Friday, May 24, 2013

Parker is 4 Months Old!

This has been a very busy month with some interesting new adventures!



In the past month, Parker...
...went on his first domestic flight to Maine!
...met his Papa for the first time.
...slept through the night for the first time...and a few after that :)
...has discovered the T.V. and "talks" to it on a regular basis.
...visited the ocean for the first time.
...celebrated his first birthday with Daddy!
...celebrated his first Mother's Day with Mommy!
...rolled from his back to his tummy.
...learned to appreciate tummy time.
...started sleeping in his crib in his own room.
...had his first taste of baby cereal, and loves it!
...'s favorite toy has been his walker.
...has grown out of his 3 month clothes.
...discovered his toes!
...has really started to discover his little voice and how to scream..
...had his first taste of baby carrots!


Some of our memories from this month

Happy Birthday, Daddy! Parker and I made him a chocolate peanut butter cake!

Happy little baby boy!

Our first baby food feeding...it got quite messy...

His favorite new hang out! He has even started to scoot backwards!

Still not so sure about the pool...I think it is still a little cold for him.


Thursday, May 9, 2013

Maine : The Way Life Should Be

After a few weeks in Florida to get rid of some jet lag, we loaded up once again to head to Maine to meet the rest of the family!

Parker did wonderful on the flight! And when we landed, his Papa was anxiously awaiting our arrival!


...Let the spoiling begin! We were fortunate that my parents were able to be home with us during our entire stay, so Parker got more snuggles than he bargained for!

 The next night, we joined some family for dinner and Parker was passed around the table at least 5 times!

Auntie Amber

I think Uncle Brian provided the best seat in the house!

More Adventures!

The Saturday after we arrived, we traveled down to New Hampshire for more meet-and-greets! My closest friends from college traveled from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut to meet us in New Hampshire...

Russ is a natural!

Brett...not as much...

Elise and Rachel enjoying the beautiful day with Parker!

Russ and Elise trying to decide if babies really are as scary as they thought...
These people are amazing. Once again, a reminder of how blessed we are to have such a genuine group of friends that, no matter how many months or years may pass between the times we meet, are always there with open arms to welcome us home! 

The next day, my parents hosted an open house at their home for our family and friends to meet our newest addition.
Alex was a natural and even helped make some bottles!

Auntie Meg and Alex talking to Parker

Mayleigh and her little sidekick for the week!

Auntie Jeanne waiting VERY patiently for Parker to wake up from his nap...

Parker, meet Donovan :)
It was a great day full of good food, great company, and amazing memories! We are so grateful for our family, friends, and loved ones that came to meet Parker and spend the beautiful afternoon with us!

Mid-week we traveled down to Portland to have lunch with Parker's Great Aunt Monica and Great Uncle Shawn. While waiting for the restaurant to open, Parker and Daddy ventured down to the water's edge to explore a little bit of the Maine coastline...



I had to make sure to share where Parker REALLY spent most of his time in Maine...

 ...with his Papa :)

But Mimi snagged some time with her little man too! (notice Papa isn't too far away..)


Even though Mimi and Papa fought over who was going to hold and feed the little monster all week, Spur was his biggest fan :)



Before we headed back to Florida, Parker had to visit Teri's farm to meet the horses! We were not too sure how he would react to them, but as you will see...


He could not have cared any less. Doesn't he know that expression doesn't make for very exciting photo memories!




Oh, Parker.

My Mom and I were also able to get in a little bit of "crafting" time. I found this cute pattern online and figured I would try to re-create it while my parents were around to provide some creative support. The entire project took only a few hours, and Parker LOVES his new swing!


Our last Saturday in Maine was spent in Boothbay Harbor, my absolute favorite place on Earth. I have spent many summers with my family in Boothbay and truly look forward to our visits each time I return home. Unfortunately, I didn't take very many pictures that day :( but this is one that my Mom captured that made me smile! Apparently, Parker's hat is one he still has room to grow into...


...sorry buddy!


Captain Parker!

 Our visit to Maine was incredible! We are so thankful for everyone who spent what little time we had with us. We look forward to seeing you all again in a few months when we return!






Parker is 3 Months Old!

I think this has been Parker's most fun-filled month to date! We had lots of interesting first's this time around!

In the past month, Parker...
...has really started to discover his little voice - and "yells" quite often, which is charming.
...had his first babysitter. (Thank you Auntie Sarah!)
...went down his first slide with Daddy.
...attended his first hockey game in Germany.
...went on his first flight.
...got his first stamp in his passport.
...met his Grandpa for the first time.
...went in a pool for the first time.
...still loves his glow seahorse.
...hates tummy time a little less.
...met his Great Great Grandparents.


Parker's first pool adventure!

Parker, Meet the Family!

After a long day of traveling and Parker's first plane ride, we were ready to meet the rest of the family!

Auntie Mandy and Uncle Chris were waiting with open arms when we arrived at the house!


 Great Grandma and Bud couldn't wait to get their hands on that little guy!


...And an incredible surprise - Parker's Great Aunt Cindy flew in from Georgia because she just couldn't wait until she got back from visiting her son in Japan!


Even after a day full of travel and a 6 hour time difference, little Parker soaked up all the kisses and snuggles and even held on until after 10 p.m. before he headed to bed...and slept through the night!!

The next day, it was off to meet his Great GREAT Grandparents!

Nee Naw couldn't get enough of Parker!

Pap Pap and his "little man"

So sweet!

I am not sure I have ever seen him smile so big and so much!


Everyone lined up and Parker just got passed down the line all afternoon...and loved every minute of it!
Super Grandparents!
Hey Uncle Chris!

The next day, Parker's Great Granny was able to meet him, and boy did he love her stories and little songs!


...and Loong joined us for dinner! I missed you, roomie!


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Pictures!

I was going through some photos on our camera and came across these from our last few weeks in Germany that I wanted to share...

Parker's first trip to the Ice Rink...we stayed at the Cafe while Daddy skated with Uncle Marty :)

Daddy came to visit us though!

Michael's idea of entertaining Parker while Mommy takes a shower...

Parker meets Lincoln! And Lincoln just loved him so much he wouldn't put him down or let anyone else feed him! So sweet!

Daily talks with Daddy!

My sweet little boy!

I love these two so much!

Apparently his bed is just too small, so he took over Mommy and Daddy's bed...