Bath buds

Dinosaur Crossing

Ever since little Ezra Herzog and his Family spent a weekend with us this past winter, David can be found running up and down the hallway saying "Super Coming!" This activity was inspired by caped Super Ezra who lead the way up and down our long hallway proclaiming, 'Super Heros Coming!' Which was exactly right, because both he and David were coming with gusto and capes.

Today, and actually most days, David has been notifying everyone that 'Dinosaur Coming!' Sometimes there's a dinosaur in his hand, sometimes, he's letting us know that a Dinosaur will be coming through the back door or front entry. Subsequently, our apartment must be a high-traffic dinosaur crossing and I think I should probably put up a sign for the moments David isn't on guard to notify.

On another note, the dinosaur population at 6511 has been expanding thanks to recent arrival of a few ex patriots from 1233 Arthur. Kira had originally filled her Christmas tree with these dinosaur folks, and since January we've been seeing more and more migrate our way. David is definitely thrilled about this development and hopes the living conditions continue to be inadequate for the remaining dinosaurs at 1233.

David

The entertainer! The drama king! Boodie! D! David.

David is growing steadily out of this 18 month (yes, he's 30+ months) clothing and passing them right down to Judah. He's filling out his size 7 shoes and using the words 'thank you!' and 'please?!' more and more. His language in general is most developed around subjects that he loves like fruit snacks, Harper's house, bath time and fish, and Judah's behaviors and needs. Oh and 'Moomies!' David can't get enough of movies these days. After pregnancy and newborn time with Judah, I bent all rules of movie watching to give myself a break and therefore David is well versed in the lives of Big-bird & Elmo, Gullah-gullah, Pokoyo, Little Bear, Kipper, Wonder Pets, Nemo, Princess Aurora, Lady & the Tramp, Horton, the Lorax and of coarse Super Why. Wow that is a long list.

David is well know for his emotional responses to all of life. He's a big hugger and kisser and at the same time will plop on the floor in immense hurt when told he just can't do something. He sings at the top of his lungs songs from Sunday school and movies and gives us a big thrill when he sings hits from The Welcome Wagon. When left alone, I often catch him leading a 'circle time' with either his animal figurines or just Judah. He'll incorporate tambourine and lead worship time singing, 'Jesus loves me...' or 'Dinosaur big!' (My God is so big is the actual song). So we're aware that his understanding of Christ is similar to his understanding of Dinosaurs, and we'll be working on trying to clarify that via Jesus Storybook Bible in the coming years.

With David, I've always looked forward. Infancy was so tearful for him, I remember looking forward to nap times and bed times. Then when he'd sleep, Tripp and I would talk about how cute he is and what neat things he was doing. We'd savor his little person whenever we got breaks from comforting or entertaining his little sensitive spirit. I have really looked forward to this stage of expression and thoughtfulness taking shape. He is becoming more and more of a joy to be around and watch. He plays so intensely with his animal figurines, it brings back memories of my 12+ years with Barbie. As usual we have to help David keep balance with boundaries, especially when they involve play hammers and Judah. It's just that right about now, I'm feeling ready to freeze time. To slow the clock and keep him how he is. Then again... it is nap time. Oh, but how loveable this wild man is...

Lets go to the Shedd

My generous and aquarium-loving dad got us a family membership to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Two adults and two kids are admitted free as our guests - so come on!!


A history of fish if you have a moment...

Before I could tell you about different animals at the zoo, I knew a 'placo' from an 'oscar.' In our childhood basement playroom, my dad built a 90+ gallon fish tank into a wall display, and come to think that was actually our family's second. The first fish tank of my life was featured in our living room. While dad was finishing our basement, my mom suggested the fish be permantly relocated. They took center stage in our playroom. The star was placo, the placostamous (sp?), or otherwise known as a 'bottom sucker fish'. Dad loved that catfish-looking guy.

