Fun with Granddad

Hello again!
We decided to finally get around to taking a few pictures while Granddad is here-- he is working so hard that we don't find much time to stop and snap some shots! We also have forgotten our camera for all of the fun we've had; Graham went on his second hike in the Gorge, a 3 hr jaunt up to the top of a cliff to our favorite spot "Angel's Rest". He LOVED every minute of it, couldn't seem to get enough of the trees, birds, and breeze, and of course had radiant smiles for each of us and any fellow hikers we encountered. In spite of blowing right through his usual nap time he was a bundle of joy all day. We also took Granddad to the International Rose Test Garden, another favorite for all of us, and Graham especially liked grabbing the old shriveled blooms to crush in his little hands. But, as I said, we forgot our camera for all of the fun, so a few cute shots from around the house will have to do! I will also post a video of one of Graham's favorite new past-times, clapping hands with us.

In other exciting news, we recently invested in some beautiful new appliances to improve our kitchen. Here is a picture of me with the inaugural apple pie! I'm so excited because not only do I have a wonderful new oven (that actually cooks at the set temperature!) and refrigerator that doesn't freezer burn everything, but I get a dishwasher that will be installed in just a couple of days! YEAH! Life will be just a little bit easier. Enough writing, let me post the pictures and get to eating some of that pie... Love you each and every one!
Kate, Jonathan, and Graham

Enjoying the summer

Hello all! It's been way too long since we've posted; things have been busy lately with Jonathan tying up work at the church, and then our trip to Virginia for Grammy Shaw's 80th, and a chance to see the extended fam. What a great time we had! I'll post some pictures of his six month right now, because unfortunately we weren't good about getting the camera out during our trip, so we'll have to rely on pictures we get from everyone else. Graham LOVED meeting all of his new family members, and playing with his second cousins. While in Virginia he also got to enjoy the ocean, the swimming pool, and a few thousand hugs and kisses. Not only that but he's now "creeping" around all over the place, and really enjoying the activity. Oh, I'll also put up a picture of Graham enjoying some food (he's really getting into eating these days!) One of his favorite things is when I make him a smoothie with lots of his favorite berries and bananas. Yum! Love to all, Kate

6 months old!

Hello all! We're a little late publishing this, but life has been BUSY as usual lately. We've also had some increased work with getting Graham to sleep. He just does NOT want to take a nap longer than 15 minutes in the morning, in spite of the fact that he's absolutely exhausted. So, the amount of "free" time we have is dramatically reduced when he doesn't want to give up part of the morning. But anyway, we have to let everyone know the 6 month stats; our appointment on Aug.1 found Graham to be very healthy, just under 18 lbs, 28 inches, and doing very well developmentally! Our doctor also remarked that he seemed particularly engaged in the world around him, which we had thought, but it was nice to have it confirmed as not just something that all doting parents assume. So, he's healthy and strong, but we do wish he'd sleep!!! I guess that's the trade-off to being remarkably engaged with the world around him. :)
I'll add a few pictures of Graham with me and with his dad, and then whatever else cute I can find. We're looking forward to seeing some of you soon, Graham can't wait to finally meet Babu, Aunt Rapunzel and Uncle Michael as well as the rest of the extended Shaw clan! Oh, and to make all of you extra excited, I will post a video of the "kisses" that Graham now likes to give! Hint for those of you who might want one- be sure you've got your hankie!
Love to all,
Kate