Utah or Bust!

Christmas morning (and afternoon) at the Ingleby's

We did eventually make it to Utah! We had SUCH a wonderful time. We loved it. We truly enjoyed seeing family and friends and introducing Grant to everyone for the first time and Aaron to some for the first time. We stayed with Mike's sister Ann and her husband Adam. They were such great hosts and we truly appreciated their generosity. It was really fun to spend time with them and their fun, spunky boy Jake. Today Aaron has been saying, "I wanna play with Cousin Jake." Apparently, he misses him. We also enjoyed seeing Mike's brother, cool Uncle David. Now Aaron has two Uncle David's of whom he is very fond.

We saw many dear friends and relatives. We traveled to the home of Traci's parents in Kaysville one evening to see Jon, Kathryn, and their children who drove up from Cedar City. What a fun reunion that was! We also saw all of my mom's siblings, their spouses, and some cousins one afternoon at a lovely dinner at Ed and Marsha's. We also saw the Ambrose family (from Roseburg) and Mike spent a day cross-country skiing and biking with Chad. We also had a fun day at the Henry home in Springville. (Thanks to Greg and Mindy for wonderfully hosting the crowd!) I also saw Stephanie Halliday, Mollie Olorenshaw, and Melody Murdock. We loved every aspect of the trip! Even the flights weren't bad. Grant and Aaron did relatively well. I would say this was one of our best trips yet! We enjoyed the trip very much and are so thankful to all who made it possible -- namely, the Ingleby's for graciously opening their home and the Golding's for offering their sporty SUV to us for the week. We feel very blessed to have good friends and family. We are now optimistically looking forward to a great 2010!

Snowed In

The beginning of our vacation started (and ended) here. We were scheduled to fly to Utah to celebrate the holidays on Saturday, December 19. Due to a massive snowstorm, our flight was canceled and our trip delayed. Fortunately we had decided to drive to my parents' house Friday night so we'd be closer to the airport. We ended up staying there until we flew out on our rescheduled flight day, Monday.

This actually wasn't a bad way to start out the trip. It was like a winter wonderland in Annandale with an accumulated 21 inches of snow. We were so grateful to have a nice warm home to stay in, fully equipped with cable TV, Internet, cozy beds, and plenty of food. Oh how we were grateful to be in a house and not stuck in a hotel room! The only thing that would have made our time there better is if my parents had been there! They had already left for Arizona where they were enjoying 70-degree weather with my sister and her family.

Doesn't my parents' house look lovely!

My father picked us up at the airport when we returned home from our trip, and we stopped off at their house for dinner and headed south after rush-hour(s). Pictures from our trip to follow.

He Wants To Have His Cake And Eat It, Too!

Here is Aaron getting creative with wanting the last morsels of birthday cake (it was our neighbor Marshall's birthday.) I caught Aaron red-handed (with a glove on, no less!) standing on a wastebasket he had gotten and turned upside-down! Pretty resourceful if you ask me! I love the "busted" look on his face. :)

p.s. No, the stove top was not turned on. This is a lesson that we can't leave wanted food by or on the stove!

Thanksgiving at Lake Monticello

The gorgeous view from the house






The grandkids (and my Dad!)

We had so much fun at Thanksgiving this year. We met up with my parents and David, Traci, and Leah near Charlottesville. We spent a nice relaxing weekend at our friends' lake house on Lake Monticello. Gorgeous setting! We spent the weekend talking, relaxing, watching movies, playing games, taking walks, and, of course, eating. We are glad we were able to get away for a bit and enjoy the company of family. Aaron had so much fun riding his bike and playing with trains with his grandparents - it kept him entertained for hours!

Boa Sorte!

Dianne and Wayne with Grant


Dianne and Wayne with Madelyn, Grant, and Aaron

In case you are wondering, the above Portuguese statement translates to "Good luck!" (thanks, Traci!)

We are sad to bid farewell to Wayne and Dianne, Mike's parents. They leave this week for a six-month sabbatical to Curitiba, Brazil. Wayne will temporarily leave the Smithsonian to conduct research at the Federal University of Parana. He received a grant from the National Science Foundation to fulfill the assigment. We wish them the best of luck and hope they enjoy being immersed in a new culture. (Although, not totally new to Wayne as he served his mission in Brazil as a young missionary.)

