Banks- 9 months

I say it every month, and this month is NO different!  Where has the time gone?  We now have a 9 month old.  Or, as my brother said, a child that is 3/4 of the way to being ONE! I just cannot believe it!
Banks weighs 18 pounds 8 ounces and is 27 3/4 inches long.
He is now is size 3 diapers and is wearing 6-9 month clothing typically.  He has a few outfits that are 12 month, but is mostly wearing 9 month clothes.
He now has 4 teeth (and is working on two more as I type this).  He got the third on August 18th and the 4th a week later, on the 25th.
He loves pretty much every food we give him.  Seriously.  Banana peppers? Sure.  Raw onion? Of course! Tomato? Why not! The kid loves his food, but does not like to swallow it.  We are still working on that! :)
Banks still loves bath time so much.  Since he is pulling up and into everything now, I bought a laundry basket for him to sit in when in the bathtub.  This keeps his toys within a reachable distance for him, as well as keeps him contained from standing and falling.  It has really worked out quite well!
Banks continues to love daycare and never really minds when I have to leave him.  For that, I am thankful.  I know some moms who think it is precious (and sometimes, it is) when the child only wants them holding them.  But it is SO nice that Banks will literally let anyone hold him, keep him, etc.  He is just such a happy child and seldom lets anything or anyone bother him.  Ahhh... I think I'll keep him! :)
This month, we traveled to Kennett THREE (yes, three) weekends in a row.  Once for a wedding, and twice for wedding showers.  We also got his 9 month pictures taken while there.  As much as I love Kennett and visiting my family, I am aching for a weekend at home with my boys.  One day....
We are loving every minute of life with our little man and can't wait to see what month #9 has in store for us all!

---KPG

Banks- 8 months

Our sweet guy is EIGHT months old!
I simply cannot get over how much he has grown lately.  He is into everything these days!
Banks has tried lots of new foods this month, and I'll be honest- I have done a terrible job of keeping up with it all.  I started with purees, but he was simply not into it.  He wants big boy food, and he wants it now! So, I've been steaming fruits and veggies and just giving him small chunks of it.  The only things he has turned down so far are green beans and zucchini.  Avocado, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, banana, apple, pineapple, onion, chicken, turkey, tomato-- he pretty much likes it all!
He is still in size two diapers, but will be transitioning to size three soon because I am not buying anymore size twos.  He doesn't go back to the doctor until 9 months  so we don't have an accurate weight and height.
He is crawling all over the place and can get into everything. Absolutely everything. Last night, on August 17th, he pulled up all by himself for the first time.
Banks spent two weekends in Kennett with his Honey and Bear this month while Alex and I attended the wedding festivities of some great friends.  We missed him dearly, but it was quite nice being able to enjoy and celebrate with friends we hadn't seen in a while.  We also went to the lake with Honey, Bear, Uncle T, and Lindsay, and went to Birmingham with Gigi to visit Aunt Becca.  No matter where we go, we always have a super time!
Banks started daycare on August 4th.  It was ROUGH.  On both of us.  Actually, the first three days were quite traumatic.  It was hard for him to be away from me, and he wasn't sleeping while there (probably from too much going on with other babies, noise, new environment, etc.). However, by Thursday, he was pretty much adjusted to our new schedule and did great.  I'm hoping that he continues to feel more comfortable with daycare and will soon love going everyday.  I'm looking forward to him being around other children and getting the social experience that daycare has to offer.  And I am SOOOO thankful and blessed to have him right down the hall from me everyday.  PDS is, quite simply, the best place to work and be a mom.  I am blessed. Period.
Banks is sleeping from 7:30 or 8:00 to around 7:00 each morning.  It is blissful.
Bath time is a favorite around our house.  He would bathe for an hour each day if I let him! He loves it. He also loves his new walker that Honey and Bear bought him.  He pushes himself all around the kitchen, banging his spatula and whisk on the cabinets.  I'm hoping he enjoys cooking and baking as much as his momma does!
Banks also got to spend an entire weekend with his daddy this month.  I took a girls' trip to the lake with four of my best friends from high school, so Alex was in charge.  While I was a bit nervous about leaving them, I soon found out that I had nothing to worry about.  Alex did great and they had a wonderful weekend together.  I was able to relax and enjoy some much-needed girl time with my friends.
It was a great month, and I am so thankful to have had 7 1/2 months at home with my little man.  I pray that this school year goes smoothly for both of us... I just know it will!

