Opening Day!

Yay!  Braves won!

Today was opening day for the Braves!  One of my favorite days of the year.  First, because it is one of the early signs warmer weather is coming.  But more importantly, because Jason and I have something we agree on (besides the Jersey Shore) to watch for the summer months.

I saw two of my favorite agents the other day, a super sweet husband and wife team, and they gave Hardin this baseball signed by Brian McCann.

Hardin, just for the record, your first Braves game was the last pre-season game of 2010, April 3rd.  B and I took Cawley and my brother literally saved C from a line drive foul ball.  His hand was black from stopping the ball with it, and poor Cawley was terrified.  He screamed so loud the EMTs couldn't tell if it actually hit him.  He did however get to take home the ball, and that made it all worth while. 

Even after all of that, Cat let my mom and I take him to another game.  Gigi, Hardin, Cawley and 9 months pregnant Tiffany were all in attendance at Bobby Cox's last game as manager October 12, 2010.  But have no fear, we were almost on top of the stadium.  No chance of a foul ball catastrophe that day.

Finally, I can SEE teeth.  His little gums are so swollen and I can see the white under the skin!  

All I have to say is that H better not grow up this fast.  I can't believe this was a year ago, he was so little!

Bald is the new black.

Note... the same amount of hair on the blog main picture, and his head now.

When Hardin was born, so many people looked at his head and said that he was going to have a nice thick head of hair.  Now, I am still hearing that the slower it is to come in, the thicker it will be.  I don't know if that's true or if people just say that to be nice.  I didn't have hair until I was two, and it is certainly not a nice thick head of hair.  Either way, I am not really concerned about it.  He wears bald quite well.

And he's sitting up!  Not that long, but he can do it.  Mostly he falls when he starts to reaching for a toy or us.

The Running Men

Slowly but surely, a lot of Jason's friends have become quite the gym goers.  Even Jason goes to the gym 2-3 times a week, like clock work, and has gained 25 lbs of mostly muscle in the past year and a half.  But what is most shocking to me is the runners.  His brother has run the NY Marathon twice, the second time in well under 4 hours.  Mike hit the marathon circuit this year.  And Chuck started with marathons, moved on to 1/2 Iron Man, and then the full Iron Man triathlon.  That is a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, and then you finish up with a full 26.2 mile marathon.  Holy cow.  That was not enough for ole' Chucko though, he is currently training for his first ultra marathon.  That is running ONE HUNDRED miles.  In one day.  And quickly at that.  Seriously, that is running from downtown Athens, to downtown Atlanta... and back.  Of course he's not content just finishing, he's actually been competing in all of these things.  To say that I am impressed is such a massive understatement!That was my long explanation of the pictures.  Those who know these two goof balls would probably wonder seeing their new skinny state with no explanation. 

Mike has a work thing in Atlanta Monday, and was able to maneuver his way into a Saturday morning flight.  Jason picked him up at the airport yesterday, and they headed straight to downtown Athens to watch basketball.  I can honestly say I haven't seen Jason that excited in a while.  Chucko headed to Winder today to claim Mike for the night, and I had fun laughing at those three.  Jason was only slightly jealous that our baldy looks more like those two than him.

While the boys played yesterday, I headed to Atlanta to J's brother's house.  I had a class on photo shop from 3-5, and Cat & Justin agreed to watch Hardin.  It was the first time he has stayed with anyone but our moms, and he did just fine as expected.  He loves watching Cawley do anything, and laying on the play mat kicking various toucans and hanging things with Lillian.

You'd think with all that learning I did I would edit a picture or two.  But I didn't.  Now I'm even more intimidated to touch them, so for now I'm posting them off center and all out of color balance and such.  
Now I added a few edits.  Still have NO clue what I am doing but it sure is fun!

After my class we attempted to take a picture of Lillian to match Hardin's new one... that was taken to match Cawley's old one.  We should have done that before the class.  6pm is not the optimal time to photograph a six month old.  Nevertheless, we got a few cute ones, but will try again for "the one" to go on the antique buffet at Mimi's house next to the boys. 

     Had to do the crazy eye picture.  That was unedited color, the other pics don't do her beautiful violet eyes justice! 

Out of focus :(

My favorite was really out of focus and covering her chin.  Still adorable though!

Is that not the sweetest little innocent face you have ever seen?  Oh I just love this little girl.

The fancy pants I couldn't wait to get on her.  Another one of Hardin's personal shopper's masterpieces!

Sweet Cawley entertained Hardin while Cathy and I played with Lillian.

5 Months

Almost sitting up!

Hellllo Ladies.

The aftermath.

Posted with two minutes to spare...  more about our exciting weekend tomorrow.

It is worth noting that is Hardin's hippest outfit.  It is Juicy Couture, and it was given to him by Cathy's 90 year old Nena.

Shriners and Scouts

First time in a high chair at Utage!  We went at 5 and had the place to ourselves.  
We don't go anywhere without Sohie these days.  Now I get what all the fuss is about, he LOVES that giraffe!

I saw my first Shriner of the season, with his red Fez and all, at the four way stop right by my neighborhood.  I dang near stopped the car and got out and hugged him.  Instead I frantically searched for my wallet in the back seat, and made a mental note to get ten ones to put in my glove box.

