Dec 21, 2010

John Parker at 10 months

Wow! Only a few months until our little man is a year old.  I can't believe it.  I was just telling my friend Lindsey this morning that I remember so clearly the first few months of his life thinking, "Will I ever sleep again?" It goes by so fast.  Here are a few things about our 10-month-old:

  • A few weeks ago, we were sitting in the living room one night talking.  All of a sudden, John Parker took his first steps from the couch to another chair.  Fred and I looked at each other and said at the same time, "Did he just take his first steps?" Since then, he's gained confidence and ventures out a little more all the time.  I think he wants to be able to chase Kate and Alli around the house.
  • He's a fantastic eater.  He's making up for not taking a bottle very well by eating everything in sight. 
  • He continues to be a happy little boy.  He has such a pleasant personality, except for when you change his diaper or clothes.  He really hates having to be still.  
  • He has two teeth now, both on the bottom.
  • He loves playing in the bath.
  • He's babbling more each day.  
It's crazy to think that this time last year we were getting ready to celebrate Christmas and John Parker wasn't even here yet.  It's hard to imagine what life was like without him.  

Lately, when I've been rocking John Parker before bed, I can't help but think about Mary.  As she rocked her sweet baby Jesus, I wonder if she was able to just enjoy the moment or if she was already filled with dread thinking about the future.  I can't imagine.  It's a challenge, little man, but I'm trying to enjoy every moment with you without thinking of how soon you'll grow up.  It will be fun to watch, but I know I'll miss those sweet moments rocking you and rubbing my face in your hair and smelling your sweet little baby skin.  Maybe I'll even miss the sleepless nights :)

Dec 15, 2010

Making new Christmas memories

I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas with my family growing up.  Although it's hard to be away from our families at Christmas, it is so much fun making new memories with our children.  Here are some of the things so far from this Christmas I'll remember:

  • Making cookies with Kate for the first time.  
  • Hearing her learn Christmas songs that are so familiar to me and so new to her - Jingle Bells, Rudolph, etc.
  • Dora's Christmas adventure.  Somehow, I don't think this one will always be a part of our Christmas tradition, but it's a big part this year!
  • Seeing four stockings on the mantel for the first time.  How did we become a family of four? What a miracle to have John Parker with us this year!
  • Bringing Kate into "big church" for the Christmas musical.  Watching her eyes light up in amazement at the music and decorations. 
  • Kate and John Parker in their Christmas pajamas. 
  • Doing the advent calendar with Kate each morning.  Teaching her what Christmas is really all about.