A Christmas to remember

First we'll start with Christmas Eve- where we went to an awesome Christmas Eve service at church. There was no nursery so the boys were in the service with us. Such a special night....

Afterward we came home and got in our PJ's so we could go look at Christmas lights!! Doesn't Parker look excited?!?! :) We ran through Wendy's for some yummy dinner and went a lookin'! Once we got into the neighborhood I brought Parker up with me in the front seat so he could really see the lights! SO fun!!!

6:30am came along this morning and my little Parkerman arose...I went and got him and we came in and began jumping on the bed excitedly waking daddy up so that we could start the Christmas day process.

So we got up (Beckham was still in bed...I figured he wouldn't mind us starting the presents since he is only 2.5 months old!) and ran into the living room. Parker opened his first two presents- a tent with a tunnel attached and a puppy dog pillow pet.

At about this point, little Beckham made his appearance!!! We opened a present that Grammy and Poppy gave him and he was thrilled as you can tell! :)



We then at our pancake breakfast that Blake made for us...YUMMY!!! He made my pancakes say I love you....SO sweet!!!


NOW...time for the fun...as I was cleaning up Parkerman of his syrup this was awaiting him in the garage!! A gift that Gigi/Poepoe, Grammy/Poppy and Mommy & Daddy all got him!!!


So we got Parkerman all dressed for the cold and went out to get his new Powerwheel!!!

Once mommy got in it and showed him how it drives- he got the hang of it and LOVED IT!!!! All he wanted to do all day long was drive his new "TRUCK"!!! His best friend Wesley came over and got to have a ride too. SOOO precious! Parker wasn't the best at steering, but he could drive in one heck of a circle!!!!! :)

After a nice morning nap and a visit from Grammy and Poppy- we loaded up the car and went over to Gigi and Poepoe's house for the remainder of the day where we got to spend time with Mimi and Papa and Aunt Autumn and Uncle Jimi too.

We ended the night with putting my sweet precious Beckham to bed and then going into Parker's
room and turning the lights off and getting into his tent with a flash light. It was the greatest ending to the greatest day getting to play just a little bit more!!

What a WONDERFUL day it was. The joy I get to experience of making Christmas morning fun for my child (soon to be children) is unending! The joy I get from creating new traditions with my own family is the BEST!!! I get to be a kid again and it is SOOO fulfilling! I can't express the excitement of having children and I am loving every minute of it. Today, I was standing out in the freezing cold watching Parker drive in a circle on his powerwheel...it made me so happy- so happy to watch him enjoy such a fun gift- so happy that I could stand out there and allow him to have plenty of time to just drive. How awesome today was...how awesome how awesome! I know it will only get better...I know the excitement, as Parker and Beckham get older and understand more about Christmas, will grow to be even better! Praise God....thank you, Father, for my little family...thank you that I get to enjoy these holidays. I look forward to incorporating Jesus into our holidays and having time in God's word amongst all of the presents and excitement!!!!!

Today...was such a Christmas to remember!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quick laugh

Today- while I was wrapping presents for Christmas, Parker brought me his police truck (not a Christmas present) for me to wrap, just for fun. So, I wrapped it and handed it back to him. I asked him "well, are you going to open it?" and he began to unwrap it. With my assistance we got it open and once it was open he said "WHOOOOOOAAA!!!!!". haha...he has already learned the art of "acting" surprised! :)

He makes me smile

When he sees me after being apart and yells "HIIIIII" with a big huge cheesy grin

When he holds his hand out towards something and says with passion "It's HOT"

When he says goofy things like "Whoooo WEEEE.....It's hot!!!!"

When he walks around the house with his hands held out palms facing upward and saying "Where de go"???? Mouth open and genuinely looking for where "it" went.

When I say "ready set go" and he squats down getting ready.

When he takes his shoe off and sniffs it, then says "puuuu WEEE!"

When he asks for something and I say "what do you say?" and he says "Pwhee!!!"

He makes me smile so much during the day....he is such a funny goofy child and everyday I love watching him grow and learn news ways to make me smile!!

The blessing of grass between my toes...

Today, Parker, Beckham and I spent much needed quality time out on our driveway. Parker was "mowing" with his little lawn mower and I was holding Beckham. Parker went out into the grass and was having so much fun that I decided to go join him and let Beckham experience grass on his little tender feet. From there- we laid Beckham in the grass and then Parker laid next to him...and then I laid in the grass next to Parker then we collected leaves and I would throw them at Parker who would then laugh and squeal with joy. It is the BEST feeling in the world that God has blessed me with a body that is physically able to sit in the grass and roll around and play with my little boy (soon to be boys :) ). Father, thank you for your kindness, grace and mercy towards me- that I can enjoy life with my boys and FEEL and ENJOY the blessing of grass between my toes!!!!!

Save that dance...

Last night, as I was getting ready for my girls night- I had the ottoman moved out of the way and Christmas music was playing on the TV....it was just Parker, Beckham and I home and we were all three in our PJ's (my girls night was a PJ party). I looked at Parker and said..."Parkerman, dance with Beckham and I!!". Parker got so excited and did his run around crazyman dance while squealing; then he would run into the kitchen and run around the island while I chased him squealing just as much! Oh, how I will cherish these nights of dancing in the living room....oh how I will cherish his sweet little innocent smiles and excitement over spending time with his mommy being silly and goofy. Parker- please always save a dance for your mommy as you grow up into the man that God intended you to be.

Sweet times...

Sweet times include:

Sitting on the couch with my arm around my Parker snuggling close while he watches movies of garbage trucks on my itouch.

Laying my sweet Beckham on the changing table (or smile table as I have named it) and then seeing him give me the biggest cheesiest grins and coo's!!!

Watching Parker stack all of the couch cushions up- then looking so proud once he's done.

Going in to pick up Beckham out of his crib when he wakes up in the morning....so sweet.

Marching around the island with Parker in the kitchen with cooking utensils singing as if we are in a marching band

Sitting on the floor with my arms open WIDE saying "one...two...THREE" and then having Parker run and JUMP into my arms with his arms squeezing my neck as tight as he can

Playing in the back yard with Parker teaching him what "ready, set, GO!" means and then racing him across the yard.

Seeing Parker turn and look at me over his shoulder begging me to come chase him and then seeing him giggle and run when I jump up after him.

Laughing at my sweet Parker when he is being silly and goofy and then watching him start laughing because I am laughing so hard!

Hearing Beckham cry over the baby monitor and then looking at Parker and saying..."uh-oh (mouth open wide) Beckham's up...let's go get him!!!" and then watching him RUN into Beckham's room.

When I would kick the ball in the back yard, Parker would yell "Whoooooooooaaaaa!!!!!!!". Thinking I just kicked the ball the furthest out of anyone on this earth!

When Blake and I go pick him up from the nursery at church...we peak our heads in and see him playing and then yell "PARKERMAN!!!" and he looks up, realizes it's us and then his mouth drops wide open in excitement and he RUNS to the door soooo happy to see us!!!!

