I Know

I know I am not always the best at keeping things updated.

I know that I have many areas to improve myself.

I know that despite my many flaws I have a beautiful family, both here and far away.

I know that these blue eyes see the best in everyone, including me.

I know our love and happiness is real.

I know that we open our arms love everyone, furry or not.

I know this Little Guy is learning from the best man I know.

I know having a best friend helps you jump feet first.

I know having some you trust, respect and love is vital.

I know that power of flying on your own.

I know the power of keeping people close.

I know I have a wonderful family.

I know how truely lucky I am.

NOTE: These are a few of the pictures from Little Guys two year photos. I know - we look good. :)

Happy -

We've been busy - aren't we all.

We have a happy Little Guy who is getting big.

We have happy boys that love to play together.

We have a happy couple to rely on one another. 

We have a happy family that loves deeply and laughs often.

We've been busy but more importantly, we are extremely happy. 

Not Now

There are the rare occassions when Little Guy is not an angel. I am almost positive there is something wrong with his ears that causes him not hear what we are saying.

Take a look below. At the 17 month mark I tried to get a nice picture of Little Guy and Jeter.

I heard Little Guy loud and clear.

Not Now!

Weekend Recap

For me, the best weekends are ones spent close to home relaxing with those we love and love us. This past weekend was pretty close to ideal (there is always room for improvement but that would mean we would need more weekend and I don't think the U.S. work week is going to change for me).

Friday started off fairly normal except when Big Poppy left to take Little Guy to "school" (aka daycare) I was still home and not dressed for the office. I spent the morning spit shining the house and then off to yoga. Shortly after lunch, Little Guy came running when he saw me peaking around the corner and we spent the afternoon playing with Jeter.

Saturday morning was spent patiently waiting for 7 am so I could call the yoga studio. While getting ready for bed the night before I realized one of my earrings was MIA. After a CSI like search around the house, Big Poppy and I concluded it was not in our home. The yoga studio had indeed found an earring matching my description - a precious anniversary gift was safe! Big Poppy was playing in a day long softball tournament with friends. Add to his Saturday to do's was a quick trip between games to get my earring.

Little Guy and I did not go to watch Big Poppy this Saturday. Instead of going to the fun, the fun was coming to us. BabyMack was coming to play with Aunt Steffey (Mack was off to a park with her sister, brother-in-law and two nephews while MackDaddy had to work).

You would not guess it from this picture of Aunt Steffey, Little Guy, BabyMack and Jeter, but we had a great time together. The problem with this picture...BabyMack is not a fan of Jeter. Jeter could be across the room and if BabyMack and Jeter make eye contact, well, let's just say BabyMack needed to be saved from the big fluffy monster who loves to kiss everyone. (MackDaddy did share when he came to steal BabyMack from us that their cat, who is also fluffy and white, might tease BabyMack a little bit.)

After a nice long, hot, sticky stroller ride up the drive and around the lake, we took it to the deck for some cool and refreshing Popsicles (and there is no way Big Poppy, Little Guy and I had Popsicles for breakfast on Sunday too). The day was hot and sticky but we just didn't want to be inside. The ghetto pool returned for the afternoon on the deck. By this time, Big Poppy made it home (they did not make it to the championship game) and filled the ghetto pool while Aunt Steffey added warm water and bubbles. The result, a nice cool and refreshing pool for Little Guy, complete with rubber duckies.

And boy did Little Guy appreciate how nice the pool was. He snuggled right up to the side and hugged the ghetto pool.

BabyMack was not quite sure of the pool so we splashed some water on his feet or gave his legs a quick dip now and again.

Sunday was another hot and sticky day. We had a grill out for lunch (after not having Popsicles for breakfast) with two wonderful friends. Big Poppy had to rush off because of a baseball game and the four remaining stayed cool for a little while longer. Then we headed off to watch Big Poppy's game. Little Guy stayed cool with ice management. He would grab ice from the cooler and bring it to everyone. Then he got smarter and decided he would be cooler if instead of just grabbing ice, he could put it in his mouth and then give it to you. He stayed cool and happy...the rest of us didn't talk much. The heat sucked the life out of us.

Just Like Daddy

With a puppy (he will always be my puppy) named Jeter, it seems fairly obvious baseball is an important part of our life. Sports in general are a good outlet for us while playing and going to games together is a way we enjoy spending time together.

Little Guy already has quite an arm on him - or at least that is what others are saying. With a little help, he is also getting a pretty good baseball swing. Little Guy is becoming just like Daddy - a love of playing sports.

Don't take my word, look for yourself.

Or, it appears I am unable to load the video of Little Guy swinging the bat. I've tried three times now all with the same message. Take my word for it, with every swing, Little Guy would laugh and laugh and laugh. The neighbors were really enjoying the BP in the front yard.

Tapping Home Plate

This Bat Might Be A Little Big

I Caught the Ball

Here’s What Big Poppy Missed

Little Guy, Jeter, Big Poppy and myself went on a little road trip this weekend. To be clear, Little Guy, Jeter and I were in one car and Big Poppy was in another car. We left our home 15 hours apart, Big Poppy left Thursday night, the boys and I ventured out Friday morning. Our destinations were different but we kept in contact. On Friday we would call Big Poppy and Little Guy would smile and smile when he heard his daddy’s voice. For good (and for bad) Big Poppy has to travel for a work for a little bit. It’s good because Big Poppy and I have not figured out the secret of creating a sustainable income just with our glowing smiles. It’s bad because it means for a little while Big Poppy will be a couple states away. I guess I better look into this skyping thing I hear talked about now and again.

