Dear Grant,
As I write this you are sleeping somewhat fitfully. You’ve got a double ear infection coupled with an upper respiratory and while you’ve mostly been okay, you’re pretty miserable.
Well it’s Thanksgiving time, the time of year that we remember all the things we are thankful for. There’s an American heritage associated with this holiday, but as Christians we use this time of year to thank God for our blessings. My biggest blessing this year is you, so I’m writing to tell you about you and all the things I love about you.
In the last six months or so, you’ve grown from a crawling, little one year old, to a sixteen month old little boy. You’re amazing in every sense of the word, and I’m often struck by it while watching you.
You spend most mornings eating waffles and yogurt with me on the couch. I get you to eat as much as you will, but then you’re off. You sometimes watch Dora, Diego, or the Backyardigans, but mostly you run around the apartment and play. This last month we moved to a new apartment from a house. It was a home that we had hoped would be a great place for you to grow up in, but events made us unable to keep living there. We worried about your transition, and about not having enough space for you. You didn’t even blink and have come to love our new place. You have plenty of room, in a lot of ways more than in our old house because we don’t have stairs to keep you blocked in. You run around the apartment, chasing kitties and stopping to play with toys, and just are so happy.
This last month we went to South Dakota, to see Aunt Kalli and Uncle Tim get married. You were the ring bearer. Your father and I were terrified of this trip. You still don’t like to sit still very much, and we still panic about driving to Iowa to see Grandma and Grandpa. South Dakota is a 10 hour trip, and most of the things to do there involve driving around a lot. You did great. We took movies for you to watch, and you loved having all your family around. AND, your few brave steps here and there turned into full blown walking EVERYWHERE. Aunt Kalli secured us an awesome huge hotel room, and you started just walking back and forth about every chance you got. By the morning of the wedding you were toddling everywhere you could get, and you’d get so excited with yourself. By the time the wedding was over, you just took off all over the place. You didn’t want to sit still, and honestly the fact that Aunt Kal married such an awesome dude, you were toddling – made this trip one of our favorites. The next day we spent the day with Grandma nad Grandpa Swan. They are just madly in love with you, and it’s been so neat to watch them play and hang out with you. We went to Mt. Rushmore and people were watching you run around and squeal instead of looking at the monument. Your little blonde curls, big blue eyes, and giggling was more than most people could stand.
All your independence has been a little hard on mommy. You spend so much time being busy it’s hard to get you to cuddle as much as you used to. It does however make those little times when you stop to get kisses just the sweetest thing, and you still give those out freely. It’s so special when you stop, coo your little mommy coo and flop into my arms, kiss me right on my mouth and then hug. You don’t physically stay for very long, but those moments stay with mommy for a long time. You have such a sweet little spirit.
Yesterday when we got home, you were SO excited. We had been in Iowa for a week, something else your Pops and I were worrying about, and you bounded into the apartment squealing and took straight to running around chasing kitties and playing. Daddy and I just sat and watched as you played in your garden. You started feeding your little birdies just like we feed you. It was so profoundly sweet, as you used this little voice while you did it. Then of course you started spinning them around wildly, you are a little boy after all, but it still struck your Dad and I. You’re starting to mimic us, you even said a swear word after Mommy the other day. You notice every little nuance, something that I think you get from your mommy. You study everything intensly, especially your books.
And the thing I love most about you is your little heart for God. You listen with a special intensity when I read you bible verses, or when I pray for you. You do this while we’re praying to…you instinctively become very quiet. We’re trying to teach you to fold your hands, but you become so cautious and quiet you don’t move. I think you have a reverence for God already, and I know it’ll make you a strong man when you grow up.
Did I mention you talk a lot? You sing songs, love the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and just talk all the time to EVERYONE. When we got to restaurants you always charm the waitresses and wave good-bye to everyone you meet. You’re quite the little social butterfly. Except when you’re being shy. This is usually around family, but it doesn’t take you long to come out of your shell.
I love you little Grant, and I just keep loving you more and more everyday. I’m so amazed at the little man you’re becoming and I’m infinitely proud.
Mommy
