Letters for P

Ballet

2012-02-07T17:55:00.001-08:00

Dear Parker,

Last night I, begrudgingly, took you to your first dance class. You were pretty excited (and also very cute.) I had no idea what to expect, but I think you did reasonably well. You’ve only ever had dance in the lobby of your old school, so I don’t even think that really counts. You didn’t have any idea what some of the stuff was and were pretty distracted by all the things and people (including me) in the room. I think you may do better if Mom takes you, but I’m sure we will take turns. I’m proud of you for doing part of the class by yourself. The other girls have been taking dance for over a year and you tend to be really clingy so I was glad that even though I had to be with you during the ballet part, you ventured out on your own to do the tap part. I hope that next week you can do more/all of it by yourself. I mean, I am in the room – just not right next to you! J

I love you more than anything. This is a rough week, we have many things to do and I know that leaves you with not enough sleep and pretty cranky, but I’m proud of you for pushing through. Keep pushing. Only 3 more days to go!

I love you,

Mommy

Mish-Mash

2012-02-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 6^th

Dear Parker,

This is a mish mash post because there are some random things I want to get down before I forget them. First (and then working backwards) is that I felt so terrible this morning. You have always had tearful drop-offs. But this morning was awful. You started crying before we even left the house. You were just so sad and kept asking to stay home with me.

Then when we got in the car you kept crying and asked to go back to your old school. That about ripped my heart out. I know that it was not the best place for you, and that you really don’t want to go back, but hearing you beg me for it did not do good things for me emotionally. I am praying that you calmed down and had a good day. We have ballet tonight for the first time. I’m nervous that you are going to be really shy, but I’m hopeful that you will have a fabulous time. You were so excited when we got the tap and ballet shoes this weekend. (To tell the truth, I’m a little nervous because I don’t know what to expect and I want you to have a really fun time!)

(Here’s the mish-mash part). Last night we went to a Super Bowl party at Baby Avery’s house. You love her so much. You really just love babies so much. You wanted to hold her and play with her. You also really loved playing with the 7 year old boy. A little too much for my liking. You do NOT need to be flirty at 3 years old, little girl. I’m just laying down the line right here and now. For the record.

Before we went to Baby Avery’s I was trying to update our photo albums and you wanted to look at the pictures of you when you were little. We were all looking and Mom said, “OH! You were so little!” To which you responded, “that’s how we grow, Mom.” Ah, yes.

We went shopping Saturday (for your dance shoes) as well as to get some clothes for Mommy and Mom. At your request, we went into your section. You loved looking at the clothes. You kept saying that we should get a baby so that we could buy some of them. (If only it were that simple, love. And, by the way, I’m sorry.) You also loved pulling the off the rack, holding them up to my leg and saying “too small” then putting them back on the rack.

You have moments when you are so grown up and then there are moments when you are crying and your little face looks just like it did 3 years ago. I’m sorry that you feel sad sometimes, baby. I really wish I could take away all your sadness, but I think that is part of growing up and becoming a good person. You have to feel sad sometimes and that will make the good times feel even better. But, for the record, you don’t have to be sad about going to school.

I love you so much, Parker. Let’s have fun at ballet tonight, okay?

Love,

Mommy

Big Changes

2012-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 1st

Dear Parker,

Well, the past couple of weeks surely have been interesting. You have had a rough time at school for most of the year. In the beginning, you had issues with your teacher. Then you got a new teacher and things were better. Then, things started to change in the building. Things got more chaotic feeling, there were often more kids than there should be at any given time (or I suppose fewer adults than there should be). The kids weren’t being monitored as well during unstructured school time. And, non-school time was unstructured. You are a girl who needs her structure.

We have applied to Orchard for next year, but we don’t know that you will get in or that we will get the money we need to send you there. So, we knew we had to be looking at other options. I did some calling around and your Mom and I went to take a tour at a school down the road early last week. We were pretty happy with what we saw, so we decided to take you in for a visit on Friday. Thursday when I picked you up, you were so unhappy that you started to cry the minute I walked in the door. No one could really explain this, so we talked some on the way home. I asked if you were happy at school, to which you replied, “no.” I asked if you wanted to look at a different school, to which you asked if you would have to go back to your old school. I answered your question with a question, “Do you want to?” And, your telling answer was, “No.” I stopped feeling guilty about even thinking about moving you in the middle of the year.

You and I went on Friday. I stayed for about 90 minutes. You were having such a good time and asked to stay through nap. That clinched the deal. So, we signed up and you started you started Monday. Although we have had some tears in the morning, you seemed to have a really good time during the day. I think that it is a much better atmosphere than you were in before.

I hope that you get into Orchard (and that we get enough money to afford it) but if not, I think you will be okay here for a little while.

Love,

Mommy

Before I forget (although it's already going)

2012-01-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

I think that Christmas Eve may have been my favorite day of 2011. I know that we are well into 2012 at this point, but I wanted to take a couple of minutes and write about what an amazing day we had.

We spent a good part of our day in jammies. We made cookies, had Christmas music dance parties and played. We also ate a yummy dinner that Mom made!

Decorating cookies

Enjoying your hard work

We finally got dressed and ready for church. You were so excited to wear your red dress with your “fancy” coat (which unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of). We left for church pretty early because we didn’t know how crowded it would be. This left us sitting in the sanctuary for about 30 minutes beforethe service started. You were so well behaved.

You loved the music (and there was lots of music.) I will never forget you singing along to all the hymns – even if you didn’t know all the words. You kept asking when we were going to sing again. You also kept asking when we were going to get bananas. Turns out, you thought that communion wafers were bananas! Too cute. You were even interested in the readings and when the reader read something about Jesus being wrapped in cloths, you got all excited because you and the baby Jesus have that in common – cloths! I was trying not to laugh. You were so intent on being a good girl that when a boy (older than you, I should add) was making a bunch of noise and being taken out, you started to shhh him.

I think my favorite part of church was when we lit the candles and sang Silent Night. You are such a big girl. You held your own candle and sang the song. I was barely holding back tears. I’m so grateful for you and our life. You are a miracle, baby and I’m so proud of you and the big girl you are growing into.

On the way out, a woman commented that we had such a beautiful, well behaved young lady. (You actually didn’t like that. You kept saying that you were a little girl. Lol)

Before Church

You and me before Church

At home, you and Mom went upstairs and changed into special, surprise pajamas and then gave me a gift – special surprise pajamas for me! You opened one present (books to read before bed.) We set out the cookies and milk (and broccoli for Rudolph – you were insistent that Rudolph wanted broccoli and not carrots.) and called it a night. You were so excited and ready to go to sleep.

Right before bed. You were so tired!

It was an awesome day. I love you so much, Parker Alyse. I can’t believe how big and mature you are becoming.
Love,
Mommy

Almost there

2011-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

It is finally ALMOST Christmas. You are so excited that you are constantly hyper and getting up at like 6am every morning. Today was my last day of school before break and I'm so glad to finally be at home with you. We had a fun night playing and being goofy. You helped me wrap Mom's stocking stuffers and told these funny stories about Cruder (an imaginary friend of yours) playing his trombone too loudly and trying to keep said trombone on his nightstand. You were not happy with this. We sang Christmas songs and danced and took a walk around the neighborhood in your wagon to look at lights. After we got home, you and your Mom made some cookies. It was a really nice night - even if you did drive me a little nutso with all your energy. I hope that we can have a calm, family day tomorrow to gear up for what will, I'm sure, be an energetic 5 days.

I love you so much. I can't believe this is your 4th Christmas. You are too old, but I love you more every day.

Merry ALMOST Christmas.
Love,
Mommy

Music Program!

2011-12-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Tonight was a BIG night (for me at least). It was your very first music program. Now, I know that you are only 3 years old and none of it was taught by a real music teacher, but it was still a program and you still sang! :) I was really proud of you. You were excited to go with your teacher, you were very excited to sing and you were one of only 2 or 3 kids who actually sang the words. Most of the other kids just sort of stood there, but you were actually singing. You were adorable in your little Christmas dress and you were so excited.

As a side note, I haven't been a very good Mommy to you lately. I don't really want to get into, but I want you to know that I love you more than anything else on this entire planet and that I'm working to get better.

I love you cutie pie. Christmas is in just 10 days! I'm so excited.

Mommy

PS - Here are the pictures from the night!

My favs

2011-11-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

This has got to be quick because I'm tired and it's only Wednesday, but I wanted to jot down some of my favorite things about you right now.

*You love to play rhyming games at dinner. You will randomly start with "What rhymes with...?? And off we go! You are good at rhyming and will rhyme with real words or made up words. It feels pretty smart to me because you seem to know to put the beginning sounds on the rhyming part - including the blends like sh etc.

*You are currently calling wedgies, "Woodgies" It's hilarious.

*You call spaghetti strap style tank tops "handle shirts."

*Tonight you asked to watch "that video with the blue handles." Turns out you meant the youtube clip of Sutton Foster performing Anything Goes. It's a rehearsal clip. She's wearing a blue tank top. ;)

*You sat and looked at your Mom's Wizard of Oz book for a really long time tonight.

*You saw a sock monkey in Meijer that you said you wanted. I said maybe you could ask for it for Christmas. Then you said, "but Mommy, that's too much." I love that you are worried about asking for too much!

*You love dancing to all kinds of music. Right now, you love dancing to Christmas music. I love that.

*The other night we drove around looking at Christmas lights. You have this little whistle and you blew it whenever you say some. I was laughing pretty hard.

*You had a mild obsession with Christmas lights. You love them so much that we bought some to put up outside. It's not going too well. Maybe tomorrow it will get done.

There is so much more, but I have to go to bed. I love you so much. You are no longer and baby or a toddler. You are just a small person. It's amazing. I am beyond excited about Christmas. I can't wait!

I love you, bits.
Love,
Mommy

A Great Day

2011-11-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Today was such a great day. This morning we got up and ran some errands. You were so well behaved. At the library you whispered the entire time. We played blocks and chose some books. You didn't even need reminded to get off the "balance beam" in the parking lot on our way out. We got home and put on some Christmas music. We danced around and played and then drug the boxes of 'stuff' out of the basement. You were really helpful (no, really, you were!) You helped me unwrap all the the decorations and then went around and collected everything we need to pack up. You dusted the places that needed dusted, hung up all the door hangings and even put some decoration out where you wanted them. We had lunch, you took the world's shortest nap, but didn't get cranky! You read books to me while I helped Mom prep dinner and after dinner we decorated the little tree in the loft. You had such fun. Then we turned out all the lights (except the tree) and had a dance party. Your bath went really well and you fell asleep quickly. It was a perfect day.

I'm so looking forward to the holidays. I wish that I had more time off before Christmas, but we are going to have so much fun anyway. I love you more than anything, and I'm so grateful to have you.

Love you,
Mommy

Today

2011-11-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Today was so amazing. Your mom had a conference until around 4 and you and I cleaned up the house. Well, I cleaned and you got out all your toys and strewed them everywhere. But, you were very cute and well behaved. You read books to yourself for at least 30 minutes. You were great.

Mom came home and you played with her for awhile. You wanted to play doctor so you made her lie in the in the bed and you came back with your doctor kit and white coat. You even made sure you had a notebook and pen to write down "important things." You were very cute.

Then, we were going to run over and get some dinner. When we got there we discovered that the Hamilton Towne Center was having a giant fair thing including the arrival of Santa. You were SO excited. There were carolers and you loved listening to them. We walked around and picked up the free glo necklace and balloon, ate some dinner, got some candy and then waited for Santa. You were unbelievably excited. I actually almost cried because you were so happy. There were supposed to be fireworks afterward. We waited around for quite awhile, but then decided we needed to go home. You were pretty bummed. We got home took a quick bath and as we were getting your pj's on, they started! We could see them from our porch, so we threw a blanket around you and ran outside to watch. It was a great way to end the night.

I'm looking forward to the holidays with you. You are so full of wonder and belief.

I love you more than you will ever understand.
Love,
Mommy

Sleepover

2011-10-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Last night you had a sleepover with your cousins. You were so excited. You were going to a concert first and you thought you were BIG stuff. Two days before you kept asking if it was time to go to the concert yet. We met Uncle Stu and Aunt Lauren at the concert and you were such a big girl. You were just like, "Bye Moms!" We had to ask for hugs! You had a great time. But, Aunt Lauren said that you were scared of the smoke detector in the room you slept in and so you didn't fall asleep until 2am! Yikes. Then you got up at 8. This did not make for the most fabulous of days. But, we all made it through and now you and I are cuddled up on my bed watching Wall-E while your Mom is at her meeting.

I love you, bits. I hope you always want to snuggle me and watch movies.
Love,
Mommy

Trip to the Dentist

2011-10-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This isn't going to be very long because I don't really know what I want to say about today, but I feel like it's something that I'm supposed to document.

We took you to the dentist for the first time today. I suppose we should have taken you earlier, but we are neglectful parents like that. ;) Anyway, you were amazing and great! I thought that you were going to cry or get all shy, but the hygienist and the dentist were both so amazing with you. You got to wear little sunglasses when they shone the lamp on your face. The hygienist pretended that the toothpaste was sparkles and she put them on your teeth with the brush, You thought the sucky thing was hilarious. I was just really impressed that you did so well and that they were so good with you. You are often a pretty tough sell and they sold you. I was very proud of you.

I was not as pleased with the potential retainer/orthodontics prediction, but we have at least a few years to worry about that!

I love you so much, baby girl. I can't believe that you are big enough to really go to the dentist!
Love,
Mommy

Making friends 'n stuff

2011-10-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I am typing this from the deck with the sun glaring on my computer screen. I am out here because you are playing next door with the neighbor. She is 6 years old, in kindergarten and you adore her. I'm not sure how much actual playing happens, but you seem to enjoy each other's company. I feel a little anxious about you being over there by yourself as you are only 3 years old and there isn't an adult in the backyard, so I sit on the deck and sort of monitor. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I think you are still pretty little to be hanging out with such big kids by yourself. But, anyway. You just like having friends. I hope that it works out and you can keep playing with her. Right now they are trying to explain Girl Scouts to you. It's kind of interesting.

Today, I went to Orchard's Parent Preview while you went to school in the morning. I really like Orchard - particularly the lower school. I think it would be a really good place for you. I do worry about the music program as you get closer to middle school The band program, at least, is pretty crappy right now, but I'm hoping that by the time you are in 5th grade someone else gets hired. We'll see. I suppose we can always supplement your musical education. It does make me a little sad that you won't have the same band experiences that I had, but I think having a better overall education is worth the trade off. While I say this I still don't know if you have been accepted or if they are going to offer us enough money for it to be a reasonable thing for us. We'll just have to wait and see. It's going to be okay no matter what ends up happening.

I went to your school to pick you up around 10:45. You were in your centers and wanted to stay, so I just hung out with you for awhile. It was interesting to watch what your day is like. You were more aggressive than I thought you were, which makes me both a little happy and sad. I don't want you to be aggressive, but I do want you to stand up for yourself. It's a fine line.

We came home, took a nap and then went for a cupcake picnic. We got cupcakes from the Flying Cupcake and then went to Holcomb Gardens at Butler. You had SO much fun playing in the leaves, sitting on tree stumps and looking at the flowers. You made a leaf pile and jumped in it, lied in it, took a "nap" in it and threw it in the air. We played hide and seek in the trees. You picked a million little berries, flowers and leaves to bring home to your Mom. It was a great time.

And now, you are home and sitting in the fort with 2 big girls. I think this may have been a perfect day for you. Here are some pics of you from today.

Laughing in the leaves

Sitting in your pile of leaves

Throwing leaves in the air

I love you so much, P. I had a great day with you.

Love,
Mommy

Mish Mash

2011-10-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Okay, so now I have been writing this post for multiple days (weeks) and it’s all over the map. These stories are weeks old, but I had written these little snippets, so I wanted you to read them later. We are about to embark on a break together, so hopefully, I will write more soon! Until then, here is your mish mash of memories...

