Grady is FOUR!

Four years ago at this moment I am sure I was sitting in the hospital room, holding Grady and just staring at his little face, trying to memorize every detail. I could not believe he was real and that he was my very own baby! In some ways that day seems like yesterday, and in some ways it seems like a lifetime ago. Having little Grady in our lives has certainly changed everything, but we can't imagine life without him. He enjoys life to the fullest - everything excites him, everything interests him. He is also extremely loving - with his friends and his family - especially his brother. This past year has had its ups and downs, and it has certainly brought quite a bit of change. But through it all I have consistently seen Grady's strengths come shining through. He has especially impressed me with the unselfish way in which he welcomed another little person into our family and happily shared his parents with him. He loves his baby brother with a depth that I didn't think was possible for such a small child. He also impresses me time and time again with the way he can bring a smile to someone's face - whether it is a stranger or a good friend. If Grady is around people just seem happier. Little did I know what a special little boy he would become when I gazed into that tiny face 4 years ago. I can't wait to see what the next 4 years will bring!

So what is Grady interested in these days?

*school
*trucks - still!
*space
*bugs
*making up songs - he writes them while he lays in bed during "quiet time" - HA!
*dancing
*friends - he is so social
*baking/cooking
*geography
*running - he talks about running in races, and I would like to find a "fun run" for him to try soon
*reading
*coloring/drawing - this took a while, but he is finally really into it
*puzzles
*his brother - seriously - he just loves playing with him


Some recent pictures of Grady...

Playing with his new crane toy from Grandpa Jim:



Making an apple pie with Mama on Thanksgiving:



sparkling apple cider - what joy!



Decorating his playroom Christmas tree:





Birthday breakfast at Perkins:



Anson was there too!



Trying on Grandpa's glasses:







With his birthday crown:





The family at our little birthday celebration this evening:



eating cake



Messy!

Grady 4 years ago...

At a month old:



At 2 months old:



I can't believe my little guy is getting so big. Of course when I told him "You're not my little baby anymore - you're getting so big!" he told me "I'll always be your little baby, Mama." Of course you will Grady.