Taste of Cincinnati 2012

Griffin was able to experience Taste of Cincinnati today...and pigged out with the best of 'em!  So crazy to think that this time last year, I was VERY pregnant and attempted to waddle up and down the street feeding my face with yummy, spicy food in hopes that something would put me in labor!

Today, we tried everything from Zoomers (cheddar mets) to deep fried pb&j sandwiches!  Griffin's favorite was the vanilla and strawberry cupcake from the Queen City Cupcakes food truck.  We had such a fun day...full of sweat, greasy foods, and people watching!  Can't wait to go back next year! :)

Sweet Summertime:)

School's out, the sun is hot, and swimming pools are opening up all around.  You know what that means....it's time for some butt naked babies!  This week, Griffin and his buddy Kaz did just that as we tried to beat the heat:)  We had a fun filled day playing on the swing, swimming in the pool, and going for a walk in their "big red cars".  The only thing missing was something yummy from the ice cream truck that we couldn't catch up with!  Such a rough life...these boys have got it made!

Griffin is Eleven Months Old!

I think it's safe to say that during these first eleven months, Griffin has been somewhat of a "guinea pig" for us as we learn what this parenting thing is all about!  With the passing of each month, it's not just the little man that's growing and learning what's right and wrong, and what works and doesn't work...and we've only just begun!  This month has been full of experimentation, and we've had so many new experiences to add to the list!

A big first for Griffin was our family vacation and trip to the beach.  He loved everything about it, and we can't wait to go back.  We did learn, however, that vacations are definitely not the same with a baby in the mix!  And you might as well be prepared to pack the entire house when you go...but it's totally worth it!  (I promise to post pics as soon as I get them all uploaded!)

Another BIGGIE can be seen in this video...

Yes, folks, those were steps he just took...all on his own! From one piece of furniture to another is about as far as he goes for now, and that's totally fine with me!  Along with taking a few steps, he's also becoming more confident in standing on his own.  He'll even stand up and throw a ball...and quickly sit back down :)

We've also added several new foods to the mix, mainly because he's starting to want whatever it is that we're eating, and shows no interest in the bland baby food he's had for months.  He's now trying pretty much anything we have on our plates, and with that comes a huge mess...and I mean HUGE!  Not only does he want to try new foods, but he wants to feed himself, too.  We try to stick to bite sized pieces since he's not quite mastered the spoon.  And to be quite honest, I'm not looking forward to teaching him.  So far, every time we've turned him loose with one, he uses it as a catapult and launches food half-way across the room.

What an adventure this month has been!

...And now the countdown begins!  One month from today, we will be celebrating Griffin's first birthday along with family, friends, and everyone that has been a part of his exciting first year of life.  Happy 11 months, Griff!

Mommy's Birthday and First Mother's Day

Every few years (I'm not big on calculating how often it happens...) my birthday falls on the same day that Mother's Day is celebrated.  So, this year I not only celebrated my 28th birthday, but my very first Mother's Day as well!  It started off with a great church service, where every mother was given a gift certificate for a free manicure!  Then, I went to my favorite place...Olive Garden...for lunch with my two favorite guys :)  Since it was a yucky rainy day, we spent some time walking around the mall where I scored some sweet gifts!  I also finally broke down and had my wedding bands cut off (apparently my pregnancy induced marshmallow man fingers are still haunting me) since I haven't been able to take them off in over a year!  They'll be sent off and re-sized and sent back looking brand new, but until then...my boys gave me a pretty little replacement!

On the way home, we stopped to pick up a milkshake :)  I tried sharing with Griffin, but from the looks of things, that wasn't good enough...he wanted the entire thing for himself!

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday and Mother's Day!  I'm so thankful for my little family :)

Little Beach Bum :)

Sand, sunshine, and the sound of waves crashing on the beach...what could be better?  Taking your baby for the very first time...that's what!  Today, Griffin got to experience the beach and all it's wonder for the first time, and he absolutely LOVED it!  (On a side note: when taking a baby to the beach...or just on vacation in general...be prepared to take the entire house along with you.) 




 We came prepared with toys, buckets, shovels, and even a covered wading pool to keep him cool since he's too small to play in the ocean at the moment.  I'm so glad we were able to get his first experience in the waves on video, because it was absolutely priceless!  He stood in the water like a flamingo...holding one foot up by his knee to keep it from touching the water haha!

After the beach, we had a yummy lunch at Poe's Tavern, a great little spot on Sullivan's Island, thanks to a suggestion from our friend Misty :)

Then, we met my old friend Amy T. (I just can't call her by her new last name!) and her little girl, Kaylee, for dinner at Smoky Oak on James Island, where she lives.  As you can tell...Griffin loved her because she gave him fried chicken!  We're having a ton of fun in Charleston, and can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the week :)

Kaz's 1st Birthday

Griffin's buddy Kaz celebrated his first birthday over the weekend, and we were so excited to be part of the big celebration!  After his surprising (and scary) early arrival this time last year, it's hard to believe this sweet boy is already one! We're so glad to be a part of his life, and look forward to watching these amazing little guys grow up together.  We love you, Kaz!  Happy Birthday!