Grady continues to amaze us with how much he discovers, learns and accomplishes in such a short period of time. God truly shows His handiwork when you watch a baby grow.
Just a few of Grady's new milestones include: sitting up on his own, being introduced to solid foods, rolling over both ways, talking and laughing up a storm, developing a new cry and whine that begs Mommy and Daddy to pick him up, discovers everything with his tongue, loves playing and tasting his toes, is a pro at jumping in his jumperoo, recognizes Mommy and Daddy's faces and voices, and really is shaping his own little personality. It is so humbling to know that even with all the stress of working full time, helping out at the church, and maintaining a household, Christ is so faithful - he never gives me more than I can handle and when I think that he has, he always provides comfort, compassion, grace and peace in the midst of the most trying moments. It also amazes me that with one little smile or laugh from my son, my anxieties and worries of the day melt away. Children truly are one of God's most miraculous blessings.
Here are just a few precious pictures of our little punkin or as Ben has started to call him "Bobaloo" - I hate that knickname! Oh well, he's just so cute, any name will work! Enjoy
Grady absolutely loves being in nothing but his diaper. He inherited his Father's thermostat meaning he always seems like he is so hot. Plus no clothes means a better chance at grabbing for those baby toes.
We were so excited to have Ben's sister Trish and brother-in-law Jeremy come and visit us with their baby girl, Abigail, Grady's cousin. She may be two weeks older than Grady but she is 4lbs. lighter and also a couple inches shorter. Needless to say Grady is a giant baby compared to his cousin Abigail, but if she is anything like her mother, she will be quite fiesty! (love you Trish!)
Again, loves being naked. Absolutely everything goes in this boy's mouth. Just look how those baby blues just draw you in!
Grady was introduced to solid foods this month. After a month of giving this child medicine, you better believe he was pretty apprehensive about letting Mommy put anything else in his mouth. The first time we tried, he clamped down his lips and was determined not to let anything penetrate into his mouth; however once he tasted what we had to offer, he opened his mouth and welcomed the completely bland rice cereal! He knew exactly what to do. So far he has been introduced to pears, bananas, peas, and carrots. Needless to say, I think we are in for one stinky ride when it comes to changing dirty diapers! (I've almost vomitted once already!)
He really likes to play with his spoon. He likes to chew on the spoon just as much as he likes the food on the spoon!
We are so blessed to have two of Grady's aunts living in the area. My sister Jen just moved to Des Moines and is currently living with us. Every Tuesday night is family night which gives Grady a chance to play with his Aunt Jen and Aunt Kim. It is so nice to have family close.
Here is Grady's 6 month picture. He is getting so big! He weighs 20lbs. 14oz and is 27 3/4in. long. He is in the 90% in both areas. He is obviously not hurting for nutrition. Must be those amazing Reliv shakes Mommy takes! One thing I have noticed about my son is that he has to be in the right mood to smile for the camera which makes it really frustrating for a Mommy who has her camera on 24/7. Smile or not, He is so handsome.
Grady was able to go to his first Tulip time in Pella, Ia (where Ben went to undergrad). It was very beautiful and he had so much fun watching the dutch dancing and all the people that were there. This may have to become a annual tradition.
It was so great having Papa Chuck and Grandma Janelle here to celebrate Mother's Day with us. It was amazing how much Grady loved Papa Chuck - his crazy noises and funny faces had Grady rolling with smiles and laughter.
Tulip Time Family Picture
I never knew what being a Mom would feel like, but I knew all along that was one of the ministries God has place me on this earth for. This year I celebrated my first Mother's Day. Grady made me a little flower pot at daycare and also gave me a devotional that I can listen to on my way to work (Daddy helped out with that one!) I never imagined that my heart could love so much for such a little boy. I never knew I would cherish every second with my little baby bear and I never knew how incredible it would be to just look at a sleeping baby at 4am in the morning. Every time I look into the eyes of my son, I am overwhelmed that our Creator allowed his only Son to be sacrificed for me. I never knew the full extent of that sacrifice until now. Mother's Day will forever be a day that I look forward to. Motherhood is truly a ministry and I anticipate how the Lord will qualify me for this journey.
