Halloween Week

It's Halloween week and Parker is EXCITED!

We have been blessed by so many cute Halloween outfits and costumes that we will be able to wear one each day of this week! Stay tuned for daily posts of Halloween fun and pick your favorite Parker outfit!

Today we are sporting an "I love my mummy" black onsie complete with white hand cuffs and white matching pants.

This little man loves his "mummy" so much he almost slept through the night. Actually, he loves his mummy and daddy. Travis is fighting a cold/flu so he really appreciated the rest!

5 Weeks Old

I'm 5 weeks old, gaining weight and OHHHHHHHH so cute!

Check out my dimple!

I love bath time...as long as the water is warm!

Hungry Hungry Hippo

So for the last 2 days or so, our calm relaxed son has been inconsolable. It takes him a long time to get comfortable and fall asleep. If I hold him he fusses, if I rock him, bounce him, lay him down, pick him up, he fusses. It's not much better at night when Travis is home.
Last night he ate and ate, and ate! Then we resorted to desperate measures. Because of a lack of sleep the night before we moved the swing into our bedroom and let him sleep and swing all night in his swing. He did much better!
Then this morning he ate 12 oz. of milk between 8AM and Noon. He's only 5 weeks old! After a call to Michele, and Heather to see what their mothering expertise might advise, I put a call into Dr. Larson. I just think that 12 oz. in 4 hours is an awful lot. As I was calling her he was eating another 4 ounces!
Come to find out he must be in a growth spurt! (thanks Michele and Heather!) Dr. Larson said Not to worry about the amount of food just yet, but if it continues over a lengthy period of time to call them back....how much time is a lengthy amount of time?????
Today went much better as long as he was well fed! We even took a nap this afternoon! He went to Target this evening and had tummy time and a bath. Let's cross our fingers for smooth night of sleep. We're trying the regular pack and play tonight with out the newborn addition that he's been sleeping in. We think he might like to stretch out. We'll keep you posted!
While eating lots of food! The bib is appropriate for today...
The tanks full......night night!

Tummy Time

Tonight Parker tried out his new "tummy time" mat. At first he wasn't quite sure what to do.

Then he decided it might be ok.

Tummy Time

On our Backs

One Month Old

Yesterday was Parker's one month birthday! Wow, time is going fast! We had another visit with the specialist in Peoria on Friday. He has gained 2+ pounds in 2 weeks since his last visit! Dr. Sauder was quite impressed with this. We are cutting his evening dose of medicine in half because he's doing so well. This is going to be typical with each visit...increase the dose, decrease the dose. Dr. Sauder said she was impressed with Parker's weight gain. Typically babies gain a half a pound a week and Parker is doubling that at a pound a week!

This weekend we finished our photos with Jodie. We were unable to take family pictures last week because I wanted them to be outside and it was cruddy weather last weekend. Today however, it was beautiful! We went out to lake story. I can not wait for Jodie to edit all of Parker's pictures so I can again post the link for everyone to see and enjoy.

Travis and I went to my 10 year class reunion last night! What fun! It was neat to see half my class again....keep in mind, there were only 32 of us so half of that is 16! :)
In some aspects it was as if no time had passed at all. I still felt quite comfortable talking and catching up with everyone in attendance. We were excited to find out that 2 classmates were expecting babies, and they're due on the exact same day! Several other classmates have had children and everyone had pictures to share. Who knew 10 years ago that I would have my very own baby to brag about! :) We had a nice time and Travis was a trooper!

An old friend

When I was in 8th grade we got Buddy for my mom for mother's day. He quickly became attached to me and inadvertently became my dog. Buddy has been with me through a large amount of my life and many important life milestones. He was there when I had petty high school fights with friends, he was there when I cried over graduating and not seeing those friends anymore, he was there when I went off to college, when my parents separated, when I came home from college, when I met Travis, got engaged, got married, and had a baby. Buddy has been a true friend for a long time and up until Parker, was the "baby" of the family.

Buddy is 14 and has been failing in health over the past few weeks. We have done multiple tests with the vet, tried many medicines, but have not had any luck. It was decided by Travis, myself, and the veterinarian that we have done all we can to help Buddy and it is time to help his suffering by putting him to sleep on Friday.

I know we are doing the right thing, but MAN it's hard! He has been such a large part of our lives and everyone who meets Buddy loves him.
Buddy has finally decided that Parker isn't too bad after all!

Even in his weakened state, this is what I came home too yesterday! He had climbed up into Parker's bouncy and was enjoying an afternoon nap! Buddy will never cease to amaze me!


Our family has been lucky to have a dog like Buddy. I wish everyone could have such a loyal, caring, spunky, and funny friend like I have been blessed with!

Classroom Visit

Yesterday it was sunny and bright so Parker and I went to visit Daddy on his lunch break. Travis was very surprised to see us and enjoyed showing Parker off to his students.

Travis told the kids they had to be "very quiet" as to not scare Parker. The kids did a really good job and didn't make a peep. There were a few whispers of "Awwwwwwww", and "he's so tiny", and "he's cute".....

Proud Papa just grinned. I think he enjoyed showing his son off! :)

First Photo Shoot

We had Parker's newborn photos shot last weekend here at home! There is a very talented up in coming photographer in our area that works with Travis. She gave us a very generous baby gift of a free photo sitting. She came on Sunday and stayed for 2 HOURS! Parker did very good! We had him posed in uncomfortable positions, had him lay on cold pumpkins, on shelves made him half naked and then changed his clothes multiple times. He was a trooper, he cried only 2-3 times in the whole 2 hours! Jodie will be editing our photos over the next few weeks, but she couldn't wait to get these few done....
He is way too cute if I do say so myself ;)
Check them out....what do you think?
www.jodiemcnally.com/photography/stecher

We are finishing our photo shoot on Sunday with family photos at Lake Story. I can't wait to see all the proofs. Jodie was very patient with Parker, (and us) and is going to become very successful at her photo business!
Thanks Jodie!!!!!

Prince Charming

Here is our Prince Charming!

Please, no more pictures!

Week 3

We are just over 3 weeks old! Wow! The time is flying by! This week Travis had to go back to school. That was a bummer for everyone! We are enjoying every moment with Parker. He is gaining weight and changing almost everyday it seems! This week we are sleeping really well. We get up at 2 and again around 5:30 or 6. We have been really gassy, but get some relief with Mylicon. The gas could be a result of our new guzzling habit when we eat. I'll try to take a video of it so you can hear this Mr. Moo!



We go back to our pediatrician for a regular appointment on Tuesday. We think he might have gotten his mommy's cold :(
Tuesday night, weather depending, we are going to Travis' last football game against Churchill at GHS. We are excited to see daddy coach! On Friday this week we will get to see our friends in Peoria at Dr. Sauder's office again and then maybe hit up Red Lobster for dinner! :)
With and without gas...can you tell which one is which
Ready for errands with Mom!

A visit with Gma after work.

A potential babysitter...

The cards let us down this year..at least they don't stink as much as the cubs!

We have enjoyed having many people over to visit and welcome more visitors as long as they are feeling well and don't mind washing their hands when they arrive!
We hope to see you all soon!