My Famous Friends...

Please meet the Tavinao family!


I have had the privilege of knowing this beautiful family for 3 years now and I adore each of them. Gabe and Marla and their 3 daughters, Livi, Ava and Nina just make my heart so happy. Gabe is an amazing website designer. He has designed not only both his and Marla's personal blogs, but also our church's as well as many many others. And Marla, oh man, where do I start when it comes to this woman. Her heart is so big and she is lovely. She is a writer that has written From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife, Is That All He Thinks About, Changing your World, One Diaper at a Time, and her most recent Expecting. She is one of the sweetest and caring people I know. She has cheered me up and offered advice to me many a time. Their girls, the cutest stinking girls ever! (though they don't stink).

Just a normal american family, living in a normal american town, trusting God always and loving Him even more. A family who also loves to take pictures (I borrowed the one above) and who love animals. So when they decided to do 52 Zoos in 52 Weeks and Marla wanted to right a book about it, I wasn't too surprised. And they did it too, last Saturday was the big zoo 52 and we had a party at our home zoo here in Columbus.

Now all of a sudden, this family is being thrown into the spotlight. 10tv, one of our local stations started this and boy has it become a big thing. Being featured on the internet and this Saturday being able to share their story LIVE on the early show. I mean really?

I am so proud of them. Marla keeps posting tweets and what not about trusting God and this being bigger than what they had expected and that's true! God is certainly up to something and I am so glad to know this family and watch them share the Lord even if they aren't able to come right out and say it (though they normally do!)

And hey, now I can say I have famous friends, right? I am so thankful to know them and so thankful to see them representing God like they are and I pray that this publicity will be for God's glory!

I love you guys and I am rooting for you!

Here is the 52 Zoos info!

And enjoy getting to know my friends! They are like awesome and stuff!

Pictures from the Weekend!

At the Zoo with Mommy


Hanging out with grandpa


Hanging with grandma


Saying hi to logan - his nicu buddy


I love his look in this one!


This is cute, with the flag at the parade!


Ready for the parade to start


Parker and Logan with grandparent (no Logan isn't related to us, but might as well be!)


NICU and Birthday Buddies


Feeding the Lorikeets


I love this picture.


***these were taken from his grandparents camera since I have yet to dump mine!

My Weekend Review!

Well hello there. First of all, to all who left me encouragement yesterday, THANK YOU! Stupid satan is like a virus and he made me sick yesterday - but today, I am better. I think I need a little more meds to knock the satan virus, but I feel a ton better. I want to say that I know my friends love me for me and are not my friends out of obligation - and I love them too, so very much! :)

Moving on...

This past weekend was BUSY! Thursday, my in laws got in town and we were able to relax and eat some KFC and just chill!

Friday was busy - we got up and headed to the zoo. It was so fun and cool, which was nice! We took a lot of pictures (all are still on the camera - as I am bad a dumping it!) I even got some fun pictures of the tigers. If you know anything about the Columbus Zoo, you know that the tiger exhibit has a big glass wall so when the tigers walk by, it's like you can touch them. Tigers are so beautiful! Parker liked watching them and touching the goats and watching the geese! We packed a lunch and enjoyed that. I yelled at two kids throwing rocks at a goose - no parents in site, so I said something! I can't stand when parents don't control their kids. Ugh - Parker helped me feed the lorikeets - he loved it!

After the zoo we came home and slept. We were all very very tired! After the nap we headed out to Marcella's up near Polaris. Friday was my mother in laws birthday, so we took her there. I got my gnocchi Bolognese (gnocchi with lamb basically!). After we got some cheesecake at the cheesecake factory, came home and played games. I kicked everyone's booty in Life - oh yah, I started as an artist with 10,000 to my name and 60,000 in loans. I ended with 1.5 million as a doctor. Too bad it's not real life! :) I think my favorite thing was my father in law - he didn't go to college, became an athlete, was beating us all in money, had a mobile home and then had a midlife crisis and lost most his money! Oh Pete, you make me smile :) We watched Red, White and Boom on TV.