It has just started to be cooler outside. So, we have been trying to play outside in the yard after school. This is good both for you and your Moms! You love to play tag, although you are very demanding about who is tagging whom as well as kickball and Frisbee. For some reason, whenever we play Frisbee, you feel the need to place your Mom and I in specific places along the fence. You then go to the opposite side of the yard and throw the Frisbee. You can only throw it about a foot. And we are much more than that away. You get very upset if we try to move closer to you. It’s pretty funny.

The other night, for some reason, you insisted that you and Mom look at the sky for airplanes. When I looked up, you got very upset. You kept telling me that I could only look at the ground. This evolved into you telling both your Mom and I to “snuff the grass.” For some reason, you forget the word “sniff” and say, “snuff” instead. It’s hilarious.

The other day I came to pick you up at school and you were playing with your friend Abby. You were just walking around the playground, hand in hand. You came up, gave me a hug and asked if you could go play. I let you. Then, you asked me to play with you. Apparently, you were playing house. Abby was the Mommy and you were the baby. It was cute, but also interesting to see how you interact with other kids when you aren’t paying much attention to me.

I love you, Bits. You are becoming so grown-up.

Love,

Mommy

3rd Birthday

2011-09-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Yesterday was your birthday! I think you had a great day. We got up and around and headed downstairs. We had laid your presents the night before so they were just sitting on the fireplace when you came down. The day before we had gone to Target to spend your giftcard and you really, really wanted this awful Dora wheelie backpack. We said no and you chose something else. But that night at dinner while Mom was away, you said, “Can we go to the store and get that backpack? We don’t have to tell Mom!” So, I asked your Mom to stop and pick it up on the way home. You loved it and were SO excited to have gotten it. We also got you some books, cds and workbooks that we got at the Borders going-out-of business sale.

You had said that you wanted to go out to breakfast, so we went to The Uptown Café in Noblesville. We got to sit at the counter and you thought that was so cool because you could see the chef cooking all the food. Then, we went to the pet store and got all the equipment for your fish tank. You were VERY excited, but a little bummed that we couldn’t get the fish right away. You chose hot pink gravel, a pink tree and a pink treasure chest to go in it. It is VERY pink.

Then, we came home and you played for a bit, ate some lunch and took a nap. After nap, we had cake and ventured out to Chuck E. Cheese. You had so much fun riding the rides and playing the games. They had one of those elevated playground things where you climb through the tunnels and go down the slide. You really like them, but you are not aggressive in any way with other kids and you get incredibly intimidated when you are in the tunnel and a big kid comes charging through. I felt so bad because you just kept trying and then getting freaked out. You wanted so badly to play, but they just weren’t letting you do it your way. So, we rode on lots of rides and played lots of little games. You had a really great time.

You with your birthday cake

On the way home, we went back to the pet store to choose your fish. You chose two pink and once green. You told us their names were Kiki, Gigi and Mariah. Wow. That made your Moms laugh.

We got the fish home and settled in the tank. They were a little shy at first but were zipping all over by the end of the night. I’m still really nervous that they aren’t going to make it, but I supposed we will cross that bridge when we come to it. I’m going to test the water tonight to make sure it’s still ok.

You with Kiki, Gigi, Mariah and their new home. It's PINK!

Kiki (the green-ish one), Gigi (the one swimming to the right) and Mariah (the blurry one underneath Gigi)

You were very sweet. You were eating cake (round 2) with Grandma, who had stopped by on her way to Uncle Stu’s, and you just started saying thank you to us for all the things we had done and gotten for you. It was amazing.

I’m so hopeful that this next year is your best yet. I’m hoping for more time with you and overall better health. I love you so much. You have changed our lives in such amazing ways and I am so grateful that I will always be your Mommy.

I love you. Happy 3rd Birthday.

Love,

Mommy

You take the good, you take the bad...

2011-09-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

The last couple of days have really been a struggle. Yesterday, you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, so to speak. You started screaming and throwing fits from the moment you woke up and continued until the time you went to bed - which was, as usual, a struggle. It was incredibly frustrating. I'm not a patient person and I know I don't deal well with you when you get like this, so that's something I need to work on. I hope you help me out and get better. Today WAS better - until bedtime. You just don't listen in the bath and then basically refuse to go to bed. It's just a really trying experience. I hope this all passes soon.

On the bright side, you have been doing well at school. Today, you were the only one of the kids in your class to correctly identify your letter of the week (E). And you brought home a paper where you were supposed to circle all the "E's." You circled them all, but also caught a "J!" Tonight, when you weren't going to sleep you kept telling me all the things you were going to tell Miss Chelsea when you go back to school on Monday. Then, when you had to go potty (after you were in bed of course), we had a great time talking about the letters on my shirt. You identified them all. You're getting really good at letters! You kept asking me what letter your friends' and teachers' names started with. You got confused when I said that both Cassy and Chelsea started with "C."

The rest of your birthday present from Aunt Stacy came - a cash register. You love it SO much. You make us push the shopping cart around and then bring you the items to "check out." We never give you money, but we always get change! I wish real shopping was like that! You also like to run the credit card. At the end we have to put our items in our bags. It's pretty funny.

So, I guess this is the best of times and the worst of times.

But, even in the worst of times, I love you more than you will ever understand (well, at least until you have a kid yourself.) You are the most amazing little girl and I'm so proud of how you are learning right now. Hopefully soon, I can be extra proud of your behavior as well!

I love you,
Mommy

3rd Birthday Party and a sundry things

2011-09-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This past weekend we had your 3rd birthday party. You birthday is not until this coming weekend, but it's always easier for everyone to travel over the long weekend. Originally, we were going to have the party at Forest Park in Noblesville, but it rained. So, we improvised and held the party at Mom's school. It ended up being fantastic. We set up stations in the gym for you, Alex and Grace to play at - bowling, blocks, hula hoops, obstacle course with tunnel, tumbling mats and basketball. You all had an amazing time. You ran around, put on dance parties and made almost everyone do somersaults. In fact, you were having so much fun that in the middle of opening your presents, you asked to stop and go play in the gym. But we pushed through and you had a great time. You loved the blanket that you Grandma Sharp made you and you were SO excited about the pajamas that your cousin Alex chose for you. You got a fishing game from Uncle Stu and Aunt Lauren that you have played a million times and also really enjoy tracing letters and numbers in your books from Grandma and Grandpa Booga.

Enjoying your purple cupcake

Being so excited about the purple pjs that Alex chose for you

Telling everyone that they should come do a somersault

On another note, when we picked you up from school today we saw that you had traced "E's" that were hanging on the wall. We went and checked them out and yours was TOTALLY the best. It was 100% on the lines and not squiggly. Many others were just colored or had added lines. It's a silly little thing, but I was really proud.

Now, if only you would go to sleep. You had such a big weekend that I think you are overtired. Hopefully, you can get back on schedule this week.

I love you so much, kiddo. Three more days until your birthday weekend.
Love,
Mommy

Compliments

2011-08-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I have to admit that lately I've been sometimes wishing that you were more like other kids about some things. That makes me seem like a terrible Mommy (maybe I am.) I just get frustrated sometimes when I watch all the other kids just give their parents a hug and go play in the morning at school or say goodnight and go to sleep at night. This afternoon I was reminded of just how amazing, wonderful, smart and cute you are!

I got to school to get you and when I arrived you were all dancing and playing instruments. Ms. Tanya said that you had just finished pretending you were in a marching band and that you loved that. She then went on to say that you had an amazing day. She thought your social skills were outstanding and that even the therapist who had been there earlier in the day to work with one of the other kids commented on how great your social skills were - that you were caring and empathetic and just knew how to deal with situations. I was so proud of you. We often get told how smart and cute you are (which IS true) but no one has ever told us that they were impressed with the way you acted with other kids.

So, I'm sorry for being a little frustrated sometimes. I love you tremendously and am so proud of you. (And I was before this afternoon - it just reminded me of how amazing you really are.)

I love you bits,
Mommy

Sad

2011-08-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
We have been struggling with getting you to bed since we moved to this house. Before we moved, we would snuggle for 10 minutes and then you would go to bed. Then we moved and everything went out the window. First, you would only sleep on the floor. Then you wanted to sleep in our bed. Then you would sleep in your own bed, but needed someone to stay in the room with you until you fell asleep. This is where we are stuck. Sometimes, it's fine. You fall asleep within 10 minutes. Sometimes it is fine because you let me leave and you just put yourself to sleep. Sometimes it is NOT fine because you are afraid of various things - monsters, tigers, witches and get very afraid when we leave the room. Sometimes it is NOT fine because you just want to cuddle with me, but you can't fall asleep. That was tonight. It's so frustrating for me to lay in bed with you for over an hour while you just stare. I feel like I put off doing all the things I have to do so that I can play with you after school. Then, you take away all the time I should have after you go to bed as well. I know that I shouldn't get frustrated with you, but I do. I'm working on it. But then, you will say things like, "Mommy, you make me sad when you yell at me." This kills me mostly because I am NOT yelling at you. I am just not being super polite and saying 'please' and 'thank you' when I've politely asked you to do the right thing a million times. But then I'm conflicted because you look genuinely sad and I don't want to make you sad - ever.

I dunno. I just want you to know that I love you. I'm trying to be better and I never want to make you sad.

I love you. More than you will ever know. I'm excited for your birthday!
Love
Mommy

Looking up?

2011-08-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
You had a terrible drop-off this morning. There was lots of crying and not a great deal of sympathy. All day long I worked on my "speech" and researched other daycares. I was ready to request that you be moved to a different room or pull you and go somewhere else. However, the powers that be intervened and when your Mom picked you up, she found out that your teacher had resigned. So, while I am sorry that she wasn't enjoying her job, I am very relieved. You will be spending at least the next couple of weeks with people you know and like and I'm hopeful that any new teacher will be a better fit with you than the last one.

I like it when things work out.
I love you,
Mommy

Struggles

2011-08-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
You are having a hard time right now. When you started going back to school, you had been doing pretty well. Sometimes you cried in the morning, but then the rest of your day would be good. Then, the "real" school year began and you got a new teacher. Now things are not going well at all. You tell us that you don't like her and you spend a good part of your day crying. To make matters more complicated, you have been sick with a beginning-of-the-year cold and have been having a crazy reaction to some bug bites. So, you missed 1.5 days of school last week, which doesn't help. I don't know what to do or how to make this better for you. Honestly, I don't really like your new teacher that much either, but it's not like there is anything wrong with her. I don't know what to do or how to help you. I don't know whether I'm being an over-protective crazy parent if I pull you from her room if things don't start getting better or if that really is the best thing for you. I don't know what I should be expecting from you at almost 3. It's not like this you are in Kindergarten. It's 3 year old pre-school.

I just hope you know that I love you more than anything and we'll get this figured out. I'm hoping that you start feeling better and that helps to improve your time at school.

I love you, baby.
Love,
Mommy

First Day of Pre-School

2011-08-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today was your first day of Pre-School. I've been a bit sad - not because you are going to pre-school, but because today wasn't really any more special than any other day of day care last year. And, technically, pre-school curriculum won't start until the 15th, but we still treated it like the first day of school. Anyway, you had a good day. You didn't cry when we left, although you did have to go with a teacher that you knew (there was a sub in your room - great timing, huh?). But, you spent the whole day in the Pre-School 1 room and did well. I can't wait for the school year to begin. It will be much better - 9 kids (not 20) and mostly kids you know. That will be great.

You are great and such a big girl. It was awesome to have you wake up and (mostly) dress yourself while we finished getting around. I'm having a hard time understanding that you are going to be 3 really soon! Where has the time gone? I love you so much and I'm so proud of the little girl you are becoming (well, most of the time!)

I love you. I hope you have a good day tomorrow as well. I'll be thinking of you all day.

Love,

Mommy

Pre-School Prep

2011-08-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
This morning we went to your school to re-familiarize you with the building and to get a feel for your new room. I can't believe that you are going to be in pre-school next year! You are still pretty shy and clingy in new situations and even though you know your teacher and some of the kids, you were fairly shy. But, you wanted to stay for awhile, so we did. You sat on the mat nicely and waited while the other crazy kids were trying to follow directions.

Teaching younger kids the last couple of years has given me a different perspective on you and the way you work with other kids. In every room, there are always a couple of REALLY good kids who follow the directions and do the right things. I always feel bad for these kids because, inevitably, they are surrounded by goofballs who can't follow directions and then they have to wait for those kids to get it together before doing something. Watching you today, made me understand that you (at least right now) are one of those REALLY good kids. You sat on that mat for a least 5 minutes waiting for the other crazies to get it together. I felt so bad. I know that being patient and learning to deal with others is part of life and I understand that you need to learn it. But, the mommy part of me is just sad about it.

At one point, Miss Valerie was assigning centers to everyone (by asking what the kid wanted and then letting them go there). You had been waiting a while and you turned to me and said, "I want trains." I was totally taken back to being younger and all the crazy things I stressed about in my head like that. I don't like to think of you worrying about things like not getting to play with the trains or losing your hat or any of the other crazy things that I know I worried about when I was little. I don't know how to help you not worry about those little things.

I understand that I can't protect you and be there when other kids steal your toys or push you in line, but I want to. You're growing up and I'm just having a hard time with it.

I love you so much and I'm so hopeful that you are going to have a great year in Pre-School. You have been so grown-up lately and I'm so proud of you, but also a little sad to see my baby go.

I love you, not-so babygirl,
Mommy

Conner Prairie

2011-07-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
I'm interrupting the posts about 4th of July because you had such a fun adventure today and I want to write about it while it is still fresh in my memory. Lately, I've done more posting of pictures instead of writing about the little things that I know I will forget and want to remember, so that is what I'm going to try to do from now on.

This morning after you went to church with Mom and Grandma we ventured out to Conner Prairie, which is like a living history thing dealing with the 1800-1900's. We mostly went because whenever we drive down 146th street we see the giant balloon and you always comment on it and we had a buy one - get one coupon.

You were SO excited about the balloon. We got there right as they opened so they were still flight testing it. You didn't want to do anything else but watch the giant balloon. Finally, they started selling tickets. I was nervous that you would freak out once it started going, but you were just super interested in everything. You liked to look down the middle and see straight down (which made Mommy very sick feeling.) You kept asking what the "man" was saying. I think you had a great time.

We thought that you might be interested in the animals and that balloon pilot had told us that they had baby pigs at the inn, so we wandered into the town. You were so interested in everything - you wandered into every house and listened intently to what each historic actor had to say. You seemed especially interested in the old toys. You watered a garden and swept the floor of the garden hut thing. The man working had you rub your fingers on a spearmint plant, then smell them. He asked you what it smelled like and you replied, "Candy!"

You were so interested and excited to look in each new house. You played with all the old toys and wrote on a "chalk" board with soapstone. I was very surprised with how in to the whole experience you were. It was a really good day. Hopefully, we can find more things like this to do in the future.

I love you so much, Parkerbits.
Mommy

In the Kiddie Pool

2011-07-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We last left off with Aunt Stacy coming for a couple days. Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Sally came a couple days later and then you really were in heaven. You have played in your pool already this summer, but mostly you just sort of walked around and kicked balls and didn't really know what to do with yourself. Then, Aunt Sally came. You asked her to get in the pool with you. She obliged and the craziness began.

Then, you asked Mommy to get in the pool. I should have known better than to leave you and Aunt Sally outside plotting against me while I changed because as soon as I got in, you attacked me with water - dumping it on me, splashing me. Anyway you could get me wet was fine by you.

You thought the whole thing was awesome and especially enjoyed in when Aunt Sally and I tried to get each other with the water. You became much more adventurous and would practice "swimming" or laying on your back and floating (You still don't want to get your ears in the water because it feels weird with the tubes - I can't blame you.) You splashed around with us for about 2 hours. Then, we got Grandma in on the action. She didn't want to get IN the pool, but we got her head wet!

You had a fabulous time playing in the backyard in the pool. Hopefully soon you can have a playset as well.

I love you, Bits.
Mommy

Imagination

2011-07-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I'm going to interrupt the series of posts about your family adventures to talk about the craziness of your mind. You have such an imagination. I feel like lately it's gotten a little out of control. At night, I have to put up a "force field" around your bed. Then, I have to take it down to let the good monsters in. Then, I have to take it down again because the good monsters let the bad monsters in and now they need out. (I also have to get up, open the door and let ALL the monsters out of your room). Then I have to put the force field back up. Ten minutes later there will be a tiger or a polar bear in your room which will need to be dealt with. Ten minutes after that, Allie will be talking to you so you can't go to sleep. It just never ends. I'm not sure if you are actually afraid of these things or if you enjoy pretending or if you are stalling going to bed. Whatever the case may be - you are a master at creating and imagining things.

