Laikyn's Story

Jake had already labeled her to be a "princess."  At 36 wks, she played a mean trick on us by sending me into labor.... and then stalled labor.  We sat 2 days in Labor & Delivery.  48 hrs of ice chips, contractions, and no sleep.  And Demerol. I actually told Jake not to get frisky with the nurses if I fell asleep... while she was standing over me.  Not my finest moment! :) 

 
So then we were sent home...  But I was 3cm, so she could come at any moment, so they wanted me to remain close the hospital.  So I stayed in CC with my cousin.  We'll fast forward to 38 wks.  And induction had been scheduled that morning for the following week.  I was miserable, had contractions for two wks, still no progress.  Well I went to be Thurs night, not knowing that it would be 6 hrs later that we would meet our little princess.  It was about 2:30am when I woke up to make my normal trip to the restroom.  As I sat up... my water broke.  This was the sign I had been waiting for, for the past two wks!  I take my time (because I'm 30 min from the hospital instead of 2hrs, no biggie).  Get dressed, pack my bag, called Jake and go to wake my cousin up.  By the time we get into the car to head to the hospital... I'm bent over in excruciating labor PAIN. Ugly.  Can't talk, can't hardly breathe... 2 min apart.  Hauling ass to the hospital. We get there at 3:30am, and I'm practically begging for the epi.  Frantically. Lol. Also not my finest moment.  Well, I finally get one and then when they check, I'm already at a 10!  Jake pulls into the parking lot as the nurse tells me I'm ready to start pushing. Great timing... He missed my crazy, frantic desperate cries for help... and my deepest apologies to my cousin, Lindsey Bromley for having to witness that. Lol.  Started pushing at 5:25, and at 5:30am, Laikyn Rose was born at 5lbs 14.5oz and 20in long. 

We had a rough 3-4 days in the NICU.  She wasn't holding anything down and they were running different test to check for infection and other illnesses.  Luckily everything came back negative, so we were released on day 5.  Which made me very emotional.  I had another baby waiting on us at home, and I was so ready to see and cuddle him!  And couldn't wait for him to meet his beautiful tiny baby sister!!

 Celebrated a month old, shes always been very aware and was already holding her head up pretty well!  She weighed right at 8 lbs by the time she was a month.  She took her time when it came to growing.  Stayed in the 15th percentile up until recently!

At 2 months old, we had a little scare.  Right before her first set of immunizations, she became sick.  Lethargic and fever spiking to 102-104.  We immediately took her to the doc and blood tests came back positive for infection so she was admitted into the hospital immediately and administered IV antibiotics and fluids.  While it was scary, I knew in my heart she'd be ok.  By the time she we got the blood tests back, she was already back to her happy smiley self!  But of course, we weren't going to argue with the docs.  For precaution, we followed through with the meds and stayed in the hospital for 7 days. A LONG 7 days.

Do these faces look like the faces of a sickly child??  No.  We spent her 2 month birthday in the hospital but she was a champ and an absolute doll.  The nurses loved her sweet disposition and her contagious smile.  Made me so proud to be her momma!  And while we "enjoyed our stay"... Little Miss rolled over for the first time!  Another milestone down! :)

By 4 months, our little bitty was around 13 lbs, still in the 15-20th percentile.  Her personality shows more and more. She is a complete momma's girl.  And she does cry more than what Graysen did, but its either because she's hungry, has a wet or dirty diaper or shes tired.  This little girl has zero patience.  But this is nothing we can't handle.  And these are easy fixes! She was rolling from tummy to back, sounds she made "yaya, gaga, baba...", her hand eye coordination was coming into play... grabbing and playing with toys.

 

And by 5 months we were 15lbs.  Still 20th percentile.  She's consistently tiny!  She was getting stronger and stronger.  Rolling from back to belly now as well.  Very vocal, likes to play the shy card... hiding her face when strangers talk to her, and giggling while having her face hidden.  Cutest thing ever!!  She's always admired her brother. I love the way she looks at him... when she watches his every move.  And now that's able to move around some, she follows his EVERY move.  Always keeping him in sight.  And she thinks he's HILARIOUS.  I got a video of the two playing and laughing.  Her first real baby gut laugh was with Graysen throwing himself down on a pillow.  Music to my ears!!

