Monday, February 25, 2013

Potty Training update

Just as I was saying that Graham is still in his diaper, he was in his underwear all day today!  I would set the microwave timer for every 30 minutes and he would use the potty every time - thankfully with little or no complaints.  Let's just say Graham ate a lot of chocolate today!  And there were times when Graham was the one that asked to use the potty. And he even napped in his underwear and there was no accident!

By the way, here's another video clip of Graham singing:
As you can tell, I had to sneak up on him from behind.  Love it! :-)

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Graham is 2 years 9 months old

Graham is becoming quite a little boy now.  As usual, it's still quite a task to take his photo for his "progress book". 
 Still attached to his blankie
 Loves to watch TV
 Still our cutie pie
Cheeky little fella!

Graham recently started singing a lot.  It's too cute!  And oh, he can count to 20 now too :-)
As you can see, Graham is doing a lot better at painting. He's actually using several different colors.  And last night, he actually said "Mommy, I want to paint for Charlie".  What a sweet big brother!  And he continues to share his toys and shows Charlie how to play with some of them.
Graham hasn't really grown too much - still 28 lbs from three months ago and just an inch taller at 35 1/2".  But I guess that 1/2" made all the difference because now he can tip-toe and turn the light switches on and off easily. And by the way, he is still sleeping on the floor/mat in our bedroom!  He would occasionally nap in his own bed in the afternoons but for the most part, he is still in our bedroom at night.  And every now and then, in the middle of the night, I will still hear: "Mommy... can you cover me?"
And as for potty training, well,... he is still in his diapers. Although, yesterday - he did use the potty all by himself! I think he did it just so he could have a piece of chocolate. We do have him in his underwear mostly during the weekends. Eventually, we'll get it! I think I'm too afraid sometimes just thinking of the mess I have to clean up!
And by the way, more buzz hair cuts from Mommy!  I think the haircut goes quite well with his ATV :-)
Gosh... 3 more months and he will be turning 3 years old! YIKES!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Our first snowfall

Finally, some real snow!
Looks so pretty, but unfortunately it was my grocery day!  So I had to pack the boys up and drive in it.  The snow was a lot heavier and slushier by the time I got on the road.  I'm glad nothing happened to us!
And our poor bird house!
Yesterday, I had to anchor it with an L-bracket as it was wobbling in the high winds. I hope they have enough "fluff" piled up inside or otherwise they are going to have a sore bum when they sit on the screw at the bottom!
And these tulips are definitely early.  I hope they survive the snow and freeze tonight and tomorrow night!  The same goes for our rose bushes - there are already new buds sprouting:
Thankfully, almost all of the snow has melted away now.
Now we just have to deal with the rain and cold and most probably ice. We're definitely staying in!

The many faces of Charlie

I haven't posted a lot of pictures of Charlie, so here are some of my favorites taken recently:
Charlie is almost constantly gnawing at something these days. I finally spotted his first tooth today (yet to get a picture of it,... if he will only cooperate!)
If he's not awake, then he's fast asleep.  He's definitely doing a lot better in the car (thank goodness!).
We're still working on sitting up more:
And Charlie loves story time, especially with Daddy and his big brother Graham :-)

Happy Valentines Day!

So looks like this has what my Valentines' has boiled down to... A card and a simple box of chocolates!
Well, I guess it was a step up from what I gave Bobby... just a card.  He did bring his big map home from work this past week since he recently just quit his job at Hilti:
I remembered laboring over this frame... and hammering all those nails to hold it together!  Ahhh... labor of love :-)
I love you, honey!  And I love our boys! :-x

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Snow on the Red Rocks

During our last trip in Phoenix, we had heard about the weather that north Phoenix was going through.  So, while the northeast of the United States was being pounded by snow, we decided to drive 2 hours to Sedona to see snow!
So pretty, isn't it? Although I have to say, I was expecting more snow on the the top of the rocks.
Graham was ready with his camera!
Another scenic view during the drive.
We stopped at a fancy plaza of art galleries to have lunch. It was so cold! Although Graham didn't seem to mind it in just his little light sweater.
I'm so glad we got up to Sedona early that day as snow began to fall after lunch. 
By the time we got home, it was too late to make homemade dumplings to celebrate Chinese New Year (Feb 10th) - Year of the Snake. I suppose we could blame Charlie for this because we smelled his dirty diaper in the minivan just before the exit on the freeway to the Outlet Mall!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Charlie's doctor appointment

Charlie had his 6-month appointment in Arizona since we were there for these past 2 1/2 weeks.  He weighed in at 16 lbs 12 oz and 26.5" long (Graham was 16 lbs 14 oz and 25").  As usual, all went well during the start of the appointment.
He just loves those toes!
And then,... those dreaded shots!  Whaaa...!!!
Three shots this time, including the flu shot.  Not taking any chances this flu season!

Graham, on the other hand, is adding a few more cuts and bruises to his repertoire.  3 band-aids in a day!
The boys are growing up so quickly!
By the way, Charlie was chomping on my finger today and I felt a tooth on the bottom gum.  Finally! Perhaps he will be less of a cranky pot!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Backyard landscaping project - Part 2

The following week, the putting green curb is being built.  Yes, you heard right... we're getting a new putting green!
Daddy is testing out the new putting green area:
And the stucco goes up on the BBQ and bench area.  Graham called the built-in BBQ area his "little house" since there's a little door by the side:
Halfway there!
On Day 7, we picked up some nice blue Mexican tiles for the BBQ area - just for a punch of color.
The fire pit area has also been carved out.  Graham is busy shoveling rocks with his bulldozer.
Did we mention that the weather has been perfect here?
Charlie kept Mommy company as we watched the crew cut out the holes for the new putting green.
The final day and all hands on deck!  The pavers and sand were delivered the day before:
It was so dusty and loud as the crew cut and assembled the pavers!
Who knew piping bags were used to fill in grout!
As for the putting green... love that splash of green in the backyard!
Tada!!! Didn't take long for Graham to move his toys onto the new putting green:
And yes, we splurged on fancy green lit cups! :-)
And here's our new built-in BBQ:
 And our new fire pit!
Didn't take long for Daddy to start our first fire:
And I wonder how long it will take Graham to master that lefty putting stroke. 
And if you didn't notice, check out the cool looking lights under the bench!
It helps Graham to see in the dark when he's crawling along the bench:
We can't wait to get back to Phoenix to really enjoy our new backyard!