When we moved 1 mile south in 1994, the playroom fish tank didn't make the trip. However! My brother and I were maturing and it was time for dad to outfit our bedrooms with proper tanks. Let me just say, I had my very own pets spanning angel fish to hermit crabs to hamsters. My brother maintained, with dad's practically professional help, a 90+ gallon tank of large (I mean bigger than your hands they were so huge) oscars and other friends/food. That wasn't the only tank in his room, though it was so grand the stand had to be placed on the strongest part of the floor. He had frogs, toads, snakes etc. all at different times.

Dad was always quick to make dreams of tank-pets come true. He was a dreamer right along with us kids, and still is. Dad's been eager to take David to the Shedd since before he could walk. Just last week he called to let us know he'd purchased a membership for our family and friends. We strategically went this past Friday to test out the arrival/departure logistics and exhibits. Our first stop was the dolphin show.  The sight of David sitting on Dad's lap, pointing at fins popping up out of the water saying, 'WOW COOL!' warmed my heart in a deep way. Dad's childhood was nothing near as safe and full as he made ours to be. It's a wonder he stepped into his Dad Shoes as fearlessly and joyously as he did. Dad's generosity and his overflow of love for us, and now his grand-kids, comes only from his secure and unfailling relationship with Jesus Christ.

When I think of my dad, I often think of 1 John 3:1 - how great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God and that is what we are. The way my dad has sacrificially lavished on me points me to a deep and painfully grateful understanding of God the Father.

On a final note, my dad's nostalgia for fish tanks began as a child as well. We called his father 'Papa Junkin' because of all the amazing junk in his basement. Imagine hours and hours of entertaining hunts through mazes of antique and collected junk. When we cleaned my Grandpa Junkin's basement out years ago, there were many, many tanks. Dad did mention on Friday that he remembered visiting the Shedd when it was just the main large aquarium. The history of fish then must have begun a long, long time ago. So, I guess it's a history of love between son, father, grandfather, and now grandson. And God the Father has had his mighty hand on us all.

Target Tea Time

I took David and Judah to Target today with a mission to get cleaning supplies for the RPCC nursery. The need is immediate - imagine babies crawling around on a middle school classroom floor... right. I normally loose motivation for these kind of trips unless I can think of some reward for being overwhelmed-by-shopping-with-kids. Today, I had the goal of concluding our trip with tea (coffee really) time at Starbucks with my gift card afterwards. (Thank you to those who have paid for my design services in starbucks cards!) We survived this trip without any injuries or meltdowns so I rewarded David and I with coffee cake. It was very sweet to share this time with the guys.

still working on being happy about sharing

Judah was OUT on in the car by the time we got home, poor guy just about never
gets to finish a nap without being woken up by David

Big bath boy

I'm sitting here with D during a major high-water bath time and feeling nostalgic about this familiar and changing scene. Just yesterday I was thinking about how David will almost be 3 and Judah 1 by the 4th of July this year. We're planning a trip to see family and friends in Nashville then. So many things, including the faces and skills of our boys, will be changed by then. Baby Olyvia Joy will be about 5 months old and making her mommy smile with hers. Seale, Cayte's sister will be anxiously awaiting the delivery of her first baby. Clare Weaver will no longer be a weaver but a Hendershot. Clair Lee will know the gender of her second baby, entering the world just a month from then. A dear friend I love but hate to see suffer will be refined and renewed. I won't be pregnant or caring for a breastfeed baby. And I will have finally experienced the cuteness of my little niece Aubrey as well as the grown-up & tested patience of my little sister, her mother.

I'm eager to cherish a one year old who drinks milk from a sippy cup and a 3 year old who sleeps in a race car twin bed. But thankfully till then, I can enjoy the littleness of now, during a whole lotta bath times. Oh darn, we don't bathe very much around here. Well then, I'll have to engage my cherishing during bed time reading and singing.

Baby Language 2012

As 2012 nears an end, I'm wishing so much that I would have written down all the amusing phrases David's said as he's learned to talk. I'm going to try to keep adding to this post but thinking back, I can recall...

Mr.D

"koo-koo" = cookie

"La-lo" = water

"I i you" = I love you

"DOW, DOW, DOW (pause for breath) I DOWN" = get me out of my crib now

"dicka dicka NO no, dicka no no"

"Wow, cool!"

