What a Weekend...and a Holy Night

Our Christmas vacation began Saturday. Nolan's vacation lines right up with ours, so that worked out very nicely. However, it got off to a crazy start!

On Sunday morning while we were still in Lincoln at Grandma & Grandpa Curry's house, Parker choked while eating pineapple. Sadly, we aren't talking about a little choke and poof it came up. I immediately picked him up and once I soon discovered he wasn't making a cough sound, a cry sound, or ANY sound except some strange gurgle, I instantly took my First Aid training to action and began the heimlich maneuver for children over the age of 1. After a couple attempts, I realied it wasn't doing anything and the "gurgle" sound stopped and his stomach hardened...it became almost rock-like. I looked at him and panic quickly took over, for his lips were completely and utterly blue and kind of purplish. Even the "t-zone" of his face was blue and his veins were very noticable. I quickly flipped him over (belly side down) along my arm, sat down, and started the heimlich for infants with thrusting with the heel of my hand, while Brian was on the phone with 911. About the 4th thrust in (which seemed like forever), I felt something loosen and his stomach softened...Grandma reached in and grabbed the fruit that was now visible. I truly thought I was going to have to begin CPR at any moment because I honestly believe a few seconds more and he would have gone unconscience. It was, hands-down, the most frightening experience of my entire life and I'm so incredibly grateful that I've been trained on both of those life-saving skills. A must for any Mommy's & Daddy's. I had a very hard time sleeping that night & a hard time not hugging & kissing him all day. Poor Nolan witnessed the entire thing.

Today, Christmas Eve, Nolan lost his very first baby tooth. It struck me in a way that I hadn't quite anticipated...I was quite emotional over it. He actually pulled it out all by himself! He woke up very early this morning and kept telling us that "litwally, it was just barely hanging there!" When I asked him what literally even means, he told me, "that it really, really, is, Mommy!" Such a smart boy. He was so proud of himself and was grinning ear-to-ear! He's ecstatic that Santa Claus AND the Tooth Fairy are both arriving tonight! We're going to have several visitors in our house tonight (tonight is Mack's last night with us).

Back tracking a night, we gave the boys baths like normal last night and then had popcorn, drinks, and blankies along with a homemade ticket waiting for them to take them on a surprise drive to look at Christmas lights. I found this idea on Pinterest, and HAD to try it. I'm so glad that I did, because it was a HUGE hit! I believe this will now be a yearly tradition.

This weekend, also marked my one year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer. I'm so thankful that it was caught and that I'm fortunate enough to be able to celebrate such anniversaries as crazy as that may sound. I cherish every single moment with my boys (even the completely chaotic ones) and Christmas Eve is one of my absolute favorite nights of the year. The true magic of the next 24 hours are beyond my wildest dreams and brings me so much joy and happiness. My cup runneth over...

Again, tonight is Mack's night in our house. Our elf comes back tomorrow because we like for him to see the boys open their gifts, etc. It also adds to the magically morning. He was so much fun again this year and Nolan loves him dearly. Parker was even excited to find him each day and chant, "Maa...Maa!!!"

Tonight, we had our annual scrumptious dinner as a family of 4, got Starbucks, and went to Our Lady of the Snow at The Shrine in Belleville. Nolan rode the camel and Parker MORE than enjoyed the animals. He was putting on quite a show by letting the goats lick him and then his belly laugh echoed through the tent.

                                                         
                                                          Sleep in heavenly peace...

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus..."

Survey Revisited a Year Later

I decided to have Nolan answer the same survey questions that he answered for me last October (idea from Pinterest) and see how the answers have changed. Some are quite interesting.

