A Wet June

It's been a hectic June! Dayton and I spent the first half of the month sick but luckily, we recovered just in time for my parents to visit. It was a 'wet June' because we discovered how much Dayton LOVES to swim. He has always enjoyed the bathtub but put him in a real pool and this kid thrives! Namie and Bebop were with us when Dayton began to jump off the side of the swimming pool (from a sitting position). He is all smiles from the second he hits the water.

June was a very exciting month with birthdays, Namie and Bebop's visit, a very split lip from lip to bathtub contact (thankfully Bebop was here to calm our nerves) and the birth of a new Hirschenfang, Daniel Hirschenfang on June 21st. Cousin Annabel has become a big sister to a beautiful little boy. We cannot wait to meet him. We've booked our trip to NJ for the end of July.

We are preparing for Dayton's First Birthday which is only 3 days away, July 3rd. My heart swells with pride but also a bit of sadness too as I reflect that in one short year we welcomed a newborn into our lives and now have a toddler running around the house. Time is flying so fast. As he approaches his 1 year birthday, Dayton nearly runs, climbs up and down stairs, says 'Go', 'Mama', 'Dada', and loves to talk in his own language for now. He immediately fell in love with Namie and Bebop's gift of a slide/swing for outside. Check out the video below. He loves the animals more than ever. His favorite game is pushing anything around the room. He has one object in one hand and another in the other hand and pushes and pushes and pushes. He is becoming a bit more needy. For example, "waaaahhhh, I did not want to be put down", or "waaaah, I want to go outside and you shut the door". All of this is apparently normal but it's interesting to witness the transition.

We'll post plenty of pictures when we return from Colorado where we will be celebrating Dayton's first birthday.

My First Birthday - With Dayton in Our Lives

Having Dayton in our lives makes all birthdays just that much more special. Even though Dayton woke up with a 102 fever and was home sick and I was sick too, my birthday this year warmed my heart (and not just because I may have been feverish).

I'm so thankful for all that I have...a wonderful husband, amazing child, and family and friends that bring me love and smiles on a daily basis.

First Birthday Parties Galore!

The 'First Birthday' chaos has begun as many of Dayton's friends turn 1 year old. We've attended several birthday parties over the past couple of weeks. Dayton's girls, Brianna and Sophia, turned 1 on May 20th but celebrated on the 29th with a petting zoo and pony rides.

Dayton was invited to his classmate, Noah's, birthday party this past weekend at Gymboree. Dayton impressed me and the other parents with his ability to scale up the slides ("sliding down is overrated, Mom"). No wonder Dayton's first words are 'Up' and 'Go'! No time to dilly-daddle people!

11 Months Old

Sigh...

I remember last year in June. I was VERY pregnant but felt very healthy with the exception of swollen ankles from the Houston heat. I had pretty much wrapped up everything at work so I was spending the days resting, walking, pilates, swimming, lunch with friends, reading labor stories, etc. We calmly anticipated the big day.

One year later, Dayton is walking on his own and we think he's saying 'Go' and 'Up'. It does not surprise us that his first two words are action words as this little boy is busy!

We are so lucky.

A Dix Family Visit

Dayton had a wonderful visit with Nan, Uncle Jim, Aunt Edith, and cousins Kaitlin and Carissa. The pictures and 2 videos speak for themselves. The visit also provided an environment for many firsts. The first time Dayton was in a pool. He went in with no hesitation and was splashing and kicking his legs within minutes. The first time he sat on a horse! Thanks to cuz Kaitlin for bringing the horsey by! Dayton has also begun pointing at what he sees. In the picture with Uncle Jim, Dayton and Uncle Jim are pointing at the birds flying over the deck.

We all had such a great time and were sad to leave Jacksonville, Florida. Thanks for a fun filled weekend filled with laughter.

Loves His Puffs

I just had to post these pictures of Dayton. They were taken while we were at BRC on Saturday (see previous post). Dayton was enjoying feeding himself some puffs (a.k.a. cheerios) while sitting in Luke's lap. Our little boy really looks like a little boy now...not a baby.

A Family Weekend

It has been a VERY VERY long time since we have been a family - - - in the same city for the weekend. This was the first weekend in what feels like months where Mike was over jetlag and not prepping for a business trip, conference or other related work-crisis. The weekend can be summed up in 3 words.

It was wonderful.

Saturday was a rainy day in Houston so we packed up the diaper bag and went to Barnes and Noble. Dayton had a fabulous time in the kids section and beyond. Mike and I enjoyed exploring with Mr. D.

On Saturday night, we had arranged a neighborhood outing to a new restaurant in the 'hood called BRC (see Big Red Chicken pictures below - - - although the name does not stand for 'chicken'...take the 'L' out of 'clock'). Mike knew we were getting together with the 'hoodies but not that it was also for his birthday. There were 12 1/2 of us in all (including Dayton) that greatly enjoyed our meal and drinks at this new locale. We all had a blast, including Dayton, as you can see from all the smiles in the pictures below. Dayton played on the table, under the table, on everyone's laps and a game of peek-a-boo behind chairs (see pics).

Sunday was spent recovering from the night before. I've become a very cheap date post-pregnancy. 'Nuff said.