Clark's Big Day

Today Alan took Clark to his first big movie at the theater. They went to Des Moines to see UP! Alan said Clark was a good boy and he sat through the entire movie. He did make his usual comments throughout the film but for the most part it was during the noisy parts of the film.

Nothing like a good Pixar movie and some popcorn (and monmons or M&Ms) on a Saturday afternoon!

This allowed mom the day with just Grant. Grant and I planted some tomatoes until the wind kicked up again. Then we both rested until the other boys came home.

Clark also played with his first train set all his own today! I found a GeoTrax kit at a garage sale and thought Clark might like it. He does! Below is a picture of us setting the track up.

Grandpa Clark would be proud -- Clark is a good little engineer! He figured out the controller for the engine or "power unit" right away without any help from mom.

Sitting in the middle of his railroad watching the train go! This brought back memories of my own of helping my dad put together rail systems -- I always enjoyed that time we spent together! Luckily for Clark's first go round this system won't break easily -- trust me we sent that little engine off the bridge lots of times and it still keeps chuggin' along!

We capped off the day with Clark and Grant doing night time reading together for the first time. Clark heard me reading to Grant and wanted to join in the fun. It was nice to read to both of them! I know Clark will be providing Grant with lots of entertainment!

One Wild & Crazy Day

Yesterday started out like most normal days -- I was feeding Grant his 6 AM feeding getting ready to snooze and listen to the news in the background when he was done; when Clark decided to make an early morning appearance. This did not bode well. He opened the door and said "mommy" and I assumed he went to playing in his room as usual before joining us in the living room.

After Grant was done I found the silence rather disturbing so went back to Clark's room. No Clark. I heard him not too far away. He was playing in our bedroom across the hall. How much trouble could that be? Well, I smelled it the moment I stepped in the room -- Clark had found my perfume bottles and was testing each one. He smelled like a perfumery. As irritating as it was it was also rather cute to see him sniffing each bottle. Luckily he didn't figure out how to dump any out just spray them. It was a good thing it was a nice day so I could leave the window open to air the place out.

Since we were all up so early we got dressed and headed out on an adventure. There was a garage sale we wanted to check out and then it was off to the greenhouse for popcorn, geraniums and some new pepper plants. Luckily these activities were outdoors so the breeze could blow off some of the perfume from Clark. That or people just thought I didn't know how to monitor the amount of perfume I use.

Upon returning home I returned to deep cleaning the house. While vacuuming which Clark finds fascinating he somehow brought the big mirror by the front door down on himself and scared himself senseless.

After lunch a return to cleaning -- however, opening the trunk of baby toys, lincoln logs and other items I didn't want Clark into anymore (which I had forgotten) proved to be the same as opening a treasure chest. The clean floor shortly became clean no longer. I finally convinced him to help me clean the toys up if we played "ball" on our new Wii Fit. For some reason Clark finds it extremely funny to watch mom bounce virtual soccer balls with her Mii. He roars with laughter while warning me about incoming shoes flying my way.

So finally during the quiet that is naptime I realize that Alan has a meeting that night and I have both boys the entire day and evening! This is also the time Grant decides he wants some awake time. Hard to refuse the cute baby -- see his tummy time photo below. However, this meant no nap time for mom today.


To get Clark outside after nap we went out and planted the geraniums and petunias. Clark helped by bringing me water in his watering can. We also filled his pool so he could play in the water. He thought the best part was using the hose to fill the pool.

He also wanted in on the digging and found a nice spot to use his tools. He was a big help with the planting and watering of the flowers.

Luckily Clark went to bed early and went down without a fuss. A nice end to a long and hectic day!

Grant's Baptism

We had a very special Memorial Day weekend. Lots of friends and family came to visit. On Sunday, Grant was baptized at Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames. It was special to have him baptized on Ascension Sunday (Clark was too -- two years ago). We look forward to help him grow in his faith and remember and renew his baptism vows as he grows.

In the photo above are his sponsors who will also help remind him that what is professed during baptism is something we should renew every day, to help with his Christian education and to pray for him. It was wonderful to have David and Leigh visit from Wisconsin and super special to have Aunt Em home from Washington, D.C. to serve as sponsors.

Grant with David and Leigh! We thank them for all the cheese curds!

Aunt Em spending some quiet time with Grant! Of course, her old cat Oscar (aka -- Purple) came in to visit her and check out the new baby.

Above is the entire Clark Family. All four boys before the real squirming began -- there you go grandma!

Our family with Pastor Mark and Pastor Dave.
Grandma was going through baby withdrawl! Can't thank mom enough for all the help she provided the week following Grant's birth. Just following Clark around outside was a huge help!

Grant being held by his cousin Ty! This picture doesn't do the smile justice -- Ty was so cute and so happy holding the baby!

Clark's first go around at holding the baby. He enjoyed it but he tends to prefer having mom or dad hold the baby while he looks on.

Even Jack had some good quiet baby time. The bouncy seat may be in Jack's favorite nap spot but that didn't stop him from getting some zzz's with the new baby after a long day of avoiding children age 4 and under.

Introducing Grant Bennett Spencer

Grant Bennett Spencer was born on Wednesday, May 13th at 8:08 AM in Ames (9 lbs 10 oz).

10 fingers, 10 toes -- all in all a very healthy baby boy.

Alan and I both forgot how small 9 lbs is.

Dad and his two boys. Clark is doing a good job with the new baby. Last night he gave Grant his first hug. Clark has been very careful and at first had a few issues but now seems fine that Grant will be staying with us.

Jack the cat approved of the new addition -- he just is happy there is more lap room again.

Comparison of Clark and Grant at the same age (Grant 1st photo, Clark 2nd photo).

Turning 2

Clark won't turn two until the 16th but we celebrated early since he'll be a big brother by then. Last birthday he'll celebrate without a sibling. He loves Bob the Builder right now especially the DVD special about building skyscrapers. That's why we went with a "construction" theme!


The day was made extra special by all of the family and friends and that came to visit. It was a lovely day outside so we grilled brats from the ISU meat lab (they are simply the best) and sat outside enjoying the day. The boys all had lots of room to play outside (which also helped keep the house in relatively good order :)

After lunch we went inside for cake and ice cream!


As you can see below Clark was ready to dig in!

After cake we opened gifts. Clark opened the bag of pvc pipe pieces from Grandpa Spencer first and lost interest in most other things. Oh well, it could have just as easily been a box that fascinated him I suppose!
First thing the next morning -- fascinated by the bag of pipes. He can play with those for long periods of time.Happy Birthday Clark!