Grayson v2.0

Grayson 2.0 ('two dot oh') ... this version rocks! The new release is right on schedule and exceeding all expectations! (obviously I've been working too much lately, but that's a blog in itself) Seriously, Grayson is TWO! We partayed! Grayson requested (by way of the first thing out of his mouth when asked "what kind of birthday party do you want?") a bubble party. Well, there were bubbles, but not as many as planned. We certainly didn't plan on the bubble machine not working. Let's just say the mega bubble blower blew!

But fun was had by way of rented toddler bounce house. And the best part... Yummy Cupcakes. This is now tradition for us, there's just no way around it as long as we live in LA. Yummy Cupcakes are indescribable really. Of the 100+ flavors offerred, we painstakingly picked 3 ... Old School (think hoho's), Red Velvet (classic) and Yummy's signature Happy Day (sprinkles inside and out!). We ordered the jumbo size for Grayson ... as you can see he found it quite pleasing :)

Happy Birthday June Bug.

Grayson's Glossary

The first post of the new year. It's 2009! The holidays are past (more blogging about that later i hope) As we settle back into our real lives I must take some time to chronicle Grayson's ever expanding vocabulary. The words themsevles are quite simple, but the sound is oh so sweet. Let me translate...

Maaama - deliberate emphasis on the 'maaa'. This I think is the affectionate version.
Daaada - same as above.
Craka - cracker ... a favorite for sure.
Up peas - pick me up please. so very polite!
Daw - dog
At - cat
Appy - happy
Whoa - whoa (as in "whoa i almost fell off the bed again")
Outseye - outside
Ba - ball
Wawa - water (sometimes accompanied by the ASL version)
Me - milk
O - Joe's O's (aka cherrios)
Eyes - ice (and eye)
Nana - nana or banana - context is key
Gee - Gan
Eee - key
Are - star
Moo - moon (or answer to "what does the cow say"
Dow - down
ooowa - this one is actually not a word but more of a request. "Oooh Wa" is part of the chorus of one of his favorite songs "When I walk along the river" by the Lori Berkner band.

Grayson is also singing, dancing and generally loves any kind of musical instrument. Oh yea, I forgot "titar" which is toddler for guitar!

We finally got a video camera so i'm hoping to catch some of this chatter in living color. I will post again very soon.

Cheers!

Look Ma', No Hands!

Today was the day! Grayson took his first few "unassisted" steps today. It was brillant. Brad and I were both there to witness. Although I must say I got the best view since Grayson was toddling his way towards me at the time. I will never forget the look on his face. It was 100% pure joy with a dash of pride and pinch of "what the heck am i doing." I think he was most surprised. I knew that's the way it would be. We all knew he could have done it sooner but he's staying true to his track record of laissez-faire approaches to most milestones. (why should he interfere with his own development?) We were extremely excited to see him repeat the feat throughout the day and expect he'll be running laps around us in no time.

We caught a few steps on camera...

Rasberries

We finally caught it on tape ... enjoy!

A Year of Grayson

What a year. We've laughed, we've cried ... we've changed a heck of alot of diapers. My new mantra these days seems to be "i had no idea." I had no idea how amazing parenthood would be. I had no idea I could ever love so much. It's a bit like Christmas everyday. Full of anticipation, surprise and lots of reminders of how much fun life really is. And I know now that you can't even begin to appreciate it until you live it (and give it).

Grayson had several birthday celebrations this year. There was a pre-party with Nana, Gan, the White Family and Charlie & Celeste during our Florida vacation.

Then there was an LA shindig with Mama & Papa Price and our California family. Given this was Grayson's second chance at a birthday cake free-for-all, you would think he would have taken full advantage. But I'm certain Brad and I ended up with more cake on us than he did.

Since two parties just isn't enough and Grayson will only turn one once, we just had to keep the party going with one more cupcake and one last seranade at Portos ... just the three of us.

I can't end this post without a few shout outs to everyone who has been a part of Grayson's life this past year ...

To my family & friends ... a million thanks for all your help throughout the year. We couldn't have done it without you.

To my husband ... a million kisses for just being you and letting me just be me.

To my son ... happy birthday baby. May all your years be as adventurous and may all your birthdays be as joyous. I love you more.

Mom.

LUNCH

Mmm... mmm... good!

Lunch today. Februay 11, 2008.

Look who's talkin'

Grayson and I had our first true conversation today. Sure he's been babbling for months now, but the conversing has been quite one-sided. But literally overnight Grayson figured out the art of it all. And let me just say he's quite impressed with his own voice and he thrives off of our corresponding laughter. It's a beautiful thing. Check out the video down below for a brief clip.

Grayson is also very into mirrors these days. Now that he's "talking" I'm always wondering who he thinks he's talking to. I'm sure it's exciting to him to have such a great friend to laugh and play with who looks a little bit like mommy & daddy both.

And that's a debate ... who does this kid look like? While I think it changes week-to-week, the most popular opinion is that it's a striking balance of both sides of the family tree. Only time will tell.

Brad and Grayson are fast forming a testosterone alliance. I'm surprised that there is such a visible difference in Grayson's behavior towards the two of us, which could be attributed to the marked difference in our approach to certain parenting tasks. (I'm not saying one way is necessarily better than the other. Faster sometimes, more logical sometimes, yes, but there's no right or wrong. Right?) Seriously, Grayson loves his daddy and it makes me all warm and fuzzy to see them doing their thing.