Parker: ONE YEAR!

Weight: 21 lbs (50%tile)
Height: 31 1/4 in. (90%tile)
Clothes: 12/12-18 mo.
Diapers: sz 4



What You've Been Up To This Month

-You've been standing w/o holding onto anything more and more but I can NOT get you to try to take a step. You just collapse. But I'm not pushing you, because let's face it, I'm in no hurry for you to grow up ;) (****UPDATE- Finally took a few steps a few days after your birthday party, but still not taking steps all the time)

-You have a total of 5 teeth. 3 on top (almost 4) and two on bottom.

-You finally learned to shake your head "no" and love to do it all the time

-You've pretty much banished all baby food. You refuse even the flavors you used to love. I don't blame you though, "big food" is much tastier. And on that note, you pretty much love everything. I hope this continues forever because it's great!! Unlike your sister who eats hardly anything :/

-You started pitching little fits when you don't get what you want/aren't happy about something. You will lay on the ground and bury your face and fuss. It's actually really cute because you don't even scream or get really irate.

-Words you can say are:

"Ay" (Hey)
Mama
Dada
"uh oh"
"whoaaaa"
"ah duh" (all done)
"nigh-nigh" (night night)
"whas da?!" (what's that)

-You had for first cup of whole milk a few days before your birthday. You neither love it or hate it.

-Still nursing about 4 times a day

-You're getting pretty good at listening, if I say "NO", most of the time you will stop the first time I say it. I hope this continues as well ;)

You Love

-Still love to "read" books
-To push anything and everything. If it can be moved, you will move it.
-To throw balls and watch them bounce
-To be up in anyone's business
-To eat
-Our fish. We just got new fish and all you wanted to do that first day was have one of us hold you so you could "Ooooo" at the fishies.
-To color. You know how writing utensils work. You will scribble on the Magna Doodle and will scribble with a crayon. You will also EAT said crayon if I'm not watching you closely ;)

You Hate

-Sleep (Ughhhh)
-To be told no (who doesn't?? ha)



We made it to a year! I can't believe how quickly you've grown. We love you SO much!!

11 Months!!!

We absolutely canNOT be a month away from my BABY turning ONE??!!? I think I literally blinked just a few times!! Ahhhhhh...anyways, this is what you've been up to this month:

Weight: 20 lbs

Height: Not sure...

Diapers: size 3 but probably moving to size 4...you soak through them at night too often :/
Clothing: 12 mo./12-18 mo.

You Love:

-Knocking down anything and everything. You think it's your job. 

-Following your sister everywhere. 

-Food. You'll eat baby food but LOVE "big people" food. You will spit something out if you don't like it though. Thankfully, there's more food you like than not. 

-Goldfish. You prefer them over your puffs.
-To say "AY!!"(Hey) to everyone that walks into a room or passes by you. 

-"Reading" books. Any time you aren't following your sister, I can pretty much find you with a book in your lap
-Looking out any window you can find
-Your Momma :) 

-To talk. You just babble all day long. Only when you are at home or in familiar places though. Otherwise, you're very quiet and just observe your surroundings.

-Bathtime. As soon as you hear water running, you crawl like lightening to the bathroom, haha. 

Things You Say:

-"AY!" (Hey)
-"Ah da" (All done)
-"Ah dat" (What's that)
-Mama
-Dada

You Hate:

- Sleeping. UGH.

-Getting your diaper changed (I think it's more because you have to sit still for a whole TWO MINUTES. 

-Riding in the car. Eh, this is really a toss up. But I think you dislike it more than you tolerate it. Maybe once you face forward this will change?? I can only hope. 

-Teething. You and me both kiddo. It's been an good three months of misery. You tug at your ears CONSTANTLY (which has resulted in two dr visits just to make sure there was no ear infection. And both times your ears "looked perfect") And with that, sleep has been sparse. Only recently have we had about a week of you sleeping until 4/5 before waking up for the first time....Instead of your, oh, every TWO hours. It can't last forever can it?!? With that, you have 4 teeth total so far. Two top, two bottom. 

