Pictures from Melanie: 4th of July

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Summer Fun

School let out at the end of May and we have been very busy ever since. We went to the zoo with Weezie (aka Lindsey) & cousin Abby, had lots (too many?) of t-ball practices and games, swim lessons, birthday parties & an awesome trip to New Braunfels. We floated the Comal river, went to Schlitterbahn and swam in the coolest (literally!) swimming hole. Photographic proof to follow this post...

Grant’s Thoughts:
- Why don’t cats like snow?
- Why do cats have long tails?
- Why don’t we only have one arm?
- What color is air?

June 2009

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Yes, she really exists

This is a tad bit delayed I realize but.... Audrey Latham Young was born on February 19th at 8:44 in the morning. She weighed 6lbs 5oz.

Grant & Kendal have been WONDERFUL with her- they have yet to poke her eyes out or step on her. She had her 2 month check up today- she's in the 50th percentile for both height and weight- she weighed in at 10lbs 6oz today.

Which one is real? Easter 2009

Kendal's Cinderelli Dance- (she's in pink)

The Life of the 3rd Child...

Mama likes Drama...

So we thought yet-to-be-named Baby Girl would be here on February 24th, but it looks like she may have other plans. I began having contractions on Wednesday (2/11) and got to spend a sleepless night in Labor & Delivery. The Dr's got the contractions slowed down from every 2 minutes to just every so often with drug called Procardia. But due to a weak spot on my uterus (who knew such things could be a problem!) they are going to due an amnio on Wednesday (2/18) to make sure the baby's lungs are ready and assuming that they are, I will have a c-section on Thursday (2/19). February 19th happens to be the 10 year anniversary of when Chris & I met, so that makes it kind of fun and special. I will be 36.5 weeks at that point and the Dr.'s feel good about going ahead and delivering. They are just trying to balance when the baby is ready enough with risking more contractions on my weak uterus (which could lead to rupture). I'm on bedrest right now and not liking it one bit. I don't like making Chris do things for me, especially when he is trying to manage the 2 monkeys (G&K). Chris has been a trooper and has definitely earned dad of the year honors.

Here are a few recent pictures, and one video. Enjoy!

"Ice Day" - No school!

Yes, that is underwear on their head. Or as Kendal

calls it "her crown"

Grant, Kendal & Abby on the swing set

Just practicing before the real thing...

Kendal's Dance Camp

Happy New Year!

We've started off the new year with a smack! Grant slipped at a holiday party, hit his head on the edge of the door and got to go to the ER. He ended up with 2 stitches under the skin and 12 on top. We had them removed yesterday and he was a major trooper. The stitches really never phased him. In fact, when they were putting them in his head, he fell asleep! We'll never understand the workings of Grant's mind! If you are brave, here are pictures of the damage... http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dgrx4wth_0f9qm78hs

Grant celebrated his 5th birthday at the Great Wolf Lodge. It was a ton of fun, and so nice to not have to plan a party. Poppie & Cookie, Nathan, Lindsey & Abby, and the Riley's (Matt, Katie, Aidan & CJ) all joined us.

We had a great Christmas. We DROVE to Kentucky for a few days before Christmas. It was quite the adventure driving that far, but the kids did great. We stopped in Memphis to spend one night with my grandmother and had a nice time with her and then continued on to Kentucky. We saw all of Chris' family amd as usual they gave us way too many presents. The kids were excited because it snowed a teeny-tiny amount, but that was enough to build a snowman. I'm not sure Kendal had ever seen snow before- and she lived up to her princess ways- and only stayed outside for a couple of minutes. The kids and I lucked out and flew home and Chris made the solo drive back to Texas. He claims he enjoyed his solitary 15 hours in the car, but I think he is crazy. And then we enjoyed Christmas day at our own house with Poppie & Cookie. We really tried to scale back this year, we just don't have any more room for toys. But it still seems like a toy factory exploded in our house. Grant got among many things a drum set & Hot Wheels set, and Kendal got a lighted vanity and tons of 'girly' things- Barbies, princesses, etc. Cookie & Poppie got them a Power Wheels Ford F-150 that they absolutely love. Grant loves to drive and Kendal loves to ride. She already looks like a pagent princess being driven around.

We're getting close to the arrival of baby #3- and we still have a ton to do. Like pick out a name and move Kendal out of the crib, just minor things! My c-section is scheduled for February 24th at 7:30am. I have so many friends having babies #3 & #4 in January and February, so hopefully they'll all give me pointers before I join the club. That's all for now- let me know of your name suggestions!

Why?

I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here, then Grant's 5th (WOW!) birthday, then Christmas, then the new baby! Seriously #3 will be here before you know it! I'm also taking suggestions on names- since we have ZERO.

As many of you know Grant has some language delays- one of which he has had trouble asking & answering 'why' questions. Well, it seems we have finally turned that corner. Last Sunday night we were sitting around the kitchen table and I was musing that I need to go to the grocery store. Next thing Grant asks "why do you need to go the grocery store?". Chris & I just looked at each other- we were amazed that he asked a why question and in an appropriate context. And ever since then he has been full of why questions. Kendal has taken to answering his questions which is just wonderful to see.

