Language can be fun

This morning, Elizabeth had crackers all over the kitchen floor. I looked at her and said, "Hey, what is this?" clearly a little frustrated with the little piggy. She looked at me like I was a total moron and said, "Crackers." Right on little one!

Christmas with the Senich's

Merry Christmas! The Grant's spent four days in the North woods. Elizabeth was a rock star car traveler and hardly cried during the car ride. She also was well behaved at church...so we were very thankful that our little cutie may be growing into a good little girl. Here are a couple of pictures to summarize our vacation. (Photos from the Underbakke Christmas will be posted later this week.)
Elizabeth and Benjamin had matching Santa pajamas. Santa was very good to both of the kids...the trunk of our car was loaded with toys on the way home!
Elizabeth liked opening presents, but she wanted to play with each one instead of moving on to the next one. The baby-lover received three new babies- putting the total up to 5. She is in baby heaven at home. She also got a stroller and bottle to use with her babies. Plus lots of clothes, books, and fun toys.
Elizabeth wasn't as excited by sledding this year (especially when her mom accidentally dumped her in the snowbank!) Once mom was in the sled with her, it was much more fun, but tough work on Daddy!
Katie and Elizabeth sported matching hats. Nice look!

Totally Biased

As her mother, I know that I am totally biased, but in this adorable matching sweater and hat from cousin Siri, Elizabeth is just too darn cute!

Safe travels for the holiday everyone! (Think of us in a car with a wild one year old, driving 4 hours!)

Matching Santa Belly

Despite constantly being on the move, Elizabeth has retained her Santa belly. Looks like she'll be warm for the winter!

Too funny!

A little piece of artwork that Elizabeth brought home from daycare. Not sure if you can see the totally hilarious face on this little angel. All the other kids were beaming in their pictures, but apparently Elizabeth takes this angel business seriously.

13 Months Old!

Today Elizabeth is 13 months old. She is a very busy little bee. With walking and running down pat, she is working to increase her vocabulary through signs and words. She also loves to color and begs to use the markers at our house. Some of you may be surprised with a hand-made card this Christmas.

Those of you crazy people who have two kids under the age of two truly amaze us because Elizabeth is more than enough right now. (In the past week, I have been asked by 5 people when the next one is coming- so publicly my answer is not for a LONG time!) After taking Elizabeth to a party last night and having her eat dirt and cat food in a two hour time period, I am pooped!

Life is Good!

Life has been pretty busy for us in the month of December.

Josh began his first year as head wrestling coach. Last night, he had his first team victory! Between wrestling and school, we haven't seen much of Josh, and the forecast isn't much better until March. We're making the most out of the time that we have.

Elizabeth is loving life and testing boundaries. She is quickly adding signs and words to her vocabulary- averaging around two a day! The new verbal skills lead to some frustration in trying to state her point.

I have finally regained my body after a year of nursing. I'm very proud to have accomplished that feat and surprised to miss those quiet moments that we had together. I also got a weekend away to spend with great long-time friends. The time away was rejuvenating and is getting me through single parent days.

Hope everyone has a great December- enjoy all the yummy treats and don't worry about the pounds...you'll burn them shoveling snow this year!

Scrooge of Snow Day

Today we celebrated a snow day at our house. Josh and I both had our work cancelled, but Elizabeth could still go to daycare. We dropped her off and headed to the gym for a workout. I envisioned that we'd spend the time catching up on cleaning, reading books, and wrapping Christmas presents. Unfortunately, lesson planning, grades, and wrestling have taken priority- plus I had a proposal due to my supervisor. Looks like we are the lamest snow day celebrators.

Decorating the Tree

On Sunday, Elizabeth decorated the Christmas tree that her dad cut down. She was definitely more helpful last year. This year, she stuck every ornament in her mouth, although we were pretty happy that she hasn't taken down the tree...yet!

I got a call from daycare this morning saying that Elizabeth was running a 101.6 temp, so we are bonding again today. I was pretty sure that she was really sick because when I walked in the door, she ran into my arms. Definitely not something that happens every day! Should I be offended that my child only wants to come to me when she's sick?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone!

The Grant family spent the holidays at the Underbakke's. There was lots of food and fun- and Elizabeth was able to play with four of her cousins (three of which are girls within one year.) The girls are growing quickly with two walking, one crawling, and one the watchful eye. They were all adorable, and Lena and Elizabeth had matching dresses!

Here are a few things that Elizabeth is thankful for:

1. Her mom and dad (you're forced to put that as we're the authors!)
2. Running- now I can get around the house and get out of diaper changes
3. Books- can't get enough (on a side note, Elizabeth's mom has words for the authors of infant books)
4. All the yummy selection of adult food
5. The fun of animal sounds

Dr. Report

Elizabeth did indeed get out of her immunizations, although she'll have to get them next week.

Elizabeth has finally dropped out of the upper percentiles for weight...looks like all that walking is doing her well. She was at the 48% for height and weight. She weighed 20 lbs. 13 oz.

Her Dr. had great things to say about her development, so other than a stupid fever, life is good.

