The Porters

It's been a long time...

2009-10-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

This is what JoJo did to my ottoman...

Another new decorating addition exclusively by JoJo...

The next Design Star...JoJo

John Parker...begging for cheese. He's really easy to keep happy! Wish my patients were that easy!!

Riding in the car. This is the only time I can ever get him not looking like The Flash!

We're clicking right along here at the Porter household. John Parker is getting excited about the holidays coming up...I am too! Every day is an adventure here in Porterville...I never know who is gonna make the biggest mess of the day...John Parker, JoJo, or Terrell. They all like to keep me guessing! But JoJo is usually the winner!! I included some of her latest designs...please enjoy! We will loan her out for your decorating needs...You can keep her if you like!! ha ha

We are enjoying work...and my big boy is loving going to school! He loves his teacher and his "friends." They read books and he makes pictures and apparently hits some of the other children in his class ( I haven't gotten the "dreaded note" yet but I'm sure it'll be waiting in our cubby hole one morning!)

Meet the newest member of our family...

2009-03-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

"I sit like a big boy, momma!"

This is JoJo guarding her purse...

This is JoJo trying to guard her bed...JP says CHEESE!!

The Princess...

We recently bit the bullet and adopted a puppy from CARA. Her name is JoJo and she is a cutie!! She is supposed to be a beagle/jack russell mix but by the looks of her paws...we're not so sure...the whole process was neat. We got to go visit all the animals at CARA and got a tour from my sister-in-law's sister, Hollie. She has been working there for quite a while now and it amazed me that she knew all of those animals by name and knew special things about them! I was really humbled seeing all of the workers and volunteers out there. That place is really special and we are proud to say we found our sweet little girl out there!! John Parker loves her...a little too much. He has this thing about putting his head on anything and saying, "AWWWW...SWEET!!" Sounds sweet...except for the fact that his head is hard as a coconut and heavy as a bag of hammers!! JoJo is not too keen on this but she is very patient with him. We are really lucky...she is a sweet girl! Just a few pics of JoJo and some random ones that I have been sitting on for a while! Enjoy!!

Playing a little catch up...

2009-02-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

John Parker is always in constant motion...

Getting into Daddy's golf bag

Cheesing it up for the camera!

So we are officially moved in to our "new" house now. We love where we are (I miss being so close to a grocery store...but it is nice being away from all the traffic!) John Parker loves his new back yard...he cuts grass with his bubble mower all the time now! Daddy loves the fact that he can hit golf balls in the back yard now...I have been working on getting the house "presentable!" I volunteered our house for a shower on the 18th of February knowing that would give us motivation to get it fixed up in time! We enjoyed the lovely weather today and all got outside to work in the yard and then Terrell grilled out...John Parker ate outside, too. It was so nice to not hafta chase him around with the vacuum after supper! We've been rather busy but things are starting to slow down. Hopefully I can chase JP down for more pics to share with everyone. We are getting geared up for his big 2 year birthday next month! Will try to keep in touch!

Big Day at the Porter House...

2008-12-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

Well, not only did we enjoy the snow for about 5 seconds...(no pics, by the way...I was not thinking!) we also closed on our new house today. Yep, that's right, we are now in debt like crazy!! But we are excited! Our new house needs some love and care (and paint and carpet...) but we are ready to step up to the challenge! If anyone wants to come help us...ha ha! We hope to be in as soon as possible...well that's ME that hopes to be in as soon as possible...I'll post some pics as soon as we have a chance! Hope everyone stayed safe today in this crazy Mississippi weather!

Leah

Too good not to share...

2008-11-14T15:33:00.001-08:00

These were too cute not to share...I am sure one day these will resurface when he turns 16 and starts dating...ha ha ha

We're back and better than ever...

2008-11-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

I promise he had fun...

We can't go anywhere without our "tools!"

