

But 2013 brought us the greatest joy -- Greyson! He changed our lives so much from the moment we set eyes on him! And I am now finding myself doing things more for him than myself.

The problem is, he doesn't care if we get somewhere on time or if he has toys thrown around the house like a tornado ripped through the house. His day doesn't shatter if there are some dirty dishes waiting while we sit down for breakfast. What he wants is to play with some books & only sometimes try to rip the pages out! He wants to play with his new blocks & show mommy how he can put them in the bucket & take them out. He wants daddy to throw him in the air & pretend to use him like a barbell.

My goal for 2014 is to slow down, take everything in with Greyson & our family, without trying to rush through it. Last year flew by so quickly & it astounds me that Greyson is almost a year old already! I wish I would've soaked so much more of it up!

As he keeps growing, I know he will become more social, curious & want to do so many more things. I want to put off doing the dishes if it means I can spend 10 more minutes playing with little cars. I want to accept being late sometimes if it means adding some extra tickles in during diaper changes. I want to make messes if it means making memories with my family.

There are so many important things in life. And my family is one of the most important things to me! I want to make myself slow down so I can cherish every moment with them & not have regrets in the future that I missed out on things.

How do you plan to make the most of 2014? I would love to hear others' goals! Hope 2014 treats everyone well!

Christmas. Such a magical time of the year!

The lights. The trees. The music. Ah! I love all of it! It is the perfect time of year to eat way to many sweets [better pack them in before those New Years resolutions to "eat healthier" start up] and spend mass amounts of time with family & friends.

But what happens when you live thousands of miles & a giant ocean away from your family? You celebrate the best that you can.

I have been reflecting on how Christmas has changed for us through the years.

We used to wake up at our homes before the crack of dawn, peaking downstairs to see what gifts were awaiting us under the tree. Then we grew up, became less-than-enthused teens who slept in and casually strolled downstairs. Only to wake up one day to realize we're adults who have our own house and can only really by for ourselves.

Even after that, I knew once we had kids, everything would change again! And it did! Greyson brought a new meaning to our Christmas. Obviously I was happy to receive gifts from Greg and our parents, but I was way more excited to watch Greyson try to open his gifts - although that really meant mommy & daddy did it for him. He doesn't yet understand the joys of Christmas and the meanings behind it, but the memories that we are creating and the pictures we've taken will last a lifetime for us.

It's just not the same being so far from family. Skype just isn't the same when it comes to sharing very special, meaningful moments with family. We could see them and they could [kind of] see us. They watched us open the gifts they mailed and we expressed our gratitude and how much we miss them. But something about the internet and a webcam just doesn't capture that brightness of Greyson's eyes; the fascination when he sees a new toy; the obsession he has over the most random things around him. And those things are so much a part of his personality, a part of who he is.

We will never have another first Christmas for our baby. But we can take delight in knowing that there are more Christmases to come, with Greyson's understanding, excitement and joy growing each year. While this Christmas may not have been what I imagined it would be while growing up, it was still a special day for our little family. One day we will no longer be separated by an ocean and will be able to enjoy the most amazing time of the year surrounded by everyone we love.

As I am always trying to find new things to do at home with Greyson, I took advantage of the best time of the year to try some new things. Crafts happened on occasion. Painting with a baby is both messy & incredibly fun. A little difficult at times too! But we got some really adorable keepsakes to remember how small he was this year.

We did some Black Friday shopping, even though it isn't nearly as exciting here as it is stateside, complete with coffee drinks in hand & comfy clothes. And once we commenced, baby nap time went down & the Christmas tree went right up!

We also started the Christmas Eve box tradition already, complete with new PJs, a book and a new movie - contributed by both sets of grandparents & an aunt & uncle.

I wanted to drive around & look at Christmas lights, but not many people decorate outside of their houses here so it would've been a lot of driving and little excitement. Maybe next year?

And the Christmas lover I am - I am already looking forward to next year with toddler Greyson & even more traditions that we can start up!

What are some Christmas traditions you have started with baby that you plan to keep going for years to come?

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="455"] Greyson opening his stocking with daddy[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="455"] More excited about daddy's new Browns cup than his new toys![/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="455"] Helping mommy open his new turtle toy - definitely one of his favorites![/caption]

Ho Ho Ho! 'Tis the season to be merry!

Greyson's first Christmas is one we with cherish forever! And it was certainly an interesting time that we had!

It was so cool to watch Greyson open his gifts! He didn't really understand what was happening, but he was so cute trying! We got him to rip some paper off of gifts & although we did most of the work for him, he liked the end result of all the new toys! I already can't wait until next year when he is older & understands a little more what is happening!

We Skyped with our parents & my sister to open the gifts they sent to us! It was nice to get to see them & chat with them - even if it was through a computer screen. The holidays have always been one of my favorite times of the year & now that Greyson is here, they are even more amazing!