When he wakes up in the morning- he is standing at the door, sometimes with his monkey blanket, sometimes not, waiting for me to open the door...then reaches up for me to hold and cuddle with him.

I love how he calls milk "doke"!

I love that he is so comforted when I am around him or holding him when he is in a new place or uncomfortable place. (See "perfected in my love" blog)

I love love looooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeee being a mommy...I love my boys more than my heart can handle and I am so grateful to the Lord that He has entrusted them to me. It's the best job anyone could have ever given me!!!

One of those moments...

Today, I had "one of those moments" where I was thinking about all of the parents who have lost their children. When I put myself in their shoes it made me so so so so soooooooo incredibly grateful that I have my children on this earth with me. It made me want to go into their rooms and wake them up and hug and kiss them a million times. It made me realize that even on my worst day as a parent....that would be a parent's who lost their child best day because it meant that they HAD their child. It made me realize that the frustrations that I feel throughout the day are so small and so WORTH IT because my children are with me.

Beckham Cole

My sweet little Beckham Cole. He is 2 months or 9 weeks old! What is he like????

Well, for a while, if Beckham wasn't eating or sleeping he typically was crying or fussing. He spits up a LOT and seemed to be struggling with a little case of reflux. However, it seemed like overnight, he began to come alive! He is smiling and coo'ing like crazy and he is starting to be a happier baby when awake. Here is a video of the little smiles and "coo's" that I get that absolutely steal my heart. You will have to excuse the "owl" noises that I make- that is the way I get him to smile and it is almost like he tries to imitate my mouth and my voice when I do it.


Beckham goes to bed around 7:30-8 and sleeps anywhere from 5-9 hour stretches- then wakes up to eat and will sleep some more...typically sleeping an accumulative of 11-12 hours. Accumulative is the word, though...he is not sleeping that straight through! :) However, my 5-9 hour stretches are wonderful!!!! He takes anywhere from 2-3 naps a day lasting anywhere from 1hour to 3 hours.

He is currently participating in pacifier training as he is a baby that needs to suck...so I am working on him to take one. He is not nuts about it, but in crucial moments like nap-time, bedtime or eating dinner at a restaurant...he will take one!

So- that is what is going on with my sweet little Beckham. I love him more than words can describe and as he is becoming alive life with him is getting more and more exciting!

TRUCK!!!!!!!!!

One of my favorite things about being a mommy is figuring out what my child's passion is and then making it my own. Parker LOOOOOOOOOVES trucks...therefore, I had to learn all of the trucks' names. Excavator, Skid Steer, backhoe, fire truck, auto carrier, cement mixer, tow truck, dump truck, tanker, box truck, crane, bull dozer, tractor, and last but not least GARBAGE TRUCK!!! I love getting so excited when we see trucks, because I know he gets so excited! At home, our favorite thing to do on garbage day is to RUN outside when we hear the garbage truck and go watch it. Parker will hear it and then open his mouth as if he is gasping and say 'TRUCK!' and then literally we run to the door and go outside to watch the garbage truck lift up our trashcan and empty it. Usually we get to wave at the garbage man too. Occasionally, Parker will go to the window and say 'truck' and point as if he hears the garbage truck...it is so cute and yet so sad to have to tell him there is no truck outside. Goodness....how fulfilling it is to have a little boy in this stage. Life is SO exciting for him and I love making it exciting for him. I love watching him be goofy and silly and I love encouraging that. I love that he has an imagination already growing and I love watching him use it. It's so much fun to be his mommy....I am going to miss these early years where he is so innocent and so excited about life. However, I look forward to continuing to figure out what his passions are and making them my own, so that I can help make moments, that could be bland and boring like the trash getting picked up, EXCITING and fun!!!!

Bath-time...

One of my favorite things to do is take a bath with Parker in my big bath tub. We sit in the tub and I turn cartoons on my TV that I have in my closet and we sit in our hot bath, playing with toys and watching cartoons. I know, that this is a short time period that I will be able to do this and I am truly enjoying it while it lasts and will miss it terribly when Parker gets too old. We have so much fun and I am quickly turning my little boy into a lover of baths as he wants to take one anytime I even hint at turning the water on! Now that Beckham is in this world he gets to join us in our bath-time and there is nothing better than having my two baby boys in the bath tub with me!

Parker recently started to think me pouring water over his head to wash the soap out of his hair is actually kind of funny! Parker used to SCREAM when I would do that...however, now that he is older I warn him..."Parker, mommy is about to pour water over your head....one....twooooooo....THREEEEEE!!!!"....and when I start counting he starts squealing and giggling with delight! It's the BEST! Then, he takes the bowl and fills it up with water and starts pouring the water over his head himself!

Another favorite about bath-time is when I am getting out of the bath, Parker will go grab my towel and bring it to me. He is already such a sweet little gentleman, and I absolutely love him with all of my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The big brother...

I realized today when Parker bumped his head on a table that he could clearly run under just a few weeks ago, that he is growing and getting older quickly. Just a reminder that I must cherish every moment...every little memory that would normally pass me by. So today...I loved several things about my Parkerman....

1. Watching him figure out how to pick up his lawnmower and get it to roll down his slide in the backyard.

2. How he figured out if he looks through the cracks in the fence he can see into the neighbor's yard.

3. How he loves to rough house and play with me on my bed. He yearns for me to throw him on the bed and jump on there and play play play. I love that so much! I love that he WANTS me to play with him and be with him!!!! So today as we were playing on the bed, I yelled "Pillow fight!!!" and then whopped him with my pillow...he laughed and then grabbed a pillow and threw it at me...I fell over and he just laughed and laughed!!! We did that over and over again, until it was time to play ring around the rosy!! So I stand up on the bed and he excitedly jumps up and grabs my hands and we jump around the bed singing and then FALL DOWN!!! LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH!!! Oh....tickle tickle tickle and hug hug hug!!!!!!!!!!! Those bed moments are some of my favorites!!!

4. How Parker will get on one of his riding toys and then pat the seat of his other riding toy wanting me to ride it and chase him around the house!

5. The past couple of nights he has let me rock him...like a baby... with his head in the crook of my arm. I sing "I love you forever" while staring into his eyes...until he drifts off. Heaven...on...Earth!

6. I love holding him. Even though he is almost two- I love that he reaches up and wants me to hold him. I don't care if I am spoiling him...eventually he is going to be too cool to be around me and I am going to hold him every minute I can and snuggle with him every moment I can, because I only get these moments once in my life...I only get to be a mommy to him once!

Parker, "I'll love you forever...I'll like you for always....as long as I'm living...my baby you'll be!!!"

My sweet little Beckham

Today I realized that my sweet little Beckham is becoming alive. As I was breastfeeding him, I happened to look down at him and see his beautiful blue eyes staring at me. Oh, how I looooove this stage. So of course I get a huge smile on my face and stare right back into his eyes. Then, unexpectedly he SMILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHHHH big and cheesy too!! That was IT! I went nutso! It wasn't the first smile, but it was the first smile I received without begging or talking! :) Tonight, as I was getting him ready for bed, he was staring at me again...and I just starting talking to him and singing to him, with our eyes locked, and I relished in watching him get so excited to have me talking to him. It's unconditional love...on both ends...it's beautiful, and I know this is just the beginning of a love that will overwhelm me on a daily basis!