It was so good to see his friendly familiar face.  That's his corner, and over the last three years I have come to adore him.  He's pleasantly plump like my dad was, and equally as silly to strangers.  Although he is much older, I can't help but think of my sweet daddy every time I see him.

I also had the incredible pleasure of speaking to the MOST polite 9 year old boy I can ever remember meeting in my life.  I know his parents must hear it all the time, but I just couldn't quit telling them what a pleasure it was to meet their young man, and how impressed I was with his manners, demeanor, language, behavior, you name it.  The mom was of course way too modest for her own good, but also told me what a difference the Scouts program has made with him.

This was music to my ears.  I will never force Hardin to do anything.  But I'll sure nudge him in that direction.  I have always been so jealous of the Boy Scouts.  For all of the fun things they got to do, and also because my church let them wear their uniforms one Sunday every month, while I was stuck in a dress and uncomfortable shoes! 

The love continued into high school, where my friend and I joined the coed teen Adventure group.  We did all sorts of rock climbing, kayaking, spelunking, camping, etc.  We also volunteered a lot with the Boy Scouts to teach them proper techniques for those adventures.  I loved working with the youngins as much as the other stuff, and I'm actually am the only girl I know that was awarded a little college scholarship from the Boy Scouts of America for my community service with them.  I sure hope H man loves the Scouts as much as I do.

Finally, I wouldn't say that he's quite got it yet, but he's certainly liking the solids more.  He makes the most hysterical monkey faces when I feed him. 

Yes, that is a Miami Dolphin bib.  Jason still loves Dan Marino more than any other man in the world.

Mmmm...  Prune Cereal.  Still sticking his tongue out a little instead of letting stuff in!

Sweet Dreams

After photographing the monitor again last night, I decided to try and get some real sleeping baby pictures. He's been sleeping much more soundly these days, so I figured I could go stealth enough to sneak in and snap a few with his closet light on. It worked!

If only you could hear the poor boy, he's sawing some logs. As cute as an almost-five-month-old snoring is, I sure wish his stuffy nose would clear up. We're on day three of runny nose/watery eyes. Still not one other cold-like symptom to speak of, so we're pretty sure it's allergies from having him outside so much this weekend. I'm going to call the pediatrician if it doesn't clear up soon to see if there's anything you can do for them for seasonal allergies.

Look at that wing span!

I just want to go snatch him up.

And hug him, and love him, and squeeze him, and kiss him, and never let him go.

The red light is on because I've been staring at it for an hour.

Today was tough by way of news.  Athens lost a great officer in a selfish tragedy, and one of my brother's dear friends was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  My heart is aching for these men and their families, and I don't even want to try and imagine how either of their mothers are feeling right now.  Really just makes me want to pick up Hardin and never put him down again.  And cry. 

H has had the sniffles the past two days.  I don't know if it's a cold or allergies or what, but it's just the sniffles, so I'm waiting it out.  It's made him extra cuddly though (I should say cuddly at all, he's normally way to busy to cuddle).  Poor little buddy is confused.  I saw him rubbing his nose on the monitor all night.  He never woke up, so I'm happy he's at least getting some sleep through the yuck.

I think I'm going to be praying for a while tonight, so I better go get to it.  

All dressed up with no where to go.

I REALLY thought today was going to be the day I took Hardin to the church nursery.  I prepped myself for it all week.  Got him bathed, dressed, and then when I was about to get ready I chickened out.

See, the ushers at the Methodist church here in Winder are very quick to point you towards the nursery.  The bulletin raves about the great child care available in the nursery.  And in his greeting, the preacher lets you know the nursery is available for children of all ages.  In other words, they aren't crazy about babies in their sanctuary on Sundays. 

Unfortunately, I'm not crazy about my baby going to their nursery.  During the winter it was for germ purposes.  He was so new, and I could just see snotty little noses surrounding him in there.  That's why I thought I'd be okay with it now that it's past cold season, but we've never left him with anyone other than our moms.  I'm sure he'd be fine, but I wasn't ready to try just yet.  I did give myself a deadline this morning though.  6 months.  By time the child is 6 months old I will at least try.  

Sill NOT a fan of tummy time!  He'll learn to roll over by time he's two, I'm in no rush.

Daddy volunteered to feed Hardin tonight while I made dinner (tuna fish sandwiches).   I turned around and started dying laughing.  Jason's crafty, I'll give him that.  I call this technique the "shovel."  Hardin loved it.

Just a swingin.

HP and I were lazy today. It was nice. We started the day on the front porch watching daddy mow the lawn. We ended the day on the back porch watching daddy grill dinner.

In between we had lunch downtown and went to Walmart to buy Hardin a swing we could put up and take down easily. When we got home, J ran over to the Parker's to help unload their big new swing set, so poor Faith got stuck helping me hang the mini swing during her afternoon visit. We bought the front porch swing hanging kit that holds up to 255lbs, but I was still scared. Faithy was sweet and voluteered to give it a test run, and our handy work held up just fine. She's a petite little adult, but I was confident that if it could hold her, H man was just fine.

