Everyday Blessings

Two Months Old

2009-11-19T20:26:00.003-06:00

Ainsley checked out perfectly at her eight week check-up today! She weighed 10 pounds, 10 ounces (50th percentile) and was 21 1/4 inches long (10th percentile). The exact opposite of her brother!

Double {Stroller} Duty

2009-11-18T20:23:00.003-06:00

This evening we had the chance to try out our new Sit-N-Stand double stroller that my grandparents bought for us. It worked out great!

Comfy Cozy

2009-11-17T20:09:00.003-06:00

I don't think Ainsley could be any more comfy cozy than she is snuggled on Daddy's lap, napping by the fire.

Dancing with Daddy

2009-11-16T20:04:00.002-06:00

Celebrating Creighton and Colton

2009-11-15T20:02:00.002-06:00

We had a fun, family evening celebrating two of Parker's favorite friends turning three.

Cold Feet

2009-11-14T19:54:00.005-06:00

On our trip back to Waco from Longview, we made a quick stop to visit some of T-Ma's friends in Tyler. Parker had a blast splashing around in the freezing cold water.

Running All Day and Sleeping the Night Away

2009-11-13T19:43:00.004-06:00

While in Longview, Parker had so much fun running and playing outside and Candy enjoyed getting to hold sweet Ainsley as she slept the night away in her arms.

Going to Granny's

2009-11-12T20:37:00.003-06:00

We made a quick trip to East Texas this weekend with T-Ma, and our first stop was at Granny's house. Granny (Jered's grandma) got to meet and hold Ainsley for the first time, and Parker had a blast throwing pine needles in the backyard.

My Backyard View

2009-11-11T20:33:00.003-06:00

As I sit in the recliner, watching out the back windows while I feed Ainsley, this is what I often see. Parker just loves chasing Tex around the backyard.

Sleepy {Car} Seat

2009-11-10T16:27:00.000-06:00

So far, Ainsley has done great in her car seat. She usually sleeps most of the time, whether we're driving around town or making a three hour trip.

Two Mommas, Two Toddlers and Two Babies

2009-11-09T20:23:00.002-06:00

This is what our living room looked like after we had Nicole, Dale and Shelby over this morning. Parker and Dale are three weeks apart, and responsible for this picture, and Ainsley and Shelby are only one week apart.

She Really is Mine, Promise

2009-11-08T20:20:00.002-06:00

If I hadn't been there in the delivery room myself, I don't think I could claim her as mine. The child looks nothing like me. She is her Daddy all the way!

The Twins Turn Three

2009-11-07T20:13:00.004-06:00

Our playgroup twins, Hayden and Haylee, turned 3 and we celebrated at The Jumping Party.

I wish I had a great picture of Parker bouncing or sliding or doing anything fun, but I don't because he wouldn't do any of it! I think it was half being exhausted from going to bed so late last night and half being freightened of all things inflatable after the huge bounce house at the church's Halloween carnival collapsed on him. He did love the juice, cake, and ice cream, though!

Jump Around

2009-11-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

Since Jered had his three-day weekend, he got to go to playgroup with us this morning at the gym. Parker had such a fun time with his Daddy!

Silly Boy

2009-11-05T15:07:00.001-06:00

Finally Fitting

2009-11-04T15:01:00.000-06:00

Just a note and picture for myself to show that my rings are finally starting to fit again. This is my Baylor ring, and my wedding band fits but the diamond won't yet. I haven't gotten to wear my rings in over six months thanks to all the swelling from my pregnancy. Don't see hand modeling in my future.

Watchin' the Diggers

2009-11-03T20:57:00.000-06:00

Just another day watching the diggers over our back fence make a new road.

Sweet, Sweet Smile

2009-11-02T19:49:00.002-06:00

Black Widow

2009-11-01T19:46:00.002-06:00

This is the spider we found {and Jered killed!} on our back porch today!

Happy Halloween 2009!

2009-10-31T22:36:00.001-05:00

Our Little Pet Vet and Cute Kitty Cat had a great Halloween this year! The evening started with a Harvest Hoedown at our church and then we made our way back home for Parker to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood. He had such a fun night, and truthfully, that is all Jered and I wanted -- for Parker to enjoy a night all about him!

