My Montage 12/30/09 at OneTrueMedia.com

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Cousins!

Graham got to meet cousin Wes and cousin Gracie over Christmas. They had so much fun holding and entertaining him. It was super cute. Wes played his guitar and he and Gracie would sing songs to Graham when he cried. Graham loved watching them. It won't be long before they can all run and play together.

Gigi bought them special Christmas pjs. So adorable!

3 months

I am alittle late on this entry but Graham's 3 months came at a busy time. I had to go back to work that week. It was only for one week before we started winter break. Graham stayed with Gigi and Grandma Candy while I was at work. We all survived! I missed him like crazy though.


During my week back at work Graham decided he really liked his sleep. He began sleeping for 8-9 hours a night which was great for me. I actually felt rested when going to work. Of course that didn't last long. He is back to 4-6 hours at night. I guess I shouldn't complain. It could be a lot worse.


He is cooing, smiling, and laughing. The laughing is awesome. Chris and I try all kinds of things just to hear that sweet laugh. All that tummy time is paying off. He is holding his head up really well these days. He has always been a strong little guy. We are anxiously awaiting a roll from tummy to back. He is doing things in his own time! Just like his dad;)


We don't have an official weight but my questimate is about 13 pounds. He has lost that newborn look. No more squishy baby face. His cheeks are getting so chubby. He is really long too. His Miracle Blanket barely fits these days. I am not sure what we are going to do when he outgrows it. It is our swaddling savior blanket!

Without further ado here are the new pics. We have nicknamed Mr. Serious! I think you can tell why.

NBA Baby

Graham went to his first NBA game last Thursday night. We were lucky enough to be invited to someone's suite at Phillips Arena. Great seats huh? The Hawks played the Raptors and beat them soundly. Graham was a trooper but was more than ready for bed by 9:00. A friend said he is crying because of the strange large bird with a gun behind us. Very true!

Cradle to Crib

At 10 weeks old Graham made the transition from the cradle in our bedroom to the crib in his nursery. He did great! I was so worried about him hating his crib. We started on Sunday night after coming back from my parents in NC. Graham went down without a fight and slept 6 hours straight. The rest of the week has been much of the same. Way to go Graham!

He had several nights last week where is slept 7+ hours. I am hoping those return soon. 6 hours is good but getting 7 or more hours of sleep makes me feel like a new mommy!

Gigi and Papa's Mountains

Graham has made two trips to the NC mountains to see Gigi and Papa. The first trip was in October. He was about 6 weeks old. Chris couldn't go because he had to work so just G and I went. He is a champ on the ride up there. I was scared to death he would scream the whole time but he didn't. We took walks and looked at the pretty leaves, had ice cream at Sweet Treats, and visited a few of Gigi’s friends. I bought Graham some camo pants so Papa could take him to Reeves and show him off. He is too cute in his camo. We stayed for 4 days and had a great time. Here are the highlight pictures. Oh he has on his Halloween custome in one of these pics. He was a cow. Moo!

We have a Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Chris and I go to see my parents and we all go pick out a Christmas tree at a local Christmas tree farm. We have been doing this the past two years. Graham came along this year. I woke him up from his nap to help pick out the perfect tree so he was less than thrilled in most of our pictures. Chris got to pick his perfect tree this year. It is HUGE! Way too big for our little condo but that is ok. It will make our little place feel very festive. When we actually get it decorated I will post pictures. Here we are "making memories" at Grandy Mountains Tree Farm in Chashiers, NC.

2 Month Stats

We went to the peditrician on Tuesday. He is up two pounds from last month. Poor guy had to get 4 shots. He only cried a little bit before I was able to pick him up. The nurse was great. The shots were over and done with in no time. He was a champ through it all.

Graham's two month stats were:
Weight- 10 pound and 15 ounces
Height- 23 inches
Head Circumference: 40 cm

Graham is growing and changing everyday. He smiles like crazy. His smiles brighten our day. He has started cooing and "talking" to us. We, of course, talk back to him. He loves it! Graham is sleeping between 6-7 hours in a row at night. He also takes a good nap in the morning. The afternoon and evening naps are debatable. He loves going for strolls and being outside. He has even made some new friends. He has had playdates with Art, Max, and Joshua. I can't wait to have real playdates with the boys. I love being at home with him everyday. I am not looking forward to going back to work in December:(

Here are some of my favorites pics for this month!

I forgot

I forgot to report Graham's 1 month stats. He weighed 8 pounds and 12 ounces. 21% for his age. His head circumference was 37 cm which is 23% for his age. He was 21 inches long. 25% for his age. We were worried that he wasn't growing enough since most of his percentages were in the 20's but his pediatrician says he is right one track. Grow Graham grow!

Sad Day

A friend of mine passed away today. It was very shocking. I knew Shelly wasn't doing well. She had been in the hospital for about a month after complication during a surgery. I felt sure she would make it through. This morning she lost her battle. I am so sad. She left behind a sweet husband named Tom and a precious baby girl named Ella. I know Ella will have a guardian angel with her at all times and that makes me smile. I will miss Shelly. I am blessed to have had Shelly as a friend.