Saturday was so much fun. We met Tabatha and Logan down in Hilliard for the Hilliard 4th of July Parade. it was a fun parade. The boys seemed to like it a lot and it was fun to feel like a big family with Tabatha and Logan, because honestly, they may as well be our family! The parade was long and fun and I got to pet a beautiful dog! By the end though, Parker and Logan were tuckered out, so we headed home and rested, Drew and his dad went and saw transformers and mom and I stayed home. I made a flag cake and watched Clean House (I am not addicted to the show!) I made Ham and Cheese Veggie Lasagna and we had fun just staying in that night.

Sunday - oh sunday. I was in charge of Kids Ministry. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Church was good, the whole 20 minutes I was actually in service that is, and I think for the most part, Kid's stuff went well. Both Amber and Cindy (the director and sunday manager) were gone. Being that I used to be heavily involved, I stepped in. It was hard because our normal classrooms were blocked off because of resurfacing, so we ended up scattered around. I had to make some executive decisions and make sure it was all going ok. I certainly am glad I don't do it all the time, but I did my best!

After church, we went out to eat with Mom and Dad and they headed back to Buffalo, we came home and did nothing all day!

Tomorrow - some pictures!

Tidbits: Hopes and Dreams, Revisiting Kids Bop, This week

Another Tidbit Post:

1) Hopes and Dreams

"You can say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one..." I have a lot on my heart recently, Good stuff, but a lot. My hopes and dreams grow daily. And one hope and dream and I am praying about working out is going to Cambodia next year to visit the orphanage that Vista sponsors. Our church is very connected to Asia's Hope, a wonderful ministry that offers hope to orphans! Our church has helped to build an orphanage home in Cambodia. We have a missionary over there currently, a lovely lady from our church that has been there for 10+ months and who will be home for a little bit at the end of this week and then returning back! We have sent many over to visit the orphanage and our children. Jen updates about them here: Asian Vista. Last Christmas, I completely fell in love with the kids when during our Christmas program we were able to do online talk through Skype during the program. Those kids are lovely and precious and I so want to go hug each one. Recently, my heart is being tugged on and I am praying about going on a trip to Cambodia the next time we as a church send some another Vista group. To be honest, this SCARES ME TO DEATH! 1) I mean, it's Cambodia - a completely different world than here. 2) Loooong flight, the furthest I've flown was to Cancun (and I cried a lot because I hate planes!) 3) I am worried about pretty much everything - health, food, will I do ok, blah blah blah. 4) I don't have a passport! I am sure if it is meant to be it will all come together, but to be honest. it all just makes me nervous.

2) Revisiting Kidz Bop

Once again, I have a bone to pick with whoever created this silly CD. Do you really think putting today's pop/rock hits to kids music makes it all better? I mean, have you HEARD the songs in real life? Just because you put them to some cotton candy music and maybe change one or two words, doesn't make it any more appropriate! I can tell you right now, Parker will never own one of those CD's, or Heely's for that matter, but that's a whole other post!

3) This Week

So this week is looking like a fun week. I think later after Parker is awake, he and I are going to meet Tabatha and Logan at the park and hang out for the afternoon! I am so excited! I need to get out of this house. Tomorrow, I have Mommies and Munchkins and thankfully it won't be as hot as the other day when I almost passed out. I am looking forward to it. Wed, we have to run up to the Vista office so that I can make copies. As well as we are going to go over to Crissy's so mommy gets some girl time and I am going to bring Parker's little pool and I'm gonna let him "swim." Thursday is going to be nuts, mommies and munchkins in the morning, then Drew and I are going to go to Easton to do some thinking through stuff. That evening my in laws will be here. Friday, is my mom in law's birthday, we are going to go to the zoo, hang out, play games and then take her to dinner and then Saturday is the 4th - we are going to a parade, and the fireworks later in the day. Sunday, church!

Oh yah, busy busy, so please understand if my posts aren't that thrilling this week!

Oh can you say a prayer for me, I am going to be calling my Dr. today about my anti-depressant and also, calling for a counselor. I'm a little nervous about that!

