Grant finds success!

I have just been overwhelmed with gratitude and love for this little guy these past few days. As you know, we have been concerned about his (lack of) communication skills. When I finally took him to the dr. and requested some outside help, I also expressed my frustration with not being able to potty-train Grant. The pediatrician explained that communication and toilet skills have some sort of connections; children who are not able to communicate well tend to take longer to be potty-trained. I have had to explain this to myself, family, and friends when I feel like I need something to blame for Grant not being potty-trained before the age of 2 like my other kids were.

These past few weeks have just been amazing! I don't know if the speech pathologist is doing it, if I am finally figuring out how to help Grant, or if he just needed a little longer to get things going, but he is making daily progress on his ability to communicate! We have really been working on end sounds like "d," "t," "p," and "s." As he has started to master this a little more (with many reminders, and an emphasis on the wrong syllable), he has also begun to use consonants at the beginning of words. He is willing and wanting to say words over and over until he gets it out--and then there is cheering and celebrating from the whole family. Some of his newly mastered (and most exciting) words include "DadDY," "MaDI," and "potTY."

And speaking of potty: about 2-3 weeks ago, right before Thanksgiving, Grant started showing signs of wanting to be potty-trained. He would take off his diaper if it was wet, he would pull out his potty-chair and sit on it for a few minutes at a time, and he would tell us if he went poop. I decided we would try to train him (a third time) after Thanksgiving. Well, last week came and went. Then yesterday, Tuesday, as Joe was leaving for work and to drop the kids off at school, Grant said his diaper was falling off, and I asked him if he wanted to go potty on his chair. He said yes, so we dropped our plans for the day and decided to potty-train.

Today is day #2--and with no accidents! He has woken up with a dry diaper after all naps and even after a night of sleep! We went to story-time (we were gone for 1 1/2 hrs) and he came home and immediately went to the bathroom. He tells me when he goes, asks to dump the pee in the toilet, and reminds me that he gets 5 m&m's. I think he gets it! Tomorrow we will try wearing underwear at home (he's just been running around naked--and his speech teacher comes tomorrow, so that won't work!) and see how that goes. We still haven't had a chance for #2, so if he makes it through the night we should be able to see how that goes tomorrow. Logan and Madison have been a great support (although it is much easier for Grant to concentrate when they are away). They are so excited for him, and have made a "potty-dance" along with a cheer that they perform for him every time he goes. Watching them love and care for him help me to feel the wonderfulness and beauty of being a family.

(On a side note, the other day we had a great conversation about jealousy. Both Madison and Logan admitted that they sometimes feel jealous when we go places--store/library/etc-- because people are always saying how cute Grant is, asking how old he is, wanting to give him five, etc. We talked about the new baby and how Grant might be jealous because everyone always wants to see/touch/talk about little babies. While I'm not sure how to balance it (there's really no way to, is there?), I think the secret is to spend lots of quality time with each child individually so that they know they are loved and can trust us enough to tell us how they are feeling and what is going on. It was a really good and down-to-earth conversation. )

While I am excited for me, I am even more excited for Grant. He is trying so hard to talk and communicate and now go to the bathroom and he is doing it! I imagine that our Heavenly Father is up there cheering and feeling the same happiness when we begin to accomplish or conquer something that has been challenging us.

*Ahhh!* December!

Why catch up? Here's what's going on today:

*After 2 or 3 months, Madison kept her room perfectly clean for 1 week--the requirement to earn back one of the many bags of toys/books/etc. I have confiscated over the past few months. Question of the Day (feel free to vote): WIll I re-collect those items this week or will she earn back a second bag of her choice next week?

*At 22 1/2 weeks I finally had my first real doctors appointment for this baby. Do you know what? I hate going to the doctor. I especially hate going to the o.b. for the first time of a pregnancy. ANYWAY. After some good conversation, he finally came to the conclusion that I was Mormon. Here is how that went:

Dr: So you are Mormon?
Me: Yep.
Dr: So do you believe in life-saving measures like blood-transfusions?
Me: Yes.
Dr: OK, I just didn't know if you believed crazy things like that.
Me: Nope. We like to save lives.
Dr: So is your husband a polygamist?
Me: (blushing) No. No we don't practice polygamy. (I should have said MORMONS don't practice polygamy.)
Dr: Good. Because I really don't want more than one wife in the delivery room.
Me: Ummm. Me either.

Awkward.

