Little Boy Ford

First Mullet

2012-02-09T22:35:00.000-06:00

Like Drayton's first rattail, Drayton's first mullet was a proud moment for us as parents. Call me crazy, but I think it is a great birthday tradition.

Last time to touch those sweet curls!

Masterpiece!!

He might look like a sweet angel, but the moment I finished cutting the mullet, he got an Attitude with a capital A! It was like he just knew he had to be a brat. Anyways, the next day was his little party in the park. He got what every boy wants. A giant fruit tray. Seriously though, he loves him some strawberries and began shoveling them in his mouth as fast as he could.

I mean, just behold the glory.

sweet little guys

For his birthday, we gave him his very favorite: burger and fries. He goes crazy over french fries. We also gave him the rest of his haircut.

Then, he got to go pick out some fish.

And finally, he opened "birfday pesents!" If you ask him how old he is, he says "pesents".

He is such a sweet little guy. We are truly thankful for the blessing he is.

Oh how the years go by

2012-02-07T20:02:00.000-06:00

Drayton is 2!!! What!?? It has been 2 of the best years. I have laughed and cried more in these 2 years than ever in my life (excluding 7th grade). So, for my own stroll down memory lane, here is a short review of the last 2 years. I promise I won't do this many pictures every year.

I love this sonogram! I feel like it still looks so much like him and just at 15 weeks!

last belly pic before it all began!

little red man

first ride home!

first trip out to camp

rattail forever

1 year ago!

So this is already long enough and his birthday mullet deserves its own post. That's right. I said birthday mullet.

In the meantime. . .

2012-01-25T16:42:00.000-06:00

So, I recently visited my cousin Laura in Los Angeles and left my camera there. It had all my Christmas pictures (all 5 of them) on there so while I am waiting to do my Christmas post, here is what we've been up to lately!

The Little Engine that could is a new favorite!

We've been playing in a lot of leaves!

learning to cook

taking senior pictures

He loves to be chased!

big ol fuzzy head in the morning

love that little face!

more leaves

We've had lots of cousin time! Caden and Tate are helping drayton learn how to share. Sharing is hard.

Drayton's favorite new skill is drinking out of a "beeg cup". He does pretty well most times!

couple of cowboys shootin the breeze

group baths are the best (when you are a kid)

Gobble gobble

2011-12-22T21:04:00.000-06:00

We had the best time in Tennessee for Thanksgiving! We got to see all of our Nashville cousins (I guess I forgot to take pictures) and then we headed east to Rogersville to Grandma and Grandpa Saunders house. Drayton had so much fun and so did we! Can't wait til we get to go back again.

Love sweet cousin time!

some excited boys waiting to go on a tractor ride

Grandma and Grandpa had a huge pear tree. Drayton enjoyed pilfering through the rotten ones on the ground.

Tate grew a little impatient with the 3 mph ride

definitely not the most flattering picture of Drayton I've ever seen

Drayton LOVED the tractor! He really loved getting to drive it with Grandpa.

he hates messy hands

Staff retreat

2011-12-12T14:40:00.000-06:00

Well, never really got around to doing a summer post. I might not ever. But I really wanted to do a post about the wonderful staff that we have the great blessing to be around. This past summer, the 50 girls and boys that make up our summer staff were unbelievable. Ty and I were encouraged, as well as challenged by them. We definitely count ourselves blessed to have the opportunity to know them! And for sure, we are blessed that Drayton has so many wonderful examples of what Christians are and do. He absolutely loves them. Towards the end of the summer, he would get to where he could recognize them and say their names (to me, rarely to them).
He got to see them for the Cheuk retreat, but the staff aren't quite as free during that, so I was really excited to get to see them and catch up with them and for Drayton to get to spend some time with them again. They are all just so sweet to love on him and pay him attention. And he ate it up!

he loved just getting to run and run in the wide open

Drayton really enjoyed playing with Ryan or "rhino" according to Drayton.

John worked really hard to get Drayton to say his name this summer. He even endured being called John John in an attempt to help him say it. Staff weekend, Drayton would say John John whenever he saw him but never to his face of course!

I'm guessing this is maybe how the wagon was broken

Very rarely will Drayton just rest his head on someone's shoulder, but he really enjoyed being held by Stefanie. He will get to be around her much more this next summer!

Such a great group!

Most of those pictures were compliments of Kelsi Cowan. Unfortunately at camp, I don't take too many pictures.

Beach

2011-12-11T14:40:00.000-06:00

Shortly after Italy, we went to the beach with my parents for a week. It was a great week, but Drayton was kind of funny about the ocean. HE didn't really like the feeling of sand on his hands, and the water sometimes scared him. I'm thinking next year, he might enjoy it more. But he always enjoys some good Cookie and Slappy time and he loves being with Caden and Tate!

pretty good cartoon catching spot

we got to go out on a boat to watch some dolphins jump! It was one of those times where Drayton was not real animated while we were on the boat, but afterwards, talked about jumping dolphins for a while!

a bunch of tired boys

he wanted to wear a bandana like mommy

we requested no full body shots, and they delivered!

to me, this is classic Drayton full on running stance. He gets that elbow up high and powers his little legs to take short fast steps.

wouldn't you love to know what they are saying to each other!

just a boy with his tractor and some sand

Some of my favorite times are when they want to sing songs together. This was a particularly funny one.

Flashback to Italy

2011-12-03T14:15:00.000-06:00

Now that I got my Halloween post done, it's time to go back to the end of August for our Italy trip. It was the first time I'd left Drayton for longer than a day, and it was pretty hard, but we all did pretty

well considering! Ty was Mr. Mom for the 10 days and did a great job. He and Drayton had some good Father son time!

These are all out of order.

overlooking Florence

Mom and the pack mule in the Roman Forum

These signs definitely should have been switched.

They are so embarrassing.

At any given moment, you could have seen us trying to figure out the map. This poor man asked the wrong people for help.

Kristen was thrilled Mom was changing her pants in public at the water taxi depot.

Mom couldn't take the B.O. from the smelly backpack man any longer at the Trevi Fountain.

It was a great trip with some wonderful memories!

After much anticipation, Halloween

2011-12-03T13:59:00.000-06:00

So, I just remembered I never put up his real Halloween costume. He was a spider!!

I was scared to ride by myself so Drayton came with me.

I loved watching him run to the houses!!

Just want to make it clear, this was not our dead baby, or our yard.

Happy Halloween!

yamboree! (halloween sneak peak)

2011-10-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

Before we go into the Yamboree, I need to give a potty training update! Days 3 and 4 were great! Days 5 and 6 we took a few steps backwards, which made me pretty nervous for church today. But today, he made it all day with no accidents!! Which included church, Bible class, and our Fall Carnival tonight! Clutch.