I love you. I hope that you are not afraid of monsters.
Love,
Mommy

Aunt Stacy

2011-07-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
I'm a bit behind in writing you because we have been SO busy with family! Your Aunt Stacy came to visit the day after we got home from your Grandparents house. You always have so much fun with her. We went to the Zoo on Friday afternoon and then the Children's Museum on Saturday morning.

You and Aunt Stacy at the zoo

You were kind of snippy at the zoo, but did better at the Museum. I would have liked for you to explore the new exhibit more, but you were much more interested in the familiar ones.

You giving Allie a ride in a TukTuk in the Egypt exhibit at the Museum

It was great to have Aunt Stacy here for a couple of days because you love playing with her so much. She certainly makes you happy!

You and Aunt Stacy playing at the Museum

Aunt Stacy was here for a couple days by herself and then Grandma and Grandpa Sharp (and Sally) came. More to come about that...

I love you,

Mommy

Time with G&G Booga

2011-06-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We have spent the last couple of days at your Grandma and Grandpa Booga's house. You are having a great time. We bought some pops (which you love) and you blew through a whole pack on the driveway. Last summer you mostly threw them or stomped them. This summer you love to JUMP on them. Look at that air!

You jumping on Pops

Schererville, which is the next town over, was having a carnival/festival thing with rides. We thought it would be fun, and it was! You played the duck game twice (and won lots of miscellaneous junk).

Pulling a duck at the "carnival"

The most momentous thing, however, was that you rode something by yourself! Last summer we took you to the State Fair and you attempted to get on several rides with your Mom, but freaked out at the last second every time. Your Mom and I were a little concerned that you would do the same thing again. You are apparently a big girl now because you LOVED this car ride. The first time you passed us after it had started you yelled, "I'm not afraid!!!!!!" It was super cute.

Your first carnival ride by yourself!

You also rode the carousel. We had Mom ride with you just because it goes pretty fast and there's nothing to really strap you on to that horse!

You and Mom on the wicked fast carousel

You loved the car ride so much that you wanted to go on it again. So, we let you. This time you chose a firetruck! Uncle Stu thought that you looked like a pro in the picture I sent him and said that you should go to work for him in the morning! ;)

Ride so nice you rode it twice

The carnival was in a park that had some play equipment that you had a great time crawling all over.

Climbing at the playground

The best part were these rings that you could reach from the ground. You love hanging but usually need help to reach anything that you could hang from. You could grab these all by yourself.

Hanging at the playground

This morning, we went to visit Grandpa Booga's new plant while Grandma was at the eye doctor. You were not super excited at first, but warmed up and kept asking Grandpa to show you more "cool stuff." You liked the forklift so Grandpa took you for a ride. You also liked standing on the big scale and looking at all the metal hoses. Grandpa even cut you off a little piece so you now have your own flexible metal hose. We went to lunch and after your nap we went to the park. You had a lot of fun there and even climbed a spider net all by yourself. We came home and you wanted to play croquet. But, what you really meant was that you wanted us to play and you wanted to sit in a chair with Mom's iPhone and play the letter game. We let you for a little bit. We had dinner and you reluctantly went to bed. You have been having a good time. We have one more day before we leave. I will post some pictures of you at the park tomorrow.

I love you. You are getting so big. I forget that you are just 2 still. I know you are close to 3, but I think many times you act as if you are 4 and I have a hard time remembering to go easy on you when you act your age. But, I do love you more than anything. I'm having a great summer with you.

Love,
Mommy

at 2 and 3/4

2011-06-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You are getting drastically close to being 3 years old. We still have 3 months left in which I will call you 2 and 1/2, but you are technically now 2 and 3/4, so I thought I would give a little update about the things you are doing now.
Here goes:

Imaginary play - you are WAY into this. You take your babies (Allie, Crackers, Tiny Baby, Pig Baby, Squishy Baby, Koko, Glinda and the 3 or so other unnamed babies) to the store, to school and various other places. You mother them constantly. You make sure they always have their cloths. (Yes, each baby now has her own specific cloth that comes with them. I can't keep them all straight, but you can.) You make sure they take naps and have the toys they need. You cook them food. We took lunch to Mom today and you had to pack a lunch for Allie as well.

Imaginary friends? - I don't know whether or not to call these friends, but we are frequently visited by the Pamas and the Hayfers. The Pamas are animals, I think. According to you, they are "Giant" and covered in fur. They walk on 9 legs, but have no eyes. They also have hair on their heads in addition to the fur. Allie does not like the Pamas. Then, there are the Hayfers. They are very small and apparently many of them are babies. We don't yet have much information about their appearance other than they are very small.

New things you are into: Lately you have been obsessed with puzzles. You have completely mastered all the "pre-school" puzzles in our house (the ones with the picture underneath the puzzle) and you can do several 12 piece regular puzzles (ya know, the kind that come in a box and you have to look at the picture to put them together.) You help me with the 25 piece puzzles. You haven't quite figured out the whole "do-the-edges-first" concept. Instead you like to find all of one thing and put it together. (Like, let's put together the elephant.)

You have a tracing book that I was really hoping you would get into about 3 months ago, but you are very excited about it now. You trace straight lines and curvy lines, but get a little confused when they combine straight and curvy. Then you just draw a circle! :)

You have also recently become excited about learning your letters. Thank goodness. I am confident in saying that you know B, H, O, P, Q, S, W and Z. There are many others that you get sometimes. You confuse letters that look the same or sound the same....like C with S or I, J, L and T. I guess that is to be expected. I would really like you to know them before you go to school in the "fall," but I'm trying to not stress about it or pressure you.

You still like to "read" and make up stories for the books you don't know or recite from memory the books you do know.

You have many pretend phones and get many important calls. Most of them go like this, "HelloHowAreYouGoodOkayBye." It's all very quick. At least two times in the past week you have exchanged "texts" with Grandpa Booga in which he has thanked you for the gift cards you bought him. I'm not sure where you got the idea to buy gift cards, but apparently he enjoyed them. ;)

New Adventures: Yesterday, I was working on staining the fence. You were trying to be such a good girl and play in the yard by yourself. Then, the neighbor boy came out and you started "playing" with him through the fence, so I just went over and asked if he wanted to come play in our yard. So, you had a playdate with a kid neither of us knew very well. He was pretty well behaved and you seemed to enjoy his company. Here's the thing though. He will be 5 next month - so he is more than 2 years older than you are - and you played together just fine. I guess I don't know if this is normal or not, but you do seem to enjoy hanging out and playing with older kids. Whatever that means.

Okay, baby. I guess this is long enough for now. I can't believe how old you are getting. You look old and act so grown-up sometimes. I love you so much but am not quite ready for all this big kid stuff. I love you so much.
Love,
Mommy

Splash!

2011-06-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You have certainly been getting your fill of the summer water activities lately. Last night, your cousins came over to play and you all played in the pool. You were much more aggressive with the "swimming" when other kids are around. I think it also helped that the water was MUCH warmer than it was the first time you used the pool. You splashed and tried to blow bubbles and dumped water on Alex's head. There was a slightly scary moment where you lost your balance and went under and couldn't get yourself up, but Uncle Stu was right there and grabbed you. You were totally fine and even laughed it off!

This morning, Mom needed to go into school for just a little bit, so we came along and went to the park across the street. In addition to some pretty fun playground equipment, they have a "splash park." I wasn't sure how you would react to the splash park part seeing that when you run through the sprinkler, you usually run around the sprinkler.

At first, you weren't too sure - just hanging out on the edge of the water.

You liked wading through the "river" to the big rocks at the end

but eventually you warmed up and ran through the water like a champ.

This picture kills me because you look so old running like that.

The biggest excitement of the day, however, came on the slides. First there is a ladder to get to this enclosed platform area that leads to all the slides - you just climbed up the ladder all by yourself. Then, I was trying to keep my eye on you on the platform, but it was very hard to see because it's kind of enclosed and it's pretty high up. So, I went underneath and was looking around for you. Then, I looked at the bottom and there you were. You had gone down the really big slides all by yourself. Before you had always wanted to go down with Mommy or Mom.

You kept to the biggest twisty slide, which is pretty slow because of all the bends, but then you tried the straight slide. Mom started moving as soon as she saw you go in, but she didn't get there in time. You just popped out the bottom and landed flat on your face. It is a FAST slide. Very Steep and Very Straight. You said you had fun on the way down, but you didn't like falling. That seemed like a good time to go home. So, we grabbed some lunch (where you ATE an entire sub sandwich that was chocked full of meat) and came home. It was a really good morning.

I love you so much. I am looking forward to more days like today.
Love,
Mommy

Social Skillz

2011-06-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Saturday was graduation at Mom's school. This is always a big day because we have to do the ceremony, the reception and then, inevitably, several graduation parties. You did pretty well through the ceremony. You made it for over an hour and only missed the last 2 speeches (out of 6, so not too bad.) All in all, we only missed about 10-15 minutes, which I think is pretty good. You did alright through the reception, but mostly because we let you eat. (This was not my finest nutrional parenting day, but you didn't die so I'm calling it a success.)

After the reception we had 5 graduation parties to attend. (Not to mention the three on Sunday and the one this evening.) You were a trooper. There is such a difference between last year and this year. Last year, you clung to my side the entire time. This year, you ran off with other small children as well as teenagers. It's nice. You are socializing and I don't have a toddler stuck to my hip. I'm so glad to see the change in your social skills. I don't know whether to attribute it to school or just you growing up, but either way, my baby is gone.

Right now, I am listening to you "go to sleep." Riiiiiiight. We'll keep working on it.

I love you, baby.
Mommy

Catching Up: Visiting Sadie

2011-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I'm still working on getting caught up. Over Memorial Day weekend we drove to Columbus to visit our friends, the Smiths. In the past, we have tried to visit with them and things have gone tragically south - Sadie hasn't slept at all, you got the flu. It's just been bad, so we were prepared for something awful to happen. However, things were great. You each had your moments (usually when you were tired) but overall, you had a fantastic time and loved playing with your friend.

We kept very busy visiting the zoo, the Franklin Conservatory, playing at the park down the street from Sadie's house and going to the Memorial Day Parade. You had such a great time, but I honestly think you had the most fun when you were chasing each other all over the house - up and down Sadie's super cool loft bed slide. I hope we can visit them again soon because I think you are going to be really good friends.

I love you,

Mommy

Catching up: Visiting Tyler

2011-06-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I've once again fallen a bit behind in your letters (even though I just promised to try to do better. I guess this is me trying to do better.) Anyway, a couple weekends ago, we drove to Michigan to finally meet your new cousin, Tyler. You absolute adored him. You were very patient waiting to hold him. You had to wait several hours because he was eating and then we had to go to Uncle Steven's game and then you needed to take a nap. But, when you finally got to hold him, you didn't want to put him down. you held him for about 40 minutes. You were so excited! (A picture is below - they loaded in the wrong order.)

Aunt Stacy also came up for a little bit and you were so excited to see her. I managed to capture your welcome hug. It's so cute. I love how much you love your Aunt Stacy. You had tons of fun playing with your Aunts and Uncle and Grandma.

We spent a few hours and Grandma and Grandpa's house before heading home and you, of course, wanted to jump on the trampoline. The last time you were on the trampoline was last July and you are so much bigger now. Last year you didn't even know how to jump. Now, it's one of your favorite pastimes. So, you just hopped up and started jumping. I think, if given the chance, you would have stayed on there all day.

We had a great, but quick, visit. I'm hoping we get to see everyone again soon. You LOVE your cousins.
I love you.
Mommy

I'm sorry.

2011-05-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I have not had the best day and I was not the most patient with you. I'm sorry for that. I'm also sorry that I STILL haven't figured out how to get the the things that I want for our family. I'm sorry that we are just muddling through. But, I do love you more than anything and I recognize how lucky we are to have such a funny, smart, healthy, amazing little girl.

I will be better tomorrow.
I love you,
Mommy

Almost Summer

2011-05-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I meant to write you a letter Friday night because there were so many cute things that you did, but I got so busy packing and getting ready for our weekend that I ran out of time. I’ll see if I can remember the things I wanted to tell you about. My birthday was Sunday and on Thursday night, you and your Mom went and bought me a present. On Friday morning, you were so excited that you blurted out , “Mommy! We got you pink flip-flops!” Then, you started crying and said, “Oh. It was a surprise.” It took me quite a while to get you calmed down because you were so upset.

After school, Mom and I met with Ms. Doreen for your end-of-year conference. She said you are doing great and are ready do to move to the Pre-School room. I can’t believe that you are old enough to go to Pre-School! But, I’m so proud of you for doing so well in school. The only thing Ms. Doreen said that she would say you could work on was just interacting with other kids – not that you are behind or abnormal in that area, but that it is your weakest – if that makes sense. She recommended lots of play dates this summer. Sounds good. J

After your conference, Mom had to go to a meeting and we went to get the oil in my car changed. You were very interested in the process. You watched through the window the whole time. After that, we went to dinner, played on the playground for a few minutes, got ice cream and then went to Old Navy because they had flip-flops on sale and you Love shoes. I let you get 2 pair. You are now officially spoiled.

You knew we were going to meet your cousin Tyler this weekend and were ready to go right then. We couldn’t leave until the morning, but you wanted to GO. You kept asking when we were leaving. I told you we couldn’t leave until Mom got home and that you had to go to bed. The next morning, I attempted to sneak in your room to get a couple things to pack without waking you yet, but you popped right up and asked, “Is Mom home yet? Can we go to Tyler’s?”

Once we arrived, you were pretty patient. Tyler needed to eat and then we had to go to Steven’s baseball game. When we got back you were really tired, so you took a nap and THEN you got to hold Tyler. You loved, loved, loved holding him. You held him, in various positions, for probably about an hour. You are pretty good with babies for being only 2 ½.

Sunday, we went to your Grandma’s house and you jumped on the trampoline. You are so much different than you were last year. Last year you didn’t know how to jump so you relied on others to make you bounce. This year, you just started jumping away. You thought it was awesome.

I’m very much looking forward to summer and this weekend (Summer is not officially this weekend, but I’m pretending it is.) We are going to visit your friend Sadie. I hope that you two will hit it off and play nicely.

I love you so much Parker Alyse.

Happy Almost Summer,

Mommy

Trying harder

2011-05-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
As I was bored at work today, I went back and read some of your letters and I realized that I have become a bit of a slacker mommy in regard to writing you letters. So, this is me trying harder. We have about one more week of school and we are both anxiously waiting. Tonight as you were going to sleep you asked how long until summer and I said one week. You started clapping because you were so excited. Also as we were laying in bed, you asked, "Mommy? Do you like pink and blue?" I told you I did and then you said, "Mommy? Do you like brown too?" I again told you that I did. Apparently, the birthday shopping that you did tonight involved these colors. I think it's so sweet that you wanted to make sure I would like it. :) We have your end of year conference at school tomorrow. I'm a little nervous, which is silly because you are amazing and regardless of what anyone says, I will always love you more than anything.

This weekend we are going to meet your cousin Tyler. You are very excited to meet him. (I am too!) You are so good with babies and you love them so much.

On a not as positive note, you have been screaming lately. I'm sure it's my fault because I know that I raise my voice sometimes and I'm sure that's where you picked it up, but you have been yelling at me and thinking you are in charge lately. I think it's getting better, but we do need to keep working on it.

Okay, well that's it for now, but I will write more - at least over the summer.

