Where does the time go?

So much has changed in a year! No more night feeding, every four hour motels, endless diaper changes! Harder in some ways? YES But so much easier in other ways. It is so nice to sit Parker in his high chair and let him go to town eating. He eats graham crackers, goldfish, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, noodles, piece of veggies and more. I may have one heck of a mess to clean up but it really frees my hands to get other food ready.

Parker is no longer on formula. We ran out last week and went ahead and made the big switch to whole milk. I was worried it was going to go bad but warming it up in the microwave did the trick. He is also attempting to use the sippy cup. We still use the bottle for all of the milk feedings but he has been drinking juice out of his sippy cup pretty well. What a big boy he is!

Wee!

Parker was a big slider this weekend! He went down the big slide with Daddy and Grampy. After a few times of going down the little slide holding our hands he was going down by himself. If we sat him at the top of the little slide he would rock back and forth and go down by himself. He had a great time going to the playground.

Special Visitors

Grampy needed to take his boat out for a run. So, while we were camping Grammie and Grampy drove down to spend some time with Parker. They have been working a lot and were really wanting to see Parker. He is so lucky to have 2 Grandparents who go out of their way to see him.

All Boy

He figured out how to make them crash!

He thought he was something! Check out that dimple : ) I hardly ever catch it in a picture.

First Tooth

My 11 1/2 month old FINALLY cut his first tooth. He has been teething forever. We have been able to see his gums swelling and been able to see the little bumps but today one of the bottom ones finally cut through. I think it is the one on the left.

When I picked him up the babysitter had my check to see if there was something in his mouth. When I did I felt his tooth on the bottom. They were making sure I found it on my own before they told me : )

The other day I had a small emotional break down when Missi let it slip that he had taken a few steps for them. Not being a stay at home mommy is tough when you miss some of the firsts. He stills hasn't walked for me. But when we work on standing up he tries to walk towards us but it turns into more of a stumble. Missi said it well... "Its not the first steps that matters; it the future steps that you walk with them." I am so blessed to have caregivers that take such good care of him.

After having such a difficult newborn I never thought I would be so sad to see him turn one. But tonight he finished off his last can of formula and I am going to take his bottle the day after he turns one. These next two weeks are going to very emotional for me. I really am sad to see the baby days go but am also looking forward to the milestones to come. This summer has been so wonderful watching him grow up in so many ways. His personality is really shining through in the way he reacts to things and the way he plays. I would have never guessed a year ago when he was still in my stomach how much I was going to love this little guy. It is truly a remarkable journey! Can't wait for the next year.

Sorry for the rambling blog! More pictures to come after our second camping trip this weekend and his birthday party is coming up on the 6th! : )

Fall is almost here...

Enjoying a pretty day! (8/23/2009)

Walking... sorta : )

Almost walking! He wants to so bad! If he would just let go : )

Great Grandparents

Parker spending time with his Great Grandparents! I love getting pictures of Parker with the "original" Parker : )

Parker's Pony

Parker petting a pony at the back to school cook out. Aww... Grammie I think he is ready! 

The Stand Up Game

Parker thinks it is hilarious to fall down when we work on standing up. He can only stand up for like 5 seconds right now but he is working really hard on. He lets go of stuff all the time wanting to stand but is still a little scared. He has also started wanting to "walk" by holding onto our fingers. He cries when you sit him down to crawl. He is doing so much growing up right now. 

I love that he can feed himself.  He is feeding himself graham crackers, goldfish, cheerios, noodles, puffs, yogurt melts. Graham crackers are a huge favorite! He likes to try to use the spoon but still makes too much of a mess for Mommy. I only let him do that for a few seconds! 

Another thing he enjoys is brushing his teeth after his bath. He has a little Looney Tunes brush and chews on it.