God is Nifty

***EDIT*** PLEASE BE PRAYINGParker's NICU buddy Logan is currently in the ER, he has a high temp and has been having breathing issues. It's a scary time for his momma Tabatha. Last I heard at about 4:15 pm EST he was getting an x-ray and was ordered 3 breathing treatments. Logan is a precious boy, who has been through a lot in the past year. (For those who don't know, Parker and Logan were born 12 hours apart (P was born 1st) they were they same gestation, same birthday, same reason (HELLP Syndrome) and Tabatha and I connected through the NICU. Oh and their beds were beside each other!)
***END EDIT***

Wow, I am on a role with these God filled posts all of a sudden! Oh well, I can't help it, my faith has grown a lot in the last year and each day I am truly reminded of just how stinking cool God and also - pretty darn creative too!

Today - at the zoo - I would look at the animals and it would just strike my how unbelievably cool they are. I've been to the Columbus Zoo several times, but I never get past the amazement as I watch the most precious baby elephant in the world play with his mommy, or watch a silly monkey laying in the share eating branches. I love to tell Parker about these cool animals, even if he is more interested in eating his hat. It just astounds me. Truly.

It makes me seriously wonder how people don't believe in God. But that's just me.

You know why else God is nifty - He provides. I swear there are days I wonder how we survive with little money and bills, but he provides - always. Last year, we weren't sure what would come of Parker's birth/hospital stay/shots/dr. visits ect - I won't go into how much it's been (we'll just say A LOT! - no not a million - but a lot) and we have only paid maybe .3% our of pocket! SERIOUSLY, how fortunate we have been and I truly do believe that is a God thing. Yes, we have insurance, which sure, isn't necessarily a God thing, but considering all that we've been through - I feel very fortunate.

God continues to provide - we've found an Occupational Therapist that we will be seeing - currently we are on a waiting list - apparently OT and PT are in high demand! We have also been able to pay off one of our cars and we haven't had any overdraft charges in months (yes, that's right folks, we have had that problem.)

I just think God is doing such amazing amazing things! In my life, in the world, in my church and I am thankfully to have hope in Him!

Ok, stepping back from this God talk for today!

Hope you are having a wonderful hump day! :)

Dedication, Disappointments and Darn Busy

After a weekend break from my blog, I am back. To be honest, I really had nothing to talk about other than being stressed and tired, but if I am sick of hearing it from myself, I can only imagine how annoyed you all would be! :)

This week is a busy one leading to what I must look forward too - VACATION!!!!!!! I think each day this week I am busy with something. Yesterday, I ran errands -sold some stuff to Once upon a child and then used that money for some summer clothes since I have no capri's that fit. I score two nice pairs and a cute little skirt all for 20 bucks at Clothes Mentor. The skirt was 4 bucks only! YAY! I got to do it without Parker - which was a wonderful break from him! Today, I met my friend Sarah at the zoo and hung out there this morning. It was beautiful 68, breezy, lovely. We enjoyed ourselves. Tomorrow my friend Mandi is coming over and we are doing a photo shoot with Parker! We want to include some pictures with our thank you's from sponsoring us for March of Dimes and I would LOVE to do some in his invites for his birthday! Thursday, I am heading to Jess' house to help her make up the gifts for the dedication on sunday and friday - well I am starting packing for vacation. Saturday, Drew's parents, my mom and step dad get here and then Sunday - mother's day, Parker's dedication...lots of family coming in.

I am really looking forward to Mother's Day this year. One, because this last year as a mom has been hard on me and while no, there shouldn't be a special day for mom's, I plan to revel in it darn it! Plus, what makes it more special is I get to dedicate my son at church. And some of my family will be there and that thrills me. Yet, there is a little disappointment I feel too. While I will have a lot of family, there are some members that just have never said anything to me about it and there is another part that had planned to come, but decided yesterday they weren't going to because of the distance. I guess I should be used to disappointment when it comes to family and things like this. i am more hurt about the people backing out then the ones just not coming. But, I am choosing to remain positive and enjoy having the family I will have and doing something so special for Parker.

Is it bad that I am frustrated that Parker is crawling now? I feel like my baby is gone and now all of the sudden I have a toddler. I want my itty bitty baby back. I am not ready for this. I liked it better when he was smaller. I miss him snuggling with me and just laying in my lap, now he is into everything, making messes, talking, loud. I guess I am disappointed I didn't get a little more time of him as a baby. It almost makes me want to have another baby...but I have every intention of waiting and to be honest, without knowing my risk of HELLP again, part of me is fine with just Parker.

