Adorable Torture

Although we think Graham's monster costume is pretty darn cute we found it more fun to put parts other people's costumes on our helpless son. These are some of his favorite looks.

Halloween at Gardner Village

Thanks Erin! You are amazing.

Snorting

As long as I am in the posting mood, I decided the world was ready for this--Graham's snorting.

Top of Utah Marathon

Well, I did it! I finished my first marathon (possibly my last). Thanks to everyone who supported me and watched Graham during my longs runs. Thanks to my running buddies Graham and Scout. It was a good experience, but honestly I thought that after 16 weeks of training I would feel a big sense of accomplishement for around 16 weeks. It only lasted 2 days. On to the next challenge.

Love those chompers

So I have to admit that I love the fact that Graham's teeth are so far apart. Jesse sometimes refers to them as crazy, but I think it makes him even cuter. The first top tooth popped through on August 22nd and the other came out exactly one week later. Now he has four teeth total!

Another thing that amazes me about Graham is that his attachment to a certain stuffed animal has manifest itself at such a young age. I call him Barry the Bear and Graham loves to eat him, roll around with him and shove him in his face as he is falling asleep. It has brought back memories of all the stuffed animals that I have loved at the different stages of my life. He is definitely my son.

18 Miles!

Enough said.

P.S. The Top of Utah Marathon better watch it's back.

Six months and Six years

Yesterday Graham turned six months old. He asked if he could celebrate by getting some semi-regular food, so I obliged with squash. He liked. He is getting so big--rolling everywhere nowadays and blabbering endlessly. "Mamama" is his favorite phrase lately. He is experiencing a little trouble sleeping, which is new for us, and we are trying to adjust his schedule accordingly. I just had to get out the "Babywise" book for some good advice. Here are some of my favorite recent Graham moments including his first squash experience.

Today is also our six year anniversary. The past six years of marriage have been wonderful. I feel very lucky to have met Jesse. He makes me a better person and I am often amazed by how we are able to fill in each other's gaps. We make a pretty good team. I am always saying "You think you're so funny," as I try to choke back a laugh, but the truth is that I am the one who thinks he is funny. I hope he never stops making me laugh.

Cheated

I am really ticked that I have lived in Utah for 10 years and I just barely went to Gardner Village--how come no one told me how cool it is? We had lunch at Archibald's, went to the petting zoo (note to self--do not wear flip flops when going to a petting zoo), and got in some shopping. If there is anyone who would like to apologize for the aforementioned violation, I am all ears.

Recent Realizations

1. A week and a half ago, August 6th to be exact, Graham's first tooth popped out of his once harmless lower gum. I had been checking it constantly for a couple of weeks anticipating the moment with excitement. However, as soon as I realized he got first tooth I was quickly overcome with sadness at the realization that Graham will not be a baby forever. I know this sounds weird, but I honestly hadn't thought about it before. Although I know I will love every stage of life he goes through, these past six months have been surreal and wonderful and I am trying to soak up every minute of it before it is too late.

2. Jesse and I went to the Metropolitan for an early anniversary celebration. I have heard Jesse talk about it before and when I saw half-price gift certificates on Utah Real Deals, the bargain lover in me just couldn't resist. Jesse and I love to eat out, but that night we realized we aren't the type of folks that can really appreciate "a gift from the chef" (especially when it is a grape covered in goat cheese), being called madam and good sir, or wagyu beef that is supposedly so delicious you should eat it raw. I am going to stick with my faves--Pizza Factory and the Cowboy Grub.

3. Last week I ran the first long run that actually gave me some pause beforehand. The 16 miles were tough, but I realized that I can do it. I also realized that even though I might be very hungry afterwards, corndogs are not the answer.

4. Today I posted a desk and some other office furniture on KSL.com. They were sold within three hours. I realized that there are few things that can make you feel as good as getting money for something you almost took to D.I.

