Christmas 2009

Parker enjoyed his Christmas a little more this year than last year. He still won't remember, but he was able to participate at least. He preferred the paper of course and the box. He loved the toy Packer golf clubs that Daddy bought for him. He has a great swing, just not at the ball. Today we are celebrating Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa A and tomorrow with Grandma & Grandpa P. At the same time, watching the impending blizzard that is about to dump a foot of snow on us. Tis the season! Merry Christmas!!

The Quicker Picker Upper

It is amazing to me how a child can be entertained by the simplest things in life. Exhibit A: Bounty Paper Towels. Parker spent a good 20 minutes playing with the package. He pushed it everywhere, picked it up, slammed it down, and bit it. Yes, bit it. He bites and chews like a dog. He still is not allowed to have his board books since he chews those to bits. However, I think most of us would admit - whatever keeps him happy.

Innocence... right?

Such a sweet and innocent child he is. Or does he have a motive? I put Parker in his crib the other night so that I could clean his room while I ran the bath water and not have to worry about him getting into dirty diapers or jumping in the tub. I finished his room, turned off the water and returned to the crib to undress him and get him ready for the bath. I took his clothes off and diaper. Now, I don't know if it was the cold air or what!? He then proceeded to pee all over his bed. I tried by best to catch it in the diaper, but have very little luck. To make it even better... he giggled the whole time. Innocent? Maybe... maybe not. We shall see when he turns 18. Or 16. Hmmm, he is Preston's... we shall see when he turns 2.

We also received his professional 12 month photos today. He also let his 'mark' there too. During his birthday 'suit' session he got a cupcake to smash to pieces. When he was done with it he then peed all over the leftovers. It was priceless.

Good Times

A laugh is a smile that bursts ~ Mary H. Waldrip

No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk

Parker, Parker... you are a strange little man. Parker has mastered his sippy cup. He hasn't had a bottle in 2 weeks and is on whole milk now. He has been such an easy child with little fuss and little difficulty. I can only hope our future children are this easy! With that being said, he does the strangest things. This morning he was sitting his high chair drinking his milk while I prepared my lunch for the day. I noticed he was playing with the cup and smashing it against his tray. Lately, he has been pressing it upside down on the tray and letting all the milk out... creating a wet mess and a wet messy Parker. I got everything together for my lunch, turned around and what do I see? Parker pressing his face against the tray trying to suck the milk off and yet blowing bubbles in it at the same time. Trying not to laugh, I asked Parker what he was doing? He stopped and looked up with a smile all over his milk coated nose. What a silly, silly baby!

Butterflies!

This weekend Grandma Sharon & Grandpa Bob took us to the Sertoma Butterfly House. Parker was in awe at these little flying insects everywhere! Grandpa had a butterfly land on his head and carried one around on his shirt pocket for about 10 minutes. I had a huge blue one land on my shoulder as well. Parker and I were treated by a green butterfly that made its way from my purse, up to the strap to cross Parker's shoe, and up the strap of my purse to my shoulder before fluttering away. It was a great experience with Parker. I am so glad we got pictures to show him later! It will be a fun place to take him as he grows up.

Too Much Turkey!

Grandpa had the privilege of watching Parker on Black Friday. He apparently had too much turkey as he had a first while under the watchful eyes of Grandpa Bob. Parker was playing hard, pretending to be a dog as usual, climbing in the kennel and climbing out when he decided to rest his head for a minute. Zzzzzzzzz. He was out like a light. A great moment in Parker history.

Those Sweet Moments

I love those little moments that Parker can create without trying. Whether it is a smile, laugh, word, sound, or simply nothing at all he can always leave an imprint on my mind. Yesterday morning as I was getting my lunch ready to take to work, I noticed he was quiet. That's never a good sign. I walked to the living room (where he was playing) and he was no where in sight. First thought: 'Ahhh! Bathroom!' So I scurried to the bathroom. Nope. I walk into his room prepared to see him surround in ripped diapers, baby wipes in his mouth, and destruction everywhere. Nope. There he was in the corner of his room, sitting on his knees, reading his books. He was so quiet and content that I left him while I finished getting ready. It was such a precious moment for me.

One Year Ago Today

Here it is 11-18-09! Parker is officially 1 at 9:31pm! I can hardly believe my 7lbs 1oz, 19.5" baby is now 24lbs 8oz and 29"! I don't know what amazes me more: him growing and developing at such a rapid pace in 12 months or my discovery of how rewarding and euphoric motherhood is. It has been the most amazing, breathtaking, life changing, momentous year of my life.

Parker, you are the light of my life, the heart of my soul, and everything that I live for... you are what I dreamed of and have the most capturing smile and energy. God bless you for everything you have brought to my life. Happy First Birthday my sweet little glowbug!

The First Party!

