Happy New Year

For New Year's Eve Travis, Parker and I went to visit my cousin Brandon, his wife Mandie and their little girl Lilly. Lilly is about 4 months ahead of Parker in age. This is cool because I am 7 months ahead of Brandon in age and we grew up together. We were, I think, the closest Vancil cousins in age. We had a lot of fun together and even went to Western together. This was the first time Brandon has gotten to meet Parker. Lilly met Parker when he was very new at my baby shower back in October.
Parker flirting with his Great Aunt Peg.
Brandon feeding Lilly. Even though Lilly is 4 months ahead, Parker is quickly trying to surpass her in weight and height. They weight almost the same and as you can see in pictures are about the same size.
2nd Cousins meeting for the first time
Lilly wasn't so sure...Parker seems to have this affect on women. Emily Bredemeier, Sophia Bruns, and now Lilly, watch out Parker!
What is everyone celebrating? We're up for a good party!
What?!? We'd have to stay up until MIDNIGHT?
Parker says "Oh, No!" Lilly says "never mind, goodnight!"

We had a lot of fun and look forward to getting together again soon!

Happy New Year

We hope you and yours have a safe and Happy New Year and a love filled 2010!

Post Holiday Guilt

Ughhhh...I ate to much during the holidays. My pants won't fit anymore!

This is a common expression at our house this week!

Monday

Mondays....we hate Mondays....normally. However, we're on Christmas Break so today, we LOVE Monday. Now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is behind us today was the first day we could just chill out and be a family.
We started the day sleeping in until 8AM! (after we were up at 2AM and 5:30AM) (oh yeah, and mom and dad went to bed at midnight due to a new Wii game!)
After sleeping in we cuddled...and fell asleep with dad. I think we're in a growth spurt.
After sleeping in and a morning nap, we were ready to play. The bat and wobble penguin was a great sport! Parker practiced his karate kicks.
All that playing tuckered us out so we watched a "Calm Baby" video. It was mesmerizing and held Parker's attention the whole time!
While Parker was watching his video Travis reorganized the shelves in the nursery and picked up and straightened so all of Parker's new toys would fit neatly. Great job Daddy!

This evening we had our friends the Nelson's over for dinner and more play time. Carter, 15 months, was very intrigued by "baby" and decided it was OK to be friends with Parker.

We had a great Monday! We love Monday's.....as long as there is no school! :)

Merry Christmas 2009!

We had a wonderful 1st Christmas as a family of 3!

We started our Christmas last weekend with the Chervenka crew. See previous posts!
On Christmas Eve, we ventured back into the Quad Cities to spend the evening with Travis' mom and dad. It is a family tradition to spend Christmas Eve with them eating ham sandwiches, oyster stew, chips and veggies. After opening 1 present we go look at lights and listen to Christmas music. When we get home we open 1 gift and go to sleep to wait for Santa! When we wake up we have stickies, a Stecher tradition, and open stockings and the rest of our gifts.

We had a nice time and Parker, as well as Travis and I received many nice things!

Christmas morning we headed to my folks in Monmouth. We were grateful the weather held out. It is a family tradition to spend Christmas Day at Dad's in Monmouth. We open stockings that Santa has left for us shortly after arriving and then watch a movie. This year it was The Hangover. HILARIOUS! After the traditional movie we have dinner in the dining room, and then open presents. You can be sure there will always be a fire in the fire place and a colored light garland adorning the fireplace at Christmas. We spend the night at dad's and this year I didn't have to rush off to Bergner's....I worked the late shift! We were able to enjoy the morning having bacon, eggs, toast, and just hanging around together.
Parker, again, received many nice gifts and fun things to play with. Travis and I also received more than we needed, but we do love it!
(mom, I need some of your pictures, I guess I spent more time playing with your camera than taking with mine! Bring your memory card by the house some time soon!)

After returning to our own home, we again, opened presents under the tree, and AGAIN, Santa left Parker a stocking....man, Parker, you must have been a really good boy to get 3 stockings!

We enjoyed our time together with our big families and our own little family of 3. We love traditions and look forward to spending many years with Grandmas and Grandpas continuing our big family traditions. We also look forward to beginning some of our little family traditions soon!

Now for the clean up! :(

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Christmas Break

We've started our Christmas break officially! Actually, it started yesterday, but both Travis and I went to school for the day to get everything ready so we don't have to go back or think about it until Monday January 4th.
Here are some of the highlights of break so far....
Snuggling this guy!

What did you guys get me?

I think I know.....

Yesterday Parker sat in his Bumbo seat for the first time....he's getting to be such a big boy!

Urrr....I don't know about this guys.....at least take the hat off my head...

Watching cartoons with Daddy on the couch.

Christmas with the Stechers

This weekend was Christmas with the Stechers. Travis and I will go back up to Rock Island for Christmas Eve to spend it with his parents, but this was the weekend Heather, Kirk and the kids were able to come and celebrate with us.

Stecher Family 2009

Grandma and Grandpa Stecher with Parker

All four "grown-up" kids

Being silly with Cousin Annica

Parker's first Christmas presents.

What did I get mom?

Parker got a Teddy Bear from Annica, bath toys and a baby Einstein episode on CD from the Chervenka's.
I love music and dancing!

There is still more Christmas and presents to come? YEAH!

Santa doesn't come until Friday? WHAT?

Sitting Up....Kind of

Parker is getting closer and closer to being able to hold his head up on his own. We are beginning to prop him in the upright position more and more. He is beginning to not like to be "cradled", he wants to be up watching all the action. He, much like his mommy, is afraid he'll miss something!

Here he is intently fixated on the TV. (Bulls vs. Lakers)
"I'm just so confused....who should I root for?"
I love this photo of him...he looks like such the little man. Look at those CHEEKS! I could just squeeze them right off his face!