Globe-trotting Grovers: Taji turns 3 months old!

our story

It all began on the evening of Nov 29th 2003, at former Chat Noir French Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA. Brad approached me [Jana] and we instantly connected; it was love at first sight. The next 4 years that followed were a whirlwind of romance, growing pains, and adventures. We circled the globe, traveling to South America, Europe, and Asia. Then one night, Brad surprised me with a romantic beachside proposal. We made it official on August 23rd 2008 with an intimate wedding at a hip art gallery in Laguna Beach. A year later we finished redesigning our home in the beach village of Corona del Mar.

On May 18th, 2010, we were blessed with a sweet little miracle of our own, our baby boy Taj Leon. He stole our hearts and took our breath away! Then, 19 months later, his incredible little brother, Jax Franz, arrived on Christmas morning (December 25th) 2011. What an amazing gift we received! In an effort to slow down the clock and enjoy our beautiful family, in Spring of 2012, we sold our CA seaside home and moved across the country to our dream lake house in Brad's hometown of Bemus Point, a resort village on Chautauqua Lake in Western New York! Even though we are living a more slow paced life, we are living a life far from ordinary!

From the West Coast to the East Coast, our Grover family adventures continue! So won't you come along and join us on this journey of love, family, and travel we like to call our La Vida Grover!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Taji turns 3 months old!

Our adorable little guy is growing so fast in front of eyes! He now weighs 13lbs, and has graduated to both size 2 diapers and stage 2 bottle nipples! He is also wearing size 3-6 month clothing!

Look at how his feet are growing....... they are so cute I just want to eat them up!

Taji is also a good eater, hence the "I like boobs" onesie (thanks Uncle Bryan!). I nurse him in the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings, and during the day he drinks three 4 ounce bottles of pumped breastmilk (we started this just about a week ago to keep up the consistency with his daycare feedings.) I'm very happy to announce that Taji has moved on from his colic as well! He's a happy and mellow baby who poops after almost every feeding..... no more gassies!

He is now sleeping through the night consistently, his typical sleep is from 9pm-5am. He loves his bedtime ritual (bath, last feeding of the night, and mellow time in his crib). He falls asleep in his crib tucked into his sleep positioner (prevents him from traveling around), sleep sack (prevents him from kicking off his blanket), and falls asleep listening to his Cloud B lamb- the ocean sound (we take La La the lamb in the car too.... he likes the whale/ocean sound for when he sleeps in his carseat.)

We have also been taking advantage of living close to the beach, taking daily stroller walks, and picnicking...... Taji has become a beach bum!

Taji is smiling so much, I love his sticking-out-his-tongue smile! Every morning that he wakes and I peer into his crib, he flashes me with his biggest and sweetest smile! He also does the cutest little giggle. He loves playing by himself in his playmat.....

...... grasping on to his rings and plastic keys, and excitedly shaking them in front of his eyes.....

Taji is also doing really good with tummy-time, and doing the "soldier crawl" babi taught him (crawling on his elbows and pushing off our hands.) He holds his head up high without the bobbling, and is rolling his legs from side to side when laying on his back!

Taji loves his music...... Alternative, Classical, Jazz, Reggea.... you name it! Our TV's Music Choice channels are always on, especially when he's playing and sleeping. Allows us to expose him to a variety of music. The soothing Soundscapes music channel is my favorite for when Taji takes naps.... the eclectic soft music with the sound of our water fountain makes our home feel like the Spa!

Yesterday, Aug 17th, was Taji's first day at his home day-care with Charlotte (or Sha Sha as the babies call her!). I was more nervous and emotional than he was, but the second we arrived and he gave Sha Sha a big smile I knew he was going to be okay and is in good hands. Charlotte reported that he did great for his first day- eating, pooping, and napping regularly. I missed him so much and was able to sneak a peek at him during lunch. He likes the new environment, so much to look at and play with. He also likes the attention he gets from Sha Sha, and watching Ry Ry (Rhonda's 7month old Ryan.) I feel very fortunate that I am able to work part-time (Mondays, Weds, and Fridays) and on these days Taji gets the social interaction, different environment and stimulation that Brad and I could not provide alone. In the long run, I really believe that his part-time home daycare will strengthen his social skills, play skills, self-esteem, and prevent separation anxiety or attachment issues. I love that he gets the best of both worlds, a happy and healthy balance for Taji, mommy, and daddy.

And last but not least ( I know this is the longest post ever!)...... I forgot to mention that among Taji's "firsts" this 3rd month (first time on a boat, first time at a bar (had dinner with daddy one night at the local Quiet Woman Bar & restaurant), and first all-day fieldtrip (to the Getty Musuem)...... tonite on his 3rd month birthday, Taji received his "first" big boy bath in his baby tub in our tub! At first, he appeared hesitant with the new position (he was so used to his "jacuzzi" Prince Lionheart Washpod) but within a few minutes he began to kick and splash around!