Year 5, Day 302

As usual, Christmas brings with it a return to my boyhood home in Myrtle Beach. Even with a drive that took far longer than it should have (with the inclusion this year of a dog), Miles was all smiles as he walked up to the door of my parents' house last night. I was sort … Continue reading Year 5, Day 302 →

Year 5, Day 129

Before we left to head back to Charlotte this morning, I had to coax Miles into completing his morning routine. Fortunately, with the weather a bit unpredictable this weekend, we had an unopened package of marshmallows that, while intended to be toasted over a fire, were now just waiting to be consumed raw. And Miles … Continue reading Year 5, Day 129 →

Year 4, Day 302

After last year's COVID-related lockdown, Miles was excited about heading down to Myrtle Beach to spend Christmas with Grammy and Papa. So excited, in fact, that he helped pack his suitcase so we could get out of the house faster. NOTE: It was not helpful. As is the norm when living with a toddler, it … Continue reading Year 4, Day 302 →

Year 4, Day 275

Grammy, Papa, and Uncle Ben headed home today, but before they left, Grammy was determined to have Miles show her around the neighborhood playground. It was a request he fulfilled with zeal and éclat. While also evidently filming a hip-hop video. On the playground, Miles was able to demonstrate just how active and versatile he … Continue reading Year 4, Day 275 →

Year 4, Day 273

In a Thanksgiving first*, we stayed home this year and hosted my parents and brother at our (yeah, still) new home. No lie -- it was nice to NOT drive for once! When I told Miles the day was starting with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, he immediately asked why we weren't going to the … Continue reading Year 4, Day 273 →

Year 4, Day 121

Sometime earlier in the week, probably Wednesday, we started talking to Miles about our weekend plans. Specifically, we were heading to Myrtle Beach for a beachside memorial in honor of Jaclyn's father, after which we'd have a party in his memory. We'd be staying with my parents, and my brother and his wife -- whom … Continue reading Year 4, Day 121 →

Year 4, Day 2: Miles’s Third Birthday – Part 2

It's been over a year now since we last drove to Myrtle Beach to see my parents, and while video chat has helped keep my parents in Miles's life, we thought that we would make a quick trip down for his birthday. Despite the eight hours of driving it meant for me today, everyone was … Continue reading Year 4, Day 2: Miles’s Third Birthday – Part 2 →

Year 3, Day 354

Miles received a Valentine's Day card from Grammy and Papa (and Uncle Ben) today, which was exciting enough for him, but then he opened the card to find something he hadn't really seen before. Yes, within the card was a crisp new five-spot. "What this?" Miles asked, holding the bill up. "That's money," I said. … Continue reading Year 3, Day 354 →

Year 3, Day 298

"Look! A picture of a raccoon and a picture of a possum!" "That's cool, buddy! Can you hold them up so I can see them? And smile?" Thanks to Grammy and Papa for sending along what are already two of Miles's favorite Christmas presents.

Year 3, Day 253

Tonight, Miles informed us that he wanted us to pack him in an extremely narrow box and ship him to Grammy's house. Hey, whatever it takes to see his grandparents in the time of COVID!