Snow Day

"It's the Storm of the Century!"
At least that's what we've been hearing for the past few days on local and national news broadcasts...and if it's not the worst wind/snow storm we've been through, it's pretty close! But with the cold, blustery winds and drifts of snow comes a snow day when Steve and I both get to stay home with our little guy!

Here's a picture of our back deck - Steve couldn't get the regular door open because of the drifting, so he had to go out the sliding door. He said that the snow is packed under our deck (which is a second-story deck), and all of the lower windows are covered in the back of the house. Fortunately, because of the blowing wind, our driveway is fairly clear...for now!

Garrett and I stayed inside while daddy was outside with the dogs. So I took advantage of a good mood & cute outfit to take some pictures...

Right now daddy & Garrett are watching a re-run of last night's National Finals Rodeo on TV. It's hard to believe that exactly one year ago we were in Las Vegas seeing it all live! Can't wait to go back!

Some Favorite Pictures

This morning I put Garrett down for a nap with a beautiful throw that my mom's friend Debbie knitted for him. When I peeked in to check on him I had to laugh when I saw his little toes sticking out of the throw. Couldn't resist snapping a picture to share!

Last Sunday was one of the last really nice fall days that we have experienced here in Iowa. We took advantage of the day by making a road trip to a local state park that is filled with beautiful scenery and sounds from the Des Moines River that runs through it. We hiked on one of the trails with Garrett in the stroller - at least as far as we could go before we hit too many bumpy tree roots and thick piles of leaves. Garrett and I posed for a picture before we loaded up to head back to town.

Garrett enjoys playing on the floor, kicking his legs and pumping his arms while he plays with mommy or daddy - whichever one of us is on the floor with him making funny faces and noises to get him to grin. He is starting to pay more attention to his toys that make sounds, like the little pig in this picture. So much fun! He'll be rolling over before we know it!

Garrett @ 3 Months

Can you believe it? Garrett is 3 months old today! It is unreal how quickly the past 3 months has passed me by. It's also amazing to consider how much our little buckaroo has changed in such a short time. It has been fun to observe Garrett's discoveries, such as his hands and, most recently, his tongue (he likes to stick it in/out as he contently sits in his bouncer chair and gazes around the room). It is also hard to get over how quickly he has grown - particularly in the tummy, and thigh regions. And can you get over those cheeks??
I have truly been blessed and cannot recall a time in my life when I have been happier or more thankful for what God has given me: a husband who loves me unconditionally, and a son who fills me with awe every time I look at him. God is good!


This week we had family pictures taken. Garrett did SO good! I was concerned that he would be fussy or refuse to cooperate...but he was such a good little boy! Here is a sneak peak at one of my favorites (thanks, Aunt Ginger, for the cute cowboy boot socks!)
Also - Happy 4 months to baby Colt! Can't wait to meet you!

Recently we've caught some of Garrett's chatty times while he's been lying on his changing table of all places. We'll often catch him smiling at the pictures in the frame we have propped on the table. I'm guessing he likes seeing the happy faces staring back at him...though I doubt that he realizes most of those faces in the picture collage are of him!
This video was taken a few days ago right after bath time. He still loves his baths. He enjoys splashing his feet, is starting to grasp at bath toys, and he likes me to "shower" him with one of his cups that has holes in the bottom.


We took this next video clip today right after the OSU Cowboys defeated the Iowa State Cyclones. Go Pokes!! The t-shirt came from Coach Weis & his wife Donna, who live in Stillwater. Coach Weis was the head track & cross country coach at Oklahoma State when Steve was an assistant coach there. It's hard to believe it's been nearly 10 years since we were in Oklahoma!
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New Favorite

Garrett loves the Jumparoo that he received from his Great-Aunt and cousins!

Play

Every day Garrett interacts with us and expresses his happiness through grins and contented sighs. The other day we were playing on the floor with his Ocean Wonders play mat. He really likes the inflated ball that makes jingly noises...


...while I like to watch his excitement as he learns to play.

**I should point out that yes, Garrett is wearing a Christmas outfit in October! We took some holiday pictures the other day, and this is what he wore. Good thing too because I'm fairly certain the outfit won't fit him in December!

Garrett First - Grabbing Toys

Now that I have the means to do so, I'll be posting clips of Garrett along with photos! Enjoy!

Here's a "first" video clip of Garrett! Steve and Garrett were playing together the other day & Steve noticed that Garrett grabbed on to one of the toys on the toy bar of his bouncer! This is the first time he has actually reached out and grabbed a toy to play with! It's been fun to watch Garrett as he has been discovering his hands. He likes to grab at things, and sometimes will be sitting contently while he gazes at his hands and opens/closes his fists.