Thank You!

Dear Daddy,

I know I can't tell you and Mommy hasn't told you in a while but we want to say thank you for letting us stay home. We know you work hard all day to make it possible for Mommy to stay home with me and I am starting to realize that I am one lucky boy! Today while we were at the Arboretum, Ms. Cheryl was telling Mommy how happy she is that she is able to stay home with Luke so that got us to thinking that sometimes we take advantage of this opportunity. So Daddy, we just wanted to say thanks! You are my hero!

The only thing that would have made this day better is if you could have been there with us at the Arboretum. But, I will look forward to all the fun things we do on the weekends!

Love,
Parker (and Mommy)

A Day at the Arboretum

Today we met Cheryl, Luke, Libby and Brenden at the Arboretum. The last time we visited, Parker was only a couple weeks old.....my how times have changed! It was a PERFECT day to go because the weather was nice and all of the beautiful flowers were in bloom. On Mondays and Tuesdays they have a lot of kid activities and with it being Spring Break, there were a lot of them there. Here are some pics from today:

Parker at the Petting Zoo....not really caring much about the pony:

Luke.....chilling out:

Libby & Brenden....isn't his hat cute:

Parker feeling grass for the first time:

And now the boy sleeps:

GNO

I went out last night with a group of friends for a GNO and had a blast! It's been so long since I've been out with the girls but I have NOT forgotten how to have a good time (or prepare for one):

My GNO checklist:
-Dump all "baby stuff" out of purse
-Wear lots of shiny jewelry
-Take your time (1 hour) getting all dolled up
-Put on perfume
-Buy a new accessory (hot pink scarf)
-Turn off the Veggie Tales CD in the car and put on some Bon Jovi

It seems that as parents we make so many, big and small, sacrifices for our kids and sometimes we lose apart of ourselves in the process. But little things like husband date nights and GNO allow us time away from our kids to rejuvenate. It's a must!

Footprints Playdate

Katy and Baby Blake (ha....only our family members will laugh at this!) hosted a playdate today and we did our first craft....footprints! In the picture below, Parker's print is the last one on the tray. We had a good time but didn't stay as long as we would normally....we had to get home for a nap.

(Below: Neon, who is Noah's Mom, and Parker)

(Below: Cute picture of the mommies and their babies)

(Below: Noah and Brenden, who is also in our Gymboree class)

(Below: Noah and Parker checking out a really cool and loud toy)

Six Month Check-Up

Parker's six month check-up was yesterday and his growth measurements are:

Weight: 19lbs 15oz
Height: 27.5"
Head: 47cm

Dr. Eastman said Parker is doing very well! I love going to these visits because we learn so much! I love that Dr. Eastman is seasoned, he gives us time to get all of our questions answered and gives us tons of written information. Here are the questions I had for him and his answers:

1) How is his ear? It looks great! The medication is doing it's job.
2) Can Parker swim? Can we start swim lessons? Yes and Yes...as long as Parker doesn't go under water.
3) Does Parker have allergies? Do we need to visit an allergist? We should wait another 2-3 months before going to the eye doctor for the tear duct issue and wait until 12 months before going to an allergist.
4) Is Parker eating too much? No, at this point, Parker will let you know when he is and isn't hungry. His weight is perfect and there is nothing to be concerned about right now.
5) Any advice on sleeping, since we are still using the carseat? Keep him in the seat until he is ready for his bed. The shape of his head is just fine and I (Dr. Eastman) had a child that slept in her carseat until she was 9 months old. He is able to sleep on his belly now so that might help in the transition.
6) At the 9 month check-up, will there be any shots? No, but there will be some blood work.
7) Is Parker getting enough milk? He should be getting 24 - 32oz per day.

That was about all I had. Some of the new things that we can start:

-Baby proofing
-3 meals per day
-Offer soft table foods
-Use of a sippy cup

(Above: teething biscuit AND a mum-mum)

(No time like the present to start with the sippy cup)

Also, we are happy to report that Parker rolled from his back to his stomach on Sunday night. I was soooo happy that Bryan was home to see it. We've been working on rolling for a week or two. Now we are on to crawling. Parker is still putting his butt in the air and now he is pushing his arms/chest up.

Happy 1/2 Birthday, My Sweet Boy!

We had us a little party to celebrate Parker's 1/2 Birthday! We had some cake (1/2 of a cake, of course), presents and one big mess! Can you believe it's been 6 months already???

From a Different Angle

This is the same SPD playdate but these pictures were taken by Patty (Caroline's Mom). One, I am so glad she always brings her camera (like me!) and two, she takes amazing pictures!