After my 7 ½ hour trip to Grandpa’s was turned into 8 ¾ hours (there was an extended lay over visiting with SoyBoy while we picked up Syd for the final leg to Grandpa’s AND did I mention the lovely road construction, especially the part where the road was down to one lane, where we patiently waited for the pilot car to come back to our side and lead the way) we finally arrived. I must give props to single parents. You take road trips like this all the time. I must admit, stopping for gas, food, bathroom breaks, etc., I wondered how a single parent travels with their kids and pets on a regular basis. I don’t stress out easily and believe I handled everything in stride but…let’s just say Big Poppy is stuck with me FOREVER. It’s a good thing he likes me (he even loves me – school girl giggle – and he makes me smile).

Little Guy was a superb navigator.

After a quick bite to eat, he was right back to helping me with directions.

After picking up Syd, then Little Guy thought he would start to critique my driving abilities and he did so rather loudly. The final 1 ½ hours of the drive may have been the hardest. But who can blame him. I was ready to be to the final destination too.

Despite not painting Grandpa’s house (AuntLisa!), we had a great time. Well, let me clarify, Little Guy and I had a great time. Jeter had an ok time. He was out of his element and not very perky. Jeter even broke in AuntLisa’s carpet with a little upset tummy vomit (AuntLisa, this is what you get when you don’t talk to Grandpa about painting like the plan.)

Here’s a quick review of the weekend:

Little Guy loves to snuggle up with Syd.

SoyBoy came to Grandpa's late because of his baseball game - which they won!

Grandpa how a LOT of quarters. Little Guy liked to use the rolled quarters like dumbells.

Nothing beats looking out Grandpa's window.

Little Guy was confused...are we in Texas?

Jeter catching some relaxation.

Once home, Little Guy was ready to help unpack.

Walt Disney World From a Pint Size Perspective

I'm going to Disney World. Can you see my excitement?

Do you see my smile? I'm free from the stroller.

I tried my hardest not to miss a thing but my head felt so very heavy.

I really missed my puppy but found this one to play with.

I also made new friends.

One day it was like a water ride all day long.

I was very excited at all the fun I was having.

I had a great time riding the horses.

This guy made me laugh and laugh.

But really, the best part was when we were in the hotel and I could crawl around.

I missed my best friend and was just as happy to see him and he was to see me.

The Saddest-Sweetesy Thing

The saddest, yet sweetest, occurrence is happening in our home. It brings joy to some and tears to others. The highs and lows are all the result of a common incident. Like all good drama, there is an instigator.

When Big Poppy picks up the leash our home become full of emotions.

The Happy Boy (Jeter) cannot stop jumping with excitement because he get’s to go potty or go for a walk.

The Sad Boy (Little Guy) moves has fast as he can to the front door when a coat is not put on him because he knows he’s not going along. Once Big Poppy has the leash on The Happy Boy, the tears roll down The Sad Boy’s face.

And then, I get to watch this, The Sad Boy patiently waiting for Big Poppy and The Happy Boy to finish with their business in the front yard. Once The Sad Boy sees Big Poppy and The Happy Boy start their walk back to our house, then I get to see The It’s Going To Be OK Boy.

I sure hope Little Guy wants to spend all his time with us when he’s older.

NOTE: After a brief delay, I’m back and will get the vacation update and other updates up quickly. My only excuse is me. Every spare moment I have been spending with Little Guy and have not wanted to take any time for anything else. Then, while Little Guy is sleeping, I’ve been lazy. The couch, Big Poppy, tivo and I became way too close. Thankfully for all of us, I am getting bored with the tv again.

Newest Four Legged Family Member

I'm sorry to disappoint, as we did not get a new puppy. We have enough fun with the one we have. Little Guy has now taken a liking to crawling on all fours over the army crawl. Although, as you will see in the video below, he reverts to the army crawl when he gets tired.

Speaking of tired, now that Little Guy moves much quicker, he sure has us worn out by the end of the night.

Long time, no talk

Hello there. Remember me.

The past week has flown by. I would ask Big Poppy if he had time to fit in a post. He would laugh. Big Poppy would ask if I had time. I would laugh.

We were busy playing, working and preparing. We had weekend house guest. My Grandpa, favorite aunt and her family came up for a visit. There were rooms to clean. Laundry to do and food to prepare. All the rooms did not get clean but not to worry. We had a grand time. (A completely spotless house would be a sure sign I was avoiding something even less fun than picking up the office.)

Now I'm trying to catch up from the work I missed. Spend time with Big Poppy and Little Guy. I'll give some updates of the weekend a few times this week. But here are some pictures from the weekend.

Little Guy is quite a special boy. He loves being the center of attention.

Clapping is his new favorite item when he is sitting nicely - unless he is eating, then his favorite action is blowing bubbles, which can create a mess.

GrandC and Little Guy both busted out the ties this weekend. I'm not sure what got into GrandC. I can probably count on one hand how many times I've seen a tie on him. Little Guy on the other hand likes to be a dashing young man.

Jeter and FavoriteNiece were not to be out done by Little Guy. They are both ready to steal the show and look good, even when caught on camera without a smile.