But it is very difficult living in Germany so far from the ones we love most! Christmas was always such a busy time for us - going to multiple houses, having big dinners & being surrounded by lots of people & love. So it was a little weird being home with just the 3 of us. But I love my boys & I wouldn't change having them here to spend my days with! Very blessed to have such an amazing husband & adorably awesome son! Not to mention our loving families!

Just a few more days left of 2013! Ready to round out the rest of the year & bring in the new year soon!

We went to a Christmas party for kids hosted by Greg's unit! Lots of fun games & prizes for the kids. And a visit from Santa! I've been waiting for this since we found out I was pregnant - and Greyson hated Santa! You would have thought the jolly old guy was just murdering him! This is what tired, hungry & stranger danger looks like when it hits a baby all at once! 

 And of course we decorated the house for Christmas! I did most of the decorating while Greyson was sleeping as I could imagine the fun hassle of untangling Christmas lights while also trying to wrangle them away from an infant! So far so good on the decorations front with Greyson - he is interested in the gifts under the tree & has inspected branches a few times, but hasn't tried anything funny... yet! He does like the nutcrackers though! He carries them around & puts them in various places around the living room. & even talks to the fake Santa! 

Greyson is officially 9 months old! We could not be more blessed to have such an amazing, silly, loving, adorable little boy!

Weight: 16 lbs 14 oz

Length: 27.2 inches 

Head circumference: 46 cm

Favorite foods: Chicken & dumplings, yogurt, bananas, sweet potato fries, pasta, meatloaf

Favorite activities: walking toy, sharing his toys with mommy, daddy & the dogs, pulling books & DVDs off the bookshelves, climbing on anything & everything, watching the Big Bang Theory opening song, dancing around to Christmas songs with mommy, sitting in the cart at stores like a big boy, trying to grab our coffee mugs, playing peek-a-boo with the doors

Least favorite things: diaper changes, mommy & daddy taking things he shouldn't have away from him, when we take too long to get his food to him

Notable Milestones: Greyson is cruising around everything like a champ, he took his first unassisted steps on November 13, his top left lateral incisor is making its way down with the right one just behind as well, lots of babbles that are starting to sound more like real words every day

Things have gotten immensely better on the breastfeeding front!

Right around 6 months, we started Greyson on solids. We were ready & he was showing all of the signs of being interested so we went with it. First up - sweet potatoes. Yum! We worked into them slowly, giving them at dinner and only after nursing first. He loved to grab the spoon & put it in his mouth himself. I greatly believe that introducing the spoon & the skills required to use his tongue with the spoon helped to make him a better nurser.

At his 6 month check-up, our pediatrician informed me that he was still considered "failure to thrive" as he was still in the 0 percentile for his age on both the WHO & CDC charts. He had gained weight & it was following the curve, just sitting below it. Yet again, I got the "You should supplement with formula" speech. Yeah too bad I was pumping my life away while nursing all day as well.. He was getting the extra food & gaining weight so I knew he was doing fine & just kept doing what my gut told me.

After about 2.5 months of pumping and nursing, using some bottles or adding breastmilk to oatmeal, we were able to back off of the supplements and get back into the game of exclusive breastfeeding! I was nervous as could be - was he getting enough? Did we wean off the supplements too soon?

I had spent so much time going to have him weighed, sometimes every week, that I was getting so stressed out & not focusing on just loving my son & enjoying my time with him. So I took a break! It was so hard when Tuesdays would come. My urge to go to the breastfeeding group was so strong I had to distract myself & force myself to forget about it. Taking a trip back to the states to visit family & friends was just the thing I needed.

Exclusively nursing while travelling, in my opinion, made the whole trip so much easier! I took my pump, just in case, but never touched it in the weeks we were stateside. Greyson was nursed on the first take-off and did great the whole trip! He was such a little angel on the plane & looong car rides!

By the time we got back [& got over our stomach bugs], I hadn't had Greyson weighed in just over a month. My heart was beating when it was time to weigh him that week! And the result of our hard work - he had gained 1 lb 3 oz in 6 weeks! It doesn't sound like much, but babies his age have typically plateaued in their weight from being so active. And by the next week - 6 more ounces! I was ecstatic! I plugged all of his info into an app I was told about - 6th percentile based on weight for age!!

We are coming up on Greyson's 9 month mark & I am so happy to be in a great place with nursing! We struggled SO much in the beginning - poor latch, nipple damage, tongue tie, supply issues, plugged ducts - and overcame all of it! We are just over 3 months away from my goal of exclusively breastfeeding for 1 year! A goal I was very unsure we would ever make it to!

I just want to help encourage & inspire any new mom who is struggling or feeling doubt with themselves in their own breastfeeding journey. With determination & a great support system, anything is possible! I wouldn't have made it this far without the help & support of my awesome husband or my constant visits [& breakdowns] with my cheerleader of an IBCLC, who makes me feel like Superwoman!