Our lives turned upside down, for the first time...

The summer of 2012 started off well! We decided to attempt potty training with Benjamin, who at the time was 2 1/2 years old. Ben is the complete opposite of Nate. He is quiet and cautious. Smart, but not outgoing.  He seemed to be okay with going, but with some practice. June came and went. Nathan turned 9 months old; got two more teeth, said his first word, "Clap, clap," and actually climbed up the stairs alone! We weren't ready for that!  He was continuing to sleep poorly, but the crying during the day seemed to slow down. The boys were enjoying playing outside; especially at the water table.

Benjamin doing his business on the potty!

Ben teaching his little brother the ropes.

The boys loving the water table from Pepere!

July started off with a bang, literally. We hosted the annual 4th of July Sykes family picnic for the first time; taking it over from Stephen's parents. It was a great time spent with family and friends. We spent most of our time outdoors in July; going to the Pittsfield State Forest for picnics, Whitney's to play and feed the animals, and Nathan even enjoyed his first James Taylor concert at Tanglewood.

Our family of 4 watching the parade

Ben sharing his snack at the lake

Nate having fun at Tanglewood

Nathan was even able to travel with me to Baltimore for a bowling tournament. He did great on both flights and thanks to some dear friends, was well taken care of while I bowled. I was really nervous to leave him because I know how upset he would get when I left him at home, but he did so well! I was so happy and proud of him.

Once I had kids, my Dad came up to our house as much as he could, even if he could only stay for an hour or so (we live just under 2 hours from my family in Connecticut). The weeks that he couldn't come up, I would try to get down to the lanes so he could see the boys. I received a phone call on July 25th that my Dad was found not breathing behind the lanes (he owned a bowling alley in CT). He was rushed to the hospital, but did not survive the heart attack. He passed away that day and my life was changed forever. I wasn't able to say goodbye. My boys would grow up not knowing their Pepere.

My Dad reading to Ben (21 months) and Nate (2 weeks old)

The last picture I have of my Dad with Nate

I saw him on July 21st and gave him what ended up being my last hug behind the lanes, the very place he died. I never thought that would be the last time I would see him.

You don't ever really realize how much you truly NEED your parents until major life events happen. I would certainly learn this in the coming months.