Happy New Year's Eve!

The past year has been an amazing one for us. Grady was born in April and our lives were changed forever. I know that when we think back to 2008, we'll remember Grady's birth and all the special moments that followed. Looking forward to 2009 ... we'll be watching our baby grow into a little boy. Cheers to the New Year!

He's on the move!

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Grady was very excited to open his gifts,

so was his Auntie Heather!

Grady checking out his stocking.

Early morning family photo.

A Christmas head noogie from Grandpa Dave!

Digging into the gifts!

Opening his stocking with Dad.

Playing with a new toy.

Cuddles with Grandma.

Happy Christmas Eve

We are having a great time visiting in Fort McMurray. We spend most of our time indoors because it is so cold out, but that's been good for Grady - he loves all the attention. This week has been a big one for him: he started crawling (more like "inchworming") and he has also mastered the pincher grip! He can now pick up a cheerio and get it into his mouth all by himself.

Today we did venture outside to take Grady for a quick walk. It was (only!) minus 25 degrees, so it wasn't too bad. We bundled Grady up really well and off we went.

Grady in his Christmas jammies all ready for his first Christmas. He's very excited ... Happy Christmas Eve!

Crawling (or some version of it)

Grady is on the move! Just since we've been here in Fort McMurray, he's started doing his own version of the army crawl. I'm not exactly sure how he does it - he kind of pulls himself forward with his arms, but he also pushes a bit with his legs. He doesn't go very far yet - his longest stretch has been about three feet, but at least he's going in the right direction.

ps. Today when Grady was crying (again!), I saw another tooth cutting through on his bottom gums. That definitely explains some of his crankiness. I am hoping that tooth comes up soon and he can get back to his normal, happy self ... at least in time for Christmas!

Our first few days in Fort McMurray

We've been in Fort McMurray for a few days now. Our flights up here were okay. We were delayed in Vancouver and Edmonton because of bad weather. Grady did really well on the plane, but he was starting to get pretty tired towards the end of the trip. He kept his composure until we made it to Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was just after midnight and he was not happy.

The past two days have been a period of adjustment for the little guy (ie. cranky and crying non-stop!). Finally today, Grady is starting to settle back into his regular routine with naps, eating, and activity and he is much happier!

Grady and Sandy

Playing with the garland while we decorated the Christmas tree.

Helping put the garland up.

All bundled up for a walk outside. It was a very short walk in the minus 30 degree weather!

Playing with his new toy - a gift from my parent's friends, Vicki and Neal.

Loving the drum!

Baby bella clava, moracca, and movement

Grandma and Grandpa Syme bought Grady this baby-sized bella clava to keep him warm when we are in Fort McMurray this Christmas. We tried it on yesterday - it will definitely keep him toasty roasty when we go outside.

The little bug is starting to really move around a lot. He still doesn't actual crawl forward or backwards ... mostly he just slides around on his tummy, but he can get surprisingly far doing this. He is quite proud of himself as you can see here:

This is the ladybug moracca that Auntie Hes bought Grady when we were visiting in Vancouver. He loves playing with it, but it's just out of reach ....

ah ha, got it!

Finally, this short video shows the patented "Grady slide". Actually, it's more of "a day in the life of" piece: Grady plays with something, it winds up out of his reach, he stretches out trying to get it, can't quite grab it, gives up, and looks for something else to play with!!!

Too cute not to share

These pictures are a week old, but they are too cute not to share! I took them when my Dad was here visiting.

Grady's "Bubbles" picture! (wearing my Dad's reading glasses)

Grandpa Dave tickling Grady

Wearing the hat that came with his new Christmas jammies.

"Hey, this arm looks tasty!"

"Think I'll take a big bite out of it!"

More walking practice.