Jesse Time

Last week Jesse took the bar--a grueling 2 day test that kept him preoccupied for a good portion of the summer. Although it was hard to have him gone so much, the pain was tempered by the excitement I felt every time I realized I didn't have to teach again in the fall. After the test was over on Wednesday we officially began the Summer of Jesse. The time flew by with fun family activities like biking, bocce ball and bargain hunting. Jesse went back to work on Monday, but it somehow feels different knowing that the studying, which has felt like a third wheel in our life, is finally over. You know that feeling you have when you climb to the top of a mountain and you can see the terrain you just traversed as well as everything that lies in front of you--that is how I feel today and it feels pretty great.

Graham's Blessing

On May 10th, Graham was blessed and it was a special first Mother's Day for me. Jesse gave him a wonderful and articulate blessing and Graham wore Jesse's blessing outfit.

Meeting Eli

Graham was totally stoked to meet his cousin Eli and to teach him a few things about life since he is 4 weeks older and wiser. It was so fun to hang out with Tiffany and Andrew and compare stories about being new parents. It was the first time our entire family had been together in over 2 years. My only wish was that it could have lasted longer. Tiffany, I already miss you so much.

Eli and Graham loved their matching outfits

Jovie couldn't get enough of the babies

Family hot dog roast in the canyon

We found a safe picnic spot away from the water for Jovie

It was nice to spend time with Grandpa (and Grandma) Mooso also

A Homecoming and a Graduation

On April 22 at midnight, Elder Mooso arrived home from his mission to Brazil. It was wonderful to see him again. The two years seemed to fly by for the most part, but it was always hard on Sunday evenings to have family dinner without him. I am so glad he is home and I am thankful for his wonderful example.

Tyler and I were on the poster committee.

The next night Spencer cooked us a Brazilian meal and we had what he called "Brazilian Christmas." The food was delicious, especially the guava paste with heavy cream for dessert. How could something with heavy cream not be delicious? The gifts that Spencer brought back were amazing. I loved the artwork and the gourd instrument. Graham and Jesse loved their new soccer jerseys.

The next day was Jesse's graduation from Law School! I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments including working on the Law Review and making the Dean's List last semester. However, I am ashamed to say that I drained the battery in our camera while deleting pictures during the ceremony to make room for the big event. I wasn't able to do his big day justice. Luckily, my family is on the ball.

This is what Graham thought of his dad's big day.

The non-stop party continued. We attended the temple together as a family on Saturday and caught up with the extended family that came for Spencer's Homecoming. Spencer gave a wonderful talk on Sunday, followed by more family time. Graham got to meet Great Grandma & Grandpa Mooso, aunts and uncles, and my cousin Riley who is a baby charmer at the ripe age of nine.

Graham's Ten Week Profile

A.K.A.: The Great Grahambino, Grahambo, Special Buddy, Goo Bear, Pookie, The Dude

Weight: 15.5 lbs

Talents: Eating, sucking on fingers (especially on the left hand), smiling, cooing

Interests: Peek-a-boo, mirrors

Goals: Improve burping and binky skills

Biggest accomplishment to date: Slept through the night 5 out of the last 7 nights

A look back at ten wonderful weeks

Graham, loving life outside the womb

A special visit from Tiffany, Lil J.J. and Miranda

Enjoying the bouncer

Jesse was the pro bather

Our first walk with Graham, featuring the Davidsons

A little nap time on the couch

A little nap time on the couch with Dad

A little more nap time with Dad

Testing out the awesome swing we found on KSL classifieds

Just chatting

Just looking cute

I can't get enough of that smile

Grandpa Mooso's birthday

I hope Graham likes this hat as much as we do

Catching up with Uncle Tyler

?

This is how I found Graham after I finished the taxes.

Thanks for an extra long nap.

Graham and Great Grandpa Oakeson

Graham with Great Grandma Later and Grandma Mooso

Graham sporting his favorite hat and Emmy's shades

Auntie Em

Graham was excited to meet Aunt Erin and Cousin Hannah,

even if he can't keep up yet.

It turns out Graham loves the Cowboy Grub

just as much as the rest of the Oakesons