1 child, 1 dog down...

My mom took Hannah and Chloe to Savannah with her for a couple of days. {Chloe may stay indefinitely...dogs are a much better idea when you don't have small children. I almost gave Chloe to the exterminator day before yesterday. He acknowledged my sign on the door and didn't even knock and she went berserk. He really wanted her and I really didn't. She barks and wakes up sleeping babies, etc.} 

Having one child is easy (relatively speaking). It's crazy how you are so busy when you have just one kid and then another comes along and you realize how much *time* you had before. I can't imagine three...

So, I need to take advantage of this time without toddler in tow and be productive around the house. {We've got a baptism and a birthday coming up. And, not that anyone would expect me to have a perfect house, I want to be completely unpacked and settled even if everything isn't exactly how I want it.} But first I want to post some randomness. 

We watched a lot of the Tour de France. We do every year. We love it. Think Joseph did too.

Who am I kidding? He just loved the cuddle time with mom.

He found his tongue, and that was just plain cute. Daddy tried to get him to perform for the camera. Instead he just laughed. He has also rolled over. He's sleeping great and the reflux is a little better. Some days are better than others. We have several clothing changes a day, and by "we" I mean both of us. I feel like I'm a big burp cloth. Good thing I love him a whole lot.

First time in the Bumbo!

I bought these for Hannah a month or so ago. Thought she would enjoy playing with them.

Ever since they came home with me, I have found them throughout the house - usually lined up like this. I hope it's not a sign of OCD.

This time, she changed her mind as I was taking the picture.

Yesterday, I picked up a few more for her birthday. Can't wait to see her reaction.

We went to Fernandina Beach for some down time with friends. I love the beach. There is this calm and sense of awe that consumes me while I'm there. Troubles just seem to disappear. It is my favorite setting to reflect and talk to God. A couple times when Joseph was upset, I scooped him up and started walking. He was immediately lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean. I feel like my soul longs for the water. I wonder if people who get to see that view everyday realize how good they have it.

While a beach vacation is not exactly relaxing with babies, it was a great time and a good change of scenery. It was Joseph's first time, too.

Hannah loved being in the water with her dad and even rode some waves on the boogie board. 

Mary Thomas and Joseph napping under the tent. Is there a better place to sleep?

The swaddle still works with towels.

 

"Nana Anna" and Joseph. He gets what we wants when she's around.

Mary Thomas, Kelli and Jeffery's youngest girl:

Hannah and "Necklace" (she can't say Alexis):

Jeffery captured an eel.

More snoozing...

Our help: Alexis, Erin, Victoria, and Kristen. Love these girls.

Saturday was the triathlon. Just doing it "for fun", Joe did great.

Joe's in the gray.

"Go, Daddy, go!"

Cooling off...

It was a fun trip. I wish we would have taken a group picture. But that might be asking a bit too much.

And, Aunt Karen came through town and stopped by for a visit. She brought Hannah an early birthday present. We miss her and Uncle John!

That's all for now. Nursery update coming soon.