New Hampshire or Bust!

And we're off! First stop: Chateau Howells where the frenchies spent the week. Abby was very excited for her in-town vacation as she really considers herself more of a Buckhead Betty than a burbs girl. Such a diva. Tug was anxious in the car but relieved when he saw wise Uncle Rocky.



Phew! We made it to Boston...

Hanging out with Aunt Jeannemarie!

Trips to the beach with Heidi and Hailey.

Tad's first time wearing pants! Tad enjoyed the cool morning temperatures, whereas I was decked out in sweats and wool socks.

Tad charms the ladies.

The Griswalds held to Billings Animal Farm.

Tad was a bit bored with the animals. Maybe next year.

Coop returns to the scene of the crime where he was head butted last year.

Fireman Coop at the New London Fair.

Back to the beach for another nap.

The oldest and youngest. Brady was still snoozing. Why can't all babies sleep like Brady?

Tad's first photo shoot courtesy of Aunt Meg. Unfortunately, we never captured all three cousins in one shot.

After spending his first two and a half months in the South, we decided that it was time for Tad to explore his Yankee roots. After a rocky start on the plane (Tad puked all over himself and Johnny before we even left the ground!), Tad rallied and was a great little traveler. Aunt Jeannemarie greeted us at the airport in Boston and insisted on driving us to New Hampshire, staying for dinner and then turning around and driving back to Boston for work on Monday morning. Thank you! Tad was thrilled to meet his auntie and very excited when she returned the following weekend. We spent the first few days relaxing at the beach and catching up with the Eastman families. Heidi and I grew up together and had a blast introducing Hailey and Tad. It was crazy to be back at the beach with babies as we had spent endless summer days there for so many years. Heidi and I resisted resuming our old practice of eating ice cream and french fries all afternoon. Tad enjoyed watching Hailey cruise around the beach, as well as Brayden and Finn Pavlik, who treated us to a visit from Boston along with Michaela and Geri. Our adventure continued with a visit with some of the Boston ladies. We are all very excited for Baby Boy Morgan’s arrival in October.

Johnny headed to Canada later in the week for the annual Welles Crowther Charitable Trust Golf Tournament with his friends from Boston College. I was panicked as I could not imagine 4 days without Johnny’s swaddling skills. Needless to say, the burrito was much looser those nights. The rest of the Gaffney crew arrived on Thursday and Friday. Tad was very excited to meet his Aunt Meg and Uncle Joe and hang out with his buddies, Coop and Brady. Thank you Meg for the beautiful photo shoot of Tad featured above. It was interesting to watch the three cousins interact as Brady tried to keep up with Coop, longing to do whatever he was doing, while Tad stared at Brady. As usual, Coop kept us very entertained with his banter. His favorite activity was riding in his beloved Pop’s “golf tractor”. As Megan and Travis aptly describe it, Coop “narrates the day”. Some of my favorite comments were while driving with Coop. It is never a dull trip, as he gives a play by play account of the ride: “up the hill” and “nice driving, Grammy”. Grammy and Pop had planned a fun weekend with excursions to Billings Animal Farm and a fair in New London. Tad enjoyed the trips, getting some quality nap time in the Baby Bjorn. Thanks to Grammy (Jeanne) and Pop for hosting us and spoiling Tad, as well as to Grammy (Pat) for picking us up at the airport when we returned home and stocking the fridge. We would be lost without all of your help.

Rolling Along

Tad hit the 12 week milestone on Wednesday, August 12th and dazzled us all by rolling over. He then freaked out when he found himself face first in the activity map, as if to say, “All my hard and this is the reward?” A few days later he picked his head up after rolling over and discovered an entirely new view of the world (and a rather large frenchie head staring back at him as Tug had raced over after hearing me yell and clap). Tad is now determined to roll over everywhere – on the changing table and bed, in the bouncy seat. His other new favorite activities include staring at ceiling fans, making lots of noises, and grabbing onto his onesie or whatever else he can find, including Johnny’s glasses and dirty diapers. This week Tad also had his second date (it must be getting serious) with Zoe Grace Helton. She was born a month after Tad and is such a sweetheart. Katie (Zoe’s mom) and I work together and were fortunate to have a friend to experience all the joys and woes of pregnancy and now the newborn months.

A brief update on the frenchies: Tuggie is increasingly curious of Tad and likes to lick his feet and sniff his face up close which “the hairless one” doesn’t seem to mind. Abby still keeps her distance and has not shown any interest, but both doggies follow me around the house each day. This is very sweet, except when I am trying to put Tad down for a nap and they decide it is time for wrestlemania round 500 next to Tad’s crib. Abby continues to be our fearless watch dog. A few weeks ago, I could see her attacking something in the backyard. Johnny went outside and found her latest victim: a small turtle. The poor turtle’s shell was covered in Abby’s slobber and she could not figure out where the head and legs had gone. Johnny kindly moved the turtle to the neighbor’s yard. It’s good to know that our 17 pound frenchie will protect us from the ferocious Chattahoochee River wildlife. In true Tuggie fashion, he was very sad that he did not get the chance to befriend the turtle.