We had our pictures taken at the mall with Cousin Abby last week and then had quite an adventure afterwards. As we were leaving the mall we had to ride the escalator down to get to the right level. As we approached the bottom of the escalator, the escalator quickly grabbed Grant’s shoe. I yanked him out right away, saving the foot but obviously not the shoe. I’m amazed Grant has all his toes & zero scratches. I had heard about this happening, but always thought of it as a bit of an 'urban legend'. Apparently not.

Just Kidding!

So we went to the perinatologist on Wednesday for my 20 week sonogram- and surprise- our 'boy' has turned into a GIRL! It was really fun being shocked. I know Kendal will love having a little sister to 'mother'. Grant is not so sure about this- he says that I am having a boy- he knows the Dr is wrong.

The Dr made a DVD of the sonogram. After we got home I put it on for my mom. She and Grant were watching it, Grant looks over at her, and says "Cookie- did the baby just turn into a dinosaur?" Too funny!

Grant and Kendal are very excited about Halloween. K will be Dora and G will be GI Joe. Here is a picture of them being 'scary'.

It's A....

We had our 15 week check-up on Thursday and found out that we are having a BOY! It's amazing how much technology has changed even since we had Kendal. Doctors can tell so much more, earlier on. It's amazing! We are excited but I'm going to have to start collecting boy stuff since I have given away EVERYTHING! Seriously, everything. I will need: a carseat/carrier, baby swing, bouncy seat, exersaucer, high chair--- basically anything baby related! And I've also given away all of Grant's clothes. Oh well- I guess things have gotten better/nicer in the last 5 years!

Grant is doing well at his new school (Shelton)- although he has been giving one of his teachers some lip. She was asking him a question the other day and he responded with "don't talk to me, don't look at me". Nice. We'll have to work on that. Wearing a uniform has been SO nice. Not having to worry about picking out clothes, just knowing to put on basically the same thing every day has really made the morning routine much easier.

Kendal is really enjoying school as well. Her daily report card basically says she plays in the home center & with babies the whole time. We need to try and expand her horizons, although I think she's getting in good practice for the new baby! She is recently potty trained and really enjoys using the bathroom in exotic places. (The grocery store, the mall, the bookstore, the restaurant) Basically the germier the better. I'm trying really hard to get over my germ phobia but it is really hard to see her sitting on a potty holding on to it. I never realized how easy it was to take Grant to the bathroom in public- just stand there and go! And being pregnant definitely does not help my gag reflex so I usually gag a few times we are in the bathroom- but at least she is going, right!?!?!

That's all for now- I promise I will try to post more often than monthly... Here are a few recent pictures... Enjoy!

Kendal eating pudding

First Day of School

Surprise!

Yep, it somehow happened. We're expecting child #3. Long story but the gist of it is I forgot to refill my birth control prescription one month. So the official due date is March 14, which means I am 10 weeks along. Grant says he is getting another sister and Kendal is sure it is a boy. We'll see.... So far I am feeling fantastic. I've always hated pregnant people who say they feel good because I've always thought it not possible. I barfed for 9 months with both Grant & Kendal so I think I am just getting a little reprieve this time.

Random funny...

So Grant was at OT yesterday. And his therapist Casey said, "Hey Grant..." and another little boy turned around and said "What?" Turns out his name was Grant too. So Casey asked the other little boy what his last name was and he responded "Grant Moore". Then she turns to my Grant and asks him what his last name is... Reponse: "G Money" she laughs and says no, then he tries "Homeskillet". She is dying laughing on the floor. Apparently our boy doesn't understand the difference between nicknames & last names!

May & June Activities

We have had a very busy May and June! Summer is just flying by. Here are a few photos from our adventures. Kendal turned 2 on May 16th. We had a birthday party for her on May 31st at the Texas Scottish Rite park. She shared the party with her friend C.J. and had a great time! An amazing friend of mine put on her annual mommy & me camp. Complete with nature hikes, arts & crafts, swimming! It was so much fun, we hope we're invited back next year! Grant has become an amazingly proficient swimmer- he can swim the whole length of the pool by himself. That qualifies him for an orange wristband which basically means he can do whatever (jump off the diving board!- his favorite thing), wherever in the pool. And Kendal has been at 'dance camp' this week. She is totally loving it- wearing a leotard and ballet shoes- she is in heaven!

MOMMY & ME CAMP

Grant & Caroline Martineau

We tie-dyed shirts at camp...

And made apple people...

KENDAL'S BIRTHDAY

Kendal and a "few" of her presents...

Mommy & Kendal with matching tattoos at Kendal's birthday party...

The Cake

Kendal & Cookie

GREAT WOLF LODGE

At Great Wolf Lodge. The kids LOVED the waterpark during the day and then the storytime by the fireplace at bedtime was fun.
A follow up story by daddy in the kids hotel bed...

RANDOM PICTURES

Grace & Kendal with matching bows
Indoor Camping! We set up NaNa's tent (that's Nathan) in the playroom. The original idea was to 'camp' in our backyard, but the temperature didn't get below 85 degrees so we moved the party inside. The kids didn't seem to mind.

"Hollywood" at the lake

Sophia & Adrianna Crespo and Grant at the lake 'riding' the jet ski Handsome fellow

Kendal and CJ are ready for dance camp!

Video of Kendal...