"Today you are you!"

We had a Dr Seuss Birthday Party for Parker.  It was a lot of fun and I had a great time planning it.  I was lucky enough to have a couple of friends offer their expertise in making things for it.  Parker had a fun time having family and friends there to help celebrate, just wish some other family members could have been there with us.  Lots of pictures so I'll let them do the explaining:





Front Door Sign Jenny made

Front entry.  There was a "Happy Birthday to You!" Book
for guest to write messages

The painting and stuff animals Dede borrowed from
her school library

Picture timeline

Maddy and Kaden

The cute banner and food signs were made by Pink Caterpillar Designs!

Smash cake made by Dede

Daddy and Parker
(The hat was made by his Gram)

Props made by mommy :)

Dede and Parker

Kelly, Kinley, and Matt

Uncle Mike, Aunt Jenn, and Blakely

The awesome cake was made by my friend, Nicole

Jenny

Grandma

Daddy and Grandad

Dede and Papa

Twista taking me for a ride in my new car

Uncle Ross, Maddy, Kaden, and Aunt Amy

Britt and Twista

Crazy Aunt Pam and Uncle David

Not shy about diving into the cake

12 Months

Where did the time go?  It seems that just the other day we were living life by 3 hour eating intervals and sleep was a bonus.  Now the bottles and infant toys are packed and we are wondering where our little baby went to. 

Things we do:

• No bottles or formula.  We drink milk out of a sippy cup like a big boy
• Momma's boy for the meantime
• Usually takes 2 naps/day sometimes 1
• Favorite food: Bananas
• Still on size 3 diapers
• Weighs ~ 24lbs
• Bedtime b/t 7-8 wakes up at mostly around 6:30 if we aren't teething or have an ear infection

Here are his One Year Photos (MJ Carr Photography did a great job on them):

Parker,
       You have made our world more sweeter and richer, helping us find a new meaning to life and multi-tasking.   You have grown and changed so much in just one little year and we feel blessed to have shared those moments with you.  The excitement that fills your eyes when you learn something new can almost be compared to the pride mommy and daddy feel when you reach those milestones.  Some adjectives that family and friends used to describe you are: inquisitive, fearless, spunky, Mr. Personality, preacher man, busy, silly, happy, content, strong, and sweet.  We hope to make this a tradition every year to see how your character evolves.  We love you more than words and are so proud of the sweet boy you are turning into.

The Best Gram

Parker Shane,
     This is undoubtedly the hardest post that I have written so far.  God decided that it was time for your Gram to come home to live with Him in heaven.  We selfishly thought it was way to soon but we are hopeful in knowing we will get to see her again some day. 
        We want you to know how much she loved you.  She already had four other grandchildren to spoil, yet she treated you just as special as if you were the first.  She would get so excited to keep you, even if she was exhausted and tired from working.  She always managed to get you to sleep all night long, I suppose it was your little secret with her.  Gram and Grandad had lots of time to spoil you and keep you and we are grateful for it.
       Her favorite thing to do with you was play patti-cakes.  Your face would light up every time she did it.  In just a year of knowing you, she had made you blankets, stuff animals, and your Dr. Seuss birthday hat.  Your Gram had the biggest heart and was the hardest worker I know.  She spent countless hours on her feet cleaning, cooking, or playing with the grandkids.  Maybe that is where you got your "energizer bunny" genes from.  She was the best Gram anyone could ever have and we are so thankful that you had the chance to be spoiled by her, even if it was only for a year.

11 Months

So our Little Guy is already turned one but it has been a little crazy around here, but at least it's getting done....right? 

What he loves to do:

• Dance!!  Anytime there is music, he loves to shake it!
• Had his first ear infection. 
• Weighs 22lbs

Mommy didn't even get to do his typical "Eleven month" photos but here is one close to that time:



First Zoo Trip

We took Little Guy to the zoo for the first time.  We wanted to take advantage of the warm spring summer temps.  LG loved it and was intrigued by all the animals.  His favorite seemed to be the giraffe and the penguins. 

Waving at everyone



Finally noticed the giraffe and got excited



Things I didn't know a year ago...

      ·         My heart had room to love more than it already did.  It has grown
                   a million times seven.

·         Going to bed at 9 is a treat rather than punishment

·         I can be so frustrated and mad one minute and a sillly smile can
           dissolve those feelings in seconds

·         Nights spent dancing to “Hot Diggity Dog” are more entertaining and
            way more fun than shakin it in the club

·         This is the hardest most selfless job I have ever done and yet the
            most rewarding

·         Sleep is overrated

·         Mommyhood is not for sissies so put your big girl panties on and
            buckle up

·         Laughter and silliness has filled our home more than I thought could
            be possible

·         Rocking in the middle of the night are some sweet memories that I
            would trade for sleep all most some of the time.

·         Teething is not nice

·         A babies cry sends more “fight” response than before

·         A bunch of small potatoes with British accents is captivating

·         Being a mom is so much more satisfying  than anything I’ve ever done.

The list could go on but that is it for now.