I LOVE SUMMER!

Hey Graham Fans! I love summer! I have been so busy having fun and learning new things! I don't know where to start. Guess I will just jump in which means water fun! (Get it - 'jump in', water fun?) You might be surprised that I am learning to swim! Mommy and sometimes Daddy too take me to the pool at the gym for water babies class. I am learning to kick, reach and pull, hold onto the wall and blow bubbles. So far holding onto the wall is the only thing I have mastered. Mommy moves my legs to kick, my arms to reach and pull, then she blows the bubbles. This will all come in handy because Daddy surprised me with a pool! Mommy and Daddy took lots of pictures. They really seemed to like it - gosh, they even got in with me (not both at the same time fortunately - there might not have been room for me). Mommy and I has taken me to the big pool at the gym so she can move my legs and arm in hope that I will do it myself. I just like her to hold me!

With the nice weather, I have been able to get out the sticks a few times. Mommy had a garage sale and I was able to get some practice in that day. There have been some other days that I have gotten out. Check out my form in the pic - I think I will be a contender in that big US Open tournament that Daddy watched over the weekend.

I am really getting smarter now. We go to the library now twice on Mondays. Mommy and I go for songs and stories before lunch. Then Daddy, Mommy and I go back for sign language class after dinner. I enjoy both classes. There are SO many kids at the sign language class, plus so many mommies and daddies. Last week I kept walking in the middle of the circle smiling at everyone and checking out a few of the kids. This week Ireally wanted to check out the kids and there were a couple of the mommies that I thought might want to play with me too. Don't get me wrong, I like to play with Daddy and Mommy. I kept going back to them and giving them a hug so they wouldn't feel bad. Mommy was waving her hands all crazy so I thought she was having her own fun. She does some of that at home too.

Gosh what else is new? Oh yeah I went to Kansas City with Mommy and Daddy this past weekend. We stayed at Uncle Brad and Aunt Lisa's house so I could play with cousin Benjamin. I really like to touch him. There was one time where Mommy got really excited when I patted him, maybe another. Most of the time she said I did good. We even went to the park to swing. Since I am so much older than him and more experienced, I got to play on the slide too. We went to Nanny's house and Grandpa and Susan's house too. Daddy and Grandpa smoked a bunch of meat to practice for some contest. I ate some of the chicken - I think they will win their contest.

Check out the pic below with my gift to Daddy for Father's Day. Mommy and I made it together. We also got him a book to read to me and we included this apron in the package too.

Keeping us on our toes!

Graham let Mom have the computer for an update. I know for most things his view is more entertaining than mine and Chris' but he doesn't realize how impressive some of his actions can be. He is becoming more and more entertaining. He is constantly on the go. He plays with his toys some, but is just as likely to be entertained by a non-toy (see spatula pic on the right).

We can't believe how fast Graham is. He will be in a full out toddler run soon - he is almost there already. He can stand from a sitting position without crawling to something to help him pull up. We try to keep him contained in the family room for as long as he can stand it. Once he is loose he is all over the kitchen and living room. He will do hot laps between the kitchen, living room, and entry way. Speaking of the entry way - Thursday night last week, Chris and I were sitting in the living room and Graham was toddling around. I heard something around the corner that sounded like feet or hands on carpet so I rushed to the stairs. Sure enough there he was on the 3rd or 4th step proud as can be. Time for a gate! Until it is up, we really have to stay on our toes. If he is going to climb, someone has to be there to prevent the fall.

Graham is getting smarter all the time. He is giving kisses now. Sometimes they turn into bites! We think he talks to the dog and calls her something that is a combination of dog and God. When she barks, sometimes it sounds like he is giving her heck for barking. Apparently copying what he hears from Mom and Dad! Over the weekend we were in KC visiting the Bagby clan. I was trying to entertain our nephew Benjamin who is 5 1/2 months old now. I was pretending to chomp on his leg while saying yum, yum, yum. Graham went up to Benjamin and tried to do the same thing while saying num, num, num. Monkey see, monkey do! One more reason Chris and I have to stay on our toes!

Well I have to keep it short. I know Graham wants to post an update too. I best not steal his thunder. He will include more pics of all his recent activities.

