Collin's first haircut

After a few weeks of some consistent nudges from David, I gave in to the first haircut.

I am never eager to cut that sweet baby hair, but it was getting a bit long and over his ears. 

We took him to the real barber shop where David began going, and later Owen. 

It's a real deal old man barber shop. Men sit at a back table playing dominoes. Deer and fish mounts line the walls. You can still get your shoes shined there. 

Mr. Cody was a pro and had Collin trimmed up in no time. 

Even including a first haircut certificate (which he had to dig through a dusty cabinet to find, ha). But it was a great first haircut experience. I could not believe Collin sat up in that big chair and did so well. I guess that "baby" is growing up. 

Here is the post of his brother's first haircut. You can definitely see some brotherly resemblance. 

time at Gammy's and a first

We always wind up at Gammy's house. It just happens that way and it has always been that way. We would got there after school, drop by for lunch, take dinner over, or just go hang out with them. It's a happy homey place.

I also recognize the fact that I am so blessed to have amazingly active and healthy grandparents that don't seem to age. They jump right in with their great grandchildren and are happy to hold a baby

or build a train track. 

One night after dinner, we were all just hanging out at Gammy's.

Meme was talking with Collin (which he loves).

 And he just rolled on over…

I don't know what it is about Gammy's house. Owen rolled over in almost that same spot when he was 2 months old. 

She loves them. Just like she loved us. 

Gammy is so good, I really don't know how she does it. She actively takes care of us all, plays trains, cars, finds snacks for Owen, is so attentive…just like she did with us. 

Everyone enjoys their time at Gammy's.

swimming lessons

Two weeks ago Owen began his first swimming lessons. He went 4 days a week for 40 minutes for 2 weeks. We dropped him off with his towel each day and came back to pick him up when he was finished with his lesson.

The McDowell family has been teaching swimming lessons for 31 years so I felt he was in good hands. 

Ms. Joy and Mr. Travis were great teachers. 

I will be honest though and tell you the first 2 days Owen was excited to go, then the next 3 days were met with great hesitation and resistance...but we went anyway. Then the last 3 days he couldn't wait to go to swimming lessons. I was so proud that we all stuck with it! 

Because in the end that little guy can swim. I am amazed at the progress they made especially to only be 2 years and 9 months old.

Every child in that class could swim by the end of the lessons. The kids in his class probably ranged in age of late twos to early fours.

And my heart couldn't help but smile when Owen interrupted David's prayer at dinner to pray for Ms. Joy and Mr. Travis. 

They clearly left quite the impression. He told me we were going to swim lessons tomorrow. I explained we were finished with lessons for this year. He said, "just one more time Mama."

Here are a few video clips from the Parent's day today:

February fun

February brought tulips in a mason jar.

A little multicultural dining in our weekly dinners.

 Owen's big boy bed.

Our very own firefighter who fights fires all day long. 

And fellowship with these great folks. It is a huge blessing to be part of this life group. We all started getting to know one another last fall and God is kind to give me these sweet souls in this season of life. You don't know how nice it is to go to church and have a familiar face sit with you at church when  your other half isn't with you, who asks about your family, who knows where you are struggling and prays for you, who encourages and disciples you...and who are real with you. So grateful for this group.

 (This was at the chili cook-off at church this week raising money for missions)

first step

My baby took his first step yesterday! Really? Really?




He took a few more today...but hard to catch on camera!

where did my little baby go? Someone please tell me.