First Swims of the Year

While many people in other parts of the country are still sitting in snow, Will had his first few swims of the year over the weekend. On Saturday, Will was invited across the street for a swim date with his new friend Ava, who is 19 months old. Of course, he was more interested in all of her cool toys than the pool, but he slid into the pool a few times. Ava and Will have become fast friends, hanging out in the afternoons, but sadly they are trying to sell their home and move into a bigger place, so we won't live as close anymore. At least we'll still be in the area so they can continue to play together. On Monday, Will had another swim date at our house, this time with Elena. The water was a little chilly, but somehow they managed to get over it and swim like fish. He especially enjoyed putting the slide from his swingset in the pool and sliding quickly into the water. We definitely have a swimming baby on our hands, which means that lessons will be right around the corner. Since our little guy loves the water so much, Ben and I (mainly I) have contemplated getting one of those big blue pools to put in the backyard. While I know they are not the most aesthetically pleasing things in the world, Will would definitely enjoy it (as would we) and they come with filters so the daily task of filling, dumping the grassy/dirty water, and refilling the blow up pool then waiting for it to warm up again would be over. We'll see what happens.

What a ham...

Toddler Bed!

Well, it is March and we have approached yet another bittersweet moment in Will's life. Yep, that's right...we have transformed his crib into a toddler bed. Will was such a good little helper in the process. Many friends have told me that this is a trying time as now Will can get up freely from his bed and walk into our room. However, as most of you know, he ended up in our bed at night anyway, so this won't be much of a change. The only difference is that now he can get up himself and walk to our room as opposed to us getting up to get him out of the crib.

And yes, I know many people don't agree with babies sleeping in the parents bed, and of course everyone has a right to their own opinions, but as for us, we feel that these times are so precious and pass quickly that if he wants to come sleep and snuggle in our bed, that's fine with us. There's nothing sweeter than waking up to that sweet smile next to us and hearing him sit up and say, "Get up Mommy, it's nuggle (snuggle) time." (Of course not said quite as clearly.)

So, I will leave you with a few pictures of the transformation from crib to toddler bed. He has not made it a whole night in there yet, but he'll get there when he is ready.

Will standing up in his crib for the last time before the transformation (and yes I cried) Pardon the messy room.

Helping Daddy out.

Tada...It may not be slept in much, but it sure looks good :)

The Treehouse!

This past weekend, we went up to Alexandria to celebrate Ayden's 2nd Birthday! As most of you know, we met the Byrd family while living in Alexandria, and Ayden was born 13 days before Will and they have been best friends ever since. We were definitely not going to miss this party.

Ayden had his birthday party at a place called The Treehouse, which is a children's museum of sorts with various stations and activities for little ones to do. I think the train area was definitely a favorite among the party goers, however the big boys (Ben, Lucas, Pierre, and Hunter) seemed to enjoy the magic floating ball and magnet area.

After all the playing, the kids enjoyed a Thomas the Train cake and enjoyed watching and playing as Ayden opened his presents.

We had a wonderful time at Ayden's birthday party and are so grateful for our friendship with the Byrd's. They will be making the journey down to Lafayette for Will's party in the next few weeks so we look forward to seeing them again soon.

Happy Birthday Ayden!

The Birthday Boy!

If only we could hear this conversation.

Snack time!

They both look so excited don't they?

Luckiest Guy in the World

I'm the luckiest guy in the world, because I had Will and Krissy as my Valentines this year. When I got home from work, they had made me the sweetest Valentine's Day card that I'd ever received. It was one of those moments as a proud Dad and husband where you do your darndest not to get outwardly emotional, while inside your body is a basketcase of joy.


Posing with my little man.


This will be hanging on my wall at work for sure!

Curious George Gets a Diaper Change

One day last week Will came up to me with Curious George and asked to change him into a diaper just like he wears. Seeing how Will fully knows the process of a diaper change, he proceeded to gather a diaper and a box of wipes. He laid his pal George down on the floor and began wiping George's rear end with some wipes... and then more wipes... and then even more wipes, until I'm sure if George wasn't so hairy, you could see your reflection in his back side. Will was so proud to be able to help out George, and you could tell by George's face that he was feeling better too. We hope this means that if and when a new baby eventually arrives that Will will treat him or her with the same kind of care.

