Cabo Take Two

Trying to launch himself over the edge of the infiniti pool

First haircut from Aunt Jessie

What a difference a year makes! As Jeff, Grant and I navigated the line for customs in Cabo, we saw a glowing, expectant mother and her husband. I couldn't help but ask if they were on their "babymoon." Just like Jeff and I a year ago, they were! Absolutely incredible to imagine our lives back then. And, I am so proud to say that life has only gotten better! There we were, in sunny Mexico with our 10 month old! It just doesn't get any better! We had a fantastic time with Aunt Jessie, Uncle Patrick, Grandma and Grandpa. We sure know how to take a vacation! Now, if only we could decide where to go next year...

A big weekend!

Out of all the days and hours I spend with Grant, he chose to start crawling and say his first word (still needs to be confirmed) while with Jeff this weekend. On the weekends, often Jeff and I will take turns going to the gym in the morning so that we can hang out with Grant during his long wake time in the afternoon. On Saturday morning, I left the house around 8:30 to hit up the gym and go to the grocery. That left Jeff with Grant for a half hour before nap time. In that half hour, Grant decided to start crawling! When Jeff told me this fun fact, I didn't believe him (it might be the smirk on his face or his lack of complete excitement that I think I would have exhuded). Well, a few hours later, Jeff proved it to me! Grant was indeed crawling.



The following day began the same way. I got up and fed Grant, then headed out to the gym just before 9. This left Jeff only a few minutes with Grant before nap time. In that time, Jeff claims that he promped Grant to say "dada." After Grant considered this, he repeated back, "dada." Now, we have heard this word before. We have also heard "mama." But, normally, it is followed by more babbling and we haven't counted it. Jeff claims that this was different and that Grant said it purposefully. Again, I can hardly believe it. And, Grant remained mute the rest of the day. I won't believe it until I hear it for myself!

Couldn't be more adorable

Mommy hurt me!

So, I am not going to win "mom of the year." The past few months, as Grant has become more active and playful, I have sometimes worried that Jeff gets too rough with him. Knowing that this is just Jeff's way of loving on him, I have tried not to say too much about it. Even when Grant got a little fat lip from a face plant on the wood floor, I kept my cool. Well, it turns out that I must also play a little hard. Yesterday, while visiting Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Nielsen, I put Grant up on my knees so that he could "fly." Grant immediately made a quick move and started to fall. I grabbed his hands to prevent him from tumbling and heard a tiny pop. Grant quickly started crying, the type of cry that can only mean, "It hurts bad!" His little arm hung limp at his side and whenever he attempted to move it or we tried to inspect it, he wailed more. In hopes that the pain would subside and that it was only a minor injury, I put Grant down for his nap and prayed that when he woke up he would be back to normal. Unfortunately, that was not the case. A few hours later, still with a limp arm, we arrived at Urgent Care. I was extremely worried about the looks I might receive from the doctors and nurses assuming I had intentionally harmed my child. Luckily, after honestly explaining what had happened, the doctor took one look at him and diagnosed him with Nurse Maids Elbow-a minor dislocation of his elbow. I guess this is actually something somewhat common in young children and the good thing was, I wasn't going to be sent to prison for child abuse! The doctor snapped the arm back together, Grant cried a few seconds more, and then he was good as new! Thankfully Grant is a very forgiving child. He stopped giving me the evil eye and even smiled at the doctor before we left.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Working on crawling

Giving dad a high five!

Loves his alligator push toy!

Goodbye 2011, what a great year! Grant is now nine months old and I can't imagine what I ever did without him. Mr. Grant now has four teeth, can give a high five, and gets up on his hands and knees in an attempt to crawl. Thus far, he has managed to rock himself back and fourth and then throw himself face first into the carpet. I guess we all have to learn somehow.

Grant had a very merry Christmas. We spent a lot of time with family, eating, laughing, and playing. Jeff and I are so blessed to have such a great little boy. And, he is so lucky to have such a big, loving family. We all literally fight over him sometimes.

We rang in the new year at my parents house with some surf and turf, Taboo, and Wii. Grant slept through the whole thing and didn't seem to notice or care that it was 2011 when he woke up the next day at 8am. Thank you for sleeping in buddy!

Looking forward to what the next year will bring!

Its cold out!

Babies require all kinds of "equipment" when leaving the house. As if the diaper bag and ackward car seat werent enough, now we have blankets, hats, and coats. I try my best to hurry from the car to our destination. I do this after brushing up against the salt covered car while trying to navigate through snow and around ice. It really is miserable! At least Grant looks cute though...

Happy Thanksgiving

Grant enjoyed his first Thanksgiving in Indianapolis surrounded by his entire family. It was loud and busy, and the day required a little extra nap, but he survived with flying colors. The cranberry sauce was yummy. And obviously the sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes were a hit. But, he wasn't so sure about Aunt Jessie's corn casserole. Sorry Jess!

Here is a video of Grant taking the traditional "pre-Thanksgiving day shot." My dad likes to enjoy a good tiquila before the festivities begin. Grant was happy with just the shot glass.