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...

Tad is One Month Old





On Saturday, Tad turned one month old. He now weighs 9 pounds, 14 ounces and is 22 3/4 inches long. He is becoming quite the bruiser and we are having a great time as Tad begins to explore the world. He had a busy weekend including lunch with Grammy, a barbeque at the neighbor's house and dinner with Grammy and Gwynne Davis. The Davis family are dear friends of the Howells and Johnny has known Gwynne his entire life, so it was fun for Tad to meet Gwynne. Tuggie adores Gwynne, so he was also very excited for the visit.