Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!


Elizabeth is enjoying her first Christmas!

On Friday, her dad finished a long week of teaching and wrestling to spend some time with Elizabeth after not seeing her since Wednesday. Why? Because on Thursday Goodhue had a meet in Cannon Falls, and then head coach Bill Sutter had a pizza party for the wrestlers at his house. After the party, I camped out at the O'Reilly's with Jeremiah and Jenna. Then it was off to finish out the last day of teaching before the holiday break.

Saturday brought the newly formed Grant family down to GUSville for Christmas. After a nice dinner, we all sat down to presents and conversation. A snowstorm that moved in made return travel difficult and shutdown Sunday travel plans to Hibbing.

So Christmas Eve (and Grandma Senich' s birthday) we drove to Hibbing in time for the Christmas Eve service. Elizabeth made it through her first church service successfully - no quick scrambles out of the sanctuary were necessary!

After church, we had Christmas Eve supper and presents with Grandma Senich (Sam's paternal grandmother). Then it was off to the Kotonias's for more holiday treats and gift exchanges. Everyone was excited to see Elizabeth for the first time, especially some aunts (names withheld).
On Christmas morning, Elizabeth woke up to presents galore with the Senich family - Matt, Kathy, Will, and Katie; John, Courtney, and Benjamin. I can't speak for others, but I can attest that Sam, Elizabeth and I had a nice "haul" (my term) from Santa and company...

Christmas lunch was at the Kotonias's before family left for home.

Back at Matt and Kathy's, Sam and I handed off Elizabeth to the grandparents to do some backwoods snowshoeing in 18 inches of perfect powder.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Sam's Birthday!

We celebrated Samantha's 26th birthday today!

My grandparents stopped by to see their great-granddaughter after I shoveled the snow we received on Saturday--Elizabeth's first significant snowfall!

At lunch, we had a meal brought in. Then it was off to the Christmas tree farm in Wanamingo with Ash, Angie, and their 1 year old son Milan to pick out our trees.

This year, we have a nice White Pine. Last year, we had a Douglas Fir. You know how Sam is with her trees - gotta try 'em all...

While the tree melted its ice in the basement, Sam opened her wonderful birthday gifts.

After supper, Elizabeth helped her parents bake cookies and put the tree up! She's getting bigger every day and wants to tell everyone "Happy December!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

For Thanksgiving 2007, we are very thankful for the health and safety of our newborn Elizabeth. We're also thankful for all of our friends and family who have supported our family this week.

We have had many visitors, cards, gifts, letters and many other signs of support for Elizabeth and us newbie parents. Sam and I feel very blessed this Thanksgiving knowing that there are so many people looking out for our child. That's what family, friendship, and community is all about and we are grateful that is so bountiful in our circle. We do not take it for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and thanks to everyone for their support!

Joshua, Samantha, and Elizabeth Grant

Saturday

Elizabeth is doing very well. "Ellie" continues to eat big and sleep well. Here's a picture from today.

My Two Favorite Girls in the World!

I am so proud of my wife and daughter. I must be the luckiest man in the world to have two beautiful girls in my life!

Don't forget to click on the image for a closer look at my two angels!

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!)