Now what do we do if Will's stuffed snake needs a diaper change? That's going to be a tough one.


"Oh no, it looks like George needs a diaper change!"


"Let me wipe his butt clean."


Still wiping...


A clean and changed monkey is a happy monkey.

A Hiking Weekend

This past weekend the three of us decided to visit some of Louisiana's State Parks (we left Lulu at home in case she wasn't allowed) that aren't too incredibly far from our house.

The first park we visited, Palmetto Island State Park, just recently opened at the end of last year and is located about 30 minutes from us near Abbeville. The park is fairly small with not terribly too much to do, but what it does have is first class. The facilities are extremely nice and the trails and views of the swampland are amazing. Of course, the Park's namesake palmetto's steal the show.

We can never fully anticipate how Will is going to respond to a new experience, but what is a constant is that he never disappoints! Our kid took to the trails like he was born a saddle donkey (horrible comparison... I know, but let's just say it's a good thing). Once he saw the gravel path he was off! He ran and ran (checking back often to make sure we were still there) until he couldn't go anymore. It was too cute. When we reached a boardwalk he was in heaven. He stuck his head right up against the rails and pointed out into the swamp calling the water "ba" for bath. Throughout the hike he would find sticks and Sweet gum balls, pick them up, and then toss them into the woods. I think the State could save some money having him on the maintenance crew.

The funniest thing that happened at Palmetto was when we were walking down the trail. Will stopped, turned around and said, "Choo-choo, choo-choo?" For a moment he thought he was at the zoo and was wondering when we were going to ride the train.

On Sunday, because we had so much fun at Palmetto Island, Krissy asked that we go visit Lake Fausse Pointe State Park near the Atchafalaya Basin. Fausse Pointe is a bit further away but well worth the drive. The park is surrounded by a huge lake which is home to the oldest cypress trees in the Atchafalaya Basin. It is also a park with some great hiking trails that our little man could explore.

After driving around the park and playing on the playground we decided to hit the trails. We chose an easy 1.6 mile hike not thinking that we would complete the hike and more thinking that we'd take our time walking for a little while and then turn around. That didn't happen. Will found himself in heaven again! We started off a little slow, but eventually we got into our stride. Will ended up walking a good mile all by himself! Again Will enjoyed removing sticks and leaves from the trail and he also learned that the really big sticks (or roots) are really hard to pick up. The best part about walking around Fausse Pointe for Will was the discovery of the dozens upon dozens of armadillos that live in this portion of the swamp. The "mmm-dillos" were everywhere! I think we counted 30+ armadillos on our hike.

We introduced Will to a new form of outdoor fun, we saw some beautiful parts of our area, and we got some exercise, I'd say we had a great weekend!

Palmetto Island

He was just a little excited.


Showing off the Sweet gum balls before tossing them into the woods.


A view of the palmettos from the trail.


Will got going a little too fast down the trail and bit it. At least he wasn't hurt.


He had a great time, but you couldn't tell from this photo.

Lake Fausse Pointe

Will doing an impression of Dada with his camo hat.


Enjoying the day.


Playing on the natural playground equipment.


Sitting on the boardwalk with Momma pointing out "mmm-dillos."


"Mmm-dillos" were everywhere! Too close at times.

Say Cheese!

I think it is safe to say Will has an enjoyment for life. We have definitely been blessed with a happy baby...Enjoy the smiles :)

Just enjoying a beautiful day outside.

"Keep the pictures coming Mom!"

So silly

Obviously just finished eating spaghetti.

Lovable ladybug. (This is one of Lulu's old halloween costumes he found in the closet yesterday and just had to put it on.)

This picture is bittersweet to me, as it's the first time I've seen him looking more like a little boy and less like my little baby. Happy Tears.