Thursday, July 29, 2010

I'm with the Band

Some dads push their kids into sports at a very young age. Not Grayson's dad. Michael is obsessed with the idea of Grayson playing the piano. Michael owns two keyboards, but ironically does not know how to play (traditionally) or read music. He is currently using the keyboards to introduce Grayson to the fun of the piano (as a toy) in hopes that it will take root.

As a former musician myself, I would love it if Gray took to music at some point in his life, I just find it amusing that Michael is so fixated on it. Do you think I could get a discount if both of them took piano lessons?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Hiya Cuz!

My cousin Stuart is in town from NYC and met Grayson for the first time at my Uncle Paul's birthday dinner on Monday. I grew up seeing Stuart so often that it's hard to imagine my son not sharing the same connection.

Despite the two never meeting, Grayson ran into Stuart's arms the moment he saw him and couldn't stop hugging him. I guess he knows good people when he sees them.

I think Gray also liked Stuart's facial hair since it's quite different than the few whiskers his daddy can grow. Hopefully the two will hang out again before Gray is able to grow a beard.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Eat Your Vegetables

Several nights back we had a dinner of linguine with roasted pine nuts, garlic and zucchini. As we were eating our meal, I realized that Grayson was picking the bits of zucchini out of his bowl and eating them first.

My sisters and I grew up as very picky eaters and never in a million years did I imagine having a toddler who eats zucchini. I realize this may not last forever, but for now he has what I would consider a well-versed palate for a child.

Grayson loves tomatoes, strawberries, bananas, grapes, apples, corn, hummus, beans, potatoes, avocado and seafood while also tolerating zucchini, squash, green beans, cucumbers and pickles. He is satisfied with applesauce for dessert and can't seem to get enough milk.

I think a big part of him liking so many different foods is that we fed him mostly homemade baby food versus the jarred foods. Anyone who has ever smelled (much less tasted) jarred baby food can testify to how much better the real, pureed stuff is on the taste buds.

As Grayson grows, I really hope he continues to love and try a wide variety of foods. Next summer I think he'll be ready to be my garden helper and I'm already planning the fun foods I want him to see grow from a vine instead of thinking they only come from a store. With the way this kid gobbles up tomatoes, several cherry tomato plants are definitely in order.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Reclaiming our domain

While recently cleaning our master bedroom, I gathered this pile of Grayson's stuff that had migrated into our room and never left. I am now pledging to do better at making sure his toys no longer dominate our bedroom decor. We'll see how long this lasts.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Happy Birthday Mamamama!

This evening we celebrated my mom's birthday (amazingly she's turning 29 just like me). Grayson can't quite say grandmother so he calls her his ma-ma-ma-ma. Always four syllables worth of mama.

My stepdad was in charge of the birthday pound cake (my mom's favorite). He got a little artistic with the presentation:
My Grandmama Solomon also joined the party and Gray enjoyed her sporty walker and showing her his "muscles."

Happy birthday Mom! We love you!

Stuck in a Bucket

This pretty much sums up the week. It's been quite the emotional rollercoaster. From my uncle's sudden passing to Mike waking up with his eye swollen shut from infection on my 29th birthday to celebrating my mom's birthday to the unexpected delay of Mike's parents closing on some land and a house in Norman, so many peaks and valleys.

Luckily we are blessed with an amazing family and close group of friends that keep things in perspective and provide some much-needed distractions at a moment's notice.

Grayson is taking the opportunity to enjoy the extra grandparent attention (all six will be in town at some point this week) and we are too.