I have a toddler!

Graham’s recent behavior leads me to conclude that I am now raising a toddler.  What happened to my sweet baby?  Graham is now crawling, standing, and talking.  His words (which I think only Jonah and I can understand) include momma and dada.  He purposely takes his toys out of his toy box.  He loves to rip paper, so we let him rip our trash mail on a daily basis. He reaches out to us to be held.  The most meaningful recent development is his need to “hug”.  He loves to put his chin on mommy or daddy’s shoulder and wrap his arms around our neck. 

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Graham.  We celebrated Christmas at Thanksgiving with Jonah's folks, and we went to Bourbonnais, IL for the actual Christmas holiday.  Graham got to spend quality time with my parents and Uncle Evan and Aunt Jackie.  Graham also got to meet my best friend, Carolyn, which was very important to me and long overdue.  We also ventured to Hutsonville, IL, where Graham got play with his cousins and entertain his great grandparents.  He especially loved playing with Great Grandma's cane! 

Graham is still not sleeping through the night.  Every time we think we make improvements in that department we seem to take two steps back.  That’s ok though.- we will catch up on sleep when he goes off to college. 

Graham enjoys frequent visits from his grandparents. Just this past weekend my parents visited.  Graham loves when Grandpa makes up songs to sing to him.  He giggles and giggles!  Graham also appreciates his middle of the night cuddles with my mom, who so graciously allows Jonah and I to sleep uninterrupted when she visits.  We are also expecting a visit from Jonah’s mom, Patty, in March.  She will be amazed at Graham’s growth and personality.

Graham has a very important role to play this summer- Ring Bearer!  We are currently practicing our “walking down the aisle” skills. We are so grateful to Evan and Jackie for playing such an important part in Graham’s life. 

Graham has an appointment at Motts Children’s Hospital this Friday in Ann Arbor.  I have no doubt that his surgeon will be impressed with his progress and current health.  Every time we venture to Ann Arbor we can’t help but be grateful for the medical care Graham received the first month after his birth.  A visit to the children’s hospital always puts our life in perspective- and it's a good life!

 Winter walk

 Quality time with Great Grandma Tingley

 A cuddle from Carolyn!

 Christmas morning!

 Playing with daddy

 Bath time

 All smiles!

Standing and walking!