Raising a Catholic

Duke has been so lovable lately. I mean he is always lovable but he is also two and a half. Enough said, right. Anyway, lately I find myself delighting in the adorable things that he says.

For example, we were saying bedtime prayers the other night. He started thanking Jesus for his friends and family. "Thank you for Cash, Sadie, Silas, Haven, Yia Yia..." and on. Not wanting Duke to feel like he had to be routine in talking to God (since that's pretty much all our prayers have consisted of so far -- thanking God for friends and family), I said "You know Duke, you can say whatever you want when you are talking to Jesus."

Duke looked at me with his sweet, expressive face, and said, "I'm talking to Mary."

Later, I told Darrell what Duke said. Darrell laughed and responded, "Looks like we're raising a Catholic." Yia Yia and Pops would be oh so proud :)

Boy Speak

This morning, Duke, Braddock and I were gathered around the breakfast table munching away on cereal. Mid-munch, I heard a somewhat startling noise from the adjacent room. Darrell, apparently resistant to waking up on a lazy Saturday morning, let out a sleepy yawn (which sounded much more like a low growl to me.) As Darrell finished his surprising yawn/growl, Duke let out a matching noise (which I can only explain as a bear club growl) and then proceeded to eat his cereal like nothing had happened. Hilarious, I thought. Must be boy speak.

The World According to Duke

The other morning, right after Duke woke up, his precious little hands grabbed my own. As he peered at my left hand, he asked, "What's that mommy?" I answered, "It's a ring - my wedding ring."

Quiet pause.

To this, he confidently responded, "Looks like a train."

Hmm. Insight into the world as Duke sees it.


Another recent morning encounter provided equal insight into my little man's world. Sitting on the edge of his bed, I asked, "What did you dream about last night?"

(Mind you, I haven't explained to him what dreams are just yet. I just thought it'd be fun to ask.)

He immediately, and enthusiastically responded, "Chocolate milk."

So, a world where chocolate milk flows endlessly and trains are the new fashion icon. Welcome to the world according to Duke :)

Back to School Again

First day back to school at Mother's Day Out. This year, Duke goes two times a week. He is such a big boy!

Here he comes, proudly toting his lunch box.
He's so proud of himself!
"Aww, mom, do you have to take a picture?"
"Well, ok. If you insist."

Bring on the babies!

This pregnancy has definitely been a shared adventure as my friends Lyles and Megan were/are both due within a week or two of me. Monday of this week, Lyles had Baby #1 -- a little baby boy that she and her husband Dan named Tanner Brooks. Meg and I, on the other hand, are still waiting for our little ones to join the world. Not sure who will go first but we're hoping we'll have them on the same day since we see the same midwife!

Tuesday night, a group of girls got together for a baby shower celebrating the upcoming arrival of Megan's little one. Megan is expecting a little girl and they plan to call her Lucy Opal. Below are pictures from the shower and, of course, belly pics of me and Meg. Enjoy!


That's right -- bring on the babies!
Um...hello belly :)
All smiles.
Gotta love girls night out!

Mickey D's

Today I babysat Megan's son - and Duke's good friend - Silas (age 1 1/2). The three of us went to an outside park and then when it got too hot, made a trip to the two story play area at Mickey D's. The boys were too cute!

Shooting hoops.
Handsome Silas.
"What, you want some of this?"
Trying to get it into the hoop.
Though there were two cars, the boys decided to drive one "together."
Practicing our sharing. Silas gets to drive first!
Now its Duke's turn.
"Vroom, vroom..." Sound effects are a necessity these days :)
And finally - after all that hard playing - it's time for lunch!

Duke's Final SAFE Start Swim Lesson at the YMCA

Duke finally finished up his 6 weeks of swim lessons. It looks like he's on his way to setting an Olympic World Record in swimming -- just like his great Aunt Nancy!

His teacher, Jaime, had Darrell and I get in the pool with him for his final lesson. We practiced having him swim between us.

Here, Darrell moves out of the way so Duke learns to flip on his back and float.
Darrell making sure Duke makes it to float position... :)
Can you tell he's a proud papa?Way to go Duke!! Our little swimmer.