We're Still Alive

We have just been very busy. I haven't had the opportunity to take too many pictures lately, one main reason is that the charger was misplaced and couldn't be found until a few days ago. Yesterday for the first time since we moved in we had a nice leisurely afternoon. We explored the neighborhood on a long walk. Grady found his trusty plastic trombone in the jogging stroller and played us some tunes the whole time. Then we went home and played outside with the dogs and let Grady throw random things he found growing in the yard into the lake. Dale cooked us some tasty kung pao shrimp and chicken with the back doors open while we watched the sun go down. It was perfect.

I think he would have thrown himself in if I would have let him:I love spring so much. Problem is, it makes for a not so productive time at work when you stare out the window thinking of all the things you could be doing outside. That is what the weekends are for!

All Dressed Up

I Think My Son Is A Bully

Last week, I would have felt sorry for the little guy for getting picked on at school. After spending the weekend with him though, I think my pity is starting to lean towards the kid who bit him. I have a feeling it was done in self defense. In about a week's time, my son has become a hitter. Saturday alone must have seen 25 spankings and trips to time out. It got to the point where every time I would say his name in "that" tone, he would walk up and give me a kiss. As if he could just go straight for the I'm sorry, let's make up and skip the whole punishment phase. He has a mind of his own and right now, we are not on the same wavelength.

Sick Week

We had a sick little boy for most of the week. He is feeling better now but hasn't been up for too many photo ops. We did get a quick visit to the zoo in but it is kind of hard to get pictures when its just you and Grady!

Phil Really Outdid Himself

Our second snowfall in a month. Too bad it didn't pile up this time like it did a few weeks ago, but it was still pretty. Our bedroom's back porch:

Grady and I hanging out in his room after he had enough of the snow:

Daddy and Grady in the snow:

Mommy and Grady in the snow:

Hi March

It took a while for you to get here, but boy am I glad you finally arrived. Even if you did come with a few more snowflakes for our morning drive. Poor Grady is confused though, I let him pick out his pajamas last night and due to the sub zero temperatures of late, he didn't quite know what season to go with.

I heard a little rumor that you may bless us with some 70 degree weather this weekend. Oh, Thank You, Thank You, Thank you! I love you! March, you are my new best friend. To celebrate, I think I will put Grady's trampoline together this weekend so that we can make the most of our favorite time of year.

And now here is a list of some more reasons to love March:

• buds on the trees, waiting to turn into leaves
• warm weather
• the days get longer, one minute at a time
• daylight savings in 12 days (but who's counting?)
• warm weather
• March is so much more fun to write than all of the long names of the winter months (a la October, November, December, January, February. I think February is the worst, I don't like the way it is spelled)
• warm weather
• The Cup, which leads to...
• sun kissed cheeks, from the...
• warm weather
• Easter dress shopping

Working On The House

Grady has really taken to helping his daddy out around the house lately. He learns quickly. He uses the hammer on the walls. Unfortunately there is no nail involved, he just likes to bang it on the wall. Quarter round is his new favorite toy. Problem is, when it is 8 feet long it is kind of hard to get it through the door from room to room and it is even harder to make it lean on the wall exactly how he wants it. When it isn't cooperating, you can here his cries of frustration all over the house. And apparently he thinks this crow bar goes best in daddy's back.

Daddy Tickles

Outside Sunday

A warm Sunday afternoon calls for some much needed outside time. This was about 2 seconds before he tried to throw the screwdriver into the water. Getting tangled up in the "to be buried" dog fence.

Playing on pieces of his playhouse. We'll get it together one day soon buddy, I promise.

Grady's Happy Place

In the nude, playing with the wooden lamp sticks. I understand that he loves to be naked, but it has been freezing outside and he still doesn't want anything to do with clothes. You should see our battles in the morning to get him ready and out the door.

Hello Granddaddy.

Phil Came Through!

I'm convinced it was my shotgun threat...

Do 2 Year Olds Really Know Its Valentine's Day?

We showed up at school today with a bag of Valentine's for each of his classmates. While perusing the aisles at Target for a Valentine's gift for 2 year olds I was met with a big dilemma; do I give the kids Valentine's candy and be "that parent" who promotes unhealthy eating, or do I go the healthy route and give out the not so fun pencil and eraser set? We all know that while the Valentine's have the kids names on them, it is the parents who will do the judging of my creative holiday gift bag skills when they pick them up from school today and go through all of their loot. If you know me, I think you know which route I took.

On a side note, I do know a few good dentists in the area.

Our Morning Routine

Breakfast in bed while watching Handy Manny work his magic and help out Mr. Lopart with his repairs.

My Favorite Piece Of Furniture

We have obviously been busy lately. I can't even imagine what it will be like to come home, eat dinner, and spend the rest of the evening just playing, knowing that there is nothing else we should be doing.

(current state of the house)

But until last night, I had let way too many days that I will never get back go by without enjoying my little man and our alone time in the glider. Grady and I have spent countless hours in his glider snuggling up to each other. He has slept in my arms, eaten his meals and cried lots of tears there. We have napped together in the wee hours of the morning in that chair. I think he missed his chair. During one of the first visits to his new house and new room, he grabbed my hand and pulled me over to his chair, ordered me to sit and then climbed up in my lap. We sat there quietly for a few minutes, enjoying our chair, and then he was off to make sure that all the toys that had been packed up for a few months got the attention that they had been needing.

(daddy snuggles)

Last night, daddy got his Grady time in upstairs, in the big comfy leather chair. I was even luckier though. I had the honor of rocking my boy to sleep in his bedroom, in our glider. His cries stopped as soon as I scooped him up out of his crib and made my way to the corner. His warm little hand rested on my arm. He curled up in my lap. Soon he started breathing heavier and heavier. Then the snores started. And it was like music to my ears. I smiled while we glided back and forth and occasionally squeezed him and kissed the top of his soft head. Even though he fell asleep quickly, I was selfish and just couldn't lay him back down right away. And then I thought about a line from his current favorite book and how true it was. "I could eat you up I love you so."

(the good old days in the glider)