"A Little Off the Top, Please"

We had to go see Miss Leslie so you could get your hair cut, and she could meet Shelby. No one cuts your hair as good as Miss Leslie, and we have tried many. Remember the time when a not so attractive, rather large girl with green in her hair tried to cut it? We were desperate and she was available, but you screamed bloody murder. It was so funny. You only want Leslie to cut it. What can I say? You like pretty ladies. Usually Leslie just squirts your hair with some water and snip, snip, snip, we're through. Well today you wanted to full salon treatment-you wanted her to wash it too. So suds you up, she did. You were all business today too. No squirming, no spraying the mirror with water. You were a big boy and you were getting your hair done!

"Come, Play With Me!"

We went to the Children's Museum today with DeeDee, and Miss Stacy and her boys met us there for a day of "hands-on" fun. Your absolute favorite part was the little grocery store. It was so cool; they have little tiny shopping carts, and just about every kind of produce, meat, and grocery cans, boxes, and bottles you could imagine. And it's not the fakey food stuff. They are all life-like replicas of the real thing. And real cash registers, too! The Kid Cafe is where Drew and Ty liked to be. They whipped up all kinds of pretend dishes for Miss Stacy and Dee Dee. You all enjoyed playing eye doctor too; trying on silly glasses, wearing doctor coats, and "checking" eyes. You all got to try your artistic hand too as you painted abstracts with sponge rollers. (I framed your work!) Later that evening, we all went back to Miss Stacy's for your first slumber party. While it sounded good to bunk in with your buddies, you ended up sleeping in the bed with Mommy. You always have such a great time with Ty, Drew and Ryan, and of course, Miss Stacy!

"Playmates"

Today we got together with all our old friends at Miss Stacy's brand new house. It was absolutely lovely, and your favorite part- it has stairs! This was everyone's first time to meet you Shelby, and everyone thought you were an absolute doll. Landon, all your pals (except Everitt) were there...Ty, Drew, Ryan, Bella, Caroline, Luci, Taylor, Emily, Nick, Garrett, and Kaylie..and the newest friend, Baby Jack. Miss Stacy set up the infamous waterslide, and yall had a blast slipping and sliding down it. There were even some somersaults, backwards and forwards. We enjoyed great conversation, laughs, and sharing babies. It was so great to see everyone again. It seems like we've been away for much longer than three months. So much has happened since then. The play continued well into the early evening until we booted the kiddos out and just the ladies went to dinner at Zea.

Theresa & Stacy

Sarah & Kirsten

Aimee & Susan

"Under the Sea"

Dee Dee took us to the aquarium today. You really enjoyed checking out all the little fishies and sea life. You flitted from one tank to the next looking at everything. We saw Nemo and Dorie, your favorite, and tiny seahorses too. I think they were my favorite. Dee Dee liked the jellyfish the best. We watched penguins play and sea otters swim and roll. You even got to pet a real baby shark. You thought that was pretty neat. In the rainforest area, there were huge anacondas which really amazed you, and beautiful scarlet macaws, "just like on Diego." Shelby slept most of the time as usual. The pictures I took are horrible, but you get the gist.

"On the Road Again"

Well, we made our first road trip with two kids today. Landon, you're a well-seasoned traveler; you've been running the roads with Mommy since you were four weeks old. Mostly on trips to Shreveport to visit Poppie and JuJu and Me-Me, and now we are switching directions and traveling south to visit DeeDee and Papa. I was a little nervous this first time out; how would Shelby do, will she cry after being in her seat a little while, will Landon be wild as he has been lately, will he demand to "get me out of this damn car" like he did the other day (by the way, he did not get this from me, as my choice expletive is S-H-I-T)?? All of my worries were completely unfounded. You both did beautifully!! Shelby slept the entire way, except for our stops which were strategically planned to kill lots of birds with one stone-i.e. nurse, potty, get snacks, eat. Landon watched his movies and played with his cars and only asked "are we there yet?" two times. It did take us about seven hours to get to New Orleans, but all in all it was a good trip.

"We-Are-FAM-I-LY"

Today was our annual Hyde Family Reunion. We've been having the gathering for about twenty years, and it originally started as a Thanksgiving tradition, but has moved to the summer so the little ones could swim at the clubhouse. This was Shelby's first year, so she got to meet all the aunts, uncles, and cousins today. We had a huge spread of food and lots of great catching up and conversation. We even had an "early birthday" cake for Me-Me, who turns 89 in October. Landon, you and Daddy joined Emma and Kylie in the pool and had a great time splashing about. You are really enjoying the water, and even going all the way under. Chris and Becky brought their dog, Pee-Wee, who wasn't real sure about you, but you tried so hard to make friends with him. Everyone thought you and Shelby were so cute! When everyone was leaving, you told Aunt Janene, "I'm glad you got to meet me." So funny! It was a great day; so good to get together with all your family on JuJu's side.