Mom and Elizabeth will be home again tomorrow because she hasn't cleared the daycare bill of health.

Dodging Vaccinations

Elizabeth was scheduled for her 12 month vaccinations this afternoon, but she decided to wake up with a 101+ temperature. Looks like the little one has outsmarted the doctor for the day. We traveled into my office this morning to pick up my computer, so I could work during her naps. As soon as she entered my office, she scooped up these measuring cups...so there she was measuring cups in hand, crazy hat, and a hoodie over pajamas. What a goof! Wish us luck today on our day at home.

Party!

Elizabeth had a great time at her family birthday party. She ate cake and ice cream, opened presents, and danced for the family. She got some wonderful gifts like this cool pony from Uncle Will, a rocking chair, and tons of clothes. (Unfortunately her legs are going to have to grow before the outfits fit!) Thank you for coming everyone!

Elizabeth is One!!!

Wow, a lot can change in one year!

Today Elizabeth is celebrating her first birthday by staying at home with mom. Yesterday she had a fun party at daycare. She brought cupcakes to share, which she loved to stuff in her mouth. They opened presents and all of the kids got to blow bubbles inside. It was a great day.

Tonight Auntie Courtney is going to stay over, and then the party tomorrow.

What a great year! At one, Elizabeth has asserted herself as a toddler. She wants to do everything on her own from brushing her teeth to feeding herself. Elizabeth loves her babies and bears and would spend the whole day dancing if her mom could put up with the repeating favorite, "Sweet Home Alabama."

Our life certainly has changed since this little one entered our world, but we love the new addition. Happy first birthday sweetheart!

My 1st Party

Elizabeth will be celebrating her birthday on Saturday, November 15th at 3 PM. We will have cake and ice cream and presents. If you're in the area, please stop by.

Bring On the Snow!

Elizabeth is ready for the snow to come! We had some flurries this week, but nothing has stuck on the ground. I was on the hunt this weekend to find a pair of boots to fit the little pumpkin's feet- not an easy task! Apparently, manufactures of boots don't think that 12 month olds are playing outside because most of the boots are more cutesy than functional. (Something you mothers of boys don't have to worry about!) Finally I found a pair that would work at a used clothing store. Here she is giving them a test drive.

Election Night 2008!

Elizabeth, who did you vote for?

"Dad! You know I can't vote! I'm not even 18 months old!"

*Your mom was vote #466 and your dad was vote #770 at our precinct.

If you haven't voted blog readers, get out there. Polls are open until 8 tonight!

Happy Halloween!

Today, we celebrated Elizabeth's first Halloween! With her Halloween outfit on, she opened her presents and cards from her grandparents.
Jackie had a Halloween party at daycare, and she brought home a couple of bags of treats. (Her mother reveled in the idea that she couldn't eat the candy she received!)

In the evening we proceeded to visit a few friends' houses in town. Elizabeth was more interested in exploring a new house than in the trick-or-treating. I'm sure that won't be the case next year...
For those of you who aren't just interested in the little one- 8 years ago Josh and I went on our first magical date to Taco Bell...and to think I still married him! (Editor's Note: The Taco Bell was a post-wrestling practice supper grab on the way to the real date, which was a Halloween Party!) (Sarcastic wife note: We never found the party...)

Not Ready for #2

Today Elizabeth finally lost her title as the baby at daycare. She enjoyed her first 11 months as the one in the lime light and was more than a little upset to give it up. Baby Hudson joined Jackie's daycare today. Jackie reports that Elizabeth likes the stuffed babies much more than the real deal. Honestly, I think it's because she's not allowed to carry the real baby around, but either way, it buys mom a little more time. Way to go Elizabeth!!!

Snowflakes in October

Right now, on the 26th of October, snowflakes are falling here in Rochester. It appears that Elizabeth will need to make the conversion from being pushed around in her jogging stroller to being pulled around in her sled. In the meantime, Elizabeth is busy keeping the floors heated in the house by running from Point A to Point B. 5 weeks ago she was taking her first steps; now she runs!

The Problem with the Baby Gate

Need I say anything?!

In other news, Elizabeth had her first long separation from her mom- two nights and three days. She did awesome, which makes her mother wonder if she's really needed at all.

Crazy Mornings

Elizabeth has now decided that she will wake up her parents (or at least her mom) at 5:45 A.M. This truly feels like cruel and unusual punishment. In the span of the morning hours, we have a lot of time to play. Here's what we are up to:

The baby comes everywhere. Santa pajamas in October!

Toilet paper is delicious- don't tell Dad what we do before he gets up!

This dishwasher is so much fun...what do you mean I'm too heavy?!

11 Months Old!

One day late, but Elizabeth was 11 months old yesterday! I can't believe she is one month from her first birthday- it really has gone so fast. At 11 months, Elizabeth is a busy little bee. She loves her new skill of walking and is perfecting the art and trying to move onto running (gotta bend the knees first pumpkin!) She is making lots of sounds, and we think she's starting to put the idea of "da-da" and "ma-ma" together. We can tell her to go get her baby (which is usually next to her all day long) and she can find her, even if baby is in the other room. Tonight, I started to say, "Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?" and she found the book in her stacks of books. So fun! Elizabeth's newest discovery, though, is her tongue! On Monday she realized that she could pull it, so I've included a photo of her grabbing it.