Big Smile

2009-10-30T15:01:00.003-05:00

Getting Ready for Halloween

2009-10-29T14:57:00.002-05:00

Daddy's Girl

2009-10-28T21:39:00.001-05:00

Here's Lookin' at You

2009-10-27T14:21:00.006-05:00

Halfway to Three

2009-10-26T15:04:00.002-05:00

Today my baby boy is 2 1/2 years old. It is crazy and amazing how much our lives have changed since April 26, 2007 at 3:04 p.m. Parker has brought so much joy and laughter and happiness to our lives with his fiery personality and sweet spirit. He can be such a handful at times, and then, in almost the very same breath, he can melt my heart.

Saying Goodbye

2009-10-25T13:22:00.003-05:00

A quick picture with J-Pa and T-Ma before they {sadly} had to drive back home.

Baylor's 100th Homecoming

2009-10-24T21:11:00.005-05:00

We got up bright and early this morning to go watch Baylor's Homecoming Parade. Parker loved seeing all the cars and trucks, the floats, waving to the passing people and getting tons of candy. Ainsley slept through the entire thing.

Night-Night Kisses

2009-10-23T22:06:00.002-05:00

Our New Ride

2009-10-22T15:48:00.003-05:00

While my car was in the shop for a few days, we got to cruise in a minivan rental. Although I don't think I could pull the minivan off like some of you momma's out there, it was very roomy and easy to get the little ones in and out. Parker didn't like that I couldn't roll his window down.

Imagination Situation

2009-10-21T15:39:00.004-05:00

Parker's imagination has exploded lately. Here he is using the letter "E" to air up his bike tire that wasn't even flat.

First Sweet Smile

2009-10-20T12:50:00.003-05:00

I got this first sweet smile out of Ainsley this morning (sorry for the quality, I didn't want to use the flash in the dark room and completely blind her) in spite of the fact she's getting her first cold. She's got a stopped up, runny nose and is a little more fussy than normal and not sleeping quite as well. I'm assuming she's got whatever Parker has because he's had a runny nose and cough since Saturday. Neither of them have had a fever, though, so that's good news.

Doggie Bed

2009-10-19T12:43:00.003-05:00

Kags, our inside-turned-outside cat, is getting some good, comfy use out of the dog bed Libby made.

Pretty Girl

2009-10-18T21:07:00.002-05:00

Always Making Me Smile

2009-10-17T14:52:00.000-05:00

We went on a family walk this afternoon and Jered took Tex. Parker {obviously} watched what Tex did at every mailbox and proceeded to do the same -- hike his leg. Priceless!

And this is what Ainsley's hair looks like when she wakes up, when I get her out of the carseat -- basically almost all the time. It is uncontrollable. Why is it that my children look like old people? I guess it's all the hair. Can't wait for the cross-eyes to go away.

Four Weeks Old

2009-10-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

Again, my lack of planning in the morning resulted in these lovely sibling pictures at the end of the day to mark Ainsley being four weeks old. One little boy on the verge of getting sick -- I should have known by those sad eyes he was getting sick -- and one little girl that was hungry.

Outdoor Boy

2009-10-15T17:05:00.001-05:00

We have been loving this cooler weather and spending lots of time outdoors.

A Little Tummy Time

2009-10-14T14:01:00.002-05:00

Rip-your-pants-kind-of-fun Day at School

2009-10-13T15:52:00.002-05:00

Evidently Parker had a rip-your-pants-kind-of-fun day at school today. When I arrived to pick him up, I immediately noticed he had a huge hole in the knee of his jeans. Oh well, they were from last year and getting a little too short for his long legs anyway -- although, he did look rather stylish!

Holding Hands

2009-10-12T15:13:00.003-05:00

Sweet Parker holding Ainsley's hand as I was changing her diaper this morning. He is beginning to get a little more interested in her and always lets me know when she's crying, when I need to hold her, and when I need to put a paci in her mouth.

