Little Red Wagon

My mom had been anxious to buy Austin a little red wagon ever since she saw one earlier this summer. Suprisingly, we didn't jump on getting one and they were getting sold out everywhere! But thankfully, I shopped around all day one day and found the perfect red wagon that my parents decided to buy for Austin's baptism gift.

It was hard to believe Austin would love it so much because he was just learning to sit up on his own when we got it. Even on the not so nice days when we are at Grandma and Grandpa's, Austin will smile away as Grandma pulls him in circles around the living room.

Austin has never been a fan of hats or sunglasses really, but he sure does love to play around with them as we circle the block!

 I just loved snapping photos as we found so many things to look at in the neighborhood. We have been so busy the last few weeks and on top of the really hot and humid weather, we haven't had as much time to be outside without being miserable. What a perfect weekend it was to get out!

Grandma doesn't enjoy bringing him around in the wagon either..........ok obviously joking! They have such a blast together and that's truly an understatement.

I was anticipating Lindsey's  trip to Michigan because I hadn't even met Nash yet and couldn't imagine Blake already being 3 1/2 years old. But before Nash went down for his afternoon nap, we decided to of course make a trip in the wagon.

Such cute little boys, all in stripes!

 Austin was so happy to share his wagon ride with Nash. Hard to believe Austin is the same size as Nash but 10 months younger. Austin hasn't had a chance to spread out his weight yet since he isn't crawling or walking but the fact that they wear the same clothing size......let's just say Austin is a big eater.

 And isn't Blake adorable.....and so smart and polite and talkative!  I could listen to him talk all day long. He had fun splashing around in the pool with Austin and being chased around in the backyard. Not to mention, he did such a great job pulling the boys around in the wagon.

I can't imagine how much more use that little red wagon is going to get! Austin couldn't smile bigger whenever we arrive at the Grandparents house and his eye catches it. There are some things you buy your kids that are just priceless and this is definitely one of them.

8 months

Not sure how, but each month is more fun than the last!

This little boy (or should I say big since he has past the 20lb mark!?) still hasn't sprouted any pearly whites yet. He had one at one point in time, but it decided to crawl back down into the gums. So needless to say, we again are thankful for Sophie for helping us get through the tough time of teething.

He sure does know how to roll around and inch to where he wants to go, but he is very content doing just that. He doesn't get up on his knees or get frustrated that he isn't crawling around, and I am in no rush for him to be going every which way just yet.....especially since I haven't 'baby-proofed' the house yet.

We started swim classes last week, or I guess I should say, water adjustment classes, and there isn't anything that Austin has enjoyed more. Our first class, from the moment he got into the water, until the time class was over, he was splashing.  It made it difficult to play the games the instructor had in mind, or participate in some of the songs, because all he wanted to do was Splash! He was sneezing and coughing so much at the end of the class because he was just completely water-logged. I am glad he had fun, but it sure did tire him out. It wasn't within two seconds after getting strapped in his car seat, that he was out cold.

I couldn't help but throw in this photo since it's so hard to get a good picture of Austin cause he spends the whole class splashing himself, Jason or I, and every kid around him!

One of my favorite things he is doing right now, is the way he discovers toys or items he picks up. He gets this open mouthed concentrating look on his face, grabs the item, and then opens and closes the other hand as if to feel out the item.

He also makes me laugh everytime he makes the 'elephant sound' as Jason and I call it. If there's a day that he isn't doing something like blabbering, all you have to do is mention it, and the next day he proves everyone wrong and jabbers all day long!

Austin's First 4th

It wasn't but a matter of a few minutes upon arriving in Holland before my Mom had Austin in his swimsuit and in the baby pool. It's not even just my mom that loves to get him in the pool, but it's Austin's eyes that get wide as soon as he sees any bright blue object to swim in! He had a blast playing while everyone else had a blast watching him splash around.

Big bellies are "IN" this year.....

 Of course Austin doesn't want to eat and have to wait 30 minutes to go swimming, so he decided why not eat WHILE you're swimming, much better idea!

 Of course the babies are adorable in their 4th of July-wear, but look at the difference in those legs!! Jackie will be 3 months tomorrow so Austin has a good 4 1/2 months on her.

 He sure did have a great first 4th of July surrounded by family. There wasn't a moment where someone wasn't stealing Austin from someone else, and then I would here...."Hey! I just got him!"
I have to point out that Austin is always playing with the lid to his shapes box. He loves that lid more than he loves the rest of his toys...so funny.

Austin and Pug

This is a story of a little boy and his dog.

When Austin first came home from the hospital, Lily couldn't wait to sniff and smell the new baby. She couldn't get enough of him. Anytime he was placed on the floor, Lily would be up in his face and needed to be told to 'leave Austin alone!'. I am sure Austin was stepped on a time or two but Lily still didn't quite understand how to handle the new little addition.

Before Austin, Lily was our baby. I got her back in 2004 before Jason left for Iraq. She kept me company all the times he has been gone for the army. We have given her, her own little voice and has made us laugh more times than we can remember. Lily was the only one we gave our attention to for 6 1/2 years before Austin came home.

But now.....the tables have turned. Lily doesn't really want to be around Austin since he can flail his arms at her, kick her with his feet, or even pinch that fur of hers. It probably doesn't help that sometimes we chase after her with Austin in arms since it makes him giggle. As time goes on, Austin falls more in love with Lily and follows her with his eyes everywhere she goes. I can't imagine what it will be like when Austin can crawl towards her. But for now, he reaches for her with his little hands....

We are waiting for the day when Austin asks us if Lily can sleep in his bed. She's such a good snuggler. But for now she gets our undivided attention at night when Austin is put to bed and she climbs into ours.

It won't be too much longer before Austin is chasing after what we still call our puppy. She isn't a puppy anymore, she's 7 years old and tires easy, but Austin will keep her on her toes...or paws that is.