Weekend out with friends

This weekend we went to our friend Marci's wedding.

It was fun for a multitude of reasons:
First, aren't weddings always fun?
Second, it was held at Knox College in December....same as Travis and I
Third, we got to hang out with good friends of ours for the entire evening.
Fourth, Misty got to do the "Cupid Shuffle"
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh....I could go on and On
The Stecher's, The Bruns', The Kleine's
First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade

Happy Wedding Marci! We had a great time!

Parker's First Cold

Parker has come down with his first cold. A real cold...the whole 9 yards, he has a stuffy nose, a runny nose, a cough, runny eyes...a real cold. We are thankful (knock on wood) he has not yet had a fever and the doctor said he has nothing in his lungs as of yet!

Let's hope this first round passes quickly.

Saline Spray....$3.82

Nose sucker outer.....$2.74

Vapor Plug In....$4.86

Vicks.....$3.98

A good night's sleep.....

Priceless!

Here's to 3 wonderful fun filled years!

Happy Snowy Anniversary mom and dad!

End of the week

Parker ended the week with his two grandmas. Grandma Kay came on Thursay and Grandma Van came on Friday. He had a great time with both. On Friday Parker was visited also by Grandpa Van and Uncle Justin.
I dont' know about all these visitors....what do you think "Ted"?

Urrrr...

We think Parker looks just like Grandpa Vancil in this picture. I'm POSTIVE I've seen this look before!

I love spending time with my Grandmas!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I started my Thanksgiving at my Grandma and Grandpa Stecher's. I got to see all my cousins and my aunt and uncle. Everybody ate turkey and all the trimmings...all I got was lousy formula....mom says maybe next year I can try turkey.

My cousin Tyler was intrigued by me

My oldest cousin Annica and I were having a great time..We're going to be good friends!

Everyone was having a great time!
Even without turkey I needed a nap. Yawn!

After Grandma and Grandpa Stecher's house we continued my first Thanksgiving by going to Monmouth to Grandma and Grandpa Vancil's house. There mom and dad had turkey with all the trimmings again, and again, I got none.

Grandpa and Uncle Justin are so FUNNY!

Can I please have some turkey Grandma? I'll show you my dimple.

.

Grandpa and I were watchin some football holding hands

My mom, dad, and I had a great Thanksgiving. They told me if I thought Thanksgiving was great I should wait until Christmas. I'm thinking it must be a good time cause this weekend was a blast!

Already????

"Oh No! It's THAT time of year again!"

My daddy has been busy teaching me about and adding to the Stecher outdoor Christmas display for this year. He says it's a manly family tradition.

We added a new reindeer sign by our door,

Some giant light bulbs by the squirrel tree,

And a giant plastic Frosty.

"HEY! No sleeping on the job."

My dad worked really hard to make our house look festive!

I think I already love Christmas!

A full nights sleep

Last night was the first night sleeping all night here at our house! We slept all night in our big boy pack and play! Parker slept next to our bed from 9:30PM -5:30AM we were very excited!

Two nights ago this was the only way to get him to sleep in the pack and play.....propped up on a pillow from our bed. He didn't sleep all the way through that night.

This is Parker as I write this. Asleep, flat with no fluffy pillows...however that is a memory foam pad underneath him...ahhhh the comfort measures we'll give our children ;)
He's hoping for another full nights sleep!

Holiday Baking 2009

Mom and I started holiday baking this year early. Last year we were still pulling cookies out of the oven on Christmas eve...not really but almost!
So this year we got things started early! We baked for 8 hours straight today and are about 1/2 done with what we want for baking. Our backs hurt, feet ache and we both probably have new cavities from all the taste testing ;)
We had a great day and I'm in the holiday spirit now. We listened to Christmas music all day long! Did you know 96.1 is now playing all holiday music all the time? It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Below is a picture of some 1/2 finished reindeer suckers! Too CUTE!

Parker's Flowers

Yesterday on my first day back at school, by darling baby boy send me flowers!

Have a great first day back at school Mom! Don't worry about me! I'll see you after school! Love, Parker

They are beautiful and I have smelled the sweet smell of lilies all day long!

I smile and think of him each time I get a whiff!

First Day

Today was my first day back at school and Parker's first day at a non-related babysitter. We are very fortunate to have found such a caring and kind babysitter who watches Parker in her home. Kim and her daughter Renee are great!
Travis and I of course would have much rather stayed home with the little guy, but are happy to have Kim on Mon.-Wed.

This morning when we went to drop him off, Travis handed Parker to me, and I handed him to Kim (after one more snuggle :) ) Parker just hung out like no big deal. And then he saw their dog "Buddy".

Parker instantly light up and gave some smiles and grins. "Don't worry mom and dad! Kim, Buddy and I are going to have fun today! See you after work!"

I think Parker, Kim and "Buddy" are going to be good friends! :)

Thank you to everyone who sent notes, messages, and good thoughts my way today. It was hard, but not unbearable. I have a really great class and Mary Ann did a fantastic job getting them prepared for my arrival as well as the room. I walked in today after 8 weeks being away and just picked up like I had never left. I don't think that usually happens with a Maternity Sub. Mrs. Henderson was a huge part of that as well. I don't know what I'd do with out her!

I was surprised today with a beautiful flower arrangement from Parker around 11AM! I'll post a picture in the morning. This tired mama needs to get some sleep because I have to do it all again tomorrow! Sigh!