We're back in the blogging world again...I'm gonna try to keep this thing updated for the 5 people that actually read it...or rather, used to read it! We are doing great. John Parker is talking up a storm-favorite words right now are "drewdriver" (screwdriver), "sopsicle" (popsicle), "uh oh", and "monmower" (lawnmower). We are also very proud to report that our little guy is TEE-TEEING in the potty!! He is a genius!! (Gets it from me!!) One day not too long ago he came up to me and said, "Tee tee potty, mommy??" I thought, "WHAT??" But I got up and we high-tailed it to bathroom where he proceeded to impress me with his skills! My mom thought it was fluke but he has proven us all wrong! Been interesting! Anyhoo...put a few pics up of him from Halloween. He was "Melmo" (Elmo) complete with the tricked out Melmo bucket! Enjoy!

OFF THE RADAR...

2008-06-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys...YES, we are still alive! We have been VERY busy around this joint. Plus we have cable internet (which seems to move VERY slow...well too slow for the impatient one that resides here...ME!) Just some quick updates...Terrell and I got married on March 29th. It was beautiful. John Parker is loving his new house! JP is a little over 15 months old and is into EVERYTHING! He is the sweetest little fellow...don't know what I did to deserve him (or Terrell for that matter...but I thank the Lord every day!) John Parker now weighs in at 23lbs(45%). He is 32inches tall(75th%) and...get ready for this...his head is 50cm in diameter...it was off the growth charts...BIG time off the growth charts...Hope there is a LARGE brain in there!! His newest "phrase" is "Golf Cart Key." No lie...he says all three together and they make sense! I am seeing dollar signs JK!! Terrell is a BIG golfer and that means that John Parker and I have to join in the fun...so we both have a set of our own golf clubs...JP and me!! Look out Tiger...I'm gonna be on the LPGA in NO TIME!!!! ***DISCLAIMER-you might want to beware on your local golf courses...I'm still trying to perfect my swing:)

I've been tagged!

2008-02-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Rebecca, tagged me and I'm supposed to list 7 random things about myself. Here goes nothing...

I can't stand for a cabinet door to be open. Terrell leaves them open on purpose to tick me off. He apparently gets a big kick out of watching me shut them.
I love Rachael Ray...I wish I could cook like her...but I really don't think that will ever happen. We're not in any danger of starving but I'm no gourmet chef :(
I have to sleep with the overhead fan on, a tower fan, a sound machine, and JP's monitor. I wasn't always like that but people change...
I got a Clarisonic MD for Christmas this year (the face scrubber as seen on Oprah that promises to make you look 10 years younger...it seems to be working and soon I hope my body returns to what it looked like 10 years ago!) :)
I wish I could go on American Idol...but I don't think Simon would let me through to Hollywood ;(
I love music of any kind but I REALLY love Johnny Cash :)
I count my steps...weird, isn't it?? I've done it for as long as I can remember...

To all of the 8 people that read this blog...please pray that my poor, sweet, cute baby doesn't inherit all of my weird tendencies...I think that it might be too late, though. He already uses his cloth diapers to "dust" the coffee table off. Maybe me posting this will make others realize we've all got issues...some of us just cover them up better than others :)

I don't know who to tag...so if you read this and you have a blog...you're tagged!

Catching up...

2008-01-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile and JP is asleep right now so I had a little free time on my hands...He's a busy little fellow these days. He is taking a few steps by himself these days (I know my life is never gonna be the same after he starts walking on his own but I'm okay with that :)) Anyways here are a few updates in condensed form.

JP weighs around 21 lbs (give or take a dirty diaper) and he's around 31 inches tall

He has 2 and a half teeth (the bottom 2 and half of a left fang-he looks rather "Jack-O-Lantern-esque" with the whole orange motif and funky teeth

I am getting married sometime this spring (at risk of sounding cliche, I AM truly blessed :) to have this wonderful guy in my life. He is a great role model for JP and he fit right in with my crazy family!)

