4 months

Graham's 4 month stats are:

Weight- 12lb 13oz
Height- 24 1/4 inches

His weight was only in the 12 percentile so we have started oatmeal one time a day. So far he is doing pretty well. We have also bumped up the amount he is eating per bottle. He seems a lot more satisfied. We have to fatten him up:)

Since we upped his food intake he has been sleeping much better. Graham is now sleeping 7-9 hours in row. He gets between 10-11 hours total sleep before getting up for the day. He naps pretty well in the morning and the afternoon nap is still hit or miss.

He is laughing more and more each day. The cooing and talking continues as well. He loves chewing on his Sophie teether and Winkel. The lullabye Seahorse is also a hit around our house at bedtime.

Graham is a snuggler. He would love to be held all day long. I am soaking in as much cuddle time as possible. I know that won't last much longer espeically as he becomes mobile. There is nothing better than baby snuggling!

Here are some 4 months pics.

We are moving into our new house the end of this week. I am hoping Graham makes transitions easily! I will update next week.

It's Positive

Dear Graham,
Those were the words I said to your Daddy one year ago today. In a blink of an eye our lives changed forever. We really had no idea how much they would change until 9 months later. We wouldn't want it any other way.

I had a long letter I wanted to write to you but you kept me up all last night and now all my thoughts are jumbled. I will have to save the letter for another date. All I can say is that the past year has been one great ride. We are so happy that you are in our lives. You are such a blessing.

We love you very much!
Mommy and Daddy

Honest Scrap Award

I was given the Honest Scrap Award from May at Hoping and Wishing. The idea is for me to tell you 10 random, honest things about myself. I had a hard time coming up with 10 but here goes.

1. When I was younger I grew vegetables in my parents garden. Pumpkins were my best crop. I started selling them at my very own road side stand. I made a lot of money for a young kid. I mean like a $100 or more:) I kept all the money in an old cigar box. I still have that cigar box.

2. I have a blankie that my grandmother made me when I was a baby. I still have that blankie and sleep with it every night.

3. When I first met Chris I really didn't like him. Actually I said I wouldn't go out with a group of friends if he was going. Well one night he won me over and the rest is history.

4. I have a tattoo. I got it in college. It started off really small, like one flower. Now it is a flower vine across my back. That was my college rebellion.

5. I love ice cream. It is my favorite food. I could eat it everyday even if it is freezing outside.

6. My elbows are double jointed. It is gross. They can twist and turn ways I never thought possible.

7. I love sports. I have played sports since I was a little girl. My dad started me out in basketball when I was 5. I played baseball with the boys... and was better than most of them;)

8. I HATE laying on the beach and swimming in the ocean. There is nothing worse sand in your bathsuit and feeling itchy from all the saltwater. I am a pool kind of girl.

9. I am OCD. I really like order, organized stuff, and things to be super clean. I have had to learn how to get over these things because I live with a man, 2 dogs, and a baby. My life feels so much more peaceful when there is order.

10. I am a sucker for a bargin. I will shop around and shop around until I find the best price. Sometimes this works in my favor and other times it is just a waste of time and money driving around.
Now I have to pass this award to 5 other people. My awards go to

E at Little bitty pickle

T at The Hartog Family

B at Gossmar Wings


A at The Little Richburgs

C at And Baby Makes Three!

Snow Day

Graham's first snow.We didn't play in the snow for too long. It was REALLY cold but we were able to get a few snapshots.

2009 Review

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. We have a lot to be thankful for this year. I know 2009 was a tough one for many people but our family was blessed.

Chris and I found out I was pregnant the middle of January. By March most friends and family knew about our exciting news! In May we found out Baby Reker was a boy! We were both thrilled. At that point we began planning the nursery, budeting for a baby, and buying all the necessities.

The summer was a blur. I taught three summer camps and Chris' parents store was in the process of being sold. We were able to make a few trips to the lake house with friends and family and I visited NC when my sister and her family were in town. It was great being able to spend that time with family and friends.

By August I was back to school and Chris started his new job. The new job was a blessing considering the economy and unemployment rate. The nursery was completed with the help of Gigi and Papa... thank you very much! And then we just waited for Graham man to arrive.

September was a big month. Graham Edward Reker was born on September 17, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. He weighed 7lb 7 oz and was 20 1/2 in long. The minute he entered the world our lives changed forever. Neither one of us knew how much we could love another human being.

The fall was great. I was out on maternity leave from the time he was born until the middle of December. I was so happy I took off as much time as I could. Graham met his grandparents, cousins, and even made some friends! He visited the pumpkin patch, NC mountains, Birmingham, and the Christmas tree farm.

We have had the best time getting to know our little man. He is smiling and laughing and bringing light into our lives everyday. I have forgotten what life was like before Graham. I wouldn't want it any other way.

In December we put an offer in on a house. We are now under contract and should close the end of January. This house is amazing. The dogs are going to be so happy in their new yard!

Chris and I are certainly hoping 2010 is as awesome as 2009! Happy New Year everyone.