Anyways, Yamboree. We made it a 2 day event this year, going to see the animals on Friday and the parade on Saturday. Drayton's favorite animals were for sure the pigs. He went crazy over them!

feeding the goats

sweet little cousins!

at the parade on Saturday, Drayton became good friends with Blake. When we had to leave Blake, he just kept saying "lake? lake? lake?"

a sneak peek for his Halloween costume! any guesses?

Days 2 and 3

2011-10-26T20:20:00.000-05:00

Each day has gotten better and better! Day 2, we had a few accidents, but he was starting to get the hang of holding it when he felt the need to go. Today, day 3, he had no big accidents, and is starting to say "potty!" when he has to go. I guess it is possible for it to all collapse from here, but for now, I am hopeful that he will be potty trianed soon!! Anyways, I think he looks so stinkin cute in his big boy underwear!

the undies and boots might be my favorite look

it's hard to pull off whitey tighties!

Here's hoping for day 4!

Day 1 of poo and pee

2011-10-24T20:13:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd call it what it is. A lot of poo and pee. We are potty training!!! Who knows if it will work. Today was the first day, so I have some hope it will get better. It has to, or we are going back to diapers. Anyways, here are a few pictures from today.

Feeling like big stuff in his big boy underwear

Notice the couch cushion had to be removed for repairs. It was unfortunately the first casualty of the day.

Feeling surly about something.

still surly

So we'll see how tomorrow goes!

in the meantime. . .

2011-10-06T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting to update the blog until I could do a camp post, but I haven't been able to get our camp pictures together, so in the meantime, here's what we've been up to! (other than CDR, Italy, and Gulf Shores).

Drayton got his first "real"big boy haircut. I cut quite a bit off accidentally. I feel like it makes him look so old! Sometimes it makes him look really old when it looks like a toupee.

Socks and a diaper is one of my favorite outfits. Not mine, but Drayton's.

Drayton has discovered flowers and loves to pick them, name their color and sniff them! Coda didn't want to smell them.

Drayton has become a dancing fool and these are his special dancing shoes (thanks Rachel!) . His favorite dancing music is bluegrass. We have had many family dance parties, which would probably be pretty funny to see.

So, you can get a glimpse of what family dance time is all about.

Nashvegas Part 2 of ?

2011-07-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Found some more pictures and borrowed some from Kristen. One day, we went over to my Aunt Susan's house to swim with some of my cousins' kids. Can't believe they are all looking except Jessie.

Aunt Kay and Uncle Neal came over to play one night and the boys loved it! She can make a game out of anything!

Classic.

If Drayton turns out weird, we know why.

Drayton's first hammock ride

Love this of Burton and Grandpa!

This was right before Burton left for the church to get married! Pretty sure those were his Middle School P.E. shorts.

Don't know why my head looks like it is about to explode.

So happy!

Who could ask for a more romantic getaway car.

Congratulations Burton and Lauren!!

Uncle Burt Burt's married! Part 1 of ?

2011-07-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

This will be part 1 of I don't know how many posts. My pictures are so unorganized right now. For starters, we are at camp. Many things get put on hold at camp. Also, our computer is broken, so anyways, who knows when I'll get the rest of the Nashville pictures up. But Burton is married and Drayton has a new Aunt Lauren!!! We are so excited for them and so happy Lauren is part of our family. So, on with the pictures.

We went to the playground at Lipscomb Elementary, my old stomping grounds. They are becoming very open-minded these days by allowing children to run around free as nature intended.

All 3 boys really enjoyed the trampoline this trip. Slappy gave them all a good chase. Cookie, not so much.

It was great to see all of my family on my Dad's side for the wedding.

I've found when Drayton is getting a little too rowdy, this helps to calm him down.

Caden needed to calm down a little too.

Drayton with cousins Will, Sarah, and Laura

I just love the way he's smiling at Grandpa!!

Who knows when I'll get around to the rest of the pictures, let alone some camp pictures!! By the way, we are having a wonderful summer out at Camp Deer Run. We are truly blessed to be able to spend our summers here!

1 year pictures at 14 months

2011-05-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

I'd say 14 months is close enough to a year. Once again, I love the pictures Kristen took of Drayton! He was so tired and cranky that day I really wasn't sure if we were going to get any. But she's so good!

Love his sweet little mouth and eyelashes!

I live for this smile! (not literally but you know what i mean)

Slightly dissatisfied

my favorite little mouth to kiss!

I can't remember what emotion we gave him here. possibly fright?

tough boy on a tractor

definitely my favorite!

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

The Sunday before Easter, Pine Tree had the big Easter egg hunt! This was Drayton's first shot and to be honest, his performance was slightly lacking. No, no, it was really fun to watch him take it all in! He wasn't too sure what was going on, but really enjoyed walking around with the big 2 year olds. He scored 2 eggs!

Then for Easter, we headed to Grapevine to be with Ty's family. We spent Easter Sunday over at Hollee's parents, the Hustons. Drayton was pretty tired by the time the hunt rolled around, so unfortunately, he missed it! It was a good thing we got to do the hunt last week. We did manage to squeeze in a few pictures before we left.

Good ol Easter cousin shot with Mimi and Nongy.

Nabby McNabster

2011-03-31T14:11:00.000-05:00

Drayton is walking all of the time now. I love the way babies walk. They kind of turn their knees out and waddle. Since Drayton has now realized he can quickly explore the rest of the house, he is constantly nabbing things and distributing them to other rooms of the house. I found a bracelet in the laundry room, the wipes in the dining room, and the lotion is definitely a favorite. It is really fun to sneak up on him when he's walked into another room and scare him. He jumps and then giggles and tries to run away. He has started to play his version of hide and seek with Ty. Ty will yell "Drayton" and Drayton in turn yells "Dada". It is pretty precious. Such a fun time!

Major catch up

2011-03-30T20:28:00.000-05:00

So, like always, I have some major catching up to do.

February 4, it snowed. It was Drayton's first snow and he loved it!!!

He loved to eat it.

and walk in it.

Cookie came for a visit while Daddy and Uncle Adam went to Honduras.

a little brood of ruffians

We went to the park! He is always carrying spoons around. He loves them and calls them boons.

Mimi and Nongy came to build him a new swingset and deck all in a weekend! He loves them both.

He's never angry about naked time.

When will they be clean?

Then we headed to Cleburne, TX to the McWilliams farm with the Fords for Spring Break.

Again, who doesn't love to sit naked on a rock in a creek?

His first time in a sandbox. He loved it, and also loved throwing sand.

We took a big ol field trip to Fossil Rim, an outdoor zoo. Drayton loved it! Some of our knees did not love it.

Uncle Cole wasn't so sure about some of the animals.

And finally, the boy has his first pair of shades and he loves them!!!

Oh, and I guess, a big by the way, DRAYTON IS WALKING!!! Back in mid February he started to take his first steps, and now he walks all the time!! It's pretty fun. Video to come.