I am enjoying work. I got pulled to work on a med-surg floor last weekend (probably the worst floor in the hospital...because of the acuity of the patients...think Peg tubes, trachs, mental health problems, detox, etc.) It took me getting pulled to that floor to realize how lucky I am to be working with patients that WANT to get better and get out of the hospital (well, most of them anyways!) And to risk sounding cliche again...I realized how blessed :) I was to be on the cardiac floor instead of the "dreaded" med-surg floor!

JP is talking these days...he says "mama," "dada," "PaPa" (my dad), and "NaNa" (my mom-she was wanting him to call her "GiGi" but he had other plans for her.) He is also saying "bye-bye," "ba" (for Ball), and we ask him what the sheep says and he says "BAAAAA" real loud and country-like (it's rather entertaining). He is a smart little guy :) I think he gets he gets it from me...He hasn't said any dirty words yet ...I'm sure he's saving those for church :)

Mississippi State won a bowl game..."GO DAWGS!" :) The future husband is a HUGE Ole Miss fan so it made it that much sweeter :)

Last but not least...I am starting to "train" for a 5K...not sure how successful I'll be but I'll try to keep updated post about it...for those of you that know me you know about my "allergy" to working out...it ought to prove quite entertaining! I figure none of these post-CABG patients want a "jiggly" nurse teaching them about proper heart healthy diet and cardiac rehab :)

Anyways...that's all I can think of now...I have a few recent pics of JP. Enjoy! Hope everyone had a great Christmas and hope the new year brings lots of excitement! Bless everyone's heart:)

I am orange...

2007-11-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

These pics are from a few weeks ago but I wanted to take this opportunity to inform everyone that my son is officially orange. Mom took him over to visit his cousin, Anderson, while I was at work this weekend and she reported back to me that John Parker is orange. He is a HUGE fan of carrots, squash, sweet potatoes and garden vegetables (which are orange-based). I knew that these foods could cause a child to have an orangish tint but I was unaware how POTENT they were until we began inspecting JP's feet, hands, and nose. His nose is a lovely shade of orange. While he is cute right now, I sincerely hope he grows out of this...I would hate for him to come home from school telling me about how people are referencing oopaloompas...

SOME UPDATES

2007-11-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

"Mom...help...Terrell put this ugly shirt on me and I can't get it off!"
TRICK OR TREAT
This is one excited chicken...
GiGi and me with my pumpkin. I didn't get to enjoy any candy cause mom and Terrell ate it all!

This was taken right before the crap hit the fan. John Parker pitched a HUMONGO fit right after we suited him up. He then proceeded to fall asleep and missed all of the fun. Poor thing wouldn't take a nap yesterday so he was a TAD BIT cranky for his first Halloween. Guess we'll cross our fingers that next year will be better. Enjoy. We will post more soon!

Terrell bought John Parker the Ole Miss shirt when he went to watch the Arkansas Razorbacks slaughter the Rebs. (Hate I missed that one...) Anyways...if anyone could make an ole miss shirt look cute I would hafta say it would be my son...ha ha Just pray he doesn't wanna wear one in 18 years...

GO BULLDOGS!!

2007-09-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

"I'm related to these people??"
I guess men are just born with this instinct...just give him a remote and he's ready to go. (my little redneck baby...)
We had to change his shirt because he tee teed all over the camo one...I think he might have been aiming for me...
"He he he...I think Mississippi State might just pull this one off, Mom"
"Please stop taking my picture...I'm trying to watch the game..."

We are on cloud nine over here...Mississippi State just beat Auburn 19 to 14...at Auburn. John Parker didn't know what to think seeing us jumping and shouting. I think the look on his face said it all...We have been pretty busy over here in the last month getting adjusted to our new schedule. Sorry no blogging...working weekends and keeping him during the week keeps me rather busy...

John Parker had his 6 month check up/shots and got a clean bill of health. Here are his stats:

Head: 75-90 percentile (big brain, we're hoping...)

Weight: a whopping 18lbs 3oz

Height/length: 27 1/2 inches

After he received his shots he didn't cry, he grunted at the doctor. My mom went with us and she teared up (we have gotten a few laughs outta that one...) John Parker didn't cry at all and he handled it rather well the rest of the day. I think it's because he overheard the doctor say he didn't have to get any shots next visit!