I love you SO much. You are such a big girl and you amaze me every day.
Love,
Mommy

Delinquent Mommy

2011-05-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I have been a bad mommy lately. I haven’t been writing down the amazing things that you do or say. It’s just been recently that I’ve even been able to spend time with you – and you know it. You get upset if I leave the room and anytime someone comes over, you ask if we are going to stay with you. You think everyone is a babysitter. Drop-offs at school have not been fabulous, but have been getting better. Today, Miss Jackie wasn’t there so I had to bribe you with going to the park after school to get you to not cry when I left. I’m not sure it was my finest parenting moment, but I didn’t want you to be upset. I think you do better when you aren’t. I REALLY hope that the rain stays away so that we can go to the park this afternoon. I had so much fun with you over the weekend – even though you can throw quite the tantrum lately – playing on the deck with you. We were both laughing so hard. You were trying to use a bubble pipe. I filled it with bubbles for you, but you accidentally sucked instead of blowing. You pulled it out of your mouth and looked like you were foaming! We both started laughing. I went in to get you a drink of water and when I handed it to you, you accidentally dropped it and spilled it everywhere. Then, we were REALLY laughing. It was so fun. Grandma came over in the afternoon and we drew with chalk and your “rode” your bike and we went for a walk. You love going for walks. I think maybe, this summer, after your bath we could take you for a walk in your wagon. I think you would like that. Okay, well, now I’m rambling.

I love you so much Parker. I will try to write more soon.

Love,

Mommy

Again.

2011-04-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Again, I am tragically behind. So much so that I don't even know where to start. I'm just going to jot down things that are going on with you right now.

*Today at Wal-Mart, Mom and I were looking and something and I glanced over at you to make sure you were staying out of trouble. You were standing by a rack of hula-hoops wearing this hilarious pouty face. Of course, you got the hula-hoop. You didn't even have to ask. We are suckers.

*You love being outside. We completely exhausted you this weekend. Yesterday, you had Parker and Mom day. You asked to go to both the museum and the zoo. So, you did. You were wiped. Today, you played outside all day. Then you fell asleep on the couch at 5pm.

*Your favorite songs right now are "My Favorite Things" and "King of New York." You're pretty hilarious. If you miss a lyric, you make us go back and start the song over. You just wander around singing various verses to "My Favorite Things."

*You are VERY bossy. We are working on it, but man. Baby. It's killer.

3 more weeks kiddo. We'll get our lives back. I love you.

Hard Times

2011-02-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Last week was really rough. I started musical rehearsal in addition to the pep band games. I didn't get home until 7:30 two nights and 10:00 or after the other two. It's really taking it's toll on you. I feel horrible about it. On top of that, your ears still aren't better and you got the flu on Tuesday night. Luckily, your Aunt Lauren came to stay with you since neither of your Moms can really afford to take another day off of work.

This week isn't shaping up to be much better. Mom and I are going on a date tomorrow night (which we really need to do, but isn't going to help you any.) Tuesday, I have rehearsal. Wednesday, you are getting your tubes, Mom is leaving for her conference in Chicago and I have rehearsal, so Nancy is coming over. Thursday, I have rehearsal, so Aunt Lauren is going to watch you and then Friday we have to go to Michigan for Aunt Kimber and Uncle Steven's baby shower. It's just going to be busy and hard since your Mom will be gone for half of it. I am praying that these tubes help you feel better and that the procedure and recovery is easy for you.

Yesterday, you had an extremely hard day. It started off by you kicking and hitting me over cheese and crackers and it was just all downhill from there. It was the worst you have ever behaved in your life. Luckily, it was (relatively) short lived in that it last only for the day. After dinner, I got brave and took you out (again - the first trip was a DISASTER) and you were wonderful. Now, it could be because you were tired or because I promised you 30 minutes of tv if you were good since you had lost tv previously in the day. But, whatever it was, you figured out how to be a good little girl again. I think you mostly don't feel good and miss me and just don't know how to deal with that.

We had a much better day today. I'm glad that the "terrible twos" we experienced yesterday don't appear to be a permanent thing. Tonight you wanted to listen to "Annie" and spent quite some time running around the loft singing with the cd and attempting the dance moves to "Hard Knock Life." It was hilarious. You've also been very into reading your own books lately. The books we read frequently, you can pretty much say verbatim. If you forget, all you need is a couple of words and you get the whole page. Books that you aren't as familiar with, you just make something up based on the pictures. I think it's so cute.

You are still taking good care of your babies. I can't wait until you have babies in your life to actually help take care of. You will be such a good cousin and, someday, big sister.

I love you Parker. Let's get through this week together.
Love,
Mommy

Snow Day (Part 1)

2011-02-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

We are currently in the middle of an ice storm, so we all had a snow day today. Although you can't tell from these pictures, you were driving us a little crazy today. You were not always listening and had one really good tantrum over a pair of clean socks. "2" is proving to be rather challenging. On the bright side, we did have some great times. You played for a long time this morning with your babies and your animals. With a quick glance, it's hard to find you in the photo! :) You love to take good care of your babies.

After you got dressed a BEAR showed up, so you got on your horse to chase it down and squish it. Below is your "There's the BEAR!" face.

This is just you bein' cute.

At your request, we were looking at "baby" pictures and movies of you today and I can't believe how little you were even a year ago. You are growing up so fast. You say the funniest things and are getting to be so smart. (Too smart for your own good, often.) Monday night you began proposing compromises. "Let's compromise!" You generally come up with good compromises so it's hard for me to say no. You are so creative and have such a vivid imagination.

We visited Grandma and Grandpa over the weekend and you loved playing Super Capes with Uncle Steven and Grandpa. It makes me laugh because you are just completely happy running around with your cape and chasing the villain "Super Scary."

Alright, well this was such a mish-mash post. Out of order, not making much sense...yeah well.

Regardless of my writing skills or your trying nature lately, I love you more than you know.

Love,
Mommy

Another bulleted post...

2011-01-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

So, here I am again. Behind. I feel like it's the story of my blogging life. But, you have been so amazing lately and doing so many things that I think I should write about. I'm sure I won't be able to remember any of them now (or maybe I'll write about things that I already mentioned - I dunno....we'll see how it goes!)

Here goes.

1) Some kids have an imaginary friend. You have an imaginary bear. This is not a nice bear (I don't think.) He lives in our house and often tries to get us and eat our toes. You will often shut us in whatever room we are in so that the bear doesn't get us. Sometimes, if you are feeling brave, you will rock on the horse that Grandpa Sharp made in an attempt to catch the bear and squish him. Miraculously, however, he always comes back to life!

2) Your babies. They are NOT well potty trained. Someone is always having an accident and needing to be changed. They are always crying and needing cloths. You are pretty funny with them. You will say things like, "It's ok. I love you." Tonight, you gave Allie and Mickey a full check up with your doctor kit. I want to know what other 2 year old actually says, "Okay, Mickey. I will check your blood pressure. It won't hurt." Too funny. You gave them both shots in the leg (like you got a couple of weeks ago.) Then told them that they did a good job.

3) Talking. You are never quiet. You are constantly narrating your life. And, if there is nothing interesting going on, you are telling a story - either a reenactment of something that actually happened or a story that you are making up. When you are telling a story, you will tell the story - complete with quotes from those involved and then laugh and say, "like that." Tonight, you wanted to take your babies (Allie and Dolly) on a walk around the house. You asked me "Would you want to carry these cards?" You asked your Mom, "Would you want to carry this pillow for Allie?" That's not exactly correct grammar, but still pretty cute.

4)Conversation/Games Tonight, we were eating dinner and you asked what we should do after dinner. Then, you said, "Maybe Match Game, Candyland or Hungry Hippos." You are getting so good and interacting with people and asking appropriate questions. Whenever one of us comes home, you ask, "How was your day at school?" I also love that you love games. You don't fully understand them yet, but you understand HOW to play them, so that's a step.

I can't really think of much else right now. I know there is more and I will try to be better about writing it down as it comes to me instead of waiting for weeks and then forgetting it.

What I don't ever forget is that I love you so much and am constantly amazed by you.
Love,
Mommy

More Drama

2011-01-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

It just never ends, does it, baby? Over Christmas break, you got another ear infection. It was a Sunday, so we just took you to a MedCheck. They confirmed and prescribed your favorite drug. We thought the infection had gone away since you cleared up and were really happy and carefree for the next 2 weeks. 2 days back to school and you start getting snotty again. Then, you get this crazy cough. Well, the cough pushed me over the edge, so your Mom took you to the doctor. The discovered that you had ANOTHER ear infection and the croup. WHAT? Who gets croup in 2011? You, apparently. Anyway, the dr thinks that the infections are never truly going away. They're going away enough to clear up the puss, but then they just keep coming back. So, last Thursday, you had to get 1 steroid shot for the coughing, plus 2 intramuscular shots for the ear infections. You then had to go back Friday for two more. They said if you weren't better by Monday, then we could bring you in for a third and final round. You did improve, but were not 100% better, so we brought you in again today. I'm not even the one who has had to take you and it has been horrible. I know the shots hurt so much, but you are such a big girl. I really, really hope they work because if they don't, you will have been in pain for nothing and you will have to get tubes. I'm all for anything that makes you better at this point, but I hope that these shots just do it and we don't have to worry about the tubes.

Anyway....in other news. Here are some funny Parker stories/things you are into now.

* You were riding your rocking horse that Grandpa Sharp made and you were pretending to chase the bear that attacks in our house occasionally. You started rocking fast and then declared that you "squished him!"
*Your babies are not as adept at using the potty as you are. They have accidents all the time - I think you just want to change their clothes
*Speaking of potty training, you are doing really well. I think we are going to take the night diaper away soon. It's been a couple of dry nights. Maybe when we run out of diapers. ;)
*You love to play Candyland, Match (Memory) and Hungry, Hungry Hippos. You don't really understand the concept of winning (except at Hippos). In Candyland, your sole goal is to get the Gumdrop (which you call the Gumdrop Tree). In Memory, you just want to find the matches - not so much take turns. You just like flipping over the cards and finding the ones that match.
*You still love the Toy Story movies. I think it's like crack, for kids.
*You like coming to pep band with us (which is good, because I don't think you have much choice!) lol
*I think your favorite babies are Crackers and Allie, although sometimes Pig Baby and Tiny Baby give them a run for their money.

I'm just hopeful that soon you will be healthy.
I love you,
Mommy

Sappiest Ever

2010-12-29T02:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

It's 5:42 in the morning. You have slept like a champ since you are now back in your own bed. I have not. I can't stop thinking and my throat hurts really badly. So, I thought I would jot down a quick memory that still brings happy tears to my eyes.

A few days before Christmas we all watched "The Polar Express" together. I was a little worried that you wouldn't understand it or would be a little afraid in parts, but I think that neither was true. The first time through you were mostly concerned about the little boy losing his ticket, but since then you have watched it two more times.

You are so filled with wonder whenever you watch it. Near the end when Santa appears and the boy can't see - you stand up on the couch and crane your head this way and that way - genuninely upset that you can't see as well and then when you do SEE Santa, your face lights up with such wonder. I never want to forget the wonder I see in your eyes. When the boy hears the bell ring for the first time and when Santa leaves the lost bell under the tree, the same thing happens.

It's absolutely amazing to see the world through you eyes, baby. I hope that you don't lose that sense of wonders for a long time. I know that this meager blog entry does not even come close to the look on your face, but I hope it triggers my memory so that I remember the look in your eyes when you were 2 years old.

I love you, baby. Break is coming to an end and it make me very sad - but I'm trying to focus on the amazing times we have had. You are the most wonderful thing ever. I'm so lucky to be blessed with such an amazing child.

Love,
Mommy

Christmas

2010-12-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

I really meant to write this days ago, but we have been busy spending time with family. So here (in list style of course because I'm too tired to write in prose) are my Parker Alyse highlights from Christmas 2010 so far.

*Going to Christmas Eve Children's Service with Uncle Stu and Aunt Lauren
The entire service was centered around the children reenacting the Christmas Story. I thought that you would enjoy just watching and having the story told at your level. Instead, they asked kids to come forward and you jumped off my lap and started walking to the front! I was so surprised. I thought you would sit on my lap and the front and listen, but no - you walked right into the group of kids and sat down. You did great for a couple minutes - then you stood up and started lifting your shirt up. I got you to sit down and the Pastor started talking about presents and how Jesus was a present. You stood up, came over to me and started saying that you wanted a present. This was not my proudest parenting moment. Luckily, they changed subjects and you calmed down. They were taking volunteers to be different parts of the manger scene. At one point, they asked the kids to raise their hands if they wanted to be a shepherd. You put your hand in the air, but then turned to me and said, "Mommy, I don't want to be a shepherd." So, I told you to put your hand down. You did and all was fine. You didn't want to be anything, but you sat and listened to the story and sang the songs. At the end, they gave everyone a bell and you rang your bell all the way back to your seat singing.

*Christmas Morning
You were very excited that Santa had come. You loved your baby. You named her Allie. Then, we asked if you were going to give your old baby a name. You told us that her name was Crackers! Too funny. You also had a blast with your Toy Story toys. We drove to Grandma and Grandpa LaMagdeleine's - you wanted to stay in your underpants, so we let you. And you stayed dry. We had a nice Christmas with your Grandparents and Uncle, although I think near the end you were getting pretty tired.

You have been doing very well with your potty training. The only accidents you have had happened in the car on the way home last night (you fell asleep and peed a little) and then right after I changed you, you said you had to go, so we went, but didn't quite make it. You still peed a lot in the potty, but got your clothes wet. Other than that, you have been doing great! I'm so proud of you.

I'm sure there will be tons more memories over the next few days and I will try really hard to write them down. It makes me a little sad that you are growing up so fast. You are so funny and grown-up, but I miss my baby.

I love you so much, Parker Alyse. Merry Christmas.
Love,
Mommy

Seeing Santa

2010-12-22T00:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Today was a great day. We got up and went to the museum to see Santa and to play. You had such a great time. I was nervous when we first got there because you were super cranky and didn't want to go play by yourself. You sort of warmed up and then were a crazy baby who couldn't be stopped. Santa didn't arrive until 11am, so we played in the cookie area for awhile, although you were still being pretty clingy. Then they opened the line for Santa, so we hopped in. You were a good girl waiting, although we only had to wait about 15 minutes. While we were waiting, you watched all the other kids playing and started to get really excited about all the fun things you could do. You did a decent job with Santa. You didn't want to see him by yourself and you didn't want to sit on his lap. You sat on my lap and I sat next to him. But, you did talk to him and tell him "I Parker Sharp. I want babies." - Just in case he missed the memo. ;) The picture isn't too bad.

We let you run around the Jolly Days exhibit for a little while. You loved the "ice skating rink" (where you take off your shoes and slide in your socks). There were some other kids being a little crazy, running and sliding and you did not like that, but you handled it pretty well. You just liked running back and forth and spinning in circles. Then, we ate lunch and headed up to the carousel, which you like again. Thank goodness. I don't know what was up with the 2 months that it freaked you out. Then you were off - you ran around the play houses and the puzzles and the mirror maze with some much energy that it was hard to keep up. We finally got you stopped and took you down the Yule Slide. You had a good time. (You also passed out on the way home and then didn't take a nap, but whatever.) You haven't had that much fun in a long time, I don't think.

I think the Holidays are sort of putting you into overload. I'm SO excited for Christmas morning - I hope it's everything I'm thinking it could be.

You are so amazing and getting to be such a big girl that I can hardly stand it.

I love you so much, Parker. Merry (almost) Christmas!
Love,
Mommy

Christmas at the Zoo

2010-12-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

I think the good thing about this break is that the days have been feeling really long. I think that will change once we start visiting with family, but right now, I feel like I'm getting my vacation's worth out of the days. I'm guessing this is mostly because you are getting up really early and not napping for very long!

Today, we made sugar cookies and you helped frost them. You mostly liked to stick your fingers in the frosting and put sprinkles on the cookies (by the handful!) For awhile this afternoon, you were absolutely crazy just running around like a psycho. It was so hilarious.

Tonight, we went to Christmas at the Zoo with Uncle Stu and Aunt Lauren. It was fun, but much busier and colder than last year, so we didn't stay very long. You peeked at Santa, but didn't want to sit on his lap. You did make (and eat) a cookie and you liked looking at the lights, but you were mostly hungry and wanted to go to dinner. So, we did. :) You were good and pretty cute throughout the whole thing!

Potty training is still going well - we still haven't really had any accidents since the first day. It's harder when we go out - you did go in your pull-up while we were gone, but you also went in a public bathroom at the restaurant. I think that in a week or two, you will be good to go!

