Monkey

Mom, there is a monkey on my tush...

Our little SWIMMER

Last night, we tried Garrett's sun hat and swimsuit on him.  You can see how thrilled he is with the hat.

Well, we had to make sure it fit for our swim date today.  We both donned our swimsuits (scarier for Mommy than Garrett, I am sure!), launched the float toy, and next thing you know, he was swimming.  Ok, he was just kicking his legs, but that is sure a start!

Since Adam couldn't be there (someone has to work to pay for the little swimsuits), I was under strict instruction to document the day.  So, here is the video proof of Garrett's first swim.

I know what you are thinking...

that woman is spectacular!

She makes cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate souffle cupcakes with mint whipped cream, chocolate cake dips, delicious corn, delicious sticks.  But all those desserts are just the icing on the cake!

Ha!

Icing on the cake...desserts..get it?  She is spectacular because she'd also laugh at that joke.  Or at least laugh at me while looking at me in a loving/pitying way.

This woman is spectacular because she is a master of finances, keeping our household in the black and still finding ways for us to have a few occasional treats. 

She makes my lunches during the week.

She enjoys going to book stores.

She enjoys making delicious dinners.

She is so darn cute!

But mostly she is spectacular because she is an incredible mother.  This weekend I've been able to see first hand, many times, just how good she is at mothering.  She has been having "tummy time" with Garrett every day and helping him prepare for rolling over.  If it was left to me I don't think I'd ever think of such a thing.  I'd just keep placing him on his back and expect him to just one day figure it out. 

She has conversations with Garrett.  She narrates her day to our son and tells him all sorts of interesting things.  I'd just stare at him hoping he would smile soon. 

She named the stuffed animals in Garrett's room and has him play with them.  I'd never think to do that. 

Last night, Laura, judge at the church's chili cook-off, was smart enough (and kind enough) to thrill many women by passing him around.  She said she was socializing him.  Garrett needs to be used to the arms of others, not just Mommy and Daddy. 

She is spectacular because, not only is she a great mom, she still makes time to take Bobby out on a walk everyday. 

I love this woman!

where's the ice cream?

Garrett has turned into an occassional thumb/finger/hand/arm sucker...

Scenes from graduation

Saturday was a very exciting day for the DeClercq family: Ricky graduated from Biola.  He is the third (if you count me, except I was a Bostwick when I graduated) of us to graduate.  And Joey is prepared to be the fourth since he is transferring there in the fall. 
Here are some pictures from the big day...

listening to Joni Erickson Tada speak

Ricky getting his empty diploma cover from President Corey

waiting for Uncle Ricky

there he is

it's bright out there

we survived another outing!

how her garden grows

I have long desired to have a little garden.  Tomatoes, basil, peppers, that sort of thing.  Well, I finally just up and did it.  With a little help from my mom, we planted 6 serrano pepper plants, 2 tomatoes, 2 green onions, and basil.  I have since added 6 strawberry plants.  I also have 2 cilantro and a thyme plant to put in pots today.  This whole dig in the dirt, water it and reap the harvest may just be addicting.

And look, two of my little tomatoes have turned from green to yellow... next stop red!

Laura and I agree...

We should get extra Christmas gifts for this one here: