Isaac John Pulcini

He's Here!

Isaac John Pulcini - born September 24th 2009 at 7:35am.

Weight 7lbs 10oz and length 20.5 inches.

One Mile Family Fun Run

Grantham and his daddy ran in a one mile race two weeks ago. Grantham was so excited and told everyone HE was going to win. John said that Grantham did great the first half mile but then got distracted at the water break area (saying hi to everyone and checking out the police cars). On the way back to the finish line (3/4 mile), Grantham realized that he didn't have his water cup and made daddy go back to get it. Needless to say Grantham did not come in first. In fact, he even took a few stops to wave the police car behind him to "pass." Daddy tried to explain the police were there to keep other cars from hurting him but Grantham just kept insisting that the car pass him:) We are very proud though because our three year old was the youngest participate to complete the race! After the race was over we asked Grantham would he want to do this again and he said NO. I guess it is back to sprinting for this family:)

Before the race
At the starting line, Grantham did not like the loud gun shot that started the race

A great picture someone from our church took of Grantham

What a great stride:)

Right before he crossed the finish line (there were two people who finished behind him-one was his daddy)

Crossing the finish line!

Finished the baby's room, NOW Counting Down

With the baby' s room finally done, we are in count down mode T minus 5 days!!!! Keep an eye here for pictures of the new baby. John will probably post them for me.

Grantham has been so excited about his new baby brother, Isaac. We decided to make a chain to help him understand how much longer he had until the baby arrived - this is the chain when we first started it about a month ago.The baby bed and view when you first enter the room.To the right of the bed is this chair. Beside the chair is a little bookcase that has been used over and over - I am pretty sure it was used in my room when I was a baby.


as you leave the room, the changing table. Hope you enjoyed the tour of the baby's room - we had a blast creating it!

School Days

If you are connected to my Facebook, you already know this. Grantham had a wonderful first day of "school." We decided that it was time for Grantham to be in a structured environment besides home. With the baby on the way, I knew I could use some down time and Grantham could use some special attention. Convincing Grantham that school was going to be fun was a challenge at first. he kept saying that he just wanted to stay home with Mommy and snuggle. Such a sweet thought but so far from reality of what would really happen:) Anyway, he goes two days a week for about 3 hours. With two days under our belts, the first day being wonderful and the second day a little of a struggle, we are hopeful that "school" is the right fit for our family. Below are a few first day of school pictures. Showing off his new backpack that he picked out.I love the pictures of the kids walking away (either to the bus or into the school). Since Grantham and I walked into school together the first two days, I took this picture to mimic the walking away pictures:) Still adorable even though it was staged!Grantham went straight into class and began working/playing. Even though there were other kids crying around him, he seemed unaffected. He even asked another little boy who was crying if he wanted to play with him. He gave me a kiss goodbye, waved once and went right back to work. I am such a proud Mommy!!!! I hope everday is that easy. When I picked him up, he ran right to me and said " I had fun." (code words for I will try this school thing out again)

A few pictures just because:

Grantham's first person drawing. While we waited to see the OB, we pulled out the crayons to write on the paper covering the exam table. Usually we draw letters or I draw balloons but today Grantham decided to draw someone with a big belly (wonder who that could be:) ). I was quite surprised. This is totally his creation without any direction from me. I had never seen him draw a person before.

Grantham loves helping his dad mow the lawn. Thanks to the man across the street they were able to have a special treat and use a riding lawn mower. If you look closely Grantham is mowing by himself (there are circles all over the lawn)!

Preparing for the new baby

It seems like this baby has snuck up on us. We are less than five weeks away from our due date. The last few weeks we have really focused on getting ready for our new little boy!

Everyone has been asking for belly shots. We usually only take bare belly shots- I hope no one is offended. This is from the end of June. Grantham is helping his daddy out by taking a really close shot:)Painting the baby's room was a family affair.So proud of his G (that Mommy helped him paint)You can't really tell but Grantham is painting the walls white. He had so much more fun than John and I expected.A tradition we started with Grantham's first room. Painting the baby's name on the wall (of course when you see the final results the name will be painted over) STAY TUNED for the final results of the baby's room. We were very happy and surprised with the end results!

Grantham took a siblings class at the hospital. We were quite impressed with all he learned and saw. He learned how to change a diaper, hold a baby and bottle, and even saw a newborn baby get its first bath!
Not too trilled with us photographing while he practiced feeding the babySuch a good big brother already:)
Getting his award for completing the classHis completion certificate= they told him that it meant he was ready to be a big brother now

We ARE Potty Trained

I feel about Potty training Grantham the same way I feel about being pregnant. The whole family is in it together:) I was hoping we would have an easy time because Grantham is so verbal and he has been showing "signs" of being ready for about 2 years. God definitely had to be smirking in heaven. This has been the hardest stage so far. We tried every suggestion ANYONE made from M&Ms to going naked all day. To make a miserable story short, we had to turn to major disciplining and removal of all things fun (sometimes I felt more punished than Grantham seemed to be). But after a week we were able to return many of his toys and privileges; we even started a reward sticker chart. Two months later you would never guess the child had any problems potty training at all. He is totally self sufficient and has not had an accident in weeks (even at night). I am including some fun pictures of Grantham and some of the rewards he earned for going to the bathroom and days without any accidents. We invested quite a bit of money BUT are thrilled with the results!!!!

The first time we peed in the potty we went for a huge reward: build a bear- anything he wanted there!Washing our new puppy friendAnother reward- the bungy jumpers at the mall - this made me nervous at first but HEY when you are bribing it needs to be something the child wants;)He had so much fun; he used this three times for his reward. If you have never tried it and are nervous like me don't be. It was great fun and very safe.Total exhaustion after about 10 minutes of funGattitown (similar to Chucky cheese for those of you who don't have kids)- another one of those rides only a boy would love. Later we saw three preteens screaming on this ride. Grantham laughed and waved the whole time.Bowling with his best bud in MississippiAlready to be a big brother- look at that bossiness

John and I really enjoyed all the rewards don't get me wrong but with our next child we will start training a little earlier and not "wait until they are ready." A phrase many people used to tell us potty training is easy HAHA.

Beach Life

We had so much fun at the beach in Gulf Shores, AL. We honestly didn't know what to expect, but the beach was beautiful! Grantham was a great age to go. He loved the ocean but still had a healthy respect for the danger of the waves. Each morning we got up and went straight to the beach, headed in around 10:30am (it was VERY hot), and returned to the beach each evening from 6pm to 9pm. The temperature was wonderful both on the beach and in the water. Grantham could have stayed there for weeks and never been tired of the huge sandbox and cool waves. The one thing he kept telling people is that if they don't close their mouths when a wave comes that they will get salty water all in their month (he speaks from experience:) ). This was an exciting and yet restful weekend. I wish we would have had more time!

Grantham and John waiting for the waves to get their feet.

Burying Grantham in the sand

Playing in the waves with Papa (I don't know if you can see in this picture but the waves were huge)
Every time when arrived at the beach this is what Grantham did. Why? Who know that is the question I ask about guys all the time. Grantham being goofy with Papa. They both had to have goggles for the swimming poolNo reason for this picture but boy does it show Grantham's personality. Silly, silly boy

You can't really tell from this picture but we rode a car ferry on our way back from the beach trip.

John and Grantham checking our the captain of our ship (car ferry).