I am going to sign off for now. I hope you all are well. Not sure what my blog will look like for the next couple of weeks...I may be a little bit random in my posts.

10 Things I Wonder...

Today, I have alot on my mind - mostly things I wonder!

1. How did my baby go from this:


To this:


My baby is 11 months old today, I cannot believe it!

2. How do I not lose my mind now that my little man is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything?

3. Why does Parker always seem to find the hardest surface to pull up on? And how many times can he fall and bump his head before the kid gets a concussion or something?

4. How afraid should I be of the swine flu?

5. Does Jack Hanna live in Columbus since he is our zoo director?

6. Should I go to the library today?

7. Is my son going to say "kitty" before he says "mama"?

8. How do I not over pack for our Tennessee Trip? I don't want to go overboard, but I also don't want to forget anything since we will be gone for a week.

9. Why did I just call my cat Parker?

10. Why do I love blogging so much?

STS: Um can I hide now?

***Saturday and Sunday are going to be busy busy! Pray that we have a good weekend!***







Today’s topic is “6 things other people do that make you personally uncomfortable.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

1) I cannot stand when people smoke around me, especially now that I have a child! I just really think it's rude. Also in the smoking area - the hospital is a smoke free hospital. There was to be no smoking in, near or on the premises. However, everyone (including patients) would be out there smoking. Sitting by the signs smoking...I called the number on the signs to report it.

2) Yelling at kids in public....especially when the kid really isn't doing anything wrong. Prime example - went to the Zoo today and we were near the monkeys and some lady yells, spanks and basically treats the kid as if she had stolen something - the offense, she tried to get out of the stroller to look at the monkeys. Really - did you really have to go all bizercks over that?

3) Being called honey or sweetie....if I don't personally know you, I am not your honey or your sweetie. Sorry.

4) Over the top PDA. Really, is there really a need to be at the park making out? No? Then get a room!

5) Wearing clothes when they obviously do not fit. I am sorry, ma'am but I don't need to see your rolls or your chest! It just makes me feel funny.

6) When people fall and trip...I would tend to laugh...shame on me!

Small Talk 6 - 4/18

For the rules head here.


And Now for todays topic: 6 animals (domestic, wild, or exotic) you think would be fun to own as pets (In no particular order!)

1. A beautiful Liger


2. An adorable Penguin


3. A Silver Langur


4. Super Precious Koala


5. A Black Bear


6. A River Otter

Well Hello There!!!

Parker's 1st Easter - and his special outfit!


Hello there friends,

It feels like I haven't written in a while. This weekend I was busy busy with Easter and choir and family and just never had a chance to sit down and share anything with you. And as far as yesterday - my excuse is I slept in till noon and then attempted to clean, relax and get some grocery shopping done. Plus my mind was in off mode so I am not sure I could have pulled together a comprehensive post.

So here is a much deserved update.

I will go back to Thursday - not such a great day for me because I hurt myself - bad. I was putting something in the oven and ended up having the oven door close on my arm. I burnt it bad...Friday it was blistered and icky! Before all this, I met up with some friends at the zoo and spent the afternoon there. It was a blast!

Friday - we took Parker to the doctor for a follow up on his skin irritation. Basically, we just have to continue with the special cortizone cream we have a prescription for. Do that for 3 weeks and it should be completely gone. I will say, his skin looks almost normal after just a weekend of the stuff - so that's positive. While I was there, I had Dr. D look at my burn and he told me how to care for it. I love that he is my son's ped. but will take the time to look at my arm so I don't have to go to a clinic. Friday evening Drew's parents got here and we attempted to go to the good friday service. Parker had a melt down so we ended up leaving early and coming home.

