daddy daycare...

As summer begins and Andy and I switch roles, I need to give a HUGE shout out to the love of my life, amazing teammate, and Daddy of the Year (a unanimous vote by yours truly and the little munchkin)! I know there are a lot of great dads out there, but Calvin and I are a little biased and think that this guy is the best!

Andy and I feel very fortunate that we were able to both spend a significant stretch of time with Calvin at home. I know that most men either aren't able to or don't stay home with a little one for paternity leave, but I am so thankful that Andy made it a priority and we were able to make it work for us.  It ended up being the best thing for out little family of three!

Andy will admit that it started out rough, but luckily the challenges were short lived and only lasted for a couple of days. By Day 4 of Daddy Day Care, we were all adjusted to the transition. In the time that Andy stayed home, he was able to figure things out to help Calvin thrive, did things in his own way, and ultimately bonded with Calvin in a way that is extremely special. During his time at home, Calvin always had a smile on his face and the result is a strong relationship with both of his parents.

Here are a few snapshots of what Daddy Day Care was like...

Calvin and Andy will always have the two months that they spent every day together to look back on as something special. It is obvious to me the benefit of this time when I see Calvin's eyes shine as he looks at his Dad. I am so thankful that I have such a true partner in this game of life. It definitely is NOT a little thing, but one of those big things that makes life that much sweeter.

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birthday buddies...

The other day, Calvin (and us) got to hang out with little Jack (and his parents).  As you can see from the photos, we were quite focused on our two little guys.  It's pretty hard not to be with these cuties!

From being very similar with their stats when they were born (on the same day, within hours of each other), they are quickly growing apart in their similarities.  Now, we are just hoping that Jack doesn't beat up on little Calvin when they are older!

The boys were equally interested in each other and it was hard to keep them apart.  

Everyone had so much fun, including us parents and we can't wait to do more play dates in the future.  Especially, when they can end like this.  

The little thing that I shared back here about many of our friends starting families is playing out beautifully.  It gets better each time we are able to get together with each other and catch up on life as parents and how our little people are growing.  We are all learning that parenthood isn't everything we thought it would be and, at the same time, it is exactly everything we thought it would be.    

big decision...

I thought about it for a few weeks.  

I just recently revealed my decision in public.  

It is going to make my life so much easier.  

That's right, folks...I'm growing out my bangs!

This major decision came about after weeks of inner contemplation, a friend's encouragement who is also growing her bangs out, and thoughts about ease of get up and go activities for the summer minus the time of styling bangs.  

After a few self-conscious days of the revelation in front of middle school students and my husband's stamp of approval, I think I am ready to fully commit to the project.  

Here I am world...minus the infamous bangs!