First Day of Pre-Kinder & 18m Class!

Grayson and Walker started school at Bright Beginnings at the beginning of September and have been having a ball! Gray started pre-school and Walker to the 18 month old class -both going 3 days a week. Mama like. :)

Grayson had an easier time at drop off the first couple of weeks than Walker did :) Grayson is in Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Debbie's class. His pre-school teachers are very buttoned up, the kids know exactly what to do at the beginning of each class before taking their seat and begin working on their first activity. He seems like such a big boy in this class. They no longer take naps, which still continues to be a challenge for my nap-lover. :) He will inevitably fall asleep in the car if we go anywhere in the afternoons. But otherwise, he's a rock star with it all! 

Walker had NO idea where he was headed in a few short minutes ;)

"First Day pics, what? NO. I just want my water." He's obsessed with his water.

"Come HERE, water!!"

"I have my water so I can focus now."

"No I can't."

G was so sweet to pose while W rang the doorbell 200x.

My boy on his first day. Such a good boy!

Walker is in Ms. Emily's class and she is so good to him! She and her helper just loooove on him! They call him their Tommy Hilfiger model ;) He cried at drop-off every day for the first 2 weeks so no pictures of him in his classroom. It has been survival mode of me sneaking out while he is blaring his cries throughout the building. But now he walks right in so whew!

Introducing Walker Beau Reynolds!

Our sweet baby Walker was born during my scheduled c-section on Monday morning, 2/1/13 at 7:46am weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and at 21 inches long! A big boy, for sure! He had (and still has) more black hair and longer hair than you see on most newborns. I love it and I find myself petting him often :) Everything went perfectly and was a better experience than my first (rather dramatic) c-section - from the epidural to the surgery to the recovery in the hospital - it was all pretty perfect. I will never forget all the gasps and energetic comments from the nurses and doctors when Walker came into this world - both about his size and long, black hair! With the exception of a 12 pounder that was delivered at Baylor while we were there (yikes!), Walker was the largest baby in the nursery during our stay. :)

As with my first delivery, I really miss my time in the hospital! Baylor Frisco is just a great place to be - the room is as cozy as a hospital room can get and their staff was just amazing with us. And I'm still simply in love with Dr. Jacoby. He's just so good at what he does. 

Also, I can't thank Walker enough for waiting until our new insurance kicked in on 2/1 and sparing us major bucks. Mr. Reynolds, let's talk kitchen remodel! ;)

Back to our big, little blessing...

Our time in the hospital

9lbs, 2.9 ounces, long and unhappy!

I love this shot.

Our first meeting

The 3 of us - we didn't get one of these with Grayson so I was very happy about this!

Father and Son. Beau takes some of the best pictures :)

Look at that hair!

In Recovery. Still had the shakes from the epidural. Yuck.

After his first bath. Loved seeing his mohawk when Beau and the nurse returned!

Walker gave Grayson a small gift that included suckers! Thank God for grandparents!

Walker with his Great-Grandmother. Love this photo!

Mimi is so beautiful when she's overjoyed!

First picture as a family of 4.

Andrea came to visit! We spent some great time together while I was still pregnant and she was one of the first people to meet Walker in the hospital. It meant the world to me that she was there!!

Big Brother's first touch ;) I now realize that the one-finger point will be the most common interaction between these 2 ;) Big Brother's first touch ;) I now realize that the one-finger point will be the most common interaction between these 2 ;)

For being such a big boy, we had trouble finding outfits that fit him. Mainly b/c those little legs stayed squished like this the whole time. :)

Going home. Can't wait to look back in 20 years and think what an old car we had ;)

Our time at home

We have had some great visitors! The Seemans brought over a homemade brunch (and mimosas!) one morning, Lori brought me lunch and an awesome personalized gift for Walker (lovies), many, many delicious meals coming to us from Grayson's play group and my MOPS group.  So, so thankful for this show of support! People from near and far have celebrated with us by sending deliveries: flowers all the way from Ireland, Tiff's Treats (amazing)! both to the hospital AND to the house!, MATCHING brother Polos (I'm in love) and the most creative was a delivery of Red Lobster cheese biscuits from the Phillips at the hospital! On the same night as our steak and lobster meal so it was the perfect compliment :D  Walker also received the most beautiful crocheted booties and bibs (a lost art, in my opinion) from Ma Smith's sister-in-law. Family came to visit at the hospital and here at the house and we just feel so blessed to have all these supportive people in our lives. It really humbles a person and makes you swear that you're going to give back to each of these people in a big way. I just hope I don't fall short in this area b/c there are a LOT of you. :)

Cutest block from Beau's former company, MarketSphere!

