Catching up on the Cantrill's

Events leading up to Sarah's Birthday

2009-10-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

As most people know I am a planner. I make plans to make plans. Nothing was different when it came to having Sarah. We (okay I) planned months before we got pregnant and when we did get pregnant immediately tried to plan her birthday. You would think I learned my lesson when Grant was born. (He came two weeks early due to my having high blood pressure.) The plan was for me to go back to work for eight days. I would then take Thursday off and have Sarah on Friday. I figured a Summer of rest would keep my blood pressure down. We also planned for Grant to start back to preschool and be settled in before Sarah made her debut. Sounds great, right?

The first change came in the form of Grant going to the beach with Mimi the first week I was to go back to work. I was sad to have him gone for a week, but also did not want to deny him the chance to spend that time with Mimi. Plus he had never been to the beach. I did not realize how helpful it was going to be for him to be gone and taken care of.

I went to work on Monday and Tuesday as planned. I knew my blood pressure was up because my feet were so swollen. I had cankles...not ankles or calves...cankles! Putting my feet up in my meetings did not help. I had a Doctor's appointment after work on Tuesday. I had the nurse at school check my blood pressure before I left...150/90!! Not good! It was even higher when I got to the doctor's office! Dr. Garner sent me to Labor and Delivery to be monitored. If my bp did not get better we were either having a baby that night or I was going to be put on hospital bed rest. Thankfully it went down the longer I rested. I was sent home and put on house arrest.

House arrest meant no more work for me! ACK! The planner in me was FREAKING out because I did not have everything ready for my Sub. I thought I had another week to get everything done! Luckily I had gotten the meat of the planning done. I only had what I considered the "icing on the cake" left. I just made lists for her on what was left.

I spent the next two days in bed. Sounds wonderful, but being nine months pregnant was not really comfortable. I watched a lot of movies and read baby books. Looking back I wish I had enjoyed it more! :-) On Friday (my birthday), I went to the Dr. for a blood pressure check. It was still a little high, but not enough to deliver. I was kept on bed rest through the weekend. (I did get to go to Grant's Meet the teacher night AND go out to dinner!)

The following Monday I had another blood pressure check. My bp was in the normal range for me, so I was kept on modified bed rest until our scheduled c-section that Friday. Of course I spent half a day at school trying to get some of that to-do list done. I also enjoyed taking/picking up Grant from school because I knew it would be awhile before I could do so. On Thursday I surprised him by picking him up before lunch. Mimi and I took him to La Ha for lunch and then shopping for some last minute baby stuff. I then took him to a pottery place to have one last Mommy and Grant outing. It was great to have that because I was so emotional that whole day!

That night my Mom came to spend the night. We went out for dinner and tried to get to bed early. I even took a sleeping pill, but still could not sleep! I am going to stop the story here to share pictures from the two weeks before Sarah's birth. I will pick up the story on the next entry!

Grant's first day of preschool. He is now in the Pre-K class...or butterflies!

Here he is at school. What a sweet boy!

Riding the pony at La Ha on our lunch date the day before Sarah was born.

Painting his hot rod at the pottery place.

He is so proud of the hot rod! It now sits on the night stand next to his bed.

Having dinner the night before Sarah's birthday. Grant was excited...not to sure about Brad!

Grant and Grandma at dinner. I KNOW she was excited the day was finally here!!

I'm not sure what the box is below....I guess I should call it a night when I start getting mystery boxes! LOL

My Parent's 40th Wedding Anniversary

2009-10-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 29th. We celebrated after my shower since I was scheduled to have Sarah on August 28th. We took them to III Forks for dinner. Claudie, Mike and Cheryl also joined us to celebrate. Happy 40th Mom and Dad!!

Baby Shower, August 15th

2009-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

My wonderful Sister-in-law, Michelle hosted a baby shower for me on August 15th. She (and her best friends Lindsay and Sherri) did such a fantastic job! The decorations were beautiful, the food yummy, and it was a lot of fun too!! I got so many cute things for Sarah. I am not sure how I am going to be able to dress her in everything! Thank you Michelle for such a great day!

A baby shower is not complete without the Grandparents to be! Here is Grandma, Aunt Michelle, me, and Mimi.

I wish I had taken more pictures of the decorations. I did take one of the diaper cake (once I got home). I need to steal some pictures from Ray's Facebook page!

