Boo at the Zoo

Here we go!




Griff and the twins Brea and Noah


Just us!

Sweet baby...

Griff and Daddy

Griff and Mommy

Trick-R-Treat!



Rock star Fred

Griff and Daddy on the carousel

The Schaff family and the Vicknair family

Last night met up with the Vicknair family and took the kids to Boo at the Zoo. It was a first time for all so no one had a clue what to expect. We were all pleasantly surprised. Everything was put together very nicely. There were many things to do for children of all ages. The kids went on the "high speed" carousel, but the line for the train ride was a bit much. Griffin figured out the trick-r-treating thing very quickly. He ran from both to both waving to the folks with his bag out. He even checked out his loot to make sure it was up to par. He is so close to really enjoying this sort of event. We tried our best to keep him in the wagon otherwise he was a man on the run. Boo at the Zoo was a hit and we already have plans to make it out again next year!

Bath and bedtime fun!

Boy vs. Oreo Boy: 0 Oreo: 3


Story time with Mommy

Sneaking his Wiggles DVD into his bed

Told you he was adorable in his big boy jammies!

Go figure, trying on "tchoes" (shoes) in his jammies

Our most precious time of the day is our evening ritual with Griffin. After dinner we usually take a family walk around the neighborhood. Momma pushes Griffin in his stroller or wagon and Al walks Daddy! After our evening stroll it is time for Griffin to hit the tub, story time, plenty of tight hugs, lots of sweet kisses, prayers, then sweet dreams for the baby.... Griffin is really enjoying bath time. He has finally relaxed in the tub and actually sits down! He is such a big boy he doesn't even mind anymore when I have to rinse the shampoo out of his hair. Tonight I had to grab the camera because he lost yet another battle with the Oreo cookie. He was sporting the faux hawk and Oreo stache and it was too good not to share. Once out of the tub we put on his "old man" jammies. This is the first time it was cool enough to bust them out and Kenton and I had quite a chuckle at our beautiful boy in his big boy clothes. Griffin, we are so lucky to be able to share bath and bedtime with you every night. Every moment that we have with you is a blessing. Sweet dreams my little lovie...

A couple of "Who Dats" just hanging out!

Wheee!! This is so much fun!

Al enjoying his birthday weekend. Happy 12th birthday Buddy!!

Handsome little Who Dat!

Just me and my dad...

Hard at work and so proud of himself!

Yesterday after the Saints victory we took Griffin and Al to play outside. After so much rain over the past few weeks the boys were happy to enjoy the outdoors. Who can blame'em? The weather was beautiful over the weekend and we took ever opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful cool breeze!

The reasons that I smile...

Just wanted to share a few of the random and totally adorable things that I am able to experience every day with Griffin. You have to love him!!

*Last night in the bath tub Griffin got on all "4's" to drink the water like his big brother Al-THE DOG!

*Griffin has really been showing off his independence lately. This morning I finished a batch of his clothes and I needed to transfer to the dryer. He was more than willing to help Mommy out with the task. I handed him his clothes one piece at a time so he could throw it into the dryer. He eagerly stayed on task until I handed him one of his socks. Those of you who follow along KNOW that the boy loves socks and shoes. This totally threw him off! He sat down to put on his wet sock. When I finally got him back on task he finished loading the dryer. I told him to "close it" so he did. He then changed the dial and pressed start. We were both so proud of his accomplishments that we had a moment in the utility room with a round of high 5's for all!

*Last night I had to go to a Homeowners Association meeting. My wonderful friend Meredeth (Auntie M) was kind enough to help out with Griffin in my absence. I didn't want to upset the little guy so I crept out of the house while he was playing. She said that it took a few minutes before he went to my bedroom calling for "Al?" He searched for Al throughout the house calling for him. Then he went to the door still calling Al? He was clearly looking for me, but instead calling Al who was following him around the entire time?

*This morning Griffin broke Mommy rule #1. WE SLEEP UNTIL 7:00AM AT THE SCHAFF HOUSE!! At 6:30 I heard the little guy calling once again NOT for Mommy, but for Al. Did he really expect Al the dog to save him from his crib???