I haven't posted in awhile since I have been planning this first birthday party, but here it is! Parker was so entertained the entire afternoon. I was worried he would feel overwhelmed with all the people in the house, but he didn't even pay attention to them. He just wanted to play! After we had a light lunch, Parker opened all his gifts ~ he ran away with the store! He got so many cute clothes and lots of fun toys. Since the party he has been in Heaven with all the new fun stuff he has. After the gifts he ripped into his cake - very hesitant at first. Daddy gave him a taste and then Parker had no problems finishing the task at hand. He did so well all day. The only problem we had was bedtime. He had so much fun and was so busy playing he did NOT want to go to bed. All in all, he had a great day and it will be a very memorable one for us. Thanks to all who came!

My Newborn

Since this is Parker's birthday month I thought I would share some moments from a year ago. I amazingly stumbled upon this video while sifting through his newborn pictures. Preston took this while the nurses gave Parker a bath about 2am. I was back in recovery waiting for them to return. I remember viewing the video one time, but was in a fog of course. So, when I watched it the other night I ended up in tears. Even though it's only a few seconds long - it was long enough to flood my mind with glorious memories of my tiny little Parker only hours after his first breath.

Spooky Halloween!

Parker was a Dinosaur for his First Halloween! We didn't go trick-or-treating, but spent the evening at a friends house enjoying all the costumes that came and went. I found the dinosaur on Ebay for 10 bucks, worn once, and originally purchased at Gymboree. Why spend big bucks on it when I know he won't fit in it again? Parker's costume was determined earlier in the year because from day one Parker would always growl or roar. We started calling him a little dinosaur when he was only a couple months old. Then when he started teething he would roar just before he attacked you with a gummy bite! Now, it's not so gummy, but with a razor sharp 8 teeth! Biting is also something we have been working on as it's a bad habit he has started. We haven't determined if it's out of frustration though. In my opinion, he just gets in that mood. He bites for fun and when you tell him NO! He smiles. So we have begun "crying" as a resort. He bites, he pretend to cry and in turn he cries out of remorse. I was very surprised the first time I tried this. I honestly didn't think it would work, but it did! He is an emotional baby. Not so much a drama king, but if he hears another baby cry in the store or while we are just out and about... his pouty lip comes out and he sheds a couple tears.

Smooth Talker

Parker is full of gibberish lately - he could talk your ear off! Jajajaba this and dadaya that! We have been really working on mama, but he refuses to let it be heard! I have decided he will say it when he needs to - so apparently I have been doing my job correctly :D I also figured it was time for another video of him walking... which he has also smoothed out.

Parker has also been waking up in the middle of the night again. Luckily, he is not fully awake so I am in and out in seconds. Though, that still requires getting out of bed :S

Falling Leaves and Baby Pumpkins

The clouds and rain finally lifted for an evening and let the sun shine! Therefore, creating a perfect opportunity for some great fall photos. Parker was much more interested in what Milo was doing and didn't seem to care much about the pumpkin or leaves that engulfed him. It was rare to see him sit for that long just watching since he is constantly on the go now. He has walking figured out and uses it about 80% of the time now. Of course, he still finds interesting ways to give himself a black eye by falling onto toys (luckily you can't see it well in the pic). I am sure this weekend will be the last of going outside in just a sweatshirt... winter will soon be rearing it's bitterly cold head our way.

Ladies and Gentleman...

We have a WALKER!! Parker is 11 months old today and has been perfecting his walking. It's not great yet, but he is definitely on a roll. 2 weeks from his first steps and he is using walking as his form of transportation now (with a few bumps along the way of course). He looks a bit drunk as he goes, but balance is quite a feat to get a hold of :)

Seasons Come & Go

Well, Summer was here and Winter has come. Oh, but Fall was here for a couple days and decided - eh - not so much. I know that Fall/ Winter has arrived not only by the firey leaves, geese flying south, dropping temps and the pumpkin on my counter, but I bought hot chocolate today. Most importantly, drum roll please... it's snowing with an expected 2-4 inches. Oh the joys of South Dakota. Having said that I consider the snow to be arriving on time even though it's not quite mid-October yet, but what do you expect? Though, it being South Dakota I am sure we will hit 60 degrees yet this month as a kiss good-bye. Hey, it could be worse :)

Sweet Memories

As November approaches I can’t help but sit in amazement of how fast this last year of my life has gone and how much it has changed. There is no greater appreciation for life as your baby in your arms. I remember November 18, 2008 like it was yesterday. The day is still so clear in my head that I almost don’t even recognize this little dinosaur that I have now. Children are special, but Parker has something that makes him so extraordinary – a part of Preston. Parker truly is a gift from God because he was given to us after Preston’s near-death experience. Parker showed up only 2 weeks after Preston’s truck accident which left his truck in shambles and his soul shaken. Instead of God taking my husband he gave me another life to value more than mine. The pregnancy went so smooth except for the exhausting 24/7 ‘morning’ sickness. Parker arrived 6 days early to my surprise since I was convinced he would be the butterball on Thanksgiving. He has grown up so quick in a matter of (almost) 11 months. He is an active, hungry, rough and tumble little boy who astounds me each and every day. If we kept growing at the rate of an infant’s first year we would be 23 feet tall!