We played a game were everyone guessed how much toilet tissue it would take to go around my (huge) belly. I think it ended up being 25 1/2 sheets. Claudie and Cheryl were both right on with their guesses! Here is Claudie trying hers out.

I think my Mother thought I was carrying twins by the look of the extra sheets left over. LOL

I got so many great gifts. My Mom's good friend Sallie made Sarah a ballerina quilt. It is SOOO cute. She also made Grant a Mickey quilt. He LOVES it!

Speaking of Grant....he was such a great helper!! Man can he open presents! :-)

My Mom made me one of my favorite gifts...a baby blanket. She could not find a pattern that had hearts (my favorite), so she designed one herself. Look closely and you can see the heart pattern.

Update

2009-10-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I cannot believe Baby Sarah is already SEVEN weeks old! I am going to update my blog today with events that have happened between Becca's wedding on August 8th through today. I am hoping to get it all done, but that will depend on Sarah staying asleep! LOL!

Becca's wedding in Tulsa

2009-08-16T15:29:00.001-07:00

The weekend of August 8th Brad's cousin Becca got married in Tulsa. Grant was one of the ring bearers. Grant, Mimi, Aunt Paula, and I went up Thursday evening. Brad, Grandpa, and Uncle Chris joined us the next day.

Here is Grant and Mimi at the rehearsal dinner. Can you tell he loves his Mimi?

Grant waited patiently to practice his big entrance.

The time finally arrived!

Here he is with the other ring bearer, Jett. They were so cute together!!

Once the big entrance was over Grant found the rest of the rehearsal less than fun!

The day of the wedding poor Grant had to be dressed in his Tux by 10:30...the wedding was at 1:30. Here is what he looked like around 12:30. I guess you could say he was ready to get the show on the road! A little chocolate helped boost his spirits!

My family before the wedding. I like that the brown dress hid my huge belly!!

Grant did such a great job during the wedding. He made it standing up for half of the wedding before he realized his flower had broken off and then decided to bring it to me! Embarrasing, but super cute too! He spent the rest of the ceremony in the Mother of the Bride's lap. Here he is after the ceremony. What a ham!!

Grant with the bride and the other girls in the wedding party. He liked the picture part (for the most part).

At the reception Grant danced it up with whoever would join him. Here is with Daddy.

Now he is dancing with Uncle Chris. I think he was enjoying himself!

Grant also danced with the bride, but it is hard to see him.

Brad and I went to dance the "married" people dance. Grant decided he had to join us!

More dancing with Daddy and Aunt Paula.

Dancing with Mimi.

Look at the handsome bachelors.... Grant and Uncle Chris.

After the wedding Uncle Chris took Grant swimming.

Uncle Chris is such a great Uncle!!

He even tossed him around like Daddy!

Later that night we went to dinner. Here is Grant texting Uncle Chris to hurry up so we could go to dinner.

The next morning Grant was exhausted! We went to breakfast before heading out. Grant was not ready to wake-up and smell the bacon! LOL

Grant watched Bolt both on the way to Tulas, in Tulsa, and on the way home. I think he is addicted!

On the way home we stopped in Sherman to eat at one of Brad's old haunts, City Limits. Grant was just happy to be out of the car!!

It was a great weekend and a beautiful wedding!

Big Brother Classes

2009-08-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

We took Grant to Big Brother classes at the hospital. He was so excited to see where Sarah will be born and to learn about being a big brother. I just hope this continues after the baby is born!!

Here he is before we left to go to class. Can you tell he is excited?

The first thing they did is make a picture frame for the baby. I printed the first picture so it would be from the day the frame was made.

Part of the class is reading books about being a big brother and talking about things they will see at the hospital. Grant really enjoyed the group activities.

One of the things they showed them was the measuring tape used to measure the baby. They then measured each kiddos head. Grant was so proud that his head was the biggest!! LOL

Another thing they showed them was how to swaddle a baby. Here he is in his Doctor "stuff" holding the swaddled baby. Too cute!!!

Part of the class is touring the hospital and seeing the rooms. Here he is in the labor room. He thought it was cool that the bed moved up and down!

Halfway through the hospital tour Grant decided the vending machines were far more interesting. Daddy then had to help Grant finish the tour!

At the end of the class he was given a certificate for being a great big brother!!

