Life As A 13 Month Old....

Griffin has undoubtedly had the busiest, best summer of his life :)...between two trips to the beach, birthday celebrations, and soaking up as much QT with friends and family as possible, it's no wonder the little man is still sleeping as I write this post! (Being totally honest here, him sleeping is the only reason I get to write this post!)

He's becoming more and more independent each day, insisting on doing things like holding his eating utensils and feeding himself...no matter how much he actually gets in his mouth :)  He's walking running like a champ, and I'm convinced that with all the climbing, rolling, and tumbling (crashing!), he'll be competing in his own Olympic event a few years down the road!  He is such a happy boy, and any time he hears music playing, he raises his arms and spins around or stomps his feet back and forth to dance...and sometimes butt naked!  It's so cute that I sometimes find myself turning on music just to see him dance :)

 He's learning where his feet, toes, fingers, eyes, nose, mouth, belly button, and hair is...and loves to show you!

We're still having fun opening new gifts from his birthday party, and Daddy is loving the fact that Griffin's favorite toys are mostly sports related.  He never goes a day without dragging around his golf clubs and hitting balls (and furniture, and walls, and Mommy!)...and is actually pretty good at swinging his bat and hitting the ball off the "T".  He gets so excited and claps for himself after each swing :)

We've also put his growth chart up on the wall this month and marked the first of many notches.

 I've been trying to spark his interest in books, in hopes that he will become a great reader and actually enjoy learning.  Our public library has an amazing children's area with tons of activities and books for all ages.  Griffin loves the different themes and characters, and of course pulling all of the books off the shelves!

 And of course, a week wouldn't be complete without a visit with his BFF Kaz... whether it's a playdate at Gymboree, a walk in the "red cars", or a quick buggy chat in the grocery store, these boys will find a way to get together :)

 We've had so much fun this summer, and can't wait to make more memories with our little man!

Griffin Is ONE!!!

Griffin turned the big O-N-E on Saturday, June 23rd, and had the time of this life at his "Little Man" themed first birthday party.  He was surrounded by family and friends and LOTS of new toys to play with :)  Here are a few pictures from his big day... 

Once it was over, and all of his new toys were packed in the house...I sat down in his room and just had a good cry.  It's the craziest feeling when you sit in your baby's nursery and look back on memories of the first time you rocked him in his rocking chair.  And there you sit...one year later...wondering why time passes so quickly.  It has been by far the most amazing year of my life.  Every single experience...from the moment I laid eyes on him in the hospital, and all the sleepless nights, the explosive dirty diapers, first foods, first words, first steps, all the way up to the look on his face as we sang him "Happy Birthday" and blew out his very first candle, it's all been incredible.  We're so thankful to be the parents of such a wonderful little boy :)  Happy Birthday, Griffin!  Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back! 

Father's Day 2012

I guess it's better late than never... If you haven't noticed by my lack of posts lately, blogging has become a tad bit difficult with G man running around all over the place!  And to be completely honest, I'd much rather spend my time playing with him than sitting in front of the computer :)  These next few posts will be a catch up on some of the big events that have happened over the past month.

 

Josh chose to celebrate his first Father's Day with a huge bison burger from Ted's Montana Grill :)   If you ask me, he racked up on gifts this year, too!  While I'm sure he loved the new Oakley's for his big golf trip, I think his favorite gift was the homemade card Griffin painted for him....he loved it!  Almost as much as Griffin enjoyed getting dirty and painting it!

Checkin' Out the Chicken Coop

By now, Griffin should be more than acclimated to the funny looking animals that live next to his Granna's back yard.  Almost daily, they take a trip back to the chicken coop to feed the chickens and look for eggs.  Recently, I was able to tag along and see what all the fuss was about :)

Griffin rode his red car back to the coop, and sat quietly as he watched them "cluck" around.  Then, all of a sudden, the big 'ol rooster (his name is Hoss!) started flapping his wings and made a huge leap to the top of the coop.  He puffed out his chest and let out an impressive "Cock-a-doodle-doo!"  Instantly, Griffin's expression change from amazement to this...  What a face!

I'm Walking...Yes, Indeed!

Over the past week, Griffin has really started to take off on his own!  We knew it wouldn't be long...but I'm still not sure if this mama is ready for the change.  What happened to the days when he would just lay in my arms and do nothing but smile and "coo"?  Check him out as he ventures into the world of traveling on two feet :)