Sunday Markets

His second favourite pastime!
Originally uploaded by b boy.

We went down to the relatively new Northside Markets today for a bit of a look. We have missed living in Teneriffe for the Farmers Markets that are on at the Power House so thought maybe we might have a substitute closer to York Street. Well, they are in their early days (and they tend to include arts as well as food unlike the Power House version), but there was certainly a fair amount of fruit and veg and at least one good looking meat truck. Next time we shall have to get there earlier if we want to buy the produce as the sun tends to make the food look a little tired.

We then went for a stroll up to Queenie's for tea and scones, where we happened upon Rae, Quinn and their new baby girl Madison (born the day before Grayson) before taking the long way home and enjoying the time outdoors. All this left the little man suitably tired and hence he made himself comfy on the couch!

No more photos already!

No more photos already!
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Yesterday we had 2 outings. One to check out the new extension to the Chermside Shopping Centre (yes, we know how to have a good time!) and when we got home we were invited to have dinner with the Jenkins' at Hello India, the newish local Indian fix (reassuringly run by Indians). This photo was taken in coles where it would appear that Grayson felt that he has had enough photos taken for one day!

First dining out experience (at night)

First dining out experience
Originally uploaded by b boy.

We decided to start Grayson's culinary education with a trip to the local pizzeria. As young Master Cook hasn't quite got into solids yet, he was content with some freshly squeezed milk (did I mention - OUCH), whilst his parents consumed some fine Italian fare.
It seemed to be the night for babies as there were several scattered throughout the restaurant. The parents of the one behind us were surprised that Grayson was only 3 and 1/2 weeks, as he was about twice as big as their 8 week old...
Well, our little man is getting through over a litre of milk product a day, is almost out of his 0000 onsies and is eyeing off the next size nappies.

Must lay off the growth hormone supplements...

Mel

First night in cot!

Night in cot
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Well almost.....This is the first morning that he woke up in his cot. Mel reluctantly agreed to lengthen the umbilical cord a little and let him sleep in his own room 2 nights ago (but with the door open so we could hear him). All that succeeded in was me hearing every squeak and Mel sleeping through his banshee impersonation at 2am! Hmmmm....I think the door will need to shut soon or I will have to wear earplugs. In the middle of the night he wet his bed (talented as he was wearing a nappy) and I couldn't be bothered changing the sheets so for the rest of the night he slept in his bassinet again. Hence last night was the first full night in his cot. He must like it because he slept in until 7.30 this morning!

The jacarandas at UQ

The jacarandas at UQ
Originally uploaded by b boy.

We were starting to get a little stir crazy in our unit so we went out to UQ for lunch and a wander around the campus. The jacarandas are in flower and are quite spectacular as usual. We also had a look at the new green bridge which is due to be opened in early 2007 and will make our river loop ride a little shorter (if we are feeling lazy!) There are a few photos on Flickr along with a curiously coloured bearded dragon. Grayson was well behaved as usual and had a snack down by the lake. When he is a bit older no doubt he will be running around chasing all the ducks!

Wheely Bug!

Wheely Bug
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Grayson was lucky enough to recieve a gift (benefit of being a new baby....people like to buy you stuff!) from Grandpa Cook, Karen and aunt Riley. They didn't know it but we had our eye on the wheely bug before Mel even got pregnant. Grayson had to try it out straight away but it will probably be a little while before he will get the hang of it himself. I consider it a first step toward a 2 wheel vehicle (this one has 4). You have to start somewhere!

Surprise visitor from France!

Surprise visitor
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Today Ailsa thought she would surprise us with a visit. As much as Grayson would like to think she came all the way from France to just to see him, she actually had a friend's wedding to attend. Ailsa left Michael in France to fly in for a quick trip and thought she would take the opportunity to see the little man while she was here. I think she was worried Grayson would puke all over her as technically she was at work today and had to go back to the office (hopefully without any stains). Grayson was given a lovely gift of some french couture which he will model when he gets a little bigger.

Photo Shoot

Hand
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Yesterday we had Cath from vivid come over to take some photos of the little man in his natural environment. Usually in the mornings he has been quite awake so we thought this should be a good time for some photos but like everything when it comes to babies, we are learning that they run to their own schedule. He was initially hungry and hence crying so we gave him a little incentive to perform and fed him some milk (the good stuff). This worked a treat at stopping the crying but had the added disadvantage of putting him to sleep! Oh well, most of the photos are of him with his eyes closed but he was still cute. The photos on Flickr are the ones we took ourselves. We should see the pros shots next week!

