October fun!

 We have had a lot of fun with bubbles!  Now he interacts with them instead of just staring at the machine and turning it on and off. :)  

Sorry for the delay of blogs....the stomach flu worked its way through the Anker household claiming Mommy and Grayson.   Daddy was AMAZING.  He cared for Grayson alone for 4 days while Mom was laid up in bed.  Good father son bonding if you ask me.

We have started  Grayson in an early intervention program called Early Steps.  Mostly because he seems to have some social anxiety and sensory issues.  He also doesn't have any words yet.   We went through an evaluation and he qualified based mostly on his lack of verbal communication.  Two weeks ago we started our weekly therapy with an infant/toddler developmental specialist.  She comes to our home and does play therapy with G once a week for an hour. Her background is in speech so we are hopeful she can assist with that area as well. We also have a monthly consult with an occupational therapist.  Will definitely keep you posted on his progress!

 He likes to walk through the bubbles with his eyes closed.

 Trying to pop them!  It's funny.  He gets his eye on one and it is his mission to get "that" bubble.

 We had a fun visit from Nonny!  She spent the week here with us.

 Here are some action shots of playtime.

 Grayson has become quite the builder.  He can stack the blocks on top of one another when you say "put on."   Nonny was holding the bottom steady so he could build a tower.

 Fall weather is here!  Last weekend, before the stomach virus, we went to the Jacksonville Zoo.  This is the first time we have been since Grayson started walking.   He LOVED it!   We got a few pictures of him with his favorite animals.

 He thought this anteater was hilarious.  It really liked him too!  It kept pacing in front of the glass and Grayson would march in place and make loud noises.

 Next we went into the aviary.  All he wanted to do is touch the birds.  We had to keep him very close to us.   He got close to grabbing them a few times.

 After we walked around the zoo, we hopped aboard the train.   It gives a behind the scene tour of the zoo.  It was nice to be off our feet for a bit.

 Onto the petting zoo!   Grayson thought these goats were funny looking.

Pumpkin Patch 2012

 We took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch with our friends, The Grices.   We got quite a few good shots!  It wasn't quite as cool as it was last year, so this year we were in shorts and short sleeves.  Hoping that crisp, fall weather is on its way shortly!

 So many pumpkins....so little time!

 Shayna Punim. :)

 "Step away from my pumpkin!"

 We tried to get some pictures of the boys together.  They were kind of doing what I like to call "the hokey pokey" and just walking circles around each other.  These are a few where they are both facing the camera.

 How precious is this.   Grayson's hand on Cooper's shoulder.   I should point out that this was right before Grayson pushed Cooper out the way, but as far as pictures go, it looks precious. :)

 Look at those faces!

 A similar picture to one we have on last year's Pumpkin Patch blog.  Crazy, what a difference a year makes!

 G's favorite game is now, 1,2,3 Wheeeee!  He was getting a little bored by this time, so we did this to pep him back up.  It worked!

 What a smile.

 Anker Family Pumpkin Patch picture 2012.

Grayson's First Haircut!

 Today was a big day!  Grayson had his first hair cut.  We had done a lot of research to find the perfect, kid-friendly place to go.  Well it seems that all of the places that specialize in hair cuts for children have not made it in this market and have closed. So off to the Hair Cuttery we went!

  We had to wait about 15 minutes when we got there, so he enjoyed a light snack and water.  He walked all around the front of the store while he was awaiting his turn.  They finally called his name!

  He sat on Daddy's lap and watched Miss Spider on the DVD player.  He did great! He only squirmed a little when they used the buzzer around his ears.  We all know how ticklish he is.  His hair is so thin that I barely was able to get a few scraps to take as a momento.   Now he looks a little less like he has a helmet on his head.  What a big boy!

 We even got a cool certificate for his baby book.  :)

 The finished product.  What a handsome boy!

 The below picture was taken a few days ago when he shared a raspberry and chocolate popsicle with Mommy.  Figured we would put it on as the "before."

Labor Day 2012

 You would think that Grammie is watching these boys by herself all weekend because we literally got no pictures with other people in them. :)  This year's roster was: Grammie, Gramps, Aunt Jennie, Uncle Bill, cousin James, Uncle Andy, Chelsea, and Layla. We rented a house in Orlando and again  had a good time with family.  It was neat to see the boys interact now that they are a bit older.  They hadn't seen each other since before Grayson was even crawling.  James liked to lower his face, about a head lower than he is, to check G out.

 Gramps was exhausted after one day. :)

 Feeding time at the farm.

 Laundry basket fun with Gramps.

 All suited up to see the Gators!

 Games through the door.

 Guess what he had to do to get these beads?

 Another meeting at the gate.

 So we took over 100 pictures for this shoot.  These are the 4 that they are both smiling in. :)

 A kiss for Grayson.

On our last night there we were walking around the patio.  Grayson was eyeing the pool so we went to stick our feet in.   We started kicking and both Mommy and Grayson were soaked.  Gramps was still in his bathing suit so he had a skinny dipping session with G.   Grayson had a great time.  He was using his arm like a rudder, he must have liked the way it felt.  You will hear in the video, one of the two "words" that he says are "Ah" and "Uh."  The latter means up, meaning pick me up right now or I will scream.  Ah is more like Shalom and has many meanings.   It's most consistent one is more.  Enjoy!