Moments with my Haley

I've got to say I'm in love with my Haley-bird. Haley is my brother Jus and his wife Tori's daughter. For almost five years I've been so on the fringes and haven't known her, and Austin and I were able to go with Mom on her annual migration to their house in Louisiana and spend a week with them. I brought my Ergo (what she's riding in), some playsilks, some racing ducks, and Nana brought us and streamers and more. Finally seeing these pictures brings tears to my eyes. Being able to connect with her was very special to me, and it was so incredible to be able to connect in the carrier. It was effortless and stressless....instant and so complete. Feeling my brother's big girl smiling and closing her eyes with her head resting on my back feeling the flutter of a silk in the sunshine dancing to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (or something) is in my memory forever. Watching her swing with every silk tied onto her and the swing flutter back and forth and throw her head back and laugh is snapped in my memory forever.

Austin is waking up so I'll have to post more pictures and stories later, but I wanted to get these on.

Austin's impersonations

Here are Austin's impersonation shots. The first one is of the tiny bald guy from the princess bride....he's challenging you in a battle of wits. The second one....well,....I think that needs no caption ;)

Me, Dad and Jeff

Pete, Austin, and Jeff, the god of biscuits (for the Eddie Izzard fans out there :D).

Falling close to the tree

I caught Pete and Austin sacked out one afternoon and Austin shifted and finally settled with his fingers just touching Pete. Note their leg positions while sleeping....life father like son, eh?

Me'n'Nana at Stony Creek

Austin and Nana at the end of the dock at the lake.

Moments with Grandma Katie

Grandma Katie got to spend some wonderful time with Austin (or is it the other way around!?). Here you can just see the connection in their eyes....love these shots....

High-Five!

Superman and Dad giving each other "high-five!"

SuperBaby!

Austin's first adventure with a playsilk that was interactive. He trucked all over the house being a wee superhero :)

Beaking

When Austin is very focused and intent on something, he "beaks"....his little upper lip purses out and resembles a little beak. It cracks us up because periodically we see other people "beaking"....like the guy doing rippies outside the smoker's outlet intently waiting to see if he won the million...beaking....

Grandma Lovin'

Here's Austin soaking up some love from Grandma Katie and Nana.

Daddy Time

Austin got a VIP ride on the bike...two actually...one on the seat, one with Dad in the sling!

Pete's 40th Birthday!

It was a fun time. Pete turned 40 this year! We schemed behind his back and Katie came up as a surprise. It was strategery getting her here as she was delayed numerous times and ended up arriving a day and a half later than expected. Pete and I got back from garage-saling and Pete was debating where to put a framed photo we'd found for $2 and I suggested above the couch (where Katie was sitting, matching the couch in a teal shirt no less). Pete glanced at it and looked at the picture....it took several seconds to get the double take, but he was GENUINELY surprised....not something that happens very often! It was the best visit EVER and we all got to celebrate at Mom and Dad's. Pete's gift was a genuine surprise too....

Family percussion

A spontaneous family drum band sets up on the kitchen floor. This was on Pete's birthday too...you can see Katie in the background on
the right taking photos, which is where Austin is looking. We had a rockin' rhythm section going there for a bit!

Watering the Flowers

Wanting to help, Austin found a small watering can and LOVES making sure all the plants get a drink..."ahhhh, that's refreshing" they say ;)

One Finger Touch

So, Austin perfected "one-finger-touch" before Pete's birthday, but it has been such a useful tool! When there are things he simply
can't bear to not touch but a full-on baby enthusiastic touch could be damaging, we touch it with one finger...so we still have flowers in our gardens! hooray!

Flying the Flag

So, Nana and Austin's "thing" is the flag. For most of the first year, Austin and Nana would put the flag out, or make it spin, and
the majority of Austin's wardrobe is still red, white and blue. This was taken on Pete's birthday, Nana and Austin flying the flag.

A boy and his Nana

I think she likes him.....and he's a happy boy!

Sleeping in the Sunshine

Austin crashed on the bed in the afternoon just as the sun starting coming through the trees and the window casting dappled light on his naked self....oh the sweet warm days of summer....

Daddy's Masseus

Austin assisting Dad in a massage....I'll give you the karate
chop "haaYEAH!" and then rub rub rub....