Update Already!

After much hounding from certain individuals (Courtney) I thought it necessary to update the blog before a linching was had! Of course I completely understand wanting to have the most recent photos and updates of one of the cutest little boys on earth! It is amazing how 3-4 weeks can change an entire household. Grady has become an expert crawler, puts everything in his mouth, can pull himself up on any surface (including the dog) and has learned that he can use his body and motion to resist Mommy and Daddy, especially when his diaper is being changed. But we wouldn't have it any other way. Everyday we get to watch the development and growth of a little one and how amazing God's design is for his creation. Here are the most recent photos of our family. Enjoy!

This is the latest family picture. On one of the most beautiful evenings of the summer, we went out to Raccoon River for a supper picnic and interaction with nature. It was an experience taking the whole family including Aunt Jen and Chicago in one car, but it was worth it. Aynsley, our cat, is no longer needed for a family picture, since he is so independent and does not do what a cat is supposed to do which is snuggle his owner! What a cute family!Grady is getting so big, he can actually ride the playground toys on his own!This was the scene in the backseat of the car coming home from Raccoon River. Chicago is obviously HUGE and he takes up a large part of the back seat. This picture kinda freaked me out since Chicago is sitting like a person!Grady is crawling all over. We remembered that his activity mat could be turned into a tunnel and he has enjoyed crawling through it and playing with the toys. Our cat also enjoys the tunnel as he sees it as his "hide-out" from the dog.Grady thinks it is so fun to crawl and play underneath his exersaucer. He bonks his head quit frequently, but it seems like it does not phase him since he continues to do it.Grady really enjoys "helping" Daddy out with the laundry. He especially loves taking clothes out of the basket after they have been folded. Here he is helping sort through the clothes. I think Grady sees the puppy has a big play toy. He crawls around him and uses him as a pull up prop as well as plays with his toys. Here he he sitting in between Chicago's paws. Thankfully Chicago is really gentle with our baby. I think Grady is telling us what he wants to be when he grows up....The hulk!Here is Grady again with the puppy. Ben absolutely loves to watch them interactThis is a video that I caught of Grady "playing" with Chicago. It made me a little nervous, but Chicago was a very good puppy.

Here again Grady is able to ride his big boy toys. He's probably getting old enough to ride a real tractor.

I am really into Grady wearing pajamas because he looks so sweet. The pj's were lovingly handed down to Grady from his friend in Cedar Rapids - Ty Walker. He just looks like a little man in them and of course I love them since they have a Koala bear on them.

What a sweet face

9 Months and GOING!!!

It's just amazing how quickly time goes by. Our little guy is already 9months old and he is growing and going by leaps and scootches! Some of Grady's major achievments this month include:

1. Learning how to crawl

2. Learning how to transition from a crawl to a sit position

3. Eating all sorts of table food (toast, potatoes, veggies, corn on the cob, pork chops, etc)

4. Learned how to suck out of a straw (yummy milkshake)

5. The discovery of 2 teeffers

6. Saying more "words"

7. Fascinated with sniffing

8. Sleeping better at night (Mommy is so happy about that one)

9. The newest discovery is starting to figure out how to pull himself up

These are just a few of the fun new achievements and discoveries Grady is making. One exciting aspect is that we have not had to increase his diaper size this month!!! He seems to be tapering off on growing like crazy. I can't say enough how much of a blessing he is to our lives. It seems like I can never get enough time with him.

Here he is showing how he can get in the crawling positionHere he is with his friends: Finnean Michael and Neva Ann. Mommy got together with her coworkers so Grady could have some playpals on Saturday. It was so much fun! But it looks like Neva was the only one willing to show it!He did not pull himself up here by himself but he is really good at standing on his own when placed in the standing positionGrady is showing off his Grandma Mary's handywork. She made this little "Cubs" outfit for him. Everyone at church thought it was so adorable.He just has the sweetest face. Every month he just keeps getting more precious...how is that possible? I might be bias but he should be the face of gerber!

Balloons!!!

We were able to make it down to Indianola, IA and experience the National Air Balloon Festival. Despite the traffic getting there, it was so fun to see the many differnt balloons and to watch Grady be entertained by the colors and action. Ben and I agreed that someday, we are going to go on a hot air balloon ride. It was a fun adventure for a Saturday family night! Here are some snapshots of the experience...

It was so sweet to watch Grady be captivated by the excitement of the hot air balloons. Here he is clapping with the audience for the recently launched balloons.

There were so many differnt balloons. It was amazing to see them be inflated and then to see them take off. Just seeing one can be a great sight, but to see over 50 all at once in the air was amazing.

Thanks to Daddy's strong arms, Grady was able to take flight with the balloons!

This is a video that I just had to post. It makes me smile and laugh every time I see it. It is amazing how a child's laughter can really brighten your day. I hope all are blessed by this video and are reminded of simple childhood joy.