Finally another post!

I have been so bad at posting lately! It seems like when Grant is napping I'm trying to get things done around the house and when I do get on the computer it seems like I have just enough time to check some email and check some friends' blogs and that's about it. After Grant goes to bed I am SO exhausted (so much for the energetic 2nd trimester!) that I am either on the couch or in the bed. Anyway, I really want to get better at this. Grant is learning and saying new things everyday and I know I've got to start writing some of it down or I'll soon forget.

I've been meaning to update about our trip down to Pensacola to see my family. We took two days to drive down there. Grant did excellent. We made it all the way to Atlanta on day 1- definitely the longest day. Day 2 we drove to Birmingham to see my grandparents. My Grandaddy is in an Alzheimers unit and my Grandmother is in an assisted living facility. It's hard to see them separated but it's just the best thing for them now. We first went to visit with my grandaddy. I think this was the first time he wasn't quite sure who we were. He acted like he knew us.. I'm sure that's the way he thought he should act. He knew we were family and he told us multiple times that he loved us. He wasn't distant, although he didn't say my name so I assume he was confused. Also, he was more quiet than I have ever seen him. In the past he's always talking about something but not this time. We are glad that soon he'll be moving in to another facility down in P'cola. I think it will be a better situation, especially since my Dad will be able to visit regularly. Here are some pictures taken during our visit.
Still playing his harmonica like a pro!We then headed over to where my Grandmother lives. We were met by my uncle Jack, my cousins Jonathon and Jack and Jack's wife Jennifer and their children, Jacob and Jessica. It was a pleasant surprise to see all of them. We weren't sure or not whether my Grandmother would travel down to Pensacola with us but we were so glad when she made the decision to go! So, we packed her a bag and all managed to fit in to our car!

Grant soon learned to say ( in his own little language) the names of my family. The funniest is hearing him say my Dad's name. He wants to be called "Dado" but somehow Grant is calling him "Gago", although he says it in a funny voice deep in his throat. He still says it quite a bit. Probably because he knows he gets a laugh out of us. He not only loved his Gago but also came to love his cat, BC. Too bad BC never stuck around too long to really play with him.

He got to know my brother Nathan and called him "Nanie", which is funny because that's been a family nick-name that he's had for years.
He loved playing in my Dad's front yard and even had his first experience playing with a crochet set!
Another highlight for Grant was getting to know Jake, Jennifer's (my Dad's wife) son. Jake is such a good kid and was GREAT with Grant. Grant followed him around everywhere. I wish we could have taken him back to VA with us!
One afternoon Dad pulled out the water hose and we stripped Grant down and he had a BLAST.
Mike and I had a truly relaxing time during our mini vacation to Sandestin. Our hotel was so nice and the best part was that all the restaurants and shopping were just a short walk away so we didn't have to get in our car and fight the traffic. Of course it went by way too fast. I wish we got more pictures but this is the only one that Mike took of me on the beach... and it's not even that good!
Grant loved spending time with his "Mia" (my mom) and my grandparents, Granny & Papaw. Much to my mom's distress he wasn't able to say "Mia" although he said Papaw & Granny pretty well.

He also loved playing on Mia's piano!
The last night that we were there I was able to go to a close friend of mine, Emily Olsen's wedding. It was neat because my brother Nathan played the violin in the quartet and my Papaw officiated the ceremony. It was a beautiful wedding and I'm so happy for Emily. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of Emily! Here's a picture of me, my mom and Granny.
While we were there we had a professional photo shoot where I was hoping to get a good family picture and a cute picture of Mike and Grant together wearing flight suits. Well, it was a disaster to say the least. I think there may be 3 shots from the entire session that are good. I'm actually surprised we got that many! Anyway, Grant looked really cute in his little flight suit and here's a picture that my mom took before we left.
We returned home in 1, yes 1, day! I took about 15 hrs including stops. At one point we were so tired we just let Grant do a little driving! :)