1. What is something Mommy/Daddy always says to you?
M (Mommy): Love you!
D (Daddy): No, No, Parker!
P (Parker):  Bret Beat (aka Fresh Beat)

2. What makes Mommy/Daddy happy?
M: When I make I love you papers.
D:  When I lay with him.
P: When he watches Fresh Beat Band

3. What makes Mommy/Daddy sad?
M: When Parker bites
D: When I go to time out
P: When you take stuff away from him

4. How does Mommy/Daddy make you laugh?
M: You tickle me
D: Tickles me
P: He covers my head up

5. What was Mommy/Daddy like as a child?
M: Played your DS
D: Played stuff

6. How old is Mommy/Daddy?
M: 35
D: 55 (HAHAHAHAHA!)
P: 1

7. How tall is Mommy/Daddy?
M: 100 weights
D: 50 weights
P: 1 leg tall

8. What is Mommy/Daddy's favorite thing to do?
M: Zipline
D: Watch baseball games
P: Playing with his stuff

9. What does Mommy/Daddy do when you're not around?
M: Shop
D: What? You mean like when Parker's sick and you're home? He watches TV

10. If Mommy/Daddy becomes famous, what will it be for?
M: Uh uh uh (in the tune of "I don't know")
D: Hitting baseballs, but actually I'm way better than he is because I can hit it over the roof if I want

11. What is Mommy/Daddy really good at?
M: Cleaning dishes
D: Throwing baseballs
P: walking

12. What is Mommy/Daddy not very good at?
M: Hitting baseballs
D: Soccer
P: Shooting basketballs

13. What does Mommy/Daddy do for their job?
M: Teach class
D: Coach football

14. What is Mommy/Daddy's favorite food?
M: Hot dogs
D: Burgers
P: Baby stuff?

15. What makes you proud of Mommy/Daddy?
M: I don't know
D: "
P: When he throws balls

16. If Mommy/Daddy were a cartoon character, who would they be?
M: Princess
D: Batman
P: A baby on Baby Einstein

17. What do you and Mommy/Daddy do together?
M: Wrestle
D: Watch TV
P: Fight with my swords when you aren't looking (*I gave him a look)....or just watch TV

18. How are you and Mommy/Daddy the same?
M: We like candy
D: We like baseball
P: Both have blonde hair

19. How are you and Mommy/Daddy different?
M: You're a gail (his version of girl) and I'm a boy
D: He has black hair and I have blonde hair
P: He has green eyes, I have blue...duh, that's easy.

20. How do you know Mommy/Daddy love you?
M: Cuz you always say it
D: Because he tells me
P: He hugs me

21. Where is Mommy/Daddy's favorite place to go?
M: Chuck E Cheese
D: Baseball places
P: Babysitter's

Happy Halloween

Sickness

We had quite the run-in with the sickies about this time last month, and it seems that while they're not as intense as they began, they're still sadly lingering around.

It began by a phone call from Parker's babysitter. She said he started running a temp and pretty rapidly. I called in for a sub and took off to pick him up. When I got there, he was sleeping and felt pretty warm. It didn't take me long to notice that he seemed to be breathing rather rapidly. I went ahead and got him home and got some Motrin in him because I know from past experiences with Nolan being sick that when he runs a temp, he breathes quickly. Parker went down for a nap as soon as the medicine was forced into him (he's the WORST about taking any kinds of meds).

After about 2 1/2 hours, he woke up and still was breathing pretty fast, but I also noticed that he appeared to be retracting, too. Automatically sent me to flashbacks and minor panics about 5 days after his birth and the retractions he had then (of course, these were much milder compared to those). At the same time, I constantly second guess myself because I often think back to his rough start and think that I'm just overreacting because of experiencing the breathing issues. I took a video and sent it to Brian to get his opinion, but there was a nagging feeling telling me this wasn't good.

At this point, Brian said he couldn't tell from the way the video sent to his phone and he had football practice approaching. Also, I was due to pick Nolan up from the bus stop in just a few minutes. At the bus stop, I got another opinion from a Mom. She agreed that she'd get it looked at, too, and that I wasn't overreacting. In that short amount of time, his nostrils began flaring with each retraction, so called his Peditrician to which they told me I needed to get not come into their office, but get him to the ER. I asked if they thought I could just go ahead and drive over to Cardinal Glennon, but with what I was telling them (especially with the nostrils flaring), they preferred that I just got to the quickest ER. Upon arriving, he was seen right away and started on a steroid and breathing treatment. His O2 level was 86. He was not a fan of the breathing treatment and to my complete shock, he took the steroid pretty well (this was the only time he took this steroid well). Meanwhile, the nurse happened to notice Nolan's arm....which his school nurse had called me about that day as well.

