We struck gold with pajama gifts lately. Jennifer sent us Thomas pjs, which can double as daytime clothes (according to Harry at least).  Hana’s mom works at a pj design company. Who knew?? But we got Paw Patrol and Mickey Mouse from her! Heaven for this kid. 

Harry’s cheese face while downing his third sausage. 

We had to have three trains to help us through breakfast.   
 

I can’t get enough of this little baby sweetness! So thankful for the afternoon with Cole. He is sleeping and eating and loves the snuggabunny and swaddle. Aunt Katie and Uncle Jake are amazing parents and still find lots of hugs and games for Bud. 

Harry was great today. He’s learning to share his mommy and did well reading to and playing with the baby. Harry was gentle and loving…well, other than a few blocked inadvertent shots and reminders to be sweet. 

These pictures are some of my all time favs!!

Cole was sweet enough to share his activity mat with his big cousin. It required my ninja reflexes to keep Harry from invading Coles personal space too much, but we managed. Look at how tiny Cole is compared to Bud!?  
  

Beautiful little Cole!
 Practicing ninja moves: 
    

Harry is no longer the youngest in the family. He’s adjusting well to being the big kid. Look at this sweet, precious little one!

Harry has been singing this Brown Bear song lately. I assume he learned it at school, but there’s a chance he just made it up. It’s the tune of Twinkle Twinkle / ABC Song. And it starts like the book. But then Brown Bear sees Black Cat. Black Cat sees Green Frog. Green Frog is followed by Yellow Sun, Red Apple, White Dog, and Mommy. I don’t have a color, to which I’m grateful. 

In any case, he was singing it all weekend while we were at the beach. 

He couldn’t have been any happier among the waves, sand, shells, and birds. He’s a little fish who loves chasing the birds. His carefree spirit is inspiring. May he always hold a little bit of that beach joy in him. 

The Jersey Shore is gorgeous, by the way. I’ve been to lots of beaches in my time and can be a harsh beach critic. This beach was breathtaking. Wide, immaculate, uncrowded beach with soft, white sand and warm water. Perfect East Coast beach time. Who knew?!

   
  
The videos of him chasing birds are on Erics phone but it was hysterical. He chased birds down the beach for what seemed like hours. “Shoo birds. Fly away birds.”  
   A big fan of the John Deere excavator Daddy got him. 
   

Dear Harry – It will be many years before you will ever truly be able to “get” your father. Until then, please note the love and adoration that goes into this game that never seems to get old for you or for your parents. Love, Your adoring parents

This weekend was good for some recovery time with Eric and Harry. Rough week last week, so it felt great to feed the soul with hugs and laughter. 

Still waiting on baby Huddleston with lots of anxious excitement! Each day begins with checking the phone for news and ends with the wonder of whether we will get the call during the night. So soon, Harry will have a new baby cousin. His days being the youngest are numbered. Little does he know how his life will change. 

Harry’s Beckham jersey and Daddy’s UGA hat:   
Playing in the park with Hana: 

 Harry loves his trains! So does Eric…Negative byproduct: I can’t get that Thomas song out of my head. 

   
Taking a selfie:

We had friends over for the holiday and had a blast hanging out and digging into the lobsters. Harry was a riot playing with friends, particularly in the pool. I think Jake put him back into his swimsuit three separate times. Eric was amazing at procurement and cooking of the lobsters. My guys are great hosts. 😉

Kiddies enjoying homemade ice cream:  
Kiddies enjoying corn – the lobster didn’t go over too well at the kids’ table. 

 
James enjoying his homemade brew. 

  
What can I say?! Over and over again yesterday, I realized how deeply I trust Katie and Jake becuse I would go long stretches without even seeing Buddy and knowing he’s well taken care of and watched over. Harry loves these guys like no one else and it is just so special. But the lobster – not so much. 

    
Hours of pool time for these little two year olds, clothes optional:

 
Post party time with Hana. So precious!

   
   
Belly flops! 

I am back in Moline for work which means that I have time to blog…or so it seems. 

Missing my favorite two guys tonight!

Harry started a new classroom at school today. He is growing up! Eric said he was awesome and that the teachers were super sweet. 

When I was facetimeing with my guys tonight, Harry asked if we could go on a trip together. “I go on trip with you?” That’s how it went but it was just the best, sweetest little invitation ever! Next trip will be to NC with all three of us. Can’t wait!

Yes, sometimes bread for dinner is in order, particularly when he doesn’t want the pb&j Daddy made him.    

Yes, we allow tennis shoes on the couch and give our child our old phones to use as if they are his. 

Yes, we allow our child to run around in the front yard in a diaper.