ears

First, in the midst of Grant's ear infections I didn't report his one year stats, 18 lbs 8 oz and 30 in in length! Still long and lean, a chip off the old block :)

Ever since our return from California we've had a battle with Grant's ears. Much has happened since his first double ear infection was diagnosed the day after his first birthday, he was then given a clean bill of health at his "re-check" appointment a week and a half later. It was during this appointment he was given his one year shots as well.

A couple of days later, Memorial Day, he was under the weather again so one more trip to urgent care we discovered the ear infections were back. This time they tried stronger antibiotics only to have him throw it all up that night so, the next day we were back at the pediatrician for different drugs, ear drops and some crazy antibiotic shots to get him over the hump to recovery for our flights the very next day to Iowa!!

Praise God he flew like a champ and seems to be 100% healed, the doc will hopefully confirm our own diagnosis at tomorrow's appointment! Hopefully there will be nothing else to report...other than maybe he's gained some weight so we'll be able to turn his car seat around one of these days! Ha!

Iowa photos & fun to come....
Xoxo,
Abby

puddle

I did some watering of the flowers & plants this morning and Grant walked right over and sat in the puddle of water left behind....little turkey :)

sleeping

I just walked in to check on Grant and this is what I found....I will never know how he can sleep in such strange and awkward positions!

Party!

We had a beautiful and very fun weekend together with family & friends. We had a small birthday party for Grant on Saturday with Frank's family and a few friends over to help celebrate. The weather was gorgeous and we spent the entire day outside playing in the water and sunshine. Yesterday we did more of the same with a walk through the park with friends and dinner outside on the grill, I LOVE this weather! What a difference 20+ extra degrees and sunshine can make!

Lastly, I have gotten out of the habit, since traveling, of posting the 31 biblical virtues to pray for your kids so, here is #13: Purity.

"Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Ps. 51:10).

Genes

So, I was flipping through my baby book last week and came upon a Polaroid (yes, this dates me!) of me at my first birthday party with a cupcake and a #1 on top...just like what we had for Grant on Saturday. When I showed this to Frank all he could say was.....WOW, that could be our son! What do you think?!

Love,

Abby

Happy Birthday Bud....and Happy Mother's Day!

It is hard to believe that an entire year has passed since our little Grant was born, impossible I would argue!! I can remember Frank taking my picture the afternoon of May 9, when I got home from work, and having no clue that the very next day we would be in the hospital welcoming our son into this world.

I know it is true that God works in mysterious ways but the gift of a child is one of His most true and perfect gifts and I am thankful each and every day that He chose to bless us with a beautiful baby boy on May 10, 2008. A friend told me, "There is no great joy Abby, I promise you, no greater joy." What a miracle and blessing this joy has been!

A quick photo at church

A little yard work and messing around in the backyard yesterday!

California

We had a wonderful trip to California to see Frank's Grandparents this past week. Grant got to meet his Great-Granddad and Great-Grandmother for the first time and we celebrated 2 birthdays! First was Great-Granddad's 89th Birthday on cinco de mayo and then we celebrated a little early for Grant's first birthday with everyone.

Among the birthday parties we were able to enjoy a day at Disneyland, walks along the beach, playing in the sand, visiting with my dear friend Kate and her handsome little guy Daniel, and many hours out on the deck watching the ocean waves crash....ohhhh to live on the beach?!! We were able to relax and absorb some much needed vitamin D that we're missing here at home this time of year!

Grant was a champ and traveled well, however, since our arrival home he's gotten sick and is miserable! Yesterday we enjoyed a few special treats for Grant's first birthday and celebrating Mother's Day together, just the three of us. Last night, unfortunately, Grant suddenly became unconsolable and was up most of the night. Our trip to the pediatrician this afternoon proved he has a horrible double ear infection...the antibiotics are just being started....sigh! Tomorrow afternoon is his scheduled "one year" appointment so I'm sure we'll have an update on how he's doing after that.

Here are a few photos from all of our fun in California.

Love,

Abby

Grant with his first ice cream birthday cake, he loved it!

My dear friend Kate with her adorable little man, Daniel!

My handsome guys out on the deck before we headed to dinner one evening.



We think Dumbo was one of Grant's favorite rides!