*It's getting cold here. And by cold I mean today the high was 50 degrees. Then I looked at Cleveland's high: 25 degrees. OK, it's wonderful to be in TX during December.

*I'm making meatloaf and some sort of (sweet or regular) potato fries for dinner.

*Well, I tried twice to give you some pictures, but Blogger won't let me. I know you are dying to see my cute family, so maybe I will try again next time.

To Our Dental Friends

If any of you dentists are interested in working in McAllen, Texas, please let me know at jmcgregor@josephmcgregor.com.

McAllen is the fastest-growing city in Texas, and is especially growing with medical services.

Bless-ed Life

So.... Joe just took all 3--yes THREE--of the kids to the library, grocery store, and Men's Warehouse to pick up suits. He's had all 3 before, but not for that many errands at a time. I have complete confidence that he can pull it off... and do it again in the near future. ; ) I stayed home to make pizza, clean house, and (apparently) blog about my bless-ed life. Tomorrow he told me he is going to clean the garage (huge YEE-HAH! from me!). He loves me. I think I am going to throw away my worried-ness about inviting people into our home and invite people over tomorrow night to celebrate Halloween with some wassail and doughnuts. (In case you didn't know, I am intimidated by these people in Dallas with Huge and Gorgeous homes... which we don't have, although I acknowledge and am incredibly grateful for all that we do have.)

On another note... this week we got an ultrasound (and yes we know what it is, what do you think it is?) and I started freaking out as reality set in. Until this point, I have been totally and incredibly excited about baby #4--almost feeling like having a first child again excited. I still am... but all of a sudden I am TERRIFIED!!! How are we going to pull this off? Where are they all going to fit in this tiny (but wonderfully blessed) house we are renting?! Can I keep up with everyone? Will we be able to afford these people? I know right now it won't be that hard--but in 10 years??? How will I get everyone to where they need to be? How will I be able to give them all the attention they need? Will we be able to meet every need? I know we will figure it out; I think I have felt this not-so-crazy fear with the impending birth of each child. But for the moment/week... I am trying to sort out the feelings of being elated and overwhelmed all at the same time.

And finally... Logan turned 7 this week! Wow! He deserves a post all to himself--so next time Joe blesses me with quiet and time I will brag about my oldest kiddo--he's the reason I know we really can parent 4 children!

"I ad"

Conversation with Grant over lunch.

Grant: I ad.

Mom: You are sad?

Grant: Yeah.

Mom: Why are you sad, Grant?

Grant: I wa Daee.

Mom: You want Daddy?

Grant: Yeah.

I love this little boy! For some reason he prefers Dad over Mom. That's ok with me, though.

Mom to Grant: Who do you want to change your diaper?

Grant: Daee.

Mom: Who do you want to brush your teeth?

Grant: Daee.

Needless to say, I find his Daddy-preference highly beneficial! :)

Afraid to Look at the Scale

Maybe I need a new mirror.

Maybe I'm having twins.

Maybe it's because this is number 4.

Or maybe it's because I haven't been outside to exercise since it started getting hot in May.

No, I'm not trying to gather nice comments. I just need to complain.

Joe: will you be my hero and set up my treadmill?

-----

This is Joe.

First, yes Jenny, I will set up the treadmill.

Second. You are pregnant.

Grantee-Pants

Today Early Childhood Intervention came to assess Grant. As I expected--knew--he is quite a bit behind, especially in language development and communication. I kept comparing him to the other two children, and making excuses... maybe it was because he was a third child and a boy; every child is different. Even though I knew he needed some help, it was really hard to hear, after their assessment, that he is behind in a few areas of development, but almost a year (8-9 mos) behind in language development. He is such a great and fun boy, and hopefully he will be able to catch up quickly now that we will be able to get him some help. At the same time, I keep wondering if it is my fault some how. He is actually about 2 months ahead in his listening comprehension--which is a great sign. While the specialists think he can probably hear ok, they did suggest we get a professional hearing test done to make sure that he can hear 100% out of both ears. They also believe that the other areas he is behind on (cognitive and something else) are things that will quickly correct themselves once he is able to speak better. They will be coming to our house to work with him once a week until he turns 3, and at that time we will reassess and decide what steps to take next. Oh Grantee, we love you!

