Dear Grant,

You are 11 months! One month until you officially become a "toddler." I can't express myself with words as well as many other mom's can, but plain and simple, I am sad. Just writing those first two sentences brings tears to my eyes. My baby, my last baby is getting so big. I can't believe you're going to be one next month. The last 11 months have had some long days, full of crying, spitting up, and not sleeping. But the good outweighs the bad. It's also been full of cuddling, laughing, smiling, playing, loving, hugs and kisses. You are so much a part of our family, it's hard to even remember when we didn't have you and when Jenna didn't have her biggest fan following her around.



I just ordered some party supplies for your 1st birthday party, and again I got misty eyed (it could also have been from the high cost of "1st birthday mod monkey" themed party supplies). You bring so much joy to our lives, and your Daddy just commented the other day how before you were born he was nervous about being able to love another child as much as he loves Jenna, but no worries! It's possible!



You're an adventurous little guy who likes to roam around getting into things, make weird noises (remind me to tell you about your "demon boy" noise when you're 15), push toys around, follow your sister, and still, put everything in your mouth.

We've just started the spatula trick to keep the pantry doors closed since you're obsessed with what's inside. You're intrigued by the bathrooms and love it when sissy doesn't put down the toilet lid. That water is fun(yuck!)! You love being outside and swinging or being in the stroller. You love splashing in water, I think it's going to be a fun summer.

You have four teeth and love to eat. You're getting better with the sippy cup and I'm looking forward to being done with formula soon. You're wearing a few 9 month things still, but mostly in 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

You still love your sister so much, we love watching the two of you together. I know at some point you'll fight like crazy, but right now you both are each other's favorite people. She loves you so much and is so protective of you and proud of you whenever you do something new.



I love you buggy! You'll forever be my little baby!

Love always,

Your Mommy

Nom Nom Nom...

I LOVE spaghetti...basically I love eating!


Garlic bread is good too!


I'm always a huge mess after I eat!


My mom thinks I'm funny!


Yum!!


Let's see if I can grab this camera!

Wash and Dry Cycle

Grant is exploring everything. One of his favorite places is the laundry room. He tries to pull clothes out of the dryer and climb in. Obviously he can't climb in there himself...yet, but he enjoyed his time in there.

Nice and warm in here!

Hi!

I'm caught...trying to eat the dryer...like I try to eat anything and everything!

Peek-a-boo!

Happy Easter

Easter has come and gone, and left us with too much chocolate, a sick baby, and a few cute pictures.


Jenna and "GG" decorating a few cookies, Jenna's sprinkles were about an inch thick on each cookie.


We remembered to take a family picture!


The poor bunny no longer has a head, and only half a foot.


She found her basket...behind the chair, behind the curtain.


Grant wasn't too sure what was going on...


Jenna loved decorating eggs


It's quite the process!

Look a-likes...

Look how similar my babies look... I didn't think Grant looked like Jenna until I looked at both of them in pictures.


Grant - 9 months


Jenna - 9 months


Grant - 9 months


Jenna - 9 months

A Taste of Summer

On Sunday it hit 80 degrees! This is not normal for early April, but after a LONG Winter we welcomed it with open arms. We spent almost the whole day outside with friends and neighbors. Jenna got a new "big girl" bike and Grant spent more time outside that day than he has his whole life! He enjoyed the fresh air and watching the kids play.


Grant having fun in his stroller.


He keeps his hat on about 50% of the time!


Jenna and her new princess bike, with baby Kate in the baby seat.


This was before the big wipeout...


Grant's first time in his swing and he fell asleep within five minutes.


I can see where I'll be all Summer!

Parent/Teacher Conference

We recently experienced a “parent first”. We attended a parent/teacher conference for Jenna. Before the conference we received a checklist with comments to review beforehand. Some of these comments included:

“She will always ask other children to play with her or include them in her activity.”

“Always shows how proud of herself she is.”

“Jenna does great with situations such as crossing busy roads and having surprise fire alarms. She stays focused and does exactly what she should do.”

“Very caring and loving towards others. She notices others emotions.”

“Loves to help others.” “Love to sing! Does chanting during clean up and singing during group.”

“Loves to ask questions and tells great stories.”

Could I be any more proud? I didn’t think so, until the face to face part of the conference. Erik and I met with Ms. Kelli and Ms. Erica and on the table they had all sorts of drawings, writing and projects that Jenna had done. They showed us her progress, went over the checklist. Explained how she is advanced and really excels in a lot of areas. They confirmed to us that her sometimes backwards letters are totally normal for this age. They both expressed how much they enjoy Jenna and how big her heart it.

Here is the part that got me…they said, as sad as it is, there are already kids in preschool who are getting singled out and made fun of and bullied. They said Jenna is one of the only kids who will stick up for them, and play with those kids. They said she has the personality where she sticks up for herself and others, she is sensitive and emotional, and looks out for the kids who may be getting picked on. I got tears in my eyes. At that moment I was swelling with pride for my daughter! She has more kindness and compassion at four years old than some adults do. Her teachers said how everyone likes Jenna and she is often times the life of “the party” and cracking other kids and teachers up. The immense feeling of pride I felt in that moment will stay with me forever, and I hope those qualities stay with Jenna forever.