alphabet--with lots of help

there is a second video of garrison saying the last 4 letters and then "hurray" at the end, this one gets the whole thing--his audio is a little faint.

"I love you."

You're talking more and more. Tonight you said, "I love you," back to me after I told you that before bed. It was the sweetest, most wonderful thing I've ever heard.

Eggs

I think you really get the concept of the egg hunt. Daddy I filled them with cashews, ritz bitz, goldfish and chocolate, and placed them around the room. You even found the one I put in the microwave in your play kitchen. I don't know if you'll find the one I hid in the drawer. (I'm mean like that). Miles tried to get in on the fun and picked on up I left on the floor (the chocolate ones are out of dog-reach). We've decided to stretch the egg hunt out for a while, as we're enjoying it too much to quit, and there are still 12 more eggs to be found. Hope you're hungry. (And you haven't even seen your basket!)

We're having a wonderful day with you.

talking on the phone

Today you talked on the phone for the first time. You were playing with the phone--picking it up and saying "eh-oh" (kind of like the teletubbies say it), so I called Grams and told her to call us right back. It rang, and you didn't want to pick up the phone. I did and I held it up to your ear, and said that it was Grams. Then you told her "eh-oh" and said "talk." You knew you were talking on the phone. It was a pretty big day.

class picture

Dear Garrison,
So, it would seem that you have taken an interest in talking all of a sudden. It's like you've finally decided to trade in the grunts for something more effective. I'm very pleased by this development. I also like that you are counting--a lot. We do it together as a way to stay patient while we are waiting for something (like Netflix to load). You also count as a signal for someone to do something fun for you (e.g., toss you in the air, or tickle your tummy). You have a new haircut, which Daddy had to hold you still for. You just hate having your hair messed with, so scissors near your neck are not fun for me. Anyway, the cut was a success and you looke spiffy for your first school picture. I took a snap alongside the photog. You insisted that puppy was indeed part of the Alki 2 coop and he made it in the shot too. (we were missing 3 of our class that day). BTW, it was St. Patricks Day, so lots of people are wearing green--you've got green socks on. Don't you look so cute in your little tie-dye hoodie!?
love, mommy

From 2.5 years

thanks for the bday presents!

Garrison has been having a great time with his birthday stuff. Thanks everyone! I've included a few pictures of G enjoying his new stuff. Thanks to Grams & Papaw, Grandmother & Granddaddy, Amy, Kris & Eloise, Jenn, Vance, Lu & Stella, and Tio Adonis & Tia Ralitsa.

dear garrison,

Happy second birthday, dearest boy.

Saturday your dad and I were talking about how incredible it is that we have a two year old. We recounted the day you were born. This time it was different. Last year, we talked about the emotional aspects of the day, it seems (at least that's what I wrote about). Saturday night we focused on the funny and challenging parts. I think it's fitting for the time of your development that we are in--you are both funny and challenging.

Funny, because you make us laugh all the time. When you see a dog you do a little happy dance. You are an exuberant and happy boy, who finds joy in the mundane (like pouring things). I can't help but feel giddy when I see your smile or feel you come up behind me with a hug.

Challenging, because communicating is hard. I know you have so much to say, and it just can't come out quite right. You are working very hard at it, and are making great strides. I'd like you to practice your words for foods other than "chip," "iiick" (yogurt) and "cookie." We'll get it all figured out and you'll learn all the words. I know it's frustrating, but keep trying and daddy and I will work hard too. Daddy's good at talking to people in other languages from all the travels, so I feel we've got a big advantage!

I look forward to hearing all about what you think about the world around you. I know you've probably got lots of questions about the sky and dogs and stuff like that. I'm just glad we have the internet.

I'm so happy I get to watch you grow up.

I love you more than chocolate,
mommy