Chocolate tattoos and Grandma's too

Last night was Date Night. It got off to a bumpy start with our only babysitter, my mother-in-law, being two hours late. When she got here we kissed Gryffin goodbye and ran out the door. We went to our favorite Mexican restaurant in St Lous, Arcelia's. Since we were already a couple hours late we were starved, luckily the salsa slowed us down by burning our tastebuds. It ain't good unless you sweat! From there we went to the tattoo parlor, yup tattoo parlor. You don't think thats romantic? Maybe not until you hear the tattoo Mike wants... a picture of me pinup girl style. We took in a photo of me in a Halloween costume I wore a few years ago, pictured above, for the artist to do a sketch. From there went to a bar. Not just any bar- The Chocolate Bar. This place has the ambience of a trendy vampire bordeloux. Dark red walls, candles, velvet chairs... a lot like our living room minus the velvet. Their menu centers around of all things- chocolate. They have chocolate martinis, chocolate beer, chocolate chocolate with a shot of chocolate. You get the picture. I had a Fragile Baby, coffee with Frangelico and Mike had a Young's Chocolate Stout milk shake. Yup, ice cream and beer. You couldn't wipe his smile off with a baseball bat. It was pretty good too and I don't even like beer. Of course, you put enough ice cream in anything and I'll like it. We are so out of the dating scene that we were still home by 9:30 but had had a great night anyway. Thanks to Grandma for babysitting but I'm going back to lying to you about what time to be here!

Shots suck.

Yesterday Gryffin recieved his 1 year vaccinations. He showed off his sign language skills to the little old ladies in the waiting room and proceeded to get the usual 'Oohs' and 'Aahs'. I wish I would've brought the harmonica and a hat, we could've made some money! About the same time Gryffin had used every trick in his 'Cute Book' the nurse called us in and he had a new audience. Can I say there is nothing cuter than a naked baby streaking through a doctor's office? Especially when its my baby. All the nurses were just enamored by his curly hair and smile while he ran past them to the scale. 22+ pounds of cute nakedness, you would have to be a bitter, bitter person not to laugh. Anyway three shots later he promptly forgave the two nurses it took to hold and stab him and waved Bye-Bye to them with a smile. The good mood lasted long enough for a nap and some errands. Then the smile disappeared. His poor legs were so sore from the shots he didn't even want to walk. A cranky evening, but its all gone now. He is back to the Chaos Kid, running everywhere and pulling EVERY SINGLE toy out of the box! I love Chaos (in comparison).

No Encore Please...

During Gryffin's birthday party our guests were treated to an extra special show. Our neighbor behind us decided to dig some holes in his back yard. Doesn't sound too interesting until you realize that this is the guy Mike and I refer to as 'Drunk Naked Guy'. We don't know his name and don't want to know it. This guy walks his dog several times a day. Every time its the same, in one hand a heavy chain instead of a leash and in the other a can of beer. This does not leave a hand for a bag to pick up the presents his dog leaves in everyone's yard and apparently it doesn't leave him able to put on anything but a pair of shorts. Seeing a mostly naked, mullet wearing, drunk staggering, dog walking fat guy is not the way to start the day, get through it or end it. But it does wonders for my diet! For some reason 'Drunk Naked Guy' thought our party was the perfect excuse to jump up and down on a shovel. No, I didn't get the urge to break out some singles and wave them in the air. I was terrified that his shorts would fall down the whole time. A few digs and a drink, a few digs and a drink, lather-rinse-repeat... now there are several holes with nothing in them. Maybe he was digging for exercise or hidden treasure or maybe to run plumbing for the washer that every good 'Drunk Naked Guy' needs in his backyard. If we were in the south he would put it in the front yard. Seeing him walking around is the only thing that makes me wish for cold weather. This Buds for you 'Drunk Naked Guy'!

Party party party

Gryffin had a great first birthday party. Thanks to all who showed up and those who were here in spirit. The weather was beautiful so we had the party outside. The kids ran wild (so did my muther) but I'm pretty sure everyone had a good time. I know Gryffin did- he played with most of his new toys until he literally couldn't play anymore. Its a good thing Mike built him a toy box! Gryffin received mostly music related toys, a drum, maracas, a toy piano and yes folks- a karioke machine. The future rock star will be performing nightly in our living room, cover charge and two drink minimum apply!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!

One year ago today...

To quote my favorite band, 'What a long strange trip it's been'. This little screaming demon has blessed us beyond belief. Trying to imagine life without him is impossible.

Gryffin, I wish you a long, healthy, happy fullfilling life.

Party preparations...

This week will be spent getting ready for the big bash on Sunday. My little boy is having his first birthday! Just a simple little family affair of cake and punch from 1-3. After 3 they are all getting kicked out on their behinds! Family is a good thing, except when they all get together. I can't take much more than 2 hours of The Jerry Springer Show live, ya know?
Mike and I picked up some party decorations Saturday. Nothing big, just some streamers and balloons. If I get time I'm going to put together a collage of pictures. On the 20th of every month I've taken Gryffin's picture for his baby book. It is amazing to see how he has changed over the past year!
I hope the Easter Bunny didn't leave any of you steaming eggs. He hopped into our house and just left a few goodies... Gryffin got his new harmonica, an egg shaped rattle, a blue bunny and a book. He was mostly interested in the harmonica and the empty plastic eggs.

a household in crisis...

Last night Gryffin's harmonica broke! Now this may not seem like a big deal but it is. His harmonica is his favorite toy. I mean it makes cool noises and when he uses it to bang on things spit flys everywhere, what little boy wouldn't love that? We are in process of procuring a replacement. We are hoping in time for the Easter Bunny to bring it.

I'm Ba-aack....

Vacation was WONDERFUL!

I didn't want to come back, but then again I never do. Gryffin handled the flights really well, better than his Dad in some cases.

We did lots of exciting things like a picnic in the park, going out to eat, to a tattoo convention and having a party with the family. My family knows how to party too.

Gryffin and his grandparents had lots of fun. They were very impressed with his harmonica playing. Don't laugh- he plays better than I do!

I'm outta here!

Tornados and wind hit my area last night. We didn't suffer any damage but a lot of other people did. If this is how the weather is going to act I'm going to pack up and go home! Home to Arizona, that is! Gonna go visit the family compound/commune. My Mom and Dad have taken a little corner of dirt that held a crumbling old drive in restraunt and turned it into the most charming home. It is smack in the middle of town but has a lot of privacy, a large courtyard and its own bar! My parents (Mom is a beautiful free spirit, gypsie, hippy type and Dad is a well-groomed mountain man) are THE best! And I'm not just writting that because I know they are reading either. Wish us luck tomorrow- flying is not a pleasure for Mike and I and with Gryffin in our laps for three hours we may just go crazy!

Woo Hoo!

Mike put up Gryffin's swing today and boy did that make him happy. There is nothing better than being in a swing on a warm sunny day no matter what age you are! So go find one- NOW!