We are back in Richmond. Thanks to Grandpa Joe for driving us back up here. So far we have just managed to get the laundry done, unpack and somewhat try to find a place for all the new toys. Today since Grandpa Joe is here and it is so nice...like 60 degrees, we went to Maymont Mansion in Richmond which was nice, Matthew didn't really want to "view" the house so Jay took him outside and let him play while Grandpa Joe and I witnessed what more money than sense could buy you back in 1900-1920s....not as bad as the Billtmore in NC but close, just 20 rooms and again just over the top in stuff from Europe, the worlds fair of 1904 etc.
They also had a nice children's farm with animals to feed and a nature center where we got to see some fish fed and the otters put on a show...Matt had on a red shirt, his polo which I am trying to get as much use out of before it has to go into the packed away-too small bin so the otter thought he was a prop and kept coming towards him and stopping and it was really cute...
Well, tomorrow is our last day of nice weather for a bit, not sure what we will do but of course I will try to get out for a little while with Matthew.
A very Happy New Year, 2011 was a great year for us and we are so looking forward to moving in 2012 and watching Matthew continue to grow into an adorable toddler.
Will post pictures soon, but for now, just bear with me, it has been a very busy few days and I am still also catching up on school stuff...so ugh...can't dedicate time to the computer with company here and all the stuff going on...at least 2012 is starting off with a very busy schedule of catch-up for me.
Granier Family
Dec 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday 20 DEC
We made it to Ville Platte in one day...yep, we got off at 4 am Saturday morning and the GPS had us if we didn't stop in Baton Rouge by 630pm...so we of course had to stop at times for Matthew to really have some crawling and playing time but still made it to Baton Rouge right before 9pm and then at that point what is another hour and a half so we were in VP by 11...a long day and I paid for it somewhat the last 2 days b/c Matthew is completely off the somewhat schedule he was on...and he doesn't really want to sleep in the pack-n-play so half the night he ends up with me and that in-turn means I am up around 5am....
But we are enjoying our time despite the lack of sleep on my part. I got my hair cut today and I love it...so a big Thank you to Kasey at New Creations in VP...I think she took 5-6 inches off...plus highlights...so it is just long enough to pull back but if I don't pull it back it looks really cute framing my face so I am very happy. I will post pictures once I get some made....
Not much else to report...I will try to get Matt to the Santa in VP tomorrow morning but the weather turned rainy today and so if it is rainning tomorrow we are not going to go....and I have to get some paperwork filled out for Southern Online University...it appears I will be adjunct there in addition to American Public University so yeah, looks like when APU doesn't have classes for me to teach or once I max out my student numbers I can still make some money and keep slightly busy with a class or two from Southern.
Ok, the boy just woke up and we are going to over to visit Aunt Karen and help Granny clean more of Granny Winnie's house...
Can't wait for Aunt Leone and the Cho gang to get here...especially to help entertain Matthew.
But we are enjoying our time despite the lack of sleep on my part. I got my hair cut today and I love it...so a big Thank you to Kasey at New Creations in VP...I think she took 5-6 inches off...plus highlights...so it is just long enough to pull back but if I don't pull it back it looks really cute framing my face so I am very happy. I will post pictures once I get some made....
Not much else to report...I will try to get Matt to the Santa in VP tomorrow morning but the weather turned rainy today and so if it is rainning tomorrow we are not going to go....and I have to get some paperwork filled out for Southern Online University...it appears I will be adjunct there in addition to American Public University so yeah, looks like when APU doesn't have classes for me to teach or once I max out my student numbers I can still make some money and keep slightly busy with a class or two from Southern.
Ok, the boy just woke up and we are going to over to visit Aunt Karen and help Granny clean more of Granny Winnie's house...
Can't wait for Aunt Leone and the Cho gang to get here...especially to help entertain Matthew.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Heading to Louisiana
Well, today is Friday and our last day in VA for almost 2 weeks. My dad arrives at 5pm today so I have some assistance on the drive south.
Here is a picture of Matt with Santa from daycare. He looks so cute and I am so glad he smiled...of course, wish I could have been there and can't wait for next year to take him and see if he screams or not....
Well, it will be a few days before the next post, and it will be in Louisiana...so hopefully we have an uneventful trip and make it MS for the night...then a short day on Sunday to drop-off stuff at Jay's Dads house then off to Ville Platte to be thoroughly spoiled for a few days by Granny and Granddad...mom gets spoiled too right??