We'll keep you guys updated (I promise!)

we're having a blogging marathon this weekend!!

2007-08-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm using this pacifier to cover up my double chin...

Hello ladies...
I love my LaLa!
Geez, people...how many of these things do we have???

This is a very RARE occurance around our house...John Parker with a "passy." He does not usually take them from ANYONE (especially me) but somehow his LaLa got him to "pose" with it! Please enjoy all these posts...I don't know how many more will follow...but I am working on it!

***DISCLAIMER: (from John Parker) MOM SAYS THIS IS MY FAVORITE OUTFIT BUT IF YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW THE TRUTH...IT IS HER FAVORTIE OUTFIT!! SHE PUTS ME IN IT ALL THE TIME CAUSE SHE SAYS IT IS EASY TO GET ON AND OFF AND COOL...I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHERE SHE GETS THAT CAUSE SHE IS NOT THE ONE WEARING IT...

much ado about...no blogging

2007-08-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mom thinks I look like her in this pic...don't tell her...but I sure hope not... I fell asleep during my bath...I was tired...mom drags me EVERYWHERE and tries to wear me out, I think!
I get REALLY excited about mealtime!! (As if you can't tell by all of my fat rolls...) Mom says I look like the michelin man...whoever that is...
I know, I know...I look good...you don't hafta tell me...
Okay...enough with the camera...where's the food, Mom???

Alright...this is Leah (aka Mom) with some much anticipated updates. I have been kinda busy working (at St Dominic...which I love, by the way!) John Parker is growing SO FAST!! I was in Target the other day (sans John Parker since he HATES shopping) and I ran into Ms. Nancy. She teaches kindergarten in the Madison County School District (and has been teaching since I was in kindergarten...she started teaching when she was VERY YOUNG...) She informed me that I needed to update my blog because she wanted to see some new pics of the little guy! I had NO CLUE that John Parker and I had a fan base!! We will DEFINETLY hafta keep the updates coming to keep our fanbase happy!

Oh yeah...I passed boards (which means that I am now a REGISTERED NURSE or "real nurse" as I prefer to call myself!) Will keep the pics coming...I promise!!!

a few pics from the beach

2007-07-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

I was not really fond of this particular hat but Mom said it helped block out the sun. I caught a few ladies looking my direction...so I guess it really was not too bad!
Checking out the hot babes at the pool...
There are no words to express how cool I really am!!
Here's a full body shot for all the ladies...I included my "six-pack" and all...
Chicks Dig Me...ust in case you guys didn't know...I thought I would put it on my shirt...thanks to my Mom's crazy friend, Maggie for purchasing my onesie for me! I was supposed to share a birthday with her but I decided that I wanted my OWN day! We're close enough to celebrate together though!!

Here are some more pics of the little guy. These are just a few from the beach. He is taking a nap right now so that's why I am able to post! I'll put more up when I get the opportunity! Enjoy!

HERE YA GO HAILEY...

2007-07-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here I am right after my bath...I LOVE to eat my hands
Yes ladies...I AM naked under here!!
I'm not really sure what these things on my feet are but mom says I gotta get used to them...
Me and my Dandy (he's my great grandfather!!)

***Just a little disclaimer...NO WE ARE NOT OLE MISS FANS...contrary to what these pics might lead you to believe!! We are AVID Mississippi State fans...I put this outfit on him to match his little shoes...thank you-LEAH (aka MOM)***

John Parker is growing up so fast! I have been taking pics of him but I am finding it difficult to maintain a blog and raise a kid and work...I am loving the new job at St. D! I am still working weekdays but within the next month or so I will be working weekend nights...this will hopefully bring in a little more money (so she can spend it on me!!-John Parker) I got a text message the other day from my Hailey (my college roomate) that was PLEADING for an update...here it is!! I am also happy to report that John Parker now has an Aunt! Mark and Amanda got married at the beach on July 16th (that's where we've been as well!) I will post some pics from the wedding and the beach as soon as I get another chance!!

