train show

Not the best photos, but Henry and Grant had a blast at the model railroad / toy train show this weekend here in Madison.

"Papa, I wish we could live AT the train show so we could see them all the time..."

Just need to bring a stool next year. Boy are my arms tired from lifting them both up to see the displays!

tired boys

teach me how to bucky

Olbrich botanical gardens

Holiday express

In search of the Leydon family Christmas tree

Buddies

crossing the street, Grant says...
"Hold my hand He-ry?"

Just some Sunday morning reading

Hardly feels like Thanksgiving

An unseasonably warm day...
"Take my coat off, Papa! Like you!"

Fun in the bathroom

Hello ladies...

Busy boy

This is the first time Grant actually said "cheese" when i got the camera out!

When Henry is at preschool, Grant and I stay busy.

Generally, I am trying to rush through household activities (I still consider this "my time" even though I'm still responsible for an almost 18 month old). Occasionally, when I catch Grant wandering the house looking for Henry, the entertainer, I force myself to take advantage of the slower pace.

Every once in a while, it's refreshing to go to the park at our own pace, and pour rocks down the slide. Or to swing until Grant says its time to go.

And the laundry waits another day.

Grant E.

 A few words about Grant.
Because I want to remember 

(how could I forget? I don't know, but I continually ask myself if Henry was the same way at times)

Grant is a handful.

And then some.

He's a solid kid, this explorer.

He runs, he climbs, he jumps (or tries to, anyway).

He is a larger than life kid who simply will not be contained.
He insisted on a new car seat (if brother faces forward, why not me?!) Each time we would get in the car he would scramble to climb into Henry's seat.  Sorry, pediatricians, I know you recommend rear facing until age 2 now (seriously?) but Grant insists.
I witnessed him pile his blankets in the corner of his crib and sort of lean way out, head first of course. His first actual escape could be bad news.  We've since limited his linens.
And we've reinstated the high chair straps (sit down, Grant). The Toddler Drive Thru is a last resort for baby Houdini.

And he's just a silly kid.
Trick at supper last night. Silverware tucked under the neck, no hands.
He makes us laugh.
A lot.

Help

No help needed.
Apparently we're self serve around here.

I'm the one who will need help.
Trying to keep this kid safe is a full time job.
I swear I was only turned around for a second.

14 months and climbing

Look who is proficient at scaling the furniture!

From Rhythm & Booms weekend!

Recycling tricycling

Hhmm. What will happen to Henry's tricycle now that he's got a new bike?

Looks like it will not sit abandoned for long.
Grant had to suffer a bloody nose for this ride, but it was worth it! Yikes! Trikes!

A first birthday

Recipe for a successful birthday:
Take one small boy, and feed him his favorite dinner. Spaghetti and meatballs.

Bring on the cake.

Light it on fire.

Let him have his cake, and eat it, too.

Throw in a few new toys.  (Try to restrain the older sibling).  Try.

Then sit back and laugh.

And marvel at the passing of ONE year, one trip around the sun. One small, yet great big boy. Oh, Grant...One!?!

February Thaw

Our January thaw arrived in February. We soaked in as much as we could (taking walks, puddle stomping, and going sock-free)...Grant thought having his piggies on the loose felt SO good.

fancy footwork for a new walker

Grant's hobby of walking is quickly becoming his preferred mode of transportation!

the look

another milestone

Grant can walk!!

Almost walking

Grant is still practicing his walking. He's a little blurry in this photo because once he gets the all clear for the cart, he's off!

I was thankful we went to the doctor last week. As I was recently cleaning his face after a meal, I noticed that there was a bruise on his forehead that was fading, which matched the split lower lip, and George asked me when he chipped his tooth (I have NO idea). A few days before that, he slipped in the bathroom and whacked his eyebrow on the tiled corner. Yes. There will be more bumps and bruises for this kid, until walking is in his repertoire. Then even more will be inevitable as he learns to elbow Henry for some shared play time (we've already seen precursors to this behavior, Henry's response is "no, Grant it's MY turn).

9 month Grant

Grant at 9 months. He'll greet you with a "smile" -- wrinkled nose, teeth showing, and head cocked back, making a snorting sound.

He's the scientist right now. Testing gravity's pull on every object. Food thrown from high chair, toys down the stairs, binkie over the side of the crib. Pick it up. Repeat. He is also a collector. I found a little box Grant was playing with, which contained a rattle, pig figurine, small book, and a matchbox car in it. He likes to see what fits, and what doesn't, and how it sounds when shaken. He trys out many items from the flotsam and jetsam our house holds.

Last Monday we stayed at Henry's preschool for snack day. While I was trying to actually be a helper (getting snow gear on for outdoor playtime) Grant decided he could finally get a little time to explore on his own. I turned around from the line of kids to find that Grant had taste-tested the big, globby paintbrush at the easel. A bright blue line led from his ear to his mouth (only a seasoned parent at this point can boast that the first thought in my head was where is my camera! rather than I hope that paint is non-toxic...) Our days of "helping" at preschool are soon to be limited, I'm afraid. Won't be long and I'll have to drag Grant away from drop off kicking and screaming, I'm sure.

Here are his 9 month stats from the doctor's visit:
Height: 29 inches (79.8%)
Weight: 22 lbs (76.6%)