These pictures capture Graham (but not the rest of the house) in the middle of my "Graham tornado." Grahamy plays very well by himself, but when he wants attention, he runs around in circles and throws all his toys all over the floor. At least he's now learning to help pick them up as well!

Graham is watching his dad throw a ball up in the air...

A different kind of soccer...

Graham's first day with his new turbo sandbox from Ganny and Gamps...

Another day at the park...

Graham loves playing soccer!!!

We set up Graham's new beach chair in the kitchen to see if he would sit in it. And, it was love at first sight!

"Dad, why did it stop?"

Graham and his dad have a new toy... a remote control car from Auntie M.

MUCH BETTER!

Party's over and we're back home...

Graham turns up his nose to birthday cake!

While his guests eat his birthday cake, Graham eats cheese and fruit... We just hope his preference for healthy food sticks around!

Graham was offered a piece a cake, but he showed no interest in it (or the ice cream his Dad let him taste)...

Grahamy is a really social kid when he's completely comfortable. When he's feeling overwhelmed, he just hides for a while...

We think Graham started to overheat a little... It was really HOT and he likes to move around!

Party Pictures

GRAHAM'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

Enjoy: Here are the only pictures of Graham on his first birthday. We let him open a present today of course, though the rest we're saving for his party. After these pictures, our camera battery died. We'll take lots of pictures at the party tomorrow!

Since today is Graham's birthday, Scott and I have spent much of the day reminiscing. We are so joyful, so grateful, so blessed. Thank you all for being part of our lives. A couple years ago, we couldn't imagine being parents. Now, we can't wrap our minds around a life without Graham. And we thank you for accompanying us on this journey.

Now, for a quick update: Grahamy went to his 12-month appointment today, and as always, he received hugs, applause and lots of stickers. His doctor and nurses just love him and were all extremely impressed with his progress. Apparently, his motor coordination (walking/running) and verbal skills (he never stops talking) are way ahead of what they expect to see right now. I'm sure it will all even out, but we're glad he's on the right track. He weighs 25 lbs. and 11 oz. (75%) and measures 30 inches (50%), so he's still gaining at a fairly consistent rate. Now that we're dropping the formula, his rate of gain may drop as well... though maybe not, considering how much Graham eats!

Graham loves to fly like the birds!

Here are a few more pictures of Graham watching cars. He runs back and forth after the cars, saying "car car, room-room."

And Blankie goes where Graham goes... even outside sometimes... and in this picture, Graham really wants to go outside!

Blankie comes out of bed in the morning...

PHILLY AND BACK...

Graham is looking for "home" from the Philadelphia airport. It has been a terrific trip... and we're all sad to leave... but it's time to go back to Charlotte.

Hannie and Sean take us out to one of their local hangouts for a few hours...

"GIVE ME 5 DAD!"

Hannie and Sean hang out in the hotel while we get Graham ready for bed...

This was a fabulous mosaic garden in South Philly! The pictures just don't capture the essence!

Here's the whole gang waiting for the subway again...

Scott and I felt like college kids again... sort of... but we certainly had a blast!

Graham thinks he's Rocky!

Graham had the time of his life in Philly! There were endless sidewalks, cars and trucks every which way, and even birds to chase...

Graham is taking care of Hannie's graduation dinner! He's been saving his allowance...

YEAH HANNIE!!! Here's the reason for our trip up to Philly... Han graduated Magna Cum Laude at Temple and is continuing to run the programs for the Arthur Ashe Tennis Association in Philadelphia. We are all so proud!

Graham makes silly faces on command...