Happy Halloween!

I had so many ideas for Halloween costumes this year... a train conductor, a lion or a Mustang football player. While we were out and about one day, I saw a giraffe costume on sale so I bought it as my back up. Well, it's a good thing I did because Grant was a giraffe this year!

Grant walking to his class on Thursday. They had a Halloween party and were allowed to wear costumes. I just love that he wouldn't give up the blanket. Not a rare occurrence in our house, but it looks so cute in combination with the costume. "Mom, I can't wait for the party to start!"

We went to the ballpark around the corner from our house today. It was such a beautiful day and we wanted to let Grant explore! And he did! We spent over an hour just looking around, climbing bleachers and running the bases.

I also taught Grant to say, "BOO!" We have been practicing all week. I didn't think I could get him to say, "Trick or Treat." But when we got to the Trunk or Treat, he was so overwhelmed I was lucky that he said, "Thank you."

One of the first games Grant went for at the Fall Festival was the basketball goal. He really wanted to get the ball in the hoop...

... but he needed a little help.

"I am one cool dude!"

Grant's friend, Michael, came to the Fall Festival. Grant just went everywhere Michael went. They were both sitting on the curb, so I tried snapping a picture. Grant fell backwards just as I took the picture. Michael's expression is priceless.

I did manage to get a picture of the boys a few minutes later. Side note: Grant was done with the binky last week. We even were going down for naps without it. I was only letting him have it at night when he went to sleep. This week has been a totally different story. He needs both his binky and his blanket at ALL times. I don't know what happened.

One of the ladies at Trunk or Treat passed out bubbles. What a great idea! Grant loved trying to catch them and Gary even helped him blow his own bubbles.

"BOO!" Well, he never actually said it, but he did pull candy from the buckets and put it in his pumpkin. And he did say, "Thank You" each time.

Tippi and PawPaw's trunk. How cute!

Gary, Grant and me.

Me and my little giraffe. Oh, I also tried teaching Grant to say, "Giraffe." I had almost given up, but yesterday he started to say, "Gaff." Close enough in my book!

Grant, Tippi and PawPaw. Hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween! Can't wait to see some of those munchkins in their costumes!

Jay Leno Has Nothing on My Kid

Grayson and I had another doctor's appointment yesterday that included our second ultrasound. He is doing perfectly and is just the right size for a January 9th due date. He weighed 3 lbs 4 oz (compared to his brother's 30 lbs). She said that was average for his age... I was very happy about this because Grant measured large for his age at his second ultrasound. So, I am hoping this means a smaller baby at birth. Hey, a girl can hope! Here's a picture of our beautiful baby boy:

The ultrasound tech kept saying, "Wow. He sure does have a prominent chin." Gary and I laughed on the way home about how I am going to give birth to a Jay Leno look-a-like. Now I can't look at this picture without seeing his humongous chin!

We also got a few short videos of our boy. He's opening his eyes in this one, so I thought it was cute.

Weeeeeee!

Grant loves swings... and here's the proof! I just love his little voice!

29 Weeks and Friday Night Football

Before I become disowned by a certain friend, I thought I better post a belly shot. Grayson is doing great, he just makes his momma miserable at times. I remember enjoying Grant's pregnancy more, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. I keep having this image of my little boy in my head. He looks nothing like Grant, but I love him just the same. Can't wait to meet the little fella.

29 Weeks.

Every Friday night, we take the short walk to watch the local football games. We have a 'friend' that always asks if we would like to get into the game for free. He knows we can't stay long (it's close to Grant's bedtime), so he very kindly let's us into the game. We usually only stay for the first quarter (if that).

Gary and Grant watching the football festivities.

"Guys, can I play, too?" He was just entranced by everything going on. He sat on Gary's or my leg the whole time and never took his eyes off the game. Maybe he has a future in football!

Me and my boy enjoying the game. It was perfect fall weather for a game last night. We really enjoyed seeing the action instead of just listening to it from our house. We even taught Grant to say, "Go team!" Well, it's close. :)

18 Month Check Up and A Return to the Pumpkin Patch

Grant had his 18-month well check up today. I have been bragging about how good and sweet he has been lately, so he woke up super grumpy today. I blame myself. Anyhow, Dr. Q thought Grant was just so handsome and super smart. As usual. :) His stats are as follows:

Height: 33.5 inches (80%)

Weight: 29 lbs 11 oz (90%)

Head: 19 inches (67%)

Yes, I have a 30 pound son. And, yes, he will send me into preterm labor at some point. But I love him and he is all sugar (except for when I brag about him - I better watch out)!