****And just for my memory's sake: You are still in the pack n play in our room ::whomp,whomp:: I can't believe I've let this be, but you know what, whatever helps me get the most sleep!!! 

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Your little personality is really coming out now. You are just so cute :) You are always on the go. Getting into everything, exploring every inch of the house. You never attached to any toy or "lovie". No blanket, paci, or toy ever stuck with you. Which is ok but I feel like if you had one of those that it would help in the sleep area (wishful thinking??). You are so sweet. Always giving kisses and hugs. This month was uneventful. We didn't do anything exciting. Peyton went to VBS for the first time so you and I had some quality one-on-one time together every morning that week :) You pull up on everything and push anything that will move. You will walk with your grocery cart and walker toy but you won't try to walk if I help you. You don't seem to have the desire to walk on your own yet....and I can't say I mind ;) The longer you depend on me, the longer you can be my baby :) 

Party planning is underway and I'm very excited to see my vision come to life ;) I can't believe I have only one more month to call you my "baby" and then you will be a "toddler"!!!

We love you so much little boy!!! 

10 MONTHS!

Weight:

Height:

::Whew:: If I had to sum this past month with one word, it would be TEETHING. Ughhhhhh. Oh those nasty little boogers (top teeth). They have no mercy on my child. 

Milestones/Highlights:

Top right tooth busted through 6/27/13. The other is not far behind. 

You wave to anyone and everyone. Even your reflection. lol. When you first started to wave, you were a little reserved about it. Not anymore! You even say "Ayyyy!", which is your version of "Hey" ;)

You are still SUPER active: Constantly pulling up on everything...crawling under here, over there. Pulling this down, putting that into your mouth. You give me a workout! 

You continue to love your sister to pieces. While she finds it annoying right now, it's adorable.

Food. You LOVE "people food". If you're being fed baby food and you see someone eating something else, faggedaboutit...you want what they're eating. You're starting to get picky about certain things. You definitely spit anything out that you do not like....oh boy.

You helped ring in your Daddy's First Father's Day as a Dad of two :)

It's been a pretty lazy month as far as activities. You, me, and Peyton spent a few days in Orlando with Mimi and Bia. You had a great time splashing in the pool. You LOVE your Bia. You two have a special relationship and it's really sweet to see. 

Sleep:

Ugh. I have just surrendered to the fact that I will be getting little sleep until your teeth leave you alone. You wake up SOMANYTIMES! Even though I'm a little ashamed to admit, you are still in the pack n play in our room because of that. I tried to transition you to your crib and it was NOT happening.
_____________________________________

CANNOT believe we'll be celebrating your first YEAR in less than two months! We love you so much Parkyboy, don't grow too fast!! 

Parker: 8 & 9 Months

WOW, I reeeeeaaaaalllllly fell off the wagon with these updates. It's SO hard to keep up with them, so much changes SO fast!!

8 Months:

Your bottom two teeth finally came in!
*Bottom right 3/30/13 and bottom left 4/13/13

You finally warmed up to (baby) food.

You are on the go ALL THE TIME. You rarely sit still EVER.

You give kisses!!! 4/17/13 I LOVE when this starts! This will always be one of my favorite milestones.

Your favorite song for me to sing to you is "Jesus Loves Me". If you are upset or even if you are busy doing something, if I start to sing it, you stop, smile really big, and listen :) So sweet!

Sleeping is still not happening. You apparently are the type that don't need much sleep :/ Yay for Mommy.

9 Months:

Weight- 19.5 lbs. (50%tile)
Height- 29.5 in.  (90%tile) You've stayed consistantly "tall" for your age.

-You waved for the first time on 5/10/13

-You pulled up for the first time on 5/16/13

-We went to Disney for the third time on 5/24/13 (last time on our 3 day passes) You've done so well every time we went! 

