-Henry Ward Beecher
July was filled with busy days, nights and weekends, the calendar filled to the max. But on the rare moments we did find some free time, we soaked up every minute of it. The casual family dates and backyard bon fires, matinees and family walks were balanced with the scheduled cancer walks and county fairs, cousin weekends and play dates.
July was also the month that Ashton decided he was ready to potty train. Since the experience training Spencer was extremely frustrating and unpleasant, we were in no rush to start it with Ashton. Until one day Spencer yelled across the house that Ashton just peed in the potty. Then he insisted on wearing undies. And then all of a sudden we were in full blown potty training mode, and I had little, to nothing to do with the matter. Here we are a few weeks in, and Ashton has basically mastered it. I still carry extra clothes in my van and rarely does he wear clothes while we're at home and I sometimes still trail after him with a towel cleaning up piddle in his wake, but I think it's safe to say that my diaper-wearing baby has been promoted to an undies boy. But the best part of it all: he practically trained himself. If we learned anything from our first go-round potty training, it's to take a back seat and let the kid take the reigns.
On this final July evening, I'd like to look back on the month that whizzed on by with an outline of pictures.
I. Relay for Life, Cousin Slumber Party, Cousin Beach Day.
Spencer and I hopped in the van and headed back to my hometown for our cancer walk, leaving Daddy and Ashton home to go fishing. The night ended with a Cousin Sandwich on Aunt Hopey's couch. Then before heading home the next day, we had a beach day and ice cream with cousins.
II. Backyard Bonfire.
III. Sundays at Grandma's.
Photography by Spencer. |
IV. Dates.
Park dates. Daddy dates. Mommy dates. Family dates.
V. Random doings.
A. Book Lovers.
B. Potty Training.
C. Just Like Daddy.
D. Brotherly Love, Band-aid Edition.
E. County Fair.
F. Little Shoppers.
G. Slobbery Kisses.
H. Mommy Photography: Noir.