Bastrop and Babies

This past weekend we went out of town for a few different reasons. It ended up turning into a really fun little family road trip for us.

Friday morning we got up early and drove to Bastrop, TX. It is about halfway between San Antonio and College Station, TX, and it takes about 3 hours to drive straight there from Corpus Christi. The drive there was very pleasant and Grant slept most of the way while we listened to music on my iPod, which we can now listen to over a plug-in that plays it over a radio station (thanks, honey!).



We stayed at the trailer on the Gardiner's property there after getting some lunch and getting a few supplies at the store. The store trip turned in to a bit of an adventure when Grant started screaming for no reason. One minute, he was happy and playing. The next, screaming and crying with no warning! We tried our best to hurry through the store but couldn't find one thing. It felt like the whole world was staring at us and people kept commenting. One lady said, "He sounds like a bear!" Now that I'm a parent, I know what it feels like to be the one with the screaming kid. haha.

We went for a walk/hike around Bastrop state park. It was absolutely beautiful. It had been raining on and off, so we didn't go swimming. But the scenery was so calming and peaceful. We loved looking up at the tall trees, breathing in the rainy smell, and just enjoying the quietness. It was so nice to get away from all the electronic distractions, also.







It was funny because going "off-roading" with the stroller was such a bumpy ride that Grant's cheeks were vibrating the entire time. It was a hilarious sight!





And what would camping be without S'Mores?

The next day we drove to College Station so that I could go to my friend and former roommate's baby shower. She is an adorable pregnant lady! When we took our picture together, we realized that the last time we took a picture there was right before I left on my mission. I will have to find that picture and post it later. A lot sure has changed since then. It is so much fun to reminisce.



We also got to see family in College Station. We had a mini pow-wow at Nathan and Leslie's home and we got to recount the birth story of little Alexandra, and hear updates from Andy and Susan on their pregnancy with little Eli! So much fun. Grant also got to play with Granny, Grandpa, and his cousins! Evelyn took a particular liking to playing with Grant because she loves babies so much! It was very cute.






We are so blessed. Our families are growing and each new event brings us closer. I can't wait for my brother to get married this weekend, and officially add another new member to our family!

We had the BEST WEEKEND EVER! And boy, we needed it!

It started Friday with dinner out with the in-laws. We went to Texas Roadhouse and it was delicious as usual. Saturday we had a great day with some of our friends. We had our neighbors over for a big breakfast, and then we all went to an event at a nearby (closed) naval base for an event called Sail South Texas.


It was Grant's first long day outside in the hot Texas sun. We put on his cute "sailing outfit," complete with a cute hat to protect his face.




There were "tall ships" from 4 different countries that you could tour, along with live music, food, etc. The best part was that it was free, except for $5 parking. We put Grant in the baby carrier. He loved it! He just kept looking around at everything and blinking a lot with the strong breeze off the water. He looked so cute I couldn't stand it!







Then we took the ferry from Ingleside over to Port Aransas and got a different view of the bay. We ate dinner at Whataburger (YUM) and drove down the island and then parked on the beach and went swimming. We felt so carefree just swimming in the water and jumping in the waves. It had been a while since I had gone swimming in the ocean and could actually enjoy it (pregnancy, etc.). It was a great stress reliever.

Then we got Grant to put his feet in the ocean to see how he would like it (pics to come later). I sat him down in the water and let the waves wash over his legs. He seemed to enjoy the feeling of the water, and it was the perfect temperature, too. That's what I love about swimming in the Gulf, the water is warmer! Once a wave came up really fast, unexpectedly, and it splashed sand and water all over Grant and it got on the side of his face. It freaked him out a little bit but I am pleasantly surprised at how well he seemed to like the water. Hopefully he will be the swimming type!

Then yesterday for the 4th we mainly just relaxed. It was a beautiful afternoon so we took a drive around town. Later that evening, we had some friends over and just chatted and played Canasta (I know, it sounds like an old person game, but it is REALLY fun! One of our favorite games, now).

I am super excited for next weekend, as well...we are going to go camping, visit College Station for my roomate's baby shower, and get to see my new niece (James' bro's wife had the baby two weeks ago).

