So Big!!!

Grady is getting "So Big" which is a new game that he is really starting to enjoy. He is at such a fun stage right now where he is discovering his world through vocal expression as well as new body movements. He is on his way to 9 months old. He is really trying hard to learn how to crawl and he is finally starting to cut his bottom teeth. He says DaDA and BahBah perfectly; however we are not sure if he is actually attributing those words to the proper things. He is getting better at eating table food; however we are still working on not spitting it all over Mommy. He is such a joy and I cherish every moment I get to spend with him.

Here is Grady showing us how Big he is. He is really enjoying imitating us and getting praise for his accomplishments. Another great achievement is learning how to clap and working on giving high fives!This picture just melts my heart as he just looks like a little toddler here. He has such cute expressions and I think he knows how cute he really isGrady is really into crawling all over mama and daddy when we are on the floor playing with him. He is also having fun exploring the world and his face with his tongue. He desperately would love to make his little chunky body move from this position, but right now all that he can do is get up on all fours and rock back and forth. I have a feeling he is going to figure it out shortly. Here are some of his 8 month pictures. You can really tell that he is developing his own look and personality. He has so much hair right now it is ridiculous. But how could anyone resist this face!8 months - 28 1/2 inches and 22lbs 7oz

size 9-12 mo and 12-18 mo clothes and size 5 diapers

SO BIG!!!

Here is a great family picture. Some how Daddy and Grady tend to where matching shirts much of the time.Ben's mom showed us some pictures of what Ben looked like as a baby. Now there is no question that Grady really is a mini version of Ben. Here is Ben at 7months or so.I'm thinking that this will be Grady in about one year. No wonder Grady is so cute! Ben was asked to preach at his home church which provided us a great opportunity to visit Grandpa Chris and Grandma Mary in Cedar Rapids. Grady had fun playing with them both as well as acquiring a new wardrobe! Grandma Mary had fun making Grady some new clothes. Grady had fun pooping out of them the first time he put them on! Thankfully Grandma Mary was not offended!

Fun with family and friends

There always seems to be some form of excitement at the Blanchard household, with the main events culminating on the weekends. During the last weekend of June, my family decided to make a roadtrip and come to Des Moines and experience a little taste of our city.

Here is Papa Chuck and Grandma Janelle chillin at the aquatic center with their two youngest grandbabies.

Grady was fixated on pulling Papa Chuck's chest hair and let me tell ya...that boy has some grip. Papa Chuck is smiling just to hold back the tears!

Grady and Miley (Grady's cousin) washed up together, basically just to play with the bath toys. Interestingly enough, Miley just turned 1 year old and she actually weighs 3lbs less than Grady! Even though they are family, they have such different features; however both extremely cute.One of the fun reasons for getting together was to celebrate Miley's first birthday. This was the first one year old birthday party that the whole family was together for since Brooke (the oldest) birthday party. Grady's cousins just love holding him and carrying him around; however they can definitely tell the size difference between their sister and him.

What a great family shot! It was so nice to spend a part of the summer with familyAfter all the excitement of the family staying with us, Daddy and Grady had to unwind with introducing Chicago to his new role - Grady's pony! Chicago is so great with Grady; someday I'm sure Grady will try to ride this horse!

I just couldn't resist putting this pic on the blog...he is just so sweet looking. I can't believe how big he is getting.

We were able to relive a part of our college lives by waiting up until after midnight (never happens, even on New Year's Eve) for my college friends, Darwin and Nicole to arrive and spend the night with their little Miles. It was so great to see them and meet their little man even if it was just for a moment. Here Grady is playing nice with Miles; later on, Grady would try to eat that hand he is holding, but Miles did not seem to mind!

Here is Grady's surprised/excited face.

Grady's new trick is spitting all his food back at Mommy. This was taken just after one of his little episodes. Needless to say, this behavior will not be allowed for long!Who Me???

Just chillin on a lazy Saturday morning. This was the morning after Grady slept through the whole night. So refreshing to have a full night's rest and zero obligations. Happy 4th of July!I'll end this post with allowing everyone to witness Grady's new form of expressing himself....yelling!!! Enjoy