The Fair and Food

Hey Graham Fans! I kicked Mom off the computer so I could update you on the life and times of Graham Dennis Bagby! After being alive for a year, you would think that I wouldn't continue to experience so many new things. C'mon, I am a one year old and have lived A LOT! Well believe it or not I have been to some new places again. Daddy, Mommy and I went to the Iowa State Fair. I saw a horse, some pigs (one was huuuuuge!), some cows (yes, one was HUUUUGE!), lots and lots of people. We saw some baby animals. As I was eating my dinner, Uncle Greg showed up! I am not sure what my favorite thing was - the small pig or the peppermint ice cream bar! I was tired by the end!

The other new experience was going to the Downtown Farmers Market. There were lots of people and plenty of dogs. They let me out of the stroller for a little while. I almost walked into something - I don't know if it was a dog or a small horse (remember I just saw one at the fair). We bought some tomatoes and cucumbers - I like tomatoes and I like cucumbers. There are plenty of things I like, but I guess my technique needs some work according to Mommy. What do you all think?

I think Mommy mentioned we started going to a music class. We don't just sign songs, but the teacher passes out shakers, scarves, balls, rain sticks. There is a lot going on in that class. I think I am going to like it. Mommy says it lasts all the way until next spring. I am going to have those shakers mastered!

We have been playing outside a lot! One day Daddy, Mommy, Dakota, and I went to the park. Daddy flew my kite. I road in my wagon! Dakota found a big mud puddle and got really dirty. On another day, we went outside and I had on jeans and a sweatshirt and my new sneaks. That was kind of unusual - I usually have on shorts, short sleeves and sandals. That was only one day.

As you can see below, I can now get on my Big Cat by myself and even make it go. Impressive stuff, right?

We keep busy at our house. I try to help out. I want to help Mommy unload the dishwasher. She doesn't seem to appreciate it. I also like to get the Swiffer out and push it around. It really upsets me when Mommy puts it away before I am done!

Getting bigger!

Graham is busy playing with his new toys he got for his birthday so he let me post the latest update. We just had his 12 month doctor's appointment yesterday. He is doing well but we ended up with another antibiotic for his ears. The doctor did say she didn't think it should be hurting him. He had a cold last week so I thought he might end up with some ear issues. It should clear up soon. Hopefully he stays healthy. The fun stuff from the doc was finding out his lastest growth statistics. His head is about to go off the chart at 49 cm putting him at 98.5%, his height took a jump from last time - 30 3/4 inches putting him at 80% and his weight was 23 lbs 11 oz putting him at 70%.

Chris and I can't believe a year has passed. We keep thinking about what we were doing a year ago. It is amazing how much he changed in a year. From a little guy that didn't seem to want to enter the world to one that doesn't miss anything. He is such a busy guy. He loves to play outside. If we come in too soon, he lets us know about it. He is really good about waving at cars that drive by when we are playing outside. He still likes to pick up rocks from the landscaping, carry around his golf clubs, and watch balls roll down the driveway. He got a ball and bat for his birthday. The bat is almost as big as him, but he will still carry it around. Graham seems to enjoy riding in his wagon much more than the stroller. In the stroller, he is kind of subdued. He looks around more, will put his feet up on the seat across from, and chatters more when he rides in the wagon.

One of Graham's latest tricks is to turn the dishwasher on when it isn't supposed to be on and unlock when it is running. He loves to push buttons, turn knobs, move levers. He is very curious about everything, including other people. When we go to activities with other mommies and kids, it is probable that he will hug some mommy from behind. So far no one has minded.

Dakota continues to be his favorite playmate. He loves to hug her, but also will pat a little too hard and pull her ears. Our mantra is 'gentle'. We are gradually switching from the bottle to the sippy cup. Switching from formula to milk hasn't been a problem. Giving up the bottle is more of a struggle.