Afterwards, we headed back to the pumpkin patch with MOMS Club. We were late because of the appointment, but Grant used his time wisely... by running in all directions and wearing out his momma! His favorite things were the slide and swings. I have the cutest video of him saying, "Weeeeee." I'll try to post it later. The only moment in which he sat down at the Pumpkin Patch. I threw the camera at Jennifer and told her to take a picture quick!

We had a ghost hunt and Grant actually did very well! I saved his ghosts (suckers wrapped in tissue paper) for later... I'm sure he will enjoy them.

Where The Wild Things Are

Last week, I hosted a storytime at my house. I chose Where The Wild Things Are in honor of the movie premier. After reading the story, the kids made their very own crown because, of course, they are all Kings and Queens of their own little worlds!

Mitzi and Grace working on their crown. "Mom, I love to color!"

We also used bingo dobbers to decorate the crowns. I think those were the kids' favorites.

King Michael.

Queen Madeleine.

Queen Amory.

King Grant. He didn't want to keep the crown on, so this is the best picture I could get.

I didn't get a picture of Princess Presley, but she was just as interested as the big kids! We had a great time and I can't wait to host storytime again!

Great-Grandpa and Aunt Wandajean

Grandpa and Aunt Wandajean made the long journey from North Carolina and Georgia to visit family. They traveled all around our great state visiting one family member or another. On Wednesday, they made it down our direction and we had a great time!

Grandpa, Grant, me and Aunt Wandajean. Grant showed him all his tricks (dancing, talking, etc) and even got to show them a preview of his big boy room. Grandpa, Grant, Gary and Aunt Wandajean.

Great-Grandpa and Grant. Grant is the first and only (for now) great-grandchild.

Four Generations. If I really stop to think about that, I realize how neat that is. All of us have had such different life experiences, but we are part of one family and love each other for it!

Dewberry Farm - Year 2

Saturday was yet another beautiful day. We had plans to drive and meet the Ballards at Dewberry Farm. We invited Tippi, PawPaw, Bibby and John along so that we could have a small "family" reunion.

The reunion caught on tape. Wish I could have captured more of the hugging, but these two boys are too precious!

As happy as we all were to see each other, there was nothing like the reaction of Elijah and Grant. They hugged and giggled. Then walked off holding hands. They were in their own little world. Elijah repeated everything Grant did and Grant just laughed at everything Elijah had to say. What a cute pair!

Me, Grant, Elijah and Bibby making the journey to the (extremely long) ticket line.

John with baby Sadie.

The first hour or so we just stood in lines. A line to get in, a line for the restrooms, then a line to eat. The boys were ready to have some play time!

Erica, Sadie and me. It was so good to see my girl. We talk daily, but there is something different about getting to see that beautiful face in person!

Grant was running everywhere, so it was hard to capture a picture. Especially since I was usually behind him. But he had a grin on his face the whole time! Erica was able to catch a somewhat normal photo of my child. As you can see, I am running a few steps behind!

"What a beautiful day, mom! I'm having a great time!"

Grant got so excited when he saw the goats!

John helped Grant feed the "hungry" goats...

... and he, of course, thought it was fun!

Everywhere Elijah went, Grant followed. And vice verse. Too cute!

Elijah and Grant searching for that perfect pumpkin.

"I found mine and I love it!" Grant gives kisses to things as well as people, now. I think this is one of my new favorite pictures.

We took a snow cone break towards the end of our day. We were all so thirsty and worn out, even though it was a relatively cool day.

Tippi, Grant and PawPaw relaxing in the shade. My poor boy was dirty, sunburned and sticky by this point. He was also exhausted, but he did such a great job!

Gary and I enjoying the shade as well. Haha, Beau! We didn't even notice until he told us. What a goof! :)

PawPaw had the magic shoulder on Saturday. Grant chose it as his afternoon resting place. Soon afterwards, we all headed back to our cars to go home...

... and Grant slept the whole way to my parent's house. If the drive would have been longer, I am sure he would have slept even longer. He was worn out!

While Gary was loading Grant into the car, we opened presents for Elijah's third birthday and managed to take a 'girl' picture (plus Elijah). We had such a great time!!! Gary and I are going to have to go back again next year... with our BOYS! Can't believe I am saying that. Hopefully, we'll have some good company again!