Back to Church

2009-10-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

We went to church for the first time this morning since Ainsley was born. We just went to Sunday School and took Ainsley with us, and Parker went to his normal room for the hour. I intended on taking a picture of them together at church this morning and even had my camera with me, but this is what I get for waiting until the end of the day. Ainsley no longer has her bow in her hair and Parker is covered in orange Nacho Cheese Dorito powder from the chips he was eating at the neighborhood cookout we just left.

{Not so} Imaginary Friend

2009-10-10T14:59:00.004-05:00

This is how I found Parker playing in the backyard this morning. Poor guy needs a friend...or for his little sister to be big enough to play with him! He always says, "Baby Ainswey's getting big so she can play at Parker's big table." For those that don't know, his "big table" is the train table J-Pa and T-Ma got him when Ainsley was born. He can hardly wait for her to be big enough to play with him at his big table. For now, he's happy just patting her on the head every once in a while.

My Little Pumpkin

2009-10-09T21:53:00.001-05:00

We ventured out to playgroup for the first time today with Ainsley. Parker had a good time decorating his little pumpkin with stickers and playing with his friends. If you look close, you can see Ainsley's car seat on the table to the right behind Parker; she slept the entire time. Parker loved his pumpkin so much he took it to bed with him tonight.

Fall School Pictures

2009-10-08T20:38:00.004-05:00

Parker took his Fall school pictures today. I had no idea (until I got these proofs back) that they were going to have a fall and winter backdrop or I would have put him in a different shirt. Plus, it didn't help that it was way hot outside today and I couldn't even put him in one of his cute, long-sleeve button ups. Needless to say, although he has a great smile in both, I didn't order any.

Love These Boys!

2009-10-07T14:51:00.001-05:00

A Day in the Life...

2009-10-06T20:37:00.003-05:00

This is just a very small glimpse of what goes on in our house every day with a 2 1/2 year old and a 2 1/2 week old.

Parker spends lots of time by himself {poor guy} on the back porch these days.

Ainsley spends a lot of time sleeping. This girl can eat, sleep and poop!

Parker playing with Ainsley's toys.

Flowers for Mommy

2009-10-05T14:21:00.005-05:00

Parker picked these flowers for me from our front yard today on the way inside after getting the mail. We got a little bowl of water for them to live in.

Ainsley's First Bath

2009-10-04T21:13:00.003-05:00

Gone to the Dogs

2009-10-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

Last night Jered's sister, Jody, and her friend, Libby, arrived at our house to stay for the night and sell items in a craft show today. It was great getting to see them for a few hours this afternoon before they had to head back home to Corpus. As you can see, Parker liked the dog beds Libby made to sell in the craft show.

October Supper Club

2009-10-02T22:11:00.005-05:00

We enjoyed our monthly supper club this evening outdoors with a cookout, lots of playtime for the little ones and s'mores for dessert.

Jered roughhousing with Parker and Jackson

Don't know what this crazy face is, but Parker is lovin' his Hershey's bar and graham cracker way too much!

Two Week Check-up

2009-10-01T21:00:00.004-05:00

I took Ainsley to the pediatrician today for her two week check-up. She was back up to her birth weight (what they want them to be at the two week check-up), 7 pounds, 6 ounces (50th percentile), and was 19.5 inches long (50th percentile).

She isn't officially two weeks old until tomorrow, but I needed to take her when Parker was {supposed} to be at Mother's Day Out. Unfortunately, Parker was still a little sick and I didn't feel comfortable sending him to school. Our super sweet friend and neighbor, Genny, came over and watched Parker while I took Ainsley to the doctor. Parker LOVES Genny and was practically kicking me out the door when she arrived saying, "Bye Mommy, see ya later!" When Genny took Parker out to the backyard to play, he insisted she do what we always do when we go outside...pick up the poop. Oh, dear. She was such a good sport and did everything he told her to do and Parker had a great time. Wish I had a picture of them together.

Fall Garden

2009-09-30T20:55:00.003-05:00

Parker helping Daddy fertilize the fall garden complete with tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, strawberries, pumpkins and gourds.

