Who ever said it wasn't a sport?

I am not sure if Emerson will be an athlete when she is older, but maybe she will be doign soemthing with music or dancing. That girl has some serious rhythm! We are still trying to figure out where she got it from.

Lots of love,

The Grady's (and hula hoop champion Emerson)

Crazy, weird weather!

It isn't often that Southern CA is put under a tornado watch, actually I can't remember ever being under one, EVER. But yesterday this happened about 30 miles from our house. And although that is strange enough, the craziness continued today. It was only about 65 degrees and RAINING! Yes, raining. We haven't had measurable rain for months and today we were on the verge of being cold and it rained and snowed in the surrounding mountains. Once again, not crazy, unless of course you take into account the fact that it was 116 degrees TWO days ago! Yes, record temperatures just two days ago. 116 and 112 on Monday and Tuesday.
So, I hate to ask....what next?

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Checkups

There is nothing more fun than taking both kids to the doctor for their annual checkups, let me tell you! Yesterday Emerson had her 5 year checkup and Brennan had his 3 year checkup at Dr. Coit's office.
Brennan is 34 pounds and 41 inches (90% percentile) and Em is 48 pounds and 46 inches (90 % percentile as well). Brennan had the general workup with special attention to his heart as usual. Dr. Coit read the report from our last Dr. Hashmi visit, and was pleased to see that everything looks so great. Then we talked about his ears and he was a little perturbed at what the ENT had told us. He doesn’t believe that we need to avoid water entirely. He said to do our best, but certainly don’t keep him away from the pool since that is basically impossible where we live. We should use our new ear plugs and not worry much more than that. Then gave him one shot, which of course he screamed about.

Then Emerson's turn. She had her blood pressure taken, an vision and hearing test , and a general checkup. He then listened to her heart, asked her about school, etc. Then the worst part...TWO shots and she was SCREAMING like a banshee! Kicking AND screaming. Nice. Not embarrassing at all!

Now Emerson is set for kindergarten and Brennan is good for another year!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Brennan's Ear Update

Back in September, as you know, Brennan had tubes put into his ears to help drain fluid that seemed to be trapped there. We had headed back for a checkup about a month ago, to discover that one of the tubes had already come out, possibly due to an ear infection. The Dr. wanted to see us back about a 10 course of antibiotics, due to more fluid buildup. Well today was his followup appointment.
Jeff took him today, first for a hearing test and then on to the Dr. to discuss the results. Brennan's right ear still has the tube in place, no fluid in the ear, and perfect on the hearing test. The left ear is a different story. The tube is not there, the antibiotics cleared up the fluid buildup, but there still remains a mild hearing loss. The Dr. feels fairly certain that the ear is still in a healing process and the hearing capacity will be restored over time, as the ear continues to heal. So we wait. We have a followup hearing test and Dr. visit in August to check on everything. But for the time being, NO water at all in that ear. So, say goodbye to swimming this summer. Doctor said that even with ear plugs in we cannot be guaranteed that water will not seep through and enter the ear passage. Tell me how I can explain to a three year old that he can't go swimming in the pool when his sister is diving down to the bottom? Explain how I tell him that even though it is 120 degrees outside and the pool looks SO refreshing, that he can't go in it? Should be a real fun summer, now. Ugh.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Happy Mom's Day

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day, that was truly more than just a day. It all started Friday when I attended the special Mother's Day Tea at Emerson's school. The students performed a few songs and dances for us while we all sat back with teary eyes. Emerson made me some very special presents and I was able to take home some of her great artwork as well.

Sunday I was pampered with a facial and pedicure in the morning and spent the afternoon outside playing with the kids. Jeff took care to make all our food all day, clean up the house, and just run interference most of the day. It was a perfect break for me!

Here are my little munchkins playing around today.

Happy Mother's Day to all the loving mothers I know. Hope you have a good day enjoying those wonderful people in your life.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Ahoy Matey!

When asked what kind of a birthday party Brennan wanted, his response was an enthusiastic "PIRATE party!". So pirates it was!

Pirate Bounce House

Happy Birthday our little pirate!

A NEW bike!!!! He is already riding it like a pro.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Happy Birthday Bren!

Dearest Brennan,

Three years old already? You entered our lives three years ago today, I should have known that you would be special with 05/05/05 as a birth date. I remember going into the hospital that morning three years ago, and having this combination of fear and excitement all wrapped up together. Then there was the moment with Dr. Gurwitt lifted you up and exclaimed that you were a BOY! I remember the uncertainly of the weeks that followed, the intense fear that we might lose you, and the joy of bringing you home once again with a healthy heart. We always said what a happy baby you were, like you knew there wasn't anything to worry about anymore. You knew you had already conquered the hardest thing.

I remember how excited I was to have a boy. I knew it would be different than how Emma was, but I never realized how different boys were! You are always running, jumping, leaping around the house. You enjoy playing with cars and dinosaurs, pretending to be a monster to scare your sister, and watching Scooby Doo. You make car noises and pirate voices and play with bugs. You love watching sports and wrestling with daddy. You are most definitely 110% boy.

You are also the cuddliest boy I know. You will come up and curl up on my lap and sit for awhile. As long as you have your blanket ,"elefunt" (elephant), and your thumb you are happy. You give the best hugs and have just about perfected the "fishy" kiss. Our "I love you" battles always put a smile on my face.

I know that every little child is a miracle, but you are truly our miracle. I know that God has this amazing plan for you and gave you a second chance because you are here to make a difference. I feel so blessed to be your mom and watch you grow. I love you more than words, little man.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Brennan!