As year two comes to an end....

I wonder how we are here already?! Two? Friday was two years since Parker's due date, yet it barely seems like a year ago.

Parker is such a little man now. He's a talking fool, picking up new words nearly everyday. Be careful what you say around him, he's likely to repeat immediately ;)

Although his first tooth didn't pop until 18 months, he's quickly caught up and now has a mouthful of teeth. In fact, his first dentist appointment is just weeks away (and I'm a little scared how it will, not gonna lie!).

Sadly, the week of his birthday brings us his first "surgery". Parker will be getting tubes on Monday, here's hoping this helps fight off the ear infections he's been prone to.

His favorite game these days is hiding - under a blanket, makeshift fort or in a tent. You name it, he'll find a place to hide!

Thankfully, my little guy gave mom some much needed and appreciated cuddle time today. Halfway through his nap he woke up on tears, so I gladly took the opportunity to rock and cuddle him back to sleep for another hour. I know my days are numbered for these chances, so I'll take what I can get!

Check back soon for more about his birthday celebration next weekend!

Doggie convention

Meeting of the minds (paws) possibly?

Parker's got a secret...

I could pretend this is the reason I haven't blogged for over 4 months...yikes! Has it been that long?

It's true what they say (whoever they are) - being pregnant with a toddler is tough stuff! Not only is he a ball of non-stop energy, but add in total exhaustion and morning sickness that lasts all day, and you have one pooped mommy. Good thing daddy is in tip top shape. Scott has been an absolute blessing, covering all jobs I'm lacking in these days.

My only hope is now that we're coming out of the first trimester, life will get somewhat back to normal for this mom. One can hope, right?

So there you have it, our big news for 2013! We hope the new year will bring you just as much fun and excitement!!

Parker "mucking"

While getting him ready for bed a few weeks ago, I taught P how to jump....into my arms from the changing table :)

Here's a video I shot tonight of him jumping (mucking as he says it!) on the floor and off of his new potty bench.

The video doesn't give the full effect since I'm usually catching him, but couldn't while holding the camera. It's still cute nonetheless!

Check it out :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY3EMa6YRzw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

A Garden "Without Weeds"

You may recall reading this post back in February about the passing of my great-grandmother Marie Caraher.  The end of July, most of her family (a large one at that, eleven children, 27 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 18 great, great grandchildren!) was able to gather together for her memorial service and to celebrate the great life she lived. Her children and their families are literally scattered all over the country, coming from as far as the Domenican Republic, Canada, Oregon, the east coast, many more locations as well as right here in Iowa.  It was a wonderful celebration and great to chat with family we rarely have the opportunity to see (just wish it was under better circumstances!).  

Her son Denny is a wonderfully talented musician who has written many songs telling tales from his childhood and about the family. I highly encourage you to check out his website!  I'd like to share this beautiful song he sang for us in honor of his mother, my great-grandmother.  His website gives some backstory to points of the song.  One addition I'd like to make - one of the two "raising hell in heaven", Rosie, is my grandmother who also passed away recently, in October of last year.  I know she, along with Grandma Caraher, are enjoying this song together with Jimmy and Grandpa Caraher.  

Grandma, I look forward to one day helping you in that garden without weeds.  We love and miss you!

http://www.radioboymusic.com/news-2/

We've got ourselves a little bandit...

...applesauce bandit, that is! Snagged this pic Friday morning before work. P is a pro at cleaning out our lazy susan.

Vacation Day Five (last day - boo!)

Friday was pool day! The family chilled at home that morning munching on cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We had hoped to make it to the pool for the free "toddler time", but P decided to sleep a little later in his morning nap (and we all know the rule - do NOT wake a sleeping baby!).

By noon, we were headed out the door, and it was plenty warm by then. Parker was very excited once we entered the gates of the pool. We had gone there once before for our church family swim about a month earlier and he knew what was to come. In fact, once we were in the pool, it didn't take him long to toddle right over to the slide. He would have played on it all afternoon if we would have let him. We explained that other kids wanted the chance to enjoy it just like him (whether he actually understood this is anybody's guess!).

We definitely enjoyed our time there, which included a few trips around their lazy river (they had floats for babies!), lots of splashing in the pools and under waterfalls, and hanging out with one of our small groups' mama and her little dude Cameron.

Naturally there are zero pics since both Scott and I were in the water with him, but rest assured he was rocking his swim gear and spider hat ;)