The Flip-Flopper

Dusty: "Have you seen my flip flops?"
Me: "Not since the last time I found them for you"
G: "Me Flip Flop?" (Proceeds to hit the floor and perform a summersault in perfect form)

Our BIG Weekend

This weekend was a whirlwind, in fact we are still recovering. It started early Friday morning and didn't end until late Sunday night. Monday morning Radlee slept until 11 am and was back down for a nap an hour and a half later. We had so much fun though, visiting with family, starting new traditions and showing our babies new things!

Fourth of July Tradition

When we were little it wasn't the Fourth of July unless we went to Glenn's Ferry to ride on the Fire Truck in the parade, spent the day at the park eating snowcones and taco salads and watched the fireworks after it finally got dark. It was a weird feeling this year to take my kids there to continue the tradition. Grayson talked about riding the "fuwa twuck" all week and I think it lived up to all of his expectations. He did a fantastic job throwing candy and waving at everyone, thanks Ellie and Deanna for riding with him!

After the Parade we went to the park where Grayson ran Ellie and Deanna ragged going on the swings and down the slide. He had his fair share of treats and even rode with Lucee on the "ju ju chain." Radlee had a great day watching the parade with Lucee and then laying around on the blanket at the park.

We left long before the fireworks show but both boys were asleep in the car before we even got to the freeway.

"Fuwa Hooks"

After our big day in Glenns Ferry we went to Auntie Tammy's house for a barbeque. Once it got dark the fireworks began - Grayson liked holding sparklers until we told him they were hot, from that point on he kept considerable distance from all firework activity. Once we got home we sat in the driveway (Grayson sat in the Garage) and watched the neighbor's firework show.

Car Show

On Saturday afternoon Grayson, Radlee and I went to the car show where Pretty Mama and Pappy were working the booth for the "Liberty Let's Roll" Statue http://www.libertyletsroll.com/. Grayson was immediately sidetracked by the cars - they had a tow truck that looked like Mater and a hot rod that looked like Ramon from his favorite movie "Cars", I thought we may have to drive one of them home in order to get him to leave, he planted his feet in front of them and was not about to move - I am sure there is a random little boy with upside down sunglasses on in many a family's picture. When we were finally able to bribe him into moving he picked out cars for everyone - even a bright pink convertible for me (have I trained him well or what?)

Grandma & Papa's house

We wrapped up our weekend with a fish fry at GiGi and Papa's house on Sunday night. The fish Papa caught on his trip to Alaska was SO good and Grayson and Lucee had a ball playing with all of their big cousins.

Grayson - Month 32

We have entered the age of unpredictability; some would say that parenting is always unpredictable, however this month you have taken it to new levels. It begins first thing in the morning, I never know what I am going to encounter when I open your bedroom door – a still tired, blurry eyed version of you who freaks out if one jammie pant leg is higher than the other, who wants a glass of “mots” only to have one poured and adamantly refuse it. Or will a little ray of sunshine singing and giggling await me. Both your daddy and I are still trying to figure out how to deal with this, many times all we can do is look at each other and shake our heads. One thing is for certain though; when you set your mind to it you can be the sweetest most thoughtful child I could ever imagine. One night a couple weeks ago I was lying with you at bedtime scratching your back as you fell asleep, if I paused you would reach up and move my hand, a gentle reminder not to stop. This reminded me so much of myself when I was little, I remember snuggling up to Pretty Mama, GiGi, or an Auntie and willing them to scratch my back, forever wasn’t long enough and I hated for them to stop, that night with you Grayson – I would have scratched your back forever if it meant I could hold onto that moment for a minute longer, in fact I stayed with you long after you had fallen asleep just to relish your preciousness. These are some of my favorite moments with you.

This month has also been set to music. Most of the day is filled with you quietly singing to yourself while you play. My favorite song you sing is a melody of the ABC’s and Twinkle Twinkle, “H, I, J, K, eliminopee, winkle, winkle, lilstors”

I am one of the few who understands your ongoing commentary, in fact I find myself repeating what you have just said – I think part of this is to interpret for anyone who may not know what you are saying and the other part is a subtle pronunciation encouragement. However no mater how many times I repeat “ga-ga” as “water”, “nonnie” as “blanket”, “mots” as “milk” and “nhowball” as “dryer sheet” you still insist on saying them your way, and I know a part of my heart will break the day you actually say the word correctly, that will be one of the truly bittersweet moments of mommyhood. One group of words you have mastered quite well are commands – you often tell me to “go” when you would rather me not see what you are up to and “stay” when you don’t want me to leave your bed at bedtime. You ask to have your pants or shoes “out” when you actually want them off and inform us it is “mama’s turn” when you want me to do something for you.

You have finally accepted the fact that Radlee is here to stay; you call him by his name “Tadtee” more often than not (for along time I thought he would come to be known as just “baby” because that is what you always called him.) You even introduced him to the “gurls” from next door yesterday when they came over to play with you (by the way – “the gurls” are actually a little boy your age and his big sister). And you love to “cheers” with him when he is having a bottle and you a cup of milk, however the cups must “clink” in order for you to be satisfied. So “Cheers” to you Grayson and never knowing what tomorrow will bring.
I love you the most,
Mama

Radlee - Month 3

Oh my little Radlee, you have come into yourself this month, giggling, and talking. I think you will give your big brother a run for his money – there may never be another silent moment in this house between the two of you little chatterboxes. Your giggle is infectious and hearty, coming all the way from your toes; you don’t dispense them freely though, you make us work for them, tickling you is the best way to earn one. When you fix your gaze upon something, you don’t look away until you have analyzed it completely, GiGi summed it up best when she said “Oh he is a wise one that baby.” The thoughts going through that perfectly round head of yours are far beyond your two months.

You love being at home, swinging, rocking, sleeping and eating, however you are so good when we leave. You will typically fall asleep in your car seat and stay asleep once we get to where we are going, if you wake up, you seldom cry and will talk to your toys on the car seat, watch Grayson or cuddle into me in the baby carrier. You get bored quickly though and like to have a change of scenery often. We spend a lot of time wandering around the house, showing you new things and letting you take it all in. A few days ago I was trying to fix dinner and every time I left the room you would fuss, finally I strapped you into your car seat and set you on the counter where you could watch me – I don’t think I have ever seen you happier, kicking and squealing with delight and I explained to you the art of cutting potatoes – you love interaction.

You are such a snuggler, and are usually happiest when in somebody’s arms. You are growing so quickly, I am afraid that I cannot take in enough moments with you, I find myself lingering at your bedside when I check on you before I go to bed, just to watch your chest rise and fall, arms raised over your head and eyelids fluttering. I cannot sleep at night until I have kissed your chubby baby cheeks, one last time and whispered that I love you.

I love you the most,
Mama

"Tay in ga-ga"

Now that the weather has turned hot (finally) Grayson begs daily to play in the water. He doesn't care if it is the hose, a sprinkler, the pool, or when I'm not looking - the dog's water dish.

Big Boy Bike

Grandma DeeDee and Papa Lee got Grayson a brand new big boy bike. He loves being just like Daddy with his orange bike, and while he won't actually ride it, he spends a lot of time pretending to, sound effects and all!