Sat. - I woke up too early for a Sat. and headed to church for a choir run-through. It was a long rehearsal! But it was so worth it. Drew and I worked hard all week to make a slide show to a song called "I Will Rise" and we got to show it for the first time at the rehearsal and everyone loved it. I loved it! I worked hard on it, I basically spent hours staring at pictures to pick out the perfect ones. Drew really just edited it! After rehearsal I came home (the grandparents had watched Mr. P.) and relaxed and then the four of us hopped in the car and headed to Easton to meet Drew for lunch. It was a good time!

Sun - again, woke up WAY to early for a Sunday and headed to church for our last run through before the actual services. It was awesome to see God work. One of our songs was so challenging and even in rehearsal before the service we were struggling with it. But during the service, it came out great and perfect. I was moved several times to tears during the service...mainly because of I Will Rise! The song gives my goosebumps. Pastor Mike delivered a fun and very insipiring sermon.
Both services were good and Parker was so cute in his little outfit (I will post a picture later once I dump the camera). We had Olive Garden for lunch and then came home for a 4 hour nap!

Speaking of Parker - this kid is getting so big! He can scoot backwards and almost crawl. He eats puffs, even though he doesn't have teeth (well just one) and he loves um. He sits in a high chair now, though he tiny compared to them.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

I have a busy week ahead as I pull together the lesson for the Toddler Room on Sunday! I promise some more posts later too!

Happy Stuff

Today, I don't want this blog to be a "Debbie Downer" so today, I am choosing to be positive. It's been to easy, recently, for me to be negative - maybe I get too stressed, I don't know, but I am sick of being negative...today I choose to be positive.

So today, I want to share some happy/thankful thoughts with you.

- I am thankful that RSV season is almost over, I am thankful that Parker was able to receive his synagis shots and I am SUPER thankful for insurance that paid the $3000+ that the shots were! We aren't able to get his last months worth because of our insurance, so we have to basically act as if we just brought him home, no being around sick people, wash hands, yadda, yadda!

- I am thankful for my many many friends! I count myself blessed to have so many people who I can turn to whom I love and love me and my family. I am thankful for the wonderful women I know from church, I am blessed to have a great group that build me up! I am thankful for the new friends I make and the old friends I have and miss terribly at times. I am thankful for my college buddies who know me. I am thankful for you all, you readers out there that I have never met in person and those I have. I am thankful to be able to share my story with you and that you continue to read my blog, even on the hard days!

- I am thankful for my husband. Seriously, the guys is AWESOME! I appreciate how he steps up and helps me and pushes me. I am thankful that he knows me and my heart and soul. I am thankful that he loves God!

- I am thankful for my family. I won't lie, we don't all get along, but I am glad to have such a fun family. Sure, we can let each other down, but I am so glad for them.

- I am thankful that Parker, while born early, is doing SO WELL! We went to an OT appointment yesterday and he is doing great developmentally. He is on track with his adjusted age. There is a little concern with his communication, but the therapist is not at all worried - he makes enough noises and is communicating pretty well! He will babble and talk when he wants to. One thing I have learned with him, is don't push him, he learns on his own! We need to work on his sitting. He doesn't like to sit with his legs bent, which is just because of his muscle tone. He'll get there. He is ALMOST crawling! I am so thankful that Parker is "normal" even if he is small!

Yesterday, after Parker's OT appointment, Drew, P and I went to Riverside to visit the NICU! Surreal doesn't even begin to describe the walk up to the NICU! It feels weird to know that we get to leave with Parker, not visit him there daily. It's been almost a year - which is also insane! We got to see some wonderful nurses! Some who took care of Parker just hours/days after he was born. We got our picture taken so they can share it with others! I am planning on making a special picture present for the NICU as a thank you. They have a wall of different pictures and collages and I want to share our story with others!

I am having a better day today, as is Parker!!! Parker's skin continues to feel like sandpaper, thankfully those the redness is going away! His tooth I think is stuck, it hasn't come out any further - not sure if it just takes time or what. I am not a pro at all at this, so if any of you have any thoughts about teething and it feels like this one tooth is taking forever - please share.

This morning I got together with some of my friends from church for an easter egg dyeing party. It was fun, I love those women and the kids. And I got to meet a new friend - Monica, she is sweet! Parker didn't care much...i tried to let him help me with an egg, he just looked at me like I was nuts!