Little stinker

2011-02-16T15:21:00.000-06:00

Just a few random pictures. Drayton is definitely expressing himself so much these days and is into everything! He's a non-stop party (with a few sweet moments).

OOOOklaaaahoma Oklahoma!

2011-02-14T15:12:00.000-06:00

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is one of my favorite movies. We used to watch it over and over every summer at my Grandparents' in East Tennessee. Every time I say Oklahoma, it is hard for me not to think of the scene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Anyways, we recently tagged along with Ty on a recruiting trip to OC and then made a trip out of it and swung by Duncan to see his Grandparents.

While we were at OC, we stayed with Ty's cousin Dave and his wife Rachel. Drayton is a bit of a flirt, and definitely thought Aunt Rachel was beautiful! Thanks Dave and Rachel! We had so much fun!

Then, it was on to Duncan. Drayton got so excited when he saw this giant ball!

Is there anything more classic than a cozy coupe?

We had beautiful weather and got to go outside and play a lot!

Drayton loves him some Grandmom!

Again, the red rubber ball!

It's a Jack attack! Drayton was pretty mesmerized by Jack. Sometimes he thought he was hilarious and sometimes he wasn't too sure about him! It was pretty cute.

It was a great quick trip!

Never too late for a Christmas post

2011-02-09T17:52:00.000-06:00

So Christmas part deux was in Nashville. It wrapped up our crazy travelling season and was so much fun! It is definitely a long drive with a little stinker, especially when it is snowy.

Drayton was finally getting the hang of opening presents, thanks to some help from Uncle Burt Burt

Every year we go to Kobe's steakhouse. It is so delicious! Drayton was really scared of the fire. I think Ty liked it.

Typical

Drayton got to meet cousins David and Laura and Megan and Austin. Also typical.

Now, these next 3 pictures are the beginnings of some cousin rivalry. Drayton tried to pull off Tate's pajamas. He did not appreciate it.

So, he tried to take Drayton's necklace.

He eventually got it and tried to whip him. Look at that face. He means business.

Look out Drayton, you know what that face means!

I love some cousin bathtime!

Drayton always enjoys flirting with a new girl

Kristen and Adam must have been working on Caden's form.

Now we can call her Aunt Lauren! She and Burton and getting married! woohoo!

Always have to play some cards

(typical)

typical

We got to go to the good ol Nashville zoo, a first for Drayton!

Also typical

Happy Birthday Drayton!

2011-02-06T14:16:00.000-06:00

Drayton had his first birthday last Monday! He is a big one year old now. We had a wonderful birthday. For his last month of posing with Mr. Bear, he was less than cooperative. He did not want to sit still at all!

I love looking at this sonogram. I can really see his little face in this even at 15 weeks!

Kind of traumatizing to look at.

And then the little hairy red man came screaming into the world!

It has been a wonderful year. God has blessed us so much! So, time for the 1 year details. And once again, this is mostly for me to remember. Drayton is so much fun! He is such a sassy pants. He will boss just about anybody around with a little screech. He likes to laugh and will sometimes fake laugh if other people are laughing. Drayton is a pretty expressive little guy. We always know what he is thinking and feeling!

He still loves to dance and was recently told he has rhythm, which is most likely from Ty. He is still sleeping really well at night and takes great naps! Usually 2 2-3 hour naps a day! But, he doesn't really like me to rock him anymore. He will start bouncing up and down and laughing as I'm desperately trying to hold on to his babyness. It makes me laugh though.

Drayton is babbling like crazy these days. He really acts like he knows what he is saying and will nod his head and change the tone of his "words" for added emphasis. He can now say mama, dada, ball, duh for coda, night night, Bible, bye bye, more, all done. He never really got the signing thing. We're still trying.

He is so close to walking! He will be holding onto something and take some fake steps like he is about to let go and try to step, but then decides to crawl.

He still has 4 teeth. His 2 uppers are some major chompers. When he grins really big it is the cutest thing! He's just the best little thing ever.

So, onto the birthday.

Look at those chompers!!

Probably screeching at me for something

sweet Kanyon came to party

every boy needs a good party hat to pull off and pop themselves with

just before he burst into tears (and it wasn't because he was disappointed he only got a birthday loaf)

sweet push trike

Caden was kind enough to show him to to really ride it.

Had to get a picture of cute little (big) Quinn!

It was quite a day. There were some tired boys! It was such a great day and we are so thankful for our sweet little boy!

Grapevine Duncan Christmas

2011-01-16T14:21:00.000-06:00

We got to spend a whole week with Ty's parents for Christmas! During that week we went up to Duncan, Oklahoma to do Christmas at Grandmom and Jack's. Beau was sporting the newest toddler look.

Ty's Uncle David was pretty sweet with Drayton!

Uncle Cole and Aunt Tiffany

Grandmom and Jack with all of the great grandkids (minus Gibson and Graham who we can't wait to meet!)

I think Ty could very easily get used to the idea of a daughter. This was his cousin Rob and Katie's little girl Annie. It was our first time to meet her and she is such a little doll!

Marlee playing with Drayton

I love this smile! It helps if you tickle your kids during pictures.

Drayton with his Nongy and Mimi

Mimi is the best at reading stories!

Drayton became attached to this car at Grandmom's house, so she let him take it home. He loves it!

Drayton with Ty's Grandmother Ford

Time for some more presents!!

I promise Drayton really was excited about the dinosaur. That was a really excited smile.

Drayton couldn't wait for Uncle Cole to set up the tool bench he and Aunt Tiffany gave him!

It was such a fun time! We had a great first Christmas!

11 months!

2011-01-16T13:31:00.000-06:00

Maybe I have been procrastinating on this post since it is the last one until he is 1!
At 11 months, Drayton is beginning to show a little spirit. While this means that the defiance is beginning, it also is exciting to see that he has some spunk. He has quickly learned that sometimes older kids take your toys away. So, he has started to either fight back, guard his toys, or tell them "No No" as he shakes his head no. It is kind of hard to know what to do. I totally understand him wanting to defend himself, but I don't want him to hit!

He is still crawling like crazy, but he is beginning to pull up on things and walk around while holding onto them. I love watching him walk the perimeter of his crib. As for his size, we recently went to the doctor again, and he has gained a whopping 1 pound in 6 months! The boy eats and eats and eats until his belly is about to pop. He must have a really high metabolism! As for eating, Drayton has decided he is a big boy and weaned himself. Weaning began unintentionally when I gave him a bottle. He decided he loved the bottle so much that was all he wanted! So, he is totally weaned now. It makes me sad when I let myself think about it, but at the same time, it is pretty nice!

He is saying all kinds of words that all sound like nothing to most people but Ty and I know what they mean! He says duh for Coda, Da for Dad, Mama, Night night, bah for bottle and ball, no, buh for puffs. He is also babbling more where it sounds like he is actually speaking in sentences. It is pretty funny.

