Merry Christmas!

Parker with Mimi

Our first family Christmas was spent at home in South Carolina.  Unfortunately, I worked Day Shift 7a-7p and Spencer worked Night Shift 7p-7a.  We wished one another a Merry Christmas at the hospital.  We both have to work so many holidays, which is an unfortunate thing of working in acute care.  Fortunately, my mom came to town to spend Christmas with us and help out with Parker with our work schedules.  We had a nice holiday, and Parker got to stay up late to open presents with me!

driving through the Christmas light display with Dad

Leaving cookies out for Santa

He LOVED his new Little Tykes truck- everytime he had a bottle he went to his truck to drink it

So, one of the things I have been debating for a long time was how to handle Christmas presents for our child(ren).  I know how easy it is at this time of year to go overboard.  After talking with some friends- I got a couple of great ideas.  One friend does 3 gifts per child.  Jesus received 3 gifts after his birth, so it helps keep things in perspective a bit.  Another friend suggested 4: 1) Something they want; 2) Something they Need; 3) Something they wear; and 4) Something they Read- I LOVE this!  Parker received 3 gifts from us this year: A rocking horse, a music set, and a farm animal set.  Just as everyone says- he spent more time climbing in and out of boxes and ripping up paper than he did with the toys, but I think it was a success!

Opening presents

a music making set

He is really into his rocking horse- mostly the sounds it makes when he presses the ears

Merry Christmas sweet Parker

Parker's first Christmas Gift

Our friend Jake knows Spencer all too well.  When Spence is at home- he can almost assuredly be found in his brown leather recliner with a coke and a remote in his hand- and usually a radio listening to EMS calls.  

So Jake came over tonight and brought Parker his very first Christmas gift- very fitting for Spencer's mini-me.

look at this HAPPY happy boy!

Getting ready for Christmas!!

Our Christmas Card this year- LOVE this picture of Parker!

We are gearing up for Parker's first Christmas.  Somehow we have multiple Santa outfits and pajamas, and we actually have the tree up in the house.  Talk about making the most out of naptime!

sweet Christmas outfit from Honey

Erica and I took the boys to see Santa.  Parker- the child who never cries and goes to everyone did NOT like Santa.  He cried the entire time!!  Classic pictures.

finally getting used to him- he was a really great Santa!

Afterwards heading home- relieved to be done with the Santa visit

Thanksgiving in Fayetteville

Are we there yet?

After being with the Robinson family, we packed up little P and drove 3 hours north, arriving in Fayetteville for the annual Arkansas-LSU game- literally we pulled into town directly at the tailgate!  My parents have a GREAT spot across from the stadium with friends, and hosted a big pot of warm gumbo before gametime.  Parker's first real tailgate experience.  Kim "volunteered" to take Parker home while Spence and I endured the first half- we were almost hopeful for a victory, but we lost 13-20.  Regardless- Geaux Hogs Geaux!

Excited to see "Big Poppa"

James was in from NY!

The Dutton crew at the tailgate

trying to sneak a drink

LOVE being at Razorback Stadium!!

We had a great time being back home.  It is so exciting to see Parker with everyone.  It makes me so happy to see him getting to know his family!

visiting with G and Nana

getting geared up for Christmas now!

Parker with his 15 year old Uncle Mitchell

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving in Pine Bluff

Parker with Sport (Spence's Dad)

Cuddling with Honey

Thanksgiving- the best holiday of the year!  I know Christmas is usually everyone's favorite, but for me, Thanksgiving is the one I look forward to the most.  Cooking all day, delicious food, amazing desserts, football, and just hanging out with everyone you love- perfect day.  No presents to stress over.

Since Spencer and I both work in a hospital- we both work holidays.  Weekends also are not as exciting because we spend a lot of Saturdays and Sundays at work.  We have worked the last 3 years for this holiday, so this year we went home for a change- it was wonderful!!  We spent a few days in Pine Bluff with Spence's family, then headed to Fayetteville to see mine.  It was SO great to see our families.  Now having Parker- of course I love seeing everyone for myself.  But, it is even more fun to watch everyone get to play with Parker!

Spence and his brother Daniel with their boys

Uncle Keith 

My sister-in-law, Suzy

Daniel's son, Jim, is really into golf- he takes that club everywhere!

out on the golf course Thanksgiving day with a lot of friends

Parker found some golf balls

a picture that I am certain Parker and Jim will hate one day....but they were so cute!

He LOVED the piano

he's a natural

Suzy and Jim

Parker's favorite toy- the Little Tykes car

Our turkey this year was cooked with an Infrared fryer- it was delicious!

We have so much to be thankful for- I could write a book of things!  But this year, I am so grateful that God blessed us with this sweet, wonderful, healthy little boy.  I would't change a thing about him or these last 11 months.