81 weeks.

Graham loves the water feature at the giant sandbox at Pier 6. He was busy scooping and dumping water and sand here for an hour. We'll both be sad to see the water turned off soon because of the changing seasons.

80 weeks, 6 days.

Graham enjoyed story time with Sam and Owen this afternoon. Graham loves books right now, especially dinosaur books and labeling books (books with lots of pictures to name).

80 weeks, 5 days.

Graham and Daddy squeezed in a little sticker time before work this morning.

80 weeks, 4 days.

We had a great trip to Chicago (thank you to all the family and friends who helped us out and congratulations again to the happy couple!), but Graham was still glad to get back to Brooklyn this afternoon and see his friends.

80 weeks, 3 days.

Graham loved the Naperville Children's Museum. Here he is experimenting in the wind tunnel.

80 weeks, 2 days.

The next stop on our whirlwind tour of Chicagoland was Naperville.  Graham enjoyed playing fetch with Ruby and Ellie, though Ruby didn't find his throws sufficiently challenging.  Thanks for your hospitality, Beth & Jake!

80 weeks, 1 day.

Congratulations, David and Meghan! A wonderful day for a great couple!

80 weeks.

On our second day in Chicago, we met Molly & co at the Brookfield Zoo. Graham was mildly interested in the animals, but loved the carousel.

Also, we learned a valuable lesson that sitting rear-facing in the toddler car seat makes Graham car sick. Forward-facing, here we come!

79 weeks, 6 days.

We flew to Chicago this morning and spent the day with Granny Annie and Papa O'Brien. The highlight of Graham's day was probably the dozen blue crab claws he scarfed down at Bob Chin's Crabhouse. Somehow, he knew how to suck the meat off the claws. Thanks for dinner and your hospitality, MA & Jim!

79 weeks, 4 days.

Swim class is exhausting...

However, Graham's nap was restorative enough to allow for an afternoon of sliding with Violet and hangin' with Elliot.

79 weeks, 3 days.

Graham hosted playgroup today. He enjoyed showing Owen how to use the cash register which Nana brought up from her collection of old favorites.

79 weeks, 2 days.

Graham getting the shivers for the first time (Will ran a toy car up his back).

79 weeks, 1 day.

We took a rainy day trip to the Brooklyn Children's Museum this morning.  We thought Graham would like "totally toddlers," but really, all he wanted to do was go grocery shopping.  He collected quite a basketful--selections included soda bread, pumpernickel, bamboo shoots, lychee nuts, mocha cookies, crackers, burgers, and a salmon steak.  

79 weeks.

After spending the morning listening to Elliot pontificate at the sandbox, Graham feasted on fish sauce wings at Pok Pok.  He was a very agreeable dining companion.

78 weeks, 5 days.

Graham went to a concert with his friends this morning, then resorted to chewing off his toenails rather than submit to one of my pedicures.

78 weeks, 3 days.

Graham and Elliot selected some reading material at Annika's new house.  Graham was all smiles when this photo was taken, but earlier, when he spotted a plate of cookies on the table, he created such a ruckus that they had to be put away.  Graham ate at least a pound of grapes to make up for not having the cookies, so don't feel too badly for him.

78 weeks, 2 days.

Graham nursed for the last time this morning.  I'd reconsider if he asks, but I think he's ready to move straight to breakfast in the mornings and I don't think he'll mind (and I don't want to wait so long that he will mind).  18 months--we've had a good run, Graham!

77 weeks, 6 days.

Graham takes a spin in his new car (thanks Angela and Linda!) with his dinosaur (thanks Auntie Mac and Uncle Jim!) and of course his beloved blanket (thanks Grammy for the new back-up--very helpful in the hospital!).  We didn't anticipate all the get-well-soon presents--thank you to everyone for the well-wishes, cards, and gifts.

77 weeks, 5 days.

Graham and Nana at the playground!  Graham loves Nana and is having the greatest time during her visit.

And happy 3rd anniversary to us!  Pok Pok here we come!

77 weeks, 4 days.

Graham's friend Bella came to play and bring over brownies this afternoon.  She walked to our place using this walker, which plays music that seemed to really engage Graham--here he is dancing & clapping.  Bella is one of Graham's very favorites, and both of them started laughing when she walked in the door.

77 weeks, 1 day.

Graham's playgroup friends know him well.  They sent over this bouquet of get-well-soon balloons, and Graham hasn't stopped saying "balloon!  balloon!  i pop!  pop! pop!  balloon!" since.

77 weeks.

4 days after surgery and lookin' good!