"AH-na" = Monelle

"Ah-NA" in a stern tone = Leona

"Oh no... Ees sad" = Judah is crying

"Oh!... was sa sown?.... hmmmm" = Oh, what's that sound, hm let me think about it.

"Ees mommy" = pointing to the Botticelli in the bathroom
(I loved to hear this of coarse.)

"I some?!" = I want to eat what you have there

"I know you..." = Sleeping Beauty and must be sung

"Mimi & Papa" = my mom & dad

"Mimi & Pee-ah G" = Tripp's dad & Lynn (You guys, I am hoping this grandpa changes to the correct word soon. Until then, Mr.Grant, David would like to call you pee-ah).

"Ah-mama" = Grandmama Grant

"Ah Kay Kay" = Aunt Cayte

"Dja key" with a BIG smile = Uncle Jacky

"Gace" = cousin Grace

"sah-ee mama" = Sorry mama

Mr.J-Bugs

"....." = silence and smiling

Judah generally tries to talk by either keeping his lips closed and mumbling, saying 'oo' or yelling out like a sea lion. He is an overall quiet guy except when it's time to sleep and things aren't right. Glory to God for the balance this boy provides to our already very LOUD home.

December Dudes

In December 2010, I took a couple pictures of David in our white chair. This year, I came upon that same long sleeve shirt (from Cayte?!) with the 'RAV' on it and thought to recreate the scene for Judah. I give you December Dudes, exactly 2 years apart.

When I first sat Judah down in the chair, David of coarse jumped right up for the photo shoot.
He had to be rerouted with an ornament hanging task.

Unfortunately, the white chair's slip cover is no longer, so I had to take J's pics in the rocking chair covered with a white blanket. I though it wouldn't matter, but I think between the different chair and different lighting... they're maybe more different than I thought. Going to try this again!

David & His Choo-Choo Trains Photoshoot

Today was gloriously sunny and not too bitterly cold, so David had a photo shoot with his choo-choo trains. Thank you so much to Mimi & Grandpa G. for these beloved buddies of David's. He's just recently gotten into watching the Thomas movies, so now the trains go where D goes.

On a comical note, every time we exit the van and venture up the back stairs, David looks for something, ANYTHING to delay. I've started to bribe him with promises of movies and snacks once we are home. They work sometimes, but more often it's a battle. Recently, David has taken to counting, so we enthusiastically count each step up to the front door. Now, for David it's a thrill. For myself, it's a major practice in patience as I have arms full of Judah's infant carrier, diaper bag, something else and D's hand to steady him. I've asked for prayer for this very scenario and I feel like possibly the counting is God's grace for both of us.

David's 2nd Birthday!

David turned 2 years old on Tuesday, July 31st! We had ice cream cake with my parents on Sunday afternoon and opened presents from them. David got a puzzle and a little people cars and ramps set as well as an awesome 'I'm 2!' T-shirt that came as a card. Then Tuesday, we gave David our present, a LittleLife turtle back pack (so cool) with an Elmo loofah (a desperate attempt at Dominicks to increase the gift amount from us). Tuesday evening, we got to Skype with Mimi and Grandpa G while David opened presents their much enjoyed gifts; Thomas train tracks & bridge, Thomas train, Percy train & cargo, a very rockin' sleeveless t-shirt and super cool striped shirt as well as a sporty and more dressy short. I think that names them all! I am sure as the years go by we'll find this list helpful.

I've included videos from both evenings, my voice is absolutely obnoxious, so feel free to mute to enjoy David's cuteness!

IMG 2208 from Laura Grant on Vimeo.

IMG 2242 from Laura Grant on Vimeo.

35 weeks, woohoo!

Today marks the 35th week of Judah's pregnancy and I'm feeling much more at peace with a possible 4-6 weeks ahead. Discussing a 39 week induction with my OB this Monday, which would seal the deal at 4 weeks. In the final days before David was born, I rang in a total weight gain of 37 lbs. for Judah, we've surpassed that and I'm still going strong!

