Thanksgiving, visitors, and 4 months

Happy December!  I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.  We visited Himal's mom for the holiday and had a nice time.  We were worried about the day-long car ride because Parker often cries in the car, but he was perfect.  I sat in the back like usual, and his basket of toys, a pacifier (which he doesn't usually take), and several stops helped keep Parker happy.  Here he is stretching out at a rest stop.

Parker finally got to wear the first thing I bought for him when I found out I was expecting - Thanksgiving gobble PJs.  He was cozy in them and slept like a champ during our trip.

While visiting Himal's mom, Parker went in the ocean for the first time!  He was shocked at first because it was chilly.

He also got on a swing for the first time and enjoyed it even though he looks a little grumpy in this picture.

On our way home, we visited my good friend from grade school.  Her son was really sweet to Parker.  Aren't they cute?

After Thanksgiving, my sister and brother-in-law came to visit us.  We all cheered for Bama as they took home the SEC Championship.  Parker loves being a champion!

Auntie M had a blast playing with my adorable kiddo.

We are getting excited about the Christmas holiday!  There are so many firsts to celebrate with Parker: his first stocking, first visit with Santa, first family Christmas card, first Christmas morning...  It's a dream come true!  We tried to take him to church for the first time for a Christmas concert, but he was not having any of that.  I spent most of the time in the stairwell and lobby with him until we decided it just wasn't going to work and left.  Here we were before it started when we thought we were in for a nice evening of carols.

Parker turned 4 months last Monday.  His hair is getting darker and a little bit fuller, and his eyes have settled on being brown.  He goes for his 4 month checkup and shots this coming Monday, and we can't wait to see how much he weighs and how long he is.  Somehow, my tiny, skinny newborn has grown into a big baby!

We love him more every day, and it's so amazing to watch him learn new things.  He loves blowing bubbles, and he rotates his body like the hands of a clock now.  He's started doing little sit-ups, and he can roll from his back almost all the way to his tummy.  We are going to have to baby-proof soon.

Parker is growing into such a fun baby.  Here he is being silly while playing with me today: