You Just Can't Eat Just One!

Grant has taken a liking to the oyster crackers my family makes every Christmas. They are addicting! This afternoon he fell asleep eating his beloved crackers. He refuses to eat any other snack food if he sees the crackers. I can't blame him, I love them too!

Christmas 2007

I finally made a Christmas Slide show! We had a great Christmas and enjoyed spending time with family. Grant received plenty of gifts. This must have been the "Radio Flyer" Christmas because he got a Radio Flyer scoot-a-bout, a wagon, and a horse! He loves them all!

I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas!

http://www.photoshow.com/members/leslielarson/all/Se7ZT2tE

Merry Christmas Eve!

Grant before church

A pregnant pose! 10 weeks to go!

I think I have finally completed everything on my list of things to do! YEA! Now, we can just sit back and enjoy spending time with our family this Christmas. Tonight we are going over to my parent's house for our traditional Christmas Eve Buffet and we will open gifts with my family. We will miss having Melissa, Chris, Brandon, Matt, Brian, Liz, James, Anna and Luke this year!!! I know we have to share you with your family too, but it sure will be quiet with just one grand kid running around.

Tomorrow morning I am having my family and Stephen's family over for breakfast. (I love breakfast!) That way everyone can see what Santa brought Grant. Then, we will have Christmas dinner with Stephen's parents.

Don't worry, I will take plenty of pictures and will try to post them soon! I am on vacation until January 3rd!!!!

Erin's Bedding

Here's the picture off of Babies R Us' website. I will post pictures of the new nursery when it's finished!

Grant's Christmas Party

Grant after church at Mimi and Papa's

He was very silly!

Grant entertaining the masses

He has such a big mouth!

Grant at the party

His favorite toy!

Future drummer?!!?

Yesterday we had Grant's Christmas party for the Cradle Roll through Kindergarten at church. This year they did something different and had it a "Day of Play." It's a place where you can rent party rooms and there are all sorts of toys and an indoor jungle gym to play on. We has refreshments, but Grant did not want any part of it. All he wanted to do was play. (on the swing mostly) We had a great time, but I hope Santa Claus visits next year!

On a side note Grant's new room is almost finished. We put his bookcase together Saturday night and his dresser arrived today. I just need some curtains, and shelves for the walls. I will try to post pictures as soon as it's finished. I also picked out some bedding for Erin's nursery. I spent a lot time designing and making Grant's bedding and I always dreamed I would do the same if I had a little girl, but due to time constraints I am settling for the set I picked out. I think it will turn out cute!

Grant's 15-month Check-up

It has been a while since I did an update on Grant. We went for his check-up today and he received five shots including his flu-shot. He did very well. I love our pediatrician! She has four kids of her own, and I found out today that they are all 18 months apart! She talked to me about the transition of bringing the new baby home and I feel a little better about the whole thing. Grant has fallen out of the 95% into the 90% for both weight and height. He weighs in at 28lbs and is 31 3/4" tall. He is doing so much now. He prefers to feed himself and uses a spoon and fork very well. He is running and climbing on top of everything! He likes to play outside and his favorite thing to do right now is push anything with wheels...everywhere! He shakes his head "no" when we tell him know, but is having trouble shaking yes. We are working on it. He is a man of few words. He is beginning to jabber more, but his list of words include uh-oh, mama, dada, thank-you and something that sounds like no. (He does this when he does not want anymore food.) It is truly amazing to watch him grow and change right before our eyes. He is very inquisitive and like to see how things work. I know one day I will come in and he will have taken something apart!

Our "Tank" has arrived!

Well, this has been a very exciting day to say the least. Stephen and I still can't get over it. Poor Stephen stayed up half the night painting Grant's new room blue. The nursery is painted green, which will work for a girl. I just have no idea where to begin. Of course, Grant and I went shopping this afternoon and I bought a little "going home" outfit for our little girl. I also couldn't help myself and I went to Dillard's and bought two beautiful smocked dresses! This is going to be so dangerous!

I guess I need to fill everybody in on her name:

Erin Ashley Larson

We have had this name picked out for 8 years...before we were even married, so this was an easy one.

I will keep you posted as we finish Grant's new room and I begin the girlie one.

Here's a SHOCKER!

Today we had our 3-D ultrasound and....it's a girl!!!!! We were shocked, but the pictures show a little girl! I was not prepared for this and I am in a little bit of a shock, but we are so excited! I have got a lot to do in the next 11 weeks to prepare for Grant's new baby sister. There is the nursery to do, clothing to buy, things to embroider! I better get busy!

We are actually going back for one more ultrasound on 1-2-08 because my amniotic fluid is a little on the low side. The lady said that she would get us some more 3-d images at that appointment.

Weekend Update

We had another busy weekend (who didn't?). It all began Thursday night when I went to a local Oral Surgeon's Christmas Party. He hosts a party every year to show appreciation to all of his referring offices. It was good to see some friends of mine that work around town. Friday morning I got up bright and early, on my day off, to take the dreaded glucose test. It's really not that bad except that I have to fast, and for someone who continually stays nauseated that can be a bit of a problem. I took a good nap that afternoon when Grant went down for his nap. For some reason drinking straight glucose makes me very sleepy!

Stephen and I actually had no where to go Friday night (which is rare!) We began making plans for Grant's new room We are moving Grant into a new room and leaving the nursery as is, with a few adjustments, for the new baby. Saturday Stephen was able to prime the walls, but he has yet to paint them. We have chosen a light blue for the walls. I also ordered him a new dresser and bookshelf which should be here before Christmas! The goal is to have Grant in his new room by the end of the year. As soon as we are finished I will post pictures.

Saturday evening we went to Stephen's cousin's daughter's (you got that?) birthday party. She turned two! We had a great time and Grant enjoyed playing with her.

Sunday was the usual Sunday filled with church, football, naps, and more church. (I must admit that I do not care much for NFL games. It's just not the same as the good ol' SEC games!)

Stay tuned for some 3-d images of the baby on Wednesday. I will post them as soon as possible ofter the ultrasound!

Christmas Trees, Birthday Parties, and Baby Update

This weekend has been a fun filled, exciting weekend. Thursday evening we decided to get our Christmas tree. We buy one every year from the Middleburg High Band. Stephen and I were both in the band and know how big of fundraiser it is for the kids. It's funny because we used to recognize people working the tree lot because they had older brothers or sisters in band with us, but not anymore. Anyway, we went after dark to pick out the tree (not always a good idea). I couldn't remember if I needed a 7 ft or an 8 ft tree. I had the boys pulling out trees left and right, but I couldn't find one that I thought was as full as last year's tree. Not wanting to inconvenience the guys anymore I settled on the one above. I was disappointed when we got it home because it looks so small. I am satisfied with it, I will just remember to go with a taller tree next year. When we got it home and began to decorate it (I should say "I" began) Grant decided to help me by pulling on the lights. It was kind of cute, but he got the idea that he is not allowed to touch the tree. He does however try to take a Christmas bell ornament off from time to time.

Yesterday morning I had a routine doctor's appointment so Stephen stayed home with Grant. Everything is progressing nicely with this pregnancy and I am right on track to deliver on my due date. It is so nice to be able to go to an appointment and receive good news or no news! It seems like I could catch a break when I was pregnant with Grant. I did get the lab slip for the glucose test. I will have to take it sometime this week. Even that is not as bad as last time because I had to take the long test with Grant. I will now start going to visit the doctor every two weeks. I can't believe that time is passing by so quickly! I am scheduled for a 3-d ultrasound on Wednesday, December 12th and we can't wait to get a glimpse of our baby boy!

Today Grant and I went to a co-worker's little girl's birthday party. It was at a local park and the weather was beautiful! Grant fell asleep on the way there and slept for a good part of the party before he woke up and played on the play ground. We had a good time! I spent the rest of the day visiting with some of the family and cleaning house!

Christmas Card 2007

Each year we take a family photo to use as our Christmas card picture. This was a much easier task when it was just us and our beloved dog Hunter. Hunter always enjoys having his picture taken (he might be little vain). This year it got a little harder to get a good photo of all us. Grant prefers action shots rather than portraits. Thanks to Liz and her assistant, Anna, we came up with a good one. (Anna was in charge of making Grant smile!)

Here is a sample of the many attempts:

Grant did not want to sit in my lap

Hunter!!!!!

Runaway puppy!

The official "Christmas Card Photo"

Next year we will have one more to add to the photo!

Thanksgiving Recap

Matthew and Grant playing in the sand
A friendly game of football

Stephen and James playing Nintendo DS

Grant being silly

This picture is amazing! Luke is terrified of dogs, but by Saturday night he was comfortable enough to sit on Hunter's back! James, on the other hand, thinks Hunter is "Air Bud!"

I can't believe another year has passed! This year we had the pleasure of having the entire family here for Thanksgiving. Melissa and Chris were able to come for the first time in years and it was Brian and Liz's turn to be down here for the holiday. We has such a great time visiting with each other. I know the kids had a blast playing together. Grant is finally playing with his cousins instead of ignoring them. He picked up on a few habits while they were here too. Don't worry none of them are bad habits! He now "dances" and gets down right silly! It's very cute!

Thursday twenty-three of us sat down and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Afterward the kids played football, swung on the swing set and played in the sandbox, while the adults enjoyed relaxing on the porch. Unfortunately, poor Luke woke up having a a difficult time breathing. Brain took him to the doctor that morning only to return a few hours later. Luke got to ride by rescue to the ER where the doctors stabilized his breathing. He had pneumonia! Poor Brian and Liz! They got home late that afternoon and enjoyed some leftovers! Luke did well the rest of the weekend. I hope he is still feeling better.

Friday morning Liz and I got up and went to Kohl's at 4 am! It is tradition to get up early and shop on Black Friday. We love it! We were able to get quite a bit a shopping finished at Kohl's and met mom and Melissa at the mall around 5:45. After the mall we headed to Target, another favorite shopping spot. Then it was on to Panera Bread for some breakfast. Afterward Liz and I return to the mall to get Brian ans Stephen new suits. JC Penny had them on sale 60% off Friday morning. I have to say we got quite a deal and the guys look great in the suits!

Saturday we had to say goodbye to Melissa and Chris. That evening we spent watching the Florida-Florida State game (for Stephen) and the Iron Bowl. Waaaarrrrrrr Eagle! It was a great weekend!

Thanksgiving 2007 Pictures

Luke and Grant have had fun playing together this weekend. Grant is getting his first lesson in sharing!!!

It sure is hard to get a picture with full cooperation!

That's as good as it gets: Brandon, Anna, James, Matthew, Luke and Grant

I will post a recap of the weekend later. We had a great time visiting with everybody!

100 Days to go!

Legs-crossed...he's not going to tell!

Well, we have 100 days to go until our baby arrives. I can't believe how quickly time is passing by. I had an ultrasound this morning and the baby is right on track. He is measuring consistently with my due date of Feb. 29th. They estimate that he weighs about 1lb 11oz right now. Our first ultrasound was at 16 weeks and the ultrasound tech said she thought he was a boy, however, today he had his legs crossed and we could not see a thing! I still feel like he is a boy. We are scheduled for a 3-D ultrasound on December 12th. Hopefully, we will have full cooperation from our little guy and we can sure that he is still a he!

Thanksgiving Countdown 2007

Wow! What a busy week! Stephen and I are busily preparing for a house full of guests on Thursday. We are so excited because Brian, Liz and the kids will arrive tomorrow night, followed by Melissa, Chris, Brandon and Matthew on Wednesday. We are going to have such a great week. Stephen's brother and his wife came in tonight!

We are expecting 23 people to be here Thursday for Thanksgiving. I LOVE this time of year! My dad is smoking a 25 pound turkey this year and we were laughing because Grant's just a few pounds heavier (@28lbs!).

I am sorry if I don't update as frequently this week, but I will try my best to post some pictures of the festivities!

Big Foot!!!!

When it comes to buying shoes for Grant I always encounter the same dilemma: he has wide feet! Not just wide feet, but extra-wide feet. This puts a restriction on where I can buy shoes for him. I have only been able to find shoes at Stride Rite. He wears a 6 1/2 XW or a 7W at Stride Rite. Unfortunately, this closest Stride Rite store is 45 minutes to an hour away from my house, not to mention that $40-50 a pop for shoes that he out grows in a matter of weeks is tough. I don't even pay that much for my shoes (usually)! Today, my mom and I tried to find Grant some black dress shoes for church with no success. It looks like I am going to have to suck it up, take a trip, and shell it out for some shoes at Stride Rite. I certainly hope his little brother has extra wide feet so he can wear all of these shoes I have purchased. I have been lucky enough to find some on EBay in the past, but now that his feet are growing and he's running around more the XW shoes seem to be few and far between on eBay. I hope that one day I can go into any shoe store and find shoes for him...until then I guess I better save my pennies.

Fall is here!

The leaves are beginning to change!

Grant's newest accomplishment: Climbing the stairs!

He did this is about 1 minute...he's fast!

We have already had a full week and it is only Wednesday! We are having a gospel meeting this week at church so it doesn't feel like we have even been home. Today I am finally off and I have spent the morning doing laundry, vacuuming and mopping, along with the ever present task of taking care of Grant. (I don't know which is more exhausting: housework or keeping up with my little guy.)

It finally feels like fall outside. The high today is only going to reach 63 degrees. So far this will be the coolest day of the year. Grant and I went outside to play before lunch and I took some pictures of the leaves in the backyard. They are beginning to to turn! For those of you who live further north I am sure you are laughing at me right now, but in a few more days we will have some red and yellow leaves before they all turn brown and fall off. It's nothing in comparison to the leaves in the mountains, but this is what we get in Florida! I am getting excited about Thanksgiving! I love this time of year. This year we will have the whole family together for Thanksgiving at our house.