If anyone wants to catch up, please call me at my parents' house or call my cell...I will be checking facebook so if you need the numbers just send me a message that way and I can send you the numbers.
Happy Holidays.
Here is a picture of Matt with Santa from daycare. He looks so cute and I am so glad he smiled...of course, wish I could have been there and can't wait for next year to take him and see if he screams or not....
If anyone wants to catch up, please call me at my parents' house or call my cell...I will be checking facebook so if you need the numbers just send me a message that way and I can send you the numbers.
Happy Holidays.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
10 Months today
Matthew is officially in double digits for months old today. He is 10 months old, weighing in at 20lbs and 2 oz. So a gain of 13 lbs and 2 oz since birth. He is wearing 9-12 months if still big but beginning to see him transition to 12 month old clothes....
For accomplishments, he really got the standing thing down. He is not all that interested in walking b/c he is such a great crawler he stands, drops, crawls and then stands up once he gets where he wants to...but I am beginning to see him try to walk a step or two while holding onto the couch or his toys that allow for holding/pushing.
We leave for Louisiana on Saturday the 17th...ugh not looking forward to the long trip but since we are bringing Queenie and presents and planning 2 weeks away, just need the freedom of the car and the space to bring all our junk that goes with him...the stroller will double as his highchair, since it has the straps to hold him down while he gets feed. At least at my moms there is a pack n play and the old wooden High Chair from Mama's house so we might be able to do some pick-up food at the table...the goal is for the next two months to get on the routine for the next room at daycare, so snack at 915-930, lunch at 1130, nap at 1230....the chore is the nap right now b/c he is falling asleep at daycare around 1130 and i then pick him up and that wakes him up at 1230...so the second nap has not been happening b/c I think he is ready to transition to one a day and right now that is 45-1hr which isn't enough so I get a very grouchy boy...in fact it is 4:15pm and I put him in his crib after bottle and rocking and he is still crying/fussying probably standing up and chewing on the wood...yep, he is chewing...I put some foam but he just chews on it and I don't have enough right now so there are now teeth marks in the wood...
So that is what is up, the sippy cup is another task that he has to handle for moving up, he does great with his sippy cup at daycare, not so much with me but maybe that will come as well. Pick-up foods are ok, again, great at daycare not so great with me but he did chow down on some cheese and bread from my grilled cheese today so maybe it is coming.
Diaper changes also become a huge challenge, he just wont stay still, and won't cooperate at all...it is almost a 2 man job but somehow I manage.
He is still having issue with his right ear, today we went to the Dr. to follow-up on the 3rd ear infection in basically the last month and while the left is clear, the right still has some fluid, so another round of antibiotics after we finish this round...ugh...and another re-check in Jan once we return to see if that right ear is finally clear...the blessing is he will be dosed up on antibiotics so hopefully he won't catch any nasty colds from all the cousins we plan to visit while in Louisiana.
If anyone wants to catch up, call my mom and dad's house. We get in probably Sunday night and will be between Baton Rouge and Ville Platte through Dec 29th. Then heading back so we can celebrate New years up here with Jay and Grandpa Joe...who is going to make the drive back with us!!
10 month sticker pictures are posted on FB but here is one that I like, you can see he stands great and is trying to move those legs toward walking.
He met Santa at Daycare on Monday and unfortunately they gave us just a hard copy of the picture, I tried to get the lady to e-mail me the digital image but she is very computer and picture illerate so I got nothing except that 1 copy and it is currently on the fridge. He was one of the only kids in the baby room to not cry and the only one to grab at the beard...of course, he likes mommy's hair so not surprised there, just happy he didn't try to eat it like he usually does my ponytail. I don't have a scanner so I will plan to bring it to Louisiana and hope my mother has one so I can hopefully get it posted otherwise, I guess it will head to Colorado with Aunt Leone so it can make it in this amazing scrap book she has been putting together for him.