He is still a friendly little guy and will go to most people. He really loves to explore the less travelled areas of the house and see what he can dig up. He still really loves music and dancing. It is hilarious to watch him dance. He just makes us laugh and smile so much!

Home Christmas

2011-01-16T12:58:00.000-06:00

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, it all Christmas all the time until around New Years. It was even more fun this year with Drayton. I never thought I could be so excited to watch him open his presents. Drayton loved all of the Christmas decorations, especially the nutcrackers. Whenever he would wake up from a nap, he would immediately reach for the nutcrackers. We eventually nutcracked the beard off of this one.

This is Ty's favorite Christmas sweater.

about to open up the first Christmas present of the season!

I'm not sure who is more excited.

So excited about all of the balls!!!

perfect fit!

Santa slumper

2011-01-03T15:32:00.002-06:00

We took Drayton to breakfast with Santa with a fever. However, we didn't know at the time he was sick. It was probably pretty obvious to everyone else there though. When he sat in Santa's lap, he just went totally limp and just slumped back into his shoulder. He didn't react at all! At first I thought, it was just no big deal to him, but now I know it was b/c the poor baby was sick! Still kind of funny though.

Thanksgiving Part 2

2011-01-02T15:31:00.000-06:00

So I'm a little behind. The second half of our Thanksgiving we went to Rogersville, TN to see my Dad's parents and his family. We always have such a great time and it is beautiful!

These little waffle blocks were always our favorite whenever we visited my grandparents growing up. It was fun to see Drayton enjoying them.

a little hike down to the old log cabin

The weather was absolutely beautiful! Most of the day, the kids were in the diapers in the sun.

My cousin David

David's sweet wife Amy

4 generations

Happy 10 months!

2010-12-07T17:05:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess it was about a week ago he turned 10 months! I really just want him to slow down, but I love it at the same time. So, here are some milestones mostly for me to remember, so I apologize for the wordiness. He is now crawling on his hands and knees most of the time. Every now and then he gets tripped up and resorts to the army crawl. He is eating more and more real food and prefers whole things rather than old mushed up baby food. So big. He gets really excited when he sees bananas or peas. His favorite game right now is peek a boo. (He did it for the first time at Thanksgiving with big boy cousin Ben. I got it on video- see below) It just melts my heart. He can be crying and so sad, and he will pull his little blankee up over his face and wait for me to say "Where's Drayton?" Then he yanks it down and expectantly waits for me to say the standard phrase. If he's been crying, he smiles and then goes back to crying. But if he's in a good mood, he'll do it over and over again. I love it! I guess a tie for his other favorite game is when we put something like a ball in our mouths and spit it out. He will die laughing and think it is hilarious! (See also video below)

He really loves music. He is still a fan of the musical. Meet Me in St. Louis might be a new favorite. I had the Today show on the other day and when that little girl who sings opera came on, he froze and was mesmerized. When she stopped singing, he started whining, so I rewound it and it made him happy again! He has also started a form of dancing. He will shake his head to the songs of his toys. We've been trying to have little family devotionals at night and when we sing Pat the Bible, he is starting to pat the Bible. And he really likes the song Who Made the Fishies Swim because we get pretty silly with it.

He has finally figured out his music machine on his crib. When he wakes up, he loves to stand up and press the button to make the lights come on. Then, he'll hold on to it and shake himself back and forth. He still likes to shake the crib. When he wakes up, he usually needs a good 10-15 minutes to play in his bed before he's ready for me to come get him. And when I do he likes to play peek a boo through the crib slats before I pick him up. Also new, is calling for Da Da sometimes when I'm putting him to bed. Stalling techniques have begun!

Speaking of speaking, he says Dada, Mama, ball, nana for food, and da for done. Others are too close to tell. He says stuff that I think he knows, but not quite sure. He occasionally will wave bye bye.

There is just so much! He is just growing so fast, and we are so blessed and praise our God for our sweet little boy (who has a terrible fever right now). We are having so much fun!

Thanksgiving Part 1

2010-12-06T12:32:00.000-06:00

We had a tender Tennessee Thanksgiving this year. It was definitely a lot of work, but a lot of fun! We drove to Nashville, then drove another 5 hours east to my Dad's parents' place in East Tennessee. It is always fun to get up there and see my Grandparents and cousins and Aunts and Uncles from that side that we don't get to see very often. Part 1 is just from Nashville since I left my camera out in the rain and Kristen has the Part 2 pictures.

just a couple of boys in their PJs lounging with Cookie. You an see Drayton is very relaxed, just like Caden and Tate

Mom has this old stroller that worked perfectly for a double backyard stroll.

We told them to get closer for the picture, but Drayton thought it was too close.

9 months!

2010-11-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

Drayton turned 9 months Sunday!

And boy, have we had an explosion of big boy growth. He for some reason has decided that he now wants to eat and take a bottle. I guess it just needed to be in his own time! However, he is still a bit picky and turns his nose up at all homemade food. At least he is eating. At least he is eating.

He is still army crawling. I have a feeling he might walk before he crawls. He is now pulling up to standing and even is a daredevil and tries to stand up without holding on to anything.

He talks to us all of the time like he knows what he is saying. And the best thing, other than eating food, is (thanks to some encouragement from Stefany Bowers) he is now sleeping through the night! We had to do a little sleep training last week and it worked! My clock is still messed up and I keep waking up throughout the night, but it isn't because of Drayton!

He's becoming a little bit of a ham. When he wakes up from naps now, he often will talk to his stuffed animals and laugh. Though he is mostly all smiles, don't ever try to take away his shovel.

Drayton had his 9 month appointment Monday. He was all over the board in percentiles! He is basically a skinny melon head according to the percentiles (9% weight, 99% head circumference)But she said everything still looks great, other than one big problem. I am very nervous and not looking forward to this at all. And I hope Drayton will forgive me one day for posting this on the itnernet. Unfortunately, due to his excessive "fat pad" (which totally doesn't make sense since he is supposedly skinny) and despite my best efforts, his circumcision has grown up. So, we are being referred to a urologist in Dallas to get that taken care of. Ouch!!! I am not looking forward to that, but it will be better for him in the long run.

I'm just not thinking about that now. Just enjoying this little stinker.

Lobster Taco Pervert

2010-10-31T20:46:00.000-05:00

Lobster

Taco

Pervert

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-25T09:53:00.000-05:00

After our Nashville trip, we stayed in Dallas for a few days and got to spend some time with the Ford side of the family. It is really fun to get to see Drayton with his cousins! Other than the pumpkin patch, I didn't get too many pictures, once again. I've got to get better.

We got to go see Grandmother Ford! 4 generations. Pretty neat.

He asked her where she got her necklace.

She asked him where he got his blankie.

Cousins with Mimi at the Pumpkin patch

Drayton's first encounter with a pumpkin

couple of country bumpkins

That is pure joy on a little boy's face. He loves a good steering wheel.

