9-Months!

November, the month of Thanksgiving, is a totally appropriate time to express how incredibly full of gratitude we are that we were given the gift of becoming parents. The past 9-months have truly been a blessing, full of happiness and joy. Though we are thankful each and every day, for our son, this month we are especially reflective on what a gift from God he is :)

We're off to Elgin, ND this afternoon to go hunting with the Koepplin's! Both Steve and I have "Any Antler" tags and look forward to bringing in "the BIG ONE." And, Grady is looking forward to spending some quality time with Gavin A. and Grama Nancy! Good luck, hunters!

8-Months!

We are blessed each and every moment of the day - Our baby boy is healthy and happy and growing at a rapid pace. As he's gotten older, we're seeing so much more of his personality. Grady is a laid-back, energetic little guy and though we enjoy his new-found mobility he's hard to keep up with! This holiday season is going to be great fun - it's been awhile since we've had a little one around and I know we're all going to enjoy the excitement that being little, and new to everything, brings!

*Milestones met this month - We now have TWO teeth (bottom) and we're actively standing up to walk along the couches and anything we can lean against. We're also creating mass chaos in the kitchen going through mom's cupboards!

7-Months!

It's official, we have a CRAWLER. We started out "army-crawling" and, once we realized that being mobile was fun, there was no going back! Grady can now get from point A to point B, and then C, D, E, F, G and Z before mom and dad know it. Everything is now considered a toy and owies are now common place. Not a day goes by that he isn't getting into something he shouldn't at Mandy's (daycare) or trying to get behind mom's couch where the cat toys are kept. Our little munchkin keeps us busy and, truthfully, we love it! This weekend we are off to Minot for the "Run or Dye" Color 5k event. We will be spending the weekend with great-grama and grampa Bernsdorf and grama and grampa Nohr - Grady will be enjoying all the attention and cuddles while mom and dad get to enjoy one night away (pre-race-night dinner/drinks) with friends.We so enjoy these weekends together with family and friends. It's nice to have the opportunity to unwind from the busy week with the people that we love!

6-Months!

Our little "bookworm" is turning 6-months tomorrow (Aug 8th)! Grady is growing SO fast and is totally intrigued by his surroundings. He enjoys rolling (and yes,) CRAWLING across the floor to get into mom's things, play with dad's computer cords, etc. What a little monkey! Everyone tells us we are spoiled with such a pleasant, laid-back and handsome little man... and we agree :) He is truly a blessing - making every day a new adventure and giving us a multitude of reasons to praise God!

Dad has been busy this summer as a volunteer coach with the legion baseball team. He greatly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the kids and practice his coaching skills. Grady and I attended numerous games and he loved all the attention he got from the fans. He was snuggled by player's moms and dads, played with and entertained by player's siblings, and took countless naps in his stroller while donning his best baseball attire. Grady loved being outside (though in the shade) breathing the fresh air and catching glimpses of butterflies and other new-to-him creatures. It was a great summer for baseball!

This spring, my great-grandmother LC passed away. She was fortunate to live a long and full-of-love life but, we will all miss her dearly. At the end of July, the family gathered together at Mouse River Park, ND to celebrate her life and her memory and to scatter her ashes over the original homestead near the Canadian border.  It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful woman!

I have absolutely enjoyed my summer at home with Grady. I was fortunate enough to get to observe him experiencing and learning so many new things and reaching new milestones. School starts in mere days and though I am getting eager to get back to the "grind" I know I will miss enjoying my morning coffee with his smiling little face beaming up at me. Grady will be heading back to daycare and call me crazy, but I think he's excited? Each time I ask him, "Grady... are you excited to see Mandy (our daycare provider)?" he responds with a huge, toothless grin and a little squeal! Hopefully, she's just as excited!?

As I head back to work, I am making a promise that I will be better about updating our blog. I didn't open my computer very often this summer... too busy enjoying it :) But, with lesson planning and material research, etc I will be glued to this screen for the next 9-months so I will have plenty of time to keep up with all of you! Enjoy these last days of summer.... May God Bless You!