Summer Fun....July 2009

2009-08-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Our July in pictures:

Swim lessons started back in full swing. Can you tell Grant LOVES going swimming now?

Jumping off the diving board:

We spent July 4th with Brad's parents and some of their close friends. I made cookies for the kids to decorate. When they were done you could barely see the white icing!

After dinner we went to the Dallas Athletic Club to watch fireworks. We have never been so close! Grant and Barron loved hanging out while we waited.

We went to a bunch of birthday parties in July. Here is Grant enjoying the cake at Kole's party! (Or maybe it enjoyed him?)

Grant loves to paint. Here he is painting a boat. Notice the concentration!

We also went swimming with friends at their community pool. After each swim Grant and Garrett would share snacks. What some handsome boys we have!!

Grant continued his swim lessons all July. Before I knew it he could jump off the diving board and swim to the side all by himself!! He even did some racing across the pool. I am so proud of my little man!!

Another highlight to our Summer is getting together with great friends for playdates. Two of Grant's best friends are Karis and Emmy...his "girls". He takes care of them like a big brother!!

Grant shows Karis how to use the computer. :-)

Brad and I decided to take Grant to a Hibachi grill for the first time. He LOVED it so much he even tried shrimp and fried rice for the first time!! Look at the face he made when the grill was set on fire!

Trying out the chop sticks!

Grant had so much fun at Tad's birthday party. Here he is playing catch and obviously very proud of the fact he caught the ball!!

This Summer we enrolled Grant into Spanish School House. He is naturally curious about the language so we thought he would love going. Here he is on the first day. He had the, "I am not sure about this" look, but really enjoyed the classes!

We also went to the movies this Summer. Here is at the Studio Movie Grill watching Ice Age for the 2nd time!!

One Friday Brad took off work early and we all went to the Rec center to swim. Grant loved that he could swim with his Daddy. He even told me I did not need to get in the water!! I guess it is because his Daddy will toss him in the air!

He loves hanging out in the kiddie area.

And riding the slides.

Grant also enjoyed helping my Dad fix the crib in Sarah's room.

We had a great July. I wish I taken more pictures, but sometimes my camera gets finicky!

Update on Baby Sarah (and her Mommy)

2009-07-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today I am 29 weeks and 5 days pregnant with Sarah. That means I have EIGHT weeks and TWO days before her scheduled delivery! ACK...where has the time gone?! I had my glucose screening last week and passed. However, I am slightly anemic so now I am on iron pills. So far my blood pressure looks good (for me) and I have not gained too much. Now if both will stay that way!!

My goal with this pregnancy was to have the room done BEFORE August. I have one month to accomplish this! It has been a slow go, mainly because of extra furniture in the room that I cannot move.

We (my Mom and I) picked out the bedding back in April. Mom went ahead and bought it, but I kept the receipts just in case! :-) Of course we already had the nursery furniture. Now I just need the extra pieces (wall hangings, valences, etc) to finish the room.

My Dad and Mom came up last week and Dad painted the walls. Brad's mom helped me pick the color. I thought I wanted green, but ended up with a blush pink. Grant also helped my dad paint. He did such a great job and was so proud that he got to help!

I will post more pictures when the room is complete! I will also update more with how I am doing...I promise!!

Summer Fun......June 2009

2009-07-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Every Summer I try to keep us as busy as possible. It can be doing projects at home, having play dates, swim lessons, or just playing in the back yard. Here are some highlights from June!

Karis and Grant riding in "their" car at Willowbend.

One Friday Brad's office met at Dave and Buster's for a Fun Friday Lunch. Grant LOVED the horse race game. Here is playing head to head with Daddy.

Can you guess who won this race?!

Grant loved driving the cars. Not only was he at #6 (his favorite number), but it was also pink (his favorite color)!!

Grant left with five new friends.

Daddy's favorite Summer treat is ice cream! Of course Grant toughs it out and has some too! Here he is eating his first cone...man was that messy!!!
On Father's day we had lunch with my family (I forgot my camera) and dinner with Brad's. Here are Brad, Grant, and Grandpa (Tom).

This is Grant setting the table for dinner. It was his first time, and he did a great job!!
Grant's first day of swim lessons. He was nervous at first, but warmed up really fast!

Most of Grant's friends have Summer birthdays. This is at Melina's birthday party. It was a dress up party. The only dressing up Grant would do is to have his hair spiked!

