Last week we had Finn (Grant's partner in crime) come have a sleepover (his first away from home...our first time to host one!). We had a big evening: a pizza party, lava monster game, stories and my all-time favoite, the BATH. I think I take for granted the ease of having one-child sometimes...although he quickly destroys the house as though he were 4 preschoolers rolled into one ball of cuteness. Finn and Grant had a blast in the tub. Grant got a Diego shaving kit for Christmas so he was earger to show Finn how to shave. They lathered up their little faces with enough shaving cream to shave a small horse, and slowly used the "razor" to shave it away and marveled at how "smooth" their little faces were...too cute. My favorite bath moment had to be when Grant encouraged Finn to lay down in the tub with their feet sticking out of the water. Just as I was lamenting the fact that I hadn't thought to bring a camera up for a snapshot, I heard Grant say,"PeePee Fire!" and right after that I heard Finn giggle and parrot, "PeePee FIRE!" I was sitting at an angle where all I could see of the boys were their little wrinkled feet bottoms...and then the unmistakeable streams of urine that followed their battle cry. OMG. I heard myself say "Cease Fire!" and immediately felt like an idiot. Boys. What can you do? I rinsed off my little solidiers, and marched them to bed for storytime. Sweet dreams!

So this has been a big week. Joel left his law firm of 9 years to start his own with another partner and good friend, Steven. Yesterday after a big afternoon at the Little Gym (story coming) we headed up to Daddy's new office to officially break in his new desk with a brocolli-cheese soup and dorito picnic. Daddy didn't see that coming but graciously allowed his son to usurp his new chair and assume the position of power while Grant's (obviously inherited) deft multi-tasking abilities took over. Somehow he was able to navigate pbskids.org, construct a cyber-parade with Clifford the Big Red dog, eat and visit with Daddy. There were only some minor casualties (16 napkins and a spooged mouse), but other than that...pretty good job and successful visit! Joel is talking about getting Grant his own little desk up there and Grant excitedly suggested that he could bring his "laptop" and play games to help Daddy make money. What a big helper!

Back to the Little Gym...Grant does this with his partner in crime, Finn. The energy that these two have when they are together is insane...running and chasing each other, hugging...just adorable! Grant had to show Finn his boo-boo on his arm, and upon seeing it Finn said, "awww!" and then gave it a kiss. Of course my heart just melts. At the end of the whirlwind that is their class, they apparently had a "magic curtain" (a gym mat turned on it's side) that they would go behind and come out in the character of their choice...Finn came out as an alligator with a big chomping mouth. My dear sweet son, came out from behind the curtain as "Ariel...The Little Mermaid!" I will file this away in the vault of my Mother's Mind and bring it up at the appropriately opportune moment in his rebellous high school days.

"Ladies and Gentlefish! Welcome to the Ariel Live Show! Remember, you can't eat or pick your nose while I'm singing." This is an actual Grant quote this morning.
Grant has become quite the performer these days. Ever since we took him to San Antonio last year to see "Diego Live," he has been fascinated with being in a show...he creates a stage almost daily and creates a show of some sort each day. He tells me where to sit and when to clap (he will bow and say "Thank you! Thank you!)Too funny.

We had an appointment with his immunologist this morning (Dr. Gaglani) and when she came into the room, he proceeded to tell her that when he grows up he's going to be a Firefighter, a doctor, a scientist and a superhero. Looks like Mom and Dad can retire early. His health has been good for the past several months, so at least we're in good shape on that front. He had a rough time last year with what we later learned was a massive sinus infection that wasn't given the chance to completely resolve...that led to some breathing issues...however, all clear now. As he told me last night, "Mommy I'm going to rule the universe!" As long as he remembers that Mommy rules the household...I'm cool with that.

Well, much has happened since my last post...over a year ago. Most notably, the passing of Grant's Papa (Joel's Dad) back in February of 2006. It was right after Grant's 3rd birthday and we're still dealing with that. Grant has a special bench in the back yard that Joel built in honor of Papa. Grant gets on the bench and talks to Papa there...he also likes to release balloons into the air to send to heaven for Papa. Very sweet.

Grant has blossomed into such a little boy now. Before, he was still a wobbly little toddler. Now, he is coming into his own each and every day. He has strong opinions, a tender heart, is making great friendships, and is a full-on drama king! The boy has a Kareoke machine into which he will belt out the entire CD of Diego Live...that and the Little Mermaid Soundtrack.He will perform whenever someone will sit still long enough to enjoy his "shows." He has incorporated an elaborate bowing routine afterwards as well...no show is complete with out it.

Scooby doo, Jimmy Neutron and the Fairly Odd Parents are current favorites. His teachers are Ms. Mai and Ms. Celia at the Circle C Child Development Center, and his best buddy is Finn Dowe. They are two peas in a pod and it's so delightful to watch them together...not a care in the world!

Okay...so that's the update blogentry...I shall endeavor to post more frequently this year!