Catching up

Parker is now 11 weeks old.  Time flies!!   

To catch you up on the past month or so...  Parker has been able to form tears for about a month, but it took until a few days ago for them to actually spill down his cheeks.  It's so pitiful when they do!  He's produced a lot of drool and spit up lately, and we go through burp cloths like crazy.  His head control keeps getting better, and he can push up a little on his forearms when he's on his tummy.

Parker does a lot with his hands, grasping things (not intentionally), holding on to my shirt when nursing, making fists, etc.  His hands are always in motion, and I love to watch them in action.  His awareness and focus have improved, and he now enjoys watching the lights on his play mat and sometimes looks at the screen when Skyping with his grandparents.  He responds with smiles and coos often when we talk to him,

and he thinks it's so funny when I stick my tongue out at him.  Sometimes, he even tries to mimic me.

We've been pretty busy lately.  I discovered a group workout program called Stroller Strides (www.strollerstrides.com) that moms can do with their babies.  We enjoy getting out in the fresh air, getting a workout, and interacting with other moms and babies on the days when Parker is up for it.  We took an infant massage class with our friends Maggi and Lily and have gone on a couple of walks with them by the river.  Parker had his 2 month checkup and got a series of vaccinations; he slept about 24 hours straight as he recovered.  Here he is that evening.  Poor baby.  :-(

We took him on his first trip near the end of Sept.  We traveled about 2 hours with his grandmama and granddaddy to spend the night with his great granddaddy at his farm.  He met a great aunt and some great uncles and visited his great great aunt in the hospital.  He did pretty well on the short trip. 

In front of the pack house on great granddaddy's farm

grandmama, mom, Parker, great granddaddy

Auntie M came to visit and brought her dogs.  While she was visiting, Parker celebrated his 2 month birthday on the same day that his doggie cousin Ike celebrated his 9 month birthday. 

Cousin Ike is a big puppy!

Chillaxin' with cousin Susie Q

I got to catch up on some work while my sister watched Parker, and Himal and I even got to go out on a dinner date! 

Who is this fancy couple??  Particularly the lady who did her hair and put on makeup?!  :-)

During Misty's visit, we went on a walk by the river with Chris, Maggi, and baby Lily and were quite a sight: 4 adults, 2 babies in strollers, a DOG in a stroller, and big ole Ike!

Uncle Shane even made an appearance and enjoyed hanging out with Parker.

This week, we've started a bedtime routine.  It usually consists of a bath with Johnson's Baby Bedtime wash followed by a massage with the addition of Johnson's Baby Bedtime lotion.  Parker actually slept through the night for the first time last night (if you use the "official" definition of 5 straight hours of sleep)!!  No matter how many times I have to get up with him during the night, I'm grateful that Parker always falls asleep right after eating (or even just rocking) and doesn't really get up for the day until 10:30 or later.  As a late sleeper, I'm thrilled with the fact that I can still sleep in.  His favorite sleeping position is still chest-to-chest on mommy or daddy.  

The cats have accepted Parker as part of the family.  I'm amazed at how they ignore him when he's crying.  Murray is particularly fond of his new brother.

We are excited about Parker's first Halloween.  I usually make costumes for Himal and me, but I'm too busy this year to make any.  I was excited to shop for Parker's costume, but most of the ones in stores are sized for ages 6 months+ and are too big.  We found a cute costume at a consignment shop that I hope he'll wear.  It's gonna make him HOT, so I'm hoping for a cool Halloween evening.  I'll be sure to post pictures.
Until next time...