No School Today

2009-09-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

Today was supposed to be my first day to take Parker to MDO and have 5 hours with just Ainsley, but Parker has been sick and had to stay home. Here's hoping he's better by tomorrow so he can go to school or it's going to be one long week!

Sweet Dreams

2009-09-28T15:01:00.001-05:00

A nice afternoon nap for Miss Ainsley. She and Parker actually slept for about an hour and a half at the same time today. Helped make my first day by myself with both kiddos just a little bit easier.

Playing in Construction Debris

2009-09-27T20:57:00.001-05:00

After all the guests left and we had our naps, Jered took Parker across the street to play in the construction debris. Nice. Parker had a blast playing in the sand...and stepping in mortar! I am so thankful Jered takes Parker to do fun stuff like this, especially now since I am so tied down and house bound with a newborn. I know this father/son time they have together is priceless!

Spending Time with the Summers Family

2009-09-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

As my grandparents were leaving yesterday afternoon, Jody, Stephen and Anna arrived at our house. We had such a good time getting to hang out them, and they got to meet Ainsley for the first time. Despite his 102 fever, Parker had a blast playing with Anna all day!

The Best I Could Get

2009-09-25T15:50:00.003-05:00

Out of 4 or 5 tries, this is the best picture I could get of Parker and Ainsley with Grandma and Papa before they left our house this afternoon.

Fun with Grandma and Papa

2009-09-24T21:35:00.003-05:00

My grandparents came back into town yesterday to help me out. They took Parker to school and picked him up, drove Jered and me around town, let me get out of the house for an hour to run to the store, helped me get some things done on the to-do list and get the house cleaned and kept Parker entertained to his heart's content. The smile on his face in these pictures says it all!

First Outing with Two

2009-09-23T15:28:00.004-05:00

This afternoon was only my second time to be alone with both my babies as Jered went back to work. This afternoon was also my first outing with two. Don't worry, it was a short trip and we didn't even get out of the car. We went and got Sonic drinks and took one to Jered at work. Ainsley did great until the last few minutes before we got home and she started to cry.

Tiny Fingers and Tiny Toes

2009-09-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Ainsley's little hand and foot.

Lovin' on His Grandbabies

2009-09-21T15:23:00.002-05:00

J-Pa lovin' on Parker and Ainsley.

Bye-Bye Aunt Caca

2009-09-20T14:57:00.003-05:00

Me, Parker, Aunt Caca and Ainsley

Candy holding Ainsley one more time before she left for the Cowboys game this afternoon.

Home Sweet Home

2009-09-19T14:34:00.002-05:00

Ainsley and I were both doing well Saturday morning and ready to go home. My doctor cleared me to go home early Saturday morning, and we had to wait until around 1 p.m. to get a test done on Ainsley that had to be done 24 hours after birth. Once that test was complete, we were out of the hospital by 2 p.m.!

Ainsley all dressed and ready to go home

Parker checking out his baby sister as we arrived home

Ainsley's Birth Day!

2009-09-18T20:24:00.003-05:00

We woke up bright and early at 5:30 a.m. this morning to get ready to go to the hospital and meet our baby girl. We arrived at the hospital a little before 7 a.m., checked in, and waited for our nurse to come get us. By 7:30 a.m. I was hooked up to my IV's and my doctor came around, checked me and broke my water by 7:45 a.m. At that time, I was dilated to 3 cm and 75% effaced.

Laboring at about 8:15 a.m. and waiting on my epidural. Not feeling too much pain yet.

Shortly after my doctor broke my water, the nurse started my Pitocin and got me on the waiting list for my epidural. The hospital had five inductions this morning, several had report times earlier than me, so I was about third on the list to receive my epidural. That meant I got to feel contractions for about an hour -- plenty for me! Finally, about 9:15 a.m., and not a moment too soon, the nurse anesthetist arrived to give me my epidural. He had a little trouble getting in between my vertebrae, but after a little poking and prodding and pain, he got me all set up. Praise the Lord for epidurals! I began feeling relief within about 15 minutes and was completely numb within 30 minutes.My nurse checked me again about 10:30 a.m. and I was dilated to 6 cm. For the most part, I was pain-free at this point and just waiting to get to a 10. My doctor came by at noon and I was dilated to 8 cm. He went and had lunch, came back at 1 p.m. and said I was at 10 cm and ready to go. At 1:19 p.m., after about 3 or 4 pushes, Ainsley Grace made her grand entrance into the world!

