Many firsts in the last days of summer

It probably goes without saying, everything is a new experience for Garrett, starting with his first visit to the dentist. Luckily he has beautiful teeth, so I wasn't anticipating any problems. His dental hygienist was very sweet and ready to pop a baby at any moment. He didn't mind the cleaning, but the chair tilting backwards threw him for a loop. He was also very curious about the lady in the next stall. He kept getting out of his chair to get a better glimpse (all he could see were her tennis shoes) all the while saying, "What she doing?" He also had a hard time with those ridiculous cardboard x-rays they jam into the side of your gums. (I need to invent something better—it's on my to-do list along with more comfortable OB/GYN foot stirrups.)

Another first was back-to-school shopping. We took Sade and Garrett shopping at the same time. It was a bittersweet event—with Garrett starting kindergarten and Sade finishing (hopefully) her senior year. Sade and I have been sharing this ritual since first grade—where does the time go? I reminded her this was her last shopping trip with me, but she was quick to say that next year we'll be shopping for college. (Yikes, I'll need to take out a second mortgage to do that.) The big kids start on the 2nd of September and for the little guys (like Garrett) it's the 4th. He just loves wearing his backpack around—it's so cute to watch him load it up with books. Then there was his first trip to a museum—the Minnesota Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul. Every third Sunday is free admission day (thanks to Target Corporation). Garrett had a blast and he was so good that day. Before we went, we had a little talk. I asked him to stick close to mommy because I would be very sad if I lost my Garrett. For added insurance, I wrote on white tape his name and phone number and slapped it on his back. He stayed glued to my side—grabbing my hand on the stairs and checking in with me at every exhibit. What can I say? I lucked out and got a very considerate kid. This museum seems very similar in scope to the one in Phoenix (see the Tennen's blog.) Here's a snapshot of our day...






This is the first arts and crafts project he really "got" into: paper bag puppets—a wonderful birthday gift from our friend Lindsay. Here he's making a "blue" bird.

And last, but not least, his first rubber ball hat. He and Bob were throwing the ball around when Cody (our dog) sunk his teeth into it and there went the rubber. (Okay, get your mind outta the gutter. LOL) I actually think it would make very practical rain hat, don't you?

Okay, I fibbed–I have one more first: Garrett's first piece of junk mail from Synder Drugs. To see his name printed was quite impressive. Just think, he's now on somebody's mail list. Next it'll be phone solicitations. Credit card applications. Time share opportunities. Welcome to America Garrett.