We went for our flu shots and this was the first time we've ever taken the boys with us to the free flu shot clinic at Barnes. They gave Nolan his in his arm. This, too, was a first. So, fast forward to the next day, his arm is ridiculously swollen, hot, and red. Swollen to bigger than a baseball. The ER nurse was livid that they would give such a small boy a vaccine in his arm because it's too much medicine for that small of an amount of tissue. She recommended Benedryl, Motrin, & ice immediately.

After that, we took Parker back for a chest x-ray -- again, flashbacks that I didn't want entering mind began to, but I was much calmer about it this time (perhaps no longer being a few days post partum helped). After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and learning a lot, I requested a thyroid guard for Parker during his x-ray. They told me they would be happy to do so, but unfortunately, he's too small and the guards are too large and it'd cover the area that needed to be x-ray'ed. They were impressed that I even asked for one though and asked about my decision to ask. It just opened my eyes up to how too few people know the risks involved in xrays (whether dental, general, and especially mamograms) to even ask for such precautions.

After completing his x-ray, the dr was happy to report that he did not have pnemonia, but perhaps what our grandparents would have referred to as "walking pnemonia." He ordered another breathing treatment because Parker's oxygen levels were still hanging around 88. He did fine the first 30 minutes of the treatment, but the last 30 were horrific. The nurse, Brian, & I were all pinning him down. He was sweating, could barely cry because of his breathing, and was ticked off and confused. After the hour treatment, we waited about 20 minutes to see if he improved...he did not. At this point, the dr wanted us sent to Cardinal Glennon to be admitted.

Que Ambulance ride #2 for Parker. Daddy got Nolan arranged with friends (and he was an upset mess at this point, too). I rode with Parker. He did perk up in the Ambulance the most he'd been on all day. He was starting to talk up a storm, too. I don't have any pictures of this event because my cell phone died 15 mins after arriving at the hospital. This was upon arriving to Anderson:

By the time we arrived at Glennon, little PJ was completely exhausted. We gave him one more hour long treatment. If he didn't respond to that one, then we'd have to do another test to determine if he'd be in NICU or if he could be on a regular floor. That news scared me (first because I thought NICU was just for newborns and second because it fully clicked how serious this is). He slept through the entire treatment this time, so I think he was calm enough to fully inhale what he needed (not to mention he was basically on full adrenaline...he was SO shaky in his sleep). We sent up a lot of prayers and miraculously, he completely turned around after that treatment. His O2 was steady at 96 and they were happy with that result. His wheezing had cleared up significantly and they could hear the air flowing now. At 1:00 a.m. we were released. I was happy, but apprehensive, too...not because I didn't trust them, but because I was scared of what to watch for again, etc. We were sent home with an inhaler, steroids, and an antibiotic (he had an ear infection, too). It was pure torture to get him to take his inhaler and meds at home, but I really didn't want to invest in a nebulizer, when we already had the spacer at home (Nolan's asthmatic). While they said it's too early to diagnose Parker with asthma, too, they said he has a pretty good chance of it given his history. They considered his diagnoses an asthma attack. We followed up with our peditrician the next day for Parker and Nolan. Our doctor wasn't too happy to hear that Nolan received a shot in his arm either. Both boys ended up better quickly though...Nolan's arm peeled because the skin was stretched so badly!

Since then, Parker's been sick a couple of times...no breathing difficulties, but random high temperatures. This week we couldn't get it below 102 with alternating meds.