Tomorrow, Parker and I get to go to the zoo with some other friends. I look forward to it! I feel good getting out of the house and hanging with people. I need to do it more.

Friday is a big day. I have a lot to do before then! We found out Sunday that Drew's parents are coming for Easter! We were thrilled and surprised and hey, it's free babysitting! (Like I would turn that down. Are you reading this Pete and Angela - you get to watch Parker for us Sat. morning!!!) If I know Pete, he's probably jumping up and down in excitement ;) Before they get here though, we are taking Parker to his ped. to follow up on his skin. If nothing else, its more for peace of mind, than anything.

Well, that's all I have for now friends! Hope you all can find the positives today!

Growing a Parker!

**Anyone know of a good place to have a t-shirt made? I want to make some for my march of dimes team...I'd like it to be relatively inexpensive. **

Hi friends,

So as it seems, I am a horrible gardner, but a great mother! Really, neither of those compare, but considering me and plants get along about as well as cats and dogs I figured I would struggle with taking care of a baby. I mean, after all, you need to feed, water and bathe it too....well and change it's diaper and play with it and love it and nurture it. I digress...

Today was Parker's *gasp* 9 month check up. First of all, where in the world did these last 9 months go? I missed some somewhere, I am sure of it. Parker and I arrived at the Dr and waited forever. This has never happened...it took them 30 minutes to see us...but it was right before lunch so parker just hung out with me in the waiting room, playing on his blankie on the floor. We got back and took the measurements...13 lbs. 8 ozs!!!! 25.75 inches long and I think the circumference on his head was 17in. That's my boy. The doctor was VERY please with Parker's growth...he's gained 4 lbs since his 6 month check up in Nov. The only thing that could be concerning and really it doesn't come in to play until he is 24 months, is getting on to the growth curve for a normal 9 mth old. If he isn't on to that curve by 2 years, he will have to see an endocrinologist and see if he has any issues like deficiencies. But at this point, we just keep doing what we do! Continue to feed him and bathe him and water him! In all seriousness, he is doing so well! I am glad to know that he is doing well! He did get his almost last Synagis shot. He hated that part, I hated that part. But he survived and came home and napped all afternoon. So it looks like with all I do, I can grow a Parker! How bout that?

Other than that - we did take Parker to the zoo yesterday. It was so funny, not all the animals were out, but it didn't bother me and it was quiet and cool and it was our first family date in a LONG time. And we spent only 5 bucks for coffee and a bottle of water. YAY ZOO MEMBERSHIP. It also helped me to get ready (sorta) for the March of Dimes walk in April. I am planning on going to the zoo once a week to just walk, so if you are in the C-bus area and want to meet up and join me...please let me know, I'd love company! I am also of planning on trying to go to a metro park too and even just walk around the complex!

Back to the zoo...

The zoo was fun, I got to see the Gorilla's and the Elephants! LOVE THEM. I even got to see the Langur's and I was sitting near the glass and the littlest one, born 8-8-08 came up to the class and I put my hand up and it put it's hand up...SO CUTE. It was fun to show Parker all these animals, even if he didn't get it so much. He was so mesmerized by the fish...he loved them. After the zoo, we went to babies r us and got a baby gate for the top of our stairs. Yes folks, little Parker is moving enough that it's better to have one then to not. He is getting on all fours...doesn't crawl, but with as fast as he has been accomplishing things....yah...so we got a gate. To be installed tonight!

After all of this we went to the March of Dimes family team night and started our poster that will be in the family tent at the walk. I didn't get done...which is ok because I had left some stuff at home! I am getting more and more excited for the march of dimes walk on April 26th. I met some great people last night and really enjoyed myself. If you would like to join our team and walk with us or donate, please visit our family page: Northern Family.

Other than that, things are good here...like I said in yesterday's post, I am in a very very good place! I am happy and I feel good! It's been a long time since I have been this content in my life!

I am not sure if I will post again until thursday. I got a text last last night from my brother, Phillip, asking to come visit. He has yet to meet Parker, so of course I said yes. I am excited that he and my sister Steph are coming to hang out tomorrow. I just wish our brother Brandon could be here too, but he's in school! So I am sure I will be busy!