He did love playing with Melina's fish game. He has one at Mimi's so he "taught" the others to play!

One day my Dad came over and put of Grant's new swing set. Grant "helped" Papa by making sure it was sturdy!

He loves the new swing set, especially this part. He said, "This is funner than I thought it would be!" I love him!!

What is Summer without snow cones? This is Grant's first snow cone...chocolate!

Playing at the splash park with Garrett and Tristan!

Grant's favorite game....Pplaying hide and seek!

Our "Stay-cation" at the Gaylord Texan

2009-07-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

I did not want to travel too far this summer being pregnant, so we we decided to have a "Stay-cation" at the Gaylord Texan. It was such a nice place! During the Summer they have a Summer Festival Thursday-Sunday. It is very family friendly and inside a climate controlled atrium! They have face painters, balloon artist, magicians, and much more! I took a lot of pictures the first day, then my camera decided to be finicky! So, I don't have many from Saturday. :-(

Grant on our way to the Gaylord Texan (it took us about 20 minutes!). He was so excited!

Our hotel Suite was awesome! We upgraded twice, so we had a living area, dining area, and Brad and I had our own room. Here is the living/dining area. I think Grant was talking to Mimi or Grandma.

This was the master bedroom. Grant slept on the pull out coach in the living room. We got some awesome sleep on the trip!!

The view from our balcony. We were in the very middle of the resort. Our room over looked the main atrium. We did a lot of people watching from here! LOL
Grant on the balcony. I am not sure what that face meant... he loved hanging out on the balcony.

The Cantrill's on our first night at the Gaylord.

Grant and Daddy looking at one of the many train exhibits they had. Needless to say Grant LOVED the trains!!

Grant and Daddy talking to one of the stilt walkers. Grant liked this one, but HATED the one covered in vines...I totally understood!

Grant getting a balloon sword made. This guy thought he was funny, but only Brad and I got the jokes. He did make some fun balloon figures that Grant (and Daddy) played with the whole trip!

Grant enjoying the Magician at dinner our first night. The whole dinner he kept asking when it was our turn for the magician to come to our table. When he finally did make it to the table Grant couldn't stop smiling. He talked about the tricks the magician did for weeks!!

Grant in front of the big water fountain. He loved the fountain so much he wanted to visit it every day!!

Every Friday night Grapevine does fireworks on the lake. Here Brad and Grant are watching them from the top of the parking garage. Grant loved them AND thought it was cool he got to stay up past 9 PM!

One day I was craving sweets, so Grant and Daddy went on a sweet hunt. I got a yummy muffin and Grant got this huge lolly pop!

On Sunday the Glass Cactus (yes! It is really a bar!) had brunch. It was such a beautiful morning. Grant loved watching the boats on the lake. Brunch was also yummy!

On Sunday we got tickets to the Ranger game. We met my Mom, Brad's parents, Brad's brother Chris and his girlfriend, and Brad's best friend Adam and his girlfriend at the game. It was HOT!!! I think I watched 5 minutes of the game. The rest I spent in shaded walking area, or in the Lexus Club.

Grant enjoyed being out in the sun. He used Mimi's water fan to keep cool. He also used it to keep everyone else AND seat #6 (his favorite number) cool.

Grandma and Grant. Can you see the sweet on Grant...it was hot!

Grant with Uncle Chris and his girlfriend Mandy.

Later that night Grant and Daddy got in a balloon sword and hammer fight. Brad looks so serious!!

We stayed until Monday. Grant was such a great helper! He carried his own luggage to the car (and his hammer).

Grant loved being in control of the elevator, even with his hands full!

Waiting for Daddy to bring the car. He insisted on bringing his cowboy hat!

We had such a great time on our first family "vacation". We have always taken trips with Brad's parents to San Antonio. This was the first (and only) for just the three of us. I am looking forward to our next as a family of four!!

Dinner with some friends...

2009-07-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Every so often we try to go to dinner with some good friends and their daughters. We don't do it nearly enough, but when we do we have such a great time! Grant loves both girls!

Emmy and Karis...what sweet sisters!!

Grant being silly at dinner.

Emmy, Grant, and Karis holding hands outside the restaurant. Grant feels like he has to protect both girls, especially Emmy because he has known her since she was born. He is going to be such a great big brother!!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-07-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is always such a great day! This year it was filled with lots of family and eating! :-) As long as I did not have to cook I am okay with that!!