So a update on the holiday card, Me: 4, Jay :0....that's right...none so far from Jay's family or friends...but since we just moved here and I am not sure he sent out change of address stuff like I did, I am sure most folks don't have our address (so I keep telling myself b/c I kind feel bad for him)
Leaving on Saturday, so if I didn't get a card out and I have few that I just didn't get to beforehand...like my sister, brothers and sister-in-law...yeah, my AF friends came first...sorry, and if you didn't get one, look back at my other post and get my address, send me a card first and I will respond with a New year card or something...plus it gets you on the list for change of address cards come this summer
Wish Jay luck as we are beginning to look for jobs...we are having issue with the usajobs.gov website b/c the forms to electronically apply require electronic signatures and pdf files and our computers and adobe skills are lacking so we can't seem to get this figured out so we then have to print stuff and the mail copies which is the not so reliable way I guess so if anyone has some adobe skills and will be in Louisiana to help us out in person, call me or call my mom's house, we will come over if possible to get that help...or if you or not in Louisiana but can help us, let me know and maybe we can do something by phone...yeah, this pdf file stuff and doing the electronic signature is just kicking our butts.
For accomplishments, he really got the standing thing down. He is not all that interested in walking b/c he is such a great crawler he stands, drops, crawls and then stands up once he gets where he wants to...but I am beginning to see him try to walk a step or two while holding onto the couch or his toys that allow for holding/pushing.
We leave for Louisiana on Saturday the 17th...ugh not looking forward to the long trip but since we are bringing Queenie and presents and planning 2 weeks away, just need the freedom of the car and the space to bring all our junk that goes with him...the stroller will double as his highchair, since it has the straps to hold him down while he gets feed. At least at my moms there is a pack n play and the old wooden High Chair from Mama's house so we might be able to do some pick-up food at the table...the goal is for the next two months to get on the routine for the next room at daycare, so snack at 915-930, lunch at 1130, nap at 1230....the chore is the nap right now b/c he is falling asleep at daycare around 1130 and i then pick him up and that wakes him up at 1230...so the second nap has not been happening b/c I think he is ready to transition to one a day and right now that is 45-1hr which isn't enough so I get a very grouchy boy...in fact it is 4:15pm and I put him in his crib after bottle and rocking and he is still crying/fussying probably standing up and chewing on the wood...yep, he is chewing...I put some foam but he just chews on it and I don't have enough right now so there are now teeth marks in the wood...
So that is what is up, the sippy cup is another task that he has to handle for moving up, he does great with his sippy cup at daycare, not so much with me but maybe that will come as well. Pick-up foods are ok, again, great at daycare not so great with me but he did chow down on some cheese and bread from my grilled cheese today so maybe it is coming.
Diaper changes also become a huge challenge, he just wont stay still, and won't cooperate at all...it is almost a 2 man job but somehow I manage.
He is still having issue with his right ear, today we went to the Dr. to follow-up on the 3rd ear infection in basically the last month and while the left is clear, the right still has some fluid, so another round of antibiotics after we finish this round...ugh...and another re-check in Jan once we return to see if that right ear is finally clear...the blessing is he will be dosed up on antibiotics so hopefully he won't catch any nasty colds from all the cousins we plan to visit while in Louisiana.
If anyone wants to catch up, call my mom and dad's house. We get in probably Sunday night and will be between Baton Rouge and Ville Platte through Dec 29th. Then heading back so we can celebrate New years up here with Jay and Grandpa Joe...who is going to make the drive back with us!!
10 month sticker pictures are posted on FB but here is one that I like, you can see he stands great and is trying to move those legs toward walking.
So a update on the holiday card, Me: 4, Jay :0....that's right...none so far from Jay's family or friends...but since we just moved here and I am not sure he sent out change of address stuff like I did, I am sure most folks don't have our address (so I keep telling myself b/c I kind feel bad for him)
Leaving on Saturday, so if I didn't get a card out and I have few that I just didn't get to beforehand...like my sister, brothers and sister-in-law...yeah, my AF friends came first...sorry, and if you didn't get one, look back at my other post and get my address, send me a card first and I will respond with a New year card or something...plus it gets you on the list for change of address cards come this summer
Wish Jay luck as we are beginning to look for jobs...we are having issue with the usajobs.gov website b/c the forms to electronically apply require electronic signatures and pdf files and our computers and adobe skills are lacking so we can't seem to get this figured out so we then have to print stuff and the mail copies which is the not so reliable way I guess so if anyone has some adobe skills and will be in Louisiana to help us out in person, call me or call my mom's house, we will come over if possible to get that help...or if you or not in Louisiana but can help us, let me know and maybe we can do something by phone...yeah, this pdf file stuff and doing the electronic signature is just kicking our butts.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Another Ear Infection
I know it has been a while but Matt is sick and has another ear infection...this is the 3rd ear infection in a row so if this doesn't clear we might have to go see an ENT doctor to talk about Tubes in Matthews ear....ugh...and to top it off this cold was passed to Jay and he has been miserable the last few days...so of course it is nice that the weekend is right around the corner. So to add more to the drama, I signed up for yoga training for both Saturday and Sunday weeks ago so now Jay is recovering from his cold and going to have to take full day responsibilities for Matthew from 8-6 both days.
