Daddy's Catching Up

Since it's been quite a while since I've posted to the blog, I wanted to share a few photos that haven't already been uploaded.  No particularly good anecdotes or stories; merely documentation of how much fun I have being a Dad.  

 Grace has started reading books to Samuel.  In reality, she's just pointing at the items on the page she knows, but man, it's fun to watch.  

If you look closely, you can see that this is a little bub, in a tub, inside a tub.

I think I just blew your mind!

Grandmuhie's deck is great for having intimate moments with your daughter... 

Serious time officially over: back to being a goofy daddy! 

Who doesn't like to be thrown high in the air and have someone who loves you catch you?

Two Little Monkeys

Two little monkeys sitting in a chair 

Cute as a cuddly teddy bear

Cooperating with mommy so the picture's just right

Now time for books, then say good night!

Birthday Girl

We spent Memorial Day not only remembering those who serve and have served, but also celebrating the 2nd birthday of our little girl. It was the perfect day to have family and friends over, as many had the day off and the sun surprised us with its presence since it wasn't forecasted.

 Grace got a couple new presents. Some Legos from her friend Joey and a wooden airplane from her daddy's good friend, Travis. It came complete with a skycap vehicle and luggage. Her PaPa will appreciate that.

 Grace did an excellent job at blowing out her candles, and since she's two, she got a second mini cupcake and we sang and blew out the candles a second time also!

The kids spent some time outside playing, getting some PlayDoh action and running around.

You wouldn't believe it, but there are 9 kids in the picture below, with a 10th inside napping. Lots of blissful chaos!

Thanks to all who spent the holiday with us celebrating our precious daughter. We can't believe it's been two years already.

Cuteness Factor...

...off the charts!
Picture and comment by Donna Templin (aka Grandmuhie)
:)

My Burly Boy

I bought three 8 oz bottles when I was pregnant with Grace thinking she would eventually grow older and  drink more in one feeding and we'd get plenty of use out of them.  Once we retired the bottles, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I used the larger sized bottles with her. She just never ate that much all at once. She's my little peanut.
Then Sam came along. What I thought was normal, is all being turned upside down. This kid never cries (mind you, my definition of crying is screaming which Grace did plenty of), he sleeps through the night 9-11 hours (which Grace first did consistently around her first birthday), and he drinks 7-8 oz in one sitting. Those big bottles are nearly half his size. I don't know where he puts it.
This past week he had his 4 month check up, measuring 23 and 3/4" tall and weighing in at 14lb 3oz putting him at the 50% mark. If his eating habits mean anything, we'll be moving up in the ranks rather quickly. From the suggestion of our pediatrician we plan on starting solid foods a little early with rice cereal within the next couple of weeks. In the end, it's just more for me to squeeze and love.

Samuel Gets Baptized

Many friends and family traveled far to be here to celebrate Samuel's baptism, and it could not have been a more special and blessed event. My mother took on the chore of making the white garment, like she did for Grace's baptism, and it turned out beautiful. Complete with an adorable bonnet/cap and pieces comprised from my mother's wedding dress.  It's a shame he only gets to wear it once. At least I documented the occasion a bit better than we did when Grace was baptized. Thanks to all who made it and to my wonderful mother-in-law who opened her home and hosted a delectable spread for before and after the event for everyone.

 Godfather Bryan Kirby

 Father Jim blessing Samuel

 The lighting of Samuel's baptism candle

 Just the four of us

The whole lot of us

Missing the Family Already

This past weekend was Samuel's Baptism.  We had a lot of family in town, and we had a lot of fun.  Of course, Grace loved the fact that PaPa was here and spent almost the entire time in his arms or on his lap.  Yes, she enjoyed Grandma's presence too, but I don't think it would be a secret to anyone to say Grace has a favorite.  Aunt Sonia and Uncle Buck joined us with an 11 month old Jack who tore up the floor with his crawling like a driver at the Indianapolis 500; that kid can move!  We were also lucky enough to have Mimi and Great Aunt Rhonda join us.  Finally, of course the Godfather, Bryan and his wife Sou journeyed all the way from Florida to hang with the Templin Krewe for a few days of festivities, fun, & sun.  That's right, I said SUN!

The truth is, even though it was nice to get everyone out of the house, just to be able to clean up a but and have some alone time, we really do miss them already!  Good thing we have a family reunion only a month away.

There are truckloads of photos, and I'll only post a few here.  Look for an entire album posted at Picasa HERE.  Sarah will be retelling the story of the baptism itself in a blog post to arrive shortly.

Grace says, "Let's have a block party." 

Jack says, "Block party?  I'll bring my truck." 

Mimi enjoying some coveted time with Samuel. 

...where Grace was 99.44% of the time. 

Southern style chocolate gravy?  Yes please! 

Sarah working on her still life shots.  

Southern breakfast remnants... mmmmm. 

Grace chasing after Jack "Andretti" speed demon.

Jack making a pit stop with his mom. 

 You would think with all this family around, Sam would be too excited to sleep.  Nope.

 Grace loves books - no mater who reads them to her.

Man'n UP! 

Grandmuhie grabbing some Sam time. 

This kid really is a power sleeper. 

"No, I don't want to hang out with you, 

can't you see Papa is here." 

Grace pretending to be a school teacher for Jack. 

 "...No, you are doing it wrong"

I love you anyway!

Balloon Fun

Our farmers markets have always been great around here. Over the last couple of years they have become larger and more frequent and we love to support them. Scott and Grace went this past weekend while I was working and were pleasantly surprised by some new additions. One of which was a fun lady making balloon objects. She came away with a flower which kept her entertained periodically throughout the rest of the day. This is my new favorite pic.

Happy May Day

We battled the cold today in an attempt to celebrate Spring, hoping it might conjure out the sun. It didn't work. But we had a great time taking part in Tacoma's May Day festivities.