I can't believe what a big girl you are becoming. As we were driving home tonight, you said, "I will get bigger and bigger and then mow and shovel." It's so cute that you understand that you will grow and that you want to help us out by doing chores. (I have mostly documented this so when you are 14 and I want you to do these things, I can quote you!)

Anyway, hopefully tomorrow we can go to the Children's Museum and I can con you into sitting on Santa's lap. (Fingers crossed!)

I love you so much. I can't wait for Christmas!!!!!!!
Mommy

Christmas Break!

2010-12-19T12:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

I think I start all posts this way, but there have been so many times in the past few weeks when I thought - I should really write Parker a blog about this - but I just haven't. So, I'm going to try to catch up.

It's Christmas Break! Finally. It felt like it would never come. We decided to kick off the vacation with potty training. All of your teachers at school have been telling us you are ready, so we decided to try. Yesterday was pretty much a disaster. You peed through about 6 outfits. And only once did you tell us that you had to go. Sigh. I thought it would go much better. To top all of this off, you were extremely whiny and clingy and, in general, driving me nuts. Then, after you went to bed, you started crying that your ears hurt. Apparently, that was the issue.

So far, today has gone better. We haven't (yet) had any accidents, but you also haven't asked to sit on the potty. You have (mostly) been listening better and have been peeing when we asked you to. So, I guess that's a start. You love wearing your underpants. Right now, you are napping in your shirt, pull-up, underwear (OVER the pull-up), socks and shoes. That's right - socks and shoes, but not pants. I'm not going to fight over silly things like that.

You have been in a hilarious mood today. You do this little thing with your hands when you are talking very emphatically - you sort of cross your middle two fingers and then move your hand up and down. It's funny because you are saying things like, "I no take a bath. It's too late!" or, "I already told you! I called the doctor." This morning, you kept calling the doctor and telling her that you weren't wearing any pants!

You got a Candyland game for early Christmas and you love playing it. You understand how to move, but you don't really get the competition part - plus you only really ever want to draw the cards with the pictures - the gumdrop specifically!

You are VERY into your babies lately. I don't know if I have written about this, but in the past few weeks we have had to start letting the babies go potty, changing their clothes, doing their (non-existent) hair and feeding them meals. Your only request of Santa was "babies." Hopefully, he will be able to oblige.

I know there must be a million things that I'm forgetting to write. It's one of my goals to actually write a post a day for you over break, so we will see if I can do that!

I love you, Parker.
Mommy

Holiday Blur

2010-11-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Well, we survived. We hosted our first Thanksgiving for both sides of our family and we made it through. Actually, it wasn't so bad. The food was good - you had an amazing time with all of your relatives and it wasn't nearly as awkward as it could have been. Since I haven't been good about writing things immediately, I have to sort of bullet my memories - so here goes.

Things (some good and some not-so-good) from Thanksgiving Break 2010
*You being the head of a train that went throughout our house - the things we will do!
*Saying that you are going to take a train to Russia!
*You carefully going through each of your ornaments
*You helping me put up the family tree
*You getting (another) ear infection and screaming all night Thanksgiving night
*Your motivation in relation to Santa increased significantly
*Telling us that you wanted Santa to bring you 2 babies
*Your bizarre love of a plastic M&M ornament on our tree

That's all I've got for now, Bits. It's going to be a very busy couple of weeks. I hope you hang in there. I love you very much. I'm going to do my very best to not get stressed out and enjoy ever second of the Christmas season.

Sleep well tonight, baby.
Love you
Mommy

Shy

2010-11-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

A week or so ago, you watched "Once Upon a Mattress." We have watched it several times since then. This morning, in a very packed pre-Thanksgiving Meijer, you were singing quietly to yourself. "Hey nanee, nanee, nanee." Then suddenly (just as in the movie) you lifted your head up really high and sang, "I'm SHY!!!!!!!!" at the top of your lungs. I laughed so hard! You are too funny, little girl.

I'm excited because we bought you a couple of Christmas presents today!

Only two days of school for you and Mom before break - three for me - but I'm still excited!

I love you so much, ParkerAlyse.

Love,
Mommy

Things I love about you

2010-11-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

Lately, you have been very "2" and I have not been handling it as well as I should or could. I come home from school; my patience is gone and I have very little left for you. Today, I promised myself that I would NOT lose my patience with you. I made it, but you certainly tested me with a couple of tantrums and then not listening and bed time, which resulted in you going to bed without a story, which is apparently the worst punishment ever. Anyway. In between tantrums, we had a great time. Here are the things I love about you and the way you are right now.

* The way you pump your little arms when you run
* The fact that you have to run everywhere because everything is urgent!
* That you are getting much better at pretend
* That you take ALL your babies to "Meijer" to get "groceries" but end up having a picnic instead
* That you made your Mom and I rush to the back door to look at the sun setting
* That you ask to watch musicals
* That you got a sticker at school last week for wearing your listening ears when no one else was! (Too bad you don't employ them at home!)
* The way you talk with your hands
* That you ask us how our days were
* That you hold on tight around my neck when you give me a hug
* That before anyone leaves you insist on a hug, kiss and high five (from both hands) from the departing person to everyone in the room

I love you so much little bits. I'm getting really excited about Christmas with you!
Love you,
Mommy

Whiny McWhinester

2010-11-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

I took you to the doctor on Monday and she said you are just fine. Yea. But, also what the heck? You are in such a funk. You are whiny and clingy and tantrum-y. It's all pretty horrible. I love you so much, but I don't handle this kind of behavior very well. I think part of it is that I deal with behavior like that all day at school and I just have nothing left when I get home. I feel horrible about it. I just don't know what to do.

You have incredible stamina and will scream FOREVER. I feel bad because most often you are screaming because you want me to hold you. Part of me thinks that you are two and need to be more self-reliant than you are. The other part of me thinks that you will only be little once and if you are asking for affection, who am I to deny you that?

I dunno, baby. It's a quandry. I love you so much. No matter what. We'll get through this.

Love,
Mommy

What's up?

2010-11-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker,

I'm not sure what is going on with you, but something isn't right. It has me worried. Maybe it's your ears. I don't know. What I do know is that ever since Saturday you have been super clingy, super tired and just in general wanting to sit around and watch tv. Sunday morning, you feel asleep on the bath mat waiting for me to be finished in the shower and then you fell asleep again in the middle of pep band rehearsal. We decided that I would stay home today to take you to the doctor and you again, fell asleep on the bath mat and have now fallen asleep in our bed while watching Sesame Street. It's only 9:30. Something is definitely wrong. I'm worried. I'm scared that it will be your ears again. I'm scared that it won't be your ears and we won't know what's wrong with you. I'm just in general, nervous and worried about everything surrounding you lately. I just want you to be your normal, happy, funny self.

I miss you and I hope you get better soon. We will leave soon to go to the doctor.

I love you so much baby girl.
Love,
Mommy

Week in Review

2010-10-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This week has been hard. Mommy got sick on Tuesday night and was out of commission for about 24 hours. It was horrible. Then, your Mom had tons of work meetings and wasn't home at night much. You, however, I think had a decent week. It was busy, though. Thursday night was the Fall Festival at your school. You had a blast. In fact, as we were driving away, you asked to go back. On Friday, you had a party at school as well as a costume parade. You apparently had so much fun that when Mom picked you up you were still in your costume because you didn't want to take it off! Friday night, you spent the night with Aunt Lauren and Uncle Stu and were not happy about leaving there either! Today, we went to the Children's Museum Haunted House in the morning. I didn't really know what to expect from it or from you. You, atypically, wanted to stay in the stroller the entire time. But, you weren't scared. Now, it was the lights on, friendly version, but still. We then played in the rest of the museum for awhile. Tonight, you were SO excited to go trick or treating. I tried to get a picture of you on the porch with the pumpkins (which, in true slacker fashion, we did NOT carve) but you wanted nothing to do with that. Instead, I got this: " A lion says ROOOAAAARRRRR!"

You walked a good way and said "trick or treat" and "thank you" at EVERY house. (Mostly without prompting) After every stop, you would say, "I going trick or treating." After we came back you wanted to sample a small portion of all your candy. We finally settled on some M&M, Smarties and a sucker. You also wanted to sit on the porch and pass out candy. So we did. You were super cute.

Things are going to get ridiculously crazy soon, kiddo. I hope you know that we love you lots. I'm very much looking forward to Christmas break. (I know that's a bit down the pike, but I can't wait!)

Happy 3rd Halloween (WOW!).

I love you,

Mommy

A true test of parenting

2010-10-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,
This weekend has been really hard. Saturday, we were driving to the Pumpkin Festival with your friend Sadie and you vomited all over the car. It was some serious puke. We brought you home, cleaned you off, got you dressed and you puked again. At this point we decided it was a virus and not choking on your phlegm which you sometimes do. So, Sadie and her family went home and we resigned ourselves to the fact that we would not get to go to homecoming or do anything fun. I felt bad for you because you kept asking to go to the Pumpkin Festival amidst your puking. I also felt bad for myself, however, because I wanted to go to Homecoming and see my friends, who I don't normally get to see. I feel horrible that I even felt sorry for myself. You were so sick. Over the course of the day you puked 6 different times. It was terrible and through it all, I was still a little bummed.

Today, you are doing better, but we still stayed home just to make sure. I'm going crazy from being in this house for 2 days straight.

I feel guilty, Parker. I'm sorry that I was thinking of myself when you were so sick. I love you very much and I hope that you are able to have a great day with your Mom tomorrow.

I'm sorry I'm not a better Mommy.
I love you,
Mommy

I puked

2010-10-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This weekend was supposed to be really fun. Our friends from college and their daughter were coming to stay with us for Homecoming weekend. You and Sadie had fun playing last night and today we were going to go back to the Pumpkin Festival. On the way, you puked. A Lot. And you said, "I puked." You were very upset that it was all over you, your clothes, your car seat. So, we aren't going to the Pumpkin Festival. We aren't going to Homecoming and our friends went home. I feel bad because you kept asking to go to the Pumpkin Festival and because your Mom and I really wanted to go to Butler to see all the people we don't get to see very often. But, you are sick. (Or at least were sick....hard to tell at this point.) So, we are staying home. I hope you feel better soon, baby.

I love you so much. Feel better.
Love,
Mommy

Again.

2010-10-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Last night we were at a University volleyball game. Almost immediately after the game started, you started screaming and saying that your ear hurt. This confused us because we had just been to the doctor on Thursday and everything had been fine. We took you home immediately - you cried almost the whole way home. You finally fell asleep (after we drugged you with Tylenol) but only slept for a few hours. Around midnight you just couldn't take it anymore and came into our bed. You still didn't sleep there, but I think you were at least comforted.

You Mom took you to the doctor this morning and it turns out that you AGAIN have a double ear infection and one of your ear drums perforated - most likely because it was so loud in the gym.

I feel so bad for you, baby girl. I wish you could just be healthy. Here's hoping the medicine helps and that you sleep well tonight. I love you so much.

Get better sweetie. I love you.
Mommy

Awesome

2010-10-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We had an amazingly awesome weekend. We picked pumpkins, played, went to the zoo, visited Aunt Lauren and Uncle Stu and actually got a few things done around the house. I can't even explain to you the joy your Mom and I experienced watching you play at the pumpkin festival or watching the dolphins swim. You are truly the most amazing and wonderful thing in the entire world.

Tonight when you were going to bed, you asked if we could sit in the chair together. I just couldn't say no. I know the time that you will want to cuddle with me is dwindling and I figured I better take the moments when I can get them.

I know it's going to be hard going to school tomorrow (for all of us) but we only have 3 days this week! Hopefully, it will go by quickly and Fall Break will be amazing.

We are so grateful for you.
I love you,
Mommy

Hurts Really So Bad

2010-10-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

The other day you barely scraped your arm at school. We couldn't even see a scratch, but you gimped around all night not using your arm and kept saying that it "hurts really so bad." We thought you had forgotten about it, but this morning when we said you were going to the doctor you immediately said that it was so she could check out your arm. Your Mom took you and she said that when you were waiting for the doctor, you said that your arm was bleeding all over. When the doctor came in, she was telling you what she was going to (check your ears etc.) and you said "and check my arm." So, she did and said that she thought it would be ok. You responded, "Yeah. Ok." Too funny.

I love you so much, baby. I'm really looking forward to spending the weekend with you. We're going to get pumpkins!

Love you,
Mommy

Busy Weekend

2010-10-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We thought this weekend was going to be relaxing and that we would get a lot done. WRONG!!!!! Saturday, we had to go pick up your Aunt Lauren because she hit her head. (She's ok.) That evening, your friend Morgan came over to babysit. Sunday, we went to the zoo, your friend Elise stopped by AND we got a surprise visit from our friends, Tiger, Megan and Max. I think you had a great time with all of your friends, but you were quite tired in the end. Unfortunately, I only have pictures from the zoo.

Oh - I forgot! We also bought you a sheet set for your new big girl bed! Well, alright. It's not exactly a new bed. It's the bed that we have had in our guest room, but we thought we would use it to make sure you were okay in the big bed. You have been, so we will get you a bed and mattress all of your own sometime soon.

I can't believe that you are big enough to sleep in a real bed. Where did my baby go?

I love you so much! I'm looking forward to this weekend and getting pumpkins!
Love you,
Mommy

Upside Down

2010-10-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I've been meaning to write about this for a couple days, but I keep forgetting. You cannot stand it when a picture in a book shows someone or something upside down. You do not understand that the picture is intentionally that way. So, you will turn the book over. Then, you turn the page (turning back one page). Then, you will discover that that picture is upside down. So, you will turn the book back over and repeat the process. You will continue this until either your Mom or I force you to not turn the book over and just move on! Hilarious.

One more random story. The other night, you were talking about the different animals that all your friends at school sat on. You named every animal that every child sat on. We thought maybe you were just making it up, but when we asked you again, you named the same animals. We checked with your teachers the next day and they said that you had every animal correct. That's crazy. I did get a little worried though because the second time we asked, you couldn't remember the animal of one of your friends. You said, "I don't know!" and then started to cry. It makes me a little concerned about your perfectionism and what life will be like for you in high school. I hope you always know that you don't always have to have all the answers or all the right answers. We love you know matter what. You don't have to be perfect. Although, we are proud of you because you are so intelligent, we are also proud of you because you are so caring and funny and because you make these hilarious little faces and because you call people you love "My" Whoever. There are so many amazing things about you. You don't have to get the right answer all the time.

We love you, baby. I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday.

Love you,
Mommy

A 'Lil Bit Sassy

2010-10-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You are getting a little bit sassy and I'm not sure how to fix it. Part of your problem is that you have more words and inflections than most 2 year olds, but don't know when each is appropriate to use. We just keep trying to offer a better thing to say when you say something with an inappropriate tone or get too bossy, but I'm not sure it's working. I don't want you to grow up to be bratty, but I don't feel like sending you to time out for these things is appropriate because, really, a 2 year old isn't supposed to understand when sarcasm is appropriate and when it's not.

Appropriate or not though - it is stinking hilarious when you do things like say, "Grandma? Grandma? (clap clap) Hel- LO?!!!"

I love you so much Parker. I'm excited that we don't have to do any traveling for a few weeks. AND fall break is just 2.5 weeks away and then Thanksgiving is 4 weeks after that and Christmas is 3 weeks after that. Hopefully, the days will go by quickly.

You are amazing (sassy or not!). I love you.

Love,
Mommy

A trip to College

2010-10-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This weekend you and I took a solo trip to visit your Aunt Sally at college. I was a little nervous about traveling with you by myself because I had never done it. You, however, were great and made it relatively easy.

We left Friday night for your Aunt Stacy's. You were so funny in the car. We sang and danced for almost the entire 3 hour journey. It was exhausting, but so fun. You thought driving through all the small towns was amazing and you kept pointing things out and asking, "what's that?" You kept asking where your Aunt Stacy was and I kept telling you that she was at her house waiting for us. When we were getting close, Stacy called and we went through it AGAIN. This time, when we finished, you said, "We're not their yet. We're coming." For the remainder of the drive, you just kept saying, "We're coming!" Too cute.

