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

Presidents' Day zoo trip

On Monday when Amos had the day off we decided to take G to the zoo, because he'd been so awesome on Saturday when we had to move some boxes to our new storage place. We asked Rali to join us, since she had the day off too, and it was supposed to be 57° and sunny out.

It was super crowded at the zoo, but Garrison loved it. He walked the entire time and loved the gorillas, the otters and all of the plants and paths. As he was walking he talked non-stop in his crazy Garrison language, "Dat, duck, dog, diggle...uh oh." We can't wait to go back on a non-crowded day.

makin' a break for it''

I am constantly amazed by what Garrison figures out on his own. A couple of days ago he picked up my keys and walked to the front door and took individual keys and tried to stick them into the door knob. I had noticed a couple of days prior that he had really paid close attention while I unlocked the front door when I was carrying him from the car. I guess he's looking for a way out!

first day of playschool

Garrison went to his first day of playschool on Friday. It was from 9:30-11:30 and there were 7 other kids in the group (all 18-36 months old). I went and stayed with him the whole time, because I didn't think he was quite ready to be left. He seemed to have a good time playing with the little grocery carts and listening to songs and having a snack. here's a picture of snack time. He'll go every Friday until like June. It's very exciting.

A quick update.

Since it's been so long I thought I should let everyone know what's been going on here.

For Christmas we went to AZ to see Grams & Pawpaw. We rented a minivan and drove straight through. Garrison and Miles were both great. We had a great time in AZ. Sam, Yvonne, Carina & Dalton came to visit and we ate great food, went to the zoo and had pizza and cake for Dalton's birthday. Garrison enjoyed swimming in the pool (i.e., splashing), which was super warm and lovely. We had a nice Christmas and mom outdid herself in the cooking department (as usual). I even bought some jeans that fit, and they were half price. Amazing. It was a nice trip, and even though everyone and their dog was driving through cali the same time we were coming home it was still an okay trip back. I loved the minivan. And thanks to everyone for the wonderful xmas gifts. We've had lots of fun playing with G's new toys and books, and I think it's time to get rid of some of the baby stuff, now to make room for all the bigger kid stuff.

Since we've been back we've been trying to play some rock and roll, because we're going to get rid of our practice space this month. The end of an era, but not the end of the band. Amos has some innovative and non-loud ways for us to play at our houses, so we can use the extra money for chocolate for garrison ;-)

We also joined the Children's Museum. We've been two times, which means we have already paid for our entire year. Cool. One time Garrison loved it and the second time he made us carry him everywhere (that wasn't as fun). I have to say, though, the water table at the Kids' museum in olympia was way cooler than the lame one they have here. The one here just looks kinda gross to me. We get to take guests with us, so next time anyone comes to visit, I'm sure you'll get dragged along to the museum. Also, as members we get one discounted visit to all the other PNW kids' museums, so I'm looking forward to trying out Portland's, Tacoma's, going back to Oly's, etc. Kids' museums are a blast.

Garrison has developed a serious interest in scribbling. He has a magnadoodle, an aquadoodle and crayons and likes them all.

Friday he starts toddler playschool at Cometa. It's a local Spanish immersion playschool, and he'll be going on Fridays for 2 hours! He won't be old enough to go there next year, but he will probably start big-kid playschool when he is 3 there if we like our Friday sessions. Next year they are also starting a French immersion program too, because the school (which was started 2 or 3 years ago) has become very popular.

Garrison's been to the doctor twice, once for a fever/throwing up and once for his 18 month check up at which we learned that he is slowing down on the weight gain (only was around 28 pounds), and is still about the 50th percentile for height. He looks more and more like a kid and less and less like a baby every day.

Well, I'm sure I'll think of more to say, we're looking forward to Puppy Bowl this weekend (Garrison still loves dogs more than just about anything.) Wish us luck at playschool!