Graham will continue his periodic updates of his adventures. We just started a new music class, will be going to story hour again after Labor Day and will also start back at the program through West Des Moines schools. I am sure he will have plenty of tales to share.

Happy Birthday to me!!

Hey Graham Fans! I am one now! I have been alive for a whole year! Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday that I met Mommy and Daddy for the first time. Since then we have spent a lot of quality time together.

I didn't really know what this whole birthday thing was about. It really seemed like we had a normal day on my birthday (Thursday) other than we went out for PIZZA for dinner. I am really a big fan of that stuff. We played outside when we got home - I love to play outside!

I started to get the idea that something different happens for birthday when Nanny, Uncle Brad, Aunt Lisa, and Benjamin showed up Friday evening. We do have company from time to time so I thought they just wanted to see my latest tricks- running, hugging the dog, saying 'ohhh' and 'docg', and exploration. The next morning we all had breakfast and I showed Benjamin how to play with some of my toys. He seemed to really like them.

The next sign that something was different was when Aunt Deb and Uncle Tim came Saturday morning. Aunt Deb took me outside to play and pretty soon Grandma, Grammy, Sam and Kayla showed up. I knew this birthday thing must be a lot of fun. Grandma brought my red wagon! Aunt Deb put me in it to ride around and then Benjamin got in too. Mommy and Aunt Lisa were taking pictures - you would have thought we were famous! Grandpa and Susan got there when Benjamin and I were cruising in the wagon. They seemed wowed too! Then Uncle Greg came. I knew it must be a party!

I had seen these things wrapped up in bright paper. I really wanted them but people kept moving them away from me. The crazy thing is I found out they were all for me! I had to take the paper off to find out what was inside and everything was something fun to play with, though one box had clothes. So much fun to be had! I really like them all. Here are a few pics of the nice things I received.

Everyone watched as I unwrapped my presents which was fun. Then I got to eat lunch first. I ate some tomatoes, pickles, fruit, marshmallows, and tried hamburger (not sure I like that). Everybody else was eating while I went back to playing with my toy. I was having a fun time on my race car when Daddy and Mommy showed me this big cake with a candle. Then everyone sang to me. I touched the cake and it felt really weird. I wasn't sure I wanted to touch it again, but it seemed like Daddy wanted me to so I put my hand in it. Mushy! Again everyone really seemed to enjoy that. I wasn't that interested in eating it - I wanted to play. I ate a little of the homemade ice cream - good stuff, but playing was my priority. Frankly I was running on fumes by this point. Everyone was lined up and wanted to hug and kiss me. I was beat but thought wow I must be really special for my family to be hear like this. Mommy and I went upstairs so I could catch some zz's. I didn't want to oversleep so I could have more fun. My Bagby relatives had gone back to KC, but my Peiffer family was still there for a little while. When Aunt Deb and family left, they said they were playing pass the baby - not sure what they were talking about, because I am a TODDLER!

I kept trying out my new toys. Daddy flew my new kite outside. That was pretty cool. Later we went for a wagon ride, then Mommy and I played outside a little while longer. What a fun day! I have to say I like birthdays! What a blessed little boy I am!

Oh by the way, I tried some more of that cake later. YUMMY!

Big Fun

Hey Graham Fans! Just a short update to tell you about my weekend. It was so much fun. I had pizza for the first time! I really liked it. Maybe we can have it again soon!

The big fun came on Saturday. We went to the zoo! I really liked the goats! There were lots of animals that Daddy and Mommy got excited about but I couldn't touch those animals. A big goat licked my hand. I got to pet a baby goat too. All that excitement and fresh air wore me out!

Sunday was fun too because the Bagby Pool was open. I get in and out, throw rocks in it, then get them out. Endless entertainment. Overall playing outside is a lot of fun. I can get upset if we come in too early.

Well Mommy thinks I need a nap so I have to sign off! More soon - I keep hearing something about a birthday. I don't really know what that is, but hoping whatever it is will be fun!