A WRECK IN 60 SECONDS

You give Maddox 60 seconds in my clean house and he will take it from spotless to trashed in...probably...58 seconds. I let him go, too. There was a time when he wouldn't EVER play by himself or get into anything so when he does, I'm cheering him on.

Here is a closer look. Notice - the fireplace is missing a bumper on one corner. Every day when Andrew gets home, Maddox pulls it out from its hiding place and gives it to Andrew. "Uh oh!" It's a tradition.

I still clean a lot (I just can't help it) but I try to balance it with play. So...we cook play food in my pots, dance around to YouTube while I make the beds, jump, yell, throw, laugh, eat...and by 9:00 I am worn out.

That's why I'm glad it's raining right now. Maybe Maddox will nap longer than an hour. And when he gets up, I better be ready.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

I can't sit still for long. Obviously, I can't sit still with a toddler, but even when he's sleeping, my mind is racing, I'm making lists and more often than not I am dragging out the hammer and nails. I love turning a house into a home. Now, this love of mine costs money, so I have a list of "home improvements" and I knock off a couple things per paycheck. Today I found a new home for the lovely wreath that - sadly - did not fit between my front door and glass door. I also painted a wall in our kitchen BLACK. Yep. Black. It's chalkboard paint and I already love it, even though it needs a second coat (which will happen during Maddox's nap tomorrow). Pictures soon to follow.

All my hard work was rewarded with dinner from Moe's on the patio. Couldn't you just pinch these cheeks?

PINK SKIN

I went to the beach two days in a row, which has resulted in pink skin for me. Maddox is still as white as paper. On Sunday, I didn't once get out of my beach chair (thanks to the lovely "but I am pregnant" excuse). That meant Andrew had to take our beach-loving toddler into the ICY waters. Maddox would walk out there until he sank.

Or...until he swallowed salt water, which he did. I had my eyes closed, soaking up the warm sun, when I heard "mamamamama" and then I couldn't help but laugh at his soggy little hat and funny face.

On Monday, Andrew was at work, so guess who had to venture into the icy waters? AND in a maternity bathingsuit. Yep. Sorry, but you're not getting any pictures of that :)

BREAKING THE PATTERN

Since we moved here, we've held to a certain pattern: stomach virus every other weekend. Luckily, we ended that this weekend and have been healthy so far! It's only Saturday, yes, but I'm optimistic.

The weekend started off just right. We had a picnic at Navarre Park and Maddox made a new friend. And he shared! Even his Capri Sun (I know, I know...but what can you do? Boys love to do anything involving germs the minute you turn your head).

I met some fellow AF wives and amazingly none of us fell off the super narrow pier.

Well, if you're wondering why Maddox has a big bump in between his eyes (and another one that his hair is hiding) it's because he is 100% boy, got carried away (waving at the neighbor's dog) and tumbled off the 3 steps of our deck. There was lots of dirt and tears, and a little blood, but he was back at it in no time! Here he is making more mess. Maybe I should just hire a maid to follow him around?

He keeps me BUSY. That is an understatement. But look how handsome he is!

He definitely spices up my life. I can only imagine the spice that TWO BOYS will bring!

A BLUE DAY

Today wasn't a sad day. We played outside a lot and soaked up the sun. I painted my toe nails hot pink - Maddox pointed at the nail polish bottle and said "yummy yummy." I satisfied my craving for mashed potatoes and coffee (weird, yes). And...I finally caved and settled on a maternity bathingsuit. It's not awesome, but it will serve its purpose!

The only blue part about today was the blueberries. We ate a lot of them...one container, to be exact. They are just so addicting. We ate them...then some more...then Maddox dumped his bowl in his water table and we laughed as they rolled down the mini penguin slide.

This is him copying me, which he thinks is so funny.

It was definitely a good day.

FAMILIAR FACES

warning: this is a long post.

My mom and dad came down for a visit...and Ninny surprised us and joined them! I waited at the door for 30 minutes Sunday morning, just like a little kid (right beside Maddox). And then I missed the moment they actually pulled into the driveway because Maddox always poops at the worst times!

Well, onto Maddox. He was thrilled a hundred times over to see those loving familiar faces.

He had stars in his eyes. We all did! It's such a wonderful feeling to be reunited with family - and so fun to show them around!

We ate at a yummy seafood restaurant called the Back Porch, but the best thing was the view: right on the beach!

Andrew got a good laugh trying to eat his crab legs. Maddox was pretty cautious of the thing and stuck to his plate of french fries.

We walked down to the beach after dinner. Maddox loved the sand.

And the water.

Here we are - a family of 4! I found out on Monday that Baby #2 is also a boy. Wow, I just knew it was a girl!

But anyway, for now it looks like I'm going to be the only female around this place. At least boys are funny. Check out Maddox's saltwater-soaked butt.

Mom: "I didn't know we were going to the beach! I wouldn't have worn black pants!" Haha.

Dad, of course, had to bring Maddox some chocolate in his pocket since that was Maddox's favorite thing back in SC. "What's in Papa's pocket?" Maddox didn't forget the game.

My family is amazing. I miss them in the morning, when I sit at my table and wish they were there for laughs and coffee! I miss them when it's loud...when it's quiet...when I see the gorgeous knockout roses that Ninny bought me. They worked in the dirt one day, digging up weeds, moving stepping stones, sweeping, making it less snake-friendly - and in the process Dad found this. And its friend. The water and the scruff really attract these things. Maddox freaked out. He talked about the snakes allll day. And then some more.

After all the drama, we compared belly bumps.

We hit the beach one more time before they left. Yep, it was windy.

Maddox kept his NaNa close by.

What a beautiful day.

And what a beautiful mom and grandma :)

I hate good-byes. I cried as much as Maddox did. I had adjusted here fine, but having them here - it just made me realize that things could be different.

But, I know I have to live in the moment. It's just hard. Maddox is having a really hard time, wondering where everyone went.

Hopefully the sun will shine again soon :) After all, I have lots to smile about and be thankful for-I know this.

FRIDAY NIGHT DATE

I had two hot dates this Friday night.

We pigged out on wings and fries and chips and salsa and celery and Ranch (can you tell I'm pregnant?). Man food. And soo good. I spilled my entire container of Ranch all over the floor. Lucky for me, it looked like Maddox did it.