Why boys have Dads....

This is why boys are lucky to have Dads. I've pushed Austin all around the yard in that dump truck but Pete tears off into the yard with him and never has to stop 15 times to reposition the direction or move sticks out of the way ;)

A new drinkin' buddy

Pete came home from Alaska and Austin has been soaking up the Dad-time like a champ. Now, when Dad has a "special drink" in the evening he also has to make one for Austin. They'll sit on the couch together and cheers and then drink simultaneously. Austin LOOOOVES being Dad's drinkin' buddy (not alcoholic...in case I had to clarify :D)....and then he has to pee like a racehorse for the next hour.... he he...

A moment...

There is something interesting that happens after you spend a solid 16 months totally dedicated and consumed by this tiny being for whom you are everything. You have been their source of nourishment, attachment, entertainment, security and they have been the source of your life completely changing. You can't wash the dishes, feed the dogs or pee by yourself, and you get used to it. It becomes the norm to plan your day around naptimes and nutrition, around little games and discoveries that your role is to be there supporting their major epiphany that THIS wheel spins TOO!

Then one day you turn around and look and there he is...playing by himself...without any prompting, assistance or interpretation from you. Your sound effects aren't needed to make the moment interesting. Your imagination is unnecessary to bring something to life. While this sounds so "Duh....congrats there Socrates..." it's actually such an introspective moment in time. It's a moment when you're suddenly not needed, and it's awesome and curious at the same time...

...and then 60 seconds later it's over and your skills in wheel-spinning are requested and "reality" returns...

It's amazing how each step and moment prepares you for the coming ones. If pregnancy only lasted a month or if toddlerhood lasted a few weeks it would be quite a different experience. So for now, I'm content to interpret tiny hands and a small (or loud) voice....to be the chase vehicle for adventures on the rolling dragon....to be the 23.5/7....because soon enough this moment will pass too....and we'll be onto the next important discovery...

I got it, I GOT it....

We went with Nana to Wilcott Mills Farms, a working farm with chickens, huge horses, cows, barn cats, etc. Austin diligently pushed ALL the buttons on this tractor....

GQ

Mae Stecker Park is a local place you can go and let the ducks feed out of your hand. I was able to snap this shot and sent it to Pete when he was in AK....it's Austin's modeling-for-LLBean shot :)

Just like you Mom :)

Dad and Austin and I went to Bordine's Nursery to take pictures and play. While there we stopped to discover the hat display. Austin thought I looked hilarious in my had and had to try on for himself.

Me 'n' Dad

We recently reconnected with some friends after too long and got some wonderful new pictures. While out this Sunday, we visited the lake and Austin had an awesome time with Pete doing what boys do....getting muddy....wet....toss in some rocks and sticks....oohh, such fun! :)