Sunday, June 8, 2008

Summer Days in 10 Favorite Ways

Thanks for the calls or e-mails to check in on us since it's been a little while. As you can see from Friday-- no baby...YET! It feels very soon, though, and throughout the day as I think about it I get all butterflies. I'm pretty sure we all do!

These days of waiting hold so many moments I don't want to forget. Among the time with friends-old and new, the projects, the decisions, and all there is a gentle nudging to treasure up the time with our firstborn. Is it possible that we have, not just a toddler, but a little girl developing right before our eyes? One who cocks her head to the side with a huge grin to announce, "HiMommy!" (all one word). One who at the barking of the dogs in the evening gets a wild, excited look in her eyes and whispers, "Daddy!" One whose current favorite book taught her to say "I wuv ew," which she now sheepishly almost giggles her way through as if she knows she's saying something very special. It may not seem possible, but it sure is true.

Thanks for humoring my heart as I think about it all in these quiet am hours. While I can't sleep for all the gymnastics going on, how about a peek as promised (in stories and lots of pics) at some of the ways we're treasuring up these hot summer days? Note that what we consider fun costs nothing or a couple bucks at most... cheap and priceless all at the same time. Now that's a bargain.:)

Tea parties... even Nana joins us via satellite sometimes.



Great play dates... not real dates as Daddy would certainly clarify.

Strawberry picking (and sampling, alright stuffing of her face) with some of the neighborhood gang.




Fresh veggies, almost all in season... salsa style. She is her mother's daughter.


Cleaning fun... yes, cleaning FUN. She is very into the broom, paper towels, and the "duhter" (duster). She'll wipe down anything... please don't be a phase.

Playroom antics like helping Daddy get dressed in the morning or spinning in the ever fun twirly chair.


Library mornings... a sampling of her current interests; you know- dogs/puppies, "Cord-roy," and potties- all the good stuff! Oh and a little art and music some afternoons. Little drummer girl!




Outdoor anything... please don't ask how I got me and my belly in this obviously Olympic sized pool. Have to admit that the pool fit for grown-ups down the street is less of a challenge.




Practice at siblinghood with Cadan... Howells, we are LOVING the double jogger- THANK YOU! One cooler morning Joe aims to take her (them?) out for a first real spin.

And my favorite 50 cents of all... riding the big, polka dotted? "ell-funt." "Whee!" Actually make that $3.00 since Joe was inside the store buying us Caramel Swirl double churned ice cream... mmm!

Would love to hear about your beat the heat, treasuring up days too... do share! Surely I can make it to bed now... do hope!

4 comments:

NurseMarcie said...

Well my friend, it certainly looks like summer is keeping you plenty busy so far. Sure looks like a lot of fun though! I wish I had known you were up late last night. I couldn't go to sleep until 5 am:( I can't believe the time is almost here for baby #2. What a blessing. I miss you all and can't wait to see ya. You look Great by the way:)Take it easy and try and stay cool. They say it is going to be 100 degrees here today. Ouch! Hope to talk to you soon. Give Hope hugs and kisses from Auntie Marcie. Love ya.

Felicia Murrell said...

It was too much to comment on each one! Read the blog all the way to the end. I love it. Doug insists he's starting one of these. Tell Joe to call him and walk him through it! Love being able to share in Hope's life and see the joy of parenting through mom and dad as well. We will see you guys in July!

The Murrell's

amy said...

you promised...and you delivered!!! ok, not literally...no baby yet! i love the new pics and commentary. i must say, you are going to have your hands full! looks like there is no stopping hope's energy and spirit!!! jeromy's aunt has a brand new baby AND a 2 year old...i can't imagine...and you're doing it even closer in age...GO KB, i mean KM. keep us posted and hopefully we'll see you in asheville sometime soon! GOD BLESS all of you!

Anonymous said...

Martins, we are SO thrilled to read of such sweet activities that keep Hope so entertained! She's such a sweet little like you mentioned, growing up right before our eyes! Wow, and so you're due any day! That's exciting! We'd still love to come for a visit soon, but I know that house it going to getting even more company any day now...please let us know when's good for you, promise me! And tell the Hightower's hello for us! It was great to see Dave in Va. and reunite with the Forster's again! Love and hugs to all of you! Stay cool, as best you can...and do keep sharing all the wonderful memories you're making in good ol' TN! ttyl =)

the Visser's