Small little memories...

Today had some fun small little memories I just want to jot down to remember...

While I was putting on my makeup this morning- Parker wanted to sit on my lap. To me it was such a sweet moment that my little boy wanted to share with me...so up on my lap he went! It was so precious to see him ask me what everything was and to have him stare at me while I put my makeup on. I know he will lose interest in something like that soon- so I cherished the moment!!

I love love love how when Parker wakes up from his nap- he just wants to be held in my arms till he is fully awake.

We went to the park today and had a blast! At one point, Parker took a break from running around like a crazy man- and sat on the stairs leading up to the slides. He sat down with his sippy cup and then patted the spot next to him for me to sit. Once I sat down he put his hands in his lap and we just sat next to each other staring out into park...quiet and sweet! Ohhhhhh......

I loved sitting on the ground at the park throwing leaves into the air with Parker.

I loved playing ring around the rosy and falling down into the grass together.

I loved how, when I was working out today, I would lay on the floor to do sit-ups or push-ups and Parker would come sit on top of me!

On our way home in the car, Parker was upset about something and when I reached my hand back to calm him down- he held my hand so tight and didn't want to let it go.

I love how when I sit on the ground and say "one...two...THREE!!!!!" with my arms open wide, he comes running and LEAPS into my arms hugging my neck so tight I may have to go to the chiropractor!!

I just love when he reaches up longing for me to pick him up...

I love watching him play......

I just love being his mommy!!!!!!

You never know when it could be the last time...the next day he could "grow out" of wanting to hug me or wanting to play with me...I have got to cherish every single small little memory!!!!

Some more of my favorite things....

This morning Parker did some of my favorite things....

1. We eat breakfast on the couch and watch cartoons every morning- when I was done, and my plate was empty- he came over and picked up my plate saying "all gone" and then walked off with it...he set the plate on the floor, waved at me saying "bye" and then picked up the plate and put it (or should I say dropped it into) the sink. SOOO precious to me!!!

2. When Beckham woke up I was in his room nursing him. Parker came in and began bringing his matchbox cars and trucks into the room one at a time...showing me one saying "car" or "truck" and then setting them on the floor in a perfect line.

3. I love how he walks over to Beckham's trashcan that has his diapers in them and then says "dirty" or "trash".

4. I love how when Parker wants you to chase him, he walks slowly away from you, looking over his shoulder giving you such a sweet little playful grin...then when I jump up to go chase him he runs runs runs giggling sooo playfully!!!

5. Parker has been waking up too early the past week...like around 5:30ish. However, I go in and get him and bring him to bed with me...getting to snuggle with him!!! I haven't gotten to snuggle like that since he was Beckham's age! Ohhh...feels SOOO wonderful! It makes having him up that early worth it.


What a great morning it has already been and it's only 8:30!! ha!!

Perfected in my love...

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love".

When I was in college I attended a Bible study that my mom was teaching and this verse came up. That there should be no fear in God's love. My mom related perfect love to a mother and a child. Yesterday I experience this- seeing that Parker was perfected in my love...

I went to a birthday party at the Little Gym. I was out in the waiting room getting Beckham wrapped up in my sling and I ushered Parker into the gym part so he could start playing. Well, he stood by the door and wouldn't touch any of the beloved gym accessories that he so dearly loved to play on. While I was wrapping Beckham up I could see him...just standing there...I thought..."that's weird, he LOVES this place- I wonder why he is just standing there, looking so scared and shy". Well, I realized the minute I walked into the room with him all fear was gone...he immediately ran away and began to play hard on anything and everything he could touch and was running around dancing and falling on the floor having the time of his life. Parker was perfected in my love...when mommy was gone- fear came in- when mommy was there everything was ok, because he knew mommy would keep him safe and mommy loved him.

This was just one example of the many times I get to live seeing Parker perfected in my love...it makes my heart so filled with joy, because I know right now he finds safety and comfort in my love for him. I am a source of security for him and it thrills me.

It also is amazing that God gives us earthly examples of how we should feel in HIS love! HE loves us more that anyone on this earth and we, being perfected in his love, should not fear anything because our "daddy" is here and with us no matter what!

Beautiful picture....

A new mommy of two...

On October 8th at 12:26am my little world changed from being mommy of Parker to being mommy of Parker and Beckham. Wow...what a morning that was. So here is my recollection of the past month...

Thursday, October 7th, I decided it was time to blog. I wrote to my precious little Parker, telling him how much I loved him and how he would always be my little boy even though my heart was about to expand to love another little boy. Man, am I glad I did that blog, because little did I know, my water would break that very evening causing me to deliver earlier that I was expecting.

October 7th was such a wonderful day. Blake came home early from the auction, and while Parker was still napping, we had such wonderful quality time, relaxing on the bed talking about life. Once Parker woke up, the 3 of us laid in bed, eating snacks and watching cartoons...it was heaven and I will always be grateful to the Lord for giving me that afternoon with my boys.

At 8:30pm- that night- Parker was asleep, and Blake and I were eating pizza watching a movie and all of the sudden...woosh! My water broke. It wasn't a lot, so I wasn't sure if that's really what happened, so I called the nurse and was advised to pack my bags and get up to the hospital. Wow...I began to panic...however, Blake calmed me down- Twyla came over and spent the night with Parker and Blake and I rushed up to the hospital to welcome our new little Beckham Cole Theiss, 9lbs, 8oz, into the world. After all of that- I knew God had a perfect plan with that surprise and I would not have changed any of it!

So, now I am a mommy of two. Wow, that sounds so weird and so grown up! It has been 3 weeks and as I reflect on the past 3 weeks, I can say that it has been an emotional roller-coaster! Not being able to pick Parker up for 2 weeks and not be able to rough house with him was probably the hardest part. I cried more times when I had to tell Parker that I couldn't hold him or pick him up, and watch the tears in his eyes ask me why. Oh, I hated that.

However, I am recovered physically, and now that Blake is back to work, and my mom is back to work and now I am by myself taking care of these boys- it is SO fulfilling! It is SO fulfilling to be able to play with Parker and pick him up and run around with him. It is SO fulfilling to know that God is helping me with this new life and see how He enables me to somehow make this work! I am utterly exhausted from lack of sleep- however, God has given me energy and excitement every morning to start my new day!

So...even though I have only put 3 weeks under my belt- I know that God is good and God is faithful and I know that He sees the desires of my heart and the desires I have to enjoy raising my boys...and I know that he will enable me to enjoy these years!!! Praise God!!!!

My heart is pounding....

To my sweet Parker:
I sit here typing this to you as I remember when you came into my world. I never knew the love my heart could have until I began to watch you, my own flesh and blood, grow every day. Every stage you entered I could not imagine loving another stage more than that one- and then you would transition and the excitement and love for each new stage grew more and more. You are my precious little angel, and I love you more than you will ever know.

