Graham's Christmas Tree

Graham picked out the family Christmas tree this year and could barely contain his excitement on the drive home. He has spent the last few days reading Christmas stories, peering up at the chimney and talking about Santa ("Nanta"), so our tree is just going to feed his growing curiosity. What fun!!!

18 MONTHS OLD YESTERDAY!!!

After the lengthy Thanksgiving break, Graham had a difficult time watching Dada leave for work this morning, so we bumped up our daily call. Graham is pointing to himself in the first picture because Scott (on the phone obviously) is asking, "Where is Graham?"
Graham loves to talk on the phone!!!
Here's Graham gathering sticks and enjoying the warm morning...
If only we could teach him to rake the leaves too...
Grahamy does not like the cracker-trapper!!!

THANKSGIVING

We had a lovely, though too brief, visit with Nana, Papa, Aunt Hannie, Ganny and Gamps for Thanksgiving this year. Graham spent both days playing Nana's harp, banging toys, running around outside and terrorizing the dogs and cats. We are so thankful for the love, companionship and good food we shared these past few days.
This picture was taken after lots of turkey and other goodies (and also PAST bedtime), since Graham is sitting with his mankie and Hannie is falling asleep on Daddy.

Aunt Hannie loving on Grahamy...
Here are Graham and Papa playing after our Thanksgiving meal...
One end of the table...
The other end of the table...
Graham could hardly wait for his Thanksgiving meal...
Since Mama is usually behind the camera, here's a rare family shot...
Just a morning walk with Nana and some of the critters...
Grahamy loves playing Nana's harp!!!
Graham is quite pleased to find toys at Nana and Papa's house!

Graham's Christmas List

Graham is pointing out his Christmas list from this catalog...
Actually, he really likes to look through the pictures and point out the words he knows...
Isn't this a scary sight? Grahamy is pretending to throw his ball at Mama...

The picture above was taken in early May (Graham was almost 12-months old) and the pictures below were taken this past week (Graham is now almost 18-months old). So much more than his appearance has changed in these last six months. I cannot begin to list his complete vocabulary at this time because it is expands daily. He is still shy sometimes around strangers, but Scott and I estimate that Graham knows at least 100+ words. He never stops talking, pointing at objects and attempting new words. In the last few days, he has started using possessives. It is amazing to have conversations with my little boy, even if I have to fill in the blanks sometimes. Graham is curious, attentive and he soaks up information like a little boy sponge. He's losing his last bit of baby and turning into such an enjoyable little boy!

My happy boys!
Here's football Sunday in our backyard...
Graham likes throwing Dad's football better than his little one...

It's dark around 5:30 these days, so we adapt by turning on the patio lights after dinner and playing until it's time for bath and bed.
Balloons are less destructive then balls and a great way to practice colors!

Laughing with Mama...
Peek-a-boo with Blankie...And a game of "catch" with Blankie as well...
While Dad tackles the leaves, Graham sprinkles sand over the piles that might soon consume our house...

Next to blueberries, corn is Graham's favorite food these days. The word alone gives him spasms of delight and sends him to the stove where he waits impatiently for the "wa-wa" to boil and the "con" to finish cooking.

GRAHAM VOTES TOO!!!

I was newly pregnant during the last election year, so this was my first turn out as a mom. Graham and I waited over an hour, so luckily I was prepared with books, toys and emergency snacks. I have always believed in the importance of the American right to vote. As a mom, I believe in it more than ever. With each ballot I cast, I am defending Graham's future.

It's a weekend tradition in our house to laze around, eat French toast, drink coffee (and milk), read and enjoy each other. My boys get really silly and cuddly when their bellies are full. Ignore the ugly wall in the background - we're starting to remodel our kitchen.