5-Months!

This cute little behind is 5-months old this July! He's rolling everywhere and is truthfully not far from crawling. We are trying to enjoy these days as we know that soon he will be impossible to catch!

Happy Independence Day!

I can't believe it's already the the 4th of July! And, I might mention, I am just as in awe that it is already my 10-year high school reunion?! We headed back to Stanley for the holiday weekend and had a terrific time catching up with classmates, enjoyed the parade, spent a great deal of time with the family and soaked up the sunshine. I ended up losing my voice, which is evidence of HOW much catching up I truly did, which of course made Stephen happy.... he finally got the opportunity to speak his own mind without interruption (Haha)! Grady was snuggled and cuddled to his heart's content and definitely enjoyed his first Independence Day!

And may we not forget the true reason for the celebration...

4-Months!

The beginning of summer was a wet one and we didn't get much of an opportunity to go outdoors. Grady decided that if it continued to rain he would "sail away" to find himself some sunshine. Luckily, the rain clouds finally made their way elsewhere and this little boy was happy to finally spend some time outside!

Hellooooooooo Summer!

The countdown to summer began in August, for most students and their teachers.  I am very happy that school has come to a close for this academic year and I welcome my eagerly anticipated summer vacation! This summer will be the first one spent with my son and, aside from "to-do" list that Stephen and I have put together regarding the house and yard, I relish the idea of getting to spend quality time with Grady.

I have a number of indoor and outdoor projects on my plate. We had planned on putting up a new fence around our yard, as our previous fence was destroyed by a wind storm in early November. However, after the insurance company gave us the quote for the amount they'd be willing to reimburse, that plan was nixed. Now, we're working on a plan regarding some DIY landscaping that will hopefully add some aesthetic value to our home, both front and back. We have some work to do on our downstairs bathroom, after we had a plumbing leak in the ceiling over Thanksgiving. Stephen and Gary (his father) worked on the repairs while they came to visit after Grady was born. The dry walling needs to be taped and then I plan to paint, among other little updates. I'm working on an online scrapbook for Grady. It will record his first year of life and include event such as his birth, baptism, monthly photos,  holidays, etc. I have most of the layouts put together and, as each milestone/event is met, I can simply add the snapshots. It will be ready to print in February and so far, it's looking great!

This year will be my 10-year high school reunion over the fourth of July. I'm very excited to get the opportunity to see and catch-up with my classmates. We've all been through and experienced a great deal since we graduated in May of 2003 and I am eager to see those friendly faces and hear their life-stories.

The Elkins will be coming to visit in July, as their second grand-child (James and Emily's little one) is due in the beginning of the month. We're always excited for them to come visit and Grady has changed a great deal since they last saw him, so they're in for a surprise!

We're excited for everything this summer has in store for us :) Bring on the sunshine!

Spring Time Photos :)

Grady

3-Months Old!

Daddy's little helper is 3-months old today! He's growing like a weed, smiling and cooing, and a total busy-body. We are truly enjoying each day and are so thankful for our many blessings :)

Welcome to PARENTING...

Most things in our lives come with an instruction book/guide.  The car has a manual and before we drive a car we even get a “learner’s permit”. We must study and pass a couple tests before we are allowed to legally drive. The microwave, the television, the cell phone, the stereo – they all come with instruction manuals. But what about parenting? Before our son was born, Stephen and I tried to prepare ourselves for each month of pregnancy (milestones, what to plan for at each appointment, etc.) and then eventually the birth. After Grady was born however, everything we had read and felt like we understood was put to the ultimate test. How tight is a diaper supposed to be, in order to prevent leakage, without squishing their internal organs up into their throat? What's the best way to suction a stuffy nose, without your child screaming as though you're sucking the brain right out of their skull? How do other parents deal with having to change their work attire, immediately after putting it on, after their child has projectile vomited in a manner seen only in horror films? Though I greatly suggest reading the "What to Expect..." series, I must also give credit to the numerous Bible verses that I have recited (like a personal mantra) in the times when I felt lost or the most inadequate in my role as a parent...

Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

James 1: 2-8 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds...let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Colossians 1:11 ...Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience...

 

Parenting is truly an adventure, filled with teachable moments (for both ourselves and our children)... struggles and triumphs... and I wouldn't want to be on this journey with anyone else (Stephen). I thank the Lord everyday for a man who truly loves and understands me and who is the greatest father I could hope for, for my son. Already, this journey has been fast and furious but, we've enjoyed every moment and plan on enjoying many more to come!

Hooray, Hooray... Grady is 1-Month old today!

It's official, our little man is already 1-month old... Oh my, this first month has gone by fast! We've already seen and experienced so many changes in him and are eager for all of the exciting milestones that lay ahead.

(Happy 1-Month Grady!)

Home Sweet Home...

After spending his first week of life in the hospital, Grady was finally discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health. The antibiotics did the trick - eradicating whatever infection was at work in his little body - and, he proved to be a very healthy little boy at his two week follow-up appointment with the pediatrician. Thankfully, we were able to treat the infection before it was able to take it's nasty effects on his little body. We greatly appreciated all of your thoughts and prayers while we were in the hospital ~ God blessed us with amazing friends and family and we're so thankful to have you all in our lives!

In the past few weeks, we've been able to get adjusted to living as a family and have developed a routine (which, no doubt will change frequently, and without warning, as our little man grows and develops!) We have enjoyed our time at home together before I head back to work on the 11th and Steve heads back on the 15th, at which point Grady will begin daycare with Mandy B. We were fortunate enough to find a daycare provider who lives just a few houses down from us and who has a small group of kids with which Grady will no doubt have a great time with as he gets older! Both Steve and I feel confident that Grady will be well taken care of and have no fears/anxiety associated with going back to work and leaving our son with someone else. Actually, we both sort of look forward to getting back to a more structured schedule and taking on the challenge of balancing our careers and our new/growing family!

 (Spending time relaxing with mommy and daddy)

 

 (Enjoying a nap, all warm and cozy, during the blizzard on Monday)

This past weekend, my good friend Nicole and Mckenzie teamed up to throw a baby shower brunch here in Beulah. It was held on the Saturday before the "big storm" and it could not have been a nicer day for baby shower... sun was shining, temps i the 40's, no wind... a rare day in ND indeed! It was such a CUTE event ~ the decorations were absolutely ADORABLE (Little Man/Mustache) and the food was DELICIOUS! It was a small gathering of friends/colleagues and Grady received some really wonderful gifts. Nicole and McKenzie did such a great job and everyone had a great time!

 (Grama Christi, Mom, Grama Jill)

 (Some of the ladies who came to Grady's "Brunch/Shower")

(Among other wonderful gifts, Grady received a little something for those 'black tie' sort of affairs.. Hah)

(Nicole and McKenzie - THANKS LADIES!)

Grady Leonard Elkins...