I went for my six month follow up. While my news wasn't horrible and I realize how much worse it could have been, I was disappointed and for one of the very first times throwing myself a pity party. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering that it's not about my timing..it's about HIS timing. I'm trying to remind myself of this daily. Without going to into it too much, we would really like to add to our family one last time and the idea of what I had planned will be postponed. Again, I realize how selfish it sounds wanting it at my timing, but there are some further reasons along with it. I am SO THANKFUL that I am able to still have more children in the future and after the struggle it was to have Parker, I'm SO GRATEFUL and BLESSED by the two BEAUTIFUL and mostly HEALTHY boys we have been given. Due to some things that were noticed at my six month post radiation appointment, I will be going back this upcoming week. Continued prayers are appreciated, but again, I can't say enough how appreciative I am of the hand I've been dealt in life. Sadly, there's been too many things around me to give me perspective.

Here's to wishing the sickies a long farewell...even though cold weather and sick season is upon us.

"This is the stuff that drives me crazy.

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately.

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed.

This is the stuff that gets under my skin.

But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing...

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use..."
~Francesca Battistelli

*Excuse the sloppy and not real "thoughtful" writing...I'm sleepy!* #tryingtobeabetterbloggeragain

Busy Learning

We've been busy learning!

Parker is full of character, and for the most part, his developing personality is beyond wonderful. However, we are starting to learn that he has a bit of a temper and gets pretty angry. But, usually, he can be found smiling, dancing, saying "uh oh," "Belmo," or "Mi Mou," (while bringing the remote to you). He's a cuddle bug in the morning and LOVES books any time of the day! Here's him doing his thing after dinner and before bathtime, so please disregard his outfit!

Nolan has also been very busy. Kindergarten has been keeping him quite busy to say the least! He is still coming home pretty exhausted each afternoon and evening (we won't even mention how crabby   pleasant he is in the mornings)! One of his current favorite things is writing and illustrating his own books! Here is a piece of his latest work (the words he writes down are condensed from the version he tells with each page):

Nolan's Book Title

I see Frankenstein.

I see vampires.

I see spiders.

The end.

*It keeps turning the pictures back on their sides, sorry!*

He was also quite proud to earn a Midway Wolf Merit certificate at school (you get recognized at the school assembly for this). His teacher told me that she told the class they were to go home and do one kind, unexpected thing to help out at home. When they returned to school the next day, they would discuss what each student did. She said Nolan was one of the last children picked to tell what he did and he was the first one to say, "Mrs. Mathews, I didn't do mine, I forgot...I'm sorry." She said she was so proud of him for telling the truth in such a hard situation when there possibly were some others that's weren't so honest. She said she made a big deal about it and made him an example...shortly after, several other students went back on what they said and admitted they didn't do it either. Nolan was beaming to earn the merit, but he later told me that he felt kind of sad that he was the only one that forgot (or so he thought). It's the little things that make this Mama's heart swell with pride.

“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... ANYTHING can happen, child. Anything can be." -Shel Silverstein

Our Summer Snippets

NEVER AGAIN will I wait until the end of September to blog about an entire summer. I'm really smacking myself for this one! So, we will have a brief run through of the summer highlights through some pictures. We didn't get to do some of traditions (like blackberry picking) due to the extreme heat this summer...no rain & highs well over 100 day in and day out became a bit excessive and put a damper on the end of our summer break. In addition, it was difficult to do a lot outside for long periods of time since Parker was such a late walker (just started walking right after 15 months)...he would get very scratched up from the grass & have rashes. But, we had fun nonetheless.

We had fun being goofy and hanging out! Nolan rode in Meemaw & Papa's jeep for the first time, too (correction: first time on the road and not helping Papa drive it around the yard).

Pinterest gave us opportunities to explore and be creative. The one with the bubble snakes was interesting, Nolan had to constantly be reminded to not breathe in while the end of the bottle was in his mouth -- a quick taste of the soap was reminder enough without me telling him otherwise!

We had a lot of water fun & Nolan had his first round of swim lessons!

More pinterest fun!