*The other day at daycare while dropping him off I walked in with him and was talking to his teacher. In one second flat I heard him in hysterics on the floor. Apparently one of his classmates liked Griffin's red Crocks. His classmate tackled Griffin to the ground and jacked Griffin of his beloved Crocks! As we all know about Griffin and his shoe fetish~ this did not fly with the little guy! Griffin's teacher, Miss S, rescued G's shoe and after that all was good in the world!

*Now to go back to Griffin and his new found independence. Last night I was chatting in the kitchen before the neighborhood meeting with a few friends. Griffin was MIA for a minute. I went into his playroom to find him. He turned on the TV and DVD player and was dancing to the Wiggles with the door closed. I thought okay I will give the little guy some space, but let's keep the door open please. As soon as I walked away I heard click. He waited just long enough to close the door again. I opened the door and we repeated the process several times. Every time that I checked on him he was either dancing, standing and just watching the Wiggles, or sitting on the floor and reading a book. I guess Griffin just wanted a little peace and quiet which I can totally understand!

Shhhhhh........

Griffin just can't keep his secret any longer.... He is going to be a BIG BROTHER! We are expecting Baby Schaff in the spring. Thank God for his many blessings!

19 month update

Last month was a month of so many changes and growth. Griffin really is growing into his own little INDEPENDENT person. (me/mine is now in his vocabulary) Speaking of vocabulary~ Griffin's vocabulary has greatly increased this past month. We hear the constant ringing out of "uh-ohhh" around the house. Uh-ohhh is his favorite "word" and knows just how to use it. He is repeating animal sounds, colors, and counting to 5 with us.

Griffin is beginning to flex his muscles of independence. He wants to do everything for himself and is now refusing our help. For example, he wants the whole sandwich. If you try to cut it into pieces for him you are asking for trouble! He wants to read his own books, get the goldfish out of the bag himself, and put on his own shoes.

Griffin is also trying out different walks. He now walks on his toes, and in a crouching stance. If he is not trying out different walks he is still running. The boy only has one gear and that is FAST!

We also have at least 4 new teeth to report. Poor little guy. Each new tooth usually comes with fever, snot, and diarrhea. Someone remind me~ how many teeth do we have in our mouths???

Griffin is such a sponge for information. He gives us a constant watching eye and examines EVERYTHING that we do. Having someone so little and impressionable really makes you mind your manners! He brings so much joy to our lives and we hope to set the best example that we possibly can for him.

Not quite Ace of Cakes

Course II final cake



Isn't it always about the cake? I start thinking of party theme ideas months in advance and usually center it around a cool cake. I am already in the full swing of things of planning Griffin's 2nd birthday party in my head. For Griffin's first birthday I spent a lot of money on his cake. I am one of those "I can do that myself" kind of people. A few months ago I learned that Michael's crafts offered Wilton cake decorating classes. I enrolled in course I and really enjoyed it. Course I taught how to make butter cream icing, roses, and a few boarders. Today I just finished course II. Course II taught a few more advanced flowers, royal icing, and a basket weave technique. I am now debating between course III which is advanced boarders, tiered cakes, gum paste and fondant, or the true fondant course. I am somewhat of a cake purist. I am not crazy about fondant cakes. They are beautiful, but do not taste nearly as good as they look. However I would like to learn a little about fondant to embellish butter cream cakes? Decision, decisions~ what's a girl to do?

Baby to boy

Before

During


After (yes, those are still tears because I took away the hair covered lollipop)

Once again Griffin went from baby to boy in seconds. It was time for the dreaded haircut. I will admit that I had high anxiety taking him in because of how upset he was with the last haircut. I was flying solo this time around and was unsure if I would be able to handle it. I am very happy to say that he was much better with this haircut than the last. I am not saying that it was fun and games, but it was better. The end result had us both covered in snot, hair, tears, and lollipop! The best part of it all was we were back in the car in 8,yes you heard me, 8 minutes! The lady is very fast and firm with him. After it is all said and done he is such a handsome little guy. I took before and after pics because I didn't know if I would be able to get any inbetween. Luckily I was able to snap a few in the middle...

Storm chaser

Last night Kenton wanted to take Griffin and Al for a little walk after dinner and before bath/bedtime. Once outside he realized a storm was about to blow through. The sky was pitch black and the wind was whipping. Griffin was so excited to play in the wind! He caught a piece of newspaper blowing in the wind and used it as a kite. Also remember that he was with his Daddy. That explains the dirty Cheeto face. Boys will be boys....