Graham

love this kid., originally uploaded by akblaine.

Also known as Bosephus, Grahambo, G-Money, G-Unit, and most recently, Grahambino. He is 37 months old and has loved every second of his life. Some things he especially enjoys are: Cars (the movie, and any toy on wheels), playing in sand, Curious George, pizza, gelato, bread, all kinds of fruit, reading stories, swimming and playing in any sort of water, babies, animals, asking a million questions a day, the word, "why," wrestling, traveling, and being with Mom and Dad. He often lives in his own world, somewhat happily oblivious to his surroundings. At the same time, though, he is incredibly sensitive toward people. He is always observant of people's moods and what they are wearing. He will approach someone and say, "Hey, you got a red shirt. I got blue shorts." Or, if he hears a baby crying from far away, he will say, "Mommy, what is wrong with the baby. Will she be okay?" He is good at identifying feelings and will say things like, "Mom, this thing is making me frustrated!" Yes, it is obvious that he is being raised by a counselor...
Graham also makes up words. For example, water that is deep such as in a lake or ocean, he calls "googely," and the trailers pulled by semi trucks, he calls "waggles." He also says, "What should can we do," or "Where should can we go?" Instead of side walk, he says, "walk side," and instead of forget, he says, "get for." It melts my heart every time, but I guess I should probably teach him to speak correctly someday... but not yet... I'm holding on to his youth as long as possible.
Graham is also pretty particular about things. He likes to wear socks and will even insist on wearing them in his sandals. He likes things to go in order. For instance, at bed time, he has to have a bath, get dressed, read stories, turn off the lights, do "squeezes," sing songs, snuggle, then go to bed. The door has to be left partially open and there must be a light on in the hallway. If any of this is out of order, he is quick to let you know! Fascinatingly, while he likes order, he is also pretty laid back and easy to be around. He's never really been a fit thrower, and he can usually accept "no" for an answer as long as it is explained to him. He looooves explanations!
He is excellent at traveling and going with the flow. He might ask a hundred questions, but he transitions with ease. He even showed no signs of jet lag after flying to Italy!
These are just little tid bits that I know will be easily forgotten as time goes by, which is why I am choosing to follow Lauren's advice and write them down.
Graham is growing up beautifully. What a fortunate thing for me to be able to say. I love him beyond measurement and thank God, fate, and luck everyday that he is in our lives.

awww.

P1030040, originally uploaded by akblaine.

Graham and I LOVE the beach, especially when it is in Italy! You can't see from this photo, but there were about a million other people sharing this tiny space of beach with us. Even amongst the chaos, though, Graham and I can relax and enjoy the nature around us.

big ash...

P1020986, originally uploaded by akblaine.

The world can truly be small at times. This is Ashley, whom we call "big ash," because she told us to. We met her in Oklahoma and became good friends. Who would have thought that we'd meet up in on the coast of Italy someday?? We had a wonderful time on the beach and eating interestingly delicious food and drinking too much wine, beer, and limoncello!!

big brother.

P1020770, originally uploaded by akblaine.

Henry is my older brother. We are only 18 months apart, so we have seen all of life together. We used to sled, fish, snow-ball fight, snow-machine, golf, and play in the dirt together as children. He's a dad, now. That's his daughter, Tiffany! She is 18 months older than Graham. When I ask Graham, "Who is your best friend," he replies, "Tiffany!" I can tell that they are going to be friends for life, just like Henry and I!! Watching Henry father Tiffany is a most beautiful sight. He is so patient that he sat and drew shapes and letters on a magnadoolde with her for hours! I wish we could live closer. Maybe someday!

little brother.

P1020755, originally uploaded by akblaine.

Michael is my little brother. I was 14 years old when he was born. I remember his very first breath. He has been through some ups and downs and twists and turns in his life, but he is shaping up to be an excellent son, brother, and uncle. Deep down, he is one of the most loving and sensitive people I know. I can tell that he is trying very hard to be a good influence and a friend to Graham. I miss him dearly.

space needle

P1020540, originally uploaded by akblaine.

Here we are on top of the space needle. We are currently killing time in Spokane. Our visas are not complete, which means we can't book a flight to Italy, yet. Keep your fingers crossed that things get completed this week!

Flickr

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