Jimmy, our two-year old, myself and our baby at the flyover

Snowmass Lake near Aspen, CO

Daytona Beach, FL

Enjoying some tummy time with a little thumb time.

Our eldest enjoyed his first play date with some wonderful friends last week at a park close by.  He likes to swing but prefers the slide.  He especially loves to play chase and will take off on the grass and run, giggling all the way, if I let him run free. He gives hugs freely and surprises me everyday.  In fact, today he walked up to me with his pants down around his ankles (diaper still on) and said “smarty pants” with a big smile and giggle.  I had to laugh.  I said aloud “Who taught you that?” – I, of course, didn’t get an answer, but the whole display was pretty cute (of course I’ll need to teach to never do that in public :-).  He has figured out how to take his pants off when he has a poppy diaper and twice now I’ve had to wash bedding after nap time due to the new skill in clothes-removal that he has acquired.  One mom recommended I put him in a zip-off onesie at nap time and safety pin it.  I wouldn’t have thought of the safety pin, so I am thankful for the advice.  He brings me flowers from our backyard and has told me I’m pretty.  Once, just after I fixed my hair I was putting him in his high chair and he looked at me (and my hair specifically) and said, “shiny, touch it.”  Oh the glories of compliments from a two year old!

Speaking of newly-aquired skills, just three days ago our little man learned how to open door knobs, so the next day I got some child-proofing door knob covers and now our two year old runs around the house saying “bubble off” or “mommy help” (as in help me open the door).  He can also say “mommy hold you up high” when he wants me to pick him up and carry him to a door so he can open it.  I also got new locks for some cabinets – they form a U shape with a lock on the open end of the “U”.  Well, just last night as I was getting ready for bed, our two year old walks into the bathroom, proceeds to take the “U” lock off the cabinet, looks up at me with the lock in hand to give it to me and says, “here mommy”.  Sigh…  Well, so much for that lock. 🙂

I’m so thankful to be a stay-at-home mom.  I get to enjoy so much time with my boys.  Last week Friday we went to aunt Vada’s house and our two-year-old got to play with his cousin and step-cousin.  Here you can see they are playing “yard-work”.  Each has either a hoe, a rake, or shovel.  Play time is always more fun with friends.

In this picture our big boy is trying to drink apple juice while simultaneously holding Mickey Mouse and Tigger.  See that smile…  It makes my heart sing!

Ahhhh… the joys of summer.  My heart is grateful to God who is such a loving father to give us this beautiful planet and loving people to share life with.  I pray you are enjoying the glorious days of summer and the beauty that surrounds us everywhere.

In His grip,

Monica

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