10 Months and into everything!

Hey! Can you believe I am 10 months old? Life is just so much fun! The older I get life just gets better! Getting teeth might not be the most fun, but once they are in there are definite benefits. In the last week, my other top middle tooth came in and one of my side teeth on the bottom. That makes 5 teeth! What fun things have I been up to you ask? I have fun when Daddy chases me around. It makes me giggle and squeal! I like to ride on Mommy's back like she is a horsey. I pretend that her hair is the reigns on the horse. It is really fun when she bucks! Now that I walk I spend a lot of time trying to get to the things I want to play with - the dog bowl, the window cranks, the doors, toilet paper, the blinds. Mommy does her best to prevent me from playing with all of those things. Of course, I work very hard to get around her. Sometimes I need to get away from Mommy but other times I really want to be with her or Daddy. I can just walk up, pull on their legs, and look up like, "pick me up already". I like to hug and snuggle them. Sometimes I squeeze them really tight!

So what has been going since my last update? Mommy's friend Judy (sometimes referred to as Aunt Judy) babysat me last Saturday. We had a good time - I tried to impress her with my foot work. She impressed me with how she could put me to sleep in the stroller. I try so hard not to fall asleep unless it is absolutely necessary, somehow my eyes just went shut. Anyway, I guess Mommy and Daddy had fun on their date.

Mommy took me to the gym with her a couple of days. It isn't really with her. I go to the nursery and she goes and works out by herself. I am still not used to all of the kids. It is more fun to be home playing. Speaking of playing Daddy and Mommy took me to the park twice - actually two different parks. Big fan of that. I like the slides and cannot WAIT until I can go down by myself! Almost forgot - I have TWO more teeth, my left middle top tooth and my right bottom side tooth (Auntie Sara, I don't know the right names, sorry!)

Nanny was here from Kansas City this weekend. She was really impressed with all of my fancy footwork. I really wanted her to see I am a big boy and I think she agrees with me that I am not a baby (never mind when I cry and I still take a bottle and wear diapers). She thinks I am smart! :)

Naughty, naughty

Hello, hello! Naughty is the opening subject. Don't even think that I am naughty. Just because Mommy says "No, No" or "NO" doesn't mean I am naughty. How could I be naughty. Dakota on the other hand IS naughty. She ran outside TWICE today. Once when Grandma was here and then when Mommy and I were headed outside to play. Mommy and I were running down the street chasing after her. Mommy and I have never been running like that. It kind of tickled me. After Mommy caught Kotie, it wasn't very comfortable for me 'cuz she was kind of bent over pulling her scruff. Some nice lady named Deb helped Mommy out and carried me. We made it all the back to the house. Mommy was sure thankful that Deb helped out.

Besides Dakota being in trouble, we have had a LOT of fun in the last week. If you remember, I told you Daddy and Grandpa participated in a barbeque contest last Saturday. They got up early, early. Mommy and I went down to see them for lunch. I didn't get to try anything, Mommy just had some of my normal food ready to eat. It was most fun when I got out of the stroller. The big news of the day was that they placed 5th in the pork loin category. Boy were they excited! Apparently it is a big deal to place 5th or higher. I was so proud to be on the Albino Rhino BBQ team. [Side Note - have you ever seen us? Grandpa, Daddy, me (Uncle Brad and probably counsin Benjamin too) are not exactly tan]

Last weekend was so much fun. Besides Grandpa coming to visit, Daddy, Mommy and I played outside on Sunday. We took the 'BIG Cat' around the cul-de-sac (I have no idea what that means, I just heard Mommy say it). It was really fun. I got to hand out at the fire hydrant again - WAY fun. We also played in the backyard. Daddy kicked Dakota's ball so she would run and chase it. That just tickled me so! She would chase that ball - just so funny. I didn't think the day could get much more exciting. Well it did. Daddy and Mommy took me to this big bathtub like place. Mommy and Daddy got in with me. The water was kind of cold and there weren't any tub toys. Not sure what I thought of it. We will see if we go again what I think. Mommy talked to Daddy about taking me to Water Babies class in the big bath tub. (Note from Mom: the big bath tub is the indoor pool at the gym.)