So one more week in Richmond...got a present for Jay from me and my parents, got a gift from my parents to me wrapped and ready to go, got a gift from Santa for Matt and need to make Queenie's spa appointment to clean her up before the big adventure. So if anyone in Louisiana wants to see us, I should be in Ville Platte with a car so I can drive to you by Dec 19th.
So I am kinda upset, last year AF played in Shreveport LA and I missed it b/c I was preggers and in NC and iddn't make it home...so it was rumored or at Least I read it a few weeks ago that AF could play NC in the Independence Bowl and I was so excited b/c I would be in Louisiana this time so I could attend the game....yeah, so AF is not playing and is in fact going to be in the DC bowl....darn, so close, I am not getting back in-time for the 28 DEC game. I am so bummed, I missed the Navy game at Annapolis and now I am going to miss the bowl game...hopefully next year I can get Jay and Matthew to a game...maybe lots of games b/c I am keeping my fingers crossed that the move might be to Colorado. No, there isn't a job prospect, I just keep dropping that Moving to Colorado would be nice...so keep your fingers crossed that something opens up for a Physiatrist at the VA hospital in Denver or the Residency Program at CU.
Ok, Have a great weekend, hopefully Jay will get Matt to the mall to see Santa and get our first picture with the him...otherwise I guess I need to get Matthew to a Santa while I am in Louisiana...excuse to go to Lafayette......hmmmmm might be fun.
So one more week in Richmond...got a present for Jay from me and my parents, got a gift from my parents to me wrapped and ready to go, got a gift from Santa for Matt and need to make Queenie's spa appointment to clean her up before the big adventure. So if anyone in Louisiana wants to see us, I should be in Ville Platte with a car so I can drive to you by Dec 19th.
So I am kinda upset, last year AF played in Shreveport LA and I missed it b/c I was preggers and in NC and iddn't make it home...so it was rumored or at Least I read it a few weeks ago that AF could play NC in the Independence Bowl and I was so excited b/c I would be in Louisiana this time so I could attend the game....yeah, so AF is not playing and is in fact going to be in the DC bowl....darn, so close, I am not getting back in-time for the 28 DEC game. I am so bummed, I missed the Navy game at Annapolis and now I am going to miss the bowl game...hopefully next year I can get Jay and Matthew to a game...maybe lots of games b/c I am keeping my fingers crossed that the move might be to Colorado. No, there isn't a job prospect, I just keep dropping that Moving to Colorado would be nice...so keep your fingers crossed that something opens up for a Physiatrist at the VA hospital in Denver or the Residency Program at CU.
Ok, Have a great weekend, hopefully Jay will get Matt to the mall to see Santa and get our first picture with the him...otherwise I guess I need to get Matthew to a Santa while I am in Louisiana...excuse to go to Lafayette......hmmmmm might be fun.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
My 2 cents on Holiday cards
First off, I love getting holiday cards but my problem is when the card is generic and has a name signed to it and that is all...I mean come-on if you are going to waste the stamp, at least take a minute and write me a note. Why are you sending cards if you don't want to inform me on how much I mean to you or at least to brag about your accomplishments and adventures or at the very least your children's adventures and accomplishments???
So I am trying to do cards...I have spent time putting together a picture card through Shutterfly using the pictures of Matt that we just got taken with a Christmas backdrop. My thoughts are the card is a chance to send an updated picture since the birth announcements on Matt and to just take a minute to say I am thinking about you. I try to write a little note in each card so everyone knows that not only do I think you are important enough to get a card, b/c I don't sent them to everyone I know, but you also get a few minutes of my time where I want you to see my horrible penmanship so you can know I really am thinking about you.
Now, to warn folks, these cards are expensive and so are stamps so I am sending these cards to folks I have a current address for, and who I know will appreciate it...If you don't get one, and you send me a card, I do always write you a letter or if I am ambitious I make a New Year card and send to all those folks that I missed....so if you want to send me a card, Elizabeth Granier, 13340 Enclave Creek Lane Apt 304, Midlothian VA 23114
Here are few reasons why I love getting cards.
1. People are so clever and I find some folks do some of the coolest stories, top ten lists and other interesting ways to inform me on what you and your family have been up to and brag about your kids...I love these, I read every one, just try and choose a font and type that is reader friendly b/c I hate to say it, some small fonts and elaborate texts are just difficult to read.
2. I love seeing pictures of family and kids. First off, I can't keep up with everyone's kids and their birthdays. I don't expect you to do it with Matthew so don't expect me to keep up with your kids...but the holiday card is such a great way to let me see your childs cute little face and get a reminder on their name at least. If you do the year in review things, I request you put your kids birthdays in there just b/c you never know how many folks might appreciate the reminder.
3. I love getting mail, face it, I mostly get junk mail or bills so it is just so excited this time of year to get a real card and letter to read. Reminds me of my time at USAFA where mail was just a life-line to anyone and everyone outside of grind of things.
4. I appreciate that so many people I haven't seen in some cases for over 10 yrs feel I was such an important part of their life that I should be included in the yearly card. It is so fun to know that I may have had an impact in someone's life that means they want to in this small way keep in touch with me. Plus it makes me feel like I am winning on the friends department...I get slightly competitive with Jay and I totally win the Friends like me and send me cards competition that is only of course going on in my head!
5. I love catching up with people and that while life is super busy and many folks might not read this blog or keep in touch on Facebook, at least once a year everyone takes a few minutes to try and at least re-connect to people from their lives through a holiday card.
So there you go, I love getting cards so please feel free to send me one and know that it might be a while but I will send you a card or letter in thanks and to do my own little bragging...especially now since I have a little one to brag about :)
Ok, gotta go to the LSU game thingy...Crawfish is made, time to load up and head out to an old HS buddies of Jay's house...so not winning the Friends living in Richmond contest :( but I will with your help win the holiday card one!
So I am trying to do cards...I have spent time putting together a picture card through Shutterfly using the pictures of Matt that we just got taken with a Christmas backdrop. My thoughts are the card is a chance to send an updated picture since the birth announcements on Matt and to just take a minute to say I am thinking about you. I try to write a little note in each card so everyone knows that not only do I think you are important enough to get a card, b/c I don't sent them to everyone I know, but you also get a few minutes of my time where I want you to see my horrible penmanship so you can know I really am thinking about you.
Now, to warn folks, these cards are expensive and so are stamps so I am sending these cards to folks I have a current address for, and who I know will appreciate it...If you don't get one, and you send me a card, I do always write you a letter or if I am ambitious I make a New Year card and send to all those folks that I missed....so if you want to send me a card, Elizabeth Granier, 13340 Enclave Creek Lane Apt 304, Midlothian VA 23114
Here are few reasons why I love getting cards.
1. People are so clever and I find some folks do some of the coolest stories, top ten lists and other interesting ways to inform me on what you and your family have been up to and brag about your kids...I love these, I read every one, just try and choose a font and type that is reader friendly b/c I hate to say it, some small fonts and elaborate texts are just difficult to read.
2. I love seeing pictures of family and kids. First off, I can't keep up with everyone's kids and their birthdays. I don't expect you to do it with Matthew so don't expect me to keep up with your kids...but the holiday card is such a great way to let me see your childs cute little face and get a reminder on their name at least. If you do the year in review things, I request you put your kids birthdays in there just b/c you never know how many folks might appreciate the reminder.
3. I love getting mail, face it, I mostly get junk mail or bills so it is just so excited this time of year to get a real card and letter to read. Reminds me of my time at USAFA where mail was just a life-line to anyone and everyone outside of grind of things.
4. I appreciate that so many people I haven't seen in some cases for over 10 yrs feel I was such an important part of their life that I should be included in the yearly card. It is so fun to know that I may have had an impact in someone's life that means they want to in this small way keep in touch with me. Plus it makes me feel like I am winning on the friends department...I get slightly competitive with Jay and I totally win the Friends like me and send me cards competition that is only of course going on in my head!
5. I love catching up with people and that while life is super busy and many folks might not read this blog or keep in touch on Facebook, at least once a year everyone takes a few minutes to try and at least re-connect to people from their lives through a holiday card.
So there you go, I love getting cards so please feel free to send me one and know that it might be a while but I will send you a card or letter in thanks and to do my own little bragging...especially now since I have a little one to brag about :)
Ok, gotta go to the LSU game thingy...Crawfish is made, time to load up and head out to an old HS buddies of Jay's house...so not winning the Friends living in Richmond contest :( but I will with your help win the holiday card one!
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