We went to local places...for food, ice cream, and fun! We even took evening drives through SIUE campus to watch the deer. Nolan had his eyes checked for Kindergarten -- 20/20 vision, but he does have a stigmatism, too...no need to do anything about it though. Papa helped Nolan build a ramp for his cars.

We had t-ball games (someone's quickly improving)! We went to the Logan County Fair with Grandma & Grandpa and Shawn & Holly! Parker LOVED going round and round! We took trips to the library for stories and crafts. Parker's Elmo obsession has begun and is still in full swing. He constantly walks around the house bringing us the remote chanting, "Belbo, Belbo!"

Tyler came to visit for a weekend -- we went to the Glen Carbon Homecoming where we rode rides, ate, & played games! The boys made homemade pizza one night.

We went to Chicago and visited Shedd Aquarium, but Nolan's favorite part was going to see Michael Jordan's statue outside of the United Center!

We went to Traverse City, Michigan - and fell in love with Michigan as a vacation spot! We climbed very tall sand dunes in Indiana and Michigan (Nolan was pretty worn out & so was Daddy from carrying Parker)!

We went to the zoo on a VERY HOT day...wait, wasn't the entire summer VERY HOT?! Lots of water refills!

We had our annual 4th of July get together for fireworks, friends, and food! We had baby bunnies in our backyard! Baby Will made his appearance in early August! Yay!

We went to Six Flags on yet another extremely hot day. Nolan rode the Screaming Eagle TWICE along with some other roller coasters! Parker LOVED the characters! Nolan was so happy to see Taz.

All in all, it was a wonderful summer. Sadly, we didn't get to do our annual blackberry picking trip -- it was just way too hot that week. The last part of the summer was spent mainly indoors with the pool water even being no relief!

Now school is in session and we're busy as ever, but football season is almost over and things may possibly calm down soon! I PROMISE to blog within the next couple of days about our crazy start to fall!

School Days...School Days...

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and smile

As you entered my room today.

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay.

You've been with him for five years now

And have been a loving guide,

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave him at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

And tears down your cheeks may flow

I'll love him as I would my own

And help him learn and grow.

For as a parent, I too know

How quickly the years do pass

And that one day soon it will be my turn

To take my child to class.

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love him and take him in

When you leave him at my door.

I know that the last blog I posted said that I'd be giving an update of the summer. Well, the truth is, I've avoided the end of summer break for as long as I possibly can in fear of thinking more about this day. On the other hand, even though school has started (for Brian & I last week & Nolan today), summer technically isn't over yet, right? Although with the heat we've had all summer long, I'm more than ready for my favorite season to begin.

I keep asking myself HOW? I honestly don't know how we've gotten to this milestone. The way I've been blubbering about it, too, you'd think it's college and not Kindergarten. Nolan has always been excellent with adjusting. In fact, he's the kid at day care that usually threw a fit when I got there because he "wasn't ready to go home." He makes friends relatively easily and in all reality, he isn't much of a crier when it comes to emotional things (a attribute that we're working on him realizing it's okay to cry when he's sad, etc. and not just when he's whining about about something). So, it came as quite a shock to us last night when he declared he didn't want to go to Kindergarten. He really couldn't tell us why besides he was scared and "just because."

We tried to be conscientious about not talking about Kindergarten too much, but at the same time not ignoring it all together either. A happy medium with happy & positive words. He even seemed excited at orientation last week when he met his teacher & saw his classroom. So, last night at bedtime, we read The Night Before Kindergarten and The Kissing Hand. When he said his nightly prayers, he asked Jesus to "help him not be scared in Kindergarten," and he even gave me my very own kissing hand like in the book all on his own (talk about fighting back tears)!

This morning, he woke up later than usual for a school day since I was taking him. His very first words were he didn't want to go to Kindergarten. Ugh. Not what I wanted, expected, or needed to hear, but if it was his honest thoughts I needed to accept them and work through them. We had his choice of breakfast (sausage & a donut - ha!) and took our time getting ready. He never said another word about not wanting to go.

