Easter 2011

Easter is such a special time of year and it was a lot of fun having two little ones to help celebrate our risen Lord!

Another successful egg hunt this year!  Grant had a ball and couldn't wait to break into his eggs for his treats!

He got a new umbrella from Grandpa & Grandma O for Easter and spotted it before he could get his undies & clothes on.  He pranced around the whole house like this and I know will appreciate these photos soooo much when he is older :)  His face says it all!

Some great book and video time with Grandpa R!

Parker's first Easter, getting some loving from his Great-Grandma Billie

All of the cousins lining up and ready to break into Gpa & Gma R's living room for the annual egg hunt

The cousins with their loot, L to R: Olivia, Jake, Parker, Grant & Francesca

9 month old Bear

 9 month old Parker Bear

P Bear showing his new top two teeth bringing the count up to 4 total!

Parker, you are such a little bear, you weighed in at 20 lbs, 1 oz (48%)  at your 9 month check-up and were off the charts for length, 30 3/4 inches (100%++) and 98% for that sweet "little" head of yours!  Your largest achievement, of which you've definitely earned, this month is your top two teeth.  I love it when you laugh really hard and we can see all four of your teeth!

The pediatrician told us you need to be moving a bit more or by about 10 1/2 months you might need a little physical therapy....WHAT?!!  You have all of the tools and strength, we just need you to WANT to go after things.  Well, guess what, we have been praying and praying for your big little body to start moving around a little more than you already are.  Since I'm a bit behind in posting this post, this week, Wednesday to be exact, you started rolling around and going after things.  God is good little buddy, we love you!

You are comfortably wearing 18 month old clothes, hum/groan/moan a lot, love to stand up and are trying to walk, love, love, love your little finger foods (wagon wheels, puffs, crackers).  Your personality continues to shine through and we know you already have a very big and loving heart.  You make our days, and nights, such a blessing just by being you!

Love you bear~

Mommy

so much

There is so much to catch-up on so, I'll begin with these....

While in Iowa, Grandpa O getting ready to cruise around with Grant on the "tractor!"  Grant was in heaven!

Seriously, does it get any better than this, SOOOOO CUTE!!!!

Grant wore this too, Parker looks so happy to be our tax deduction!

April 5, 2011

My dear, sweet, beautiful Grandma has passed away.  I have no words and my heart continues to ache.  I know she will no longer be reading my blog and I haven't wanted to put a post on here knowing that the one I posted on March 28, is the last one that she will read.  So, for now, I will just share pictures. 

I love you Grandma.

Grant Man

We have been blessed with a wonderful Christian family as our neighbors and they live in our backyard...okay, not really but their backyard and our backyard back up to each other.  They have four boys with their newest addition, Jacob, coming only a few shorts weeks ago.  Jack, their third son, turned 3 in February and he and Grant have become inseparable and, therefore, Grant has his first real best friend!

We hear about Jack daily, "When can Jack come over to my house?  When can I go to Jack's house?  Where is Jack?  What is Jack doing right now?  Hey Mom, let's go to Jack's house!  How about after nap I go play with Jack?  Mom, let's throw me over the fence to Jack's house!"  It is endless...Jack, Jack, Jack, Jack!!!!

Here are some photos I snapped with my phone of Grant playing at Jack's house...

Love the mud splatters on the face :)

Grant hates, and has always hated, masks and helmets such as the one below.  Halloween was a bit trying on the poor guy as everyone in masks completely freaked him out.  Jack has won Grant over and got him to try on his catcher's mask and then he put on his first baseball glove, how adorable?!

 Grant with his buddy Jack

me & my boys

We continue to suffer through poor Parker's first ear infection(s).  His right ear has healed and now, unfortunately, his other ear is infected so, back to the doctor this afternoon we went.  Now we're on his second prescription and the pediatrician also confirmed that he is working on his top two teeth, poor little buddy.

Me and my boys...Parker insists upon being held these days while feeling bum, therefore, Grant demands the same attention and treatment!

Parker has become quite fond of his wagon wheels :)

My little bear....love that little face!!!

 King of the high chair....and I think he knows it!



Baby Bear

My baby bear seems to be more accurately described as a Bear Cub these days.  Yesterday he was weighed at the pediatrician's office and weighed 19 lbs, 4 oz.  Yikes, Parker, you are a big boy!!  Unfortunately, we were there because he was just not himself all day and sure enough, he has an ear infection in one of his ears, poor little guy, no wonder all of the fussing and screaming!  Thankfully, you already seem much better today and aren't nearly as cranky and miserable as you were just 24 hours ago.

Here is our little bear earlier this week on his 8 month birthday.

He just loves his bare feet!

This is what was going on during most of our little photo shoot, big brother was wanting sooooo badly to cover up Parker and play "boo!"

Here's our little curly haired boy during bath time....

...and here he is without, I much prefer the curls on top!



Parker, you are still a delightful little guy with a fun-loving and giggly personality!  You are so much fun to have around and help keep your big brother entertained a lot too!  You have become much more wiggly but aren't rolling around yet.  You also sit-up for much longer periods of time.  You are very interested in the things happening around you and will wiggle around until you are in the position you want to be in to see everything.

Your bottom two teeth are coming in nicely and you have a LOT of drool to prove it!  You notice when we (particularly me) leave the room and let us know if you're not happy about it.  Oatmeal cereal is still your #1 but you also enjoy almost all kinds of fruits (except bananas) and vegetables.  What a concept, a kid that likes vegetables?!!  I pray that lasts!

Bath time with your brother has become a favorite and you still allow me to swaddle you for sleep, naps and at night.  I think our time is numbered though you are getting stronger and stronger and are able to break pretty free by the end of the night.  You're still taking 3 naps a day with the last one being closest to a cat nap but I'll take it!  You continue to refuse a bottle which means I have zero social life :)  I do remind myself that this too will pass and it is only a short phase in the road of life so for now I am enjoying the opportunity I have to nurse you.

Everyone continues to comment on your curls ontop, which we adore!  It seems to suit your personality and I love it!  You seem to enjoy the attention they bring too, ha!

We love you Parker Bear, thanks for bringing pure joy to our hearts!

Love,

Mom & the rest of the boys