---KPG

Banks- 7 months

It's hard to believe that we are now in our last month before I go back to work.  Where has the time gone!?  One thing is for sure- We have made the most of each and every minute of our time together!
Banks and I have done it all these past few months- snuggled, traveled. slept in, got up early, visited people, had visitors, laughed, cried, walked, ran, strolled, loved, learned, grown, taught, shared... the list goes on and on.  To say that the child is my pride and joy would be an absolute understatement.
This month has been a big month.
On 6/15, Banks got his first tooth.  On 6/30, he got his second. (both were bottom middles).  On 6/30, he tried his first solid food- Avocado.  He was definitely a fan!  On 6/3, he tried green beans.  Not. A. Fan.  At all.  He hated them.  We shall try again in the future.  On 6/7, Banks tried carrots.  He liked them pretty well.   On 6/10, he tried bananas.  On 6/13, he tried squash.  On 6/15, he tried peas and sweet potatoes (separately).
He is still in size 2 diapers and eating every 3-3 1/2 hours.
On 7/4, I got bit by a tick.  I removed in instantly, but it got infected.  I had to go to the doctor and get on meds to ensure that I wouldn't get lime disease or rocky mountain fever.  This meant that I could not breast feed.  We were leaving for a trip the next day, so I decided to end breastfeeding altogether.  I was so sad about this- actually miserable.  I was in alot of pain for the first 48 hours, but it turned out to be totally okay after that.  Banks adjusted quickly, we had a great trip, and I wasn't in pain!  I hate that I had to end breastfeeding before I was ready to, but I am so thankful for the 6.5 months we had together.
On 7/9, Banks took his first plane ride to Boston.  He was such a trooper! Over the course of the trip, he took 4 plane rides.  The 3rd one was a little rocky, but we made it just fine and Mom learned alot about traveling with children.  We had such a great trip- toured Fenway Park, Harvard, visited with my old friend Chelcie, ate great food, etc.  I really loved the time I got to spend with Banks, my mom, grandma, and aunts and cousins.  Such a great trip with lots and lots of memories made.  We even visited the site of William Blaxton's (an old relative of Alex's), home in Boston- super cool!
We plan to enjoy these last few weeks with each other before I start back to work.  I love my boy!

---KPG

Banks- 6 months

It's very hard for me to believe that half a year has already passed with my baby boy.  How in the world is he already 6 months old!? One thing is for sure... it has been the most exciting, tiring, fun, and busy 6 months of my life! We have been so blessed.