Happy 11 months baby!

First Bite

Sam picked Elizabeth up at daycare on Friday only to find out that she was in big trouble. Apparently Elizabeth leaned in to give one of the other little boys a hug. As Jackie went to grab the camera and record this cute moment, Elizabeth decided to take a chomp out of Timmy's nose. Looks like her mom taught her well...

March of the Penguin

Elizabeth has really gotten good at walking in the last three weeks...although she looks like a penguin. It will take some time for her to figure out that her knees can bend! (Notice how gentle she is with her baby...looks like she's going to be an only child!)

Welcome Baby Gupta!

On Tuesday, September 30, Amani Gupta entered the world. Last night, Elizabeth, Josh, and I went to visit Amani, Ash, and Angie in the hospital. Proud big brother, Milan, exclaimed, "The baby is out of mommy's tummy," as soon as we walked in. What a cute family! We've been calling the baby #2 for so long, it's going to take some time to get used to Amani!

2 Years

Tonight is our two year anniversary of being in our first house together. Now we've got a little pumpkin streakin' across the floors!

Gooseberry Falls

The family migrated north on Thursday night to Duluth. Friday morning, we decided to see some of the North Shore during the fall color season. Here are some pictures from Gooseberry Falls.

New Discovery

Elizabeth was amazed to learn that the toilet seat cover could be lifted. As I was getting ready this morning, this great discovery was uncovered, and the look of satisfaction on her face was priceless. Now mom and dad really have to keep her from the bathroom, or she'll be swimming in the toilet!

Fall has Arrived!

The Grant family celebrated the beautiful fall weekend by going to the Northwoods apple orchard. Elizabeth got to pick a peck of apples and crawl around the pumpkins.

Then, she took her dad out for a ride on the John Deere B. This was her first time driving, but she was a pro!

Finally, Elizabeth ended the weekend with a big bite of watermelon. She loved feeding herself this...and it put her two teeth (plus two more coming!) to good use. Bye, bye baby food...

Where's the Learning Curve?

I realize that all parents want their children to be intelligent, fast learners. This is true of Josh and me, although I wish that motor development wasn't something that Elizabeth seemed to excel at. Today as Josh and I were finishing up dinner, we looked up to see Elizabeth walking down the hallway as if this was totally natural. So now the little bugger has learned to get up into the walking position without help from the wall and can string together 6 or 7 steps...all of this in less than a week. I'm sure by Sunday she'll be training for her next marathon!

10 Months Old!

Elizabeth is ten months old today! At 10 months, she loves playing with her teddy bears and doll, crawling and cruising around the house, and sticking everything you can imagine in her mouth. She is on the verge of walking but still prefers to crawl because it's much quicker. Elizabeth is developing a lot of personality (some days her parents wish she had a bit less!), but she is overall a really happy, easy baby. Happy 10 months little girl!

First Steps

The momentous developmental milestone happened today- Elizabeth took her first steps. Josh stood out in front of Elizabeth and convinced her to take three steps towards him. (This was all while Sam melted in the background!) Seriously, we knew that the day would come, but it was our hope that it would be a little closer to the first birthday.

Here's a video of our little granny Elizabeth cruising with her walker a couple of days ago. The speed got her more interested in walking. We will post a video of her walking soon.

New Habit

This weekend, Elizabeth exhibited a new habit- she sticks her tongue out all the time! As Josh was busy reading for school, I chased Elizabeth around and took random pictures of her sticking out her tongue. It seemed to be especially prominent when she was concentrating on attacking me and grabbing the camera. It's a pretty cute mannerism because I know in a couple of years, she'll be sticking her tongue out at me intending to send a much different message (which will be anything but cute...)!

First Day of School!

Today was Josh's first day of school. I forced him to take the dorky "I'm waiting by the door" picture. (He should be happy that I don't follow him to Goodhue and take his picture in his room.) Elizabeth got up just in time to wish her dad a good day- 5 more years until she joins him.

Josh reports that the first day went really well. He is looking forward to a fresh batch of students. This year he will be teaching AP US History, 7th grade American History, and 9th grade Civics. His highlight of the day and a great start to the year was one eager student asking him, "Would it be okay if I read ahead in my AP History book?" Score for education!

A Weekend of Firsts

This labor day weekend was filled with firsts for Elizabeth.

On Saturday, the Grant family met the Senich's (plus Chris) at the State Fair.Elizabeth sampled her first Strawberry shake. (Probably not part of a 9 month old diet!)


Then on Sunday, Elizabeth went swimming for the first time in a lake.

Sports Illustrated here I come!
(Note: Elizabeth usually doesn't swim in the nude. We didn't intend to go swimming. Only as a baby can you pull that off!)