To capture life before 2 children, I wanted to record the routine events of this morning. Waking up at 6:30, it was the 'summer' sun that stirred all 3 of us today. I heard a soft 'hi' come from David's room and responded with an winded hop up from the bed and to the freezer to heat up blueberry pancakes. Our fridge is almost empty due to end of week meal completion. Thank God for Dad buying tons of blueberries two weeks ago that contributed to plentiful packs of blueberry pancakes to freeze!

Tripp woke up while I prepped breakfast (not for him of coarse, he despises blueberries!) and came in for morning hugs. To which I said, "you know what would make me feel loved right now... If you got David up and changed his diaper." Opening David's door, he was greeted with a smile and the proclamation, "poopoo! I down!" I carried on in the kitchen and made coffee.

Before Tripp left and gave big hugs to David, I asked him to take a belly photo for my Auntie Cheryle. That's the photo here that I brightened and desaturated on my photoshop app so as to not look like a pink morning monster. I sent it on to my aunt with an explanation for the black and white appearance, knowing she'd prefer to see myself as I naturally, beautifully am. Oh family. In these last mega days, I'll do just about anything to retain some glamor!

Glory to God for His gracious outpour of mercy on our Grant family. I'm quietly sitting in our playroom writing while David watches his morning movie that happens to be Wallace & Grommet. These quiet predictable mornings are numbered. Pretty soon I'll be waking winded by exhaustion, recovery from birth and the burden of constant breastfeeding. Oh times are changing!

Pool fun with Jana

It's not quite summer, but as a sun-loving-Chicagoan it's never to early to crank out the baby pools! This morning, David and I borrowed the car to drive over to Norma's in Lincoln Park for some quality deck pool time with Jana. It's very sweet to see David taking on Jana as a big girl since she's just turned 1 this past May 31st. One year ago, we could all only have hoped for a day like this!

Success!

Good Morning Breakfast

This morning we all woke up early to glorious sunshine. I took the opportunity to make a healthy and fancy toddler breakfast for David. I was given an 'Organic Baby & Toddler Cookbook' at my baby shower 2 years ago (I cannot believe it!) and I've tried a few recipes, but for some reason none have been successful with David. This morning was no exception, after stewing a glorious 'Apple & Orange Breakfast', I got a big head shake and 'No' from D. After smashing a little on his lips, he gave up on breakfast all together. I had even saved a little of my homemade 'healthy chocolate milk shake' from the night before that I tried to give him, same reaction... So, we went to the park and ate goldfish.

Here are those unsuccessful recipes:
Apple & Orange Breakfast

1/2 c. Orange Juice (the healthier and fancier supposedly the better)
Handfull of oats
1 peeled apple chopped
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (or cottage cheese)
Any other healthy bits (I like sliced almonds because they're protein and cook nicely with oatmeal)

In a saucepan, combine the orange juice and oats and simmer about 5 min. Add the apple and simmer another 5ish minutes. Remove from heat, dump in a bowl and add yogurt and other healthy bits. Serve and pray your kiddo has some class for fancy breakfast.

I'm pretty sure this could be made in a microwave as well and might make a better dessert than breakfast, it's QUITE sweet.

Healthy Chocolate Milk Shake
I have to give credit to my mom, she first gave me this idea.

1-2 bananas
1 tbsp cocoa powder
about 1 c. milk (or maybe more, I just eyeballed it)
splash of leftover coffee (because why not?!)

Chill bananas in freezer for between 10 and 30 minutes so they don't actually freeze. Combine all ingredients in a powerful blender and taste. Depending on how big your bananas are, or how much milk you thought to add, you may need to adjust cocoa content.

David vs. Dino Bones

The Chicago Children's Museum is a glorious land of pretend for children of all ages. Even David got to do one of his favorite things - sweep.

Adventures with Harper

David has been lucky to have his little friend, Harper, to go on adventures with! The other day, we got to hang out with Harper on David's turf and they are absorbed in activity!