Little Beach

With these crazy hot summer temps, we've once again enjoyed evening visits to the 'little beach' (Lock 3 access) across the street from our home. I'm not a fan of actually swimming in the murky lake water, but it's fun to wade, look for shells, and play in the sand together.

We also love watching the sunset and talking about God's beautiful creation and unfailing mercy towards us.

This was Cade's first visit. . . too bad he missed it all :)

Summer's Begun!

Summertime in Tennessee debuted in full force this year. With temps in the high 90's this past week and in the forecast again, there's no denying spring has gone and summer's here to stay.

Lovin' my new umbrella - so much more festive than our previous one.

Memorial Day, we broke out the pool and sprinkler - what fun!

That evening, we headed to Papa and Gigi's house for a delicious rib dinner and fireworks. A great evening!

Memorial Day also meant that the fountains at The Streets are now on everyday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's a favorite of ours to meet friends/family there in the evenings to chat and let the kiddos play.

We also headed out for the debut of the Thursday evening Summer Concert Series. Cade loved the music and Cole enjoyed playing with sidewalk chalk.

Cheers to summer and all the fun it brings!

Six Weeks

My how you've changed in just a few short weeks! Your little frame is filling out (love those sweet cheeks!) and your features are becoming more pronounced. You still favor your brother, but have a look all your own - such a handsome fella!

You are trying to set your own schedule - still eating every 2.5/3 hours, but only waking once at night to eat. Your last feeding varies between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Sometimes you'll skip the 10 all together and sleep until close to 2 a.m. LOVE it!

Your naps are also becoming more regular and routine. Morning is sleepy time and afternoons are time for play :)

Playing has actually taken on a new meaning these days. You follow our voices, faces, and search for your rattles when we shake them overhead. You are beginning to bat at your toys and will grasp them when placed between your fingers. You enjoy playing Pat-A-Cake and The Itsy Bitsy Spider with Mommy while listening to Cole sing silly songs and read you stories.

These are fun but the BEST thing is your SWEET SMILE! You graced us with that precious expression right at six weeks and have continued ever since. You recognize our faces and grin from ear to ear when you see us :) You also LOVE your crib mobile and smile while watching it spin.

Grunts have turned into coos which we all love. Cole thinks it's hilarious and often makes up stories as to what you're telling us :) He adores you. . .

You have more control over your arms and legs. Flailing has given way to precise movements with intent - chewing on your fists (and finding your thumb every now and then) is a favorite.

Those sweet eyes of yours have stayed blue - YaY! So thankful the Lord has blessed me with both brown-eyed and blue-eyed little boys!

You love the water. We've yet to give you a bath in your baby tub, but that's coming soon. You also put your toes in the swimming pool with Cole yesterday and gave us the biggest grin :) Your swim trunks are still a little big - I'm on the lookout for a newborn size so you can play.

You have brought such life into our home and are truly living up to your namesake. I knew when the Lord gave us 'Cade' (battler/warrior) that He had wonderful things in store for your life. You are already showing your physical strength (sporadically rolling over, pushing up with your legs, holding up your head, etc.) and don't have much patience with Mommy when you're hungry or wet :) We have treasured every moment with you thus far and can't wait to see the Lord's agenda unfold over you. . .

We love you precious boy!

Tee Time

Well, with all boys in this house, I don't see many 'tea time' dates in my near future. . . I digress. . .

BUT I do see a few 'tee' times on the calendar - especially if Cole continues to love golf as he has the past few weeks.

Without any rhyme or reason, Cole has really taken to watching golf on TV (Lord help me - how DO people sit and watch that?) as well as hitting balls in the backyard. Picking out a new club from Dick's was an afternoon highlight and promises of putt-putt made for a happy boy :)

Michael has also begun to recapture his love for the sport with private lessons at Fairvue and a few tee times scheduled for the future - so glad he's putting those new clubs to good use!

Cade LOVES to be outdoors as well - I'm sure he'll be cheering on big brother soon enough!

Cute Teacher Gift

It's hard to believe that Cole's third year at Treasure Creek has come to an end. What a wonderful year with Mrs. Jayne and Mrs. Tammy. They loved on my sweet boy and taught him so much about Jesus. We're forever grateful for the impact they've had on his life.

I always enjoy making homemade gifts for Cole's teachers - they were my favorite things to receive during my teaching days and I love passing that on to others. With Cade's arrival, I needed something fairly simple, but still creative. Thanks to some inspiration from my friend Jennifer, these cute, inexpensive lemonade jugs were perfect!

Drink containers w/ four matching cups - $4.99 at Kroger

Lemons - 25 cents each

Wooden spoons and kitchen towels - 2 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree

Homemade tag w/ directions - free :)

My Kiddos

Lovin' every moment with these sweet boys!

Cade's first nap in his crib :)

Thinkin' those sweet eyes might just stay blue like Daddy's. Yay!

One Month

It's amazing what one small month can bring.

I went from this. . .

to this. . .

What a joy you've been to us these past 30 days sweet Cade. We can't imagine life without you!

About you. . .

* We were a bit concerned about your weight at your 3 week visit, and had another weigh-in four days later. You had gained 9 ounces! That put you at 8 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long at one month. Almost a full pound heavier than your brother at this age :)

* You have begun sleeping in your 'napper' again by our bed. Yay!! I laid you down the other night and you slept for almost 5 hours. The most glorious 5 hours of sleep this mama's had in awhile!

* You still rarely fuss unless you are tired, hungry, or wet - my how you don't like to have a wet diaper on!

* When fussy, you like for us to walk or pace. Usually up on our shoulder with your pacifier.

* You eat every 2.5-3 hours during the day and usually stay awake for close to an hour after each feeding. At night, you've been eating around 8:30-9 and sleeping until close to 2 a.m. You then wake-up again around 6 a.m. where we enjoy a little one-on-one time before your brother wakes :)

* We've enjoyed neighborhood walks, a couple of outings to Target, and dinner out at Blue Moon. I'm gearing up for our first grocery run :)

* You like to swing, lay under the mobile in your crib, and watch your light-up toys