On Monday, God will bring your baby brother into this world. My heart is so excited to see him and to love him, yet so anxious at the thought of you not being my only child. To get to wake up every day and be just your mommy is one of my greatest life thrills- I'm anxious to think of having to share my heart with another child. I hope that you know you are still my precious baby...I love you so much no matter what you do or don't do- I will love you forever even when I can't give you the attention that you are used to.

As tears stream down my face while I write this- please know I cherish you....I cherish every little teeny tiny moment with you...when we take bubble baths and watch cartoons, when we sit and eat breakfast together and talk about nothing, when you turn and hug and kiss me after I brush your teeth, when you run from me while we play hide and seek, when you light up in the morning when I come in to get you...the list goes on and on...I love everyday with you and I am so happy that I get to be your mommy.

Blake- thank you for being the husband and father you are. Thank you for taking a step in faith and allowing me the opportunity to stay home and raise our children. Everyday when you come home from work- I still feel that excited flutter when I hear the garage door open. You come in and make our little world exciting. I love you more than I did 10 years ago when we began dating and I am so appreciative of how involved you are in our child's life. You truly are my partner and my soul mate and I love you very much.

Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting a little child to me. Thank you for teaching me in an earthly manner more about the love you have for me through the love I have for my child. Thank you that you ALLOW me to enjoy and love these tender moments in my child's life and thank you that no matter how fulfilling motherhood can be- I MUST be fulfilled first in you before my heart can be filled with my love for my children. Thank you, that you have allowed another precious child to grow within me and I trust that you will enable me to love my little Beckham just as much as my sweet Parker....

Little things about today...

Today was a fun day for a few small reasons. So, I thought I would blog the few little things that made me just grin, grin, grin!!!

1. Changing Parker's stinky diaper today and HE said "Pew WEE"....hahaha...oh, I laughed at that!
2. I accidentally dropped an ice-cube while filling up my drink and I gave it to Parker and told him to go give it to the puppies...he did and loved every minute of it- running back to me for another ice-cube...so we fed the puppies ice-cubes
3. I had him up on the toilet getting him undressed for his bath...just looking at my little boy with his diaper on...still so small...able to still be held in my arms....oh, so sweet
4. After bath time- we were in his room and we put his new pj's on that were long sleeve and he kept pulling at his sleeves saying "STUCK"...can you tell my child isn't used to wearing long sleeves!! haha...oh, that made me laugh!
5. After he had his pj's on he would go stand by the door and I would say "Come give mommy hugs!!!" and then count to 3 and he would run and jump into my arms.....ohhhhhhh, if I could only make that last forever.
6. We went to the HEB grand opening party tonight and I was pushing Parker in the stroller...because of the live band and TON of people, Parker was in a trance staring at everything. Occasionally I would bend down and grab his attention smiling at him and he would smile back so sweetly and start pointing things out to me...it was such a small thing, but I can still see him looking back up at me smiling with a look of comfort and recognition in a very strange environment.
7. At lunch when he would put a raisin in his mouth I would say "Mmmmmmm!!!!" and he would repeat "MMMMmmmmm" back at me....made me laugh... and him too!!!

Oh...my little snuggle puppy of mine...."everything about you is especially fine...I love what you are...I love what you do...oh, little snuggle puppy I LOVE YOU!!!!!"

Tears in my eyes...

Today- I was listening to KSBJ and they had Steven Curtis Chapman on there talking a little about the tragedy they experienced of losing their 5 year old daughter- it was an accident in front of their house that changed their world forever. As I was sitting in my car listening to him I started to put myself in their shoes...I started thinking how devastating it would be to not ever see my baby's smile again or never get to see and FEEL him run up to me and throw his arms around my neck. Tears began to well up when I thought I could never chase him around the house or play peak-a-boo or even have him come up to me crying longing for me to make it better. These types of thoughts flooded my mind to the point where if I didn't stop "empathizing" I would be bawling in my car! It was a huge experience for me- because the past couple of days/weeks off and on Parker has been really testing me, however, his WORST day would be the Chapman's dream if they could have their little girl back. Even though I may get frustrated with my little boy- I-STILL-HAVE-HIM! As my tears are falling down my cheeks I looked back at Parker who had fallen asleep in his car seat...so perfect and so sweet...I just wanted to crawl back there with him and snuggle with him and tell him "Baby boy, even when you are at your worst, I am so grateful I can see and touch you and hold you and love you and kiss you- you are my precious gift from God and no matter what you will always have my heart".

Today was such a wonderful day! First, Blake was off and it is always so fun when he is home to add excitement and joy to our everyday adventures. Today was nothing extraordinary, but in it's own way it was to me. I know that I only have a little over 6 weeks till Beckham makes his appearance and only 6 weeks where Parker gets my 100% attention.
The fun began as the three of us sat on the couch to eat our hamburgers for lunch and watch TV together. I, however, did not watch TV as I just sat and stared at my boys. Parker holding and eating his hamburger like such a big boy, next to Blake eating his hamburger and both of them staring at the TV with the same expression on their face. It was the cutest thing and I could not take my eyes off of them. I loved how Parker would hand his hamburger to daddy when he was ready to drink milk from his sippy cup or when he wanted to eat a french fry.
Later after getting home from the grocery store, we broke out the playdoh that I had purchased. So simple, yet so fulfilling to just sit and mash playdoh into different shapes; at one point daddy and Parker were making mustaches and I was taking pictures. It was so funny.We then came back to the bedroom and Parker and I laid on the bed and watched Sponge Bob on TV while daddy worked on the computer. For just a moment he laid next to me on the pillow...I loved it...I never wanted it to end. Then, from watching he and daddy jumping on the bed to playing with him on the floor to taking a walk in his red wagon- it was a day filled with joy...joy that filled my heart up making me yearn for the next day to come quicker so I can live it all over again.

After a string of days where Parker tested me emotionally and physically- I needed today- I needed a day that I wasn't having to correct him all day, a day that I could just be silly and laugh with him all day, a day that I could enjoy my baby boy for all that he is!

I love you just because you're you

Tonight as I was getting Parker ready for bed, I read a book to him called "I love you just because". It is the most precious book and as I am reading it I feel my heart, not my mouth, pouring out the words to my little boy. So here is my own version....

Parker-
I love you when you laugh so hard you get the hiccups
I love you when you run and play hide and seek
I love you when you throw a tantrum over something insignificant
I love you when you clap for me after I dance
I love you when you hate my cooking
I love you when you love my cooking
I love you when you have stinky diapers
I love you when you get out of the bath tub and smell so clean
I love you when you dance around in the shower
I love you when you walk into a room and say "Hiiiii dada"!
I love you when you laugh and chase the dogs
I love you when you dance when Sponge Bob comes on
I love you when you run up to me and kiss me and bear hug me
I love you when you run up to me crying needing my full attention
I love you when you disobey me
I love you when you obey me the first time
I love you when you are grouchy for no reason
I love you when you are super happy
I love you when you sleep
I love you when you don't sleep
I love you when you snuggle with me
I love you when you run off and do your own thing
I love you, my precious baby boy- I love you with all my heart and would give my life for you- I love you no matter what you do or what you don't do...I love you just because you're YOU!