Monday we all went back to the gym - I didn't go with Daddy and Mommy this time. I don't know why they didn't take me with them. There were a bunch of kids in the room they left me. It was okay, but after awhile those kids just kind of upset me. Fortunately Daddy and Mommy came back and got me after awhile. Mommy took me back later in the week. It was okay for awhile, but eventually I started really hoping Mommy would come back. I am glad she did!

Thursday I got my first balloon. I had to let it go, but I watched it. Daddy, Mommy, Grandma, Uncle Greg, and I went to an ALS memorial. We went to remember Grandpa Dennis. I never got to meet him, but I know it meant a lot to Mommy, Grandma, and Uncle Greg. Daddy and I did our best to make Mommy's eyes not water. She says she sure wishes Grandpa Dennis could have played with me, because she knows how much fun he would have had. She said it has been three years since Grandpa Dennis went to heaven where the balloons went. I hope he was watching us. He would have seen how much everyone there enjoyed my entertainment - walking like a big boy with all this hair is apparently very entertaining. So that brings up to today. Grandma and I played while Mommy went to the gym. Then Mommy and I went to a store with a bunch of toys - we even brought one home (it is a a LOT of fun). Of course then Dakota ran away. She had to go inside, while Mommy and I played outside. From the pics you can see, I like rocks!

Social Butterfly

Howdy Graham Fans! Once again there has been lots of fun going in my life. We have had some friends around which is always fun. Daddy's friend Ryan Stephens was in town and came to visit us. He seemed like a pretty nice guy - I thought he related well to my current situation. Mr. Andy and Mr. Kevin stopped in to see me. They were here to play golf with Daddy. I let Mr. Andy hold me. I wasn't as high in the air as when Daddy holds me, which is okay. He was drinking something that I wanted to try, but he wouldn't let me! While it was nice that Daddy's friends come by, I have to admit, I REALLY like it when Mommy's friends visit. Sara hung out with Mommy and me while Daddy was out with his friends. She is really nice to both me and Dakota. She was so impressed with my walking abilities. I smiled a lot at her. The next day, Mommy's friend Karen came to visit. I have to say I thought she was pretty nice too. She played with me and was also impressed by my moves. Mommy embarassed me when she changed my diaper right in front of Miss Karen. Geesh Mommy...

Life hasn't been all about flirting with ladies. I have a new tooth. Can't say I enjoyed the process. I needed Mommy to hold me quite awhile one night. I am anxious for it to become more useful!

I don't know about the weather where all of you live but those near Urbandale, have been pretty warm. Mommy and I went for a walk Tuesday. We stopped at the park and I got to swing a little. Wednesday Mommy put on my new Adidas sandals and took the Big Cat outside! I pushed it a really long way - then I saw a fire hydrant. It was really interesting. I walked around it and touched it. Then I would think about going to my Big Cat, but then I would walk back to the fire hydrant. Mommy didn't seem as interested in the fire hydrant. I hitched a ride with her back to our sidewalk. I discovered some wind chimes in the yard - they really make a pretty noise. We sat in the grass. Mommy got further away than I wanted her to so I had to crawl some in the grass. Grass just feels so weird. I sat in the grass a couple of other times but Mommy was always close enough that I didn't have to move. I guess it wasn't too bad.

We had company again Thursday night. There were a bunch of people from Daddy's work and then Mr. Ryan was back and there was another Mr. Ryan. It was kind of confusing but the other Mr. Ryan looked like he had dirt on his lip so I could easily tell them apart. They said I was a really chill kid. I played 'bags' with Daddy for the first time. I think I got the hang of it. Next time I can play on my own and don't need to help Daddy.

Mommy and I have visited two babies in the last two days. The first one was REALLY little. I don't know why Mommy was holding him and not me. Baby Abram seemed to only be held so I did my best to entertain the adults since the baby didn't do much. We saw another one that wasn't as little. I wanted to touch him, but Mommy and Baby Tate's mommy didn't seem to want me to touch him. He was laying on the flor so I grabbed his leg and pulled him closer. I wanted to get a hold of him. Mommy was glad Miss Jolene was so understanding.... I just wanted to play with him.