Walker's buddy, Eli Abernathy, delivered Central Market and a great visit from his parents!

Annie's first trip to meet Walker. Honestly, I don't entirely remember what we talked about so I must have still been on meds - ha! ;)

Oh, Chunky Monkey. You look different every day :)

A 2-way tie for Most Tired.

My Recovery

There isn't anything positive to say here so I'l try to be brief (ha!). This past week has been the most physically painful of my life. I can't consider it "recovery" when each day has seemed to get worse with more ailments. I didn't think so many things could go wrong with my body all at once! Intense back pain, mastitis (THE most painful thing you will ever experience - I promise!), flu-like symptoms from the mastitis (fever, chills, fever blister, sweats, aches all over), a possible UTI just to name a few! I owe the world to my mom and Beau who have truly done everything to care for the boys and for keeping this house from falling into a wasteland. Things are looking up though - I went to the doctor a couple of days ago and left with FIVE prescriptions. I don't think I've even had 5 Rxs in 5 years! I didn't fill one, don't think I'll be using another and one is an antibiotic that will knock out 2 ailments so I'm thankful for the help. I'm most excited about the in-house chiropractor (at Jacoby's office) who took me in immediately. An hour later and a very patient Beau and Walker sitting in the waiting room and I felt better already. I think my severe back pain is a blessing in disguise because Dr. Rowe is getting me on a wellness plan that involves stretching, exercise and chiro appts (the latter is only while needed). She is also a yoga instructor at the FAC (where we are members) so I look forward to working with her and towards a better quality of life to keep up with my 2 boys!

Thank you to everyone who has shown their love in one way or another over the past weeks and months. We are so fortunate to have you all in our lives! xoxo

Grayson's 1st Day of Preschool!

Today was Grayson's first day at his new preschool (not to be confused with his very very first day of preschool) and I was so nervous about how it would go! He's got quite the separation anxiety drama thing going on lately so I was wondering how drop off would go. Especially since he slept through Meet the Teacher night so he had never even seen the school before today.

G on his first day w/ his nap mat and basket full of  things. Toddlers really do need a lot! :)

So, just as my mom tells the story of my first day of Preschool where I walked into the room, over to the other kids and never even looked back at her, so did my "clingy Mama's boy". ;) He never even looked back! I received a lovely progress report where I could tell that the teacher really took the time to capture tidbits from his day. 

Apparently he was really sweet to his new friends, asked for me once before nap time but went right down, sat on the potty (um, whoooaaa, I'm not ready hence the DIAPERS I sent with him!) and ate most of his lunch. She even emailed me pictures. I couldn't ask for more - we really do love Ms. Jenny!

He's so big here! I didn't even know he could ride one of those - ha!

One last thing, I'm loving these Oliver's Labels for the inside of his clothes. More and more of the brands aren't doing labels anymore so the permanent marker thing just wasn't working. And everyone knows I love a good reason to personalize something! ;) Highly recommend!

All ready for school!

I spent my day doing the following: coffee with Mama at 5th Street, picking out granite and backsplash for the new kitchen that Beau doesn't know about, lunching at II Brothers, running errands and Beau and I picked up Grayson from school together. Not a bad first day for any of us! :)

Kidokinetics...and some other things.

I really feel like every day lately could be it's own blog entry. From Friday's MRI catastrophe (not to be dramatic, but the word 'malpractice' has been used after I've described the experience to people) to Grayson locking himself in the car yesterday morning and the fire department spending 30 minutes to get him out, EVERY day could be a blog post. 


And while you would probably rather hear more about those two days, I want to talk about today - Kidokinetics! I know, you're thrilled. ;)


Today was our first day at this fun sports fitness program for kids. My parents gifted this class to Grayson for his birthday (a bit early) so my mom joined us today. The bonus is the long nap afterward! :)

Patiently waiting for Coach Claudia to arrive. 