Funny new things...

Tonight, as I was reading books to Parker before bed he started to tell me when he didn't like a book by waving his hands in front of it and saying "no" and then pushing it away. It was so funny and so cute.....

What's he sayin' and doin'???

Okay- so now Parkerman is a little over 17 months old so I thought it's time to update his words (real and "parker" words) and what he's learning!

1. "Hi!!" While sweetly waving
2. "No", but really sounds like "oh" and he waves his hand in front of his body
3. "It's hot!" Even if it's cold- everything is HOT!
4. "Hiiii dada!!"
5. "Gigi"- even though we aren't sure if he knows what he is talking about as he says it a lot
6. "Zeta"- which is my sister-in-law's dog, however he is not really saying this name because he calls a lot of things Zeta and he RARELY sees Zeta.
7. "Eat"
8. "Uh-oh"
9. "Ma ma" & "da da"
10. "Wha-duh?"
11. What a choo choo train says
12. What a ducky says
13. "1...2....3!!!!" (really sounds like uhh, duhh, EEEE!!!!)
14. What a puppy dog says
15. "Cheese!!!!!"
16. "Shoe"
17. "Shuuh??" as he points at everything


He has also learned in the past months:
-To open doors
-Use a spoon
-Use sign language for "more" and "milk"
-He knows how to open the dog kennel
-Give kisses and hugs
-Turn off and on the water
-Where to go to "get his hair done" (bathroom- as we spike his hair up with gel now :) )
-When I tell him to go do things he goes and does them
-Put his toys away
-He had his first sessions at the Little Gym
-JUMP into the water and off of the kitchen counter into daddy's arms
-How to dance
-Who Sponge Bob Square Pants is
-Where is nose, ears, teeth, tongue, belly button, and feet are
-Where Baby Beckham is and has learned to kiss baby Beckham (in mommy's belly)
-Where airplanes are and points at them every time they fly by
-How to "dunk" the basket ball in the basket
-How to blow on his food when it's hot!

Well- I think that's a good update for what's goin' on with our little man since I updated at 14 months. As he grows and develops it gets more fun and more fun!!!!

What a wonderful morning I have had!

So this morning about 6:30 I felt like God was trying to wake me up to spend time with Him. Saturday and Sunday I overslept and by the time I woke up Parker was READY to get up and I didn't have my quiet time with the Lord first. So, today, I felt God was quietly tapping my shoulder saying..."Wake up, my love...you need me today". From bad terrible dreams to my cell phone ringing- something kept waking me up- so I finally just got up and grabbed my Bible. Ohh..it was SO good to have that time with the Lord and connecting with Him- learning and being reminded that rebellion/disobedience leads to darkness and depression because when you are with the Lord and in fellowship the utter joy and fulfillment you receive is so amazing that when you are away from it...even just two days like I was...you feel void of that joy and fulfillment! So today- before I could start my day HE filled me up with Him and reminded me that Blake nor Parker nor anyone else could fill my heart and emotional needs the way He is. One verse that really stuck in my head was Psalm 62:2 "He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken". What a beautiful picture for a "needy" wife/woman/mother as I am to read! I will NEVER BE SHAKEN!!! However, the pre-req to that is that I MUST be found in my heavenly Father's fortress! When I am there- I cannot be shaken...no amount of exhaustion or disappointment or worry can shake me! Yummy stuff I got to eat this morning!

So after that- I didn't think my day could get much better- until I heard the baby gate open to our bedroom and my smiling little happy boy running in to greet me!!! (side note- Blake had gotten up and gotten him out of bed :) ) Then after breakfast Parker had grabbed the laundry basket so we played with that as he would turn it over and JUMP off onto the couch! Laughing the whole time- thus I was laughing the whole time! Then we put Sancho our Boston Terrier in the laundry basket and the excitement on Parker's face when he saw me do that was priceless! So we pushed Sancho around the house in the laundry basket, Parker squealing with delight and laughing and Nika the boxer dog chasing us barking at us.....can life get any better than this??? I had a million things to do, but running around with Parker, tickling him on the couch and pushing dogs around and HIM around in the laundry basket and playing hide and seek all while getting little kisses and hugs from him paid off WAY more that my to-do list will ever! It's mornings like this that show me how mmmm mmmmm good life is!

Good Reminder

Yesterday, as I was visiting with long-time family friends one of the ladies made a comment to me. "These years (referring to Parker's age) go by a little slow, but as they start getting older it goes faster and faster....I wish I could get some of that time back, because I was too busy to notice all of the little moments". That really made an impact on my heart, because even though I cherish every single little moment, it is so easy to forget to do that on a bad day or a "grouchy" day and think that there is always tomorrow to cherish moments and tomorrow is forever away, but it's really not! I know that once little Beckham is here my life is going to speed up; my attention no longer can be given 100% to Parker. I can see that once my attention is divided it will be easy for me to lose little sweet moments while I am running in the fast lane of this new life. As I sit here typing this blog, I anticipate having to go get Parker out of his bed from his WAY too short of a nap-time. Before I started typing this, I heard him in his bed start to whine and it caught me off guard! "What??? What in the world is he doing up so early?!? I still need a little more ME time!". As I was walking to his room he quieted down and I thought...I need to stop, and come in here and type up a posting for my blog. Yes, today is a somewhat slow day, and yes, I am physically exhausted, but I now have 5-6 more hours to go spend loving on my little man and playing hard with him, before it's time for bed. These years are fleeting....there will be a time that Parker and his siblings go to school for 8 hours and I only get them on weekends and breakfast/dinner during the week and I will long for these days of spending so much time with him to come back!!

Well, he is definitely screaming now...but as I go in to get him, I have a new attitude...I am going to cherish my day and cherish watching him eat his little sandwich for lunch and go play in the sprinkler outside and I am going to cherish our alone time and the hugs and kisses I will get the rest of the day! Thank you God, for stopping me today, so that I could reflect on how beautiful of a day and beautiful of a life I have getting to be a mommy!
********************************
Now- as I come back to this blog posting- it's the end of the day and Parker is in bed sound asleep for the night...we had a beautiful afternoon, from him helping me wash my car, to playing in the water hose, to pool time, to holding hands on the car-ride back, to mac-n-cheese, to a bubble bath together as we watched Sponge Bob Square Pants on the TV in my bathroom, to reading books, and then snuggling as Parker fell into deep sleep- today could have been long and drudging, but when I stopped and re-evaluated and realized that today is what I make it- it turned into memory after memory that filled my heart with joy.

His new sand and water toy

So we just bought Parker a sand and water toy for the patio. He is really into water and playing and digging so this was truly the perfect developmental toy for him right now. However, what I didn't realize is what I would see when I filmed him playing with it.