-You love to share. Whether it's a toy or food you're always willing to hand something over.

-You give high fives

-5/27-31 We had our first "family vacation" to the beach in Destin. It was your first time at the beach ever! You really enjoyed it. The sound of the waves must have been relaxing to you because you fell asleep not long after we would get out there. You were ok with the sand, but didn't care to touch it much and never even tried to eat it!

Now that you can pull up on things, that's all you want to do. You aren't very steady though so you've had your share of spills :/ I definitely cannot go far from you unless I put you in the pack n play. The way you're going, I wouldn't be surprised if you're walking before your birthday. (Waaaa!!! Secretly I hope you aren't!)

You want to be apart of whatever Peyton is doing and it's so cute, even though she would beg to differ.  I get a glimpse of the future every time I hear "Mooooooooom, Parker's messin' with my stuff!!! Come get him!!!!" 

You're great with food, even veggies....you continue to open your mouth and eat each bite. A month or so ago, you started "growling" if someone eats in front of you and doesn't share. It's pretty hilarious. So you end up getting some as long as you are allowed to have it :)

Sleeping  is about the same (ha). We had a few days in a row here and there where you'd sleep for a solid 6 hours (from about 9:30/10-3/3:30) but other than that you still wake up at least twice. I'm thinking once I stop you of night nursings this will stop. But I'm ok with it for now...it just means extra cuddle time for us :)

I can't believe we're less than 3 months away from your FIRST birthday!! It's such a bittersweet time. You're learning new things all the time and while that's fun to see, it also means you're less and less my "baby". LOVE YOU PARKY BOY!!!!

Parker: 7 Months

Highlights/milestones:

March 7- crawled!! (a combo of an army crawl and shimmy) (so at a little less than 6 1/2 months old)

March 19- Clapped for the first time! I was very impressed bc I had only been working with you on it for maybe two days; You also tried CFA's waffle fries and LOVED them!
|-> other "real" foods you've tried are: sweet potato fries, apples, and fruit snacks

Continue to not really like any baby food...but we continue on

You're sitting up now. But you don't like having to sit still so you end up making yourself fall over and crawl to where you want to go.

March 22- You went to Hollywood Studios for the first time. You did great once again! If there's a lot to distract you, you're great for hours!

March 23- Said "Mama" intentionally for the first time! Made my heart happy :)
____________________

Sleeping- Sigh. It has been HORRIBLE. You remain in the pack in play in our room because you still wake so many times at night. I would try to let you "cry it out" some, but I don't want you to wake Peyton up...so you benefit from that my little friend. You still want to nurse when you wake too, not like you really need it but you eat anyway ;) I'm hoping your teeth are the reason for this sleeplessness but a tooth has YET to come in! STILL!

We're getting to the point where you're starting to do SO many things ALLATONCE! and I feel like I can't keep up with it all! You continue to be a pretty laid back baby and for that I am SO THANKFUL! As long as I'm in your sight, you're good to go :)

Parker: 5 & 6 Months

Weight: 17.2 lbs. (50th %tile) (stats from your 6 mo. appt on 3/7/13)
Height: 28.5 inches (90th %tile)
Diapers: size 2's but due to the several leaks you've been having I'm thinking we might have to move to 3's (say whaaaa??!)
Clothes: 6-12 mo. & 9 mo.