 Banks and I started out his 5th month by taking a second trip to the beach.  This time, we went with 3 of my friends and all of their kiddos.  4 kids, 8 moms.... we had quite the crew!  We had the best time, and the other kids were so good to help with Banks.  I look forward to many more fun kiddo trips!
On our way to the beach, Banks and I stopped in Birmingham to visit Aunt Becca.  I love Birmingham.  Well, everything except the terrible traffic/road system.  We had a great visit with her... I'm not sure who loved our visit more, Banks or Becca!
We also went to the lake with my family this month.  Banks had been to the lake before, but this was his first time to get out on the water.  Although it was still too chilly for him to get in the water, he really did love riding on the boat.  He was such a good sport! It was a great weekend visiting with my mom and dad, brother and his girlfriend.
Banks and I got to spend an ENTIRE week in Kennett this month as well! I swear, the time was passes so much faster when we are in Kennett! The days zoom by and before I know it, it's time to pack up and head home again!  One of my favorite things about maternity leave has been my freedom to come see my family whenever I want or need to.  We have been blessed with this time so that mom and dad can see Banks alot more often.  We will miss this in the fall! :(
While in Kennett, we spent our days visiting, shopping, taking walks, and EATING.  So much eating.  I know we always say that Kennett has few restaurant choices and that is true, but I gain so much weight every time I come home! Something about that food just reminds me of my childhood.  I can't get enough!
We also took Bank's 6 month pictures while in Kennett.  I have only seen 2 sneak peeks so far, but I just know that I am going to love them all when they are ready! How fun to have his pictures made in my hometown!
This month, we also celebrated Alex's 28th birthday AND Father's Day... within 3 days of each other!  Banks and I had so much fun shopping and preparing for Alex's big celebration.  We got him a few clothes, baked him his favorite homemade strawberry cake, made him a Moosetracks ice cream pie, made him a Father's Day card (that he absolutely LOVED), took him out to dinner, and went to the zoo for Father's Day (as he requested)! We had the best time celebrating our sweet Alex!
I had a 2 day conference in June, so we took that time to have a "trial run" with daycare for Banks.  He went to the daycare at PDS where he will be attending in the fall.  He loved it.  They kept sending me pictures of him playing, and he had a huge smile on his face in every single one of them! It's safe to say that I was much more nervous and upset about leaving him than he was... and that's exactly how I would have hoped it would have been.  As long as he's content and having fun, momma will be just fine! I'm glad we did the trial run... getting us all ready and out the door by 7:00 was no easy task! I am so thankful to work at a school that offers a daycare right down the hall from me.  Not only is it convenient to not have multiple drop offs and pick ups each day, but I can go check on him at any time of day, see him if I need a little "Banks" fix, breastfeed/pump as needed, etc.  Plus, they take strolls in the baby buggy to come visit throughout the day! Blessed, blessed, blessed! Thank you PDS!
Alex and his company had a work party this past Friday night, which meant that all of our family babysitters were involved in that.  So, Banks had his first "true" babysitter! Our friend Katie came over and kept him.  I wasn't nervous at all... she is probably more qualified than I am to watch little ones! :) Alex and I had a nice evening playing dress up and enjoying each other's company, all while knowing our babe was safe and sound with Miss Katie!
Month five brought a few firsts:
Banks sat up for the first time on May 29th.
He cut his first tooth on June 15th.  Alex, his parents, and I all saw it and it stayed around for a few hours, then his gums swelled up back over it.  We are now waiting for it to come out and stay out!
He had his first real injury on June 14th.  He touched the hot iron and burned two fingers pretty badly.
We are still breastfeeding 5-6 times a day.  I'm still having to give him 3-4 ounces of formula (only once a day, at bedtime) to ensure that his needs are being met.  We have not started solids of any sort, but will probably introduce them within the next week or so.
He is still in size 2 diapers and wears 6-9 month clothing.
He LOVES bathtime.  These days, I just fill the tub with a little water and lay him on his back.  He kicks and coos and laughs and splashes the entire time.  He simply loves it!

We are ready to enjoy the rest of our summer before starting back to school/daycare in the fall!

---KPG

Banks- 5 Months

Well, I'm 2 weeks behind.  It's been a busy 5th month already! 

My baby boy is 5 months.  Wow.  It doesn't even seem right! 

Lots of firsts for Banks this month. 

It all started on May 8th when, at his 5 month check-up, he still had not gained enough weight.  This led us to introducing cereal for the first time.  He did okay with it in the bottle, but not so much by a spoon.  Since then, we have cut back on the cereal because it was giving him an upset tummy and terrible diaper rash.  He seems to have gained quite a bit of weight since then though! 

He also was given his first formula on May 13th.  I was not ready to introduce formula, but I am simply not producing enough to keep this boy full.  I have tried absolutely everything, but just can't keep up with his needs.  He is only getting around 3 ounces of formula a day, typically right before bedtime.  I have just had to make myself learn to accept the fact that I can't only breastfeed and am doing what is best for Banks.  Life is too short to beat myself up over something I simply cannot help!
Banks celebrated his first Cinco de Mayo this year.  We went to our favorite, Happy Mexican, with some friends.  Banks was a huge hit!

We celebrated my first Mother's Day on May 11th.  Alex, Banks and I went to brunch (an outdoor place, of course!), took a long nap, hung out with friends, and had a nice relaxing day.  It was PERFECT!

We also took Banks on his first beach trip this month.  We were fortunate enough to find a week that both of our families could go.  We had the best time!  Banks wasn't sure about the sand at first, but ended up loving it by the end of our trip.  

As for his weight, he weighed in at 13 lbs. 6 oz. on May 8th and 14 lb. 2 oz. on May 16th.  Clearly, adding the little bit of formula everyday has helped to chunk him up! 

We are loving the pretty weather and have taken full advantage of it... lots of patio sitting for the Griffiths these days! 

---KPG

Easter 2014

Easter 2014 was the best Easter ever.  Must be that cute baby I got to spend it with!

