St. George Island

The first full week of June we headed to St. George Island for the Jefferson family beach trip. We watched so carefully, praying the oil wouldn't reach the beautiful island before our trip. Over the years, we've come to really, really love this beach. It's so peaceful and beautiful! There isn't a lot to do for entertainment, but that's honestly the best part.

Here is our family with the sweet Grey baby addition!

We've stayed in the same beach house since 2004 and I think we've finally outgrown it.

All ready to go to the beach!

I kind of knew Grey would love the beach because he loves being outside. And I was right! He napped in his swing all day under the umbrellas.

Lilly loves the beach as much as we do. In fact, she was nervous we might leave her this trip!

Running free on the beach with Wild Thing.

Grey's first time in the ocean!"What are we doing daddy?"

Love this boy!

Gigi and Ruth
Not happy to be in the water!

It wouldn't be right not to have a naked cousin bath picture!

Nathan...doing what boys do!

Miss Hannah

Tellin' daddy secrets

Like I said, Grey loved the beach. He also loved being diaperless at the beach!! He had a tiny diaper rash and nothing helps that better than airing it out. What a perfect place! We put him on a towel, took off his diaper and he passed out...for the LONGEST nap. He was in heaven!

Hi!

During our trip, Grey also learned to extend his arms. It was so cute!

"Uh oh, how do I get these things back down?"

Keeping cool in steamy downtown Apalachicola.

Hannah managed to find free kittens. Thank goodness we were out of town!

Eating ice cream...

Ruth has the cutest expressions!

Smiling for daddy!

Beach pictures proved to be a little more difficult this year with two babies.

Happy mommy!

Proud daddy!

Answered prayer!

The whole crew...

Gigi and Papaw with all the grandbabies...two new ones this year!

First time in the ocean.

It was sad to see them putting out booms.

Osprey nest

Apalachicola is known for the oysters. They bring in BILLIONS (with a B) of dollars for the state in seafood alone!

The BEST place to eat fried shrimp!

All tuckered out and ready to head home...dreaming of running on the beach next year!

Grey: first 8 weeks - part 3

May 21: Grey had to go the doctor and have a shot. We wanted to get a picture of his first band aid and right we Curtis went to take the picture, he was reminded of the day's events. It was so funny!

Grey's 6 week stats:
22 3/4 inches long
9 lbs. 15 oz.



Grey absolutely loves bath times!! Especially in his little lounge... The sweetest thing is that he just gazes up at me. I love it!

Drying off...

Telling Papaw about his long day...

...then telling Gigi.

...even Gus needed some love.

May 22: Sleeping on mommy's shoulder. Sweet little face.

Later that afternoon, we met Curtis' family at his sister's neighborhood pool to discuss beach plans.

Grey got upset and had to poke a lip!

Little cousin Ruthie.

May 23: We met Ashly and Denny at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Grey and Macy Brooks were dying to see each other! :)

May 27: Curtis and I took Grey up to meet Granddaddy for the first time. Curtis' Granddaddy has a fantastic sense of humor for 94! He kept telling all the nurses and staff at the VA, "He looks a little like his momma, a bit like his daddy, but a spitting image of me!"

Smiling at daddy...

Three generations of Jeffersons...

May 12: Grey's first play date at Laurel Park. I think I had as much fun as the kids did. It was great to get together with all the girls and talk...even though they were chasing babies around, we were all somehow able to connect. The power of mommies!

Kim and Cohen

Sweet William. Amanda and I traded babies for a while. Whew. What a difference a few pounds makes!
Little Miss Kelsey being mommy to Macy B.

Don't you LOVE Allie's cheeks??!!

Sleepy Cohen!

Memphis trip: first 8 weeks - part 2

In May, when Grey was just 5 weeks old, mom and I made the trip to Memphis, Tenn. to visit family and introduce little baby Grey. My parents are both from Memphis and most of our family is still there.

The traveling part was pretty uneventful. Grey did great! Looking back it was a little ambitious to go that early. I don't think I realized how tired I still was, but it was a really fun trip!

We made a point to visit my Uncle Bill -- my dad's mom's brother. He is actually my grandmother's twin brother. We have the greatest memories growing up and going to visit Uncle Bill. He was so excited to meet little Grey. ...and yes, I was as tired as I look in this picture!

This is mom and her sister Jeanne, also known as NeNe. We stayed with Jeanne and had SO much fun. She loved on Grey! I have the best, best, best memories of going to Jeanne's house and playing with her four girls! Jeanne is also the most talented seamstress. She made Grey's going home gown and managed to whip out some of the cutest bubbles for him while we were there.

This is Jeanne's husband, Philip, also known as Popsicle. He is the funniest person you'll meet. He was playing with Grey and made him smile for the first time.

Popsicle and my Uncle Andrew, mom's youngest brother.

Me, Grammy -- my grandmother/mom's mom, Grey, Mom, and Jeanne.

I love Grey's sweet expression!

All the traveling and visiting really took its toll on little guy. Here he decided to pass out on his Sassy.

"Hmmmm, I wonder what Daddy is doing?"

Grey has always been a BIG stretcher. Here he was showing Grammy how he does it!