 

At 7 months old, our Little Miss was crawling everywhere!! And a whopping 18lbs 8oz.  She jumped from 20's to 69th percentile in weight!  I love these sweet eyes.  Melts my heart every time she smiles at me... because she definitely has a sparkle in those eyes.  She is now 8 months, crawling and pulling up to stand, on everything!  Eating soft finger foods, which makes dinner time so much easier!  She's still all about Momma, waves bye bye (in her own way, waving her entire arm, sometimes both.)  Said Mama for the first time last week.  Uber proud!  Sorry so long, I tried shortening as much as I could!!  And feel like I've missed so so much, and there is SO much more to cover.  But this little summary will have to do!  We are absolutely blessed in the Serrata household!  HOPPY EASTER friends!

Days Gone

How I've neglected this blog for so long, I have no idea.  I wanted to be able to "document" every milestone, every big event, etc etc.  But between two babies, my photography schedule, and a new job...  it has proved to be challenging, to say the least! 

 First off... We celebrated our 3yr anniversary this month!  So far so good...  I'd go into a corny, cheesy lovey dovey spill... but I don't want to bore anyone... I'll keep it simple. I still feel the same, and more, as I did when he first told me he loved me, when he proposed, when we said "I do", when both of our beautiful children were born, and every moment in between!                                                                                                      

Second...  These two make me so proud to be their mommy!! Granted, they both have their moments...  We're still working on the whole potty training business with Graysen, his new developed temper tantrums, & just an all around Tasmanian devil, and Laikyn can be a complete princess... and I don't mean the sweet kind... she can go from happy to mad in less than a second! ;)  But they both definitely keep us entertained... My kind of Perfect!  Their smiles and infectious laughs remind me of the job I'm doing as a mom.  I make mistakes as a wife and mom, and I pray every day that the mistakes or decisions I make don't affect my children or Jake in a negative way.  All three of these people make me want to be the best person I can be.... cliche I know. But it makes a lot more sense to me now with children.



"SOMETIMES BEING A LITTLE SISTER IS BETTER THAN BEING A PRINCESS."

 

 

 

 

Graysen's adjustment to his baby sister has been nothing short of amazing.  He's been the typical big brother...  He's always aware of where she's at and what she's doing.  He wants to share as long as they're on his terms... meaning, if he offers, she's more than welcome to play with him... if she crawls up and puts her hand on his toy, well then he's not as keen with the idea.  He doesn't fight for attention from Jake or me, and he's very protective.  And if you think a 2 1/2 yr old doesn't know how to be protective. Think again. Example, she bit me... my first reaction was to tap her on the mouth, and tell her "No ma'am."... I thought it was handled well... but of course she gets her feelings hurt, and then Graysen follows by hitting my butt and telling me "Put-her dow, momma. Go time-out."  Cute, but scary... have a feeling these two will one day plot against us to stay out of trouble.  And as far as Laikyn is towards her brother... complete admiration and adoration.  She looks at him like he is her knight in shining armour... and one will day will be, when those stinkin boys come along. ;)  I love the love between the two, gives me butterflies every single day!!  I am blessed and happy with the two gifts that God has given us.  HE is GOOD!

"SOMETIMES BEING A BIG BROTHER IS BETTER THAN BEING  A SUPER HERO."

And blog to follow... It's only fair to share & "document" Laikyn's arrival and story!  Long, but enjoyable... I promise!

Day by Day

 18 months= 25lbs 1oz and 32in long.

Updates:  Graysen is using more and more words, trying sentences... right now three words sound like one word!  For example "Here you go" is "hereyego"... my personal fave it "I love you"---- "Iyuvooo"  And he does drag the 'oo'... He's perfect!!  He says "peeeze" before I hand him his food, drink, or whatever else he wants... Although he doesn't say thank you every time yet... which is "thenthoo." 

He has started shaking people's hand here recently!  He's not shy about it at all.  The first time was at a friends house, and their friend (whom we've never met) showed up.  Graysen immediately walks up to him, and his puts his hand out for him to shake... and they shook.  I love it!!