Saturday, we got up and headed for Berea, OH. We got there and hung out in Sally's dorm. You thought her dorm room was awesome. You especially loved that her bed was "in the sky." We went to lunch and then to the football game. You kept asking, "Where my Aunt Sally?" Sally was with the band, so we found the band and watched them warm up. You LOVED watching the band. Later that night when we were driving to dinner, you even said, "I liked Sally's band!" It got us talking to you about what instrument you wanted to play in the band and you said you wanted to play the trumpet. AND - this morning at Aunt Stacy's, she was showing you old BHS band videos and you started marching along. (I secretly love all of this!)

After hanging out at the hotel for the evening, we went back to Baldwin Wallace to get a campus tour from Sally. You liked walking around the campus and particularly enjoyed the music building. You liked peering in the rooms and were amazed that were so many pianos. You even went into an instrument locker! Silly Bits!

You had a great time with your Aunts and Grandparents. When we got home, you asked your Mom if you could play her trumpet. She, of course, let you and you were even able to make a little bit of a noise. You had a pretty good buzz going, but it was often not on the part of your mouth where the mouthpiece was.

I had an awesome weekend with you. I love you so much and wish that we didn't have to go to school tomorrow. You are amazing.
I love you, Parker.
Mommy

Bubbles

2010-09-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Lately, you have been singing this song from school about a turtle who gets put in the bathtub to see if he can swim. We are with you up until the part at the end about bubbles, at which point, we have a hard time deciphering the actual lyrics. So, tonight after the bath, you started singing it. Your Mom asked, "What happened to the bubbles?" You thought for a really long time and then said, "They comed out of my bottom!" Hilarious because you had just farted in the tub and thought that the bubbles were super funny.

We laughed for a long time. Thanks for being so amazing.

I love you,
Mommy

So hard

2010-09-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I love you infinitely. That will never change. But life with you is kind of hard right now. You are super clingy. You have always been a Mommy's girl, but lately it's been excessive. I can't leave your side or you have a complete meltdown. It even extends to your cloths, blankets and toys. You are very possessive and anything that is "mine" has to be with you at all times. I feel terrible because every morning when I leave you at school, you scream your head off. We had almost gotten to the point where you weren't even crying. Going to bed is another nightmare. Before we moved, you were going to sleep by yourself. Ever since the move, I have had to lay next to you until you fall asleep. There have been a couple nights this week where it has been tragic. You wouldn't go to sleep and even if you did appear to be asleep, the second I leave, you start crying. The problem now is that you are a bit beyond "crying it out." You just scream and scream and scream (and scream and scream and scream.) It kills me. I've been so stressed and frustrated with life that I'm not handling any of these situations well and it makes me feel worse and even more stressed out. Tonight, I finally sent your Mom in. You screamed for her for awhile and finally went to sleep. You weren't happy about it, but you are still sleeping.

I hope that you know that when I leave you at school or make you go to sleep that I still love you more than anything.

You are the light of my life. I just want you to be a little more independent than you are right now. Tomorrow is another day and I am looking forward to seeing your beautiful little face in the morning.

I love you,
Mommy

Insomnia

2010-09-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

What was up with last night? I know that we sort of messed you up by allowing you to nap in the car on the way back home from the shower, but you just refused to go to sleep. You kept "trying" by closing your eyes, but they would just keep popping back open. We were all so frustrated. I did not handle it well. I'm sorry. In the end, we put you in our bed and turned on a Sesame Street thinking that you would just fall asleep. Notsomuch. You didn't fall asleep until 11 or after and even then you were flopping around all night. This morning (which came WAY too soon) I got up to get in the shower and you woke from a dead sleep and insisted that you come with me. I tried to encourage you to stay in bed and sleep, but there was no convincing you and I didn't have time to fight. So, I got in the shower and you crawled out of bed and laid on the bathroom mat right outside the shower door with your cloth and blanket. I'm not sure what's up with the extreme clingy-ness lately, but it's getting kind of old. I love you more than anything, but other people love you too and would love to hold you and take care of you. Plus, you are a big girl and can do things for yourself.

Anyway, I'm very glad that you went to sleep normally tonight. Hopefully, you will sleep well and will be in a better mood tomorrow.

I love you so much, bits.

Good night. Love,
Mommy

Here we go again

2010-09-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Around the time you were a year old, you had a string of ear infections that wouldn't go away. Finally, we were able to get yo on some super strong antibiotic that got them to go away. I fear that we are starting down that path again. You were diagnosed about a week ago with double ear infections. We started the regular amoxicillin, but I just didn't think it was working. When you were first diagnosed, you didn't have any symptoms, but as the week went on, you got a terrible cough and a super runny nose. That just didn't seem right! So, we I stayed home with you today and we went to the doctor (again!) Sure enough, infections are still there. Back to the super strength stuff. Here's hoping it does the trick.

I am having a good day with you, but you weren't able to get a good nap and you don't feel well, so you are pretty much a giant crank right now. We spent a good deal of time cuddling on the bed and watching tv. You alternated between running around and being crazy and whining and only wanting to be held. We put you to bed early, but I can still hear you coughing and hacking. I feel so bad for you and just want you to feel better.

Every time I get a chance to stay home with you, I just want to do it every day. Luckily, we only have to go to school 1 more day and then we get a weekend.

I love you so much. Please get better soon.
Love,
Mommy

Oh Boy.

2010-09-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I am going to have to keep myself in check. We went to your first parent-teacher conference tonight. I wasn't sure what to expect, seeing as you are barely 2. Basically, your teacher (Miss Jackie) had a checklist of the things that you should be doing (or maybe should be doing by the time you leave the room) and next to them she had written A,S or N (Always, Sometimes or Never.) You had mostly A, some S's and a few N's. Now, I KNOW that you just turned two and that you have 6 more months in this room, but I want to practice all the things you had S's and N's in. That's just me being a psycho parent. Not that the practicing is bad, but that I want you to have all A's and be the best. I'm just going to have to work very hard to keep myself in check.

I love you very much and I AM very proud of you and all the things you are able to do right now. Miss Jackie said that you were on or ahead of schedule developmentally, but that they (and we) need to work on your independence. I don't think that's going to happen this weekend as we are going to visit Grandma! LOL

In other news, you have a really bad cough and are starting to act like you really don't feel well. I don't think the 'pink medicine' is doing the job, so I am not going to school tomorrow and am taking you to the doctor. I hope you feel better soon, Bits. It's so hard for me to listen to you cough and moan all night. :(

I love you. Feel better soon.

Love,

Mommy

Just some stuff

2010-09-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Well, it's been about a week since I've written. We had a busy weekend during and are now onto a busy week.

Here are some things you like right now:

You will ask if we want some food and the proceed to dump EVERY piece of food you own on us. Then, you want us to hand it back to you so that you can put it away. Repeat process as needed

You still LOVE to draw with your markers. We have so many pieces of construction paper with your "work" on them!

You have been really into your books again in the past few days. Your two favorite right now are "Froggy Goes to School" and "Llama Llama Misses Mama." You are so empathetic. On the page where Llama Llama starts to cry, you almost start to cry!

You have been saying, "That's not a good idea" or "That's a good idea!"

We have your very first parent teacher conference tomorrow. I'm not really sure what we are going to discuss about your "education" as a 2 year old in our 10 minute time slot, but I'm actually kind of excited about it.

I'll let you know how it goes! :)

I love you,

Mommy

A (mostly) good night

2010-09-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Tonight was so good. I got home late since their was a bad accident on the expressway. You greeted me with a big hug and then asked me to "play markers" with you until dinner. So, we did. You ate a good dinner and were so hilarious. You kept saying, "How was your day?" We would keep saying things like, "good" or "fine," but this did not appease you. You wanted us tell you stories about our days. You would keep saying, "yeah" or "ok" during the stories. Then, you randomly reached out, shook our hands and said, "pleased to meet you!"

After dinner, we colored some more and then you went upstairs. You asked us to come up and you began making us food. You insisted that we all sit on the floor and gave us each matching plates, cup and silverware. Your Mom asked for more food. (I had a plateful and you had a few things. She only had a potato.) You said, "No. You have potato." Then, you randomly started playing with your Little People. You would imitate all the noises and sounds that the vehicles made. The funnies thing of the night though, was when you got out your stamps and started stamping all over your body. We even let you take your shirt off and stamp on you belly. You thought you were hilarious. Then, you ran around in only your shorts and started calling Mrs. Lockwood on the phone, which I always think is funny. "Hello, Mrs. Lockwood? This is Mrs. Silly Baby!" Sometimes, you would sing her the alphabet.

It was a really good night. Of course, you then didn't want to go to sleep, but that's a different story and I think I would rather focus on the great times I had with you before that!

I love you so much, Parker Alyse.

You are amazing.

Love,

Mommy

2nd Birthday

2010-09-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Yesterday was your 2nd birthday. Time is going by so fast. When given a choice between going to the zoo and the Children's Museum, you chose to the museum. So, that's where we headed in the morning. You wanted to see the dinosaurs first. Really, you like playing with the dinosaur eggs, but are not so much a fan of the actual dinosaurs. After you finish with the eggs, then we always have to go see the Chinese dragons, which you think are great.
You did many new things on this trip to the museum. You sat in the racecar for the first time.
You also enjoyed some old standbys - playing in the water and with the sand in playscape.
We ventured into the Dow Science area. I'm not sure why we haven't gone in there before - other than perhaps you usually poop out too soon. You LOVED it. We had to bribe you out because it was getting so late and we knew you needed a nap.
On the way out, in honor of your birthday, we let you choose a toy from the gift shop. You like many things and in the end, we gave you a choice between a pink "ugly doll" (really just a funny shaped stuffed animal) and a Nerf football. You originally chose the pink "ugly doll." Then, as we were standing in line, you said. "I want the football!" So, we switched and you seemed very happy with your choice.

We came home and you took a nap while I ran to the store and made your pink cake. When you got up we played for a bit while your Mom wrapped your presents. Then, we opened presents. You are a PRO at presents now, bits. You didn't need any help and you even politely opened the card first. In addition to the tricycle we gave you last weekend, we gave you some books, pjs, socks and play jewelry, which you loved. You put everything on at once!
Then we had cake (yes before dinner!) You sang Happy Birthday to yourself when we sang to you and you and your Mom blew out the candles. You requested a "pink" cake, so that's what you got.
While we were eating cake, we asked you what you wanted for dinner. You said that Mom and I should eat salad and that you would have more cake! Too funny. Later in the we walked to the park. You walked almost the entire way there. You are much more adventurous at the park than you used to be. You swung and slid and didn't want to go home, but it was getting late.

Clearly, you were getting tired. We need to take you to the park more often.
I'm sorry that I have to work right now, Bits. I don't feel like we have enough time to do fun things with you. I wish I could take you to the park every day. I need to do a better job of doing that on the weekend. I love you so much and am so proud of the little girl you are becoming. I hope you had a great birthday.

Love you always,

Mommy

Funny sayings

2010-09-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You have been bouncing between hilarious and cute and extremely trying lately. On the cute side, you started calling muffins, "nuffins." And last night, you said your teeth hurt, so we asked if you would like some Tylenol before bed. You said yes. A few minutes later you said, "I need Tynenaw!" We had no idea what you were saying. Finally, we figured out that you were saying "Tylenol." It's too cute. On the trying side, you are pretty bossy and when you don't get your way, you often have a GIANT meltdown. I guess that's part of being 2, but it drives your Moms crazy.

We are still trying to figure out what to do for your birthday. We are going to play with your friends Bryn, Shay and Liam tomorrow after school, so that will be a good kick-off to your birthday weekend, but I'm not sure where we are going from there. I just want you to have a great time!

Trying or not, I love you more than anything. I can't believe you are such a big girl. (Do I write that every time?)

Love,

Mommy

2nd Birthday Party!

2010-09-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I'm sorry that I haven't written in awhile. Things have been a little crazy around here. We had your 2nd Birthday Party this weekend. I can't believe that you are (almost) 2!!!!! Time is going by too fast. You have such a personality. You love being the center of attention and you are pretty bossy. You are also really caring. I have been really stressed out lately and you are always telling me that's it's ok and giving me hugs and pats. You are also really funny. Tonight you told your mom that she needed to go outside (your room) and do some work. Too funny. At (almost) 2, you love to sing, dance, color and draw, play with your kitchen. You also love the movie "Annie." Tonight you even started singing, "Tomorrow" while you were playing.

Here are some pictures from your party. This is you posing on the porch before the party started.
You picked out a balloon cake for your party. For you actual birthday, you requested a pink cake. I'll post pictures of that next weekend!
You are getting ready to play with the blocks Aunt Stacy got you.
On your new tricycle
Whee!!!!! (If you were actually pedaling, this would be better! You will learn.)
I love you so much, Parker. I can't believe how fast 2 years have gone. You are the most amazing thing in our lives.

Love,

Mommy

Being Goofy

2010-08-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Last weekend we went to the zoo at the spur of the moment. It was a nice time. You have taken to wearing dresses on the weekend since we won't let wear them to school. Most of your other dresses were dirty, so that's how you ended up in this one (that's still a little big) I think it just adds to your cuteness. You were CONVINCED that you wanted to race a cheetah. You were asking about it before we even got to the exhibit. (Apparently the zoo marketing really works!) We didn't think you would actually do it. So, we tried to dissuade you by getting your picture taken in front of this cheetah.
You kept saying, "I want to race a cheetah! I run really fast." So, we caved. You got to the starting line, but then chickened out. I think there were too many people and the woman running the exhibit was a little overwhelming. So you just started to cry. It's okay. We were proud of you for trying. You are still very little to do things like that!
You've also been hysterical around the house lately. Here's one of you and your Mom playing. You laid down and threw your legs in the air - then insisted that she do the same.
You also love to stand on your head right now. I wish I could bend like that! :)
And here you are being CRAZY in my shoes. You have your pscyho after school hair, your crazy hands and you are in my shoes. You thought you were the funniest thing ever.
I love you, Parker. You are so funny and you brighten my life.

Love,

Mommy

"Doin' Stuff"

2010-08-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You have been so funny lately and I have been doing a bad job about keeping track of all of these memorable moments. So, in true "I'm behind" fashion, here's a list of what's been making me laugh lately.

*Friday night at dinner, you turned to me and said, "Mommy, how was your day? At School?" Then, as I told you a little about lunch duty, you kept nodding and saying, "yeah, yeah" as if you truly understood the joys of lunch duty.

*Lately, you've been saying that you are "doing stuff." When we ask what you are doing, you will sometimes say, "I'm doin' cloths." We aren't quite sure what that means, but it seems to entertain you.

*Today, when we asked what you were doing, you told us that you were "doing centers" and "filling out my daily," both things that happen at school! Yea! Maybe you are starting to like it a little.

*We've started singing "Skidamarink" at night before you go to bed. It started out with just you and your Mom, but I hijacked it and now sing along too. It's so cute and fun and I hope we do it for a long time!

*The other day I was cleaning the kitchen and you and your Mom were dancing in the living room. It was so sweet and made me fall in love with both of you all over again.

*You have taken to carrying around a pen. You call it your pencil and love drawing with it and pretending that you are doing serious work.

*Almost every night at dinner, you make us all hold hands and sing the "ABCs." We aren't quite sure why this has to happen, but you seem to love it, so we do it!

*You have been very into the cats lately. You will often proclaim "I'm chasing Kitty Alexx!" Along those same lines, you sometimes are a little aggressive with the cats. I think this is partly because Alexx is small enough for you to move, but you do not hesitate to move him where you want him. This has not translated to the other cats. None of them like it so much and we are working with you so that you do not abuse the kitties any more than is necessary!

I love you so much, Bits. I'm so excited for you birthday!

Love you,

Mommy

Last One

2010-08-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

There have been many times this week when I meant to write you a letter, but we have all been really tired and busy with the first full week of school that it just didn't happen. So, I will try to recap the week for you.

This was your first full week of school and although you still cried every morning, it is getting easier. Friday, I was finally able to take you to school and, although you were crying, you were saying "Bye Mommy. See you later." So, I guess that's a good sign that things are getting a little better.