Wayne and Dianne, we will miss you so much but look forward to seeing you again and hearing about your adventure. I can only imagine that it will be a wonderful experience. We hope you have a great journey! Safe travels!!

Grant's Six-Month Stats

Height: 27 1/4 inches ~ 75th percentile
Weight: 20 pounds, 4.2 ounces ~ 90th percentile
Head circumference: 27 44.3 cm ~ 75th percentile

Grant is still growing like a weed! He is attempting to crawl, loves to do yoga moves, and loves to blow "raspberries." I have never seen a baby so smiley. He is a happy little guy and keeps us smiling - even when we want to cry! :)

p.s. In response to my friend Laura's comment, yes ... pretty much time for a new car seat for Grant! As our friend Brian put it, he "overfloweth" in his car seat. :)

New Year, New Me

I am a New Year's resolutions girl. When I make a New Year's resolution, I take it pretty seriously (see here); therefore, putting it in writing means I am really going to hold myself to it. Do I really want to do this??? Okay, here goes. In an effort to be healthier, and mostly to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes (that I really like), my resolution is to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day three days a week. This can include walking, running, or any other form of aerobic activity. Wow, can you imagine if I accomplished this goal? That would be so cool. I was seriously considering a four day a week challenge, but let's be realistic. :)

The year challenge will be called "New Year, New Me." I WILL REPORT BACK AT THE END OF 2010!!! I will post "before" and "after" pics, and there had better be a difference to be seen!! :) I may also report in periodically to keep you informed of my progress. I am hoping that this next year's challenge will be lifelong habit-forming.

So what is your New Year's resolution or challenge? Warning: If you tell me, I may hold you accountable. :-) Just kidding. Seriously, please do share any goals, dreams, or aspirations you have for the new year! ...And wish me luck in mine! :)

p.s. Mike's New Year's resolution is to (and I quote) "lose weight and get in shape." He is in awesome shape - I don't know what he's talking about!

Little Photo Shoot of the Boys!

It was so fun doing this little photo shoot. I don't profess to be a good photographer, but you get the idea. :) Just trying to document the boys in these early years. Grant is growing like a weed, and Aaron is talking up a storm. It was fun to see how the shoot progressed ...

Our Little Monster and Duck

{Double-click to enlarge collage}

We had so much fun getting the kids dressed up and ready to embrace Halloween night. This was Aaron's third Halloween (though his first to go trick-or-treating), and Grant's first. Mike and our neighbor, Jon, pulled Aaron and Jon's son J.T. around the neighborhood in a wagon. Aaron scored quite a bit of candy! Mike said Aaron didn't quite understand what was going on; he was just along for the ride. Probably better that way! :)

Our neighbor, Lisa, and I stayed behind with the younger boys to distribute candy. We sat outside at their house with our bowls of candy and enjoyed the beautiful, not-so creepy evening.

Success!

Last night was MUCH better. Both boys slept all night - until 7:30 this morning even! I must say a wonderful night's sleep was had by all! Hopefully nights like this will now be the norm, not the exception! ;)

Someday My Sleep Will Come :)

My sister-in-law Traci inspired me with her past post about letting her daughter "cry it out". I thought, "I can do that when the time comes!" Well, the time has come. Grant had been waking up twice a night which, in my opinion for someone of his size and age, is not necessary.

The pediatrician dually inspired me at Aaron's two-year checkup this week. He said to just let Grant "cry it out." He said, really, he can go eight or even ten hours without eating. He said I could go in and say something to assure Grant that he's safe, but not to pick him up and feed him. Soooo, two nights ago I endured his 1 hour and 40 minute crying episode. I went in a few times to get him "unstuck" from what looked to be very uncomfortable positions (a couple times he had his pudgy little arm stuck between the crib rails.) Eventually he did fall asleep and woke up again at about 5:30 a.m., at which time I fed him.

Last night was more encouraging. He woke up at his usual 2 a.m. time, but this time he only cried for a half-hour or so, and then he went back to bed until around 7 a.m.! I fed him and put him back to sleep, and he's still in la-la land! (It's a little past 9 a.m.)

I'm really hoping he will start sleeping longer stretches consistently. There is just no need for him to be waking up to eat in the middle of the night!