We still don't know if he will be a righty or a lefty.... I used to think lefty, because he hardly did anything with his right!  Now he will... but it's always back and forth, and I couldn't tell you if one hand was dominant over the other!  When he throws for instance, his right is just as strong as his left... and we haven't noticed if he uses one hand more than the other.  So we will see... If I think one hand is more dominant, then we will start to encourage that one! :)

And for our new baby update! It's  a GIRL!!!!! I am 25 wks now, and we have chosen the perfect name! Laikyn Rose... I feel fantastic!  I do have the occasional emotional melt down... but they don't happen often so I am thankful! Lol.  She grows stronger with each week... A couple of weeks ago, her movement was light, and graceful.... today she feels a little less graceful, and more aggressive with her movements! Again, I love it!  I get another sono in 2 wks plus my glucose test, and now my appts will be every 2wks!  As much as I want for the time to fly so that our baby girl will be here... I can't hope for that when Graysen is here with me now!  I don't want to miss a thing!!  We are so beyond happy and blessed... I've got an amazing family, awesome friends, and most importantly... A GOD that loves me unconditionally! 

So Little Time

So much has happened in so little time...  I've been good to enjoy every second that I have with my family, my friends... enjoying the the tiniest moments, to the biggest. Watching and loving Graysen's every move, every milestone, and everything in between. But I still hate that time is moving so fast... Each day Graysen grows more and more; learning more and more.  He becomes less of a "baby" and more of a kid every second.  Of course, he will always be my baby boy... and I will always remember and imagine holding him in my arms for the very first time... Even when he's 35 with his own family! ;)  My life is in that smile of his, and I've been so blessed with this amazing little boy, and being able to be his mommy!! 

Talking more and more each day... Learning something different with each new day... It amazes how much knowledge is stored into their little brains in that small amount of time.  He communicates a lot more without his "fits" and gets into EVERYthing he can reach... Which has no boundaries either, climbing to whatever he can't reach, and maneuvering through whatever boundaries are in his way!  His favorite play right now is his basketball and goal... Running around with it laughing before he turns to run back and "dunk."  Passing it to us saying "shoo ih" (shoot it) from where ever we are!  We love every second, and have to say as being basketball players ourselves, we're extra proud and excited... fingers crossed! Lol.  We've been through so many different little phases... including the weeks of being anti-mommy!!  So glad that's over! ;)

Annnnnd for the biggest/newest chapter in our lives.... Extending the family!  Graysen is going to be a big brother!  I can't tell you how excited and nervous we are... SO much to think about, so much to do... and circles back to "So Little Time" to do it all!  We had talked about another baby, keeping the two between or at 2 yrs...  The very next week, we learned I was already pregnant!  So far the pregnancy has been beautiful!!  Morning sickness was a little uglier this time around, but went away after a few weeks... I crave more sweets, I've got more energy, I'm more emotional... (always fun)... But the baby and I are both healthy... 19 wks today, and we find out gender next week!  Exciting things coming for us!! 

And my Love!  Jake has been such an amazing husband, father, supporter, friend, provider... well you get it!  And don't tell him I said all that... :)  I'm with the one I'm  supposed to be with for the rest of my life, and I believe that with everything that I have!!  We work together in everything that we do, support each other's decisions in whatever the situation is, being the best parents we can be... and loving one another through it all!  And I realize even fairy tales have their rough moments and obstacles... as do we! ;)  But at the end of the day, everyone goes to bed and wakes up happy and blessed for another day!  He's been so patient with my emotions, which I'm sure takes a lot every now and then...  Works so hard to provide for our growing family, and hardly ever complains.  We've grown together as Christians, a couple and as parents... and I look forward to the life we have ahead of us!

   

11 months... Wayyy behind! :)

 I've already gotten way behind on updating Graysen's blog!!  Its been CRAZY busy!!  Full time student, part time work, and second full time shift of houswife-mommy!!  I'm not complaining though... I love the "crazy" in my life!!  Because my boys make it all worth it!!

Graysen...  10 months... Almost 19lbs and 28in long!!  Still in the 25th percentile for length and weight... BUT, I really think he has hit the 20's now and is almost 29in! ;)  I'll find out for sure tomorrow!

I took these photos today, and he will be 11 months on the 15th.  I couldn't help but tear up.  Our baby will almost be 1 YR OLD!!  Its gone by too fast!  I've loved and am loving every minute of being his mommy!! 

He is ALMOST walking... Has taken 2 or 3 steps without assistance, but still hasn't just taken off!  He actually took a few steps while my mom, dad, brother, sisters were here... and Jake and I. It was awesome to be able to share that with them! 

A few things he's picked up the past few weeks has been: Says mama, dada, baba.. calls his grandma yaya, his food nanas, and talks with baba, yaya, and chacha.  And he is constantly talking, all the time... anywhere and everywhere!!