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame!"

This evening Daddy and I took you to your first ever baseball game. We went to Fairgrounds Field to watch the Shreveport Captains play the Fort Worth Wildcats. Tonight's game was special too; they asked all the fans to bring their dogs to the game, since they were playing the "Cats." There were all kinds of dogs out tonight, big and small. As we went in, we could see you were overwhelmed with the sights and sounds of the ballpark. You seemed a little clumsier than usual, as you tried to take it all in. We had great seats, and you asked lots of questions. "Why that man said that?" as a fan hollered out to the field was one. You couldn't sit still for long though, so we went and got Spongebob Cotton Candy and Daddy treated you to a Captains hat, eye patch and sword. It looked like a pirate costume to you (and us). You loved it. While we were walking around, we came across Captain Jack, the mascot who looks just like a pirate. You were a little intimidated and had nothing to do with him. We eventually moved up to the bleacher area, so you could have a little more room and space to roll your cars. But, as the game went on, you got more and more restless, so we decided to cut it a little short. But you seemed to have a good time, and so did we. The Captains won 12 to 4.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillars"

One of my favorite flowers is the passion flower. Many years ago, JuJu and I found a vine on the side of the road, dug it up, and transplanted it in her backyard so that we could enjoy its beautiful blossoms. I simply love how intricate the flower is, and anyone that sees it cannot deny there is a God. You can literally watch it unfold as the tight bud opens in the midday sun. Anyway, several years ago, caterpillars descended upon it; caterpillars that turn into Mississippi Frittilary Butterflies. They come every year, eat the leaves, spin their chrysalis, and hatch into beautiful orange and black butterflies. Well, while in the backyard today, you discovered the caterpillars. How excited you were too. We explained what they were doing and what was going to happen, and you said, "Just like on Wonder Pets." Yes, just like on Wonder Pets. That made me feel a little better about the amount of Noggin you watch. We will keep our eyes open for when the caterpillars move through their next stage of metamorphosis!

"Mr. Toad's Wild Ride"

Landon helped Poppie and Daddy mow and powerwash the frontwalk this afternoon. You pushed your little mower up and down the hill. You pretender to powerwash with JuJu's mini powerwasher. While outside you and JuJu found a little "brown-hop-toad." He was so cute, and you had to hold him. You were so proud and you named him Chummy (I have no idea where that came from). You had to show us all, including Shelby. That poor toad. You carried him around in your hot little hand, until finally he made his escape. (JuJu helped him with his getaway!)

"Funny Business"

Landon, you are always making us laugh with the silly things you do, or the very matter of fact way you say things; you have the world figured out. You keep us smiling so much. I can't possibly write everything that is funny or cute but here are just a few recent ones.

The Frog- Recently we were loading up to go somewhere, and you got a head start to the driveway, while Mommy and JuJu gathered up all the necessary paraphanalia. You came racing inside announcing that you had found a frog. When you held up your hand, we saw your frog alright!

The Milk - The other day, I was pumping, and you came over wanting to know why I was pumping the milk out. I told you Mommy had too much milk for Shelby to drink, so we will save it for later. You said, "I want some milk from the pumper." So I poured a very small amount in a cup for you to taste, knowing what the reaction would be. You sipped it and immediately were spitting and sputtering! You said, "I don't like it, I need some water now!" It was so funny. So don't worry Shelby, the milk is all yours!

*

The Aggravation - After your bath a few nights ago, you wanted to get out "all by myself." You wanted me to leave the bathroom altogether. Not trusting that you wouldn't slip and fall, I insisted that I stay nearby. You groaned and announced, "I'm aggravated!!" It was hilarious. I wonder where you learned that word??

"The Mummy Returns"

I've been reading this book by Dr. Harvey Karp called "The Happiest Baby on the Block." It talks about the sure fire ways to calm a fussy baby. Shelby, you're a really good baby, but it also touts it has information to help your newborn baby sleep longer, and Lord knows Mommy needs more sleep! One of the things he talks about is swaddling. He says babies feel more in control and are calmer when they are tightly wrapped, because they can't flail about. We swaddled you in the hospital and shortly after you came home, but then it seemed you were aggravated having your arms bound, so we stopped. You do sleep, but only for about 2 or 3 hours at a time, and at the end of that time, you grunt, and grunt, and grunt. You're not really awake, and you certainly aren't crying like you're starving to death, you're just very restless. So, last night, I listened to Dr. Karp, and followed his wrapping technique. YOU SLEPT FOR FIVE HOURS IN A ROW!! Maybe it was a fluke, but we are doing it again tonight. I also learned a technique to help you keep your paci in your mouth; a little reverse psychology, ha ha!