My parents came to Memphis for the weekend and spent Easter with us.  This was so awesome.  I haven't gotten to see them at all for the past two Easters, so this meant alot to me.  My brother also joined us for part of the weekend.  I was in family heaven!
On Friday night, my parents, Tyson and his girlfriend, Alex and I all went to see David Nail in concert.  That hometown boy did us proud! It was an awesome show, and I so enjoyed my little night out with the family.  Aunt Maddie kept Banks, and I knew she'd do a great job with him so I didn't even have to worry.
On Saturday, we went to a crawfish boil and then took Banks to meet the Easter Bunny.  Banks thought it was funny this year... we will see how he feels about it next year! :)

On Sunday, we went to church, then came home to see what the Easter Bunny had left for Banks.  That sneaky bunny also brought Alex and Charlie a few gifts this year!  We then had brunch out on the patio... a perfect day for it!  The weather for Easter was absolutely phenomenal!
I know that each Easter will only get better and better as the years go by.  I look forward to teaching Banks about the true meaning of Easter, and us celebrating the love our Father has for each of us.
Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter weekend!

---KPG

Banks- 4 months

My happy, happy boy!
Month 3 flew by just as quickly as the previous 2.  It was filled with great times, lots of laughs, and a few firsts for Mr. Banks.
Let's begin with his stats:
Weight: 13 lb. 2 oz. (10th percentile)
Head: 16 1/2 " (75th percentile)
Length: 24 3/4" (50th percentile)

Banks' weight is still not where it needs to be. Therefore, we are upping his Prevacid dosage to try and minimize his spitting up.  The Zantac did not touch it, and so far the Prevacid has not either.  Hopefully, this stronger dosage will do the trick.
My milk supply is diminishing, so I am on a medicine to try and keep it up to his needs.  This is so frustrating for me, as I have no changed by diet or exercise AT ALL.  I want to lose weight so badly, but have not changed a thing in order to keep my supply up, but it is just not working.  I do not want to have to do formula, so I am hoping this medicine will help me out.
Banks also has had some blood in his stool, and the pediatrician believes it may be due to a reaction from the dairy in my diet.  I do not drink milk at all and consume very little dairy.  I seriously had to think back to the last time I had any dairy, which was 3 days ago.  I had a burrito bowl with a handful of shredded cheese on it.  Not exactly an enormous intake of dairy! So, I am now on a strict no-dairy diet.  I am willing to do anything to nix this spitting up/weight dilemma!
We are now strictly using size 2 diapers.  They are big on him, but I am not buying anymore size 1's.  We are also now using his Bumbo seat alot.  And he LOVES it.  The child will sit in there and just play and play.  It's been so nice! :)

The pediatrician told us today that he had the upper body strength of a five or six month old.  Awesome news!  He has been strong since day one, but he's holding his head up like a champ these days.  He also loves to put weight on his cute little feet while holding mom's hands.  So sweet!
This month, we transitioned him out of the swaddle.  We did this gradually... we started with one arm out, then two, then cut it out all together.  I was so worried about this process, afraid it would mess up his sleeping. It didn't, and I feel so much better now that he is out of the swaddle.  He's now free to roll over and move around all he wants!
The swaddle didn't affect his sleep, but my low milk supply has.  The past five nights have been rough. He's been waking up two and three times a night absolutely STARVING.  At first, I was like "oh dear, he's testing me.  I'm not getting him out of the crib. Go back to sleep.  You always sleep all night. Blah blah blah." But I'm telling you, he is so hungry.  Eating full meals two and three times a NIGHT.  On top of his 5 or 6 feedings throughout the day.  Luckily, I figured out my supply was dropping and knew that had to be the problem.  My hope is that the medicine works, fixes my supply problem, and in turn fixes the sleep issue.
Banks is genuinely just a happy baby.  Every time we take him anywhere, people stop and ask "is he always this happy!?". He is so go-with-the-flow.  I haul him everywhere.... shopping, on walks, to exercise, out to eat, wherever!  He and I have lunch together every single day.  I make it a point, whether at home or at a restaurant, to sit down and have lunch with just the two of us.  Sometimes Alex gets to join, but I shut off the TV and have our time together.  If the weather's nice, we ALWAYS eat outside.  The child is destined to love patios.  Raising him right.
We took our first trip to the zoo this month.  It was so much fun! Obviously, Banks is too young to get much out of it, but the weather was perfect and Alex and I were in animal heaven.  I look forward to numerous zoo days in our future!
We also celebrated Banks' first Easter.  Technically, he was 4 months on Easter, but I'm writing this post a few days late. Easter was fabulous!

I think that just about covers it! Month 4 is already so much fun!

---KPG