Aaron is also doing better in his toddler bed. Two nights ago (with Grant's long crying fit) was particularly bad because I had to repeatedly put Aaron back in his bed several times. Last night was better. Aaron woke up crying once but fell back asleep within minutes and didn't wake up until past 8 a.m.

So the future is looking bright ... and sleepful!

Results of Aaron's Two-Year Checkup

Weight: 30.15 pounds ~ 75th percentile
Height: 35.6 inches ~ 75th percentile
Head circumference: 49 cm ~ 50th percentile

Happy, healthy, growing boy. Couldn't ask for more!

The Grass Is Always Greener ...

... when you follow the appropriate steps!





We have a man with a green thumb on our hands! We are excited about the improvement of our lawn. The yard was in dire shape when we first moved in. We were told by neighbors that it had been neglected for years. We were also told it takes about three years to turn a yard around. But that didn't discourage Mike. He went to work this fall seeding, aerating, and watering. And boy is our lawn a beauty now! I think it looks a lot nicer than it used to! There are still a few problem areas that we will tackle next fall, but overall it looks great.

Mike and I used to cringe every time we pulled in the driveway because the yard looked so bad. We're so glad all of his hard work has paid off. The grass grew in nice and thick, and it's a beautiful vibrant green. (Wish I had a 'before' picture to share.) As for the backyard, well, that's a different story! That will be our focus next year!

So who says it takes three years to turn a yard around? Try three months! Mike did an awesome job. Yes, he is available for hire ... ;)

p.s. We got a new front door too :)

Our Boys!

Aren't our boys fun! We love Aaron and Grant so much. Aaron is constantly hugging his little brother (and sitting on him - we're working on that.) I'm sure Aaron can't wait until they can play together one day. They keep me laughing everyday. Thank goodness - we can all use some comic relief to our sometimes crazy, tiring, and stressful days.



Lastly, here's a picture of Aaron riding the Skuut - a cool, pedal-less bike he got for his birthday. The bike is designed to help children learn balance, steering, and coordination without the pedaling getting in the way. It's supposed to eliminate the need for a bike with training wheels. Aaron has gotten really good at gliding, and he seems to be comfortable riding it. His Daddy is definitely grooming him to be a cyclist. Start 'em young, right?

Oregon

Here are some pics from our wonderful time in Oregon. The flight to Oregon was ... interesting. The flight home was a little less dramatic since Aaron actually got a seat on both flights (they were less crowded.) We were happy to go and see so many of our dear friends. We had so much fun and are grateful we were able to celebrate Aaron's second birthday with the same friends who were there when he was born. We had a great reunion! We are grateful to the Schreiner's for their generosity and love and for making our trip possible!

Little (Big) Grant's Stats

Grant had his four-month checkup today. Here are his stats:

Weight: 18.6 pounds ~ 95th percentile
Height: 26 1/4 inches ~ 75th-90th percentile
Head: 42.4 cm ~ 50th percentile

I mentioned to the pediatrician that Aaron is a good big brother, other than the occasional sitting on top of Grant. The doctor said that Aaron's probably just trying to get his fill - that if Grant continues this pattern of growth that Aaron will want to be as polite as possible to Grant. :)

We've got a big boy on our hands! :)

Sweet Little Aaron! Fun little Grant!

These little stories are not to brag, but merely to record cute anecdotes about our sons for our own remembrance, and also so family and friends can get a glimpse into their personalities.

Today we witnessed Aaron's sweetness and thoughtfulness shine through. The four of us were hanging out in the family room, and I was talking about putting Grant on the floor - but I didn't mention anything about a blanket. Without being asked, Aaron ran into another room to collect a blanket. He brought it back into the family room and spread it out (with Dad's help) on the floor. Then he pointed to the blanket and said, "Baby, baby!" He brought the blanket back so Grant could hang out on the floor with him! Isn't that sweet?

Grant is quite the happy little guy himself. He is giggling and smiling a lot. He loves any form of attention. Today he rolled from his back to his stomach and back to his back a couple of times. I think he desperately wants to crawl to catch up with his big bro. All in good time, right?

p.s. Will post pics soon!