I'M A BIG BOY NOW!!

2007-07-05T18:07:00.001-07:00

"What did you guys say this thing was for??"
"EATING?? ALL RIGHT!!! Where's the grub?"

"What is this??"

"HELP ME!! Please call the center for child abuse...this stuff is AWFUL!!!"

"Seriously...I don't care how many times you shove it back in my mouth...I'm not gonna eat it!!"

"HELP!!!"

"Okay...I've had enough of this..."

"You think this is FUNNY??"

"Now this is what I'm talking about...bring on the childhood obesity!!!"

For those of you wondering, John Parker had his first taste of "big boy" food today. As you can tell by the lovely faces, he did NOT really know what to think about his "green beans." (I say that because they did not resemble green beans in any way!) He went to the doctor for his 4 month check-up and second round of shots. John Parker handled the shots really well...he shot me a glance that broke my heart...but I stayed strong (this time) and didn't cry! He even laughed and smiled at the doctor after his shots...don't know what that was about...guess he was practicing his flirting skills... He is now 26 1/2 inches long, 14lbs 15oz, and his big gourd head is 44cm!! I just KNOW he's gonna be the next Einstein with that big ole watermelon head!!

But seriously...if anyone has any suggestions as to the "best-tasting" baby food (that's an oxymoron cause apparently they all taste like crap...) please feel free to let me know. I wanted to introduce veggies first so he would have to give them a chance...I hear all babies like fruits. Let me know what is best!!

Some BRAND NEW pics...

2007-06-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

I couldn't figure out which one to put on here so I just put them all!! We finally caught some smiles on camera!!

John Parker apparently has had enough!!

Uncle Mark changed my diaper and he said it wasn't easy to do when I was moving around...he couldn't even put my clothes back on me!
These are my new PJs from the Gap. Mom bought them for me...I'm not real sure I want my picture taken in them...
Mom found this outfit at Gymboree. I think she really likes that store cause she got a coupon there and plans on going back REAL soon...
Hey...we actually caught a smile on camera!!
My Papa got this little number for me...Mom must really like it alot cause she puts me in it ALL THE TIME!!

Well I figured I needed to post some new pics since my college roomate, Hailey, told my mother at church that I was being lax on my blogging lately. We have been kinda busy around here lately in preparation for Mark and Amanda's wedding and for my new job(which starts on July 9th!) We have been snapping pics, though. So I hope everyone enjoys! It is CRAZY RAINING outside right now and we are all SO HAPPY!! Hope this is enough for ya, Hailey!!

Bathing Beauty...

2007-06-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Notice the hand propping up his big gourd...

"Mom...you're embarassing me..."
"Hmmm...your hand tastes like chicken..."
Deep in thought...who knows what he's thinking about...
Swimming sure does leave ya hungry...

Mr. John Parker went swimming with his GiGi, LaLa, and his mom. He had a blast (and we did too.) I have one pic of him in this neat little floatation device I found but he kept doing face plants into the front of the floatie. So we had to prop his head up to make it look like he could sit up in it!! I'm a little late posting these but better late than never...

Fast Times at 48 Wintergreen Road

2007-06-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

John Parker got into Aunt Amanda's panties...he's gonna kill me when he gets older but it was just too cute not to share...
Sara Beth and John Parker on their first date...she's not too impressed...I think it's cause he kept crying...she doesn't want a whiney little wimp for a boyfriend...

The only time he smiles for us these days is when he is naked...hope that's not a sign of what's to come...
This is the lovely little face we usually get when we put a camera in front of his face!

Lauren, Hollie (Amanda's sister) and I threw a lingerie shower for Amanda last nite. For those of you that do not know, Amanda is my future sister-in-law. We had a great time and John Parker got to meet his "girlfriend, " Sara Beth. She is the daughter of Lance and Elizabeth (Mark and Amanda's friends.) John Parker and Sara Beth share a birthday (March 2nd). She is almost 12 hours older than John Parker. Sara Beth is a cutie and she is WAY more mature than John Parker...she is already holding her head up like a pro and smiles all the time (while John Parker lays a look on you and only smiles when he is sure there are NO CAMERAS anywhere near him!) We really did have lots of fun and Amanda got some great stuff...thanks to everyone that showed up and helped out!!

