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.