I hope you all are having a terrific tuesday!

2009 Goals

New year, new goals...goals I WANT AND INTEND to keep...

1) Lose Weight and Eat Better I allow myself to eat when I feel depressed. I am not going to lie, I am an emotional eater and I hate that about myself. I eat just to eat because it makes me happy. I want to break that habit. I want to work out, get off my tushy and eat a lot better. I would love to eat more organically, but as it is, we are pretty strapped for money for regular food, but if I do portion control and continue to do meal planning and not but snacky food, I should be ok.

2) Be Happier I want to just learn to allow the positive in and keep the negative out.

3) Help Parker Continue to Grow I am going to be more active in working with Parker and his fine motor skills, sitting, crawling, rolling, head control...ect.

4) Read the Bible and Pray More

5) Attempt to make this blog more interesting - because some days, it lacks!

6) Journal more I started a journal when Parker was in the hospital and intended to keep it a daily note so he could look back on his journey...yah, not happening. I haven't written in it in months. I need to change that.

7) Take Parker to the Zoo!!! and Throw Parker an awesome bday party...anyone want to help me start planning?

8) Get back into my scrapbooking My side of the bedroom looks like it exploded scrapbook supplies!

9) Cooking AdventuresI want to make things I would never dare to. I want to learn to cook better!

10) Meet New Friends and Strengthen Relationships with those I have enough said!

Reflections & Resolutions

Goodbye 2008...Hello 2009,

How weird does that sound to say, 200 - 9? It's so strange to me. I feel old realizing that I am 2 years away from my 10 year High School reunion. Am I really two years away from 28? Wow...just wow.

I want to remember 2008 as the year I got what I have always wanted - my own child. I knew growing up that I wanted to be a mom, in fact, I always felt like a mom to my 3 younger siblings, but I knew that I wanted my own baby. It was a dream of mine. And this year, that dream came true. In the next room, sleeping, is my beautiful son. He is my little miracle, my little critter, my tiny turtle, my Mr. Man. I love him more than I ever thought I could love anyone.

I just wish things had worked out better in regards to my pregnancy. To this day, it still hurts at times when I think about how suddenly it went from a great pregnancy to a scary one. It still hurts when I think about how I went from pregnant, to not with in the matter of 4 hours. It's now what I had planned and not what I expected and while sometimes it feels like a total bummer and I get angry, I wouldn't change what came out of it. I adore Parker and everything I went through, was so so worth it.

I look forward to a new year, a new chance. I want to forget about all the negative stuff of this year and look on to a new year.

I resolve or hope and plan to lose weight this year. I have no desire to get pregnant in the near future (or at this point, ever again, as I have some internal stuff to work through related to that.) So I plan to work on eating better - more organic, less junk - working out more. I want to get in better shape and stop feeling like total junk. I want to work on my scrap booking again and I want to step out and meet new people.

I want 2009 to be a more positive year for me, for my family. I look forward to seeing Parker turn 1, going to Tennessee to meet some relatives on Drew's side I haven't, taking Parker to the zoo for the first time, going up to Buffalo, seeing Parker walk, hearing him talk, ect.

So goodbye 2008 and hello 2009! Happy New Years everyone

Back to Normalcy

Well, my in-laws are gone and life is somewhat back to normal now. I had a great time having them here and spending time with them, cooking, talking, laughing, watching tv, seeing them interact with Parker, it all was great. But I am glad to be back to some form of normalcy. Our house is a wreck, I need to clean, organize, figure out where to put all this new stuff! But it is all a small price to pay for a good Christmas!

Yesterday we were able to go out and spend Parker's Christmas money. I got him a bath tub (finally!), more nipples, and a new cover for his changing table pad and Target rip-off Robeez (granted they don't fit, but he will get there). I am just so glad to have a bath tub for him now! It will make life easier! We also were able to get a blender for Drew and I that I will use when I start making our own baby food and a book called Super Baby Food. Once I get through this weekly new food thing, I want to make my own. My kid LOVES sweet potatoes and today, today we tried peas for the first time...it's a winner too! I still can't get him to like cereal really. Personally, I don't blame him, the stuff is horribly bland (yes I have tasted it!)