We went to the State Fair today. It was really hot and there were tons of people, but I think you had fun. We ate lots of fried food and saw horses and cows and the "World's Largest Boar." You rode on the Carousel with your Mom, but would only sit on the bench. You acted like you wanted to ride the bees that went up in the air (kind of like the Dumbo ride), but then when it came time to actually get on the ride, you freaked. We didn't stay super long just because it was SO hot, but I think it was a good trip.

There have been so many funny moments with you this week, but I can't think of all of them right now. So, right now I will just tell this one story,

You do this hilarious thing where you will make a little 'L' with your thumb and first finger (like you are trying to hold up one finger but don't know what to do with your thumb) and whisper "one more" or "last one" to us if you want another cookie, book etc. It's so funny. I wish I could get it on video because your face is so serious and the way you say it just make me laugh!

I'm sorry I have been so busy lately, bits. I love you so much.

Love,

Mommy

the weekend

2010-08-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Parker,

The weekend is over. We had a nice time and it was definitely good to spend time with you. I'm really not looking forward to this week because I know that it's going to be long and stressful for everyone. Good or not, we didn't really talk extensively about school this weekend because we didn't want you to get upset. You are also getting a little snotty, which I'm sure isn't going to help the situation any.

Uncle Stuart and Aunt Lauren came over today. You love them so much. Uncle Stu taught you how to play hide and seek. You thought it was hilarious. You didn't really understand the concept fully of either part of the game. When you were the seeker you would count to whatever number you felt like with your eyes open. Then you would go and look. You would check every hiding place that had been previously used, but always thought it was HILARIOUS whenever you finally found whoever you were looking for. You would then yell, "AGAIN!" When you were hiding, you always giggled to loudly to be hidden well. You really loved it though.

I think you may have actually jumped and gotten 2 feet off the ground today. We tried to get you to replicate it, but you wouldn't. You also have taken a liking to drawing with a purple pen and then showing us your creations. I think it's cool that you are proud of the things you are creating.

I'm going to miss you terribly tomorrow and it's going to be a long day since Mom has to work late and I can't get to you until about 5:00. I hope you do ok. I have a feeling that you are going to cry again and that's going to rip my heart out, but I'm trusting that you know we love you.

Sleep well tonight, baby girl. You need your rest.

I love you,

Mommy

Finally Friday

2010-08-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Well, I guess you could say that today was better. Your teachers said that you didn't really cry after the morning drop off, which is good. You did cry as soon as we walked in the door though. I'm not sure if it was relief or what.

I feel bad about leaving you all day. I miss you so much when you aren't home. I'm not looking forward to the start of school, but at least I will be busy during the day.

Anyway, at least it's the weekend and we can spend 2 days together.

Here's hoping we don't go back to square 1 on Monday.

I love you and I'm sorry that you have to go to daycare. It's not what I want for you, but I think parts of it will be good for you.

I love you,

Mommy

Day 3

2010-08-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Parker,

Well, today was your third day at school. It was your first sort of full day. I was REALLY worried because you basically cried all morning and were absolutely screaming by the time we left. I was trying so hard to hold it together for you, but I wasn't as successful as I wanted to be. Luckily, you stopped crying quickly and then had a pretty good day. Tracey said that you were sad sometimes, but that you did pretty well. You ate all your lunch and even napped for 50 minutes, which I didn't think you do on the first day.

After school we had promised that we could go to the park, but you wanted to go home first to have a snack. So, we came home and then went to the park. After the park we went to dinner, thinking that we could go from there to the Ice Cream Social Back to School Night thing at your school. But, after dinner you were SO tired and said you didn't want to go, so we figured that we weren't going to push it.

All of your teachers think you are so smart. That is all they every talk about. Sometimes, it even bothers me because I don't want to hear how smart you are (I already KNOW that!) I want to know how your day went and if you made any friends and if you were well behaved. But, I suppose I don't mind hearing how wonderful you are!

I'm so proud of you for having a good day at school. I have a feeling that you will cry again tomorrow, but I hope that you end up having a good day. Next week is going to be hard on all of us, so I am very much looking forward to the weekend.

You are so amazing. Thank you for being SO strong for us.

We love you,

Mommy

Really Hard

2010-08-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This is proving to be harder than any of us thought. You had a pretty rough day at school and it just continued when we got home. It started when I asked if you were going to go tomorrow to play with Miss Tammy. You said, "I don't like Miss Tammy." Then for the rest of the night, whenever we would mention school, you would just start to cry. You were okay for awhile and then it was time for a bed. You had a breakdown. You just kept crying, "I don't want to go to school!" We finally got you settled down, but you kept crying out about not wanting to go to school. Finally, I just rocked you to help you calm down and sleep since I knew there was no way you would have a good day if you were tired.

I feel horrible. There is nothing worse than having you beg me to not have to do something like this and having to make you go anyway. I am praying so hard that you adjust soon. Tomorrow you have to go for a full day and I think it's going to kill you. It's so hard to see you so sad all the time. You actually said earlier that you didn't like school because, "It makes me sad."

Rips my heart out.

I love you more than anything,

Love,

Mommy

School Part 2

2010-08-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You have had a busy last 24 hours and a rough last 12 or so. Yesterday was your first day of school that went relatively well. Then, your Uncle Stuart and Aunt Lauren came over after your nap and the your big kid friends, Maggie and Maggie, came over for dinner. You loved playing with everyone. You are such ham now. It's hilarious. At one point you were performing "Twinkle Twinkle" with the cd and Maggie started laughing (because you are so cute!) and you just stopped, looked and her and said, "Stop it, Maggie! Stop it!" Then, of course, we all laughed harder!

Anyway, when it was time to go to bed, you made it through the bath and the initial bed process just fine, but then you couldn't fall asleep. You just laid there with your eyes open, blankly staring. After about an hour of failed attempts on my part, I just brought you downstairs and we watched about 15 minutes of "Between the Lions." Then, we went up to try again. You fell asleep quickly. I'm not sure what was keeping you up, other than maybe too much excitement.

This morning, you didn't really want to go back to school. We psyched it and you up enough that you were excited by the time we left, but when we went to leave, you just started screaming. I felt like you were just ripping my heart out, baby girl. I know that you are fine, that it will be fine, that eventually you will like school, that it's normal, that you need to play with other kids, blah blah blah. But, none of that really makes me feel any better. I just hope that you feel loved and really, truly understand that we will be back in just a few hours.

I love you, Parker Alyse. I will see you in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Love,

Mommy

School

2010-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today was your first day of "school." I was very nervous and sad. You were very excited to go and didn't cry when we left. You were only there for a half day today, which I think was a good start. Miss Doreen said that you cried occasionally and would sit in a chair to "wait for Mommy." I think you had fun sometimes, but I feel so incredibly guilty and sad that you are going to have to spend so many hours a day away from home and people who love you. It makes me sad.

Please know that I love you more than you understand and that I am doing the best I can for you.

You are the most amazing, beautiful, smart, funny, loving little girl. We are the luckiest parents in the world.

I hope you have a good day tomorrow.

Love you forever.

Mommy

Catching Up

2010-08-01T18:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Parker,

It's been way too long since I have written you. After we left Uncle Steven's we took a couple of days just as a family and visited Frankenmuth, MI. You had a good time walking through the little Bavarian town. We were there before the shops opened so you had run of the town. A few minutes before they opened, the piped in music began. You started dancing right there in the street. It was pretty funny. We also swam in the pool every night, which you loved. Your constant giggles while we were swimming are still in my head.

We left Frankenmuth and headed to Leland, MI to visit Nancy and Chuck. We went there last year as a family and you were fairly cautious when it came to the water. So, the first thing we did after we settled in was to head to the beach. As soon as we started laying out the blankets, you pointed to the water and said, "Parker maybe do that?" So, off we went. You walked straight into the water and didn't look back. The waves were big and you loved getting splashed and jumping the waves. Back on the beach, you spent a really long time filling a huge bucket to the top with sand. Other variations over the next few days included a bucket or rocks and layering the sand with rocks.

You had a great time walking through Leland, playing at the park and having Teddy Bear pancakes with Nancy.

Now, we are home and spending our last few days together before you start "school" on Tuesday. You are acting excited about school, well mostly about the animal crackers and juice, I just hope that you remain that excited when the time comes.

Your Mom and I think you are the single most amazing thing ever. You get cuter and smarter every single day. You have started using "me" correctly. (As in "carry me.") You also are suddenly very excited about your birthday. We have mentioned that it is coming up, but you talk about it all the time. This afternoon, before you nap, you said, "My birthday is coming up. I blow out the candles and eat the cake. Put it in my mouth, chew it and then have more!" It will be so fun. I can't wait.

I know I have missed many things since it has been so long, but we have been busy.

I love you so much.

Love,

Mommy

Leg 3

2010-07-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We left Uncle Steven's today to head to Frankenmuth, MI for a little family time in our three week trek around the midwest. You had a really great time with Mommy's family. I know I didn't get to write about it as much as I would have liked, so here are some of my favorite memories:

*You calling Diego (Grandma and Grandpa's dog) 'Diggy-O'

*That you LOVED to jump on the trampoline

*When Mr. Monkey (via Uncle Steven) asked where your tail was, you said, "I no have a tail!"

*When you woke up from your nap at Grandma's and everyone was in the yard and you came to the window.

*That you always asked where the dogs were even though I'm not sure how you really felt about them!

*That you conned us into bringing home Mr. Kitty without even trying.

We stopped at the Flint Children's Museum on the way to Frankenmuth today. It certainly was a bit....smaller that the Indy Museum, but you had fun. We bought you a bracelet and a little ladybug. You wanted to take both when we went on a walk this afternoon after we arrived at the hotel. Part way through the walk, we realized that you dropped the ladybug somewhere. I went back to look for it, but couldn't find it anywhere. You Mom and I feel so bad. You keep asking, "Where my ladybug go?" So, tomorrow, I think we are going on a hunt for a ladybug. Hopefully, just any old ladybug will do.

After our walk we had dinner and went swimming at the hotel. You had such an amazing time in the pool. You were giggling hysterically. You were able to stand on the bottom step and it was up to your chin. You got a face full of water a couple of times, but you kept asking to go back.

And now (the best part!) you are sleeping peacefully on the other side of the room. Here's hoping for a quiet night and a good day tomorrow.

Here's you on our walk. Your shorts and shirt are a little jank, but super cute anyway.

We love you.

Love,

Mommy

Petting a Horse

2010-07-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today you had a big adventure. You really love horses, so we thought we would let Aunt Kimber take to you to the barn to get up close and personal with some. We weren't quite sure how you would react. You were very excited to pet and ride a horse, but your opinion changed a little bit when we got there.

First, you fed the birds with your Uncle Steven. You really liked that and kept asking to do it throughout the visit. You didn't really want to get too close to the horses. You wanted to feed them carrots, but in the end, you would make Steven do it. Aunt Kimber got on a horse and you didn't really want to get too close. Eventually, you wanted to pet it and you said that you wanted to ride, but then you didn't really. We thought that maybe once you were on, you would like it, so we just passed you up to Kimber really quickly. You did NOT like it, so we got you down.

I think that you liked being able to see the horses closer than you do normally so it wasn't a bad experience, but you weren't quite ready to feed or ride them. (Which is totally fine. They are very big animals.)

We went swimming this afternoon and you dunked everyone and thought it was hilarious. I think you are having a good time on vacation. Your Mom and I are totally exhausted, but as long as you are having fun, then we're good.

We love you so much, baby.

Love,

Mommy

Stressed on Vacation

2010-07-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting like I want to. It's hard at Grandma and Grandpa Sharp's house. We have still been keeping very busy. You have been sleeping a little better, but are still taking far longer to go to sleep than I would like or than you normally do.

You have been acting pretty spoiled and tantrum-y lately. I think it's just because you are constantly around people who give you constant attention and everything you could possible want. You have, however, had your cute moments.

We were driving home tonight from our friends, Leslie and Cheryl's house and you wanted to "draw." So, you drew for awhile and then your wanted Mom to draw. Mom was creating some pretty bad renditions of various objects and animals and you were guessing them. You were doing a great job!

Yesterday, when you woke up from your nap, we were all playing outside in Grandma and Grandpa's front yard. We could hear you on the monitor, so we called up to you through your open window and you figured out how to look out the window and see us. Apparently, this had a lasting impression on you because as you were supposed to be going to sleep last night, you told me "I wake-ed up and stoop on my pillow and everybody was outside at Grandpa's house!" You were so excited. Then, when I went in to get you this morning, you wanted to look out the window because you thought everyone would be there. You brought it up again tonight. It's pretty cute, but I hope you aren't too disappointed in the morning when we aren't outside your window!

This vacation is becoming a little stressful on me, since you aren't sleeping like you normally do and I expect so (read: too) much of you. I get very stressed out when you aren't perfectly behaved in front of other people. I suppose that's my own issue, but it does affect all of us. I hope that the next couple of days are a little more laid back so that you can reset before the last leg of our journey.

I love you so much, Parker Alyse.

Mommy

So tired

2010-07-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

You had a busy day today! We got up in the morning and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house. You took a nap pretty soon after we arrived, but did not sleep for very long. After you woke up, you helped Grandpa shuck corn and then we had lunch. After lunch, you played on the trampoline and ran around in the yard. We then all headed to the park. You are getting so brave. You went down a 2 twist slide with Aunt Stacy and walked all the way around a log and tire balance beam, saying, "Balance Beam, Balance Beam!" the whole time. You climbed and swung and had a really good time. You were very, very tired as you didn't really take a good nap.

I forgot to mention that yesterday you got to see a snake in the yard as well as pet a frog that you found on the trampoline. You really are going to think that Grandma and Grandpa's house is a Zoo. :)

I hope that you sleep well tonight and get a good 12 hours in. You've been pretty cranky lately and I need you to return to your normal self, both because I miss you and because your cranky is driving me a little nuts.

Either way, I love you very much and am looking forward to tomorrow.

Sleep well baby girl.

Love,

Mommy

Overdue

2010-07-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We finally made it to Michigan. We had busy days on Friday and Saturday, so I didn't get a chance to write you a letter. We spent most of the day Friday in the car. You were a pretty good girl, but we did have to get out one of the car toys we got for you. We chose the generic etch-a-sketch and you had a fun time drawing. You also really liked to ask Mom to draw things. It was pretty funny because you would request her to draw things like "Mommy's shoes."

We finally made it to Uncle Steven's house through some really bad traffic. You didn't quite know what to think of the dogs. They were crated when we arrived and were quiet, so I set you down. Then, Ty barked and you freaked out. You don't like the big, scary dog bark. Since then, you have been ok. You just keep saying, "No, Ty!" Uncle Steven and Aunt Kimber are fostering a kitten and you LOVE it. You chase it around the house and say, "Parker hold Mr. Kitty!" It's cute. I'm hoping that we don't end up taking the kitten home. :)

Yesterday, we got up early (ok, you got up early) and we headed to Grandma's. Grandma had cleaned up some old toys and you had a good time playing with those. Then, Aunt Stacy took you outside and you played with a big, red ball and jumped on the trampoline! I wasn't sure that you would like it, but you did. You discovered how to crawl on the piano bench and get down by yourself, so you spent about 10 minute just doing a circuit of up and down. We timed you: 26 seconds. Still some room to improve. ;) We had to take a pause to run to a party for one of Mommy's friends. There were a couple of small babies there and you loved cuddling and "holding" them. You also loved playing with their toys. :)

We came back to Grandma's, had dinner and then went back to Uncle Steven's. You had a really hard time going to sleep. Mommy wasn't being very patient with you and I'm sorry. Luckily, Mom came in and saved the day. I'm sorry I'm not always the best Mommy, but I'm so grateful that you are so forgiving.

I love you. I had to go get your things around so we can go back to Grandma's.

Love,

Mommy

Little Miss Cranky Pants

2010-07-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today we went to the Shedd Aquarium with your Grandparents. Although you napped in the car on the way there, you were still VERY cranky once we were there. You did great through the walk from the car, the wait in line, waiting on Grandma to go to the bathroom and through the first few tanks, but then you sort of lost it. You just kept wanting to be carried and saying, "Go there!" You never really wanted to look at what was in front of you.

