The Fish Tank

Well, it is already that time. I cannot believe it myself! Grady is ready for rice cereal! He has been so hungry lately. I can hardly keep up. So, my pediatrician suggested I start rice cereal. Our first attempt was last night and although he thought it was a little strange he ate quite a bit! He did amazing this morning! Chubby thighs here he comes! Of course Jack had to try it. Needless to say, he didn't like it:) Ha!

Why is it that I seem to have the most fun when we do such simple things? Have I not learned my lesson and thrown out all the expensive complicated activities and just enjoyed each other and our time together? I guess not. Friday, the boys and I hit Home Depot, story time at the library, and had lunch at the park. As Jack and I ate, I watched Grady discovering something new and absolutely incredible: the wind. He was fascinated with the air blowing in his face giggling every time he was tickled by the breeze. As I sat there watching him explore something that is so common to you and I, I realized that it is in the simple things that we find the greatest joy. So, I sat and watched my sweet boys fascinated with the life that God created. Friday was one of the best, most joyful, and relaxing days I have had in a long time! Here's to the simple things!

13 lbs. 12 oz. 26 inches Dear Grady-do, You are one precious little fella! You are AMAZING! You LOVE being on your belly now rolling over any chance you get! Mommy gets a little worried because you enjoy sleeping on your stomach primarily with your face planted in the mattress. But, you are breathing so I just turn your head a little and let you enjoy your sweet baby dreams. Toys entice you as you try to wriggle your way to them. You have some very exciting conversations with mommy, daddy, and Jackson, as well as, your toys. You have lots to say in the morning bright eyed and smiley. You are an incredible sleeper! You sleep through the night going to bed at 8:20pm EVERY night and getting up around 6:30am. Daddy and I thought you were getting teeth but apparently we were mistaken. You'd think we'd know what we were looking at being this the second time around. Instead, you have small cysts on your gums that are quite common and will go away on their own. Good thing they don'...

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here I am. Send me." Isaiah 6:8 Does everyone struggle with giving up control or is it just me? I think in my little mind that I have full control over my life's journey; where I am going to go, what I am going to do, how my kids are going to be, etc, etc. Little do I know that I have absolutely no control. Yes, I can make choices to go this way or that, but ultimately God is the author of this life. Recently, Jackson has been singing, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," Uncanny timing for me to hear this priceless Sunday School song. I have been questioning, and pondering, and questioning some more. I am wondering what to do when I grow up. I have been a student, a teacher, a mommy, a wife...but what do I want to do now; in this season? I had a few ideas and some options but just wasn't satisfied. I am a go-getter. I have to be challeng...

Oh Jackson. You never cease to amaze and surprise us! Grady and I were still asleep while Scott was getting ready for work right before 7am. Scott finished up and I heard him looking for Jackson. All of a sudden we hear the ding of the back door being opened and I hear the following conversation: Scott: Why are you naked? Why are you wet? Jackson: Because I went in the sprink-al-lers. It is fun going in the sprink-al-lers. Scott: How'd you get outside? (Scott answers himself) Oh. You pushed your table over and unlocked the door. Jackson slid his small picnic table over to the door, unlocked the hotel lock and the other two locks, took off his jammies, and took off running. A few minutes later Jack was dressed and in bed with me and explained that his hair was wet because he had fun going in the sprinklers. Then he asked me why they went off so fast. Our sprinklers do a three minute water on each section of our yard. Poor guy only got a quick run through. Maybe I should try a run th...

Jack and Grady's relationship grows and changes everyday! Grady is still in awe of his big bro! His face lights up when Jackson comes into the room. He grabs at Jackson now which is quite funny. Jack and Grady also have some great conversations! One of my favorites went like this: Jack to Grady: "Oh Grady. Mommy's crazy! Mommy's so crazy!" I tell Grady that Jackson is crazy all the time. Apparently Jack has picked up on this! Lol!

Mr. Grady has decided that this is the week of growing up. Once again he has not followed through on his end of the deal with his mommy. He was not to grow up so fast! Jackson did everything early and became this "boy" in the blink of an eye so I told Grady while he was in my belly that he has to stay my baby for just a little longer. Well, apparently he didn't hear me! Grady-do LOVES to sit up!!! He giggles, smiles, and coos when he is sitting. He can sit on his own without falling over for a minute or two. He still has a bobble-head but he doesn't seem to mind. Grady has also gotten the hang of rolling over this week. He rolls onto his belly and then gets frustrated because he doesn't particularly like being on his belly but can't get back over. He now sleeps on his belly which freaks me out. I have these horrible mommy thoughts that he's not going to turn his head to the side and just get stuck with his nose in the mattress. I have become such a worry-w...