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!

My Summer

Hey Graham fans! So much has been going on since my last post. Summer is really busy! It is so busy there is only time for one nap a day now. We do lots of different things. Sometimes Mommy and I go for walks to the park. I swing and go down the slide. I really like the slide. We play outside. I like to carry my soccer ball around. I also like to carry my golf clubs around and put the golf balls in my mouth. Sometimes Mommy or Daddy fills up my pool. I usually just walk around in the water with my big blue ball or shake my boat or splash my shovel. I throw the ball out of the pool a lot. Mommy or Daddy get it for me, but sometimes I flop out of the pool and get it myself. As you can see in the pic - I still like to climb stairs, but I gotta stay in touch with my peeps on my cell. Sometimes I have to multi-task and do both at the same time.

I am eating mostly big people food now. There are lots of things I like: strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, grapes (Mommy peels the skin), apples, pears, peaches, chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans, toast, crackers, cheerios, cheese (!), pasta and sauce, yogurt and other things I can't think of right now. I am a big fruit fan as you can tell. Mommy sometimes shares some ice cream with me - I like that too. Grandma always lets me try her baked goods - have to say I am a big fan. They all keep trying to get me to eat mashed potatoes - not a fan - sweet potatoes are way better. It is also fun to throw some food over the side and watch Dakota eat it. She even licks my hands - makes me giggle!

Lots of excitement going on in my life. Grandpa and Uncle Brad came to visit the other weekend. They came to play with me, but were nice and helped Daddy at this barbeque contest in Pleasant Hill. Mommy and I went out to see them. I had a lot of fun touching tires on Daddy's truck and others and generally exploring. I carried around a red plastic cup - I like to drink out of it even though it was empty. I tried some of the chicken. I like chicken and that was some good chicken! I guess the sausage was really good because they got first place and 5th in the whole contest. They even got a trophy! They sure were proud.

Grandma came to visit next. Mommy and Daddy stained the deck so Grandma entertained me. Uncle Greg came over for dinner too. I had to show off at how I climb the steps! Uncle Greg was impressed. He played peek-a-boo with me at dinner. That is such a fun game!

Later in the week on Thursday Mommy and I went to Grandma's. I met more of my relatives. Grandma's sister (according to Mommy this is my Great Aunt) and some of her family came to Iowa from Texas. I met some of my second cousins. Sam and Kayla were there too and they all played with me outside. I took a liking to Jaylyn. I wanted her to know it so I hugged her several times in a row! Everyone seemed to think it was cute. Hopefully Jaylyn didn't mind...

Something really unusual happened while we were at Grandma's. Mommy disappeared. I don't know what happened to her. Grandma didn't seem worried. I was worried that evening. Friday Grandma still wasn't worried so I decided to just have fun with Grandma. I was eating dinner that evening and in walked Daddy AND Mommy. They looked really happy to see me. I kept my eye on them, but Jaylyn was back so I played with her some too. I hugged her again. Eventually Mommy and Daddy and I got in the truck. The next time I woke up I was in my crib. Home again! (Note from Mom: Chris and I each road a day of Ragbrai and camped out in Ottumwa. Given that neither us of really trained, we were impressed with ourselves!)

11 months old!

Hey Graham Fans! Boy time flies! I can't believe I am 11 months! I am such a big boy! So let me think about what has happened since my last update. We went to Grandma's house. I rode the 4 wheeler for the first time. Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma really seemed pleased that I rode on it. Aunt Deb, Uncle Tim, Sam and Kayla were also there to play with me. Sam had a football that I liked to carry around - maybe I will be a running back someday! Grandma has a big yard - I can't wait until I am older and can explore more. We also went to the Peiffer family reunion. There were some other people my size - Sam and Kayla were more interested in playing with me than my relatives my size.

Mommy and I went out to lunch one day with Mr. Mike. Mommy said she used to work with him. It was a busy place, but they have things I like - apples and banana pudding! After I was out of my chair, I tried to go meet the other people there, but Mommy caught me. I don't know why she didn't want me to go meet all those other people.

I have mastered the stairs! I don't get much practice because Daddy put a gate at the bottom. Once in awhile it is open. Just today, Mommy was vacuuming the stairs. I took advantage of the opportunity and climbed all the way to the top. I passed right on by that vacuum. That shows my determination, because that vacuum really fascinates me.

As Mom says, I am into everything. I like to open and shut doors. The only problem is when I shut the door and can't get it back open with Mom and Dad on the other side. It makes me cry. I just can't reach the door handle in the office or laundry room. It is scary!

We are still really busy. We have story time on Mondays, just finished sign language class, and still go to swimming class on Thursdays. I think Mommy and Daddy really learned a lot in sign language class. I enjoyed socializing with the other parents and kids. I really liked it when another kid had a fun toy out! Everyone sat in a big circle so it was obvious the kids were supposed to go in the middle and entertain the parents as they were learning to talk with their hands.

One of the things I really like to do is run between the living room, kitchen and entry way. I REALLY like it. It just makes me laugh and giggle!

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You look just like your daddy!

Update from Mom today. Just about everyone that sees Graham thinks he looks just like Chris. Chris' mom, Kathy, has said she could see some of me in Graham, but she is about the only one. The hair, eyes, and skin are definitely Chris - Graham even has just a bit of a wave in his hair in the back. I have thought also that he favored the Bagby's, but lately I thought he reminded me of myself at his age. I dug out the baby pics and think he looks quite a bit like me at his age. I scanned in some pics - see what you think!