Parker is our of newborn clothes now and is finally in 0-3 months! This kid is just growing like crazy! He has so many new toys to play with, I need to get into organizing them!

I am really struggling to figure out what to use my christmas money on (this is what my family sends - makes it easier). I have an amazon list, but I don't really want to buy it for myself. I got the blender and the book, because that is important to me. I have other things I need, like jeans, clothes, undies, socks....but I wanted so bad to use the money of things I don't need but want...haha! I know one thing I will use it on is a zoo membership! Maybe a movie or two or something. I don't know. I am so indecisive!

Anyways, I guess I am just glad to be back to normal. I have some recuperating to do, I am worn out, sleepy, and feel icky today! i look forward to a quiet final week of 08!

Pictures to come later! (Check out my facebook for them if you haven't already!)

Oh, You Know, Me and Randomness!

more animals

Where did all the warmth go???? Now we know! Seriously, the snow came a little to fast this year, then again...it always comes too fast! I am not a fan of the winter time or the snow. The way I see it, as long as it snows on Christmas, I am happy, the rest of the time, I could do without. Sure, it's pretty and sure, its fun to eat, as long as it isn't yellow and sure snow men are fun to make or even snow angels, but really, other than that...by the first snow flake, I am over it.

And now with a child...oh man it's worse. It takes long enough on a normal warm day, add in the cold and you have a very annoyed me. Also, the fact that Parker is little and at risk for RSV and other horrible terrible things, I dread taking him out in the cold. But then I remember...hey, bundle him up! I am wanting to take him to the Lighting Ceremony at Easton on Friday since a bunch of my play group friends are going (its one of our meetups) and I am terrified of the cold...but I want to go for even a little bit and plan too!

Speaking of play groups, today I hosted an in home play date, it was a photo shoot one. It didn't really go as well as I had hoped. Sure, we all had a blast, but the kids did not want to cooperate. If nothing else, the kiddos got to play and enjoy some food and such (Parker, always the life of the party - slept!) But the girls and kids were here from about 10:30am to about 3:30pm. It was fun, truly. It was good to just talk as mom's! I went sanitizing crazy afterwards (thank you Lysol sanitizing wipes!) And next monday...we are going to wild lights! I am so jazzed, especially since Drew gets to join us!

Tomorrow is Parker's 6 month check up (he turns 6 mths on the 29th). I am so excited yet dreadful of it...excited because now I get to know how much he weighs and have a real answer for people and I should be able to also start cereal with him (keeping my fingers crossed). He was also supposed to start transitioning off his wedge, but that happened about a week ago when I noticed him crawling up it a bit! He does well though on his back! Also, we may be backing off the zantac. The only dreadful part - SHOTS! Not only vaccines...but his RSV shot too (which may make me feel better). I am anticipating a very cranky boy tomorrow! So I think I might lose my mind.

Sorry I haven't update in a while...been busy and such. :)

I May Need Rehab!

Dear Friends, I think you should know that I have some VERY serious addictions...I lower my head in shame :(

I can't get enough of this place...

And unfortunately I could eat this everyday, I just adore me some Skyline!

I can't help that I know the theme song to this and that I have to watch it whenever it's on. I don't know why it attracts me so, maybe it is that adorable monkey Boots, or maybe I just have some issues :)

What's gonna work, TEAM WORK!!!! The phone, the phone is ringing, the phone, we'll be right there....is it sad that I know the songs in this show?

And seriously, this show, how can you not love the imagination and dancing and music?

And this is my biggest addiction of all...this cute little baby, I just can't get enough of him, I desperately need my daily fix of him, I need my daily fix of cuddles, daily fix of giggles...


Some one may need to help me out a little here!!!!

oh and I want to know two big hurdles for Parker that he has jumped:

1) He was in the nursery yesterday at church for the first time - and I was a nervous wreck, be he did awesome, I about lost it!
2) He slept through the entire night last night, which he's been doing for months, but the best part, no wedge...the transition has been started! He did amazing on his back...he was all snuggled with his blankie and bear (please no lessons on not letting him sleep with anything in his bed!)

Anyways, can someone get me into rehab for the above addictions???