Cathy: Weekend in Chicago

Over the summer I spent a few days with some girlfriends in Chicago. Holly just had a baby in December, Andie had a rough month at work, and Rachel works long hours all the time. It was just about us, and relaxing, and shopping, and eating, and, well, you get the picture. We had fun. Probably too much at times. It was beautiful weather as you can see from the pictures, though I don't have any group photos because I didn't trust anyone enough to hand over my camera. It was a great weekend, and I hope they all had as much fun as I did.

If not, that would make me really lame.

The train wasn't as frightening as I thought it was. Brought back this eerie comfort of my grandfather from Chicago actually.

This cracks me up.

Grant: Just Because He's Cute

I just thought these were precious. And wanted to show off my adorable kid.

Maybe it's just the oufit, but he looks froggy.

What?! You don't pose your kid in grubby laundry baskets?

What?

Grant: He Likes Bubbles!

Whom I hope he never brings home:)

We spent an afternoon outside blowing bubbles. Grant really liked it and I think we did, too. It was nice to enjoy such a simplicity.

One of the great things about having a kid? You have an excuse to act like one.

Grant: First Hair Cut

Grant had his first haircut on August 21, 2009. And is ready for a second actually. (Yes, he is Ron's). We got a few pictures of it, and saved a lock of hair, which I find moderately creepy, but protocol. Ron says I can't shave Grant's head yet, because he "needs to enjoy it for as long as he can". One of these days though, I have a feeling he'll be sporting a mohawk. (More Mr. T, than punk rock of course).

Family: The Most Important Thing

We are blessed to have a wonderful family. Every one of our family members has helped in making us the people we are today. (I can hear you laughing.) I just thought it might be nice to add some pictures of family members Grant has had the pleasure of hanging out with recently. If you are not pictured below, you will be in the future. That is a threat AND a promise.

Kyla and Andrew!

Grandpa, Daddy, and Andrew!

Grandma!

Aunt Nancy and Great Grandma!

Great Grandma!

Daddy!

Grandma!

Jan! (And Skip and Daddy!)

Grant: 7 Month Photo Shoot

Grant is getting so big. It still amazes me that he is ours. (Yes, because of his good looks and brilliance. No, because he is stubborn and ridiculously determined.) He is babbling da-da and ma-ma, though he probably has no idea he's doing it. Although, one day a few weeks ago in the morning when we were getting ready, I sat him up from the changing table and he starting patting my arm and saying ma-ma. And then just a few days ago, the garage door came up and his head flipped around towards the door and he started chanting da-da. So who knows. Some days he is independent and wants nothing to do with our help or our pitiful attempts at playing with him (Mom, you are so not cool with that truck up our nose); and some days he is snuggly and loves our kisses and wants to hug. I can't decide which is better. Free thinking, or mama's boy? Both I guess. This kid is balanced.

Here are some pics from the 7 month photo shoot Christine did. Notice, he looks like he is on the way to prom with his girlfriend, freshman year in college, and the hospital with his wife for the birth of their first child, respectively. Point is, he's. getting. too. big. But, we loooooove it.