"Cool Rider"

Landon, you are such a big boy now, riding your bike like there's no tomorrow. You seemed to just skip over the tricycle stage and headed straight for the two-wheeler. Okay 4 wheels, including the training ones, but who's counting?! Today we were out riding in the driveway, and you decided you needed your little car out too. Then you requested tape because you wanted to pull your bike behind your car. I explained that tape wouldn't hold your bike on your car, and you said, "But I saw a Febrolet with a bike on the back." So I got a bungee cord and we hooked those suckers up! And you towed your bike behind your car just like the Febrolet!

Shelby enjoying some fresh air, while brother tows his bike.

"Movies & Moonbeams"

This summer, Bossier Parks has sponsored an event called "Movies & Moonbeams." It's a giant inflatable, outdoor movie screen where they feature a kid's movie once a month. It was at a ball field this time, with lush, thick green grass, and the feature was "Over the Hedge." Mommy, Poppie, and Nina took you to the show-Dad was out of town, and JuJu stayed home with Shelby. With lawnchairs, snacks and a blanket in tow, we set up camp right in the front. It took a while for it to get started, but you were entertained just by running through the field with some older little boys. You were also amazed by the millions of bugs swarming around the lights. When the show started, you did settle in and seemed to enjoy it. Not as much as the adults, however. It was a really funny movie! One that we should add to our collection for sure. As we were leaving, you said, "I want to come back here and watch another movie," so I would say you had a good time.

"We All Scream For Ice Cream!"

This evening was the citywide ice cream social at Betty Virginia Park. You, Shelby, JuJu and Mommy loaded up the "chariot" (this was its maiden voyage) and headed over for the party. First things first; we had our ice cream sundaes. Then you wanted to get your face painted-an ice cream cone and popsicle of course. We headed over to a somewhat shaded moonbounce, and you had a great time jumping with the big kids. You watched one big boy jump and do flips, and you told me that when you get bigger, you want to do flips like that. So you started practicing with a few somersaults. You played on the playground, swinging and sliding. It was SO hot. You got soaking wet in the non-draining water fountain-YUK, but really it probably felt pretty good. After a couple of hours, we (Mommy & JuJu!) were ready to go. So we loaded up the chariot again and headed out. Just in time, too. Shelby was hot, hungry, and helpless, and equally ready to go; okay, eat. You had a lot of fun.

Here's Shelby- hot, not yet hungry, but oh so helpless!

"Sticky & Sweet"

Landon, today you helped JuJu pick figs in the front yard. The enormous fig tree is about twenty-five years old, and each summer it is loaded with figs. You have to pick them early, so the birds don't devour them first. You got your first taste of figs and you really liked them. It's a hot, sticky job, but the "fruits" of the labor are all worth it. You were very excited to show
Me-Me how many figs you picked.

"Sweet Shelby Sue"

Shelby, you are changing every day. You're about six weeks now, and you are definitely thriving. You weigh 9 pounds (oink!) and are about 21 inches long (you eat about every 2 hours). Your little cheeks are so full, and you are starting to get folds on your arms and legs. You are beginning to smile when we talk to you, and you have a lot to say to us with your coos. You have started really enjoying your bath, but don't really like the getting dressed part. Although you sleep on your back at night, your favorite naptime position is on your tummy. You are so happy all curled up. We love watching you grow day by day.

"Working at the Carwash"

Today you helped Poppie wash cars! You love to "wash" your little cars in the sink or in the bathtub, and the real things are no exception. And not just one car in the driveway; oh no, all three cars in the driveway. You, first, however had to be a mechanic and check underneath the cars for any "squeaky belts." Once you scrubbed and soaped and washed and scrubbed some more, you and Poppie got out the big vacuum, but not before donning matching sweatbands! You worked that vacuum on all three cars. Y'all did a great job and the cars are squeaky clean inside

and out!

You've got your "glubs" on for those messy jobs. Okay, they're really dirty diaper baggies.

"Chee-toes"

Surprisingly enough, baby toes, when covered by socks all day, can get kind of cheesy. Call me crazy, but I love it. When Landon was little I would always smell his cheesy baby toes and exclaim "Cheetos!" And Shelby, you are no different. You've got those same cheesy little toes which I absolutely adore! I guess it's a mommy thing; we love everything about you, even your stinky smells.

