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!

Lunches, Easter, Birthday Parties!

Hey Graham Fans! There has been so much going on I don't know where to begin. Mommy and I had lunch with her friends Dan and Alex. We had the prettiest waitress! I just couldn't help but look at her whenever she was nearby. Dan suggested I leave her my number. I was so embarrassed - I didn't know what my number was! When I got home I tried to check my John Deere phone, but I think Mommy must have hidden it.

I experienced my first Easter. We went to Aunt Deb and Uncle Tim's. Mommy and Daddy gave me a short outfit, a soft book with animal tails sticking out of it, a shaker, and a bunch of eggs that made noise (from Mommy: Fortunately, he didn't discover the money inside). It was a fun day though a lot of time in my carseat. Nanny and Grandma each gave me some Easter goodies. I felt so lucky!

My Great Aunt Theresa passed away so Mommy, Uncle Greg, and I went back to Sigourney. I met a lot of Mommy's cousins. I really liked meeting all those new people - I went to anyone that put their arms out! Like most days though I was crawling and cruising around as much as possible. It is so much fun to walk around the chairs under a table - too bad that most of my readers are too tall to try it for themselves.

This last weekend was Mommy's birthday. Daddy organized a party for her. Grandma and I went for part of it. So many people to hold me! Some of Mommy's friends let me pound on the windows. I like to feel the cool glass and here the noise it makes. Anyway it was fun until it wasn't fun anymore. Grandma and I went home and played just the two of us until bedtime. I made her chase me!

Oh my gosh I just thought of another fun place to play - at the bottom of the steps. I like to hold onto the posts, then cruise over to the other side and hold onto those posts. The best part is when I yell, it echoes! Mommy took some pictures of me having a good time. She thought I looked handsome in my outfit.

Let me think, what else has been going on? Still just have two teeth, I crawl, I cruise, I jabber. Mommy is letting me play on her inchworm. Uncle Greg and Daddy put it together with some help from me. It is too big for me, but fun to walk around. Oh yeah and I had another ear infection. Mommy thinks it is better. I tell ya the worst part is what those antibiotics due to my bottom! Ouch! Well I think that is all for now. Thanks for reading!

8 Months Old Today

It is hard to believe that Graham is already 8 months old! Time does fly! He is so much fun and just lights up our world! We love watching him learn new things and see his personality emerge. He now crawls using both knees and hands. From the army crawl he had started to use one foot and one knee, but figured out hands and knees are much more efficient. Crawling is only useful to get him to something where he can stand. Today at the library the moms were impressed with how he cruised around. It seems inevitable that he will be an early walker. Daddy said he saw Graham take a step without holding on - his eagerness to reach a chair made him forget that he needed to have his hand on something.

Mommy and Daddy are really excited that Graham has started to babble. We have heard mama, papa, baba. He has always been vocal, but it is so much fun to see his language skills begin to develop. He continues to be very tactile - he loves to touch things and feel the different textures.

Graham seems to be a very social being. Over the weekend the Kantrowitz family was over. They have three kids that all wanted to play with Graham - he wasn't phased a bit. In fact, I think he was taking notes on what to do when he gets bigger! Ben and Jen Gebhart stopped on Sunday. Ben is one of Chris' college friends. Graham warmed right up to both of them and was more than happy to sit on their laps and to use their legs as leverage to stand and toddle around. Now that he can move around so much he likes to interact with the kids at the library. We just have to be careful that the curiosity doesn't turn into hair pulling or inadvertent eye gouging.

Daddy has been 'working' with Graham to get him to throw his little basketball. The crazy thing is it is working. Graham will pick it up and throw it. It might be a long way to the Majors, but Daddy is thrilled. Graham is as well. He giggles every time he throws it!

Graham is quick to smile for the camera. When he sees the camera he takes a quick interest in it. He will flash he two teeth and his gums and wrinkle his nose. The picture below is evidence of that.

The last big change was Graham moved into his new carseat. Last week at his ear recheck he weighed 22 pounds so time to ride in the bigger carseat.

"Boy that is a handsome baby. Friendly too!!"

Standing and cruising

Hey Graham Fans! It has been awhile since I have posted. Mom has dominated the computer lately. I have to admit I have been busy, like really busy. My FAVORITE thing to do now is to stand. I pull myself up using the couch, the ottoman, my jumperoo, my exersaucer, Mom's leg, my basketball hoop, my Bumbo (I wondered what that thing was for), the coffee table. Hey, speaking of the coffee table, it seems to have disappeared. I stumbled all the way around it and was hoping to do some hot laps this week. I hope someone didn't steal it! Oh, back to all the places I stand I almost forgot - my crib! Mom thinks it is interfering with my naps... I also enjoy pulling on the door stop in my room - I like the noise it makes. I just found the vent in the living room - it is fun to strum, which is practice for when I learn to play the guitar.

I think my mom told you that I was sick. Darn ears. It hasn't interfered with my playing - not at all. I like standing and army crawling too much. We are hoping that the gunk in my ears is going away. Mom thinks that was interfering with my naps too... I have been a little frustrated that mom and dad eat all of their big people food and don't share some of it. Mom will give me graham crackers, small slices of apple, and dill pickle spears. Those pickles are really fun to eat but boy that first bite makes me pucker!

We have been on the go more lately. We have gone to the fish fry at church a few times. Daddy always has an apron on - I haven't figured out why, something about he is cooking at church.Last week I went to my friend's Ethan's house. I sure like his dog - he is even bigger than my dog. We also went to the Haselby's - I think I was the main entertainment, but did hear Dad mention March Madness. Grandma, Uncle Greg, Mom and I went to a lawn and garden show where I road in the stroller until Uncle Greg carried me. He even sat me on a tractor - I tried to get it to move but none of the levers seemed to work, darn it! The break at the library is finally over. There are some new kids so I can make new friends!

Other than that, things have been pretty routine. I like to put lots of things in my mouth including Dad's nose. Dad saw me crawl the more traditional way - briefly. So far the army crawl seems easier. Time will tell if I decide to crawl the other way.

Well, bath time and I don't want to cut short my time playing with the little fishies in my tub!