2007-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

This one's kind of long, but it's apparently the only way we can get smiles!

John Parker and Scrappy with the Excersaucer

2007-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

New Pics of John Parker

2007-05-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

John Parker and his Papa cutting the grass on the "cadillac of lawnmowers!"
What are YOU looking at??

Here are some recent pics of John Parker. His new little cousin, Anderson, made her grand entrance into the world on Memorial Day (Monday, May 28) at 2:20am. She is a beautiful little girl and we are all so proud she's here! Some pics of her are on track to make it on the blog soon! We are all so proud of Rebecca (that's Anderson's mom)! She's a real trooper! She was blogging while she was in labor!! Anyways...will definitely have some pics of the cutie as soon as possible! For now, John Parker will hafta do...

it's about time...

2007-05-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

"I am about to pitch one of my famous fits!!!!"
Hanging out on the front porch...my new favorite place.
"Hmmm...Mom's thumb tastes good but I think a piece of fried chicken would taste better!
Down for the count...
"He he he...mom's been trying to get me to smile for 15 minutes...let's see how long she's gonna keep this up!"

BABY MANIA

2007-04-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last night Lauren and I went to visit Rebecca and Michael to see Anderson's nursery. Rebecca is due May 31st and she is the cutest pregnant woman I've ever seen! The only place that she has gained weight is her belly. She looks like she is smuggling a watermelon! I think the first thing Anderson is gonna do when she gets here is STRETCH! I know she has got to be running out of room in there! Anyways...Michael and Rebecca have gotten SO much more comfortable with babies...its amazing how God gets us ready for parenthood. Michael was not aware of the fact that you have to support a baby's head when you pick him up! We got a GOOD laugh out of that. Rebecca (for those of you that know her) came over and informed Michael that he was not "doing it right." Then she took John Parker and cradled him and said, "Well, maybe I'm not doing so well either." Ha ha ha they are SOOO funny! Michael was giggling holding him (it's REALLY funny to see a big ole boy like Michael laughing like that over a baby!) The other funny thing that happened was that John Parker tried to root around for Michael's nipple and Michael looked down and said something about his nipples being too hairy...Rebecca scolded him and we all laughed!

We are all looking forward to Anderson Grace's arrival. I know she is gonna be beautiful! Children are such a blessing and I am so excited that Rebecca and Michael get to join the parent club.

Also...I found out Tuesday that my good friend, Abby, is going to have a baby in November! I am so excited for her! So many people are being blessed with babies these days...John Parker is going to have SO many friends to play with. That is a blessing in itself...when he hits those terrible twos I'll have some people to relate with!

SCHOOL'S OUT!

2007-04-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well...I finished up with my preceptorship today(which was the last thing I had to complete for school!) This means that after three years (I took the long route...) I am finally finished with school (for a little while at least!) I am so happy and I must say I'm kinda proud of myself! Had to repeat 4th semester and then I came back pregnant and had John Parker AND I am still going through all of this divorce mess with Bill...but I didn't let it get me!! I just have to decided where I wanna work...St. D or Madison Hospital and then pass boards and I'll be done! We got to celebrate tonight by watching a new Grey's Anatomy tonite that was pretty good...if you like Grey's you should tune into the show that comes on afterwards, October Road. The season finale is on next week but you can download the previous episodes on ABC.com I think. Lauren and I discovered it and we are HUGE fans now. Oh yeah...in case anyone is wondering...John Parker is doing GREAT! He is over 10 pounds now and he's getting bigger every day! We are a little behind with his weekly pics...sorry..had alot on my plate (as my grandfather would say, "my wagon is loaded!" We'll have some updated pics up soon!

