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.