Two weeks! (and one day)

worry lines already appearing
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Such a serene countenance for one so small, and so adept at keeping his parents awake...
Here Grayson is trying some tummy time, after having his whims of freshly squeezed milk (ouch) and clean nappy met. Not to mention another play session involving a Miffy book and his squeaky play mat. Shortly after this photo was taken he had a bath with complimentary shampoo and oil treatment in preparation for lunch with his uncle.

One needs to be looking good around aforementioned uncle - particularly as he doesn't own any pink A&F shirts yet, having to make do with white bonds onsies...

Coffee shop baby!

Coffee shop baby
Originally uploaded by b boy.

We made it to our first coffee shop outing with Grayson in tow this morning. I think it was important to do this as it means we can still have a life AB (after baby). We went to the James Street Markets for some fresh fruit and veges and stopped off at Spoon for a quick coffee and cake. We fed Grayson just before we left and he managed to stay asleep the whole time apart from a few squeaking nosies when he was being put in and out of the car seat.

We also went to the GP's yesterday for his first weigh since coming home and he has put on a goodly amount and is now 8 pound 7 ounces (3.85kg). He has apparently also grown 4 cm in length!... but I suspect that part of this is variation in measuring techniques. On the way home from the clinic we stopped in to say hello to Felix and Cheryl. I get the impression he will be a very sociable baby.

Relaxing

Relaxing
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Grayson is 12 days old today! We have survived the first 6 nights back home as well. As you can see from the photo he is quiet and peaceful at least some of the time. He has seemed to adopt this favourite sleeping position (that is unless we have swaddled him at night...although he does seem to find a way to get those arms out even then!). We have our first well baby check tomorrow for a weight and other measurments down at Banyo Clinic. It will be our first outing (apart from coming home from the hospital of course). It will be a test of how organised we are and if we can fit everything in the car.

Grayson comes home!

Play time
Originally uploaded by b boy.

We were able to bring Grayson home on Friday to start the next stage of our adventure. What would it be like now that we were on our own without the midwives being a buzzer call away in times of utter confusion/uncertainty or just what the hell do we do now.

After sleeping for 3-4 hours between feeds at night while in hospital, his first night at home was a little different. Waking every 2 hours for feeds was wearing us down a little. Thankfully he has settled a little now that he is getting used to things in his new home.

He even enjoyed a Miffy story and some time on his play mat. He also had his first visit from his new play mate, Felix Jenkins, but was a little sleepy at the time.

It is amazing how someone so small can completely absorb all your time. Oh well, better get used to it I suppose!

Grayson's First 5 Days

A little sample of what Grayson got up to during his first 5 days with us.

My first full night with Mummy and Daddy!

No NG tube!
Originally uploaded by b boy.

As you can see he behaved himself enough to get his NG feeding tube out. He looks much more respectable now don't you think? We had him in our room last night for the whole time and we had to feed him ourselves (instead of the nice nurses in special care). He was quite well behaved and managed to wake himself at exactly 2am and 6am for his feeds. Very clever I thought. Must have an inbuilt clock. He is feeding well now from the bottle with expressed milk so we hope to be going home tomorrow. Mel will get her turn to bath him today and he will have his hearing test also.

Say hello to Grayson!

Grayson
Originally uploaded by b boy.

As promised I have put a few photos on Flickr that you can view here. The story about Grayson is as follows. He was due (for an elective C-section) on the 4th October. He didn't want to wait........so thanks to our conscientious O+G (who performed the operation on her weekend off!) we now have a baby boy. Mel started getting contractions on the Thursday (and as you might remember our O+G was still out of the country until Friday night). Things seemed to settle a little and did not progress thankfully on Friday. Come Saturday morning Mel started getting more contractions and now they were getting stronger! We called Dr Watson and she said to get back to her mid afternoon. So we decided to do a bit of shopping. We picked up some nice Jocelyn's lamb and rosemary pies for lunch and headed home. As soon as we had finished lunch Dr Watson called back. "How are you getting on?" she asked. To which Mel replied that the contractions were getting stronger. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's just do it!" was the doctors reply. And from lamb pies at home to a baby in our arms took just 1 and a half hours! Dr Watson doesn't mess around. I think she wanted to get home to watch the Grand final.

Grayson came out screaming but due to being 3 weeks early and not being squeezed out the usual way he had a little bit of fluid on his lungs (which isn't unusual in this situation) and had to spend the night in the special care nursery. He was very well behaved over night and was able to come to Mel's room the next morning. Now all we have to do is convince him to start breast feeding. He is making a good go at it but is still needing a few top ups by his NG tube. Apart from that he is doing quite well and of course is very cute (yes I realise that is what all parents say!)

Anyway I shall keep you updated with photos and blogs from time to time.