He has much better focus when he's driving. His mommy has hit 2 parked objects in the last month.

After Florida, Nashville, and Dallas, we are definitely homebound until Thanksgiving. We had a great time, but it is definitely time to be home for a little bit.

Nashvegas

2010-10-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

It is always so nice to go home! We went to Nashville last week for a week and it was so great. However, I hardly took any pictures. So here's what I got.

Drayton got to meet Aunt Ruth! (and Ben, Andrew and Uncle Nate, but I didn't get pictures.)

My cousin Jessie just had little baby Sam. He was so cute and little! My cousin Jenny's little girl, Madison was obviously doing a great job holding him.

Drayton enjoyed the safety of Aunt Jessie's lap.

Macey was very attentive to Drayton. He wasn't exactly sure about it.

Slappy driving lesson.

Grandma came over on our last day before the airport. Drayton, Caden, and Tate were all 3 crying and being pretty needy. This picture sums up that morning.

Excited for our flight.

Florida and 8 months

2010-10-05T14:11:00.001-05:00

So, I'm not so great about updating on a regular basis. I figure, I'm good if I can keep doing it once a month. So, Drayton is 8 months! (as of a week ago) He has lost a pound since last month due to him still not wanting to eat! I have found as of yesterday that he likes puffs even though he gags on them. He gags on just about everything. His weight loss is also due to the fact that he is now army crawling everywhere and getting into everything! He likes to play a lot and is still an easy smile to just about everyone. He says Ma ma regulary, though I'm still not sure if he says it meaning me.

We took another trip to Florida with my parents and grandparents. It was a wonderful trip, despite almost every single one of us having one ailment or another, and the 13 hour drive.

Two little travelers after 13 hours in the car. Ty designed these beautiful onesies in honor of Slappy.

Couple of cabana boys.

Slappy and Drayton all geared up.

Cookie wrangling Tate and Drayton

So, Drayton hates food and juice, but loves, loves, loves water. He gets really excited to drink after me.

If anyone wants a free haircut, I would be happy to.

Never a good idea to wear your hair down at the beach.

All 3 boys had so much fun.

He's definitely teething.

definitely teething

Thought I'd advertise one more time for free hair cuts.

2010-09-07T12:52:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't like a little crack in a float?

People have always told Ty he looks a little like Sylvester Stalone. Looks like Drayton is on his way. (Thanks for the shirt Rachel.)

Whenever we eat meals, we stick Drayton in his Sassy seat. He really enjoys being at the table with everybody else.

Don't judge me. I promise I'm an attentive mother.

My glasses are now his favorite chew toy.

Most mornings, while I get cleaned up (I use cleaned up very loosely here), I set Drayton up on our bed and put in Oklahoma. He loves the music!! He just stays glued to the TV when they are singing. But as soon as the songs are over, he starts to get antsy until the next one. So Ty watched a little with him the other day.

You can tell Ty loves a good musical.

7 months

2010-09-06T23:13:00.000-05:00

Drayton is 7 months old! He now has 1 1/2 teeth. One is all the way in and the other is just starting to poke up. He has always been and is still a very particular little boy. He has decided that he hates food and never wants to be weaned. After about 3 weeks of eating baby food really well, he hates it. He closes his mouth and turns his head and sometimes arches his back like he trying to do a back dive out of his Bumbo. Whenever I do actually get it in his mouth, he gags. I've tried different kinds of food, different textures. He even hates juice. He is also very particular about bottles. He will take a bottle with nothing in it. He will take a bottle with water in it. But he won't take a bottle with milk. However, he will drink milk out of a regular cup like a big boy. He gets really excited when we let him drink out of a cup. However, he won't drink juice out of a cup. Picky picky.
He is still so much fun and likes to laugh and smile a lot. I love that he laughs at us when we are silly or scare him instead of just when we tickly him. He is beginning to babble a whole lot more with new sounds. He whispers sometimes! He has started to wave at people and things that he likes. He loves our dog Coda and waves frantically and kicks his legs at her.
He has started to reach for Ty and me more often which just melts my heart. I love it when he does it!
He sits up and plays by himself as long as he knows someone is nearby. He is starting to make some crawling lunges, all with his belly on the ground. His primary mode of transportation is still the roll.
He is napping so much better these days. He usually take 2, 2 hour naps, which is so nice!

So, here are his 7 month PJ pics. Yes, he has on winter PJs. I like to keep it cold at night.

I caught him mid-cough. He has been a little sick this last week. I hate to hear his little cough.

Couldn't you just eat his little cheeks up!

Mirror time

2010-08-27T15:59:00.000-05:00

It's nice to have a good self image.

6 months

2010-08-11T23:01:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Drayton is half of a year! We've had a big month and have had so much fun with him. He is so good natured. We've had a few more firsts this month. He had his 6 month checkup yesterday and got his first shot. He took it like a champ and acted like nothing even happened. He just kept smiling. He's just so sweet! (which is why it makes me mad that it made him vomit today!)

Our big 6 month old is now eating food a few times a day, sitting up by himself, playing by himself, babbling all the time, laughing more, starting to pull himself up to stand, is in the process of getting his first tooth and wetting his diaper all by himself.

Drayton has had lots of cousin/family time this month!

Drayton and Lilly (kind of look like they are related!)

Drayton, Nongy and Beau

Not too sure about Marlee's affection

All four cousins with Mimi

My parents and brother, Burton, came to visit us! It was Burton's first time in Texas.

Slappy is pretty good at making Drayton smile!

Drayton with Uncle Burt Burt

Caden is so sweet with Drayton and Drayton loves him!

Drayton wants to be just like Caden. Should I be worried?

All 4 cousins with Mimi (don't know why I can't delete this picture since it is already on here?)

Cookie with the three boys

Ty's cousin Carrie and her husband Wes (and soon to be Graham and Gibson) were home from Brazil and Drayton got to meet them for the first time!

Finally, Drayton went to cradle roll for the first time Sunday! He looked so big sitting there!

Food, glorious food!

2010-07-21T22:52:00.000-05:00

We've had a big few weeks!

Mimi and Nongy, and Uncle Cole and Aunt Tiffany came to visit again! It was also a very special trip since his great-grandparents, Grandmom and Jack, came to visit!

We have introduced him to food!! I'm not sure how much he's actually eating since it all seems to end up on his face, his tray, his bib, his legs, his eyes . . . The first few times I made it, it was a little bit clumpy and he kind of gagged on it. So, I guess that means some of it is getting to his throat. I've gotten much better though, and he loves it! He tries to grab the spoon and feed himself, which usually results in him dumping it out. Suddenly, he seems so old and big to me! But it is the cutest thing to watch him try to eat. I love it!