Well Grandpa is here. He and Daddy are participating in a barbeque contest. I will tell you about that in my next update. I should have my fourth tooth by then too! Gotta go, I need to impress Grandpa with my fancy footwork!

9 Months

Howdy Graham Fans! The biggest news in my world is that I am now 9 months old! I was supposed to see the doctor for my 9 month check-up, but my ears were bothering me AGAIN and we had to go to the doctor early. Darn ears! Now I have a cold with a yucky cough. Give me a break! At least, my ears are still clear - when they hurt it messes with my sleep. Mommy took me to my 9 month appointment yesterday. The nurse was really impressed that I could walk. She said that wasn't on her list of questions until my 12 month appointment. She asked if I was sitting unsupported. C'mon, only babies can't sit without support. I am a big boy. Mommy says I have to pass along that my head is at the 95th percentile (big head - I must be REALLY smart). I am 28 1/4 inches tall putting me at the 50th percentile, and I weighed 21 lbs and 11 ounces - 70th percentile. I actually weighed less than my last appointment but they stripped me down to get an true weight. I am a good boy when we go to the doctor. My doctor said she would take me home I am so cute (provided I slept through the night).

You should see me walk! I am really good at it. I still put my arms in the air for balance, but sometimes I manage to walk with them at my side. I can walk across rooms even. Mommy and Daddy think it is the cutest thing ever. It is really fun to walk. I think that is why I haven't gained more weight - I am getting such a better work-out now.

Over the weekend we went to Grandma's. I had fun walking and crawling all over the house. Grandma has these cute little figures and I so want to touch them and hold them. Mommy and Grandma kept telling me no. I think that is Mommy's favorite word. The nurse asked her if I understand no. She just wasn't sure. I want to explore everything. I don't think Mommy understands.

Everyone wants me to wave bye bye. I do sometimes. Adults just look so goofy. I am sure I don't look that goofy - everything I do is cute according to Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Nanny, Grandpa, etc.

I attached a picture of Mommy's mother day present. Daddy and I made it together. It took a few tries. The one that looked perfect, I accidentally pulled off of the table while it was drying.

Wobbly steps

Big news in the Bagby household. Graham has started to walk independently. He took three steps April 23. After that he became really cautious. He would sit down if he found himself standing on his own. He is gradually gaining more confidence. He took four steps for Daddy on Wednesday. Mommy tricked him into talking 11 steps - I kept moving out of reach and Graham managed to keep his balance! It seems he is gaining his confidence and losing the wobble. The pic above is the best I have been able to snap. His 'Big Cat' walk and ride seems to be helping him gain confidence.

This past weekend we went to Kansas City for our nephew's baptism. Graham got in some good bonding time with the Bagby clan. He swung at Nanny's house and played with some of Daddy's old toys. Mommy and Daddy even went out to dinner while Nanny watched Graham. We also visited Grandpa and Susan's. There cat seemed intrigued by Graham and of course the feeling was mutual. Graham tried to follow the cat but once he started to crawl under the furniture, it was time to distract him. Playing under the furniture continued at Uncle Brad and Aunt Lisa's - he couldn't figure out why he couldn't touch everyone through the glass top table! When it was time for the baptism, I think Graham made much more noise than Ben! We took pictures of Chris and Graham with Brad and Benjamin. Graham had about had his fill - proof in the picture. We did manage to get one that where he looked a little happier.

Gosh, what else... Graham is pretty adventure and pretty tough. As long as he isn't tired and not really hurt, he can take a tumble without much fuss. He enjoys being tossled around. He likes to read books - they might be upside down but he will hold them and turn pages. There is so much he does that just makes us smile. He hugs and snuggles now - there is nothing better! The open mouth kisses are heartwarming too - just kind of sloppy. He can be so serious when he is babbling. He loves to 'holler' in places that echo like our entry way. Graham now stands on his tiptoes and peeks out the windows in the family room - it holds his attention for several minutes. Daddy and Mommy both like to watch him play when he is in his own world - such a busy body! He is still a big flirt - he may just twinkle his eyes at someone or will scrunch his face up while smiling.

We know there is more fun to come! Maybe the warm weather will stick around one of these days. The Big Cat will hit the sidewalk!