It's Been Nice Kiddo

Parker has been sleeping wonderfully! I am not sure if I should believe him or if he is teasing us this week. Since he received a shot for his ears he is sleeping all night! Generally, he goes to bed about 8:00pm and wakes up between 4:45-6am. I love it! Now, I would probably get so much more out of it if I went to bed when he does. However, with cards coming out of my ears my nights usually end around 11:00pm. Once November arrives I will have a few more quiet nights since all my orders are for 1st Birthdays in November. So, each night that Parker sleeps more than 4 hours at a time is such a blessing!

Some Time Away!

We went to the Cities this weekend for some time away. We spent Saturday at the Mall of America and Sunday at the last day of the Renassiance Festival. We stayed on the 17th floor of our hotel and spent our Sunday morning playing with Parker int the pool! We hit the mall pretty hard. Not only did we spend all day shopping, but we got 'hooked-up' with tickets to the underwater aquarium and 20pt tickets for the rides. We went with a group of friends and a couple of them used to work security there so they met up with some previous coworkers. We also went to the BODIES exhibit that was in town. That was an experience in itself! Sunday was our first time to the festival. It was the last day and rainy, but very interesting to see people dressed up. We ate turkey legs and watched some jousting. Parker did so well this weekend it was amazing. I wore him on my back a lot of the time so I didn't have to fight the stroller. He takes great naps that way too! Well, home now and ready for bed!!

Step by Step

Parker is getting brave!! Last night he decided to take a couple steps and I amazingly caught it on camera! He tumbles fast, but it won't be much longer and he will be walking. I also caught another attempt that ended in a face plant. Enjoy the videos and the amazing process of growing and learning.

Little Glow Bug - What is that about? Well, I wanted to create something a little different and yet special to Parker. Grandpa Bob calls him firefly once in awhile and that kind of sparked it. Parker had jaundice right out of the hospital and the levels just kept rising. 4 days after he was born we had to ‘hook him up’ to a billi blanket for another 4 days. He was plugged into an outlet 24 hours a day in our living room. Already emotional, you can about imagine the tears I shed over that episode. I have a baby and he is already broken! So the name comes from our Parker illuminating the room day and night at the pinnacle of his first week of life. He may not like the name later in life, but as most of you said to us – you can torture your own kids!

Most of you know I started a handmade card business mid-July. I get most of my traffic from online and more specifically a forum I am apart of at babycenter.com. I have a few here and there from family. I have been really busy lately as November nears. I got 3 orders out this week, one last week, and have 2 more going towards the end of next week. There is no logic to working on these cards while Parker is awake as he loves to help. The only time I get is from about 8pm (his bedtime) until I go to bed. Not bad, but sometimes not possible. I have also been blessed with a husband who will help when I really need it. It will be interesting to see where this entrepreneurial idea goes after the end of the year. I am hoping to move to Facebook and Etsy to draw some traffic to the website. I just received the opportunity to be providing much of the wedding stationary for a friend of mine. I have been helping her quite a bit with ideas and input since her recent engagement. I am actually very excited to be helping – I am a sucker for planning and organizing. Well, if anyone gets a minute check out Life Notes at http://www.lifenotecards.webs.com/. There is a lot of work to be done, but it’s coming along pretty well for only being officially up for 2 months.

Mr. Sandman

Last night was a momentous occasion in our house. Parker for the first time in his 10.5 months of life slept 11 hours straight. Too bad I didn’t take advantage of it since I didn’t go to bed until midnight, but I will take what I can get! After fighting an ear infection for 2 weeks and sleeping worse than a newborn for a week, he rewarded us. I can’t help, but think that the shot he received Tuesday for those stubborn ears had something to do with it. He has been so happy in the evenings since and last night ate like a champ. Parker probably ate twice what he normally eats and magically left none to be found in his baby crevices or the high chair. I am in awe. It’s strange to think I have had a baby that wakes up 1-3 times a night since he was 3 months old. I only say that because he spoiled us in the beginning by sleeping through the night by 8 weeks. I thought, “Wow, we are lucky to have a sleeper.” That ended a little too soon with his first cold, which also set the tone for the following 7 months. I guess the real test will be tonight. Can he do it again? I am not getting my hopes up because he IS still a baby.

Have to Start Somewhere

Hello, hello! So this blog is to keep you up with our Little Glow Bug, Parker. Anyone with kids will tell you just how fast they grow and Parker is moving so fast that he is a blur! I wish I would have started this a lot sooner, but better late than never. He is nearing his first birthday and is on the go in every which direction. Feel free to comment and add your thoughts to anything. Also, become a follower!