5 Month Highlights/Milestones:

-Started getting interested in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
-Started rolling around everywhere!
-Teething like mad but the bottom two teeth STILL won't come out!
-You love for us to take our finger to your lips and "blerble" them. Then you learned to do it yourself with your hand...it's so cute!
-The Gummy Bear Song captivates you (just like it did Peyton, lol). It has helped when you have meltdowns in the car
-You reach for me when you want me to hold you
-You've blown some raspberries but don't do it much
-Babble: "Ra-ra-ra" "Na-na-na" "Ah-da" "Ma"
-Tried baby oatmeal for the first time and hated it
-Went to Disney- first time outside my belly; Did SO GOOD! (post on that later)
-Met Mickey for the first time
-Your new hair growing in is coming in blonde
-I sat you in your frog activity seat and you really liked being in the "stand up" position. You learned how the seat can turn around so you do that to follow me around the room ;)

6 Month Highlights/Milestones:

-Tried peas and sweet potatoes. Really didn't like the peas and you tolerated the sweet potatoes
-Separation anxiety has kicked in full force :/ You just want your Momma ALLTHETIME (while this can be tiring, I secretly love it ;))
-You are a master roller. You are seriously EVERYWHERE! And SO!FAST! and must get to ALL!THE!THINGS!
-I gave you your first "hair cut" (had a little bit of a mullet going on at the bottom of the back of your head)
-Babble "dadada" alot (even though you don't know what you're saying yet). Still no "mama" even though at one time it seemed you called out "mamama" when you were upset and really wanted me.
-This month you've really liked being put on the floor with lots of toys so that you can roll/squirm to each one. Forget the bouncy seat.
-You like to sit up (between my legs to help you stay up ;)) and play with things; if I sit you in the tripod position, you'll stay that way for a few minutes before you fall over

Sleeping has been the same for the past two months. You go down anywhere between 10-11 and sleep until about 2/3, wake to eat then goes back to sleep and will sleeps for another 2-4 hours, eat and then is usually up for the morning by 8:30. I don't think we're near sleeping through the night yet (unfortunately) because you still like to eat alot during the night (ugh!). But at least you go right back to sleep (and once you wake, I just keep you in bed with me ;) I can't help it, it's easier!) Still in the pack in play in our room. My goal this month is to start the transition to his room. I think this tends to be harder on me than the babies! I take such comfort in having them in my room. Alas, maybe it will help to get him to sleep through the night! We shall see.

Ohhh my Parky boy, I did not know I would love having a little boy squish SO much! You are the sweetest little thing and I am so grateful that God gave you to us :) Keep growing...but not too fast! ;)

Happy Valentine's Day!

This is my 10th Vday with with A :) Man how time flies!! Now I have TWO MORE Valentines as well <3 nbsp="" p="">

Whether you have a significant other or not, I hope you are shown extra love today!!

xoxo

Current Cosmetic Loves

I haven't done one of these in FOREVER!! Time for some new goodies.....


1. Color Whisper by Maybelline (my fav shade is Coral Ambition)

Its perfect for when you just need something on your lips but only want a tinge of color.

2. Red Carpet Gel Nails Kit

I have Santa to thank for this and I can't say enough awesome things about it! I don't know about you, but with being a SAHM with two kiddos, I can't go out and get my nails done every two weeks. Heck, I'm lucky if I can a couple times a YEAR (sacrifices people!). Even though this is a little bit of $$ upfront, after 3 uses it's already paid for itself! Not to mention, I experimented and the base and top coat work with Sally Hansen's gel polish too! Score! My only complaint is the the Red Carpet polish selection isn't that great. There are like 36 colors but many are too sheer or are just plain blech. 

3. Benefit's Erase Paste

It's a sad day when you realize you need something for your horrible, dark, under-eye circles. Say whaaat??! I tried some of this on during one of my Ulta escapades and I couldn't believe the difference. Now that I have it, I can't live without it. It isn't cheap but a little goes a long way so it's something I/you won't have to buy often. Try it, you will love it too! 

Welp, there's a few of my fav's what are YOU loving these days, do share!!!!

Parker: 3 & 4 months

With the craziness of the holidays, I never did Parker's three month post!! So here's 3 and 4 together :)
(His stats will be current however)

 Weight: 15 lbs (50th percentile)
Length: 27 inches (99th percentile) SUPER tall!!
Clothing: 6/6-9 months
Diapers: size 2

What a whirlwind of two months it's been!! Two major holidays really make time fly. Let's start with November (month 3)....

