December

We started out the month with an awful stomach bug. Parker started throwing up on Tuesday. I was out on Wednesday, and Justin on Thursday. Let me tell you, it's hard with everyone being sick, but at least it was staggered slightly so Justin and I could care for Parker and each other.  What a miserable couple of days! We've been lucky enough that Parker hasn't gotten sick until now. I can't imagine him being this sick at a younger age. He just laid on the couch and didn't want to play at all. One positive was that he finally started to cuddle. I think at first Parker needed to cuddle, and then learned that he actually likes it! Our boy has been much more cuddly since this illness. We'll take it!

Towards the middle of the month, Justin and I took Parker to see Santa. Parker has been more weary of strangers the past few months so we figured it may not go well. We were right. Parker was fine when Justin placed him on Santa's lap, but as soon as he started to step away, Parker full on panicked. The boy was terrified and showed it! He threw his candy cane, started screaming, had tears in his eyes and was reaching for us to come get him. Like the empathetic parents we are, we let him panic until the photos had been taken. We chose to purchase the photo with the most terrified expression because, hey, every child has at least one. Hopefully Parker won't be traumatized for life.

The days leading up to Christmas were a lot of fun. We spent it all with family. First, we went to the Holmes' for their tradition of watching Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation with the Madson Family.  The following night, the 23rd, we headed to my parents' to watch the Seahawks beat the 49ers with the family the was in town.
For Christmas Eve, we were back at my parents' house. The Vreeburgs, Grandma Vreeburg and Curt were there too. We ate the greatest meal of the year, opened presents, and had a terrific time joking and relaxing. 
On Christmas, we started the tradition of enjoying the morning at our house. Parker came downstairs to a tree full of presents. He was so excited! Santa brought him a fabric tube to crawl through and a sled. He enjoyed opening his stocking gifts and the rest of his presents.  We ate a delicious breakfast that included my mom's sticky buns and Curt's orange julius recipe.  Then we headed over to the Holmes' house where we opened more presents, relaxed with movies and games, and had their traditional meal, gumbo. 
What a joyful Christmas!

Justin's good friend, Missy and Justin got married on Saturday, the 29th, so we flew down to San Diego. It was a quick 2 day trip, but it was filled with a lot of fun. We got to catch up with many friends whom we haven't seen in a long time. Plus, it's always great to spend time in SD. Justin was a groomsman, and he was asked to say a prayer at the reception.  Missy & Justin are a wonderful couple and had an absolutely gorgeous wedding. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Blaine! On Sunday, we were lucky enough to spend time with Rachel & Scott DiBello.  It's always good to see them!

By the time New Year's Eve rolled around, we were exhausted from the busyness of Christmas and the San Diego trip. We decided to spend a quiet night at home.  We played with Parker's toys, ordered our favorite pizza, and rang in the new year on our couch. It was perfect! 2012 was a great year with a lot of joy. We are hopeful that 2013 will follow suit.  We look forward to the arrival of our second child. What could be better than that?!

November: A lot to be Thankful for

**Blogger isn't allowing me to add more photos due to space issues. I'll get them up as soon as I can figure out a solution. For now, use your imagination***

We took family photos in November to celebrate a few things: Parker's first birthday, Christmas cards, and to introduce the pregnancy.  Wright Park offered the perfect backdrop with bright orange fall leaves.  It was a very chilly day, but we lucked out with no rain. Parker was less than thrilled to be a model, however, we ended up with some pretty great shots.

Thanksgiving was so much fun this year. We spent it at my parents' house. The Vreeburg family came down for two nights which was great because that meant more time with them! Parker loved seeing his family and enjoyed the attention.  Curtis was able to come home, so we enjoyed spending time with him. Parker loves Uncle Curt! We all enjoyed wonderful food and good family time. Alyssa even brought a cotton candy machine for dessert. Yum!

The last weekend of the month, we went down to Portland to visit with Ryan, Heidi, and Ian.  It was so relaxing! We watched football, played games and ate great food.  Parker loves his Aunt and Uncles! One day the boys helped Grandma Jane put up Christmas lights. Grandma took us out to lunch.  We are lucky to have such a wonderful, fun family!

Fun things about Parker this month:
He is getting really communicative. Parker is trying hard to communicate so we've been teaching him new signs (fan, light) and words (yogurt, water, help, up, hold you, banana) to make things easier for him.

Parker loves being silly. He turns his head on its side to look at us. He does a fake laugh to get attention and he lays down on floor with a "look at me!" smiling face.