"Let's Go To The Movies"

This summer, we have been enjoying the free Family Film Festival that the Simple Church has sponsored at two local movie theaters. The first week, we got there a little late and didn't get a seat, so we paid for a movie down at the Boardwalk. After tickets and snacks, the "free" movie quickly turned into a $30 Mommy and Landon date. We saw the movie "Up," which was really cute, and you seemed to enjoy. Since then, we have gotten up and out a little earlier and not had any trouble getting a seat. Of course we still have to have movie theater popcorn with butter (there is none better), cokes, and candy, so the free movie really isn't! But we have a good time. We saw "Charlotte's Web" last week and today we saw "Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." There are still a few feature presentations left this summer, and we plan on going to every one!

"34 & 1"

Today, we celebrated two birthdays. Nina turned 34 years old, and Shelby turned 1 month old! We had a great lunch with everyone at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro followed by birthday cake at JuJu's house. Landon, you had your share of "lard icing;" you had a huge blue and green flower and lots of red rope trim off of the cake. Shelby slept through the party, but she will have her cake later since Mommy had her fair share too. It was a good day. We are so happy to have Nina up here now, and know this will be a great new beginning for her!

Here's Shelby, partying it up.

"Miss Lady is a Month!"

My, my, how time has flown. I cannot believe that you, Shelby, are already a month old. You are even more beautiful than the day you were born, if that is even possible. And you have changed so much. You are certainly filling out, now that we have that nursing thing down! You've got chubby little cheeks and a double chin! You weigh 7# 12 ounces, and you have grown and inch and a half already (20.5 inches long now). Your hair looks like it might be lightening a little, but your eyes look like they are going to stay BLUE!! Landon still absolutely adores you. He always wants to know what you're doing (even when it's blatantly obvious), what you're saying when you coo or cry, and he loves to smell you! Sometimes his kisses are a little rough, but he means no harm; he loves you so much, as we all do.

"God Bless America"

This Fourth of July evening, we all went back to to the track to watch the fireworks show. DeeDee, Nina, JuJu, and even little Shelby joined us for this event. We were worried Shelby might be bothered by all the noise, but she slept through the entire thing. You really enjoyed watching all the beautiful colors explode overhead. You particularly liked the purple ones. The show was rather short this year, but we all had a good time. As we left, you loaded up to go back to the "hotale" with DeeDee and took off with her. We hadn't even gotten out of the racetrack parking lot when we got a call from DeeDee. You missed your Mommy and Daddy and wanted to come home. So we stopped and once you got to the Circle K, you wanted to go to the "hotale." And you went back and forth, until finally we made you decide. And you decided to come home. But, oh my goodness, you were very upset with your decision. You were hysterically crying to go with DeeDee, but we had to draw the line somewhere. When you get overtired like that, you change your mind incessantly! It makes us crazy. So you screamed and cried the whole way home, during your whole bath, and while we got you dressed. Finally, Daddy took you outside to see the neighbors shoot their fireworks and just like that, you were over it. God Bless America!

Here's Shelby at the Fireworks Show. She looks excited, doesn't she?

"Hot Diggity Dog"

Today is the Fourth of July! At Louisiana Downs, they had a Weinie Dog race this morning. We thought that would be kind of funny, so you (Landon), Daddy, Poppie, and Mommy went down to the track to see what it was all about. Even though it was in the morning, it was still so hot; the temperature got to 100 degrees today. There were lots of people there and lots of dog contestants and spectators. It was so comical to watch these little dogs and their owners race down to the finish line. Some went all the way, and some stopped as soon as their owners did. You got so hot outside. An Icee (with the emphasis on the C as you say it) cooled you off, well sort of. Shortly after, you decided the races would be better viewed from the stands in the air conditioning. Not a bad idea. We finished watching, and then went back to Poppie and JuJu's to have a big lunch of Bar-B-Q chicken, baked beans, potato salad, and flag cake. It was a good start to America's birthday.

"Mr. Fix-It"

Landon, you helped Poppie be a plumber today. Me-Me's potty was broken, and y'all had to replace the float valve. You held the flashlight for him. You were a great help. Just check out the pictures!

"Nature at Your Doorstep"

Today, you and Poppie played outside in the heat. You rode your bike and your new scooter, and you found a box turtle. You named her Annie. Oh, that poor turtle! You poked and prodded her, and I think even dropped her once! Sorry Annie! You couldn't understand why she wouldn't come out. Smart move, Annie. Finally after much manhandling, Poppie convinced you to let Annie rest under a bush. Later, you brought Mommy out to see Annie, and she was gone. I explained to you that Annie had to go home to her family, and you were okay with that.