You rolled from belly to back for the first time (a week before three months actually). You started grabbing for toys and putting them to your mouth. Since then, EVERYTHING goes in your mouth. You celebrated your first Thanksgiving. We had one big dinner at your Gigi's house (even Grammy and Papa and Helena and Uncle John were there too!). You also met your little cousin, Nolan, (who's only a month younger than you) for the first time. Neither of you really knew what to think ;) You both were super cute though!

December....

You mastered rolling from your back to belly. You are now a uni-roller ;) If I put you on your belly, you never stay there long. You can hold yourself up really well when sitting. Your hand/eye coordination has improved a lot this month. You want to be sitting up all the time. If you're laid down you'll do a crunch to let whoever is holding you know you want to sit up. You got to meet Santa and have your picture with him! You loved him...Peyton did not. You also got your first bad viral cold. As if that wasn't bad enough, you were at your worst for your first Christmas :( I felt so horrible for you. We payed a visit to the doctor where we were told we had to just let it run it's course. On that note, you celebrated your first Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with Bia and Mimi (and Aunties) in Orlando and then Christmas day back in Jacksonville with Grammy and Papa. You slept most of the day away because you felt so horrible but you were spoiled with tons of gifts ;)

Peyton is like the BEST little person EVER to you. She can make you laugh so easily. I hope this admiration for her continues as you grow because I want you two to be best friends.

At your 4 month appt, we got the ok from Dr. Kim that you can start solids (rice cereal) but I'm in no hurry to start that just yet. She was very impressed with you and said that you rival a 6 month-er. I'm not surprised, as you seem to always be trying to do something that your little body isn't quite able to do yet. Stop trying to grow up so fast!!

Sleeping. UGH. Up until you got sick, you were doing pretty good. At about 3 months, you decided to drop your lovely three hour mid-day nap and pretty much NOT NAP AT ALL. I've tried everything to get you to sleep like that again and nothing has worked. Boo. You'd just take little cat naps here and there instead. You still slept good at night....that is until you got sick. Now you're all messed up. You wake up at all times during the night. You wake up as soon as you're put down and have a FIT. Being held a lot when you were sick didn't help :/ Sooo needless to say, sleep has not been good for ME. I'm praying you get back to a good night time schedule SOON.

I said this with Peyton, and now with you I still think it's true. The 4th month is when things really start to get fun. You're little personality really shines through and you are so captivated with your surroundings. We love you Parker!!

Resolutions...

I'm not really a fan of them. Mostly because it's just the "thing to do" and most of the time they never stick. However, I do want to make some changes this year.

I mainly want need to get my our life organized and some sort of schedule put into place. Having TWO kids has made me realize that I need a schedule.  I think that will help our days run more smoothly and maybe get me back to being timely! (Man I HATE being late)

Looking forward to this new year and all of the new adventures it is sure to bring!

Here's to scheduling!! ;)

2013

Post Baby Wear

While I was pregnant with Parker, all sorts of cute fashion trends came around and of course, they were either not preggo friendly or not within a "budget friendly" range (for me). I blogged about the styles I so badly wanted to partake in, here. So once I had Parker and lost most of the baby weight, I couldn't wait to try them out!

Let's revisit shall we?

Colored denim/pants. I **might** have gone a little over board with these. But I LOVE them! I currently have mint, teal, coral and red ;)

Peplum tops. I have mixed emotions about this style. I wanted it to work for me so badly. I think the issue is that there are several cuts for these tops and some look ok on me while others I am ripping off before I even put them all the way on, lol. I currently own one of these tops. And while at first I thought it looked super cute, when I looked back at a picture of me wearing it, now I'm not so sure. If I were tall and slender, I don't think I'd have an issue....darn you hips!!

Pencil skirts. I'm really not sure why I thought this was such a must. I think it was simply because I couldn't wear them, ha.