On Friday, February 8th we welcomed our precious baby boy into this world. Grady Leonard Elkins was born at 2:58 pm, after nearly 24 hours of labor, perfect in every way to his 'couldn't be happier' parents! But, the process of meeting him wasn't a simple journey; nor would going home be... Because mom had some issues with maintaining stable oxygen levels and heart rate, Grady also suffered the same issues. The medical staff was right on top of these issues and were able to alleviate/stabilize them quickly each time they occurred. Also, mom was 'ruptured' (rupturing of the amniotic sac; waters breaking) for an extended period of time and Grady needed to have a few blood tests performed before leaving the hospital with a clean bill of health. Once the amniotic sac ruptures, the baby is essentially exposed to the environment and the longer the time between this occurring and baby being born there is an increased chance of the baby developing an infection (of a variety of types). On Sunday, Grady and mom were discharged and allowed to go home on the condition that we return to meet with the pediatrician on Monday morning and have another screening done to monitor some levels that the staff found to be a little "off." Grady's blood was taken again Monday and a CBC, band count and a blood culture was performed. The CBC counts the different types of cells in the blood; an elevated white blood cell count signals an infection as these cells play a specific role in the body's immune system. The blood culture is a test used to find a bacterial infection in the blood and the band count puts a number to the amount of neutrophils within the blood. These cells, again, have a specific role within the immune system. An elevation of the band count is not necessarily specific for infection, but may be secondary to inflammatory processes, metabolic abnormalities, etc. After this round of testing, Grady had an elevated WBC count and an elevated band count. The pediatrician made the decision to admit him immediately to the children's hospital and start him on a round of antibiotics. Grady didn't show any obvious symptoms of being sick but, with newborns sometimes that can be very difficult to "see" in the patient so, most often they treat whatever the lab reports show. The only way to administer antibiotics to newborn is via IV at very low doses, so he needed to receive these treatments in the Sanford Children's Hospital. After a few days of being on fluids/antibiotics, Grady began showing improvement in his blood screenings and on Wednesday morning we received some good news from our doctor on rounds. Grady's cell levels were back in the normal range and he would only need to continue with the antibiotics for a couple more days to ensure that whatever bacteria was in his system was flushed out completely. We should, assuming that these levels stay normal and we don't develop any other issues, be discharged on Friday the 15th. That will have been a full week of being in the hospital for both Grady and mommy. Grama Jill has been staying with us in the hospital, cuddling/spoiling Grady and helping mom in more ways than she knows! We cannot fully describe how eager we are to reunite with daddy at home and finally get a chance to settle in. We must extend a thank you to each and every one of you that were thinking about us during our recovery and adding us to your daily prayers. There is no doubt that we were being looked-after by a higher power and continue to be as we recover. God is good!

Every body tells me I look 'just like my daddy' :)

Proud Grama Jill and Grampa Bob; 

Grama Christi and Grampa Gary are eager to cuddle me at the end of February!

Sanford Medical Center Announcement - We rate them 5 STARS as we had the best RNs/CNAs to take care of us during our stay - THANK YOU

Eagerly Waiting, Great Anticipation...

We had our 39.5 week check-up today; along with our third ultrasound. My doctor wanted to get an idea of how big the baby was, as I have consistently measured greater than the number of weeks. This is due mostly to the positioning of this little peanut; he or she prefers to stay close to the front of my body and stick his/her little butt out. Everything, all levels and measurements, is/are normal... baby is estimated to be about 7.5 pounds (but of course, this is hit or miss... could be off by a pound or so in either direction). My doctor is confident there will be no problems with the delivery and is thinking I will be ready to go any day now. IF this little one decides to host a 'sit-in' we're scheduled to be induced on the 19th. She doesn't think we'll have to wait that long however, and I am definitely hoping she's right! Everything is ready for this little one to make their grand entrance into this world... We've got our fingers crossed it's sooner rather than later :)

I hope those pudgy cheeks have dimples!....

 The nursery is stocked and ready to go!... 

...12 Days! (Maybe more, Maybe less?)

We had our 38 week check up yesterday afternoon and were pleased to hear that the baby is doing just fine AND things seem to be moving right along. Though the doctor won't say I am necessarily ahead of schedule, things seem to be progressing and in reality it could be any day now. (But, in the same respect, it could be another 3 weeks from now... Ahhh, the waiting game). We have another appointment next week for an ultrasound. Right now, it seems as though the baby is gaining weight rather quickly and we need to make sure just how big he/she really is. The doctor is confident I will be able to deliver just fine, but she'd like to know what to expect from this little rascal first so we can prepare for what's to come. We'll keep you posted as we know more - thoughts and prayers are appreciated in these last few days/weeks as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our little one! :)

Coming SOON...