When I dropped him off, we went to the gym and he lined up with his class looking super nervous & unsure. He didn't really give me much of a smile, rather, just his nervous smile. He was trying to be so brave & for the outside person, they probably would have never suspected how he felt inside. But, oh, those little cues that only Mommy's know. I kissed him goodbye & told him I couldn't wait to hear all about his day. I walked to my car & cried. I am anxious to pick him up today just to hear all about it. I'm taking my little man to lunch (and of course, he's already told me he wants McDonald's). It definitely puts things into perspective with my view of the parents in my classroom even though I have big 4th graders, it's their last year in our primary building. They're facing a milestone, too.

We're so proud of you, Nolan Alan and just KNOW you will be great in school!!! We love you.

All I Really Need To Know

About How To Live and What To Do And How To Be, I Learned in Kindergarten.

by Robert Fulghum

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life--learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and

dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and

stick together.

Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go

down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or

why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the

styrofoam cup; they all die. So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you

learned; the biggest word of all-- LOOK.

Everything you need to know is there somewhere. The Golden Rule and

love and basic sanitation, ecology, and politics and the sane living.

Think of what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had

cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets

for a nap.

Or we had a basic policy in our nation and other

nations to always put things back where we found them and clean up our own messes.

And it is still true; no matter how old you are, when you go

out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

Long Time No See...

& this will be short & sweet w/ a summer modge podge coming soon.

"The most precious jewels I'll ever wear around my neck are the arms of my children."

Happy, Happy 1st Birthday, Little Man

"A child's smile is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day."
~Author Unknown

I had the very best Mother's Day present this year...my little man turned ONE! This has been, by far, the quickest year of my entire life. It doesn't seem like a year ago that Parker entered our family. If I close my eyes, I can still vividly picture his big brother walking into the hospital room, shy, embarassed, a bit timid, and a hint of excitment in his eyes at the sight of the new baby in my arms. He had no idea that he had a baby brother yet (which is what he was hoping for)! Although my children are only 5 and 1...time needs to slow down. Nolan has been such a wonderful brother to Parker. He is an amazing helper and is so happy that Parker is able to play a little bit with him now. Parker lights up anytime he sees Nolan - his love for him is so obvious.

His day was a wonderful day. We had nice weather, friends, family, and lots of smiles! Brian and I thought for sure he would devour his cake in no time at all, but to our surprise, the opposite occurred. He wasn't interested in it one single bit. Perhaps because he discovered it at the babysitter's house the day before?!

He still is not walking, but he is getting around in his own way like a mad man! Just this week he has decided to crawl the "normal" way and forgo his army crawl. He's pulling up and getting into EVERYTHING! He is starting to stand for just a few brief seconds. He is wearing 12 month clothing  (which Nolan didn't wear until at least 18 months). He eats just about everything we put in front of him, but avocados are still one of his very favorites (another difference from his brother). He's a great sleeper, too. He currently loves The Fresh Beat Band, music in general, and his family! He's very into toys, especially animals. We're off to the doctor for his 1 year appointment, so I'll add those stats later.

Happy, Happy Birthday, my HAPPY Parker James...Mommy, Daddy, & Nolan love you SO much.

A Little Bit of This & A Little Bit of That

I cannot believe how bad I've been about blogging. I know I'm going to regret this down the road...ugh!
After all, one of the biggest reasons I do this is for the boys and us down the road. Blogger has a great tool of turning blogs into a book and that's my goal - to document this that way.

Anyway, a quick update (without pictures today). Nolan's last couple of weeks of 4-year-old preschool are dwindling down. I still cannot get over that he'll be in Kindergarten next fall. Brian and I had registration and orientation night last month. We've driven Nolan past his school a couple of times for him to check it out and plan to take him to the playground there to play over the summer months. I want to talk it up, but at the same time, don't want to completely freak him out! He's so good with adjusting though. (Knock on wood) We have never had an issue with him really adapting from place to place. Typically, as long as there is kids there, he's happy! We definitely think he's ready for it (he counts to 50 [and a little higher with some reminders about what comes next], knows all of his lower & upper case letters, recognizes the letters, know his address, rhymes, can add 2 given numbers between 0-9, etc.)...now it's just the period of us getting ready for that transition. Now that the time is almost here, I'm a bit sad that he won't be at my school with me.