New Pics of John Parker

2007-04-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

Random Thoughts...

2007-04-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

Right now Lauren, John Parker, and I are watching the very first episode of The Wonder Years (it apparently comes on a channel called Ion at nine every night, I believe.) I forgot how much I loved this show! Kevin Arnold was the cutest kid!! I made a discovery tonight...I LOVE nerds gumballs! Lauren introduced them to me tonight and they are the most delicious things I've ever tried! I'm sure they are VERY GOOD for you...I think you can find them in the Willy Wonka candy bag mix. Oh yeah...I've got some pics coming of John Parker's mullet! He looks like those old men that are balding on top and trying to compensate around the back of their heads...you know the kind I'm talking about!! I will have some pics to follow...We threw a baby shower for my cousin, Rebecca, this past Saturday. Baby Anderson got some of the cutest clothes and accessories! Little girl things are so cute! Baby Anderson is gonna be fixed up for sure! Gotta go wake up John Parker...or else we won't get any sleep tonite...

John Parker's first church service

2007-03-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I was feeling brave and (with lots of help) took John Parker to church (just to church service!) I am happy to report that the little dude slept through the WHOLE church service without making even a peep!!! I told my mom that he takes after his great-grandfather (my grandfather, Dandy) who ALWAYS falls asleep in church!! He did really well and made his mommy VERY proud! We sat on the back row ready to dart out if necessary. I will admit that I kept my eyes open during the prayers (so I could check on John Parker) and I made accidental eye contact with a little boy that was sitting close...I'm sure he'll tell his mom that he saw a "old lady" (who had REALLY dark circles under her eyes) with her eyes open during the prayer!! Needless to say...I am a VERY proud mommy today since my sweet little son made it through church without burping, pooting, or crying today!

Our First Outing

2007-03-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today my cousin, Lauren, John Parker, and I loaded up and headed to Old Navy for a little shopping therapy. We made a discovery today...little John Parker does NOT like to shop! After we(and when I say we, I mean Lauren) finally unloaded and unfolded the monstrosity of a stroller, we set off for the entrance of Old Navy. We had been in the store a total of maybe 2 minutes before ole John Parker got cranked up. He pitched a MAJOR fit!! So I toted him to the bathroom and changed his little diaper. (FYI: public diaper changers are DISGUSTING! Thank goodness I had a portable diaper changing pad!) Well...that helped for all of 30 seconds...All the people in Old Navy were staring at our little entourage and looking at Lauren and I like we were abusing the child! We made a beeline for the checkout and I decided to hand John Parker (my son) over to Lauren. He immediately quit crying. The girl in front of us in line looked at me and said, "Don't you hate it when you are holding a baby and you hand him over to his mother and he immediately quits crying?" I looked at her and said..."I am the mother. He just hates me..." The girl just laughed. My question is...why do people stare at you when you have a crying baby? Can't they see that I'm trying to calm him down? Why look at me like I'm the worst mother in the world when I am already using every technique I know to quiet him down? Haven't these people ever been in public and been in my position? Oh well...guess you get over it as you delve further into motherhood...we're gonna try another store tomorrow but this time we're bringing a professional...my MOTHER! She knows what to do in CRISIS MODE and she knows how to it and keep her head held high! So to all those that stare when a baby cries...BRING IT ON...we're bringing out the BIG GUNS tomorrow!!!

I just hafta go there...

2007-03-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched American Idol (like the rest of the 12-18 year old target group...) and I really must say that Sanjaya(?), or Sanjy, as we have so lovingly nicknamed him, did really well last night! I was really impressed with his performance and so was the little girl that they kept showing crying...what was up with her? Everytime they panned to her in the audience she was crying her eyes out...was she that miserable or was she that excited to get to be there? Why do people CRY when they see "famous people?" That's the weirdest thing I've ever heard of...Guess we will find out if Sanjy saved his butt tonight...oops...gotta run...John Parker has the hiccups and he just woke himself up...at least I had 15minutes of calm...gotta love motherhood.

