05.31

If summer could be spent on a soft patch of grass, under a shady tree, in the breeze, it could be survived.

05.30

Every day, I realize a little more how fortunate I am. I always have been. But it's easy to forget.

05.29

This role of "big cousin" is not one the boys are used to. They're usually just somewhere in the pack. But they're good at it. They love those kids. And we can see glimpses of the fun that's coming.

05.28

There's no stress a little baby-holding can't melt away.

05.27

When we're there, it's easy to settle down into summer. Bare feet through the grass. Breezes in the shade.  A baseball game at any moment.

05.26

It's probably true that every day holds unexpected events. I guess some of those surprises are just bigger than others.

05.25

It's all still fresh enough, I can remember it when it was all new. The faces, the impressions, the feelings. And honestly, it's so much better than I imagined. I felt a little bit giddy. I may have overlooked some minor infractions.

05.24

I was anxious to get home and make everything perfect. But as we talked, I wished I had no where to go.

05.23

Summer. I hope the reality is as good as the promise.

05.22

When I'm driving at night, a long way from home, I wish that the warm lit windows I pass were my own. And tonight, I'm here.

05.21

And so we begin a new technological chapter.

05.20

He's grown up a lot this year. Added a few "big kid" not-so-great habits. But there's still a lot of little boy in him. In both of them.

05.19

Is it inevitable that what kids deem fun, adults see as chaos?

05.18

If I could just keep my eyes on these little pieces, I think I’d avoid being overwhelmed by the two wholes. Perspective is what I need.

05.17

I retreated to their room for a quiet break. Eli found me, gave me a blanket, snuggled in beside me, and fell asleep. I wish I could have napped with him.

05.16

The “everything will be fine” shock has maybe worn off a little. Replaced by the “you have to pay for a new car” reality. It will still be fine.

05.15

We saw Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto’s helmet. Of the two, Eli was more excited about Joey Votto’s helmet. Sorry BP.

05.14

A screen door, sidewalk chalk, short sleeved jammies. Summer staples.

05.13

We could see the rain on the hill as we drove home. We drove straight into it. And it pounded us and washed away the heat and dirt and dust of the last few days leaving behind only freshness, cool and clean.

05.12

How empty our days would be without our friends.