Proud moment for every parent

2010-07-17T21:20:00.001-05:00

Drayton has quite the hairline. I thought I would highlight his best asset, the rat tail. You will also notice his dreads (it looks like bugs in his hair.) Classy.

Drayton frozen on Daddy

2010-07-15T00:19:00.000-05:00

This video is about a week and a half old, but I just love it. Drayton was just so still, but had the sweetest little expression. Ty said he thought he was asleep.

5 months

2010-07-06T22:16:00.001-05:00

Warning: excessive pictures (don't complain and say you won't read my blog anymore when I warned you.)

I feel like Drayton is becoming a real boy! He's still a sweet little baby, but he is changing so fast! All in the last few weeks, he has mastered rolling over from his back to front (still working on front to back), he is starting to sit up on his own, and yesterday at Kristen's house, he started to try to army crawl! Today, he started to get his knees up under him! It is so exciting! It has been a while since I last posted pictures, so I'm just going to throw up a bunch. But first, I remembered to take his 5 month pictures!

Drayton in Daddy's sailor outfit

Drayton's first ride in the backpack and first trip out to Hoche outcamping!

He's got this look down.

Mimi and Nongy came for a quick visit!

Not only were Mimi and Nongy here, but Uncle Cole and Aunt Tiffany came too!

a couple of serious boys

Drayton and Aunt Tiffany with their matching CDR shirts

If I lie still, you can't see me

Last Wednesday, Kristen, Caden and Tate came to camp for a visit!

sweet Tate trying to hold hands

Then it was on to Longview for the 4th!

Jed and Drayton becoming friends

bunch of little boys! (*bonus if you can guess the person with the dirtiest hair)

This hair doesn't count in the contest

I love that sweet little face!

Drayton on the nannycam

2010-07-01T23:47:00.000-05:00

So, this video might be boring for you. We have loved having this video monitor! It is so much fun (and slightly creepy to some) to watch him play in his crib! I had just put him down for the night and of course, he immediately woke up and was trying to tell me about it. Also, no, he is not lying in a pile of leaves. We got some camo bedding for out at camp.

Big 4 month old camper

2010-06-09T23:07:00.000-05:00

Well, we have made the big move out to Dear Ol Deer Run! It took Drayton a few days to realize which side was up or down, but we are getting settled in and loving it!

This is where he spends the majority of his time. Just riding around camp with Mr. Frog.

All of the camp babies at Pass the Torch

The last month has been so much fun. After Florida, my Mom came back to Longview with us to get to see Tate (and Caden and Drayton). She stayed for a couple of weeks and then my Dad got to come down to join us. It has been a while since I've gotten to spend that much time with my family. It was so great! It is just so much fun to get to watch my parents with Drayton and especially for them to be around him long enough that they could see changes.

Caden was nice enough to let an old man swim in his pool.

Cookie and Slappy with all the little boys

Two tough guys

Got crabs?

Drayton is now 4 months! He is continuing to grow and change so much. His hair is falling out at rapid speeds. He has found his feet and likes to play with them. He already likes to watch TV and he loves swimming (as long as the temperature is right.) He smiles all the time and is laughing a lot. He is starting to try to sit up a lot, though he is nowhere near sitting up on his own. He still talks alot, but he does get pretty quiet when he's around a lot of people. He is just so much fun!

For those of you keeping track, no I did not take his 3 month pictures with Mr. Bear. Go ahead. Judge me.

Just a boy watching him some TV

This gives an excellent shot of his glorious rat tail. I posed him this way on purpose.

Tate

2010-05-25T22:56:00.000-05:00

Though I am posting in the same night, Tate deserves his own post. Kristen and Adam welcomed sweet little Tate on 5/10. He is just the cutest most tiny little thing ever! We have had so much fun the past week getting to see him and snuggle him. And I am so excited Drayton and Tate will get to grow up together and be good friends!

Little traveler

2010-05-25T22:45:00.002-05:00

We have had a big couple of weeks and Drayton has been quite the traveler! We flew to Nashville to meet up with my family and then drove down to Daytona Beach. Drayton did so well on the plane! Now, on the 12 hour drive to Florida, I'd give him about a 5. He did as well as could be expected! I'd give myself about a 5 as well. While we were in Florida, Kristen had little baby Tate (not in Florida, but back in Longview.) So we got to come back and meet him! Like I said, it has been a big couple of weeks. We definitely missed Daddy while we were gone.

Drayton is getting so much personality! He just smiles and coos and is laughing now. He is a pretty easy smile which is so much fun. I just can't stop kissing him and acting like an idiot to get him to laugh. Enjoy the pictures.

Drayton's first ride in the sassy seat.

Drayton's first service at Hillboro in the daygown Mom made. No, it's not a dress.

my little Gilligan before his first time on the beach!

Drayton loved getting to see Grandma and Grandpa Saunders

Uncle Burt Burt and his girlfriend Lauren. Drayton thought she was so beautiful! He loved to stare at her.

This was the first time Drayton got to meet Uncle Burton

Drayton thought Grandma was so funny. I thought his outfit was so funny.

Flattering, I know.

REBEL!!

He comes by it honestly I guess. This was Caden breaking the rules under the same sign.

3 months

2010-04-30T11:10:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Drayton is a big 3 month old! He had his 3 month check up yesterday. I don't want to put his stats every time, but thought these were hilarious. He was 80th percentile with weight and 10th percentile for height! So as Dr. Somers put it, he is short and fat. haha It is kind of funny b/c he has seemed so long to me! He is almost in size 6-9 PJs b/c the 3-6 months are too short. Who really knows!

The important thing is that he is still healthy and looking good. So praise God for that! He tolerates the Dr. pretty well. He doesn't totally flip out. He just kind of puckers up his bottom lip and looks like he is trying really hard not to cry. It is the saddest thing in the world!

He is just so sweet natured and is interacting with us more and more. He loves to have conversations and will just coo and babble and smile. I think he might be a little talker. When he smiles now, he sometimes will scrunch up his nose. He is getting closer and closer to a real laugh. Aunt Kristen and Jennifer, a friend from church, got him to laugh pretty well. And usually when Ty comes home, he can get at least 1 or 2 laughs out of him.

He is really starting to play with toys and reach for things. I got him a little jungle gym type thing that he loves. He reaches for the zebra to make it play songs. And just in the last few days, he's been able to hold his head up well enough to sit in the bumbo and play with a few toys. It is so much fun to watch him grow and develop. And I am so thankful I get to stay home with him! I just love it!

You can also see the beginnings of a bald baby.

I'm trying to teach him that that finger isn't nice. It's just his favorite.

Another shot of his receding hairline.

We are heading to Nashville on Thursday and then driving down to the beach on Sunday. I am a little nervous about flying with him alone, so if any of you have any tips, that would be great!

