Water Baby!

This weekend we took JB swimming for the first time, and safe to say that the kid loved it.  I was not too surprised, as he loves his baths and also enjoyed the kiddy pool.  He's also intent to seek out danger,  and since the pool is about the scariest thing for a parent of course he was drawn to it.

"Where's that Phelps, I'm ready to race…"

Our friends, Kyle and Christina, have a beautiful saltwater pool, and they are always so inviting to friends, family, kiddos, and even the fur babies.  If they didn't live nearly out of state, we'd probably be there more than they would like.  (Just had to get in at least one OTP joke…)

Living the dream...

Enda had a blast splashing around on the shallow end (and even attempted to swim out a few times before one of her parents had to rescue her.)

"Who's ready to dive in and save me?"

But, back to JB:  like I said, he loved the water.  So much that he tried endlessly to get out of our arms.  He tried multiple times to swim away, put his face in the water, go under - all the things his mean ole Mama was not about to let him do.  :)  

"Let me go, Dad, I can do it!"

We didn't bring a baby float with us, which was probably a good thing as I doubt he would have stayed confined.  We did let him play in an adult float with a mesh bottom, although it require both of us to keep our hands on him at all times less he dove over the side (which of course he attempted.)  This is why we have no swimming pictures of him.  It took one of us to hold him and the other person to freak out and say "AAAAAAK, what is he doing, don't let him go under!!!!"    

Fortunately he tired himself out enough to take a nap in the shade.  I could have stayed like this for hours, although JB only needed 35 minutes before he was ready to go again!

Don't get me wrong - we had a blast and I'm very happy he's not afraid of the water, but, WHEW, he's a handful in the water (and on land, for that matter!)  Looking forward to / already nervous about our beach trip coming up next week!

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(I should note that JB was never in any danger, I promise.  I'm being a little dramatic because a day at the pool with a daredevil baby will leave one a bit frazzled.  But, we had complete control of the situation, and would never ever be anything but super diligent with the little guy around the water.)

What's Up? Not Much...

Topics are at a real lull now that we're back to the grind after our fabulous 4th holiday.  There is hope for excitement in the next few weeks: taking JB swimming for the first time this weekend; recreating another TBT photo (get excited!); a music class; a beach vacation.  Lots of fun things!

But, for now, I've got nothing.  Nothing to write about.  So I figured I'd just upload some pictures from the ole iPhone, give you an idea of what's going on with the Sassers, and call it a day.  Lazy, yes.  But it's summer so that's allowed.

Here is some proof that our child likes to eat.  I still make his food, and he's already surpassed his Dad in terms of things he will eat.  This week we tried lentils, and we dig them.

"I'll feed myself now, thank you."

Good to the last drop

JB has become quite the little busy bee lately.  This means that trying to take early calls or late calls (outside of the Nanny's hours) gets dicey.  JB has managed to email gibberish, lock my computer, and close out a WebEx.  Good news is that he loves the computer.  I'm going to keep working with him so that he is skilled in Excel and Visio by 18 months…

"I approve this project, Mama"

"just catching up on some email…"

"I cancelled your meeting, Mama.  Now stop working!"

I forgot to share JB's 4th of July outfit (well, or the one he wore to church during our 4th special).  He was not that excited about it, even though it's PRECIOUS. James says it's because he looks German, not American.  Oh well…

"You embarrass me with these bloomers"

JB is fascinated with the stairs and shoes.  The stairs are - obviously - dangerous and something we try to avoid at the moment.  However, shoes are also a big no-no since JB enjoys licking the soles any chance he gets. Now, I'm by no means a germaphobe Mama, but even I have limits…

"Let me take these upstairs where I can lick them in peace"

Could you keep up with all the randomness?  Did you enjoy the pictures?  Cross your fingers we do something wild and crazy this weekend so I have better posts next week!!  

Oh, and HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! 

Happy Birthday, America!

What a fantastic 4th of July!  

You'd think with all that time off (Thursday - Sunday) I would have found time to update this blog with the pictures and updates from our Independence Day weekend.  However, we were too busy!!  There was so much going on!!  Plus, I had out my "real" camera (even switched lenses a few times - I was serious about my picture-taking, y'all), so get ready for lots of photos.

Every year that we're in Atlanta on the 4th of July, we watch the Peacthree Road Race (one of the - if not the - largest road races in the US).  It runs right down Peachtree, and we've always managed to live right off Peachtree. PERFECT. Since JB had us up before the sun, we were ready to head that way right as the elite runners were approaching our cross street.

Look who we found!

Our neighbors, who we vicariously live through because they are just so much cooler than we are, hosted a tailgate, sponsored by their company, Furbus.  Our neighbor DJed the event, and managed to get the crowd rocking.

After the race there were naps, snacks, walks (the weather was so pretty and not even humid!), and general laziness.  James fired up the grill, and cousin Katelyn and her friends joined us for lunch/dinner.   JB enjoyed some corn cobs, and enthusiastically shared with Enda.

Sharing is Caring!

That evening, some friends invited us over to their high-rise condo to watch the fireworks.  They have the perfect view. JB's Gia was kind enough to baby-sit so we could enjoy some adult time.

Little did the host know that this was also a SURPRISE birthday party for him.  Happy birthday to both America and Calvin!

From their balcony, we could see fireworks going off in every part of the city.  Not only the organized events in Decatur, Lenox, and Centennial Olympic park, but, thanks to the new law that allows firework sales in GA, the neighborhoods, too!

Well that seems safe...

It was a long night of fireworks and fun and food (and some adult beverages).  We had a great time!

(Don't worry, we Uber-ed home)

The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, having fun with the little guy, and grilling.  Plus, letting JB check out the baby pool - which was a big hit!  And because I can't pick a favorite picture of him in his little swimsuit, you'll just have to enjoy them all.

"why is she in my pool…"

What a great way to celebrate the holiday.   You can see why it took me a while to get all this uploaded onto the blog. (And maybe why it's a struggle to get back into the swing of work on this Monday!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Backyard Blooms

This post is brought to you by James - not because he's writing it (it's still me, Jennie), but because all of the pictures I'm about to post are a result of his tender loving care for our plants.  My black thumb of death did not contribute one iota to our backyard.

All these lilies came from our Aunt Wyllene, and have grown to be the stars of the backyard at the moment.  My mother has only told me 100 times that they will come back next year (which I think is her warning to me to not kill them).

Speaking of perennials, guess what did come back this year (that wasn't supposed to)?  My Shasta Daisies!!  Ms. Leron gave me this plant last year, and not only did it survive but it also returned for yet another summer with the Sassers.  It's an annual (plus I severely neglected it), so it was quite the surprise…

Our potted plants are not picture worthy yet, but they will be soon. All this rain, ugh - it's like a flippin' rainforest in the back yard. (I know, I know, I'm from Texas, I'm not supposed to EVER complain about rain….)

The garden is doing it's thing, and I can't wait to actually eat something from it.  We have peppers, tomatoes and beans (plus lots of herbs).

You know who's on the naughty list this year?  Well, and was last year, too? Our hydrangeas. What's a girl gotta do to get some hydrangea blooms around here!  I have the hubby researching it.  They're one of my favorite flowers, but obviously are not happy in their current location.  

So I might not grow plants, but I think we can agree that I grow cute kids.  Am I right?  Look at JB hanging out while Mama takes pictures.

I think the poor thing is like his Mama when it comes to plants and gardening. I get this face every time I set him in the grass.  Not a fan…

Thanks, James, for keeping our backyard looking so lovely!