The Cantrill's at dinner. Grant is hiding my ever growing belly!

Grant and his Grandma and Papa.

Grant with Aunt Michelle, Grandpa, Uncle Ray and Papa.

Grant and his Mimi. (We can never seem to get a group picture with Grandpa! LOL)

Baby Brittney

2009-07-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Note: I am taking today today to update my blog. So, this is post one of many! I hope to do better in the future! LOL

April, one of my best friends, had her baby girl Brittney on April 6th. We went to visit her when she was a few weeks old. What a sweet baby she is!!

Introducing Brittney:

Grant LOVED holding the baby. He is going to be such a great big brother!!

The Sonogram results are in....

2009-05-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's a GIRL!! We are scheduled to meet Baby Sarah on August 28th. Here are two pictures from the sonogram. The top is a profile and the other the "money" shot...lol!

Waiting for the big sonogram....

2009-04-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

Okay, so tomorrow we FINALLY go for our next sonogram. Being the superstitious person that I am, I have yet to buy ANYTHING pink. I know 95% is good enough (at least that is what I am getting from the Grandma's...who have already bought a bunch of pink stuff!), but I am afraid I will jinx this if I do! Then I start feeling guilty because what if it is a boy and I am disappointed? Going in to this I said it did not matter if we had a boy or girl...as long as they are healthy! This baby will be loved no matter what tomorrow brings. Is it bad that I secretly hope we confirm the girl prediction? Oh the Mommy guilt! LOL Hopefully in 18 hours I can stop worrying about this. Until then...I am thinking pink...or blue....no pink...ack!!!!

On a different note...I couldn't post something without posting a picture of Grant. So here is Grant after Coit's birthday party. How can you not LOVE this face?

Grant and his new bike

2009-04-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Grant LOVES his new bike. Here is Brad taking him out to practice. We live on a cul-de-sac so that is the only reason he is in the street.

I LOVE this sweet picture of Grant in his helmet. My baby is growing up!

Grant's 4th Birthday!!

2009-04-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my baby is 4 years old! We had a party on April 5th, his (and Grandpa Tom's) birthday. It was at Pump it Up in Frisco. He had a lot of fun and got some really cool toys. Here are some of my favorite pictures:

Grant with his friend Maddie before the party.

Grant and Maddie watching the safety video.

Grant with my friend Beth and her son Grant on one of the slides.

Grant flying down one of the slides.

Grant and Garrett eating it at the bottom of a slide.

Grant's friends. We could never get them all the look at one camera!!

Grant blowing out the candles (with the help of Coit and Garrett).

Eating cake and ice cream...yummy!!

Opening presents!!

We got Grant a bike for his birthday. Uncle Chris got the cool helmet! Here Grandpa keeps a close eye on his first attempt to ride the bike!

After the party my parents took us out to dinner. We went to Babe's Chicken House. The waitstaff sang Happy Birthday while Grant wore the "cool" hat!

Happy Birthday Grant! We love you very much!!

Ft. Worth Stock Show

2009-04-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today Grant is at Mimi and Grandpa's house, so I thought I would post some pictures from the last few months. The following pictures are from the Fort Worth Stock Show back in January. I know that was FOUR months ago! Better late than never, right?!!

Grant LOVED checking out the trucks! I had to pull him out when it was time to move on!

Grant enjoyed looking at the animals. In this picture he looks like he is not so sure about them....he is city boy!!

He was much braver when he was being held by Brianna or Aunt Kay!

He thought it was really cool petting one of the cows.

Grant thought the turkey was silly until it someone in the back let out a turkey call and the turkey opened it's feathers in response. I wish I had that picture...it was priceless!!

Grant's favorite part of the day was getting ice cream.

Of course he ate three bites and was done. Mommy to the rescue!!

He also loved riding the escalators. It is hard to see, but my Aunt Kay is riding with him.

I let him pick out something to remember the day. Did he get a stuffed horse or cow? No a LOUD toy gun. Needless to say this toy has suddenly disappeared from the Cantrill house!

Mommy did get her souvenir to remember the day..here is my little cowboy!

We had a lot of fun at the Stock Show. Thanks Uncle Bill and Aunt Kay for inviting us!!

We are 95 % sure we are having a GIRL!!!