Daddy got home just in time for the maiden voyage. To be perfectly honest, H was not all that impressed, but I think he will enjoy it this summer. And I know Gigi will enjoy swinging him during the day!

Daddy's boy.

Hardin has become quite the daddy's boy lately.  Whenever Jason enters the room H eyes him until he comes and gives him some lovin.  He get's upset if that takes too long.

Tuesday, the tall, thin, dark haired exterminator came while mom was watching him.  Hardin followed him arouond with his eyes, anxiously awaiting him to come pick him up and play.  Well, the daddy look alike left without so much as a smile for the boy, and Hardin flipped out.  Mom said it took her 20 minutes to calm him down his feelings were so hurt.

I got to experience the daddy craze twice today.  This morning, I was feeding him when Jason left to go to work.  The second he walked in the kitchen, H stopped eating and started squirming to get out of my arms.  As soon as J picked him up, he was grinning ear to ear.  Same thing with his last bottle before bed.  As soon as J came in the room, I had to give him Hardin to finish feeding because he wouldn't stop wiggling to get to daddy.  This just melts my heart.  Jason's too.

He has tired eyes in both pictures from today!

"It doesn't walk?"

...No, he doesn't walk.

"It doesn't even crawl?"

...Nope, he doesn't even crawl.

"So you're just holding it, it's not even really standing?"

...Yep, I'm just holding him, he's not even standing.

That was my conversation with my neighbor's adorable little girl.  I was trying my hardest not to laugh, I didn't want to embarrass her because she was so serious with her questions.  She's so cute, and just loves Hardin, but is quite confused by his immobility!  And evidently, his gender, although she's has three brothers of her own.  Jason is just loving this.  He keeps looking at H saying "It doesn't even crawl."

He's also getting very frustrated that he can't get those feet in his mouth.  I know most babies can, but this baby was blessed with his father's flexibility, or lack there of.  Jason can't even touch his toes.

Not too shabby.

You never know what I am going to get into if I haven't scheduled myself silly.  I woke up super excited to have a completely free day yesterday.  I'd done all the laundry and grocery shopping Saturday, Elise cleaned on Friday, therefore I didn't even have things I should be doing. 

I got Hardin out of the tub, and just couldn't bring myself to put clothes on him.  He's just so stinkin cute in his diaper.  It is Jason's absolute favorite thing.  He'd never put clothes on him if it was socially acceptable.  I decided my project for the day would be to take a few more naked baby pictures before he got too old for them.   

While I am sure they are all kinds of wrong from a photographer's standpoint, from a mommy's, they are not too shabby.  As much as I miss my wiggly little newborn noodle, I am LOVING this phase.  I could literally just eat'em up.  Never in my life could I have imagined how much I'd love this baby boy.

That top one is my absolute favorite.  That's his face 90% of the time.  I tried my hardest to get it to look as much like one of my favorite pictures of Cawley.  

H & O

We had our first impromptu park play date with Ali and Olivia today.  It was both babies first time in a swing and they were adorable!  Livvy is three weeks younger than H, and only about 35 minutes away.  We've found a park near the middle and I just can't wait for many more park dates with them.  Hardin continues to hate the sun, and fusses whenever it is in his face.  I've got to get some sun glasses for the light eyed boy before our next outing!

We followed the park up with a quick trip to Walmart, naps, and sitting in the neighbors driveway watching the big kids for about an hour.  I put him down at 6:30 completely tuckered out.  Hopefully the extra early bedtime will help us spring forward with ease.  He's been back to his 11-12 hour stretches the last 3 nights.  

This mama is thrilled to finally be able to take my boy outside.  No more beige gone beige pictures!  
 

ALL ABOARD!  His train conductor look.

Lovely Livvy

Duck, Duck...  Goose!

Hey Livvy, watch me blow bubbles!

The sun is exhausting.

The leaning forward worked much better.

My little vampire.  This is what happens when the sun hits his sweet face.

20 Miles

20 miles, that's the farthest Hardin is ever allowed to live from me.  And he better be pretty dang happy about that, because at 6:50 this morning, it was 20 feet.  I extended it to 20 yards early this afternoon.  Tonight, I have reasonably settled on 20 miles.  I need to be close enough to walk to him if I had to. 

You can thank Uncle B for that one too.  I rolled over early this morning, scrolled through the emails on my phone, and saw one from B that said "I'm headed to the hills."  Sadly, my first thought was why is my brother going to California, and is he going to meet Lauren Conrad?  Then I opened the email, and saw that there was a Tsunami traveling hundreds of miles per hour headed straight to Hawaii.  I flipped on the news to find out it was supposed to hit in two hours.  So began my melt down. 

Many prayers, text and emails later...  B is just fine.  He was smart and headed to his bosses house in the mountains when the warnings started.  He stayed up there for most of the day and made it back to his house this afternoon.  Everything is fine except for flooding and the boats are all banged up.  I on the other hand, must have a gray hair or two to show for it.

View from the house he waited out the waves in.

This is the pre-Tsunami view from B's back door in Hawaii Kai.  Hopefully it's just as pretty now!