WayfaringStrangers

It's been awhile since I've written...in Ohio I didn't have wifi, so I didn't spend much time on the computer. Which was really, very refreshing!  But I do want to document the trip a bit. Going to Ohio to see Grandma and other relatives was just right. I'm so glad I had to opportunity to do that! I loved all the time with my mom, too; and Graham got to bond with his "Nana." The driving there (and back) was a little tricky with a toddler, but thanks to a bag of toys, DVD player, books, crayons, and dum-dums, he did pretty well. Once we got to Ohio, he was very clingy all week; I've never heard the word 'mama' more in my life. Eventually he warmed up to everyone else, especially my mom. Graham also struggled with sleeping while we were there. He got a bad cold which affected things, but also just being in a new room and new bed made it hard for him to adjust. He and I took a lot of naps together. We had a lot of fun eating really good food, ...

Just a quick life update... 1. Behn is taking his End of Program Exam (EPE). He has 1 week to choose 3 essay questions from a list of 10, research them, and answer them. He started yesterday and so he has til next Fri morning. I know this is stressing him out quite a bit, but I don't doubt for a second he'll get a Big Ol' A+! Then all he has to do is finish his summer classes and he'll be...A Master of Information!! 2. Graham now uses the adjective 'big.' I noticed it yesterday when we were driving down the highway and he labeled every 18-wheeler a 'big car.' He also says 'wow!' 3. Speaking of Graham and I in the car, we are going on a roadtrip with my mom next week! Mom had  long ago planned to go to Ohio to visit my grandma...and then we brainstormed and figured that G and I could come along! Grandma's never met G and I also haven't seen her in a few years, so I am excited!! I'll miss Behn a lot, especially on our anniversary,...

Here are some everyday things going on here: Graham is SO into cords and into putting things together. For example, here he is trying to fit these ipod charger/adapter thingies together. His favorite thing to do is try and find an outlet without a cover and put a plug into it over and over. Dangerous, I know. We obviously don't allow him to do this. Watermelon. If you don't have any, I command you to go buy one, cut it up and put it in your fridge. Nothing like a nice, cold watermelon on a humid day. Playing games with my boy.  Sunflowers have bloomed. I must have accidentally planted a dwarf variety, as these guys are really short, unlike my tall ones last year. Stray (?) cat that's been hanging around for a few days. I'll admit I've been feeding it. It's really friendly though! I'm honestly scared of cats, but Behn loves playing with her and picking her up.  I'm in love with these soy candles. Behn got me one for my bir...

It's been a while since I've done a pregnancy update. I'm now 6 months pregnant! That was fast! (not a very good picture, but you get the idea:) When I look down at my tummy, I don't think it looks that big, but when I see myself in the mirror, I'm like 'whoa nelly!' That baby is growing! He is a very active child- lots of movement, which is good. Lately I've had a touch of wanting to nest. I got out G's tiny baby clothes and organized them, although I'll probably wash them all before I actually use them. They were stored away clean, but that was more than a year ago. I've also been keeping an eye out for yummy and easy recipes for meals to freeze. I want to take a day or two to cook, cook, cook and fill up my chest freezer so I don't have to think about meals after the baby comes. My sciatic nerve has been pretty bad this pregnancy, although better the past few days. And last week I was SO tired, but this week I feel great...

This is the face Graham made when I told him to eat his strawberries. He usually loves them, but we've had a lot of them lately, so I think he's tired of them. Graham does something Behn and I call 'deflection.' He deflects/distracts us when he doesn't want to comply. Example: "Graham, eat your strawberries." Graham makes a funny face in hopes that I'll laugh and forget about the demand I just placed. Example: "Graham, pick up that toy you just threw; you don't throw toys." Graham begins showing off all the words he can say or babbling in hopes that I'll praise him for his verbal skills and forget that I told him to pick up a toy. Manipulation? I think yes! What Graham is up to these days (at nearly 18 months): Playing with toy cars, his own original motor sound included Will run when you say 'run!' Head down, arms swinging, little legs moving quick! Is finally  calling me 'mama' and Behn ...

Maybe it's just a honeymoon phase, but this past week at home with just Graham has been wonderful! The days are a lot slower, which is a blessing and a curse, but having 1 toddler here instead of 2 is much simpler. And Graham and I have bonded so much! We've colored, done puzzles, and read a ton of books. I can take him outside so much more easily now. I have immensely enjoyed this past week with my little son, and am excited about this upcoming summer doing lots of fun things, like the pool, library, and even grocery shopping. The thing is, Graham is an easy kid. He just has a sweet, easy personality, with little drama. Behn and I are blessed!