2009-03-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday, March 6th we had a sonogram with a specialist. It was a new sonogram that checks for down syndrome and other birth defects. The sonogram picture was amazing. It also helped that the TV was HUGE. When I say huge...I mean HUGE! The baby on the screen was the size of a large book.

When we first started the sonogram the baby looked like it was just kicked back and hanging out (see picture below). At one point it looked like the baby was yawning! The Doctor said it must be bored. It stayed in that position until the Doctor was done with all the tests. Then it decided to turn over. That was amazing to watch. We could see the baby go completely from it's back to it's stomach. Then it put it's bottom right in the air! The doctor then scanned that area and asked if we wanted to know what we were having. I did not give Brad a chance to answer before I said of course we do! She said she could predict the sex with 95% accuracy. Brad told her he already knew and she said okay dad...what is it? And he replied...girl. She smiled really big and said he was right!!! So if the doctor is correct.....here is Miss Sarah Diann Cantrill:

My Granny

2009-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I posted...again. Part of me has been putting off this post because I was not ready to deal with it, and the other I was not sure what to say. Now that a few weeks have passed I am ready to deal with both. So here it goes...

My Granny passed away on February 12. The doctors think it was from a heart attack. It came as a complete shock to the whole family...including me. I had just talked to her the day before. She seemed like her normal self (the past few months she had been a little testy due to an illness). We had a great conversation. Most of it centered around the new baby. She was positive that we are having a girl. I tried to prepare her that it could be a boy...just in case. She would not hear of it. We also talked about how she had been acting the last few months. She said she was not sure why she said some of the things she did and that she really did not mean them. (We had a huge fight right after Christmas. I think it was her way of apologizing.) We then made plans for me to come over during my Spring Break. I had not been to her house in months due to her being sick. She did not want Grant or I to get what she had. We then said we loved each other and hung up.

Had I known that would be the last conversation I would have with her I would have talked longer and told her how much she meant to me. I will cherish that last conversation because it was like talking to my old Granny and not the one who had become over the past few months. Looking back I now realize she knew something was about to happen. I just hope she found peace in her heart and knows how much we all loved her. I miss her already and am sad that Grant will not really remember her and that this new baby will have never met her. I know that she is in heaven now catching up with my Papa. I will miss you Granny and I love you!

This is the last picture I took of Granny. We had gone to visit her for her birthday.

Grant's Going to be a Big Brother!!

2009-01-18T10:30:00.001-08:00

On New Year's Eve we found out that we are expecting Baby #2! We are both excited, and nervous. We did not tell Grant right away because he cannot keep a secret. We did not want him to spill the beans at Ray and Michelle's wedding. It was our plan to wait to tell our family until after my first Doctor's appointment on January 16th. Of course that did not happen! My mother figured it out at the wedding (I was not drinking alcohol or caffeine). So we then had to tell Brad's parents. We were going to wait to tell Ray and Michelle until after their Honeymoon, but even they guessed it! Here is a picture of our little peanut that is due September 10, 2009 (Brad's Birthday):

Ray and Michelle's Wedding

2009-01-18T10:03:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has been two weeks since Ray and Michelle's wedding! I am not sure where the time has gone! Here are some pictures from the wonderful day. Everything was perfect!

Here is Grant in his tux. He looked so handsome! Notice Bunny also has a "tux"! My Mom bought a black cloth napkin so we could wrap him up. That was just in case Bunny got to walk down the aisle...which he did!

The Bride's Cake. The picture explains how beautiful it was! It also tasted very yummy! Notice the background...what a great view of Arlington: Six Flags, the new stadium, etc. It was even better at night!

The Groom's (Cheese) Cake. It looked yummy, but unfortunately I did not get a piece! (I was busy dancing with my two men...Brad and Grant!) I hear it also tasted yummy too!

Here is Grant with one of Michelle's nieces (Jayden I think). During the ceremony we bribed, I mean...gave Grant M & M's....which he walked up the aisle with! Jayden wanted to help Grant with the M & M's. At first Grant was okay with sharing, but after awhile he was not so happy!
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ray Davis! Don't they look so in love!

I wish I had more pictures to post, but of course my camera decided to stop working...with brand new batteries! UGH! Hey...at least it was MY camera and not the photographers!

