Just an Idea...

 

So I haven't hit the nail on the head with this project, but here's an idea for my hubby's Father's Day gift this year. I need to find something more printable, but this draft certainly puts a smile on this mama's face. No worries about ruining the surprise--my hubs does not read my blog. Hopefully he doesn't take up reading it in the next few days.

p.s. - I finally updated the look of my blog, so check it out!

p.p.s. - I know my son is tall but doesn't he at least look 3 1/2 or 4 in these pics? Swoon.

p.p.p.s - I know this alley looks like a tetanus shot waiting to happen but he had his shoes on until right before the "shoot"...I promise!

Community

We live in a city of a few hundred thousand and absolutely love the sense of community that exists- especially in the summer. We love our local farmer's market, outdoor music nights and kids activities. Tonight we headed over to one of our favorite parks (the location of Declan's 2nd b.day bash) to listen to some fabulous tunes. Lawn chairs were scattered everywhere, kids inhaled free popcorn and snow cones and we ran in to people we knew at each turn. It was unseasonably cool--Monday was 100 degrees, today 65 degrees (welcome to Nebraska, folks). Fabulous night.

My precious niece:

First snow cone!

*ignore the grainy cell phone pics.... ;)

32 oz.

Can someone do me a favor and explain to my hubby, even though it's Gator.ade, no 3 year old needs a 32 oz drink? 

We have differing opinions.

Be still my heart.

My sweet baby is a little boy.

There is no denying it. 

He is fiercely independent (I hear "it's Deck-an's turn" all.day.long)

It was time.

Time for the big boy bed! *Breath*

Trust me. We put it off as long as we can. The last few weeks he's flip-floped in his crib for an hour before falling asleep and for awhile when waking up in the morning. We felt he was getting more and more uncomfortable. But- we loved the tented crib. He's safe, secure and contained. :)

Containment no more. The bed replaced the crib and Declan is in L-O-V-E. 

I had a cute, modern theme picked out but my sports loving almost-3-year-old wanted sports, sports and more sports! Shocking, I know. I kept an eye on Craigslist and found a Pottery.Barn quit and sham for about 75% off of what PB charges. It's uber adorable and not too "themey" thankfully. 

Night #1 was very anti-climatic. Declan immediately ditched our one-on-one time in the rocking chair where we sing and pray and cuddle. Nope, no more mommy time...he wanted to go straight to bed. *tears, sniff, tears*

AND...

He went right to sleep! What the heck? What happened to all the horror stories of putting the kid to bed 110 times the first night? We dodged that bullet. I'm anxious to see if he sleeps in like normal and if he naps. If we can hit those 2 nails on the head, we'll feel that the mission big boy bed was a success!! 

Besties.

Declan and Lukie are peas in a pod. Even an [almost] 3 year old boy needs a bestie, right? 

Did I mention Lukie's mom is MY bestie? Score!

Oh Happy Day!

Tonight, family joined us in celebrating the day a judge asked "do you love this little boy"? To read all about it, grab tissue and head over here.

Happy Adoption Day, sweet boy. We love you to the moon and back.

chipity chop

It's sticky hot here in Nebraska so it was time for the little man to get his hair chopped! It's always a hard day for this shaggy-hair-lovin' mama. Despite cold feet late last night, I rallied my internal troops and went through with the spikey David Beckham-ish cut. This adorable kid could pull off anything.

Pre cut:

 juice box + cookie = pretty cooperative

 post cut with his bestie, luke

We've officially welcomed summer. Bring on the short hair, popsicles, watermelon, swimming, multiple baths, late night park play, cook outs, sprinkler runs, bike rides, and more!!!