Living, Loving, Learning

This is Griff and his best friend Jake at his birthday party!!! They had such a fun time playing together.

Today is Griffin's 2nd birthday. I am so amazed at all the things he has taught me in such a short time!! He is talking with phrases now, and really communicating well. He is very athletic and needs to run everyday, just like a puppy! We had an awesome little party with him yesterday at the Moms' house. He was so happy to play with his buddy Jake and all his grandparents. We served his favorite foods (edamame, hummus, fruit, bean dip) and let him chow down on a HUMOUNGOUS piece of cake. He received his first vehicle to independence: a red Ryder tricycle!!! Now, if he can just get the hang of those pedals. My camera crapped out at the beginning of the party, so I will post more b-day pics that other people pass on to me!

Yesterday was an extrordinary day with Griffin. I laughed with my boy!!! For you with out little ones around, that might not mean much, but let me tell you, it's incredible. Up until now, I would giggle at his funny little mannerisms, goofy looks and quirky personality. He would giggle a lot too as I would make up songs and shows for him. But last night....we made a joke together!! For a few precious moments we shared a big belly shakin' laughter fit together at OUR joke. (and for those of you who have had to witness one of my giggle fits, Griffin held his own!! :)) We also had a great playdate yesterday and Griffin made jokes and interacted with his buddy Jake. It was a real breakthrough as these boys previously had only participated in "parallel play" together. I sense big changes in Griffin on the horizon!!

David Blaine: illusionist, magician, escape artist, moron Originally uploaded by tschopper .

At least this is what I always thought whenever I read about these "endurance trials" that the magician, David Blaine, would put himself through. Obviously, this guy has incredible self-discipline and drive and a phenomenal publicity team behind him. Why would he put himself and his body through such agony? What was he trying to show or prove to the world? Previously, I assumed he did it for the money, fame, gorgeous women....... For the last week, David Blain has been living in a fishbowl - or should we say cesspool (ewwww- so gross) in downtown NYC. All the talk about him again sparked my agitation and pushed me to do a little research on the guy, which is how I found this quote in Wikipedia. On April 5 , 1999 , Blaine spent seven days buried inside a glass coffin at the bottom of an open pit in front of an office building in New York City where passersby could view him, 24 hours a day. "There were Jewish Hasids standing next to Muslim cabdrivers who were next to Blac...

Time to celebrate...it is finally SPRING in Michigan!! The lilacs are blooming and their sweet fragrance wafts on the air. Although their blossoms will only be here for a moment, what a moment!! I want to teach Griffin to focus on today and all the amazing things the earth is doing around him each season. To get the real essence of life, one needs to enjoy what is happening TODAY. I think that is one of the hardest aspects of being a Mama...I am tempted to focus on tomorrow -- having real coversations together, going to school, joining organized sports/arts/music groups. Yet, what a joy today will be with him. I want to enjoy every belly laugh, every time he puts a plate on his head and tells me it is a hat, when he utters the word "lilac" for the first time!