The Godfather

On Saturday, August 1st, we celebrated the baptisms of cousins Brooke and Kit. Johnny was honored to be Brooke's godfather and promised to teach her everything he has taught Bryce, including going in and out of the doggie door and promising to read him a third book after he falls asleep. It was deja vous with Deacon Tom and the Boukater and Thompson families as we had all celebrated Elsie and Bryce's baptisms two and a half years ago. Pat and John have hit the grandparent lottery and now have 5 grandchildren! We had a great time catching up with everyone. Bryce and Elsie kept us very entertained, making it difficult to focus on the actual ceremony. Bryce was looking rather dapper in his "dress up babing suit" and Elsie sported her big girl panties, which she had given me a peek of the day before. Is Dora the Explorer on your underwear? Tad enjoyed the ceremony (or maybe staring at the lights and stained glass windows) until we informed him that he will be the next to be dunked. After the church, we camped out at 665 Edinboro for the rest of the day where Pat treated us all to a beautiful luncheon. As always, the hospitality and company were wonderful and we were sad to see everyone leave.

Summer Fun

Tad spent last weekend lounging by the pool. Well, it was more like a deep sleep rather than lounging but he was wearing his swim trunks so that counts for something. Tad has yet to actually venture into the water. On Saturday, we swam with cousins Bryce and Brooke and on Sunday we met Sarah and Claire Cipperly. Claire kept an eye on Tad and kindly offered to share her pacifer. I work with Sarah and she has been a wonderful friend since we moved to Atlanta.

Two Months!

Tad turned two months old last week! He weighed in at 12 pounds, 12 ounces and is 24 inches long. He was not that bothered by the battery of shots, yet screamed bloody murder when the nurse measured his head. I guess Tad did not like the nurse messing with his finely coiffed hairdo. Tad is looking like an old man these days as his hair is rather sparse on top, thinning on the sides and full in the back. I have been told that this look resembles his great-grandfather and namesake's hairstyle. Tad's latest tricks include flashing his crooked smile, checking out his surroundings, scooting across the gym and more stretching... still Tad's favorite thing to do.

Grammy and Grandpop Return!

Watch out Brady, Brooke & Kit, I am packing on the chub.

Coop and Brady told me that this guy is a sucker.

Looks like they were right.

Not sure why Mom & Grammy dressed me like a Pilgrim?

I've got these two wrapped around my finger.

I'd like some wine and salmon from the smoker.

Grammy and Pop treated us to a visit last week on their way back from cousin Dan & Corinne's wedding in New Orleans. Congratulations to Dan & Corinne! We are so sorry that we missed the celebration. We heard that the wedding was beautiful and everyone had a great time in the Big Easy. During their time in Atlanta, Grammy and Pop spoiled Tad and he turned on the charm for them with many smiles. He especially enjoyed a night with both grammys. This past Saturday night Tad hit the town - Mexican food at Tijuana Joe's and ice cream afterwards. He slept through dinner, except for a brief moment when he opened his eyes and looked around as if to say, "where the heck am I?" The loud music lulled him back to sleep...

Pull up a chair, Tad

Now that Tad can hold his head up for longer periods, he enjoys checking out everything from his bumbo seat. Johnny is excited that he can now take Tad to work with him (aka his home office in our spare bedroom).

Happy 4th of July

The Nashville crew rolled into town for the July 4th weekend. We had a great time with them, as well as visiting the botantical gardens and hanging out with the Boukaters on Saturday and Dials on Sunday. Johnny spoiled us with delicious pulled pork and ribs from the smoker, while Cooper kept us all very entertained with his talking. He took a special liking to Johnny, frequently saying "Hi Johnny" and "where's Johnny?" Cooper and Bryce quickly became buddies as they both enjoy going in and out of the doggie door and chasing each other around the deck. Brady and Brooke participated in a competitive game of baby bounce off. Another game to try at parties this summer - Bryce and Coop stood toe to toe and yelled "my watermelon" back and forth, followed by outbursts of giggles. Clearly I need to brush up on my negotiation skills as I tried to intervene and explain that they both could have watermelon. They didn't find this as fun and continued with their game. Bryce left our house wearing just his Hawaiian party shirt and shoes, so it was definitely a good July 4th party. In the interest of protecting his dignity, I won't post the photo. Tad, Johnny and I were sad to see the Bowles leave on Sunday and look forward to seeing them again later this summer.

Six Weeks!

Tad reached the six week milestone last Wednesday, July 1st. He broke out his favorite striped outfit to celebrate. Tad is all grown up these days, napping in his crib and taking his first bottle from Dad.

Joe Meets Joe

We had a good time catching up with Donna and Joe Davis last week. Joe arrived excited to meet "Joe". Tad is looking forward to going to the beach with Donna and Joe next summer and plans on practicing bocce and ladder ball over the next year as he has heard that the competition is fierce. Johnny and I are looking forward to the games, as well as relaxing on the beach and cocktail hour...