We had a Kentucky fried chicken picnic out at my sister Jen's work place on Mother's day. Grady is obviously wearing the perfect shirt for the day (I love Mommy). And he is here all because two people fell in love. I'm sure he will hate this picture when he is older!
Grady has just recently learned to "cheese out" with his smile. He throws his head back, makes this face and snorts....it is absolutely hilarious!
Grady loves to snuggle with Mommy right before I go to work and he recently has learned to how pet the cat (grabs hold and pulls out alot of fur). Thankfully Aynsley does not mind too much and now that he rarely gets pet, he actually will jump on my lap for some attention.
We were so excited to have Ben's sister Trish and brother-in-law Jeremy come and visit us with their baby girl, Abigail, Grady's cousin. She may be two weeks older than Grady but she is 4lbs. lighter and also a couple inches shorter. Needless to say Grady is a giant baby compared to his cousin Abigail, but if she is anything like her mother, she will be quite fiesty! (love you Trish!)Again, loves being naked. Absolutely everything goes in this boy's mouth. Just look how those baby blues just draw you in!Grady was introduced to solid foods this month. After a month of giving this child medicine, you better believe he was pretty apprehensive about letting Mommy put anything else in his mouth. The first time we tried, he clamped down his lips and was determined not to let anything penetrate into his mouth; however once he tasted what we had to offer, he opened his mouth and welcomed the completely bland rice cereal! He knew exactly what to do. So far he has been introduced to pears, bananas, peas, and carrots. Needless to say, I think we are in for one stinky ride when it comes to changing dirty diapers! (I've almost vomitted once already!)He really likes to play with his spoon. He likes to chew on the spoon just as much as he likes the food on the spoon!We are so blessed to have two of Grady's aunts living in the area. My sister Jen just moved to Des Moines and is currently living with us. Every Tuesday night is family night which gives Grady a chance to play with his Aunt Jen and Aunt Kim. It is so nice to have family close.Here is Grady's 6 month picture. He is getting so big! He weighs 20lbs. 14oz and is 27 3/4in. long. He is in the 90% in both areas. He is obviously not hurting for nutrition. Must be those amazing Reliv shakes Mommy takes! One thing I have noticed about my son is that he has to be in the right mood to smile for the camera which makes it really frustrating for a Mommy who has her camera on 24/7. Smile or not, He is so handsome.Grady was able to go to his first Tulip time in Pella, Ia (where Ben went to undergrad). It was very beautiful and he had so much fun watching the dutch dancing and all the people that were there. This may have to become a annual tradition.It was so great having Papa Chuck and Grandma Janelle here to celebrate Mother's Day with us. It was amazing how much Grady loved Papa Chuck - his crazy noises and funny faces had Grady rolling with smiles and laughter.Tulip Time Family PictureI never knew what being a Mom would feel like, but I knew all along that was one of the ministries God has place me on this earth for. This year I celebrated my first Mother's Day. Grady made me a little flower pot at daycare and also gave me a devotional that I can listen to on my way to work (Daddy helped out with that one!) I never imagined that my heart could love so much for such a little boy. I never knew I would cherish every second with my little baby bear and I never knew how incredible it would be to just look at a sleeping baby at 4am in the morning. Every time I look into the eyes of my son, I am overwhelmed that our Creator allowed his only Son to be sacrificed for me. I never knew the full extent of that sacrifice until now. Mother's Day will forever be a day that I look forward to. Motherhood is truly a ministry and I anticipate how the Lord will qualify me for this journey.We had a Kentucky fried chicken picnic out at my sister Jen's work place on Mother's day. Grady is obviously wearing the perfect shirt for the day (I love Mommy). And he is here all because two people fell in love. I'm sure he will hate this picture when he is older!Grady has just recently learned to "cheese out" with his smile. He throws his head back, makes this face and snorts....it is absolutely hilarious!
Grady loves to snuggle with Mommy right before I go to work and he recently has learned to how pet the cat (grabs hold and pulls out alot of fur). Thankfully Aynsley does not mind too much and now that he rarely gets pet, he actually will jump on my lap for some attention.This is the face of my little man just planning to be a handful...bring it on baby!
Well, I hope ya'll have enjoyed watching our little one grow. I will work on keeping Grady's blog more up to date.
Well, I hope ya'll have enjoyed watching our little one grow. I will work on keeping Grady's blog more up to date.
