We're doing our Fall thing here, readers, meaning taking increasingly chilly morning trips to the park, working on closing up the garden for the season, and getting out our sweaters and coats. Lucky for us, our kid still fits his coat from last year (first thought, hooray; second thought, just how big WAS he?). Graham is having a great time at daycare (Hola!) and we are all getting back into the routine of work/home/work/home with the occasional hiccup: This week we are playing musical chairs with a bad cold (first me, now G, Jen next, I'm sure).

These shots were taken at the TotLot, also known as the place Mama goes when she can't think of anything else to do. I like nothing better than to get a scone and a coffee and chitchat with our neighbors while G putters around. I think, based on these photos, it's safe to say he loves it there as well.

My Apologies to Leap Frog

We bought G this magnetic alphabet toy a while ago in the hopes that it would give him something to do while I cook. It goes like this: individual alphabet magnets can be put into a little box, at which point a song plays. It's an obnoxious song, honestly, that pairs the letter with its sound, so:

A says ah; A says ah; every letter makes a sound; A says ah

It's loud and a little troubling to hear at 6am. But yesterday, I was doing laundry and G was playing with it. He looked at me, pointed to the letter M, and said "M." Fluke, right? Oh, no. The kid knows about half his letters by sight and will repeat the name and sound to you. This is the same little guy who is still way behind most of his buddies, speech-wise. Totally amazing. We spent a lot of yesterday having him perform his cool trick for the uncles. 

So, my apologies to Leap Frog, who I had until now thought a gimmicky brand that prays on the desire of parents to have smart kids. I mean, it might do still be a gimmicky brand, but it taught G his alphabet without us even KNOWING about it. 

Graham didn't cry when I said goodbye at day care today. I got a nice kiss and hug, then he turned around and headed for the trains. Hooray for my independent guy.

We've been talking a lot about our daycare these days, because Graham is enthusiastic, no, obsessed, with it. Typically, G will begin by repeating his provider's name until I commit to the following routine:

Q:What do you say to Lissette when you open the door?
A: (yells) OH-la
Q: Who was at day care today?
A: I-O
Q: Who else?
A: Da(garble garble) = Daniel
Q: Who else?
A: Alba

Q:Where did you go?
A: park!


etc.etc. ad nauseum. To tell the truth, he just really likes to holler "Hola," so we do that part of the conversation a lot.

Seriously people, we've got a boy on our hands now:

Now, who do I have to deal with to get his hair to stay that color forever? Satan? Sarah Palin? Because I am ready to strike a bargain with whomever necessary. 

Oh yeah, and he loves the keyboard Ryan brought with him, but not as much as his 'tar. More Uncle updates in the next few days, I promise. 

Adjusting Expectations

Today, my son rode around in his car seat clutching a Pablo* doll and eating Cheetos. There goes the no media, no junkfood perfect childhood I spent all that time planning. Actually, it did kind of look perfect, just in a totally messy way. 

*If you haven't exposed yourself or your child yet to The Backyardigans, I urge you to avoid it. It's infectious cuteness is deadly. 

Pa-Pa visits!

My dad was here for a week (with Uncle Ryan). We went to Vermont for the weekend, walked around our neighborhood a lot, sampled goodies from all the best local bakeries, and went to the zoo. Despite the close quarters and one long feverish night (for Graham, who is I think teething again), we all had a great time. Thanks to Grandpa for the enchiladas! We wish the pan would just magically replenish itself forever.