Grady's Night Out (GNO)

On Friday night, we were able to go out and see some friends. Both were having parties on the West side of Madison. A long time co-worker of mine (Paul Nemec) was having a going away party at O'Grady's Pub. My cousin, Dave Lobenstein, was also at the party. A discussion ensued about what Grady would be to Dave. Second cousins?

Then we went over to our friends Patty and Tyler's condo. Tyler was cooking for all the girls as part of their monthly Girls Night Out. Except this time there were four dudes in attendance. Looks like G.N.O. stood for Grady's Night Out.

Stop number one of the night Grady's Pub...err...O'Grady's.

Quinn Stein with his Mom Missy.

Jenny "giving it a try" with Grady. He fell asleep like this while on her lap. Insert your own joke here.

What did you do today?

Thanks to both sets of Grandparents who have called each day to check on us (him). Today's writing is inspired by those calls. Each day I wish I had something worthwhile to report. Today was the 4th day of Daddy Daycare. I am alive and even more important so is he. Each day has been different, for the most part he has been pretty darn happy. Last night was the first really rough night. Grady fell asleep at 9:30pm, woke up at 11:30pm, was asleep by 12. Woke up at 1:45am and didn't go back to bed until 3:30pm and then decided to get up at 5:45am. However I was able to get him back to sleep again and we didn't get up this time till 9:30am.
Yes, I know we have been lucky so far. Just pointing out some details...
So we really haven't done much yet this week. Aside from a trip to the DMV, Tuesday (Grady wanted his motorcycle permit) we haven't gone anywhere. I was able to catch the Badgers at the Kohl Center Tuesday night. Thanks to John for the ticket.
Next week we are doing lunch with some friends. If it warms up some, we might try going out and taking pictures. In the meanwhile we took some today to kill time. Earlier in the week we watched a movie a day. I am Legend and No Country for Old Men. Both were ok. NCFOM was definately Oscar worthy. That ending was just bizzare.
I have also been able to catch up on some tv. Lost has been excellent. Watched Life on Mars for the first time last night. I am hooked. Looks like I will have to watch the prior episodes online or something. Which reminds me that we got a new TV for my birthday which is next weekend.

For those that are not good at solving word/picture puzzles, his shirt say's Chick Magnet.

What can possibly make you smile more than a smiling baby wearing a Brewers shirt?

Every good pitcher hides his eyes from the batter. Here Grady practices the art of deception.

Grady is holding my (Ryan's) Teddy Bear. I saved it all these years to give to my kid. It looks pretty good considering Brooks got a hold of it about 4 months before Grady was born. Thanks to SharonPederson for fixing it better than new and taking out the old button eyes.

Look at the muscles on this guy! Notice the shirt over his shoulder. Yes, pure cheese!

Daddy Daycare Opened Today

Hillary just got home from work. This means I have a couple free minutes to post some pics and a video. Day 1 went pretty well. No major meltdowns and I was able to get a couple things done. Not that I am thinking about staying home full time, but someone asked me if I would rather be a stay at home dad. Well, after only one day it is too early to give a complete answer. On one hand I did find myself missing the newsroom. On the other hand, the commute to this job kicks butt! John Melahn knows what I am talking about.

In addition to putting away dishes and laundry I hung these frames in the living room.

Whenever I sit Grady on the couch to take pictures Brooks hops up too.

I have discovered a new game. How long does it take Grady to tip over?
(Grandma's keep in mind it was like watching sands through an hour glass so if you are going to get mad don't and if you want to try this when you watch him...don't it is pretty boring!)

Those crazy bees just keep going in circles and they won't go away!

This is the quickest way to get Grady to smile and to keep him occupied for a few minutes...

What a week!

It's been an interesting week at our house. Wednesday was my last full day of work for the next 4 weeks. Now it is my turn to spend some quality time with Grady. Hillary goes back to work on Monday. Here are some of the pictures from a "fun" week so far.

Grady took a nap Sunday afternoon. We did not put his hand there!

Wednesday afternoon Grady decided he didn't want his milk. Hillary ended up with it. Later that evening I got the same treatment. Good news no he seemed fine. Bad news, Hillary came down with a nasty flu-like bug Wednesday/Thursday. I was right behind her. We are both feeling better today.

Grady and mom watched the inauguration together. Ok Mom watched while Grady slept.

Grady sitting in his bumbo...

Grady of course was checking out the latest news on www.nbc15.com

Sunday Photos

Here are a few more pictures from Sunday...

Uncle Rick and Aunt Michelle with Grady.

Aunt Ashley and Uncle Trevor with Grady.

Al and Mary Schott with Grady.

Trevor's parents Nan and Keith Wagner with Grady.

Luke making sure his cousin Grady stays quiet during church.

Grady posing for photos when he got home to Sun Prairie.

Grady and his buddy Brooks.

Grady posing in his dress clothes.

Brooks is ready for his close up.

Grady is also ready for his close up.

Grady with Mom and Brooks.