Oh, yeah, and for all of you who like the heading picture, or can't quite figure it out, I couldn't quite figure out how to change it. I was sick of the hospital picture and tried to upload another one and they ended up being these gigantor pictures and only a fraction of them showed up. So until I figure it out, you get real up close and personal with part of Mr. Drayton's face.

Oh, sleep

2010-04-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know, we Saunders girls need a lot of sleep. And I am so thankful that Drayton is now sleeping through the night! It is wonderful! He goes down at around 9:30 to 10 ish and doesn't wake up until around 6 ish, and then goes back to sleep until 9 ish! It makes up for the fact that he hates to nap. Every now and then he'll have a good nap day, but usually, he's a cat napper.

He is becoming more and more animated, which is so much fun, but also is becoming more and more opinionated which is sometimes not so fun. We've been trying to get him to take a bottle, which isn't working too well. He doesn't get the point. He just bites it and plays with it, or totally rejects it. That is one we will keep trying. The passy however is a no go. I've given up.

We just love him! He is so much fun and so sweet. Here are some random pictures from the last few days.

This look says, "Don't even make me sleep. I will kill you."

Caden is always ready with a gift of flowers and a kiss.

Nothing much better!

Stretch!

2010-04-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Big 2 month old

2010-04-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

This last weekend, we went to Dallas to see Ty's family! It was so much fun. Drayton got to meet his Great Grandparents, Grandmom and Jack, and his Great Aunt Mary and Great Uncle David! Not to mention spend some great cuddle time with Mimi and Nongy.

Uncle Cole and Aunt Tiffany

Aunt Mary and Uncle David

Grandmom had the magic touch

I imagine Drayton will have many years of fun with his Uncle Sam. Some I hope he will never tell me about.

Aunt Hollee has learned a few tricks to keep babies happy over the last 2 years!

Drayton and Jack having a conversation

4 generations

We had a wonderful Easter! Mom was in town and made Drayton and Caden the cutest little matching outfits.

He was unsuccessful with the Easter Egg hunt this year.

And finally, he turned 2 months last week! He's getting so big and so much fun. He really likes to talk and smile a lot. I am enjoying feeling like he thinks I'm fun b/c I know there will come a day when he looks at me like I'm a freak.

Smorgasbord

2010-03-22T23:06:00.000-05:00

We have had a big couple of weeks! Last weekend we went to Beavers Bend in Oklahoma with the Fords! It was really pretty weather and we had so much fun. Drayton was really glad to be able to spend some time with Mimi and Nongy and his Aunts and Uncles. It was also the first time he got to meet Beau, Lilly, and Marlee! I already figured out that I am horrible about taking enough pictures, so Hollee and Sam, we need some pictues of yall with Drayton this weekend!

Nongy had to juggle all of the demand for his attention. I won't mention any names, but some (Lilly) did not like the juggling.

Uncle Cole and Aunt Tiffany

Drayton with his Mimi

Sweet Beau

A little family hike by the river

Last Wednesday was his first trip to church. He was ready with his sword.

His St. Patty's Day look

I love his chunkiness!

We've been getting more and more smiles and coos lately.

What would a post be without a little bodily fluids? Ty got his fair share this week. I guess Mommy forgot to tighten up his diaper!

Sunday was his first Sunday service and he did so well! He slept through Sunday morning service and Sunday night, he was wide awake but was so good. He was ready for the first of many Sunday afternoon naps.

happy 5 weeks

2010-03-08T20:29:00.000-06:00

This is how we started this Sunday, his 5 week birthday. Never saw it comin. Never knew it was possible.

So thankful!

2010-03-04T10:07:00.000-06:00

We got Drayton's test results back this morning from Dr. Somers and as far as the test shows, he does not have cystic fibrosis!!! He is a carrier of the gene, so if his future (very future) wife has the gene, they could possibly pass it on to their kids. We are just so relieved and so thankful! I have to admit, it was very hard not to worry when his poo smelled a little funny or he coughed, or anything else that was less than perfect.

We are so thankful to our God. He is so faithful and loving. I know that even if he had CF, God still would have been faithful and loving and good would have come from it, but it is just always so nice when God answers our prayers the way we hope. It is hard not to burst into thankful tears every time I look at him.

When I was told the news that he could have it, I had to let my mind go down that path of "what if?" It is a relief to be able to put those "what ifs" away and not have to entrust them to God anymore.

Drayton will still go to the CF clinic in Tyler on March 16, to take another type of test to 100% rule it out. But basically, if they did the test correctly and didn't make a mistake, he can't have it. So please rejoice with us and thank God for this wonderful gift!

1 month!!

2010-03-01T22:22:00.000-06:00

It is hard for me to believe that Drayton is 1 month old already! I find myself already getting a little sad about how quickly he is changing. It is good, b/c of course I would be really sad if he wasn't changing. That would be a little freaky. Today was really exciting since it was the first time he actually smiled as a reaction to us! He had smiled when he had gas and good dreams, but that doesn't quite count. So, as Ty said, this is the beginning of all of us acting like idiots just to get a smile.

Here are his 1 month pictures with Mr. Bear and the beloved football.

He kept trying to look up at the bear's face. It was really cute!

If you don't look too closely it looks like he has a tooth.

And then the photo shoot came to an abrupt close.

On Saturday, Drayton and I went out to camp to meet Ty at the Hoche retreat. It was his very first trip to Camp Deer Run!

No caption necessary.

Chunky Monkey pictures

2010-02-26T12:20:00.000-06:00

Drayton is fast becoming a little chunky monkey. We had his 1 month appointment with his new Doctor yesterday and it went well! He gained another pound as in now 10 lbs. 11 oz. He actually shrunk about an inch. Don't know how that happens, but oh well! haha Everything is still looking good! We asked Dr. Somers if there was any way to get Drayton tested any sooner than 3/16, so she called down to the lab and that same day, they drew his blood to get it tested for the gene mutations. I will just say that it is amazing that after pestering the old Dr. for weeks to get him tested, Dr. Somers was able to do it the same day! We are glad we switched. So hopefully those results will be back soon. In other news his umbilical cord finally fell off!

Last week, we went over to my sister Kristen's house for a little photo shoot! She is so good and it was very hard to just pick these favorites. So, sorry if there are too many.

Drayton wishes for there to be peace on earth.

He was told to be fierce for the camera.

Now that's called cleavage up to your neck.

This is the day gown Mom made for Drayton with some tatting my great grandmother made.

Since Drayton was a bit of a diva and was very particular with his poses, Caden woke up from his nap before we could finish. He however was very helpful by comforting Drayton and modeling the props so Drayton could see what they looked like.

He was also on hand to share his refreshments with his cousin.

Thank you so much sister!!!!

A bunch of firsts

2010-02-20T22:16:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow Drayton will be 3 weeks old! He is just changing so quickly. It has been a good 3 weeks. We've now been on our own for 5 days now and it is just amazing how much time I spend doing all things Drayton and I love it! But before we were on our own, we had some pretty amazing help.