I saw my little boy who has about 6 or 7 words being so precious and wonderful- and then I saw my little boy at 6 or 7 who is taller and speaks clearly and is not as excited about the little things- and when I ask for kisses doesn't come running to me with his mouth wide open... and then I saw a 10 or 11 year old with an attitude and is slowly starting to lose interest in mommy...especially because he calls me "mom" now. Honestly- as excited as I am about Parker growing up- the thought of him being older and more mature made me so sad. Then, I became extremely grateful that I have him right now at this sweet precious stage and all throughout the day when a frustrated thought would come in my mind I would immediately realize that I still have him at this little man stage and I GET to enjoy him every single day!!! I GET to cherish these moments so that they don't fly by and I GET to slow my mind down and just enjoy him! Thank you God, for fast forwarding my mind to the future so that I could realize that he truly isn't going to stay this same little boy for the rest of his life and I will NEVER get these moments back with him so I need to enjoy them!!!!
Recently a mom in Kingwood had an unfortunate, TRAGIC happening after birthing a child that resulted in the amputation of her arms and legs. Though God's grace was all over her- she did have moments that made her sad such as when she realized she could never walk in the grass barefooted again. When I read that I realized that every day I take so many beautiful things for granted, like the fact that Parker and I can go play in the grass BAREFOOTED!!! Being 6 months pregnant and chasing a 16 month old around has it's tiring moments, but when I realized that Parker is at such a sweet tender stage and when I realized that I have the PHYSICAL ability to enjoy every moment with him like running and chasing him around the house and swimming and sitting in the grass and the list goes on, I realized that tired feeling goes away and is replaced with a rejuvenated excitement and GRATEFULNESS that I CAN!
I never expected that when we bought that sand and water toy- I would buy an opportunity to appreciate and cherish my time with my little boy.....and my time running barefooted in the grass with him.

All he wanted was my attention...

I was trying to type a short email...1.5 minutes on the computer...and Parker was reaching for the key board and trying so desperately to get my attention. All he wanted was my attention. Oh how I will long for that desire when he is older and could care less what I am doing. Oh how I will long for those precious little eyes to gaze at me as if I am his whole world. I would type a few words and look down at him and he would give me the biggest cheesiest grin that would steal my heart- I could see his hope that I would not be able to look away. After the "sent" key was pushed I reached down to my little boy reaching his arms up to me and grabbed him and tossed him on to my pillow-filled bed. He laughed and squealed. I jumped on the bed and bounced towards him....he laughed so hard with eyes filled with joy...all because mommy was playing with him and making his little world exciting. After a good time of playing and bouncing and laughing....I laid on the bed and watched him roll around in my pillows with glee and excitement. My heart was so filled with joy, knowing that I get to make so many more of these moments. The rest of the evening my eyes looked at him so differently. I saw my little baby, who had suddenly began to grow into a little boy, running around the house, pushing his tonka truck and his rocket ship in laps around the island, and I watched how he would take deliberate breaks to stop and look over at me to see if I was watching....when he saw my eyes and the huge smile on my face he would run over to me- "talk" to me and then run back to what he was doing. I realized that at any moment his infatuation with me could lessen. It is so easy at this stage in parenthood to wish away the dependence upon me to independence of me....and I still desire for my little boy to grow into an independent man- however, when I remind myself of the brevity of these special moments and of the special love my little man has for ME- I cherish them....I'll never know when the last moment will pass where "all he wanted was my attention..."

Laughing...so good for the soul!

Tonight- on our way home from Galveston I would periodically gaze in the rear view mirror to see what my little man was doing in his car seat. For the first 45 minutes I would see him staring out the window with his monkey blanket snug in his arms and his eye lids looking as though they could drift off. However, the last rear view mirror check, I saw my sweet sunshine gazing at ME! So because he brings so much joy to my heart- my first reaction was to smile sweetly at him. He immediately smiled back at me....well, needless to say, I was glad there weren't a lot of people driving on those back roads, because I was HOOKED! I would look away and then JERK my eyes back to look at him...he laughed so hard he got the hick-ups....I in return laughed and laughed....then he would laugh and laugh- we spent the next few minutes just laughing with each other! The thoughts were running through my mind that it was so precious that all I had to do was blink weird and Parker would laugh...to him, I am one of the more funnier people in his world! (Daddy is THE most funny of course). How easy it is to make him laugh and because his laugh is SO contagious I get to laugh...HARD! Once we got home it was time for my love to go to bed so we went in his room and he let me have another rare moment of rocking him. He laid in the crook of my arm and we just stared at each other- dead in the eye. We had a few more moments of laughter and then we were quiet...just being with each other...enjoying each other. Tomorrow, I go get to find out what my baby #2 is going to be...girl, boy, girl, boy??? I am SO excited! However, I can't help but begin to project what life will be like once I am a mom to not just Parker. As I sit here typing those words, tears are welling up in my eyes...I can't just give HIM all of me anymore...how can I possibly love another baby as much as my little Parkerman...what will this life be like? Ugh...it can be such an emotional roller-coaster, but I know that several things are true....1. I serve a sovereign God who decided it was time for me to conceive...2. I love my little man with all of my heart and nothing could change that...3. I will more than likely fall just as much in love with baby #2 as my sweet baby #1 and will love having my heart expand to include my son or daughter!

So, tonight- as I head off to my bed, I will make a point to not get caught up in what is going to happen in 4 months...instead, I will cherish my moments of laughter with my only child.

Laughing....so good for the soul!

In the crook of my arm

In the crook of my arm- he snuggled into my chest as I rocked him and rocked him and rocked him tonight. I could not avert my gaze from his beautiful little face as his eyes grew heavier and heavier each time I rocked him. He was at peace in my arms- my big, dirty, macho little 15 month old who had be screaming and crying just a few minutes before. His little face is burned in my mind...all I could do was lay my cheek against his in between the moments that I would just gaze into my little man's droopy eyes. He's such a gift- he is my little piece of heaven that my heavenly Father gave to me to raise and love. He has completely stolen my heart and no matter what tests that little man put me through during the day- rocking him peacefully to sleep washed all of my days frustrations away. I didn't want to put him down- I didn't want this moment to end. The joy in my heart- the love I have for the child filled my heart to overflowing.

Father- you gave me Parker- you gave me this moment tonight- I loved this moment and I love my little boy. Thank you for him and thank you for the good in my life.

What he's been up to!

Parkerman is now 15 months and is turning into such a HAM! So what has this little guy been doing you ask?? Well..........

He now opens his mouth big and wide with a surprised look on his face about EVERYTHING (which, I must confess....I accidentally taught him that as I do that ALL THE TIME!)


He has learned how to blow on his food- which it doesn't matter if it's right in front of his mouth or on his little tray- he will BLOW, BLOW, BLOW and then demand the food be placed in his mouth.

He is learning to respond to my requests such as:
1. Point at the ceiling fan...
2. Point at the light...
3. Go get in your chair- let's eat
4. Where are your teeth? (He is still rusty on this one)

He holds the phone (or remote, or anything really) up to his ear and says "Ah- ya!" like he is saying hello...he will then blurt out a whole string of "Parker language" for his phone conversation!


He does a "cheesy grin" where he squints his eyes and gives the BIGGEST grin possible.

