Birthday Party

 You'll probably see this banner for the next 18 years because I made it!  The Elmo faces come off, so the banner is customizable to Grady's interests.

 Grady shoots basketballs for at least an hour a day ~ his choice!  So, I decided a basketball cake was an appropriate addition to his Sesame Street/Elmo party.  It was fun to make, and he definitely recognized it as a basketball, hoop and net.

 What a blessing our little boy is for us and all of our family and friends.

 Blowing out his candles ~ he did it without spitting on the cake.

Pretending to lick his birthday cake ~ he thought he was quite funny!

Pizza Chef

Putting the cheese on his "pizza." 

Artist in Residence

Grady painting (and wearing one of Daddy's t-shirts) at his new easel from Grandmum Yvette. 

Obviously, he's enjoying himself!

Mommy's Helper

Grady mashing bananas and then measuring them for our banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  He loves helping me in the kitchen.  Such a big boy.

Rachel and Grandmum Yvette

 Rachel teaches Grady the piano notes with his Elmo book.

Finger puppet fun.

We sure enjoyed Rachel and Grandmum's visit!  We met at John's basketball game, then they came home with us and stayed overnight.  The next morning, we had a relaxing breakfast and Grady opened Christmas presents.  This is the joy of open adoption!

Two Peas in a Pod

Puppy Chop (an allusion to Lambchop)

Matthew stayed the night and brought Grady a new puppy puppet toy.  Grady loves it!

Now, we're working on saying, "I wish I had a puppy." 

John won't be able to deny Grady and me for too long.