Coming Spring 2011

The FAM

Logan: Our ace-reader and great helper. He especially loves to read Star-Wars novels. I loved loved loved his reaction when I brought home a Darth Vador costume (that I found at a thrift store!)--which is who he wants to be for Halloween. He makes his bed and picks up his room each day before he goes to school. He's reached the age that he no longer complains about what is on his plate. He is ready and willing to do whatever we ask of him. He shows empathy for everyone around him. He is always cheerful and helpful. Is this normal? Or do we just have a really awesome kid?

Madison: Our social butterfly. She makes friends wherever she goes. Since starting kindergarten, she has developed a love for skirts, necklaces, and staring into the mirror. She and Grant like to play. And fight. Wait--switch those two. They like to fight. She would rather spend 2 hours cleaning her room than 5 minutes every morning. Still waiting for her to rejoice over our dinner selections. She gives great hugs.

Grant: Decided everyone leaving for the day wasn't so bad--after a few days of trying to sneak out with his backpack. He gets mommy all to himself. He has no one to fight with, and no one to tell mom that he is sitting on the counter pulling treats from the candy jar. The first thing he does every morning is dump out the ginormous car-box. Thanks, Grant. He would like to watch movies (Elmo and Cars), but he recently broke the DVD player while trying to install one on his own. An Early Childhood Intervention specialist is coming to our home on Tuesday to see if he needs a little shove in the language development department. The pediatrician actually said he's not too far behind (I think because he does in fact talk--you just can't understand a word of what he is saying), but Mom said, "Please! We are both frustrated that he can't communicate very well." While I want my guy to not have any problems, I'd LOVE to understand him! He has a wonderful sense of humor and likes to play jokes on everyone.

Dad: Working hard to take care of his demanding family. He's awesome. His advertising is really paying off, and I think that we will soon know that going out on our own was a wise and rewarding decision. I still have my moments. :) But can I brag for a moment? He's been going to court about 1-2 times a week. Last week after presenting his case in front of a judge he got 2 phone calls within a few hours from people who had seen him in court and wanted him to be their attorney. That's the best kind of advertising, I'd say!

Mom: Hanging in there, doing mom-things. I love it. Well, most of it. Anyone want to potty-train Grant? How about clean the fridge? But this family--it's mine!!

Until next time..........

San Antonio, 2010

This weekend I had a law conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Real quick about San Antonio: I think it's an awesome town. It's the smallest huge town in America. Although it's Texas' second-largest city (beating out Dallas), it really just feels like a regular city. And, it's kind of the capital of Texan culture, with loads of good food.

This trip was enjoyable because I actually got to bring my family along. Here are a few pics:

Sea World is brilliant; they allow patrons to pay to feed the animals.

Great show.

This is how Jenny kisses.

This is a 3 pound cinnamon roll. That's right, 3 pounds. This was from the world famous Lu Lu's Cafe, which was recently featured on Man v. Food. Jenny, however, was not that impressed.

Mariachi band at El Mercado.

Grant enjoyed the jets in the bathtub.

The Alamo. Proudly, one of my ancestors died in the defense of the Alamo. In fact, he's featured in almost every Alamo movie as the Scotsman that plays the bagpipes, usually with Davy Crockett (true story). I know, I know, how could the defenders lose if a McGregor was there, right? Well, when the odds are 20:1, it's tough.

Odd fact: Notice the patch of green grass to the left my of family. That's where, after the Mexicans defeated the Texians, they piled up the defenders and burned them.

Although you can hardly see them, this is my family on the Riverwalk.

Seriously, everyone needs to go to San Antonio at least once (but if it comes down to it, leave the kids at home).

PA Trip 2010: Part 2

Here are the rest of our pics from PA. Enjoy.

As you will notice, Jenny is on board. She saw the kids having so much fun that she wanted in on the action. She took Grant so that she wouldn't have to sit alone. At first the carny told her she was too tall, but Jenny promised him a kiss at the end of the ride.

This is Madison turning 5. The choice of Daryl Strawberry shortcake was hers.

Grandpa Foster.

We can't wait for Madi to get her license.

PA Trip 2010: Part 1

This summer Jenny and the kids drove out to PA to spend time with her family, and attend the illustrious Warren County Fair. Here are a few snippets of their action-filled vacation.

Kids participating in the three-legged race.

We still haven't figured out Grant's smile.

This is Jenny's family at night.

Jenny and the gang watching her brother Brent show a sheep.

Brent milking the sheep.

The in-laws decided that they should build a deck in their back yard. It's actually TONS bigger than it looks. They hosted Brent's Eagle Court of Honor on it once it was completed.

Jenny's grandmother, Evie, and her dog. I don't know the dog's name.