Congratulations Ray and Michelle!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

I want to apologize for all the posts today. I was sick all last week, so I did not feel up to posting! I did however want to share all the big events from the last two weeks. What bigger an event than CHRISTMAS?!! I have over a hundred pictures, but will spare you and only post a few:

Grant must have been a good boy because Santa brought him the Mickey watch he wanted!

He also brought him the flowers, bone and carrot!

Grandma and Papa got Grant his first set of wheels...a jeep! Grant LOVES it....if you can't tell by the look on his face!!!

Mimi and Grandpa got Grant a kitchen...with side grill. Maybe we have the next Bobby Flay on our hands!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I also hope you have a VERY Happy New Year!!!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

2008-12-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

The family at my dad's birthday lunch.

Grant getting fitted for his tux.

2008-12-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

Grant getting fitted for his ring bearer tux! I am already teary eyed and he only had on the shirt, jacket and shoes!!

Grant's last sonogram....we hope!!

2008-12-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

When Grant was still in my belly he was diagnosed with a dilated kidney. After many sonograms and procedures he has been given a clean bill of health!

Look at our big boy getting ready for his last sonogram!

It's hard to believe looking at that sweet face, but not all his sonograms/procedures...heck non of them, but this one...were this easy!

Rudolph at Casa Manana

2008-12-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

Two weeks before Christmas my mother and I took Grant to see Rudolph at Casa Manana. The show was really cute and Grant got to meet some of the characters after the show.

Grant and Grandma before the show.

Grant and Mommy before the show.

Grant and one of the elves...Jingle...I think.

Grant, Grandma, and one of the reindeer.

Grant and Mrs. Clause.

Grant (I promise he is there) and Rudolph.

Visiting Santa

2008-12-13T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today we went to visit Santa. My Mother and I have been taking Grant to the same Santa since Grant was born. This year Santa moved to Allen so we had to drive a little more. It was worth it!! The weather was great (not counting the wind) and the line not too long. Here is the "official" picture:

Here are some pictures I took during the visit:

What a difference a year makes! Last year I had to carry him to Santa and then beg him to take the picture. This year he walked up all by himself! He even told Santa his name and how old he is.

After the official picture Santa finally asked him what he wanted for Christmas. Grant responded with, "A watch (for him), a carrot (for his bunny), a bone (for Leo, our dog), and flowers (for Mommy and Daddy)." Santa got a big kick out of the fact he wanted stuff for everyone in the house.

Afterwards we visited two of Santa's reindeer: Donner and Blitzen ...I think. Grant called them number 63 and 64 because those were the tag numbers they had on their ears!

They also had a HUGE Christmas tree that played music and the lights danced with the music. Grant loved looking at it, but did not want to smile for the picture.
All in all the Santa visit went great. Looking at all the pictures from our Santa visits together makes me realize what a big boy Grant has become. Of course my Mom asked Santa if she could add an item to Grant's list: a little sister! Santa being the smart man that he is responded, "I can't get that from my sleigh!" LOL

Our little cowboy ambulance driver....

2008-12-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Every Friday at Grant's preschool they have "Fun Friday". This Friday they were to dress up as what they wanted to be when they grew-up. Since Grant started talking he has wanted to be an ambulance driver. Since I could not find an outfit to match that we set off for a fireman's outfit, (since EMT's are usually trained firemen). We came home with a Cowboy hat and a sheriff's badge.

Grant sure made one cute little cowboy ambulance driver (his words)!!

Merry Christmas Early

2008-12-07T12:48:00.001-08:00

Every year Brad and I try to purchase practical gifts to each other for Christmas. This year we decided to get a new dishwasher and range.

I guess you could say the range is for me...since I do the majority of the cooking!

The dishwasher then would be for Brad since he does the majority of the cleaning up.

Here they are together. Ignore the counter top mess...who knew putting in new appliances could get messy!

Thanksgiving break

2008-12-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share pictures of Grant from Thanksgiving break. This year I got the WHOLE week off!

On Monday I took Grant to the dentist for a check up. He is such a big boy! He did not cry and actually let the dental hygienist clean his teeth.
He also let the Dr. Miller count his teeth and do an overall check.
Later that day Grant's old babysitter and her kids came over to play. It was so much fun getting to see them. Grant went to Mrs. Stacey from 18 months until he turned 3. We miss seeing them everyday! Her son Garrett is four days younger than Grant and they LOVE playing together. I did not take a lot of pictures...mostly because Stacey and I were talking, but I did a couple.