Parker's almost 1! How completely crazy is that?! He still isn't walking, but gets from place to place just fine. He was having a lot of issues with using his feet properly, but is finally doing a bit better. He was standing on the tops of them, sides of them, or tippy-tippy toes when he'd pull up. He still does occasionally, but thankfully, he's getting used to adjusting them. I really have no idea how it didn't hurt him - we could barely look at his feet like that! He's very into playing. I don't remember Nolan being so into toys like this. Perhaps Parker is just doing it because he sees his big brother doing it. His hair is growing longer and he doesn't look completely bald anymore! He is a complete toe head though, same as Nolan was, except Nolan had far more hair by this point. In fact, he'd already had his 1st haircut by this point! Parker's gets quite curly in the back especially in the midwest humidity! He LOVES The Fresh Beat Band on Nick. It's probably the most peculiar show for a kid his age to like out of so many others, but he's all about the music!

We only have 4 1/2 more days of school left, so hopefully I'll get back to regular blogs SOON! :) Stay tuned...

Busy Spring

This spring is off to a busy a beginning! We celebrated Nolan's 5th birthday at The Sports Academy with his choice of an Angry Birds theme. He had a wonderful time celebrating with so many of his friends and running around in the huge play area! He is currently very into superheroes, Sonic, Mario, & Angry Birds. Yes, my little boy is getting big!

(As always, click to enlarge)

He had his 5 year old well visit, and was not happy in the least about the 4 shots he received. In fact, I think this was by far the worst he's ever been with shots and the least sympathetic I've ever felt for him. The good news is he doesn't need anymore until like 6th grade now (aside for his yearly flu shot since he's not a candidate for the mist version). He weighed in at 36 lbs (20th percentile - YAY for us) & 41 1/2 in tall (15th percentile).

The day after Nolan's birthday party was Easter. We went to the Easter egg hunt at the clubhouse this year for the first time ever rather than the one at our church (it was the same day at Nolan's party). It was a good experience, except I messed up by telling Nolan to keep his eyes open for the "golden" egg! I didn't drill it in his head, but I guess I didn't specify that he needed to gather the other eggs, like normal, too. I just assumed he'd know. So...when it was his age group's time, he skipped around searching only for the one golden egg, and therefore, only ended up collecting like 5 eggs total! Ha! Luckily, he wasn't super disappointed that he didn't get the golden egg or at the fact that he only received a few eggs. Which was fine by me...he received plenty of candy anyway! He also questioned the "Easter Bunny" at the clubhouse. He asked if it was just a costume and since I've always thought the ones you get your picture taken with are a bit scary, we told him yes, that one was, and that the real Easter Bunny isn't so large! :)

Poor Parker looks like he's absolutely terrified by the Bunny, but in all honesty, he really wasn't! Brian twisted Parker's foot somehow placing him on the Bunny's lap for a picture and then he didn't want much to do with it after that!

Since we didn't use any snow days this year, school will be out very soon (May 15th). I'm excited for the summer with the boys, but that also means that my little man will be ONE already! I simply cannot believe it. He's changing so much, especially lately. He's finally pulling up (and now constantly). He's into EVERYTHING! He still doesn't get up on all 4s to crawls, he prefers the army crawl method, but don't let it deceive you - he's very fast at it! His favorite word is "YEAH" and he roams around the house "roaring" like a lion! He absolutely loves animals - which is great, but at the same time brings on the pain inside of not having Hunter with us anymore. Puppy dogs are probably his 2nd favorite (lions being 1st). Here is his delayed 11 month picture: