King of Good Intentions

Today started out with a great plan. I got up with Joey, and then when he went down for his morning nap, I was going to run all my errands. I made it to Costco to try to print out my sister's rehearsal dinner invites, only to find out they don't read .png files at the computers in the stores. So I'll upload that tonight and pick up the sample in the store tomorrow. The good news is that I had planned it so that all the stores I had to hit where within a half mile of each other, so I didn't really go that far out of my way. I hit Target and picked up baby food and printer ink, and then to Nordstrom Rack to return some shoes I got for my niece that didn't fit. And since Old Navy was right there, I figured I'd stop in and see what they had. Picked up another hat and a swim shirt for Joey. The only trick was to get home before Joey woke up and before I ran out of gas. (My light went on as I was getting to Costco.) Mission accomplished.

As I was driving home, I was thinking to myself what a gorgeous day it was, and that we haven't had many of these days, and wouldn't it be great to go swimming. Instead of calling my mother-in-law immediately to see if they had any plans (they have a few pools in their complex), I thought it would be better to check with my husband. Got home, he was up, and completely on board with going to his parents. We called a few times, and nobody answered, but we figured, "how long could they really be out?" So we futzed around a bit, and just before Joey should've been ready for his afternoon nap, we headed out. By six o'clock, with no in-laws and no afternoon nap, we called our favorite Indian place for carry-out and headed home.

Joey was all ready to go swimming. He looked so cute in his trunks and swim shirt. I think we'll put it all back on tomorrow and maybe just get a little pool for our own backyard. Or stop by our friends' house and borrow theirs. There's always next weekend for the big pool.

The Grass is Green

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day. And after the coldest July 8th in 118 years, we needed it. After our afternoon nap, we went outside to play with the dog. Joey hung out in his stroller for a bit, and absolutely loved watching Ginny run after her fishy.

Yes, I know he's not centered in this picture. Sometimes the composition isn't always just about him. I wanted to make sure my mom got at least a glimpse of all her hard work. The annuals have really come in nicely in this little garden. It's absolutely beautiful to walk out on the deck and see the purples and pinks and reds and oranges. And there's finally a bud on the rose bush they planted this spring.

We also went out and played a bit in the grass. Joey is absolutely intrigued by the green stuff. I imagine he's thinking, "it's kind of like Mom's hair, but not really." He could've played out there for hours, but I needed to get dinner started. And now it's time for bed. Sweet dreams!

Dressed to Kill

For those who are curious (and I was one of them), we tried on the outfit Joey will be wearing in my sister's wedding. The pants are a little big, but otherwise, he's ready for GQ!

And have no fear. He might not have shoes (still deciding) and will eventually end up barefoot, but we already have black socks for the big day. Might just pick up some black shorts for the reception (in case it's too hot).

Is It Safe

After brunch on Sunday, we went to Joe and Gloria's for a wonderful rib dinner. They gave Joey this caterpillar rocking chair for Christmas, and I think he's actually starting to enjoy it. Needless to say, every time he's on it we find something else that makes noise. The antennae, the feet. I'm sure the seat makes noise somehow, too, we just haven't figured it out yet.

If you want to see him in action (sort of), click here. After all the excitement, Daddy and Joey decided to take a nap. Well, Daddy did. Joey wanted more of that bottle, first!

We played a bit in the ExerSaucer this morning. Yes, I know, this outfit is getting too small for him. But I'm doing the one thing I told everyone not to do and trying to stretch the 9 month clothes for just one more appearance. After this, though, I think I'll put them all in storage.

And I promise tomorrow I'll post at least one picture where Joey's smiling.

Another Boy

We went to brunch yesterday with the Schulers. Table for seven, please. Four chairs, two high chairs, and a spot for a carseat. I think the rest of the restaurant was a little scared. Aside from a minor meltdown by the two-year-old, they were all very well behaved. Joey got to sit in the big-boy chair again, and little Sammy (who's not so little anymore) "stopped by" to chat. It was so cute. They were both grabbing at each other's faces and trying to figure out who this other baby was.

Aren't these two adorable? Big sister Annabel loves to hold Sammy. Uncle Joe assured us that his lap was getting a little warm with the two critters sitting there.

Just Chillin'

We kept it pretty low-key today. I mean, it was only 70 degrees outside and overcast or raining. Once again, they had warmer (and nicer) weather in Fairbanks, and once again, I'm not really complaining because when you don't have central air, this is perfect July weather. We had fun playing with Joey today. Here's one of Joey and his Daddy.

And of course one of Joey and his Mommy.

He was fussy again today, mostly towards the end of the day. I'm hoping another week of this teething stuff, and then we'll get at least a short break. Although by the time these three come through enough that they don't hurt, I'm sure the fourth will be breaking through. Oh well. He still has the sniffles, but no sign of that fever, which is great. No other developments, so I'll leave it at that and go enjoy the rest of my Fourth.

Rubber Duckie

If you've seen Joey in action, you know that he loves to kick when he's hanging out on his belly (and his back). Well, that love for kicking translates very well into the bath tub.

He did practically kick all of the water out of the tub, but that's what bath time is for, isn't it?

Joey is also getting some of his top teeth, which has been trying on all of us. It started out with the outer incisors, but now I can see that he is also getting at least one of the inner incisors (front teeth), and probably both. Can you imagine cutting four teeth at once? Poor thing! Fortunately, we can still make him smile (occasionally), but the poor guy's been so fussy and crying in the middle of the night. The good news is he should be done with all of this in time for the wedding, and shouldn't start cutting any more teeth for at least another month. (He was relatively late to start the bottom teeth, but then almost immediately started cutting the top ones, which seem to be more painful.)

Oh yeah, and he's still constantly playing with his feet, if not actually eating them, and he's gotten very good at pulling his socks off! But he's still our Snuggle-saurus.