It took me a long time to get back into wearing "styles" after I had Peyton. I was getting used to my "new" body and had to wear what was "nursing accessible". I mainly stuck to tank tops with some sort of cardigan or something with buttons. I didn't really try. This second time around I was determined to put more effort into my appearance. Just because I nurse doesn't mean I'm stuck to one certain look. I just had to get creative. No more frump! And even though we still have pj days at the house, I do get dressed more days than not ;)

I wanted to document my triumphs, lol, so here are some of my favs:

Here's to hoping I keep this up!! :)

The HO HO HOrror!

I had higher hopes Santa this year. Peyton is not a child that warms up to a complete (bearded) stranger in seconds, so I don't know why I expected Santa to be different.

Without further ado....

                                                  
                                                  

                                                

       

Yep.

I do consider this an improvement from last year though. She wouldn't even sit next to him then. At least Parker loved Santa. Ho ho ho....

Life with TWO

I have always heard that the transition from one child to two was difficult. But I never really thought I'd have issues with it. Especially when Peyton was at what I felt was a good age (2 1/2) and was semi-independent. We had been battling through the "Terrible Two's" and the tantrums that came with that made me think, "Pshh, if I can handle this, surely adding a baby can't be any more difficult."

::Blink::
::Blink, blink, blink::

The first few weeks had their trying times (i.e. dealing with Parker's jaundice issues) but overall, it was pretty easy. Peyton was adjusting well (so I thought) and Parker was nursing like a champ and was sleeping in good stretches so I didn't feel exhausted during the day (don't get me wrong though, I did take some naps!). Leaving the house did take more work than I thought it would, but I got the hang of that too. Parker would pretty much sleep the entire time out which for a short time made it feel like it was back to just me and Peyton.

Fast forward a few more weeks and I feel like I am now really starting to feel the weight of having two. Time management is HARD! Having to make time for myself and TWO little ones is proving to be quite the task. I tend to be late more than I am on time and that irritates me to the core. I used to always be on time if not early ::Sigh:: Factoring in getting everyone dressed, dealing with poopspolsions, various outfit changes from said poop, making sure P pottys before we leave and then nursing Parker right before we leave, takes up somuchtime!! I feel like I should be better at this by now.

Peyton has been acting out a lot, making it obvious that she's feeling the shift of sharing the spotlight. Luckily she doesn't take it out on Parker. Our only "problem" with her and how she treats Parker, is her "loving on him" too much. I'll take that over her trying to hurt him any day! lol. She has also been SO NEEDY!! She acts like she gets no attention EVER, which is not even close to the truth. Our days are pretty much the same as before Parker, only difference is, he's here. I don't know what to do to make her not feel that way. Maybe it's just something that'll work it's way out of her system? While she seems so big to me, I also have to remind myself of her true age and know that her little mind has the capacity to only understand so much.

I love both of my babies SO MUCH and feel so overwhelmingly blessed that God bestowed upon me this job of being their Mommy. I guess that's why I'm so bothered that I'm having "difficulties".

I know things will get easier, I'm just ready for that time to be now! Haha.

Ohemgee

Ok. Finding time to do what I need to do with an infant (and preschooler) is harder than I thought it would be. Not by any means impossible. I'm just learning how to juggle. Those that can do it from the get-go, I applaud you. You probably have perfect children too....*rolls eyes*

I've decided that for the time being, I'm not going to kill myself with "catching up" posts or anything structured. But rather enjoy these next two months, as they both bring big holidays and even more activities to keep us busy. I want to worry about spending time with my family and making memories. Sure I'll post some, as I use this as a memory book of some sorts, but nothing scheduled.

Starting in January, I plan to come back with a good schedule. Aside from my everyday life happenings (as this is what this little 'ol place is mainly for) I want to add some fun weekly themes. Mix it up a little.  Because after all, I am more than just a mom! We shall see!

