We're Home!

11:15 a.m. - Elizabeth Katherine, not yet 48 hours old, is officially home and in her bedroom. Bringing our first child home is a proud moment for Sam and me. Elizabeth and mom are still continuing to do well and are looking forward to sleeping in our own beds tonight!

Thank you to all of you who made our child's birth so memorable with your phone calls, gifts, and visits to our hospital room. Now that we're home, we parents are looking forward to a hot shower, a home-cooked meal, and spending time with our beautiful daughter!

Elizabeth Katherine Grant

Sam and I are proud to announce the birth of our first child, Elizabeth Katherine Grant. Elizabeth and Sam are both healthy and doing well.

Elizabeth is a beautiful girl! She was born at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14 2007. With a weight of 7 lbs. 11 oz. and a length of 21 inches, Elizabeth is a perfectly healthy baby with lots of long dark hair!

(Click on the image for a bigger picture of Elizabeth!)

More thoughts on Imagination

This morning, I remembered that I had recently watched a video about imagination. From the website TED Talks, Ken Robinson proffers a keen insight into imagination and its role (or lack thereof) in American education. His message is both reflective and humorous, so check it out and let me know what you think.

Ken Robinson: Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Raising the 21st Century Child

With a child on the way, Sam and I have been contemplating the best way to raise a child in the 21st Century. As the world grows more complex, it appears that the young seem to embrace the changes the most. But at what price? If you're interested in 21st century parenting or education, you might be interested in reading this article we read in The Rake entitled "The Death and Life of the American Imagination." Feel free to comment in person or on this blog post. Some parts we agreed with. A few we did not. What do you think?

http://www.rakemag.com/reporting/features/death-and-life-american-imagination

Sam's visitors

Sam has received a steady stream of visitors in the last two weeks.

Last weekend, high school friends Alison, Angie, and Erin enjoyed two days here in Rochester.

This weekend, Aunts Kay and Kendra and Cousins Sydney and Toni came to visit and feed Sam and the baby at Victoria's.

Last Vacation B.B. (Before Baby)

Last Wednesday (10/17), Sam picked me up from work at the high school and we drove to Red Wing for our third stay at the Round Barn Bed and Breakfast. After checking in, we had a nice meal at Oar D'Oeuvre--a fairly new, nautical themed (get it?) eatery. After a relaxing night of reading and a soak in the jacuzzi, we enjoyed an excellent breakfast by the owners, Robin & Elena.

To burn off our 3 course breakfast, Sam and I checked out and headed to nearby Frontenac State Park. Even at 8+ months pregnant, my wife is a real trooper. We hiked down some uneven, wet trails along bluffs to the Mississippi river before our return ascent.

What a great vacation to have B.B. For our next one, I'm guessing we'll have to hire a babysitter.

Any takers?

My friends and their babies!

Saturday morning, my friend Elizabeth gave birth to her third child Kara Sophia Barrett. Sam and I visited them at Olmsted hospital that evening. She's a beautiful little girl with chubby cheeks!

Two weeks ago, my friend Brad had a son, Gavin Michael Haugen.

And 3 weeks ago, my friend Jason and his wife Jenny gave birth to their first child, Logan Michael Danielson.

I guess that means we're next!