Drayton with his Slappy. We'll see if Caden teaches him to click for his name.

Despite the look on his face, he loves some Cookie kisses.

He loved being held by Mimi Lin!

Being a music teacher, she is already working on his vocals.

Pops always had the magic touch and could lull him to sleep so fast.

Kristen and Caden pretty much camped out at our house for 2 weeks while Mom was here, so that we could all be together. Thanks sister!

Caden also helped me by being a good holder. And he was never short on kisses!

It really was wonderful having all of our family here to welcome our son and help Ty and me get settled in as a new family! Thank you!

Now, since then, we have had a few firsts.

This is right before our first solo outing to Walmart and then for a walk around the neighborhood!

His first pacifier! Not sure what gang sign that is.

First of many rattails. Also, check out that sweet back/shoulder hair.

And my favorite position. I love it when he puts his little bitty arms under his chin. Life is good!

Late 1 week

2010-02-13T21:31:00.000-06:00

Since Drayton will be 2 weeks tomorrow, I thought it would be appropriate to post his 1 week pictures today! Makes sense.

We also took a 1 week picture wearing the outfit Ty's Grandmom made for Ty when he was born.

Drayton had his 2 week checkup this past Friday and everything looks good! He is gaining weight and growing and healthy. I am a little ticked b/c I was told we would have the results back from his CF screening after a week and we still haven't heard. Even though the results aren't definitive either way, it is still nice to get the ball rolling. So, I went ahead and requested an appointment with the CF clinic in Tyler to get a sweat test which will tell us 100% if he has it or not. By the way, if anyone has a pediatrician in the Longview area that they love, let me know.

He is still just the best baby and is so much fun. We are all doing really well thanks to some major help from the grandparents. I'll have to do a major grandparent post soon. It has been wonderful having them here!

He is starting to focus his googly eyes a little better and is holding his head up really well! He did a real big boy cry today and his eyes watered up just a little. I can't believe how many diapers babies use- especially Drayton b/c he always waits until I put a clean diaper on him to finish up his business. He sleeps with his eyes and mouth open like his Dad. He always makes the best faces after he's been fed and I can never resist kissing his sweet little cheeks or his mouth. He is just wonderful!

Settling in

2010-02-03T22:54:00.000-06:00

It is so nice to be home! We are all definitely getting a lot more rest here. He has just been the best baby so far! He is sleeping well at night and having some good awake time during the day. He is nursing well and is just so sweet! I thought he might be trouble with as much as he punished me int he womb, but I guess we found out, he just didn't have any more room! He's a big little boy. We've already had to move up to a size 1 diaper b/c the newborns were too small which is pretty funny to me.

He got his blood test done in the hospital for his CF screening, so we should get those results back in about a week. We are still hoping and praying that he will not have it.

I'm definitely still feeling the effects of the birth. I just can't wait to feel like myself again and feel like I can actually move. I am just so thankful he is out of me and we got to have a healthy birth. It is just so amazing when look back along the way the way God has taken care of us in even the little things like providing us an amazing Dr. and nurses who were so supportive of the way we wanted to give birth. We are just so thankful and happy! So without further ado, here are some more pictures of the little bruiser.

He is starting to hold up his head (which is a little big and is already to big for Aunt Marcia's hat she made for him!)

A little skin to skin time with Daddy!

In his carseat on the way home for the first time! Thanks for the hat Kara!

Caden came bearing gifts (a bat and a fox) for his new cousin.

Nap time with Slappy

I am so hoping that is a possible dimple!

Drayton Scott Ford!!

2010-01-31T16:24:00.001-06:00

We Have a Baby!!!!!!

2010-01-31T15:42:00.000-06:00

This is Kristen (Janelle's sister) giving you all an updated status on the state of Janelle's uterus. Here's a rundown of the timeline

10:30 pm (last night) water broke!! Woohooo! Thank you full moon
11:00 - Saunders begin drive from Nashville
12:00 - Fords begin drive from Dallas
5:30 am (this morning) - Ty and Janelle head to the hospital to settle in after laboring at home
11:45 - Drayton makes his entrance after a LOOOOOONG pushing battle at 8 lb 15 oz and 21 3/4 in. long!
1:30ish - We catch our first glimpse of Ty and soon after the newest little Ford!!

I'm downloading some pictures right now, and I'll have them up soon so you can gaze on that cute, chunky little man!! I know Ty and Janelle are appreciative of all your prayers! Pictures coming shortly!!

State of the Uterus

2010-01-27T21:10:00.000-06:00

As I am watching the state of the union address, I will give you my own state of the uterus address. The state of my uterus is high and low. Drayton is still wedged up under my rib and I fear that he will continue to do so until he is out. At the same time he is also pretty low and as my mother pointed out to me the other day on Skype, I can't close my legs when I am sitting down b/c the belly is in the way. He sometimes feels like he is trying to punch his way out. My belly is also swelling to epic proportions (much like the unemployment rates). I have maybe 2 or 3 shirts that still fit. Definitely 2 shirts that I don't have to tug on to make sure that my panel doesn't show in the front. I also have 2 dresses that still fit. So, it is time. We are definitely ready to have this sucker.
This is my 39 week picture. Not the most flattering, but definitely funny.

Here's a more traditional pose.

Stay tuned! We are hoping we will have some more exciting news before the next weekly update of another belly picture.

37 weeks and last date

2010-01-16T20:53:00.001-06:00

It feels good to have made it to 37 weeks. I am hoping he will stay in for another 3 weeks (or as long as he needs!) but it is nice to know that we have at least crossed the threshold of being considered "full term". I've actually felt better this last week than the week before. Last week, I was thinking, "I don't think I'm going to make it!" Where this week it wouldn't surprise me if I made it. So once again, who knows.

I had another appointment on Monday and everything still looks good. And if you're wondering, I don't know if I'm dilated at all yet b/c I'm not getting checked. I don't see the point unless I go overdue. Dr. D agrees, so that's that. The appointment was pretty funny though b/c the nurse didn't really understand why and was pretty confused. I also had a Braxton Hicks contraction when the Dr. was trying to check Drayton's heartbeat. So we had to wait a minute or two until it was over.

Drayton is just as active as ever. He has added a new move to his repertoire. Not only does he jab me on the right, he has started switching it up and hitting my left side every now and then. I think it is just to keep me on my toes. Or he might be getting mad that I am pretty good at blocking and shoving his foot away, so he is getting creative and making me use both hands to block him. It actually does hurt, but always makes me laugh. Well, maybe not always make me laugh. I have called him a little punk a few times. Forgive me. And I also pinched his foot. Forgive me again. He might still be in the womb but it is never too early to start discipline! haha

Ty and I also took our last date tonight. It is kind of weird that it is just the 2 of us for just a little longer! So it was nice to get to go out without needing a babysitter for one more time!