He loves to give high fives...but mainly to daddy!

And last but certainly NOT LEAST....he has learned to LOVE the swimming pool! For the first 3-4 times we would bring him to the pool he would cry the minute he saw the water fountains and the slides at our pool. However, I was determined to get him over this fear- so I kept bringing him and now he LOVES it! It is SUCH a blast!

Grammy Day in the sun!

Today was such a blast. Every Thursday is "Grammy Day"- where Blake's mom comes to see Parker and spend time with us. Today- we went to see Grammy at her house on Tiki Island. We decided because it was clear, beautiful, 90 degree weather that we should make a trip to the beach. So we loaded the car up, ran and grabbed a burger and then found the perfect spot on the beach.
Well, I realized that I need to take Parker to the beach and the pool a lot more because he was not a fan AT ALL! He hated everything- the sand, the water, the wind....everything! He did have moments where he would accompany me in digging in the dirt and playing- but they weren't long. However, I LOVED it and we are going again next Thursday. I think that Parker needs more sensory variety in his life- I need to give him opportunity after opportunity to experience life outside of our comfortable little shell of house, park, driveway- house, park, driveway.
On our way back from Tiki- Parker was in his car seat in the back and I was driving- I would reach back and tickle him to get those life giving giggles and at one point he caught my hand. I realized how special of a moment this was. I was driving down the road (obviously with my eyes glued to the road) holding my little man's hand....we were holding hands!! My heart was filled with pure joy.
So much of my days at home with my booger bear are just average days, average activities, yet extraordinary moments such as when I am washing dishes while he is running around and he runs up to me- wraps his arms around my legs and hugs me so tight for 3 full seconds and then lets go to run off to another adventure. I MUST love and STOP my world to cherish that hug as I will never know when it is the last time he will run up to me and hug my legs. To get the opportunity to experience life with my baby- to do what he loves and to love what he does- to let him experience life with me to make memories with me, (and of course with daddy too when we are lucky enough to have him home from conquering the world for us) someone who loves him with her whole heart. To teach him words and life lessons- to see him as a dry sponge soaking every word in and ever ACTION in....God- thank you....thank you for my job as a mommy and as a wife to the two most wonderful men in my life.

Today's Fun Day!

Today was a dream day. I got to spend my day having fun with my little boy. After his morning nap, we loaded up the car and went to the Children's Museum. They have a toddler room and he LOVED it. When we first got there- I had to sit on the floor with him and just hug him and put my arms around him to assure him that it was ok and that this really was a fun place. He then realized I was right and TOOK OFF! However, that little time we had at the beginning filled my heart to the brim and I cherished it!!! Anyways, he got to run around and play with light switches, nobs, doors, door bells, slides, stairs made of foam, mirrors, a red truck...everything...it was so fun to watch him light up and play hard.


After wearing him out there- we loaded up and drove down the street to Hermann Park where we found the best little spot for a fun picnic!
I had forgotten how easy it is to travel and do fun things when you have the Lord helping you! Before we left I prayed that God would help us find this place, parking, Hermann Park, a lunch spot, etc. Well- did He ever deliver, or what? Not only did he help me find the museum, but a FREE parking spot! Praise God! Okay- so once we were on to Hermann Park- he helped me find the park and then a parking spot RIGHT in front of a PERFECT picnic spot! Here is a picture of our car so that you can see how close we were to the car from our picnic!

I was able to leave Parker in the car while I set up the picnic and then go get him. It was ideal! Here is a picture of us having a wonderful picnic!



Once we got home- we were sitting out on the drive way waiting patiently for daddy to arrive as he was only a few minutes away and he was pushing his toy lawn mower around. He stopped at one point and came over to me and hugged me....PAUSE....please PAUSE my life for a moment so I can SOAK THIS IN!!! It was a little piece of heaven! He is growing up so fast and right now he needs me for those little hugs and reassurances, but I know they won't last for long!

What a day! Now he is napping and daddy is napping and I am having some quiet time to remember all of the fun this day held! Thank you Father that you have allowed me to stay home to share these precious moments with the baby boy you have entrusted into our hands!

His Little Words

So that I won't forget, I thought it would be fun to right down his little "words" he says right now at 14 months.

1. When he wakes up from sleeping and is standing in his crib- I walk in and turn the light on- he immediately starts pointing to things and saying "da?"
2. He walks around the house saying "oh...oh...OH...OH...OHHHHH!!!"
3. When he has something in his hand or just exploring, he excitedly says "Oby, Oby, Oby!!".
4. Not knowing if he is really calling daddy he says "da da?" "da da?"
5. Ah-ee, Ah-ee, Ah-ee
6. "Wha-duh?" as he points at anything and everything.

Right now a lot of what he says- he says with an inquisitive voice- making it sound as though he is asking us questions. It's the cutest thing on this Earth.

From what people tell me- their little "word" phases come and go so quickly and before you know it your little babbler is speaking in full sentences. I never want to forget these cute little babble stages!!

If it would only last forever...

A few things that I cherish everyday with Parker that I wish would last forever:

How he goes and gets a book and then walks over to me with it and as I open it, he crawls into my lap and waits anxiously for me to begin reading.

How at night when I rock him- he wraps his legs around my waist, his arms around my arms and lays his head on my chest as I sing to him.

How when he is outside walking around and he gets to what I call "BIG step, Parker"- he looks up at me and extends his hand to mine so that I can help him up and down the big steps of his little world.

How when he is upset, for whatever reason, he comes up to me and holds onto my legs and longs for me to pick him up.

I know that one day, my little man will grow up and no longer need me the way he does now. I know that he will one day fall in love with another woman and she will take the spot of #1 in his heart- but right now- I will cherish being his mommy- and I will cherish everyday I get with my little man, and I will cherish being needed for the "big steps" of his life.

A Much Needed Day

Well, today was a much needed day in every form of the phrase, and here is why:

First, I began my day with a door bell ring at 7:45am and my sweet mother-in-law had sent her house cleaning lady who was standing at my door ready to clean my house from top to bottom; EVERY-SQUARE-INCH! Oh what a sight for sore eyes.

Second, Parker and I left this beautiful cleaning lady to go over to see my grandparents for a crab legs and shrimp lunch. Now, as much as I LOVED the food, it was the date with my grandparents that I loved more. They will be 88 this May- and even though their mind is still in their 60's, their bodies are showing their age. I don't know how long I am going to have my grandparents in my life, but I never once want to regret not spending time or showing/telling them how much I love them, when my Lord decides to bring them home.

On the way home, Parker and I stopped off at the neighborhood park by our house. We stayed and played and Parker roamed around exploring every little square inch of that park. We went up the play gym and then slid down the slide...Parker squealing and laughing; grinning ear-to-ear as we slid down that slide. I hope I can brand that image into my mind.

After dinner it was off to bath time. I do love bath time, but there is a part in his bath book where I hold my hand up and then SPLASH it into the water to go along with the book. Well, tonight, he expected it!! He got really excited and closed his eyes and then after the splash, he stuck his hands up in the air and SPLASHED!!! The most fun part, is that we would get into splashing wars- and after the walls, toilet, floor and mirror were all splashed with water- bath time was over.

Once Parker had his PJ's on- we went into the living room where I usually watch TV and he walks around and plays for the little bit of time before bed- but tonight he was SO GRUMPY. I thought "Hmm...Parker, are you going to make it to 7 or will this be a 6:30 bedtime night?". We went in his room and that is where I realized that all he wanted was for me to sit down with him and let him play while I watched. I would then grab him and lay on my back and fly him through the air...he laughed so hard, he got the hick-ups...then we tickled and played and flew and tickled. It was so fun. As the night wound down and his eyes began to get droopy I sat him in my lap and put his head on my chest and sang...it was all history from there.

The point of the blog- is to remind me that the beautiful things in life are still there. It is so easy to forget while I am going through this first trimester of pregnancy and I am SO exhausted and I don't feel good and my motivation for anything in life is gone...today reminded me that life is still so so good and even though this short period of time, my physical energy does not match my mental/emotional energy, this will pass, but I can't let these little joys in life such as today pass me by.

TODAY, was a much needed day!!!

I found his giggle spot

Tonight- before it was time for Parker to go to bed- we were sitting on the couch- Parkerman on my lap facing me. I would say "upside down" and he would bend backwards and look at the TV upside down- then bring his head back up and smile at me...we did this a few times and when he bent his head back to look at the TV I found his tickle spot! Now, my son is ticklish ALL OVER- and will laugh anywhere he is tickled- but under his chin on his neck is the prem-o of tickle spots! I started to tickle his exposed neck when he was looking upside down and he laughed like I haven't seen him laugh before! In return- I laughed- then he laughed, then I laughed.....oh my goodness...what a fun never-ending cycle!!!

A Year in Review

Wow- tomorrow morning at 8:58am it will be one year since our little love bug entered this world. I think back where I was this time last year and it's amazing what has gone on...

February 2, 2009 Blake and I were spending our "last night" as "just us" together. I was panic stricken as I could NOT imagine that life with a baby would be blissful and fun- and I just KNEW that Blake and I would no longer have the love we had for each other because everyone said that once you have a baby, your life (and marriage for that matter) would be "over"...by over I meant no excitement, no fun, etc.

February 3, 2009- 8:58am I hear the first cry of my baby boy entering the world- what a beautiful sound! (at least to us it was :) )


One month: Falling more in love every day...thinking how could I love any other stage more than this one:

Two Months: He smiled for the first time, and got to go to the church nursery for the first time! Also- got his first cold! Yuk!
Three Months: Really smiling now!! We are having SO much fun! He also laughed out loud this month, rolled over and went swimming for the first time!

Four Months: Starting to become a REALLY happy baby...his little personality is starting to come alive! His hands are ALWAYS in his mouth during this stage!

Five Months: Can life get any better than this stage? Barely starting to sit up...

Six Months: We had a six month birthday party where he got to try rice cereal for the first time!!! Sitting up on his own

Seven Months: He got his 1st two teeth!!!

Eight Months: Got to experience his first Halloween...he was a sock monkey!

Nine Months: Watch out...he is crawling!!!! He got his top two teeth and first hair cut...as you can see, he needed one!


Ten Months: He is starting to eat table food..i.e. not just baby food or mashed up table food...now that he has good teeth he can chew a lot!!He is also starting to learn how to walk! He also got to experience his first Christmas!

Eleven Months: Got his first molar! Whew! He is now a walking man!!


Twelve Months: Coming Soon.....


This baby boy changed my world and by change I mean for the better! My heart opened up to love another human being in a way that I NEVER imagined. I fell in love with my husband in a way that I never imagined and I began a life playing a new role that would be more fulfilling than anything I have ever done. The fear of my new life I had the night before Parker entered this world was all a myth...I can't imagine my life without Parker in it and I would never want to imagine it.

I love you, baby boy! Happy Birthday!

I wouldn't trade it for the world...cha cha cha

(Sung to the tune of La Cucaracha)
For a big, huge house,
Or for a super nice car...
I wouldn't trade it for the world,
For a lot of cash,
Or lots of nice clothes...
I wouldn't trade it for the world,
For nice jewelry,
or for nice restaurants...
I wouldn't trade it for the world,
For a high rise,
or a high paid job....
I wouldn't trade pulling my baby boy in his red wagon for the world. cha cha cha...(this line didn't quite go with the song tune...but hey, you can make it work)

Yes- I sung this to Parker yesterday as I am pulling him in his new red wagon. I am pulling him and he is saying his only true word that he knows...."uh-oh" and then I would repeat "uh-oh" and he would repeat "uh-oh" and we went on and on. It was such a moment....I am so grateful that I can be the one to talk to him as he learns new words- I am so glad that these little moments that would seam boring to someone else are moments that fill my heart with joy. I am so glad that we get the opportunity to experience life together....just mommy and Parker...and of course our favorite daddy when he gets home from conquering the world for us. :)

I wouldn't trade it for the world...

A new addition

Yesterday, January 26, 2010 I found out that I am expecting baby #2! What a shocker that was!!! On Monday, January 25th, I took a $.99 pregnancy test that I bought at Dollar General- it came back negative. As I was out walking with some neighbor moms on Tuesday, I was telling them that I had thought I was pregnant, but not to worry- my $.99 test cleared it up for me! One of the moms looked at me with this serious look and said "I wouldn't be so sure...it took my sister FIVE of the $.99 tests before it told her she was pregnant!".....WHAT??? Well, this mom happened to have a spare pregnancy test on hand and passed it over to me- I promptly went in and took it, and this is what I got:


Whew...Blake was at work and I had Parker and our neighbor's little girl, Liv, over here and I began pacing around- taking deep breaths in and saying to myself "okay...I am pregnant...okay...I'm pregnant...I'm pregnant". Blake got home- I showed him this picture and enjoyed the look of disbelief and then excitement after hearing the day before I was NOT pregnant!

It was so exciting- but now the countdown begins. I have 9 months to cherish, enjoy and soak in every minute with JUST my little baby boy. I have 9 months to seek out every opportunity to cuddle, love on, play trucks with and go to the park with JUST Parker. My absolute joy, and love of my life....how could I possibly love another baby as much as I love my little man? It is unimaginable to me to think about- but I know that I will love and cherish this new baby just as much, but it's just hard to truly believe that!

However, when fear and anxiety about this new adventure well up in my mind and my heart I have to remember how this all began. On October 30, 2009, Blake and I decided to quit preventing pregnancy. We decided that we were not going to prevent- but if GOD wanted to prevent He could. We gave up the conception of another child COMPLETELY into God's hands and God's perfect timing. We prayed that God would allow me to conceive when HE knew it was the perfect time and when HE knew I as a mother and Blake as a daddy would be able to handle it. So here we are now....I am pregnant....God's perfect timing- I must trust and be at peace with. So- here we are...all 4 of us :) God is good- now we have to just pray and trust that the little baby in my belly is growing into a healthy baby boy or girl- and focus on this wonderful time with just the 3 of us!