....In the meantime, random hodgepodge is what it will be :)

Pumpkin Patch'en

Better late than never....

Parker: Two Months

Weight: 13lbs. 7.5oz.- 80th %tile
Length: 25 inches- 99th %tile!
Clothing: 3-6 mo. and some 6 mo.
Diapers: size 1 (I have tried 2s and they seemed to fit...but I'm not ready for you to move into another size already!)

First things first, you are just so darn cute. (And no, I'm not bias, just stating the facts ;)) There is no denying, you are quite the charmer!


You and Peyton already have such a sweet relationship. You LOVE her and it's so apparent to me. If you hear her, your eyes go searching for her and when you find her, you smile so big. You also love to "talk" to her already. It's amazing to me how I can tell a difference in how you act with me and how you act towards your sister. I love that.

Jaundice update: Let me just say that this has been the most frustrating issue. After about 6 weeks, you were still yellow. So I called your dr and they had us come in to take a look at you and check your bili levels (again). After getting your bloodwork back, Dr. Connolly decided you had breast milk jaundice. Your body just loved my milk so much it wanted to keep it all in, including the biliruben. All that meant was that it was just going to take some time to get out of your system. We were nursing 8-12 times a day to help get you to pee/poop it out as much as possible ;) Thankfully, I think we are almost over it. You are still a tinge yellow but are definitely better than a month ago!

This month, your little personality really started to shine. You started smiling (on purpose) and cooing ALL THE TIME. I love this phase. I adore hearing what you have to say and seeing that look in your eyes as you try so hard to get out your little "words". You are also trying SO hard to laugh! Right now it's like two or three coo's, one right after another. It's so cute, I can't wait for it to click :) You hate tummy time and kind of just lay there. Your sister hated it too. You still haven't rolled over but if you get mad enough while on your tummy, you try so hard to flip over. You're a pro at holding your head up. You love the bouncy seat (with the vibration) and you love the swing. And not just a "swing" in general, it has to be a full sized baby swing. I know because I had a travel swing and you hated it and then I borrowed a friend's full sized, and you love it. Go figure. You still won't take a paci, of any kind. (I think I've purchased and tried every kind made) Even though I won't have to go through taking it away from you at some point, it would still be nice if you'd tolerate it, at least sometimes! You also continue to despise your carseat. If I can get you buckled in fast enough and get the car moving, you sometimes are ok. But the moment I hit a redlight or have to stop for more than a minute, you start screaming. The car was the one place that Peyton wouldn't scream. Once again, go figure. Still nursing like a champ (the second time around is so much easier!). You were from the get go and I am SO thankful for that! The drooling/spitting is in FULL FORCE! I've brought out the bibs and burp cloths. You soak anything your mouth touches. You've started gnawing/sucking on your hands, alot. Sometimes you try to cram both fists into your mouth at once. It's a pretty funny sight. 

Sleeping. I am very proud of myself this go around. We've got a pretty good routine going. You have a long nap from around 12/1-3/4 almost everyday (that's when I get things done around that house, ha). Then go down for bed around 10/11, sleep until 4:30/5:30, eat, then go back to sleep until 8/9. You're in your bassinet until you wake up to eat and then I keep you in bed with me ;) I'm not sure when I plan to move you to your room...but I'm in no hurry :)

Little boy, we love you so much! Don't grow too quickly!!

Parker: One Month

My goodness, Parker, you are a month already! A WHOLE month!! Let's recap on this past month's events.....

Weight: guessing 10-ish lbs **9/28: I was WAY off. We had a jaundice check up this morning and he weighed in at 11.6 lbs!! Whoa baby :)
Length: 21-ish inches? (Guessing. He was born at "20" but at his week follow up they said 21 and I think that is more accurate considering he is one long little fellow)
Clothing: By your third week, newborn things were too small. You are currently wearing "0-3 mo" things and even now those are getting too small. A few 3-6 mo. pieces fit too.
Diapers: I already moved you too 1s because we were having alot of leaks!

