Papa Comes to Town

I think my dad's heart has officially melted into a puddle for Young Master Alexander

(this would be a traditional British nickname for a young boy)

On my dad's most recent visit, as he stepped out of the car, Alexander exclaimed, "Papa!"

From that moment until his departure, the two had tons of fun and adventure.

Previously, Potatoes was too rambunctious around Grandpops to do bedtime routine together.  Being a bit older and a lot more attentive to books this visit, he loved being read to and tucked in by "Papa"

Per usual, we spent most of our time together outside

Walking around the yacht club

My dad was amazed at how well Xander swings

Sitting by the pool

Helping to put the stroller away after a walk

He wore his shades for all of about 5 minutes

But was not interested in his goggles

 

Though he won't wear one for a prolonged period, he loves to talk about hats and put them on both himself and others

My dad brought corn fresh from his garden.  Alexander loved eating it right off the cob!

On the second morning my dad was there, he and I were sitting by the pool drinking coffee when we heard through the monitor, "Papa!"

This was one of the only times ever that I have not been the first thing Xander seeks out when he wakes up.  These two have a real connection.

We can't wait for you to come back!

Realtor By Day, Mommy by Night (and day and all the time!)

This was a big week both at home and at work

I had my first two closings and got my name on a yard sign!

I was supposed to close on a condo as my very first closing, but due to some holdups (which I'm learning is par for the course), this closing came a day after Daniel closed on our THIRD investment property!

Though I was kind of excited about my first closing being outside of the family, there is truly no one I would rather share life's special moments with than my wonderful husband.

This was a different type of investment for us, as our first was a huge project.  We stripped the Brooks house and redid it completely over a year's time, turning it into a home we would be happy to live in, should we ever need to downsize.

Our second investment property was buying the house Daniel lived in during high school.

This was the first time we purchased a home based strictly on investment potential with no emotional ties.  It is an awesome four bedroom in our favorite Fort Walton Beach neighborhood- 

Elliot Point, of course!

Though there were many ups and downs in the process, everything worked out in the end and we are excited to begin another landlord adventure!

The very next day after closing with Daniel, everything came together for Joel's closing.

 

As an active duty service member, Joel was able to take part in the Paula Sherman Team's partnership with Heroes Home Advantage.  This meant our team wrote Joel a check at closing to thank him for his service!

We are still helping Joel through some last minute hiccups in his beautiful waterfront condo, as our relationship as Realtor does not always end at the closing table!

Also this week, my sign riders came in!  This means I got to put my name out in front of my first listing!  Now we just need to get an offer!

Though I will be very sad to see my dear friends move away, I feel blessed that they have given me the opportunity to list their home.

I am loving the fast paced whirlwind life of a realtor by day!

However, my favorite moments are by far those with my Martin crew!

Family Photo Drop

My mom gave Potatoes spray chalk...he could only spray it if he used both thumbs...

At hibachi to celebrate our closing

An appropriate fortune for Daniel

The cuteness

Thought I broke something in my foot, but it was just a pulled muscle.  Still hurts a week later, but I am fully mobile so that's a blessing!

Also this same week, all three of us drove out to Pensacola to confirm 

that Potatoes needs tubes in his ears

Afterwards, we enjoyed Cinnabon and Skyzone trampoline park

                                       

I got to spend some time with my ECAC fam this week, too!

We were saying goodbye to Lydia, who is moving to Austin  

She is going to kill it as a BCBA in such an awesome city!

Finally this week, we got to celebrate Brynlee turning 2 at an amazing

ice cream themed pool party

Inner tube races

I think the dads had more fun than the kids!

We love our Hunter family so much

This was a very, very busy week filled with excitement and adventure!

This cutie rages until he passes out.  Every day.

Glad he fits so well into our Martin family!

Showering Baby Ward

Last weekend, I made a quick trip home to Atlanta.

One of my very best friends, Rachel, is getting close to having a baby boy with her husband, Tyler.

I didn't think I was going to be able to make the trip, so I called Rachel to tell her that I hated to miss the shower.  With both of us having crazy schedules, we never actually connected on the phone.

With a last minute change, I was able to head to Atlanta while Daniel stayed home with Alexander.

I ended up surprising Rachel by being there!!

I love this pretty lady so much!

It was so great to see my beautiful friend.  She was the first of our group to have a baby, EIGHT years ago!  Now, she is ready to welcome another little boy.

Of our college friends, we now have 12 babies (I think I'm counting right) and there are only two girls.  It wasn't a surprise when we found out both Rachel and Shelly were having another boy to add to our pack!

Funny story- apparently, there was another Rachel and Tyler Ward baby registry in Georgia!  Rachel opened this pillow and asked, "Did I register for this?"

Possibly just as strange I didn't see that registry, but bought her this pajama set that matched the pillow in question perfectly!  Maybe you should think about changing your nursery decor???

Baby argyle socks-cuteness!

Rachel's longest friend, Annick, is about to go into Real Estate, also!

These beautiful ladies through a fantastic shower that was perfectly Rachel!

I drove to Atlanta late Saturday and left after the shower Sunday.  Despite the trip being incredibly short, I missed my little man so much.  This was only the second night I had ever spent away from him, and last time I was out for the Night to Shine Special Needs Prom, so I was very busy dancing the night away.  This time, my mom and I watched a movie and then I had breakfast with my dad and Jay.  Though it was a great, slow paced trip, it was strange not having to run after my crazy toddler.  

I love you already, Baby Ward!