Henry Grant blessing day

While we were in Utah for Christmas, we decided to take advantage of all of the family and friends around and give Henry a name and a blessing.  Henry was surrounded my many family members and friends whom we love.  It was a special way to top off our trip and Christmas holiday season.  It was a little haphazardly thrown together, but we had a fun dinner and dessert following the blessing.  Matt and Heather Smith and their kids Major and Olive were in Utah, and they were so nice to come up from Park City and be a part of this night.  

{Grandma and Grandpa Waterfall}

 

{Colby Kendell, Matt Smith, Grandpa Clarence, Dave, Trevor Gulbrandsen, Eric, Poppy Scott}

{my boys}

Henry -- 3 months

Thanksgiving 2013

W's first primary program

Dear Winston,
Today you sang and spoke in your first Primary program. You were magnificent! For weeks you learned and practiced your speaking part: "Family prayer strengthens my family." You became confident in your words and were sure to let the primary leaders know you didn't need their help. And since you were old enough to sing, you've been practicing and learning the primary songs. Yesterday you sang them with gusto, vigor, conviction (maybe?) and some serious personality. I could hear you louder than any other child, and I couldn't be prouder. You threw a few elbow jabs at your neighbor and made a few funny faces, but all in all, you made me want to stand up and cheer. I was so proud of you for knowing every word to every song, for memorizing your part, for being brave. But most of all, I was so proud of you for what you were singing and speaking about. Music (and children) seems to be the purest teacher of the gospel. You were doing just that. You were teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I realize your being a full time missionary is a distant goal. But I want you to remember that this day, you were a teacher of the gospel.

I love you, W.

Mama

Henry: Two months

Height: 23 1/4 inches -- 70%

Weight: 11lb 11.5oz -- 55%

Somethings about Henry:

• Starting to push with his legs.  
• First smile:  11.17.13
• Loves to look at Lizzie...puts up with her too.  :)

Halloween 2013

We were so lucky to have aunt Liz here for Halloween this year.  Originally, I didn't think I'd be doing much Halloweening this year with a brand new baby at home.  However, I got to join in on the festivities with baby Henry in tow.

The mean pumpkin

Lizzie's kitty cat pumpkin and Winston's mean pumpkin.  Thank goodness Liz was here; she's a much better, more creative carver than I.

St. John's Preschool Halloween Parade

Winston and Owen

Lizzie the Lion

A big rain storm came through, and we were worried our trick or treating would be washed out.  But we went to a neighborhood in South City; it was a hit.  Lots of homes all decorated.  Plenty of candy.  Plenty of fellow trick-or-treaters. The kids were delighted. 

In true Liz fashion, she created our snail costumes.  So talented.   

"Susan" the snail 

Thies Farm 2013

It wouldn't be Fall without a trip to Thies Farm.  These kids basically count on it nowadays.  We braved the windy conditions with my mom and baby Henry in tow. 

 It's amazing to visit a place only once and year and see how much more the kids have progressed and grown since then.  Henry could barely make his way along the rope course and this year he had no problem.  

Lizzie was MaMom's trusted sidekick throughout the farm.  She'd never leave her side.  

Henry -- One month

Height: 21 1/2 inches -- 50%

Weight: 8lb 11.5 oz -- 25%

Some things about Henry:

• Loudest eater EVER
• Super gassy/burpy all the time (I've since gone off all dairy, greens, acidic fruits/vegs)
• Loves to snuggle and sleep in my bed
• Looks different everyday
• Nicknames:  Henrique, Hank, baby, Henny Penny, Mr. Henry (Lizzie)
• Does NOT like his diaper changed
• Bath?  Meh
• Likes to lie on belly

While MaMom's in Town

It wouldn't be a visit from MaMom without a trip to the bowling alley.  I don't know what it is with my children and bowling, but they LOVE it!  I mean, on any given weekend when we ask them what they'd like to do, more often than not they will reply with, "Let's go to the bowling center!!!"  Still not sure where the term bowling center came from; nor the obsession with the game, either.  Thankfully, MaMom is always happy to oblige a trip to the lanes.  

Des Peres Park