We got off to a bit of a rough start with you spending your second week of life living on a "baby tanning bed". It was apparent that you were jaundice and I could tell you were getting drowsier by the day, so at your one week check up, Dr. Kim sent us to get your levels checked. Sure enough, you were at a 16.1 and the normal range is a 6 or 7 =/ So that night, an at-home nurse came over and brought your bed. You had to live on that thing day and night (only coming off to eat for 30 mins every 2 hours) until your levels came down to an acceptable number. We finally got the number we needed that Thursday night and as soon as I got the call from the nurse (at 3 AM!!), I took you off immediately!! I couldn't wait to snuggle you!! Even now you are still a little yellow but at your two week check up your dr said it could take 6 weeks to clear....but the good thing is, no light and it will just work itself out of your system =)

 Your sister loves you SO much!! I can't keep her away from you. She always wants to hold you and kiss your head. It melts my heart...I don't know how I will deal when you can kiss or hug her back for the first time! You will just stare at Peyton when she's talking/playing with you. I love it.

At about three weeks, you started doing/trying to do alot. As I said above, your eye contact was great and you started trying to talk. All you can get out are squeals and an "Uuuughhh" (sounds like a cute sigh). But it is the cutest thing ever. You smile quite often, even though I'm not quite sure when it's supposed to be an "on purpose" smile, but I'll take it! You've been holding your head up since you were born (obviously not for long periods of time). You are already trying to roll over...you get to your side, and get stuck, then get angry. I have a feeling it won't be too long before you get it. You don't care for being held in a cradle, unless it means your about to get fed. You love being up on someone's shoulders. You like being able to see everything. If I stand you on your legs, you'll bare all your weight on them and stand for a few seconds. You are so STRONG!! You obviously take after your Dad ;) I swear it feels as if you are already trying to grow faster than normal.

Once you turned a month old, I decided it was time to try to get you (and me) on a good routine to help you sleep better at night. You'd been in our bed with us and it was just not working that well because you were so squirmy at night, neither of us would get much sleep. So far we're about 4 days into it and you've slept no less than 4 1/2 hours straight (12-4:30, 11-5:30, 10:30-4). I'm impressed and hope it stays this way! I'll revisit this next month.

Little boy, we love you so much! Don't grow too quickly!!

Tour of Parker's Room

I finished Parker's room about a week ago. The only thing I wish I could've done is paint, but other than that, I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out! It's a perfect combination of modern mixed with rustic (the color/finish of the furniture with the exposed metal finishes and deer head ;)) A few of my favorite things about his room: 

1. The utility shelf-turned-into-changing/storage table. I first saw it displayed as such in a picture on Etsy and knew I had to do the same. More than likely it will just be used for storage, as I see many a changing on the living room floor ;)

2. The Cardboard Deer Head. This was the coolest thing I think I could have stumbled upon for his room. This was the perfect compromise for Austin and I. He likes real animal heads and I like modern decor....voila! lol. Not to mention, it was fun to put together, it was like a puzzle! 

I keep finding myself wandering into his room just taking everything in. I can't wait until he's here with us....just three more weeks, or less!! :)

My One and Only

I've been soaking up each day of it just being Peyton and I. We only have a few weeks left! It really is a bittersweet time. She's going to be such a great big sister. She talks about Parker alot (or "baby brother"). She comes to many of my doctor's appts with me and has been to every ultrasound. She's an expert at knowing what his heartbeat sounds like and what he looks like on the "tv". I think bringing her to my appts has helped her make that connection and realize what's happening.

We've been doing some fun things that don't require going outside because it's just SO hot! We've gone to "kid's movie day" a few times at our local theatre. We've been doing some crafts and she's discovered a new love....painting. She would sit at the table and paint ALL day if I'd let her.

Peyton is growing so fast, and sometimes I still can't believe that she won't be my only one!!