Ainsley Grace Johnston -- 7 pounds, 6 ounces -- 19 inches

I couldn't believe all that dark hair, how short and plump she was and that she had rolls! Parker was long and skinny -- only 6 pounds, 3 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

First picture with Mommy and Daddy -- right after this picture all of our family and friends came in to meet Ainsley. Within her first hour of life, she was welcomed by my grandparents, my mom, Jered's parents and Candy (Aunt Caca). My brother and his girlfriend had been at the hospital but graciously went to our house to watch Parker so J-Pa and T-Ma could come meet Ainsley.

Our first, and only so far, family picture. Parker didn't care much about Ainsley -- all he wanted to do was sit with Mommy and drink my Dr. Pepper!

Tomorrow...

2009-09-17T20:41:00.002-05:00

"I'm Going To Be A Big Brother!" is what Parker's shirt says. He is waving bye-bye to Grandma and Papa as they left our house tonight.

One Last Date

2009-09-16T21:37:00.003-05:00

Our sweet friends, Benjie and Kimberly (and Creighton and Griffin) offered to watch Parker this evening so Jered and I could go on one last date before Ainsley gets here. This was taken as we picked him up. Thank you, Polnicks, Parker had such a fun time!

Thomas and Percy

2009-09-15T21:53:00.004-05:00

Parker has grown way attached to his Thomas and Percy trains. He carries them all over the house, inside, outside, in the car, to the store, to bed, everywhere. When I take him to MDO, I make him leave his trains in the car and they wait for him until I pick him up. On the way to school this morning, Parker began saying, "Where's Parker's trains? Where's Parker's trains?" He had forgotten them at home. I promised him that they would be in his seat waiting for him when I picked him up. Right after I dropped him off at MDO, I stopped back by the house to fulfill my promise.

This is His "Cheese"

2009-09-14T14:49:00.000-05:00

The face I get when I ask Parker to smile and say "cheese" for the camera.

New Shades

2009-09-13T20:10:00.000-05:00

Parker loves wearing his new "Lightning and Mater" sunglasses that Daddy got him. He even wore them home Saturday night from our Sunday School social when it was completely dark outside. Jered and I were wondering why he kept asking us to turn the lights on in the car all the way home. Then, when we pulled in the garage and turned around to get him out, we realized he'd been wearing his sunglasses the entire time. So hilarious!

Just Playin' in the Rain

2009-09-12T15:01:00.004-05:00

After it had been raining for two days straight, Parker (and his Mommy and Daddy) were about to go crazy. You can only keep a two year old inside for so long, so Daddy and Parker went outside and had lots of fun playing in the rain.

My Handsome Boys

2009-09-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

It worked out perfectly that Jered had a three-day weekend this weekend as it was our last full days as a family of three. This morning Jered and Parker went and got haircuts. I got to run errands and take care of some last minute things to prepare for Ainsley's arrival.

Hooray for Rain

2009-09-10T21:11:00.002-05:00

Band-Aid Fever

2009-09-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

Parker has been way into band-aids lately. He finds non-existent boo-boos and ant bites and has to have a band-aid for it. This band-aid is on his hand where there was no ant bite.

Learning Letters

2009-09-08T20:52:00.004-05:00

Parker is really starting to learn his letters. He will ask me to write different words on his Magna Doodle and he will say each letter as I write it. He doesn't know all of his letters yet, but he is really good with the letters in words he has me write lots like: Daddy, Mommy, Parker, Tex and Prancer.

Family Zoo Trip

2009-09-07T15:42:00.001-05:00

Our friends, the Glade Family, came in town Sunday afternoon so that the guys could do some dove hunting. After Jered and Michael had an early hunt this morning, all eight of us all loaded up and headed to the zoo.

Checking out some animal back on the rocks and the waterfall -- Michael, Cameron, Heather, Jered, Madison and Parker

Playing at the new orangutan exhibit.