I am SO THANKFUL for the freedoms we enjoy living in this country. I am grateful for the many blessings that God has given me in this life, especially my family. The sweetest joys in life are the simple moments you share together doing ordinary things. I love my family so much!



Grant's 4th of July outfit: What could be more American than baseball? ;)

For Daddy

Click here to view this photo book larger

5 months

Grant is growing to be a big boy! He is about 14 pounds now! A lot of changes have happened this past month. Grant is learning more and more every day. It is so much fun watching him grow. My love for him also grows every day and I want to cherish every moment that we have together--the good days make the hard ones seem so worth it. I hope I never forget how sweet these moments are.

Here are some fun things he is doing lately:

• Can roll over from tummy to back and back to tummy very easily


• Can push himself around in circles and move himself forward fairly easily


• Screams and shrieks in delight OFTEN


• Jabbers on to himself for long periods of time


• Starting to like his crib


• Getting used to a "schedule," sleeping at regular times (still not very long, but getting better!)


• Really enjoys chewing on things


• Likes to practice standing up while we hold him


• Is starting to grab his legs and feet


• Is starting to enjoy water (baths and pools)


• Has eaten rice cereal and oatmeal, and really likes oatmeal


• Rubs his eyes a lot when he's tired (so cute!)

Rice Cereal

So we have recently been practicing with some solid foods for Grant. We started with some rice cereal. It is actually a pretty funny experience. He makes the funniest faces that range from confusion, disgust, enjoyment, surprise, and happiness. Love it! Watch the progression:



New cereal taste...



Not impressed...



Spitting it out...



Happy again!

He has been liking the cereal more and more as we have been experimenting with it. It is exciting to see him doing new things but I don't know if I'm ready for him to grow up yet!

Pool Time

A few weeks back we got to take Grant swimming for the first time. We weren't quite sure how he would react but we couldn't wait to see what he would do. It was so much fun getting him dressed up in his little swimming outfit. The first time we stuck his feet in, he wasn't too impressed. He got a little whiney so we didn't take it any further.





The next time we took him swimming a week or two later, he had a much better time! It was warmer that day so I think it made it the water more comfortable. He still seemed a little unsure but at least he didn't cry this time. He let us hold him waist deep in the water while we walked around with him. We had a fun time having him in the water and watching his funny expressions.










Hopefully the next time he will enjoy it even more. I am confident there will be PLENTY of hot days waiting ahead for us to go swimming. :)

4 months old!

Grant turned 4 months old on May 23, 2010.



I always say this, but I honestly can't believe how fast he is growing. Time is flying before my eyes and it is bittersweet. On the one hand, I am sad with each stage that ends. He is not a tiny newborn anymore. Every single day is the last time I will see him that little. But on the other hand, seeing him grow brings so much joy! Every new little thing he does is SO exciting. I wonder if parents feel this way with every single kid or just the first one. It is just so crazy that one day they cannot do something-and the next day they can! My baby is growing up right before my eyes.

The biggest change is that Grant has become a lot more coordinated, mobile, and vocal. Here are some highlights:

Grant likes:

• BLANKETS! They are his favorite thing to play with, and can keep him entertained for a long time. He holds them, looks at them, tries to eat them, and tucks them slightly under his chin.


• To be sitting up. We will sit him up on our laps or against a pillow and he is as happy as can be.


• To kick his feet


• Stuffed animals and toys. He will hold them in front of his face and stare at them, and also grab them and try to eat them.


• To hold our hand/finger and try to put it in his mouth


• To put things in his mouth (as if you couldn't tell that already!)

Grant dislikes...

• Using his paci as often as he used to. He only likes it now when he is sleepy.


• Going to sleep. He fights going to sleep so much! It is pretty funny.

Other milestones:

• Grant is making more noises: happy shrieks, "talking" noises like bbbb, grrrr (kind of sounds like a growl, hehe), and wabamada sounds. It is so cute!


• Grant can move himself. He rotates himself 180 degrees in a circle pattern within no time.


• Rolls from side to side


• Picks up feet and tries to kick toys


• Can hold bottle of mama milk by himself

Here are some pictures of Grant's 4 month portraits that we got done!














We love you, Grant!