This is Grant "protecting" his favorite car. He did not want to ride in it, but he also did not want Garrett to either! I try to make him share!!

This is Garrett and Grant eating a snack together. Grant did not mind sharing his pretzels! LOL
On Tuesday we took Grant to preschool so Brad and I could get some Christmas shopping done. I did rescue him during nap time. (He stopped taking naps around two. ) Afterwards we met up with Mrs. Stacey and her boys again at the park. We had so much fun the day before we decided to take advantage of the good weather and go our favorite park.

I am so proud of Grant. Last time we were at the park he was too afraid to even try this, now he is crossing it like a pro!
He loved it so much he went again the other direction. This time Tristan and Garrett joined the fun!

The sand area is a huge hit with the boys!
Here is Grant trying to work the digger. Notice all the Moms in the background...I wonder where their kiddos are?!

Who says the kids are the only ones who can have fun? I love Stacey's oldest sons face! Too funny!

We stayed until it got dark. Grant and Garrett held hands to the cars. They are too cute!!!

We can't wait until we can play again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fitting to start this blog after spending the past week with family. Family is the reason I decided to start this blog in the first place. I hope I can use this blog to let everyone "catch up" on our day to day lives. Unfortunately, we don't get to see everyone as much as we would like which means most of our family has missed seeing Grant grow up the past three years.

The past week we have had the opportunity to see a lot of family and to spend quality time with everyone. It started Saturday when Elizabeth (Brad's Mom) and I hosted a shower for Michelle (my future sister-in-law). Not only did I get the chance to meet Michelle's mother and sister, but I also got to spend time with my Mom and Aunt. Brad brought Grant over at the end of the shower, just in time to see all the "brides". He thought we were silly...which we were!!

On Sunday Michelle invited us to have Thanksgiving dinner at her house. Her parents were in town for the shower. It gave us the chance to meet her parents and spend time with everyone. (Not to mention eat some YUMMY food!) Grant LOVED playing with Michelle's niece Ranee (I am sure I spelled it wrong!) who is a year old. Grant was great with her. He kept giving her chips and he even shared his cars! Grant also enjoyed playing outside with his "Romo twin", Uncle Ray. They played with the dogs, sticks, and who knows what else when I was not outside!
On Wednesday night we were invited to Brad's parents to have b-b-q. Brad's Uncle Hess, Aunt Julie, and cousin's Katy, Becca, and Rachel were in town for Thanksgiving. Hess has a friend that makes killer b-b-q! It was great catching up with the Hester clan. Grant loved being spoiled by everyone. Of course I forgot my camera, so I did not get ANY pictures. However, we did spend the next day with everyone and I got a ton of pictures (both on my camera and Elizabeth's when my camera died...again!)

Aunt Julie and Becca sang an alphabet song with Grant. He is all of a sudden realizing that words start with letters. It was really sweet and cute!Becca and Rachel even let Grant play on their computer. He LOVES playing on the computer... they did not realize it, but that made him LOVE them even more!

Katy and Uncle Hess also played one of Grant's favorite games: Hide-n-seek. He could play for HOURS! I think Mimi was thinking Uncle Hess could too! The giggles from all of them were priceless!On Friday Brad and I hosted Thanksgiving at our house for my side of the family. I have to brag a little and say that it went really well! The only mishap was I burned the rolls (just on the bottom)! Other than that everything else was yummy! Grant really enjoyed playing with Tyler and Coit. They all played Wii and watched Monster's Inc (well some of it) together.
Of course we all enjoyed spending time together. I wish I had taken more pictures. It is hard to do when hosting. LOL I did get some cute pics through out the day:

My little pilgrim!

Coit and Grant playing ball INSIDE. Thanks to the rain they were forced to stay inside.

Grant and Coit watching Monster's Inc. I just LOVE this picture!

The boys hugging good bye....even though Coit was not leaving yet! :-)

Aunt Kay and her clan (Uncle Bill, Tyler, and Brianna) were the ones leaving. I am so glad we have good huggers!!

I am a little sad that the week went by so fast. (I had the WHOLE week off!) Just knowing that we will get to see almost everyone again soon for Christmas is exciting. I think I will head off now to get some sleep. Check back often...I plan on updating the blog at least once a week, if not more! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!