Soccer

Payton started soccer on Tuesday night. She has been so excited and ready to start, her daddy was too. Her coach was very good with the kids and she had a blast. She thought it was funny they played sharks and minnows and there was not even a pool! She keeps asking when she can go back and play more. As a mom sometimes I get sad thinking about my kids growing up, but watching her play tonight made me realize there is so much to look forward to, a new kind of fun.

Kick off to Claire's Bday

Tuesday we started our birthday celebrations for Claire's real birthday on Wednesday. Ms. Jamie had a play date at her house and made cupcakes for Claire. Claire talked about her birthday party all day, she thought it was all just for her. Then that night we met Papa for a prebirthday dinner. They girls were so excited to see him. Miss Claire loves Clemson. Her favorite color is orange and when we were asking her what kind of birthday she wanted all she could talk about was a Clemson party. Papa got her a Clemson baby doll and some Clemson clothes that she put on right away. She loves her new baby. Then the biggest surprise of all Papa had gotten a tiger paw Clemson cake and surprised us all. Her face lit up when she saw it and was so proud. She had been asking for one, but not being in Clemson I had not been able to find a tiger paw cake so she was thrilled. When we were driving away Payton said "it has been too long since we have seen our Papa," we agree. It was a special night to start her birthday celebrations.

Molly Ryan and Harrison

My best friend Catherine came over the other day with her girls. Harrison has a friend, and a pretty one too. Here are a few pictures of Harrison graduating from little bath to tub bath now that he can sit up better.

Fishing

This past weekend we went to the lake again. It has to be one of my favorite places on earth, my happy place. It is not big, nothing fancy, but just family. There are not any computers, poor cell service, no cable, no dvds, not really any toys, but there is fishing, swimming, playing, bikes, a swing on the porch, and always a grandparent to play with.
This weekend while we were there the girls wanted to fish with Pawpaw. So he put a worm on Payton's hook and she casted it into the water, which she does very good. A second later she said "I got something" and I said jokingly "what a worm." Much to our surprise she reeled up a fish. She was one excited girl and we were shocked. She said "I knew something was on there because Pawpaw told me my pole would bend when I had a fish." A few minutes later Claire caught her first fish too. This started a new interest for the weekend. The girls were all about fishing and over the two days probably caught 20 fish. The fish were biting the hooks the minute the worm hit the water. Pawpaw cleaned the fish and we are going to have a fish fry at the end of the summer.

July 4th

We had another great July 4th at Nana's house. Harrison got his first trip to the golf course, we ate great food, the girls made a birthday cake for America, fun on the lake, boat ride to see fire works with our captain Daddy, and even a surprise trip to Lanier on the way home Monday. It was a busy few days with family, but always fun.

Update on Harrison

Harrison is doing great. He teased us a few times in June by rolling over without assistance, but not until the last couple of weeks has he gotten the hang of it. Every time we cheer like it was the first and he grins ear to ear. He is getting stronger and can tolerate more tummy time with ease. He has started to go outside is safe zone while sitting and reach for toys. A majority of his tests have come back negative, and we are leaning more towards the idea that his hypotonia is benign and will out grow it with time. He had a repeat swallow study last week and improved. We get to go back to nectar thick liquids with hopes of passing thin liquids next time we go in a few months. His therapist said she saw great improvement. I grinned all the way home, the kind that makes your cheeks hurt. We are so thankful to all that God is doing and all that He has taught us during this time.
We have therapy once a week outpatient and he is doing good, but still needs to build up his stamina. Mimi took him this week while I had a class. He knew his Mimi was a softy because he cried after about 20 minutes and kept looking for Mimi to rescue him. He had to be taken out in the hall for a little while for some distraction, but as soon as he saw Mimi again he cried. I guess he knows mommy will make him work.
Aside from this Mr. Harrison's personality is also blossoming. Just in the last few weeks he has started waving is own unique way, playing peek a boo own his own, banging on toys, expressing his frustration through grunting, babbling and singing, and exploring toys. He is a blanket boy, predictable sleeper, fabulous eater, cuddler, and adored by all of us.

Beach

New Smyrna ....
tradition
beautiful beach
kids
laughter
a few tears
yummy food
family
memories