Finishing up the first Book!

I started our blog for two main reasons. 

1. I wanted an easy way to share pictures and videos with family and friends while keeping everyone updated on what was going on in Graham’s life and with the rest of the Millington Fam. 
2. I wanted the blog to act as Graham’s baby book, so it became a place where I recorded all major milestones in his life. 

My plan has always been to print the blog each year, so Graham will end up with a book for every year of his childhood.  
The first ‘book’ was just about ready to go to print when I decided I wanted to include one final post that had a few tidbits from Graham’s actual baby book. 

So... Baby Graham, please enjoy some of the stories and mementos that Mommy and Daddy have put together for you.

Mommy and Daddy knew about you right away, but we kept you a special secret for a long time.  Mommy decided that she was going to tell her mommy and daddy (your Grammy Taub and Papa Jay) on Mother’s Day.  Your mommy sent Grammy Taub a Mother’s Day present and instructed Grammy Taub to open the present in front of Papa Jay and while Mommy was on the phone with them.  The present was a license plate frame that said “Proud Grammy X 2.”  Once Grammy Taub and Papa Jay figured out the 'X 2' meant that you were on the way, they were so happy and excited.  Mommy also sent a little card to help them figure out the surprise:

Daddy called Grandma and Granddaddy Millington all the way in Japan to let them know the good news. 
Mommy finally told all her friends when you had been cooking for 18 weeks.  Mommy found out that you were going to be a precious baby boy and posted the following picture for everyone to see:

   
Daddy started to work on your baby book right away.  We decided to take pictures of some of your baby book to include in your blog book, but ask Daddy to show you the entire book because there are lots more pages to see!
Here is what your baby book looks like:

Daddy copied the invitation from your baby shower and wrote down the names of all the guests:

Every little boy should know his family tree:

At the hospital, right after you were born, Daddy went with you to the nursery where they took down prints of your little feet.  Mommy and Daddy also saved the bracelets that you and Mommy wore at the hospital.  Once you came home, Mommy and Daddy recorded prints of your little hands and pasted them into your baby book:

At the hospital, two very special people helped you arrive: Dr. Heather Terbell and Nurse Cheryl:

We got your official birth certificate weeks after you were born, but we got a decorative certificate to take home with you from the hospital:

You were so special when you were born, that the local newspaper even announced your birth by listing your name and birthday:

Before you were born, Mommy spent hours and hours researching what ‘gear’ to buy, so you would be perfectly taken care of when you arrived.  Mommy put together a list of her top gear picks for your first 6 months (and even took a few pictures of some of your best gear):

There were lots of pictures taken of you before you were even born. 
This is what you looked like the first time we saw you:

This is what you looked like the day we found out that you were a little boy:

Mommy and Daddy loved hugging and kissing you before you were even born:

I’m not sure what we call you now, but during your first year, we had lots and lots of nicknames for you and we never wanted to forget them, so we decided to list them here.  In addition to Graham, we called you: Grammy, Grahamond, Grahamaldi, Grahamaldigne, Grahamind Flee, Flu, Fla, Flooey, Angel Baby, Ange Babe, Baby Graham, BG, Sweet Sweet Baby Graham, SBG, Baby G, G, G-Mill, G-Milly, Nick-Moe, The Creach, Monst, Honey, Honee, Honyok, Honyokin, Gruffling Graham, and Gruffle Face

We know, Mommy and Daddy can seem really silly sometimes, but just remember, it is because we love you so much our sweet boy.  You have soared this year Graham.  Keep reaching for the stars.