He's waving bye bye of course, doesn't kiss a whole lot, but will... shakes his head no, brings us his bottle or food when he's hungry, high fives, plays peek-a-boo by pulling the covers over his head... talks on the phone by holding it up to his ear, puts hats on his head, tries to put his shoes on his feet (Just holds them up to the bottom of his foot), blows kisses (still don't know who or where that came from), plays catch and there's SO much more I know I'm not covering...  His mind is like a sponge right now, and it has been so fun watching him learn!  He makes us proud in so many different ways.  I can't believe he's already gonna be 1!!!  I'll update again soon... For now, I've got homework to finish, and dishes to clean up! :)
Forever Young: Audra Mae.... Our song to Graysen.  We love you so much!!

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
May you stay forever young.

                                                           May your hands always be busy,
                                                           May your feet always be swift,
                                                          May you have a strong foundation
                                                          When the winds of changes shift.
                                                           May your heart always be joyful,
                                                            May your song always be sung,
                                                            May you stay forever young,
                                                            May you stay forever young.

Lil Monkey...

So much has happened in the last month!!  Graysen says Momma all the time... especially when he's hungry or tired... He's still SO happy, and continues to amaze me each and every day.  He stands on everything, walks along the furniture, and has been climbing as well... Very scary for me... His falls don't seem to phase him much!

 He now has 3 teeth on the bottom, with a fourth bottom that just barely cut through, and the two teeth on top look like they're trying to cut though as well!  With all the teething, he hasn't been too fussy at all!!  Thank goodness.

He talks ALL the time!!  Mostly uses d's, t's and g's!  He's very animated when telling "stories"... I love listening to him!  He gets into everything, and gets SO EXCITED anytime someone (can be anyone) comes to the door... He crawls as fast as he can to them, laughing and giggling the whole way.  Its got to be the BEST welcoming ever. Lol

He recently had his 9 month checkup... His length was off last month by over an INCH He's now at 18lbs 4oz and 27.5in long.  He is in the 25th percentile for both height and weight!  Chunky Monkey is now Lil Monkey!!  Either way, he's happy and healthy... and that makes Mommy and Daddy very happy and proud parents!  Graysen LOVES people of all ages!!  I am so thankful to have family and friends that have babies just a couple of weeks in age difference!!  Graysen has plenty of playmates and buddies to grow up with!  Below is his buddy Jaden... They are 6 days apart and Jaden is just as happy as Graysen... Its always a fun and entertaining visit for Heather and I!!!! :)

WIth All That I Have!

Ok, so I'm way way behind on this!!  We have been so super busy, that I haven't gotten the chance to sit down on the computer and update Graysen's milestones and whats going on with us!

Mostly because Graysen is everywhere into everything!!!  He's on the move constantly!!  Pulls himself up on anything... walks along the furniture, and even stood on his own for a few seconds at a time.  Either way, its all way too fast... I would have been happy with a late walker!! Lol.

At 8 months I had him weighed and measured and he gained about 7oz and grew an inch since his 7 month visit... So that put him at 18lbs 6oz and a little over 29in long!  His 9 month appt is the 15th, and I can't wait to see how much he's grown... NO shots. :))

And again, these pictures won't post upright... But I posted them anyway!!  Our first 4th of July is coming up, and I am stoked for Graysen to see fireworks... Hopefully they don't scare him!! 

I LOVE these two pictures... In the one above, I catch his personality... He is still so happy, even with 5 teeth coming in at once... He's always smiling and talking... Loves people, and it makes me so so happy!!  And my other favorite picture captures his purity and innocence.  I love him so much!

I can't believe he's gonna be 9 months next month.  It's gone by so fast. I see pictures of my friends' newborns, and can't believe Graysen was ever that small!!  We've come to learn that he LOVES the water.  He has a blast for about 10 minutes at a time before he wears himself out.  5 minutes later he's back at it, splashing, laughing, trying to head dive in the water, and all limbs just going crazy!!  Here in the past couple of weeks, he has been a tad bit clingier... If he sees me leave, he gets upset (Which doesn't last long at all).  He laughs and makes his way towards Jake when he gets home from work... Which melts my heart every time!!  Its so sweet to see the two of them so happy to see one another after a long day!!

He's been our whole world, and our rock!  Jake and I have a strong, beautiful marriage... and I am so blessed to be able to call him my son's daddy... and my husband.  Love them both with all that I have!!