We're so screwed! I put Grady to bed in his crib last night as usual, then was talking to Rick in the kitchen about 10 minutes later, and guess who comes trotting in with a big grin on his face? The little monkey climbed out of the crib, twice! The second time we were in our bedroom and the door pops open and there he is. 18 months old. Just throws a leg up on the top of the crib like its a balance beam and hoists himself onto his belly, then lowers himself down until he can drop to the floor. Maybe he'll be an Olympic gymnast. Or Hollywood stuntman. Or cat burglar/jewel thief.

What baby?

I posted this message on my Facebook page, "Thought I was going to have to leave Grady at the greenhouse to get all these flowers home! Great sale at Countryside Greenhouse in Allendale."

My friend Maribeth went with me to shop and we bought all we could fit on one of those garden store carts. We laid down one of seats, packed all the plants in like pros, buckled Grady in his car seat and were congratulating ourselves on a job well done when I walked around to my side of the car and a saw the stupid stroller still sitting there.

Had to unpack the whole car, squish plants in around the stroller and Maribeth wound up holding a flat on her lap on the drive home. (The picture with Grady is actually taken AFTER she unloaded her share!)

Dandelions and Boo-boos

Grady picked his first dandelion for me today. He was delighted and so was I. Unfortunately he also got his first skinned knee. Its a beautiful day and he loved running around in the grass, but occasionally, little feet trip up and down he went. Didn't seem to notice or care but he's a boy, so there you go. He had a good time stomping down on the ant hills (See? Boy!) and chasing Dixie. He also learned how to sneeze, or rather, fake sneeze. I say "Sneeze, Grady. Ah choo!" and he tilts his head back, saying "Ahhhh boo!" Super cute. Have to get that on video before he figures it out :)

Accidental Bath

Since I had a baby, I'm always running 10 minutes late. Just can't seem to get it all together and into the car on time. Same story trying to leave Mom's to go see my friend Ingrid's gorgeous watercolor she painted for me. Got Grady ready first, shoes on, done. I took a quick bath and was getting dressed in teh bathroom when I heard a thump/splash behind me. Mom's tub is pretty low and Grady was able to throw a leg over the edge and climb in. There he is, fully dressed, waist deep in the draining water, grinning. Grr. Had to start over and call Ingrid to say we'd be really late. She gets it -- she has Liesl, of course, and we had a great time, walking to lunch with the wagon. And the painting is GORGEOUS! Can't wait to see it all matted and framed.

Butterfly Boy

Catching up after a busy couple weeks. And catching butterflies. Took Grady to see the exhibit at Meijer Gardens with my friend Maribeth but I wasn't sure if he'd even notice them. He did! Right away he started pointing and smiling. He wasn't too sure about them landing on him though. We thought we had a great photo opp when one lit right on the top of his head but he made a disgusted, grumpy face and knocked it off before we could get our cameras up. Poor butterfly! "No touch! No touch!" We did torture him with a semi-dead one by putting it on his leg but we got finally some pictures.

Grady do it!

(15 months) We've discovered Bailey. (No, Barb, not BAILEY'S !) Or rather, he's discovered us. He's the little shaggy dog next door and every time he hears us out now, he pops over to our house, much to Grady's delight. Its a Grady-sized dog, unlike Dixie who's three times his size. Bailey also wants to jump up and lick his face, but he can handle him a lot easier. Grady just cracks up and can't stop petting him.

We're also big on feeding ourselves, and that means a big mess too but its fun. He lets me feed him when he's really hungry, then at some point won't accept another bite unless HE'S wielding the spoon. If I try to hold the bowl so he can get a bit of applesauce, he pushes my hand away. Reminiscent of "Dottie do it" so I guess he's got a little of his mama in him after all.

Laying low this week since I'm pulling 12 days of work and trying to sleep when he sleeps. He's getting TWO MORE TEETH though so he's been a bit clingy and crabby, for him. Its the eye teeth and they've finally broken through so hopefully I'll get my cheery, chirpy boy back.

Last night I was in the bath and he wanted in but he'd already had his so I was trying to distract him. "Go get your duck" and he got it. "Go get your frog" and he got that too. "Your ball" "Your comb." He's learning so many new words, just not saying them yet :)

Loves me, loves me not

15 months. Grady loves loves loves being outside! He gets a kick out of walking back and forth from the pavement to the grass and back. Wait until he discovers the "moonwalk" the moles have made of the backyard! Spent a long time examining the crocuses.

He went to the doctor for his 15 month check up. He weighs 25.5 pounds and is 32 inches long! Got his last vaccination until he's 5, by Dr.Sears alternate schedule, but we may do a couple when he's four. Still taking a cautious route with that, more afraid of autism than measles. I know they haven't shown a link but why take a chance? He can get the MMR later.

Sooo sweet last night. When he half-wakes, restless and kicking, I massage his legs from hip to toes, squeezing gently. Last night, as he fell asleep he got a hold of my arm and did the same thing with his little baby hands. Such an angel.