Rolling Over Back to Tummy!

On the video monitor last night, we watched Parker do a 360 turn in a matter of minutes

Before church this morning, Parker, Jack and I had some great playtime.  Parker is becoming more and more mobile.  He does not like to be still for very long.  When we put him to bed in his crib, we always find him in a completely different position than where we set him down.  He loves to roll side to side when we are on his playmat.  He'll reach for a toy, or simply twist his body to where can better see the television.  Before long, I know he'll be crawling, walking, and terrorizing our home!

So Parker hit another milestone this morning!  He can now roll from back to tummy!!  He's been able to do 95% of the roll for weeks now- only his chunky little arm would hold him back.  Somehow today he overcame it!  So proud of the little guy!

On our side

Almost there!! 

And you did it!!!  I was so excited and cheered for you the entire time!

Then the drooling began.  He holds his body up so well these days and is always looking around to figure out what is around him.

We are also working on sitting unassisted- he can go a couple of minutes holding himself up with his hands,  but always tires out after a bit.

Then Jack jumped down and started rolling over too- I think he wanted some affirmation.  So we told him what a great job he did!

And after all our hard work, both boys had their chew toys to relax.

Jack's Summer Cut

On Sunday, Jack got his summer haircut.  The Duncans bought some clippers, and all 3 dogs are ready for the Columbia heat.  Jack looks awesome!  Now, I know there is controversy over shaving a golden.  Some things I have read say that you aren't supposed to do it- that their undercoat keeps them cool in the heat, but I swear Jack is happier without all of that hair.  We went running today, and he did so much better with his light coat.

Before

After

Mother's Day

My little love

My first mother's day as a mom- it was a treat to have my mom here and to spend the whole day with my baby boy.  I don't mean to sound dramatic, but seriously, sometimes I just look at his sweet face and big smile and I can feel tears forming in my eyes out of sheer joy.  Everyone told me that you will love your child more than you can imagine, but I didn't really get what they mean until I experienced it myself.  I know Mother's Day is about the mom, but honestly, all I could think about all day was Parker and how lucky I am!

My mom got to be with Parker and me for Mother's Day- Parker loved his Mimi time

My mom flew in for the weekend from Memphis and we had a really nice time.  She had the whole day on Saturday with Parker while Spence & I worked.  On Sunday, we went to church, then out to lunch.  It was a really nice weekend- amazing how much Parker has changed since her last visit!

Meredith and me with our babies - it's crazy to see how big they both have gotten

my beautiful tulips from my sweet husband and Parker

My favorite gift for any holiday is always the card....Spencer always writes me the best messages, and I tell him constantly that the card is better than any gift.  Of course- I am SUPER excited about this Urban Nirvana gift card too.  Mom needs a good massage!

Rice Cereal!

Someone is starting solid foods- and boy is it messy!!

Dr. Painter gave us the green light to start rice cereal now that he is 4 months.  I put it off for a week- not sure why.... maybe because I'm a little sad in some ways to see P growing up so fast!  But now I'm pretty excited to start feeding him real food.  He love, love, loved it- he kept opening his mouth and grunting for more.  I think he wore as much of the cereal as he ate.  

The Great 8

Pi Phi Consultants 2004- we look so young!

So, when I graduated from the University of Arkansas- my first job was as a Resident Leadership Development Consultant for my fraternity, Pi Beta Phi.  I lived in Raleigh, NC and started a new chapter at NC State University.  The other 7 consultants traveled the U.S. & Canada to consult with chapters all over, and in this short time period, we became such an incredibly tight knit and close group of friends.  We are a diverse group from all over- Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Nevada, Virginia, Connecticut, Ohio, & Toronto.  We try to get together at least once a year.  This year, 5 of us were able to gather in Charleston for a weekend in a home on Kiawah Island.

The group on our last day- yes, that is me in my pjs- great look, I know....

Parker was a great traveler, as usual

We had a GREAT time, as always.  We really missed the 3 girls who couldn't make it, but it's always a highlight of my year when we get together.  Spence and Parker made the trip, as Katie's husband & 7 month old, J.P. did as well.

Until he pooped all through his outfit, onto his car seat, and up his back.    He literally giggled the entire time I was changing him- I was not giggling :)

The girls threw us a surprise baby shower for Parker- we received some PRECIOUS outfits and other gifts

Parker LOVED Miss Joan- she was so great at entertaining him!

Oriana gave Parker his first swim trunks and matching hat- perfect for our first pool time- he LOVED it!!

Hanging out with our buddy, JP! (& his mommy Katie)

Miss Oriana swimming with Parker- he was pretty chill in the water 

Spence took us to see the Ocean Course- it is absolutely beautiful!

The Club House- this is the course for the 2012 PGA Championship.  A spectacular place.  Spence & Brett played the back 9 on Saturday

Erin & Oriana

Erin & Ori got to meet Parker for the first time!

My dear friends, Erin & Oriana, came to stay a night with us before we all went to Charleston for the weekend.  Erin is from Richmond, VA and Oriana came all the way from Toronto, Canada!  We loved having our friends visit- and they were great help to us with bed and bath time.

Bath time in the kitchen

He LOVES bathtime- note the water on my shirt- you should have seen the floor- it was a disastrous mess of water!

Erin with Parker- she is a NICU nurse, so has great experience with babes

Baby Shower!

The Hostess picture with Erica (in green dress with the baby bump!)- such a neat group of women!

What a COOL print- a handprint filled with Baby Merrick's name

Last weekend, I helped host a baby shower for one of my best friends, Erica!  She is about 30 weeks pregnant with a sweet baby boy herself- Merrick!  Parker will be so blessed to have another little friend in his life.  Wes and Erica are such great friends to us, and they will be amazing parents!!

The Ahoy theme all around- you can't see the name cards for the food items, but each one had a title that had a nautical theme.  The shower was at the Inn at USC- a really beautiful place and cool location for a shower!

A really neat group of Erica's friends did an amazing job with organizing the shower.  It had an "Ahoy, it's a Boy" theme that was seen in the invitations, in the decorations, the titles of food items, the party favors, and gifts- I was so impressed.  Event planning is definitely not my strong suit.  But- I truly admire those who shine in this area...it's impressive!

Delicious Cake

I contributed the lemon squares and tea tassies- I was so pleased they actually turned out so well.  I am not much of a baker!

I also covered some pretzel sticks with white chocolate and incorporated the blue and green theme colors with irridescent sprinkles 

The party favors were Gerber baby food jars filled with "life savers"- to go along with the theme. 

An adorable memory board filled with pictures of Wes & Erica as babies- such a cute idea!

My sweet friend, Alyssa

We had a cute "activity"- everyone had a container of play-doh and had to design a baby.  These were the 3 winners

Alyssa and me with Erica- isn't she precious?  It was a truly lovely shower!!  Can't wait to meet the sweet babe!