Brooks tells Grady a secret. (See Poll Question)

Grady's Baptism

Today, we celebrated Grady's baptism at Christ United Methodist Church in Watertown. Reverend Lee Meissner led the service, and Rob Lund was the lay leader. Grady made a few noises and wiggled when the water was poured on his head. Ryan's sister, Michelle, and Hillary's brother-in-law, Trevor served as the sponsors and Godparents. Our parents, siblings and their spouses, and nephew Luke, and good friends--Al and Mary Schott & Keith and Nan Wagner--also joined in the celebration. By the way, Luke and Grady were very well behaved during the service!

A few extra special touches made the day memorable. Grady started a family tradition of wearing a baptismal gown. The gown will be embroidered with each child's name that will be baptized in that gown. The church gave us a very nice candle with Grady's name on it and a spoon. The church had a banner with his name on it. There was a lovely floral arrangement on the alter in honor of Grady. We also had cake and punch after the service.

Our families and friends went to brunch after the service. We all enjoyed the food and pie at the Upper Crust. (Tollhouse, Pecan Apple Crumble, or French Silk--our favorites.) Our nephew Luke enjoyed a vibrant green gumball at the end of the meal.

Hillary and Grady before the service.

This banner was hanging in the church.

Pastor Lee, Ryan, Grady, Hillary, Trevor and Michelle.

Uncle/Godfather Trevor, Grady and Aunt/Godmother Michelle.

Grady's Baptism Candle

Badger Hockey Family Night

Tonight we went to the Kohl Center to watch the Badger Hockey team. Unfortunately the game did not end like it started. The Badgers jumped out to 2 goal lead. But trailed 3-2 before they tied it up at 3 goals a piece. But Colorado College would get the winning goal with around 5 minutes to play. Grady was great the entire game but got a little fussy early in the 3rd period.
All in all it was a good family outing. Thanks to Hillary who got us tickets for Christmas.

Possibly the biggest highlight of the night, Grady's first trip to the Red Shed!

Our seats were in Section 321, Row F.

Grady didn't seem to mind the horn when the Badgers scored, but he didn't like the flash.

The Badgers Goalie grabs a drink!

Ryan, Grady and Hillary at his 2nd trip to the Kohl.

Grady Did It!

Grady slept through the night on Wednesday, January 14th! We put him down around 10:30 pm, and he woke up at 6:30 am! So far, this has been a once in a lifetime event because last night I was up twice with him. Maybe he will sleep through the night again tonight.

I was dreaming up movie titles of my life right now, and I'm currently thinking about "No Sleep for New Mothers." (A spin of "No Country for Old Men.")

SNL

I have watched Saturday Night Live for as long as I can remember and even through the poor years. The past season was hilarious. Check out this skit from the past weekend.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/53001/saturday-night-live-digital-short-doogie-howser-theme

Milestones

Tomorrow, Grady will be seven weeks already! He has already had two big milestones. On Friday, January 2nd, we saw him smile for the first time. Tonight, Brooks made him smile! He is also beginning to make cooing sounds and express happiness (but it's not a laugh just yet).

On Thursday, January 8th, we were at Phil and Emily's house for dinner. Grady had some tummy time. We all watched him roll from his tummy onto his side! We all cheered loudly; you would have thought we were at a sporting event!

A Busy Weekend

It is Sunday morning and so far we have had a fairly productive weekend. Friday night we went out for fish with our friends John Melahn and the Stauffachers. We tried the Bridges GC restaurant and I would give them the thumbs up. Here are some of the pictures from the last few days.

Grady getting ready to leave for dinner Friday night. Of course he looks like this no matter where he is going...

Grady getting to meet Bob and Jessie's son Trenton, 7 1/2 months old. Bob and I play softball together for the Red Shed.

Saturday morning I was inpired by this website http://deadspin.com/tag/baby-mangino/ Assuming he grows a goatee when he gets older I hope he works on something other than a comb over.

Saturday afternoon I came home from helping our neighbor Woody put in new flooring to find Grady wearing this outfit. I was inspired to write up the numbers and take a picture.

Shhhhh They Are Sleeping!

Brooks and Grady fell asleep last night while I was reading.

What Should I Wear Today?

Hillary asked me not to write this because she works with the person(s) who gave us this outfit. Well, I don't work with them and I didn't make him wear this outfit. I also thought a munchkin had stopped by on his to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

I knew something was up when she called me upstairs to look at his outfit...

This is right after he saw himself in the mirror, I bet!

Our neighbors Emily and Caleb stopped by to visit later in the day. Here Emily is trying to stop Caleb from beating Grady up, I think.

Later on Caleb mistook Grady for a Lollypop! We welcome you to the lollypop guild, the lollypop guild...

Grady Visits the Kohl

Today Grady went to his first Badger basketball game at the Kohl Center in Madison.
He slept as I carried him in and woke up just in time for the National Anthem.

Prior to the opening tip...

Our good friend and neighbor Woody had the tickets and helped me with the diaper bag.

Grady giving the cheerleaders a thumbs up!

At halftime Grady sat with his mom and Jen Spredemann for the 2nd half.

In case you wanted to know how the Badgers did... Behind 23 points, five rebounds and two blocks from Marcus Landry, Wisconsin knocked off Penn State, 65-61, Saturday at the Kohl Center. The Badgers (11-3, 2-0) have now won nine consecutive games against the Nittany Lions (12-3) and now lead the all-time series 22-8 against PSU. -www.uwbadgers.com