Big Brain Theory

Thanks to tip from his Aunt Tammy, Parker has been dining on avocado for the past few weeks. With all of his new milestones, which now include waving, I began thinking maybe avocado really is "brain food" and has boosted his coordination and cognition. Then I turned around and saw Parker trying to chew on Ike's bone. So much for that theory.

Milestones a Plenty!

It has been a week of major milestones!

Parker is officially eating solid foods. This was the second try,

it took almost two weeks but it appears that his little digestive system is back on track.



Parker loves looking at himself in the mirror, but the bathroom counter is too slippery for him to stand on, so I installed a Parker heighth mirror in his room.  He loves it! 

He stands in front of it playing patty-cake



and trying to kiss the baby in the mirror.



Damn non-skid footy pajamas!  When I walked into Parker's room this morning,
I was shocked to see him standing up in his crib for the first time. 



Parker took his first steps (with assistance) this week

And.....

Parker's first word was "da-dee!"  I think he might also be saying mama but it comes out "ma-ma-ma-ma" so I'm not counting it quite yet. 

If he keeps up this pace he'll be starting college in September.

For My Sisters

It has been a rough few weeks around here (a crazy work schedule, teething, sleepless nights, gassy poopless days (I think I'll save that for another post!), and I just as I began to feel really, really, REALLY frazzled, stressed and cranky I came across this quote:

"As a mother, there is always more. Anytime you think you have reached that point of exhaustion or giving up, you don't. Because there is always more. If you think there isn't more, you find a way to make more."

When I read the first sentence, my heart sank and I thought more meant there was always more to do. More diapers to change, more laundry to clean, more more more, work work work.  Through tears of frustration and exhaustion I kept reading and saw the true meaning. Even though I feel like my "more" is all used up, deep down inside somehow, some way I will always be able to find more. More strength, more energy, and more hope. And then, I immediately thought of my sister.  She is selflessly working her ass off so her husband can complete a 2 year (unpaid) internship, raising the cutest kid you have ever seen, and somehow finding time to write an amazing blog to help the rest of us be better people. So here is to my sister, other amazing mothers, soon to be mothers, and those hoping, wishing and believing they will soon become mothers: here's to your strength, your dedication and your MORE!  I love you all!

Random Acts of Cuteness

"Hope I don't drop him we might never find him in his camo-snowsuit"

(Parker's 2nd time playing in the snow)

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Chris gave Parker this giraffe toy for Christmas. The box shows a child Parker's age sitting and playing and an older child standing and playing. Parker thinks sitting is for babies, he will only play with it if he can stand.

Baskethead

8 months!

Parker News

Parker's tooth count is now up to four, his two upper front teeth broke through January 5th.

He still has not actually crawled, but seems content to combat crawl and creep all over the house.

He can pull himself up into a standing position, which is usually followed a few seconds later by a falling position.