Enjoying Our Sunday

2009-09-06T20:19:00.007-05:00

Parker "helping" plant the red oak in the backyard.

Doesn't this picture make a momma proud?!?

Me at almost 39 weeks. This picture cracks me up because it looks like Parker is "shooting" his baby sister, but really he was pointing at my belly button. Although it is ironic that this picture was taken right after he finished helping Daddy clean his gun.

Lovin' J-Pa and T-Ma

2009-09-05T16:13:00.000-05:00

J-Pa teaching Parker to put play-doh on his head...way to go J-Pa! :)

T-Ma and Parker singing "Stinkle, Stinkle Little Skunky" together.

First Supper Club

2009-09-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

We kicked off the Labor Day weekend with our very first Supper Club Friday evening at the Wilson's home. Lucky for us, J-Pa and T-Ma arrived in town right before we had to leave and stayed at home with Parker. This was probably the only Supper Club where we'll get to stay longer than a couple of hours as Parker and Ainsley will be with us from now on when we go. We dined on yummy burgers, and it was so much fun getting to have four hours of uninterrupted adult time!

5 of the 7 girls (2 had already left as this picture was taken after 10 p.m. -- way past our bedtime!) Jade, me, Nicki, Sally and Genny

MDO Report Card

2009-09-03T15:02:00.000-05:00

This is what Parker's MDO report cards have looked like since he started back to school. His teachers always say he does great, except at naptime. Here's hoping for an A+ report card in the near future!

Super Slugger

2009-09-02T14:43:00.003-05:00

This morning Jered was working with Parker on his batting skills, and I have to say I was pretty impressed! Parker could hit the ball from the back porch {almost} to the swing set. Jered even had Parker hitting right-handed! ;)

First Day of School for the Fall

2009-09-01T14:31:00.004-05:00

Today Parker started back to school (MDO) for the Fall. Given the fact that he went to a new room with new teachers, toys and friends, I thought Parker had a really good first day. He got a good report, except that he didn't take a nap. His teacher said they had trouble with him talking during naptime. Uh-oh. I have discussed this matter with him and hope that tomorrow (he's now going on Tuesdays and Thursdays) he will nap, or at least be quiet, during naptime.

These are the best pictures I could get before we left for school.

Pickle Pucker

2009-08-31T14:21:00.002-05:00

As I was preparing lunch to take to Jered's work, Parker insisted on eating at the counter right next to me. He feasted on a healthy snack of Cool Ranch chips (as is evident on his face and hands) and this picture was taken right after a big bite of pickle. Occasionally, I can get him to try a few pickle slices -- as close to vegetables as this boy is going to get right now!

Tool Time

2009-08-30T20:16:00.005-05:00

When Jered mentioned he was going to get his tools to tighten the swing set, Parker ran to his room shouting, "I get my tools!" As you can see, he did get his toolbox but preferred to play with Daddy's real tools instead.

One Happy Boy and His Dog

2009-08-29T13:50:00.004-05:00

Always a source of fun in the backyard -- blowing bubbles and having Prancer chase them.

Models in the Making

2009-08-28T13:42:00.003-05:00

We had playgroup at the Cooney pool today and had such a fun time, as always! The title of this post is referring to the boys in the pictures and definitely not me.

Kissing Turtles

2009-08-27T21:59:00.002-05:00

Parker's imagination has exploded lately. It is fun to watch him play and imagine and create things. Today, while we were playing with play-doh, he made the turtles walk, jump, talk, hug and kiss. This picture was taken right after he kissed the turtle.

Playing Chase

2009-08-26T21:54:00.004-05:00

Parker thinks it is so much fun to try and get Tex to chase him around the house!

Getting Creative with Cars

2009-08-25T15:38:00.001-05:00

With the horribly hot weather, no MDO, and me only a few weeks away from having a baby, we have been playing inside lots. Today I got creative while playing cars and drew streets and houses/buildings on Parker's Aqua Doodle. Our four locations: home, Daddy's work, HEB and the gas station. The places we tend to visit most often!

