Seahawk Swim School and Crew's First Cut

The beginning of the summer marked the start of the 2-week Seahawk Swim School at UNCW for Danny and Crew's first haircut. Like most things with Danny, swim school was emotional, with him usually timid and sad until about halfway through his daily sessions. Sigh. All in all though, it was a great experience for him as he's now much more comfortable going under water and can paddle short distances. Still not what I'd consider "swimming" yet, but we're continuing to practice in the ocean and at Nana's pool. 

Gearing up

All smiles on his first day

Here's a video of the end of the first week - major strides!

Here's Crew pre-cut, sporting a killer mullet. He was super brave for the nice stylist and looks like such a big boy now. 

Practicing our swimming at Nana's pool and looking cool while we're at it. 

His biggest fans

Gpa, Papa and Cousins

Our kids are so fortunate, I swear. Living at the beach, having so many people who love them. On that note, the first weekend in June we had Gpa and Aunt Kelly and family visiting. There were more presents, beach time, good food, boardwalk rides, staying up too late and nature hikes - all the things that little boys like. Which is good because we seem to be raining men these days.

Building his first big boy set of legos with Gpa

Papa, Connor, Dad and Danny

Bathroom selfies with dad

Snack break during our hike

Danny's 4th Birthday

And just like that (well, over a month ago), Danny went and turned 4 on us! He's still such a sweet-natured kid - most of the time - and so funny and smart. Tries to talk like a grown-up using big words and attitude or inflection. Loves to dance and sing. Knows many Beatles songs and others by heart. Likes to make the beat of songs with claps or whatever and get you to guess which song it is. In some ways, he's more independent than ever, but in other ways, he's still such a mama's boy - not wanting to be away from us. Still likes Mickey Mouse (a favorite since he was a baby), but has also matured to like what he calls "animal shows" - things like River Monsters, vet shows, Discovery Channel Shark Week, etc. Often fights with and revs up Crew, but is also a very good big brother saying things sweetly like, "Crew, honey, it'll be okay," and reading and playing together. He has a great memory and amazes us every day with his wit. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "kid, you'll move mountains!"

Ah, I just love him so much! Okay, but now for a recap of his birthday extravaganza. The bar is definitely raised when they know what's going on.

First up was picking out his first big boy bike from Grandma and Grandpa Ron and a special dinner date with just mom and dad at Hiros Japanese Steakhouse on his actual birthday.

The next day it was lunch, presents and a horse and carriage ride through downtown Wilmington with Nana.

Then on Sunday we hosted a little get together on the beach with family, including our beach family, the Henson's. I blame it on the sand and the general craziness, but I sadly don't have any pictures of this celebration.

Finally, the big kahuna, a Wilmington Sharks baseball game party with family and friends (ours and Danny's)! They recognized Danny at the beginning of the game and let him throw out the first pitch. All his little buddies got free access to the shark bounce house and a baseball-themed dinner of hot dog and chips. The adults had beer. All were HAPPY. This was also madness, so I don't have as many pictures as I'd like, including any of Aunt Cherie who was in town all the way from Oregon! Gpa was also in town for this Sharks party, but I have the recap of his visit in another post!

Michael, Alexander, Danny and Myles

Lonely baby brother

Happy Birthday, Danny boy!

Baby Boy Bump Update

Pausing for a moment on sharing only "old" pics - still furiously trying to catch up - to give you an update on the ol' baby bump. At 28 weeks...with my third baby, I'm feeling large and in charge. But I passed the gestational diabetes test last week, which was a huge sigh of relief. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't eat whatever I wanted! Just starting to feel the side stitch strains and shortness of breath from lack of space and I pretty much drop dead at night from exhaustion (is there any other way when taking care of two crazy boys?!?). All in all though, very fortunate that, thus far, this pregnancy has been just as uneventful as the last two. It would seem that, like so many other women, I was indeed intended to make babies! With Danny born in his 39th week and Crew in his 38th week, I'm definitely feel the "nesting" pressure to get some things done around the house, etc. Shaping up to be a busy, but very fun, summer!

4 Weeks

12 Weeks

20 Weeks

28 Weeks

And here is a cool shot of his sweet face from 21 weeks.

Faces and Friends

I love the many faces and little idiosyncrasies of my kiddos. And I love seeing them blossom with friends and hobbies of their own. Parenthood isn't always (often) easy, but it sure is special.

Pre achilles injury to mama

So sweet...a lot of the time

Loves wearing hats 

With our beach bestie, Gemma

Bon Voyage Shiva

The boys and I made a quick trip to Chapel Hill for the last "get together" with the college roomies before Shiva heads out on her 1.5 year trip around the world. Crazy excited for her, but will miss her too! Over the weekend we stayed up way too late, ate way too much and just chased all our kiddos around. Catherine came solo - lucky lady ;)

But first, we saw Ali, Colin, Dieter and Gualtieri's

At Sutton's Drug Store for lunch