A couple of things:

Graham is becoming more extroverted. We had Sarah M. here last weekend, who he has met before, but couldn't really have remembered. He warmed up to her immediately, which was unusual. Then, Monday, we went to Maria and Grace's for a BBQ, and he was the only child there. He LOVED this; he flirted, charmed, and giggled his way through the night. Both these events are a little unusual- could it be that my reserved boy is hitting his stride, socially?

We are still fighting the battle of words vs. fists here. Graham would rather throw or hit to communicate impatience or anger. Today, however, he was in the car with Gus on the way to the Children's museum. Gus was really persistently offering Graham Veggie Booty. After a couple false starts, Graham said, "Gus, I don't want any." Very clearly. He seemed very relieved that he could communicate exactly what he felt.

What else? He's still wearing the damn Red Sox hat obsessively. We had to wash it because it started to smell. We did, however, get him to switch from Crocs to Converse this week. An upgrade for sure.

Graham has started to be more and more interested in hanging out with other kids, especially other boys with the same driving need to run around and look at trucks. I took these photos this week at the park- isn't it clear that he and his friend Gus totally dig each other?

It's been a tough couple of weeks, friends. Graham makes it better: he's so funny and smart. Did you know he can recite along with us as we read his favorite books? And he sings now- something I've been waiting for; nothing is sweeter. There's this one kid's song he loves- called "I'm Not Perfect."  It goes like this:

We're not perfect

No we're not

But we've got what we've got

We do our very best each day

It's schmaltzy, sure, but the message is a good one, right? I'm not sure it had the right effect, however. Graham now will walk up, point to one of us and say, "You're not perfect." We'll agree, that's true. Then he continues,  "But I am perfect." So much for that. 

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We send our love to all the moms (and mom stand-ins) we know today. May you be celebrated and loved this and every minute.