Back to Reality

2007-03-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today I had to go back to school...It was the first time I left John Parker...I am happy to report I only teared up on the way to clinical. After I got to the floor and got busy, I was fine. Apparently John Parker was fine too because he decided to meet TWO milestones today without his mommy. First, his little plastibell (from his circumcision) fell off. Then, his umbilical cord fell off. Next thing I know he's gonna have his first tooth and take his first step without me there...

In other news, Scrappy, the Mini Yorkie, was chasing his mini soccer ball yesterday and it got stuck behind the couch (as usual). Instead of digging it out he found the extension cord and clamped down on it. This action led to him being shocked! Thank goodness my dad was right there to "rescue" him. He ended up peeing on himself (the dog, not my dad...) and he was a little shaken up...but he's back to his old self now. Thank goodness nothing worse happened!

2 weeks

2007-03-19T07:39:00.001-07:00

John Parker's first check-up

2007-03-17T07:42:00.001-07:00

Yesterday marked a milestone for little John Parker...his first doctor's visit! The nurse weighed JP and he has climbed to a measly 8lbs 9oz...(remember he weighed 9lbs 1oz at birth). He is in the 50th percentile for weight. Which means that 50% of children his age weigh more than him. Then she measured his length and he is now 22 1/4 inches long!! (he was 20 3/4 at birth!) He is in the 90th percentile for length! His head circumference was in the 75th percentile for babies his age. So basically what we learned at the doctor's office is this: My son is going to be a tall, skinny nerd because...surely he's packing a BIG brain in that HUGE head of his!! I'm still hoping he solves all the problems of the world...guess we will hafta wait and see!!

On another note...just a little FYI: Sport, my Jack Russell/rat terrier mix (who is 13 years old) has had diarrhea for the last couple of days. We (and when I say WE I mean my mother) have not onlybeen cleaning up little John Parker's bottom (while I know he IS a genius, he has not yet mastered the art of not pooping on himself...but I think he's working on it!) but now we get to clean up after Sport! Fun times!!! Hopefully Sport will get to feeling better (quickly) cause I think we are all getting tired of his little "surprises!"

The True Joys of Motherhood

2007-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nobody ever shares the TRUE joys of motherhood with pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant. I have been breastfeeding John Parker and let me tell you...it is QUITE AN EXPERIENCE! First of all, you lose whatever modesty you had before because if little sweet pea is hungry...you GOTTA feed them NOW (no matter where you are or what you were doing.) Second...I realized last night that I have my first hickey...and my sweet little son gave it to me...how WEIRD!! Everytime he gets hungry he starts to snort if I wait too long to feed him and then when he finally latches on...it's some kinda awful!!! It looks like he is about to rip my boob off with his little gums!! The other night he missed my boob and I promise you I heard his little gums snap together like a venus fly trap! It's really quite scary at times! But, all-in-all, I really enjoy my "special" time with him. It is a very different experience but I think the benefits for him far outweigh my modesty and fears (of his kung fu death grip!) Hopefully one day he'll find the cure for cancer or end world hunger all because I breastfed him...

1 week pictures

2007-03-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

We took these last Friday when he was a week old, but we're still learning how to do all of this...

Mama, I'm coming home!!!

2007-03-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

What do you mean I'm going home? I don' t even know what home is!!!

Hmmm...now that I think about it, home sounds like a good idea. I could use a change of scenery!

MTV...will you please Pimp My Ride!?!

Mom, I'm trying to pose for the camera!

Thanks for the lift, Papa John!! Now where do we keep the food around here?

John Parker's first photo op

2007-03-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

John Parker made his grand entrance on Friday, March 2, 2007. He took his own sweet little time getting here...but we have already forgotten all about that! He weighed a measly 9lbs 1oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. He most definitely intimidated all the other babies in the nursery! We are all in love with him already! I think he's spoiled rotten...I also think he's the cutest little boy I've ever seen...but I might be a little biased.

Ok...I'm here. Can you guys please just leave me alone??