Grayson with Coach Claudia.

Today we learned about soccer. So of course he was shooting hoops.

He looks so little. :)

He's actually pretty good at kicking. You'd never guess it from these photos.

The parachute was a big hit.

Somehow my mom ended up with a baby on her hip.

Mimi helping Grayson with his balance.

Which he's really good at.

So of course he grew bored and used the cone as a microphone.

And later enjoyed stacking them.

After the class, Grayson took dessert to the fire station as a thank you. We cut out his handprint on decorative paper to tape on the container and wrote: "High 5 for saving me from my mom's locked car yesterday! Thank you so much! ~Grayson, 22 months~"


The back story on the fire dept ordeal: Yesterday morning, we were loading up to go to school when Grayson pushed the lock button. Both sets of keys and my phone were in the car with him. Our police detective neighbor just happens to be off on Mondays (Thank God!) so he called dispatch, a fire truck was there in a matter of minutes and about 15 long minutes later, three firefighters had the door unlocked. We were seriously less than a minute away from abandoning the efforts that weren't working and they were going to break a window. Grayson did really well through most of it but really started to panic towards the end. I don't blame him! Had the weather been any bit warmer or had it been later in the day, they would have gone immediately to breaking the window. The guys were truly professional, SO good with both Grayson and me and OHMYGOD can you believe I'm talking about the Frisco fire department AGAIN on this blog?! Good grief. But they're really amazing people. As I also point out here and here.


So fast forward to taking dessert to them today. The firefighter that we spoke to was very appreciative. I hope to raise Grayson to appreciate the people who serve our community and to know them as heros that we respect; never to take them for granted. This is one of the many things I hope to instill in him to help him become a good person. There are just SO many of those lessons that I need to remember! :)


Oh, and so that I don't leave you hanging on the MRI. It was ordered b/c I had a CT scan last week on my stomach (ulcer related) that came back clear but had an incidental finding: an enlargement on my liver. The MRI came back clear also and I'm healthy (yay!) but now I suspect that I was just upsold on extra tests (boo). Just happy to be healthy though. I have single-handedly met our sky-high family deductible. In APRIL, people.


How's that for a smorgasbord of subjects?!

First Day of Preschool

Grayson went to his first day of pre-school today at Teddy Bear Junction! This school came highly recommend to us by our neighbors and we can see why - we simply love the staff and the school itself. He's in great hands and they will teach him so many new, exciting things! 


Coincidentally, they had donut day today for all ages and their parents. It was a perfect first day for both Grayson and me - a chance to meet the other parents and children and to transition to the "drop off". In fact, it worked so well that neither of us had a chance to cry in all of the activity! 

This was his facial expression the whole time walking in. He knew it was an exciting
day but wasn't sure what to make of it so all I got was a cautious grin. :)

Want to make this kid happy? Give him donuts! I'm telling you -
it couldn't have been a better morning. :) 

Mimi went with us since Beau had to catch a flight.
Thanks for taking pictures, Mimi!

My Mom and I went for a nice, quiet breakfast at Paradise and then I spent the day running errands that just aren't that easy with a child in tow. Like "running in" to the store for 3 items, going to the bank and going to the hospital billing office to request paperwork from my appendectomy. 

I also made a promise to myself that I would spend at least one hour in bed with my laptop. Just because I could. Although I was wired from my morning coffee and buzzing around the house cleaning, I forced myself to stop and get in bed. After all, I made a promise to myself. So I HAD to keep it. 


The school called to say that he's doing amazing and it's as though he's been going there forever and fits right in. Music to a mom's ears ;)


UPDATE: When I picked up Grayson at 2pm, Miss Henrietta and Miss Jenn just raved about how well he did all day. The best part: they said he fell asleep over his lunch and Miss Jenn caught him as he was falling out of his chair. :) They laid him on his nap mat and he was out for the rest of the lunch and nap time. I love this story!


My Mom went with me to pick him up and we took him for ice cream after. 

Like any kid, he is obsessed with ice cream.

Later, we went to my parents' house for dinner and my mom caught this on her camera. Do you see that?! No, not my high waisted jeans...THAT is a cuddle, my friends! It totally counts! Get the child tired enough and he starts to cuddle!