Naked at naptime

Over the past week or so, Graham has discovered a new way to amuse himself in the middle of the night as well as during his afternoon nap. He loves to take his clothes and diaper off! Oh joy! The first time he did this was in the middle of the night...Graham began calling out 'Dada!' so Jeff went into his room. I was immediately called in too, and met with a naked toddler standing happily in his crib. Graham threw is pajamas to the ground but decided the soggy wet diaper was better handed directly over to his Daddy. How kind! Yesterday during nap time, the same thing happened. All of his clothes and diaper were thrown to the ground. Somehow, Graham managed to get his onesie off, without unsnapping a single button! Oh, what I wouldn't give for a video monitor right about now. And finally, this brings us to today's nap. I could hear some strange movement on the monitor so I went to check on Graham. Sure enough, he was in the middle of removing each and every article of clothing. Luckily, I arrived just in time to insist that his diaper be kept on.

Sorry, there are no pictures as evidence of Graham's newest clothing (or lack of) accomplishment, but I have included a few pictures of him playing this morning. When I look at these pictures Graham looks so much older to me all of a sudden. He's also sounding older too. Here are a few examples...the other day Graham heard me talking to Jeff and for the rest of the day, Graham referred to his Daddy as 'Jeff', and he still occasionally does this now. His new favorite phrase is 'Oh Well'. If something is "accidentally" thrown across the room and I take it away, Graham looks at me and says "Oh Well!". And finally, with the recent arrival of baby Miles into our family and soon the arrival of Amelia, Graham and I have been talking a lot about the difference between a baby and a big boy. I asked him if he was a baby or a big boy and he paused for a moment before saying 'man.' Ok then, my 2 year old thinks he's already an adult, great...2 going on 20, this should be fun.

And finally the pictures- For some reason, Graham insisted on wearing Jeff's hat for most of the day...

A secret cubbyhole...

I'm thinking that every mom in the Minneapolis area is beginning to go stir crazy with the winter weather just like we are. And because of that, it felt like every mom and their toddler-filled stroller joined us at the zoo this morning. Maybe the crowds were a result of the weather or possibly the day of the week, but I don't think I'll be back on a Friday! I haven't seen it this packed since last summer, and even then, the wide outdoor walking paths help make the crowds feel a bit lighter. Today though, all the strollers were crammed into the buildings and the crowd was a bit much for my taste. Alex did let us in on a secret spot in the aquarium though...a kid size cubbyhole that Graham and I had yet to discover! It was here, for a few minutes, that the kids had the opportunity to observe the marine life without a crowd. This is one place we'll be back to explore...just not on a Friday!

Happy Birthday Graham!!!

I can't believe that today, Graham turns 2 years old! It really is amazing to me that Jeff and I are the parents of a (very independent) toddler! Graham is growing so quickly and learning new things each and every day. His little mind really is like a sponge right now! Happy Birthday Graham! You are an amazing little boy, and it is a true privilege for us to be your Mommy and Daddy!

In honor of Graham's birthday, Jeff decided to make a surprise appearance at school today. Graham LOVED showing his Daddy around the classroom and was excited to have his buddy sitting at his table right along side him.

For anyone that has had the pleasure of dining with Graham at a restaurant, you'll know that ice was the perfect toy for him to discover at school today!

After the bitterly cold weather we've been experiencing for the past week, today's sunny clear sky and highs in the mid-20's felt balmy enough to play outside. So, all three of us bundled up and took Graham sledding for the first time. Graham LOVED it! Each time he went down the hill, he would yell 'Fun!' and beg for 'More!' each time the sled slowed to a stop at the bottom of the hill. Jeff and I decided the fun had to end when we were too cold to continue, but Graham seemed like he could have gone on forever.

So excited to be outside in the snow!


"FUN!"

I think this is a sweet picture of the birthday boy.

No, Graham isn't upset here, this is him having trouble containing his excitement in the sled!

After dinner, the birthday boy opened up his gifts. Graham wasted no time with wrapping paper and dove right in.

Studying his new transportation book


Graham received a very special gift from his Great Grandparents. We knew what it was, so we saved it for last, because we figured he would want to spend some time with his new toy. To say that he likes his new 'Elmo Live' is an understatement. It seemed to Jeff and I that Graham really believes this Elmo is real. Graham spent a great deal of time interacting with him, trying to feed him, and laughing when Elmo laughed. These two were instant friends!

Kissing his new Elmo...he LOVES it!

Copying Elmo's dance moves

'Big Boy' Lunch

Today Graham enjoyed his lunch 'big boy' style at General Mills. We haven't been there in a while, but Graham still remembers the routine and the route we take to the cafeteria. Once we met up with Jeff, Graham happily jumped out of his stroller, grabbed his Daddy's hand, and off they went. Graham literally took off running down the hall toward the elevator where he knows he'll be allowed to push the button. He also took great pride in pushing the large square button that opens the giant double doors into the cafeteria. Things got a bit crowded at this point, so an unhappy Graham was strapped back into his chariot. As Jeff and I surveyed our lunch options, Graham was sure to let everyone within earshot know that he wanted a hot dog....too bad that wasn't an option for him today. Thankfully, Graham appeared satisfied with his meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The real treat was dessert though. Yes, Graham enjoyed his mini donut, but he was most excited by the fact that he was allowed to sit on the 'big boy' leather furniture while he enjoyed his snack. I had to laugh on the way home though, because Graham continued to demand another donut. I didn't even know he could say that word, but apparently his dessert made quite the impression on him!

Happy 'Almost' Birthday!

This past Sunday we had a small birthday celebration for Graham. He doesn't turn 2 until Thursday, but Sunday was the day that worked with our schedule, so Sunday it was. This party was nothing like his massive 1st Birthday Bash , but we still had a great time celebrating. I still can't believe my little guy is turning 2!!!

Graham had a lot of practice in December unwrapping gifts, and he had no problem getting back into the swing of things.

This is Graham studying the Elmo cake that I slaved over. As I was decorating it, I kept commenting to Jeff that this would be the only Elmo cake I would ever create. He reminded me that Amelia may very well love Elmo, in which case, I might be creating another red monster cake in the future!

Elmo cake on an Arthur plate-what could be better!

After dinner, Graham performed for his family. He LOVES to be the center of attention and the more pleased we appeared with his performance, the more he played into his crowd! I've got a feeling this performance was the direct result of a cake and ice cream sugar high!

Piano Lesson

The following pictures are not posed...I promise! Jeff was the first one to notice Graham giving his faithful companion, Elmo, a piano lesson. Jeff motioned for me to grab the camera and this is what I found...




Apparently Elmo needed a bit more guidance so Graham moved him onto his lap. How sweet is this?!?

We're still here!

The past few days have just flown by for us! Despite the arctic air that refuses to leave Minnesota, we've still managed to stay very busy. We met our friends Tiffiny and Livia at Edinborough Park on the absolute coldest day of the year. Both Graham and Livia seemed thrilled with the space to run and play.

Graham was in the middle of throwing his wipes into the pond when I took this picture. It looks like Liv is cheering him on!

I was even able to indulge in a bit of retail therapy for Miss Amelia. I've got a strong suspicion that the longer it takes her to come home the larger her wardrobe will become! Here is Graham trying on some glasses before we headed to the mall.

And this, is just a cute video. Until Jeff starts talking, Graham had no idea he was being taped. He LOVES to sit at the piano and play. I'm not sure if you can hear him in this clip, but he's singing to himself too!