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Thursday, September 20, 2012

FIVE YEARS

Five years ago tonight, we arrived home from Korea with Graham. We were welcomed at the airport by VERY excited friends and family. The noise of their clapping and cheering is still extremely vivid in my memory. To say that Graham had fans waiting for him is an understatement. Graham made four very excited people grandparents for the first time, he made people Aunts and Uncles for the first time, he made Jeff and I Mommy and Daddy for the first time, and most importantly, Graham got his "forever family".
 
A small portion of our 'Welcoming Crew' in the baggage claim area

A very tired Graham...screaming for 15 straight hours on the flight home will do that!

First meal at home

So, now here we are five years later. The sleepless nights have been replaced with a kid who sleeps like a champ and still naps daily. Our extremely picky eater has been replaced with one of the most adventurous eaters I know. Graham can honestly claim broccoli as his favorite food and requested shrimp for dinner tonight. Gone are the days of him being too nervous to let me out of his sight. Instead, I wave good-bye to my smiling, confident Kindergarten student as the bus pulls away each morning. Thomas the Train has been replaced with Legos and 'Magic Treehouse' books have taken the place of board books.

But, I'm happy to still see glimpses of the little baby I carried on my back day after day after day in the Ergo baby carrier. Graham still sleeps with his 'Annie Blanket' the same blanket he slept with his first night home. He sleeps with at least 20 stuffed animals (some he's had for years) in his bed each night...it's a wonder there is any room left for him! And, my favorite, is that although they are definitely much smaller than five years ago, I'm happy he still has his cheeks. Those big round cheeks that only seem to grow when he grins, that nobody can seem to keep their hands off of. I love them and I hope they always stay.
Happy Gotcha Day, Graham!!! We love you forever, and ever, and ever.....

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Go TWINS!

We went to a Twins game last week which was quite a treat for the kids! We drive by Target Field all the time but they had never actually been to a game there, so they were very excited!
 
This giant glove has become the perfect photo op stop at games, not just for us, but all Twins fans. We actually had to wait in line for the kids to have their turn sitting here!

Perfect seats for their first game! It doesn't get much better than the first row between 1st and 2nd base!

Amelia felt like this was the perfect place to try out her ballerina arm poses. I can't say the people behind her appreciated her attempted artistry.

Graham and TC Bear

Things officially got silly by the 5th inning.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

A New Chapter

Graham's 1st Day of Kindergarten
It's hard to believe that Graham has his very first week of Kindergarten (done 100% Spanish!) behind him. I knew that Graham was looking forward to school starting, but I don't think I really knew just how excited he was! Last Wednesday, while we waited for the school bus to come down the road, Graham was nothing but smiles. As the bus came into view, Graham's smile grew wider, and the lump in my throat just got bigger. How was it possible that the time had come for me to put my first baby onto the bus and send him off to school? The bus came to a stop, the driver patiently waited for me to snap a picture, I gave Graham a hug and kiss, told him I loved him, and he was off.  It all happened so quickly and it was probably a good thing because I'm not sure how much longer I would have been able to keep my own tears at bay. Yes, I will admit to having a good cry and yes, I pulled it together well before Graham came home. The mix of emotions I felt that morning are extreme. I was sad with the reality of just how quickly time passes but I was also filled with pride for who Graham is becoming. His confidence is something to be admired. He really believes he can do anything and I love that about him. This time is yours Graham, go take on the world!!

Day 2 and just as excited. When Graham got off the bus this day, the first thing he said to me was "Whew, another GREAT day!"
 
 
Day 3. I had no intention to take a picture this morning but Graham stopped and said "Aren't you going to take my picture? This is really big deal, remember?"