Dinner Date

Darren proves he still a lady's man. Hailey Owens was quiet smitten with him last Saturday night – which is understandable since he was wearing his muscle shirt. The ladies always love a man who works out.

Going Acoustic

Gary's been playing guitar for Darren since he was in belly. Recently, Darren has started playing himself - with a pick! 

Of course we got nervous that he ate the pick when we couldn't find it one day...fortunately, he had simply hid it from us (not in his belly).

Sesame Street Live!

Out of all of Darren's days, seeing Sesame Street Live was by far his best. We weren't sure what to expect, but he was singing and dancing the entire time. 

We went with Ross and Gavin Brown...Gavin was unsure at first but after his dad bribed him with a hotdog, he was all smiles.

The Birth of a Tomato

I planted a vegetable garden when we moved in the house. This tomato is my first success - besides the basil plant in the background.

Not quite as exciting as the birth of Darren, but a pretty proud moment nonetheless.

First ER Visit.

Picture it...Saturday at 5:00am. Darren is crying and can hardly breathe. We rush him to the hospital. Two breathing treatments, one round of steroids and 13 hours later, they let us go home with a diagnosis of REALLY bad Croup. Fortunately he's doing great now and just needs to take it easy for a couple of days. 

By the way, they didn't make Darren wear the miniature hospital robe - I just thought it was great for blackmail pictures later on in life.

Mommy and Darren acting sick.

The Aquarium with The Spanos

We had a blast this weekend with the entire Spano clan in town. The best part was taking a break from 24-7 eating and heading the The Aquarium. I think we officially scared Darren enough to stay out of the ocean forever.

Asheville was beautiful.

When mom is away, the boys will play...

I go to Asheville for the weekend and this happens....

Walking Update!

Darren can walk with his push toys! Hopefully this means true walking isn't too far away...

An "Ava Comes to Town" Party

Traci, Jeff and Ava made their way to Atlanta for the weekend - a great excuse to get everyone together! We had a blast - Ava can come back and visit any time.

These shoes were made for walking.

Darren was recently promoted to the toddler room at school - where they require shoes. He's not walking yet - we're hoping the shoes serve as inspiration!

Rainy Day Activity.

Blueberries.

If Darren could only take one food to a deserted island, I'm pretty sure he would take blueberries (I would take peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in case you're wondering.) Fortunately, the old owners of our house left behind an enormous blueberry bush that is blossoming this summer - it's wonderful! If the previous owners had actually left the toilet flusher that goes in the guest bathroom, we'd be in good shape!

Spanos go South Park

If Gary, Darren and I were South Park characters, we would look like this.

Cone Head.

We discovered last week that poor Cloey has an ulcer in her eye. Fortunately, we caught it in time and she will hopefully not lose her eye sight. Since the vet has her wearing a cone (for almost 2 weeks now), I decided to decorate it.

She's a lady...oooh, ooooh, ooh, she's a lady....

It's Raining Men!

I'm so excited to announce that Danny and Cari will be the proud parents of 2 little boys!

July 4 Pics!

We had a great time at Lake Oconee last weekend!!! Darren and Jonah played liked crazy - activities included crawling races, bubble popping and fighting to win Baby Charlotte's love!

July 4 Sneak Peak

I promise to upload my pics tonight - I stole this one from Jamie. It was a great weekend at Lake Oconee with The Beales and The Riggsbys!

In Memory of Cocoa

I'm deeply sad to announce the passing of Cocoa - my canine nephew. He was loved by many. Craig and John said their goodbye's beautifully....


Craig and I are saddened that on Monday Cocoa lost his short fight with leukemia. We both held him and with his head on my arm he passed away peacefully.

This was our family and Cocoa was our little boy - so you know what a loss this is to us.

Cocoa was a gentle soul - with a big bark and even a bit of a bite. He had a lot of personality - and for Craig and I - a lot of love. Cocoa was happiest when he was together with Craig and I - and he would do everything with us if he could. He enjoyed his weekends in Maine - or just doing errands around the city - shopping at Duane Reade, or crowding into a dressing room while I tried on clothes. You will remember if you ever saw him give me a hug - with his paws on my shoulders and his nose pressed into the nook of my neck... and he was never more excited and grateful than when we would come home from a trip - long or short. Cocoa had a special place in his heart for by his Uncle Nat, who cared for him when his dads were away (...and truly regretted the one ugly incident).

He came a long way from his first Christmas sleep-over with his Fitzpatrick-grandparents - trying to take down my father like he was a playmate - to keeping a gentle watch at the side of his Spano-grandparents, with care and concern, during the time they spent with us in NYC.

As a rescue dog - Cocoa's time with us may have been short (we adopted him when he was 4) - but it was full. I know that in time - Cocoa has made room for another rescue in our home.

We're going to miss him - and we were lucky to have him.

Thank you all for the support and concern these last few months.

John and Craig