Rest in Peace Shelly

He smiles

Graham has been smiling for the past couple of weeks. He is especially smiley in the mornings. It makes the lack of sleep so worth it. He is such a happy boy!

Newborn Pictures by Caryn Oxford

Pumpkin Patch

You went to the pumpkin patch this past weekend with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma Candy, and Grandpa Chip. This is how you felt about the pumpkin patch!

You even went on a hayride. You weren't thrilled about that either.

We made lots of good memories even though you won't remember them!

October 17- 1 month old

Graham was 1 month old on October 17th. I can't believe how fast the first month passed by. We have gotten to know each other very well. Daddy and I are totally in love. We couldn't imagine life without G.

Graham loves his teddy bear from Gigi and Papa. He helps make diaper changing time much quieter

The First Month

Birth Story

On September 16 I went for my 39 week appt. I hadn't made much progress so my midwife said she would see me the following week. Well that night I went to bed around 10:00. Not long after going to bed I felt a pop and then a strong contraction. I didn't know it was a contraction at the time but it didn't take long to figure it out. The contractions continued for about 30 minutes before I got up to share the news with Chris. When I told him I thought I was in labor he was a bit in shock. He hadn't packed anything and neither of us really thought I would have the baby before my due date.

I continued to time my contractions for the next 3 hours. Around 1 a.m. I called my midwife. She said to time them for another hour and if they were 5 minutes apart to call back and head to the hospital. Well they continued but I decided to let Chris sleep alittle and labor at home as long as I could.

About 5 a.m. the contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and hurt like crazy. I got Chris up and we headed to the hospital but not before stopping for bagels. I am so glad we did because that is all I had to eat for 24 hours.

We checked into the hospital around 6 a.m. It was a long day from that point on. I saw my midewife around 7:00. Still no major progress. I decided I wanted the epidural so they gave me an IV. Well that slowed down the contractions. So then I decided I could wait on the epidural. My midwife broke my water around 10:00. The contractions were getting unbearable at that point. I was REALLY ready for the epidural then. Got the epi around 11:00. I was able to sleep on and off for the rest of the afternoon.

Unfortunately the epi slowed down all progress. From 11:00-5:00 I made very little progress. I was given Pitocin to help speed things up. From 5:00-10:00 I made all the progress necessary. It was a good thing too because I was giving up fast. At 10:00 my midwife came in and I began pushing. I pushed for about an hour and 15 minutes. Graham Edward made he grand appearance into the world on September 17, 2009 at 11:17. It was the best feeling in the world when she put him on my chest! I was head over heels in love.

The rest is kind of a blur. It took all day to get to that point and when he arrived it just got crazy. I had a fever while pushing so the NICU team came ot check him out. His Apgar score was 8 and then 9 which was good. They weighed and measured him. Finally they gave him a bath and daddy got to hold him. Chris was so good with him. It was so sweet. We are both in love!

Baby Graham is here!

Graham Edward Reker was born on September 17, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs 7oz and was 20 1/2 in long. Chris and I are so in love! Post more later.

The Count Down Is On

I am 39 weeks pregnant today. 7 days until my due date. I can't believe that Baby Graham will be here soon! Chris and I have worked for the past two weekends to get everything ready. Finally the "to do" list is finished. We are offically ready. So come on little man. We can't wait to meet you! Check out that belly.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon hanging the nursery artwork. A friend of mine made it for me. It is extra special because I know she made it was lots of love and care. Thank you Nicole! Here are a few pics.

Oh and this was Chris' added touch to the room. A Braves mobile.

38 Week Update

No progress. Zero, Zilch, Nada! Maybe next week.

Come on Baby Graham! Daddy and I are ready to meet you.

37 Weeks

I had my 37 Week appt today. My midwife said everything looks and sounds fine. She estimates Baby Graham's weight to be around 8 lbs. I really hope she is off by a pound or 2. Chris weighed 10lb when he was born so who knows.

I have Parent Conferences next week. If I could just make it through next week I would be in the clear at work. I wouldn't mind if G made his appearance anytime after that. I am getting so excited to meet our little guy!

I hope to rest and relax this Labor Day Weekend! I am so looking forward to having 3 days off.

Full Term

It's official I am full term today. I can't believe I am 37 weeks pregnant. Graham is growing so much right now. My stomach is changing shape everyday. It is pretty amazing. Each day I get more and more excited about meeting our little man. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. My next appt is Thursday afternoon.

Here is my 37 week belly pic.

Nursery Photos

Here are a few pics of the nursery. I just need to hang the art on the walls and it will be all finished. I am very pleased with how it turned out. Big thanks to my mom and dad and all their wonderful help. We couldn't have done it without you!

Monogrammed curtain made by my Aunt Margie. It is awesome!