Splish Splash

Graham has pretty much enjoyed the bath since day one, but his enthusiasm for bathtime was really on display tonight.

A Cute Mess

The past few days haven't been the best for our little boy, as he's in the thick of teething top teeth. We haven't seen them break through yet, but there are several signs that tell us that's what's happening.

At lunch today, I made Graham some hard toast since I've heard that helps with teething. The toast was "sandwiched" by a helping of avocado and a serving of yogurt.

I know the phrase "a hot mess" has become somewhat popular lately. Graham is the picture of a new twist on that phrase: "a cute mess."

Anything Hands Can Do, Feet Can Do Better

In a previous post, I shared Graham's ability to peck piano keys with his fingers.

Today, he discovered a new way to play his piano. Too bad this season of "America's Got Talent" just ended.

Pujols in Training

Today, I put Graham in his Albert Pujols tee, given to us by dear friends from the UNC J-School. Before you ask, no, we haven't abandoned our Orioles loyalties. Haven't you heard? They're doing pretty well...in September.

It appears that Graham channeled Mr. Pujols while in the t-shirt, as he used his bat to hit his teeball for the very first time.

Should Graham ever put together a recruiting video for baseball, his mommy sure will be tempted to include this. : )

Lip Smackin' Good

Today, Graham started something new at breakfast. I guess he really likes bananas. : )

The PJs Make the Man

Graham has "graduated" into two-piece PJs. His mommy is a huge fan of one-piece footie PJs (thus the reason that most of his PJs are still one piece), but I have to admit, these are pretty darn cute.

Bam Bam Sleeps

This afternoon, Graham and I drove to meet Matt after work. When we got there, this was what I saw when I turned around.

Graham's first football game

Graham donned his RU T-shirt and joined a solid showing of red-clad faithful at his first football game on Saturday, a non-conference match-up between Rutgers and UNC.

We found ourselves among good company at the game. In addition to the many fans from the local Rutgers alumni club, we were joined by my college buddy - and intramural basketball legend - Vinny T, who came to town with his lovely wife Jessica. Dad and Denise also made the trip to cheer on the Scarlet Knights and enjoy a weekend stay at 8107 Mackenzie.

Rutgers made a good showing in the stands and, for the most part, on the field as well. We had an enjoyable time even though the end result wasn't what we wanted.

Graham wasn't the only person having new experiences on Saturday. Vinny T led us all on an adventure that evening to Crazy Fire, a delicious Mongolian grill in Raleigh. Perhaps nothing speaks better to Vinny T's passion for the place than the fact that he once flew to North Carolina for lunch there. It's also the location where he asked his future father-in-law for Jessica's hand in marriage (Editor's note: "asking for her hand in marriage" is a strange phrase).

At dinner, we shared great food and more than a few laughs, some of which may admittedly have been the byproduct of sitting in the afternoon sun for too long. We also banged the Crazy Fire gong. If what they say happens when you bang the gong too hard is true, Denise's goat will soon be hairless. Who knew Denise had a goat?

It turns out that the best pictures from the weekend weren't our own. You'll have to trust me that the tailgate photos, featuring lots of scarlet and white in a Tar Heel blue town, were good ones. Not that any of the pictures below are bad; it's just that none of them are from the football game or our trip to Crazy Fire.

Graham clearly enjoyed his time
with Mimi and Pop Pop.

The traditional photo we take
with overnight guests.

Rutgers or UNC?
That's actually not a difficult question.

It doesn't get much better than this...

During the past few days, our house has somehow become home to a few flies.  Matt and I aren't sure where they came from, and we're certainly eager for them to go. 

If there's an upside to the situation, it is Graham.  His reaction to Matt's attempts to swat the flies last night brought us pure joy.  I think you'll see what I mean below.

Don't Get Between Our Boy and His Food

Much to our surprise, Graham is a fan of prunes.  A big fan.

Watch out, Linus!

In the past few days, Graham has learned how to work his index finger by itself. So, he's exploring his world a bit differently now and performing more intricate tasks with his hands. His daddy (a piano student whose skills have really improved during the past couple of years) will be proud of Graham's latest talent.

Recap: Taking Music City By Storm

In late August, Graham and I jetted off to Nashville to visit family and friends there while Matt settled in to his first week of school at Durham Academy.  Although we were there just a few days, I was certainly thankful for every moment, as I had been pretty homesick leading up to the trip.

Graham certainly didn't suffer from neglect during our visit, as he was loved on by his Nana and Papa nearly every second of the trip.  And when they weren't around, his cousins Rachel and Ryan, his Uncle Brent, and his Aunt Renee took over.  He also got some special time with his cousin Kora (who was born about a month after him) and the rest of his cousins and extended family.  As always, it was hard to leave, but it was a blessing to be able to visit in the first place.

Destination: Nashville!

Graham got lots of time with his Nana and Papa...

...and his sweet cousins...

...and his Aunt Renee (and Uncle Brent, not pictured).

We even got some pool time!

Graham had fun with his cousin Kora

An updated photo of Ella, Graham, and Kora

Here's what the trio looked like 4 months before!

Buckling up on the return flight

Destination: RDU and DADDY!

Did I brush my hair for this?

Matt asked a few days ago if there's such a thing as baby hairspray. If so, we're gonna need it...stat.

Calm Despite the Storm

We've had numerous tornado watches and warnings across our area today due to remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

To make things easier on myself, I just set up a "campsite" in our half bath downstairs that we could run to on a moment's notice. We've had to use it twice so far, but thankfully, we haven't had a tornado touch down near us.

Graham hasn't been phased by all the activity. In fact, I think he's liked the new play area. He's also been fascinated by the lights and sounds of the radio. I'm so glad he's not older, because I think today would be a bit more traumatic for him. As it is, he's been a trooper.

We're under a watch until 9 pm tonight, but I'm hoping we won't have to go "camping" anymore.

If you're happy and you know it

Why non-mesh bags are a no-no...

Can you see me?

Graham tested out his new camo onesie today. He kept trying to hide from me, but I was one step ahead of him. : )

Food Facial Hair

Graham tried prunes for the first time today and found them to be very tasty. So tasty, in fact, that he cried when the first batch ran out. So, I quickly gave him the rest to keep him happy. Shortly after beginning the meal, I noticed that a prune mustache had formed on his upper lip. A few seconds later, the sides began to develop. And shortly before he finished, our little man had a full set of food facial hair. If you ask me, I think he wears it well.