Here is Howe it's going...: October 2013

This past Sunday we celebrated my mom's birthday by spending the day at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, VA (Henry's first...of many...wineries!) If there is one thing my family likes... its wine. (Well most of us love wine... some love Mountain Dew Code Red, but I won't mention any names.) Mom had been mentioning wanting to go to this winery for some time so it was the perfect place to celebrate her big day. The weather that day was idyllic with the crisp air blowing by and it was complemented by the colors of fall leaves displayed in the scenery surrounding us.

It was really a special day, not only for my mom, but for everyone as we were able to getaway from "city life" and just enjoy an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle. Plus, like I said... my family ~~likes~~ loves wine. So even if we were in a dark cave somewhere drinking wine, we all would have had a great time :)

"Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle." - Paulo Coelho

"The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars." - Benjamin Franklin, circa 1700s

"Beer is made by men, wine by God." - Martin Luther, circa 1500s

(Yes, its been SOME TIME since I've written a blog post but here's to picking it up again for a very good reason... see below!!!)

Dear Sweet Henry,

On Friday, September 6th 2013 at 10:51 pm, your Dad and I became your insanely proud and joy-filled parents. You weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz and were 21.75 inches long. Big boy! Here's our happy family (minus our goofy mutt).

Henry... here's a recap of your birth story.

Daddy and I went to the hospital on Thursday night (Sep 5th) and Mommy got some medicine in preparation to be induced. Friday morning the doctors started me on the Pitocin to induce labor. Right away your precious little heart was reacting negatively to the contractions and labor. Throughout the rest of the day, you made very minimal progress in making your appearance on your own. Plus you continued to be a picky baby and didn't tolerate the Pitocin being increased or the contractions. You also wouldn't let Momma be in any position other than lying in the bed on my left side. I wonder if this is a forecast of a picky kid ;)

We had decided (per the doctor's recommendation) that we would do a c-section if you hadn't shown significant progress by 11 pm because we didn't want you under anymore stress. But around 10:15 pm your little heart went off the charts so the doctor said we needed to get you out right then. The next 30 minutes or so are a total blur. But at 10:51 pm, when we heard your cry for the first time and Daddy shouted, "We've got a Henry!!" time stood still. You were finally here. Our perfect, healthy and handsome little man. Our lives were changed forever... in the most amazing way.

Here you are moments after being born

Momma meeting you for the first time (next to marrying your daddy, this is the very best moment of my life)

Proud Daddy holding you in the recovery room

Your Granny and Great Aunt Debbie came from Newport News to meet you

Grandma and Grandpa Gray meeting you

"Uncle" Dave

Aunt Emily

"Aunt" Brigite

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Sara

Aunts and Uncle

My handsome little man :)

So here we are and you're now 5 weeks and 1 day old. Its cliche but I'll say it anyways... time flies. I can hardly believe you're already this old. We're so proud of you little guy. You've been holding your head up since several weeks ago and yesterday you rolled over all by your little self! You did it 5 times too. Such a show off already :) Every day we're seeing you do something new and learn more about this great big world. Its been the biggest joy to watch you develop and grow. I am one blessed momma that I get to be at home with you each day and spend this precious time with you. (Thank you God!!!)

Here are some pictures of your first month. We love you more than we could ever describe to you little man.

Before cutting off our mommy and son bracelets

Meeting your big sister Leia

Meeting Papa and Nana

Blame momma for all the photos I'm going to make you pose for :) Don't worry... Daddy has already banished the idea of any matching outfits so you're off the hook there!