Surrounded by Construction

2009-08-24T14:29:00.001-05:00

We literally have construction going on all around us, and Parker (and Daddy) love getting to watch all the big trucks drive by and do their thing.

Quick and Crazy Storm

2009-08-23T21:12:00.002-05:00

This afternoon Jered and Parker sat on the back porch and watched the much-needed rain from the out-of-nowhere storm that rolled through town. Not long after I snapped this picture, the 40 mph winds changed directions and began blowing all the rain onto the back porch. Parker (and maybe Jered too ;) ) got a little scared and they came inside quick!

Saving Baby Bird

2009-08-22T14:02:00.004-05:00

When Jered and Parker made a trip to the local nursery this morning to look at some plants, they came home with an unexpected surprise...a baby dove. They found the baby bird laying on the sidewalk and couldn't find the nest anywhere, so Jered did what any good veterinarian and bird hunter would do (right?!?) and brought the bird home. We already have a dove nest in our front yard in the tree behind Parker, so Jered just stuck the baby bird in that nest...with two other baby birds that are half the size. The momma bird hasn't kicked the "big" baby out yet, so hopefully they will all survive -- at least until dove season starts next week.

One Month to Go

2009-08-21T15:25:00.007-05:00

The last 4-6 weeks are always B-I-G for me! I feel {and look} like I gain about a pound and an inch every day! I went for my 36 week check-up this morning and no exciting news to report. No dilation or anything going on yet, which is completely fine with me. I've still got a long to-do list before Ainsley can come!

Baby Seat

2009-08-20T15:24:00.004-05:00

In continuing with our baby preparations around here, the car seat is officially ready for Ainsley. Parker even gave it a try! Now all we have to do is get it in the car. Hard to believe we are really that close to meeting Ainsley.

Five Hours of Fun

2009-08-19T14:36:00.004-05:00

A little after 8 this morning, Kimberly dropped Creighton off to play for a few hours. She was able to take Griffin to the doctor and get some things done at home, and Parker and Creighton had so much fun playing together.

First item on the agenda was feeding the fish.

Then we played in the front yard/driveway for almost 2 hours.

Next stop was a snack and Mickey break.

Then it was out to the backyard for some more fun.

When we came inside, this is what the boys did while I made them lunch. After they had lunch, we took Creighton home and Parker laid down for an extra long nap!

Short and Sweet Visit

2009-08-18T14:29:00.004-05:00

My grandparents drove down to visit today for a few hours. Parker had so much fun outside and playing blocks with Papa and reading with Grandma.

Parker Goes Potty

2009-08-17T20:07:00.001-05:00

Today when Parker heard me flushing the toilet, he promptly ran into the bathroom shouting, "Parker go potty!" We got his shorts and diaper off and sat on his potty for a good 5 minutes. Nothing. The phone rang, I left to go answer it, and heard Parker's potty playing music -- the music it plays when you go potty in it. In the 30 seconds I was gone, Parker had tee-teed all by himself. I couldn't have been more proud of him. He was pretty proud of himself, too, as this picture was taken right after the big moment. Daddy also got home a few minutes later and was able to share in the celebration. He hasn't done it again yet, but he did sit on the potty trying to go last night for 10 minutes before he got in the bath.

Little Vacuum

2009-08-16T15:02:00.003-05:00

Any time I get the big vacuum out, Parker insists on getting the little vacuum out to help Mommy. He is always such a good little helper!

Pretty in Pink

2009-08-15T20:43:00.002-05:00

I bought some Dreft yesterday and got to washing today. This is what I've been doing to get ready for Ainsley's upcoming arrival. Love all the pink, girly things!

Brodie's Backyard Birthday Bash

2009-08-14T15:13:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun celebrating Brodie's 2nd Birthday today!

Strawberry Smoothie

2009-08-13T14:07:00.001-05:00

In my attempt to incorporate more fruit into Parker's diet, we have been making lots of smoothies lately. Some days he thinks they are great and other days he could care less about them.

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?

2009-08-12T20:57:00.004-05:00

When Grandma came into town yesterday, she came bearing gifts for Parker. This is his new favorite book that he's reading with T-Ma and now it's a must read before bed every night.