We proudly present...

Our little boy!!!

Chris and I debated doing Graham's first haircut at Christmas.  However, those plans fell through, and life just sort of happened.  Before we knew it, it was February, and we found ourselves frequent recipients of compliments about our cute little girl?!?!  Obviously, it was time.  Now, finding the time to do this seemingly simple task was a whole different issue.

After doing a little research, we decided to add Graham's first haircut to our spring trip to Disney World.  So, Saturday, March 3, we got an early start and headed for the barbershop on Main Street, USA.

Before...

When we arrived, there was no wait and we were able to start without an audience or much distraction at all.  Our barber, Diane, was amazing and had Graham's hair cut in under 5 minutes! 

Graham did GREAT!!!  Then again, he was coated in Mickey Mouse stickers and was so busy playing with those and looking at the "ca" (Lightning McQueen Car) that I was holding that he didn't even really know what was happening!

It wasn't until someone mentioned hair that he reached back for the curls that used to drape his neck and discovered they weren't there!  When all was said and done, Graham got at least 20 different Mickey Mouse stickers, a certificate of bravery, and a pair of "first haircut" mouse ears.  I got a couple of curls (with a sprinkle of pixie dust too), a million watt smile, and a little boy!

After

Chris and I have been watching Graham grow and change over the past months, realizing that our baby was rapidly "disappearing".  And this weekend, with a few snips of the scissors, his transformation was complete.  I was definitely a little emotional...yes, nostalgic for the baby I once snuggled, but also incredibly proud of the little boy and his bubbly, curious, friendly personality that is emerging before our eyes. 

Oh, Mom!

Seriously?!?

Is not completely amazing what a haircut will do?

Valentine's Day Convert?

Those of you who know me, may remember that I have never been a fan of Valentine's Day.  Single, dating, married, whatever my status, I have just never really understood the concept of spending way too much money on one particular day to do and say what we should be doing and saying all 365 days a year.  Sometimes, I wish I did get it, but then I think about the time and money saved, tell Chris that I love him, and move on with life!!

I do have to admit, however, that all holidays, even Valentine's Day, are much more fun with Graham!  Whether he understands the meaning or not, he likes opening ripping envelopes and presents and seeing what fun things lie inside.  So, after cards and packages showed up from both sets of grandparents and Graham was excited beyond belief, Chris and I relented and decided that we would at least buy Valentine cards.

Chris was ahead of the game, by at least 12 hours, and made his Monday "Dude" Night all about Valentines.  He and Graham went to Target, bought Valentines, and had them all ready by the time I got home last night.  This morning, I was greeted by not one, but two envelopes presented to me by my adorable baby boy.  I opened Graham's first and quickly realized why Chris said that I had to open it before I put on any make-up! 

He signed it!  Graham "signed" my Valentine!  I immediately dissolved into tears, but was comforted with lots of hugs and kisses.  How ironic that this first little thing that Graham has ever scribbled, written, and produced himself is a Valentine which I will keep and cherish forever!!  In an effort to lighten the mood, Chris then had Graham give me his Valentine!

Fast forward 10 hours to Graham and I standing in the aisles at Target at 5:15 tonight, searching for the perfect Valentine for Chris.  Even though holidays are more fun with Graham and even though I love Chris with all my heart, I just couldn't help myself.


















Shoot!  Maybe my full conversion will happen next year!  In the meanwhile, Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you, Mr. Groundhog!

Although we would LOVE to have the snow that our Midwest friends and family have enjoyed this weekend (no, seriously, we would LOVE it), we have decided that we are glad the groundhog saw his shadow on Thursday. Like most of the country, we have enjoyed an extremely mild and dry winter, thus far. So, if the groundhog feels the need to extend our 70-75 degree days for another 6 weeks, we say go for it! We know what's coming with spring, and we'll take this winter weather any day!

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

Not that there was any doubt, but I think we have a singer on our hands. Go figure! We have joked that Graham is going to go off to school and be amazed that not every child's parents sing non-stop!! Now we know he may be amazed that other kids don't sing non-stop either!

15 Month Madness

So, I am hoping to get caught up on blog posts one of these days! Until then, I thought that it would be appropriate to share this video.



I promise, I was only trying to get a video of Graham asking for "more, please". What I ended up with is 1:30 which completely encapsulates our life with a 15 month old! From showing the belly button, to scaling the shelves, to sitting on the cat, to tripping over his own two feet, not to mention the odd assortment of "treasures" found all over the kitchen floor, this is life for us now! And boy, are we having fun!!!!

The New Addition

Without further ado, we proudly introduce the newest member of the Reece Household...



Yes, that is a for real dishwasher. I am beyond excited!!! Since leaving my parents house almost 16 years ago, I have yet to live somewhere with a dishwasher. So, when Chris and I found a portable dishwasher on Craig's List today, we jumped!

We got it home and were so thrilled by the prospect of not handwashing the sink full of dishes, that we immediately put it right to work; only to discover that the floater (apparently a really important piece) had become dislodged during the move and was now wedged upon and melted to the heating element! ARGH!!! Thankfully, we were able to extricate it from the bottom, return it to it's rightful place (slightly disfigured, but functional), and are now listening to the pleasant hum of something else doing my job!!! I am loving it, and already dreaming about the time saved and the time earned to play with the most adorable, almost 15 month-old ever! Just one more example that it is the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It has been a year of growth, a year of change, a year of patience, a year of learning, and most importantly, a year of love.  We hope that you and your family have been just as blessed!

Love,

Chris, Jen, and Graham