The Weekend, Continued

We had a wonderful time with family and friends over the weekend. (The fun of watching TV was only a small part of the experience.) :) On Friday night we met up with Mike's parents and their house guest to celebrate Mike's birthday. We dined at Outback Steakhouse - yummy! We had a really nice time. Then the next day a friend and I went to Potomac Mills to shop, and Dianne (Mike's Mom) and Aaron enjoyed a day at the fair. Mike's birthday celebration continued that night with some delicious cake and ice cream with Mike's parents; Nick, Martha, and Madelyn; and Nick, Amy, Alison, and Andrew.


Fun at Outback Steakhouse




Mike turning a year older (and better)...

Sunday we went to Annandale to stay with my parents. David, Traci, and Leah were there and the kids had fun playing with the toy train. The next day they experienced the real thing at Burke Lake. We headed out there so Aaron and Leah could ride the train. Aaron rode once with my parents and once with me. So fun! The boys and I stayed a few days with my parents while Mike and his friend Nick headed on a backpacking trip.

All in all, a wonderful, fun weekend. We are so glad we could spend time with both sides of the family. Thanks so much to the Stathis' and the Mathis' for hosting all of us. We appreciate how kind and helpful everyone is with the children. Oh how we love living near family! We love them all so much. Thanks again!

Aaron giving his cousin love (picture grabbed from Traci's blog)



Fun on the train ride

Babies Go Back to School

One of Mike's former PT instructors asked if we'd bring the kids in so her students could observe them & guess their ages based on their motor skills. Some of our friends were also asked to bring their babies in for "evaluation." It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed being in academia again. I could say it even reinforced my love of learning!

The boys did great for the crowd! And, as you can see, Aaron has taken Grant under his wing!

Mike's New Toy

Now he feels like a real man! He can't have a truck...so he's settling for a ride-on lawn mower/leaf collector. This piece of equipment will actually serve us well this fall when our abundance of trees shed their many leaves. This will save us many-a-hour of raking and bagging leaves. Maybe now yard work won't seem like such a chore... Have fun Mike! :)

Somebody Loves Bath Time!

About time Grant gets a post of his own! Here he is enjoying his bath.



I've never seen him so happy! Those colicky days are over!





All clean!



Looks like those blue eyes are here to stay. Yay! Some diversity in the family!

What's Your Design Style?

I'm posting this for my sister who recently moved into a beautiful, brand-new home in Arizona. I thought this Ethan Allen quiz would be helpful as she's been trying to find a design style that suits her and her family. I can see how it would be fun, yet overwhelming to have a blank canvas to work with!

I took the quiz myself, and my styles are loft and estate. Here are descriptions. I think I'm definitely a combo!

Loft

The verdict is in—your style is Loft. Loft is energetic. Fashion-driven. Practical. Materials borrowed from industry, architecture, and nature. Clean shapes. Punches of color. Spontaneous and fresh. Kids and pets? Bring them on.

Estate

Estate is an eternal American summer. Sporty. Charming. Breezy yet cultivated. A union of antique inspiration and geometric clarity. Civilization in peaceful coexistence with robust outdoor life. In the main house or the guest cottage, effortless elegance.

Here's another style quiz, a good one.

We're Back In Business!

Mike figured out a way to upload picts onto the laptop, so buying another computer suddenly doesn't seem so high-priority.



Baby Grant is doing so well! He has a much happier disposition; he's gleeful at the sight of anyone laughing or smiling. He had his first giggle yesterday. So sweet! He's doing so great. We're so happy he's in our family!



Aaron tends to sleep with four or five stuffed animals a night (don't worry; we remove most of them after he falls asleep.) We decided to add baby Grant to the mix.





Aaron accompanied Mike on a Cub Scout activity (Mike's a Cub Scout leader for the troop at our church.) Here Aaron is all decked out in his Scouting cap. They had a lot of fun and even went out for ice cream at Mickey D's afterward. Father-son bonding at its best!

p.s. You can get a glimpse of our blue dining room in the background. We went with a light shade of blue on top of the chair rail and a darker shade on the bottom to coordinate with the adjoining blue/chocolate brown living room. It turned out really nice! Thanks, Dad, for doing a great job painting. Blue supposedly suppresses the appetite, but we haven't found that to be the case so far!

Oh! And the chandelier used to be a tacky gold, but a friend and her mom spray painted it silver for us, and then I found some cute shades online. Total transformation! Love the silver with the blue walls, much more contemporary.