You were pretty intrigued by the upside-down jelly fish (or perhaps the rocks that you could climb on around them) and you seemed to like the sting rays that would swim underneath the clear floor under you. You were fascinated by any decorative animal.

You did really enjoy the show. You LOVED the penguins! We decided to have lunch after the show since you had said you were hungry before it started. Lunch took a REALLY long time. We told you that after lunch we would see more penguins. So, we went downstairs to the play area, but you didn't actually want to see the penguins. You kept asking where the movie went. I'm not sure if you thought the penguins would be on a screen like they were during the "Fantasea" show, (They projected things that not everyone could see onto a screen.) or maybe you were just confused because it was dark. You did explore some play areas and, of course, enjoyed posing and playing with the pretend penguins. You did watch the real penguins for a few minutes, but not as long as I would have liked.

I think, in general, you were just REALLY tired. We've had a busy week. No matter how hard we try, you are going to bed later than you normally do and are getting up a little earlier. I think it's just because you aren't in your own bed. You wake up more often during the night and when you wake up early in the morning, you just get up. This makes for a very tired Bits. I'm a little worried about having to keep traveling for another 2 weeks.

I'm hoping that you sleep most of the way to Uncle Steven's tomorrow. We're going to leave after your nap to make sure that you get a good one in before you leave, but I think you need to catch up on some "zzz's," little girl.

Cranky or not, I still love you more than anything in the entire world. I'm having a really hard time with this daycare thing. But, I suppose that's another post for another day.

I love you,

Mommy

Playing in the Sprinkler

2010-07-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Yesterday, we thought we would have a day at home in between the zoo and the aquarium (which will be our adventure for today.) You still managed to have a good deal of fun around the house. You played with Grandma for awhile and took a good nap. After your nap and lunch, we set up the sprinkler in the yard for you. We were unsure as to what you would think about it, so we didn't bother putting your bathing suit on. True to form, you were very hesitant and decided you would rather play with sidewalk chalk for awhile.
After awhile though, you warmed up to it. You started by having to run around the sprinkler and maybe just getting a little wet. Then you let your Mom swing you in the water. Soon, you were having a great time and were sopping wet (and still in your clothes!)

We changed you into your bathing suit top which made you a little warmer. You had a really good time making everyone run through the water with you and playing with your ball.

All that playing made you really tired. We went to dinner and you hung in there for about 2 hours (the service was REALLY slow), but then started to melt down a little bit. You were being such a ham. You were cheesing for the old ladies behind us and going around the table pointing at everyone with your fork while you identified them. You even pointed at yourself and said, "Parker!"

All this time away is wearing you out and we still have 2 more weeks to go. I hope you nap in the car on the way to MI.

I love you,

Mommy

Ketchup (and a trip to the Zoo)

2010-07-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today we went to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago with your Grandparents and Uncle Eric. You had a good time and enjoyed seeing the animals that we don't have at the Indianapolis Zoo. However, I think the thing worthy of writing about today, has nothing to do with animals.

Ever since you were about 6 months old, you have had a security type attachment to these terry-cloth burp cloths. You don't care which one you have and we have even gotten new ones, but you still sleep every night with your 'cloth' and will request it in the car or when you are tired or sad. Ever since we arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house you have been carrying around this red, Matchbox type car. You have been sleeping with it (as well as your cloth) and carrying it with you everywhere. We even had to take it into the zoo today (but we kept it in your bag.)

Well. At lunch, you had some french fries with 'dip.' There was an extra ketchup packet and you wanted to pretend to open it and dump it on your plate yourself. Then you just kept carrying it around. At one point, you dropped it and were so distraught that I had to backtrack to find it. You clutched it (and you cloth and your car and the gorilla that Uncle got you) all the way home. You are now playing Little People with Grandma, but the ketchup packet is right by your side.

I hope you don't want to sleep with it tonight. I don't want you to roll on it and have it explode everywhere!

Here is a picture of us at the zoo today. You were pretty done by the time we took the picture, so you are kind of unhappy, but it's an ok-ish picture.
I love you,

Mommy

Before I forget

2010-07-13T04:57:00.001-07:00

Dear Parker,

You got up early again this morning and climbed into our bed. You laid nicely for a few minutes, but then started being hilarious. You started saying, "What you doing, Mommy?" and putting your hands and arms out in a 'w' formation all dramatic like. It was pretty funny. You are such a ham. Then we would say that we were sleeping and you would make your "oh!" face as if you were all shocked that we were sleeping in bed early in the morning.

You are hilarious little girl. We went to the zoo today. I'll write more about that later.

I love you,

Mommy

Some time at the Park

2010-07-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today was our first full day at Grandma and Grandpa Booga's. We planned to lay low since we had a pretty big day yesterday and are planning on going to the zoo tomorrow. So, you just hung out and played with Grandma this morning. After your nap, we had lunch and then decided to go to the park.

Normally, when we go to the park at home, there are lots of kids and you aren't as adventurous as I would like you to be. There weren't any kids at the park today! (I do want you to get better at playing with and around other kids, but I also want you to get better at trying new things!) Anyway, you had a great time! We were there for at least an hour and a half.

You played in the mulch.
You were very nervous about the suspension bridge and the slides, but after practicing with Grandma and Mom, you eventually did both by yourself! You wore Grandma out asking her to help you start going down the slide "AGAIN!" You went on the monkey bars for the first time. Obviously, you couldn't do it by yourself, but you had a great time pretending to do it on Mom's shoulders.

You've been having a really good time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. You love playing with Dinks and all of Mom and Uncle Eric's old toys.

On a completely different subject, I have been very sad lately about you going to school. Not about you going to school, exactly but about me not being able to spend the days or at least some days with you. I'm not sure that I'm making the right decision by doing the things at University that will keep me away from you at night. I know that, right now, I have to work full time, but I don't HAVE to do the side jobs. I love you so much and just always want to make the right choices for you and our little family.

You are the most amazing baby. You are growing up so fast and I want to enjoy every minute.

I love you so much,

Mommy

Fun with (second) cousins

2010-07-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Yesterday we drove to Forreston to your Great-Aunt Doris's house to visit with your Grandma's family and to have a shower for your Mom's cousin's girlfriend, Erin. You were pretty cranky because you didn't really nap in the car, but you had a really good time playing with your second cousins.

Here you are playing ball with Taylor, who is 4.
You and Reese, who is about a month younger than you.
These are all the second cousins. It's not a great photo (except of Madison), but it's the only one where all 4 of you are looking at the camera! So, from L to R...Taylor Tornow, Reese Tornow, you, Madison Aldrich.
After Taylor and Reese left, you and Madison played together for a long time. Maddy had brought her toys in a giant purple tub and you both thought it was super fun to sit in the tub and play with toys. Here you are reading a book.
Right before bed, you and Maddy both got in the tub and were talking and playing with your balloons. It was pretty cute.

You went to sleep really easily and slept really well. (And woke up in a much better mood, thank goodness!)

This morning, we visited the cemetery where your Great-Grandparents are buried. You were very sweet and concerned about Grandma and Mom. You also picked some "flowers" and laid them on the grave.

We just got back to Grandma and Grandpa's house and you are playing with the 'old school' Little People.

Hopefully, tomorrow won't be very exciting, but we are planning to go to the Brookfield Zoo on Tuesday, so that will be a big day for you!

I love you, Parker

Mommy

A two-fer

2010-07-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I didn't get to write last night because we were so busy packing for our "vacation." So, I'll do a quick re-cap of yesterday. The most important thing that happened was that we visited your school again. We tried to let you play in your classroom while we talked to the director, and you did for a few minutes, but then you got so upset that they brought you back. This did not make me feel better about the whole situation. You kept asking to go play, but you wanted us to come with you, so we did and stayed in your classroom with you for awhile. You did okay, but kept coming back to us to "check in." I'm really nervous about you going to school for so many hours a day, but it will be okay (I hope!).

Okay, on to today! We left for Grandma and Grandpa Booga's and on the way stopped at Fair Oak Farms. We tried to eat lunch first because we were all hungry, but there were so many people there and you were so excited to see the cows that you didn't eat very well. So, after we forced you to eat a couple bites of a grilled cheese, we headed over to the "attractions." We signed up for a bus tour and let you play on the indoor playground. Here you are waving at your Mom through a slice of swiss cheese.

We didn't have much time to play before the bus left (which was fine by us!) You were very excited to see the cows. This is an "artistic" photo of your family on the bus.
You really liked seeing the cows up close. The bus drives right through the barn and the cows are VERY close. After the tour, we played on the outdoor equipment for a few minutes. You tried the bouncy pillow thing, but you are still a little young and didn't like it very much. The tractor playground piece was much more your speed.
We went through the birthing barn. There was a cow currently giving birth and a mother and baby who had just been born. We didn't stay very long because you wanted "ice cream and see Grandpa Booga!" So, that is what we did.

When we made it to Grandma and Grandpa's house, you were very excited to see Grandpa. You walked all the way around the yard with him, checking out the rocks and all of Grandma's pretend animals. You also like to walk around the bricks.
When we came inside, you kept saying "Toys are?" I kept showing you the bag of toys we brought with us, but that is not what you wanted. Finally, we figured out that you wanted the toys that Grandma cleaned off for you at Christmas! I have no idea how you remembered these toys as you haven't played with them in 6 month, but you did. You had a really great time playing with the 'old school' Little People.
Since Grandma and Grandpa's house is on Central Time, you stayed up later than you are used to. You got so tired that you started running laps around the island in the kitchen singing your "ABC's" at the top of your lungs.

I always get nervous when you have to sleep away from home because you aren't normally very good at it, but *fingers crossed* you went down really easily and hopefully won't get disoriented if you wake up in the middle of the night.

We had a really good day with you, Bits. I hope tomorrow is just as good.

I love you.

Mommy

Fashion Sense

2010-07-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

This morning you had to go to the doctor with Mommy. I just needed to get some blood drawn, so it seemed easier to take you to that then for you to go with your Mom to the eye doctor. You were SUCH a good girl. You just sat on my lap in the waiting room and then sat in the chair quietly while they took my blood. For the rest of the afternoon though you kept saying, "They take Mommy's blood." It was pretty funny, but I'm sure if someone on the street heard it, they would think it was a little strange. :)

You have been full of funny things today. This afternoon, you ran up to your Mom screaming "Nononononononono!" She asked you what was wrong and you put your hand on her leg and said, "I no like these pants!" Bahahaha! That's pretty funny, baby girl.

We did a little pre-vacation shopping after your (late) nap and you were such a good girl in the Kohl's. You walked by yourself, but didn't run away. You looked at the stuffed animals and books by the check-out, but didn't touch. You started off being a very good girl in the Wal-Mart as well. But, when we got to the check-out, you were very disturbed that we changed lanes and you didn't want to put our things on the counter we had changed to. You had a meltdown, so I had to take you to have a time-out in the Wal-Mart. I think it was only the 4th time-out of your life, so I guess you doing pretty well, all things considered.

We went to dinner after (since we don't really have any food, but aren't planning on buying any because we leave the day after tomorrow!). You were so funny (again!) We walked out of the restaurant and you said, "It's too bright!" and covered your eyes with your hands. You then proceeded to walk all the way to the car like that!

You brighten my days, Bits. You always help me to put my life in perspective.

I love you,

Mommy

The Sparkler Incident

2010-07-06T14:37:00.001-07:00

Dear Parker,

You had a very hard time sleeping last night. I think you must have been having bad dreams. You called out multiple times, but finally woke up screaming. When I went in to your room, you tried really hard to go back to sleep, but you just couldn't. You didn't want me to shut the door and every time I would leave, you would just cry out for me again. Finally, I left and just kept the door open. About 10 minutes later, you toddled in to our room, so I caved. I was too tired.

You 'slept' with us for the rest of the night, but no one really slept. You kept having nightmares even in our bed.

You were pretty cranky all day because you didn't get enough sleep. We hung out this morning and just watched some tv because you were so cranky and tired. We started watching the movie, "Annie." You seemed to like it!

You didn't nap for very long and after you ate lunch you just sort of ran around the house, playing the piano, playing with your baby and watching Mom play the Wii. You went outside to do "fireworks" with Mom. You wanted to help hold a sparkler like you did yesterday and in the process of you grabbing on, it got dropped and hit your leg. You got burned, but nothing too terrible. You cried and were very upset (understandably) so we just cuddled on the couch and watched the rest of "Annie." I felt bad for you because you would be fine and the you would just start whining and saying, "OW!" I don't normally let you watch that much tv in one day, but today was an exception.

After a little cuddling, you were better and started running around again. After dinner, we were playing upstairs and you just kept running between the guest room and the loft. You would get to one place, stop, then say, "Set! Go!" and take off again. It was hilarious. You must have done it at least 30 times.

I get very frustrated with you when you act your age. It is something I need to work on. I have to keep telling myself that you are 1 - not 3. You are so forgiving when I am not the best Mommy I can be. Thank you. I love you very much and I'm just trying to figure this whole parenting thing out as I go.

I hope you sleep better tonight so we can have a really good day tomorrow.

I love you,

Mommy

The rest of the weekend

2010-07-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

We have been so busy that I haven't had time to blog daily about your time with your Aunt Stacy. Saturday, we got up early and went to the museum. You had a good time. Your Aunt Stacy even put on the dinosaur costume with you! What a good Aunt. You didn't take a good nap because you were so exhausted from the museum that you fell asleep before we even got out of the parking garage!

So, we hung around the house for the rest of the day. You played upstairs with Aunt Stacy. Then, Aunt Stacy did your hair in the french braid again (you are SO cute) and we went to Bucca's to Celebrate Mom and Mommy's belated birthdays. You were pretty tired, so it wasn't the easiest dinner we've had with you, but you weren't poorly behaved. You just wanted to keep moving so you wouldn't fall asleep.

Yesterday, we got up and went swimming. You had a really good time. The water was a little bit cold compared to what it has been since the weather HAD cooled down to normal temperatures. We still swam for about an hour. We got you a little life jacket floatie thing. You were a little unsure about it, but you wore it a couple times.

Then, Lauren and Stu came over and we went to the parade after lunch. It was ridiculously hot and we got there far too early, but you loved it! I was worried that the noise or characters would scare you, but they didn't! You also loved getting candy. You couldn't eat most of it, but that didn't keep you from clutching every.single.piece that came your way. (There was LOTS that came your way!)

You really love your Aunt Stacy and I'm sorry that I wasn't more on top of it to write down more of your time with her. Just know that you had a great time. We all did.

I love you!

Mommy

Day 1 with Aunt Stacy

2010-07-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today was the first full day that you Aunt Stacy was here visiting with us. You had a blast. You only napped for 30 minutes, so you were pretty tired and cranky the whole day, but you still had fun. After lunch, we went to the Noblesville park. You went down the slide several times (and even once completely by yourself, even though that was an accident on your part!)
Aunt Stacy gave you a piggy back ride and you "hid" behind trees and then popped out to surprise us! You thought it was hilarious!
We came home and you played upstairs with Aunt Stacy for awhile and then she took you on a walk in the wagon. Stacy said that as you were walking, you asked to go to the park. She told you that she didn't know where the park was. You said, "You go round and round and then..." She repeated that she didn't know where the park was and you repeated your "directions." Finally, you got frustrated and told her to "just keep pulling!" You are so funny!

For dinner we had corn on the cob and you actually decided to eat yours off the cob this time!
While your Moms were cleaning up, you went upstairs to play with Aunt Stacy. She decided to braid your hair. It was really cute. I need to learn how to do it since your hair can get so crazy.

It made you look so old though! I'm not ready for you to be so grown up!!!!!

You continued to play with Aunt Stacy while we hung the pictures in our bedroom, then we all played together. You kept giving Stacy things to put in her pocket (even things that wouldn't fit!) It was funny. You found your echo mic and started singing and talking into it. At one point, you introduced yourself and "Mrs. Silly Baby." Too funny.
You're so amazing, kiddo. I love you and am looking forward to tomorrow.

Love you,

Mommy

Zoo and Somersaults!

2010-06-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

Today, we decided to go to the zoo. Normally, we got to the zoo in the afternoon (after you nap) but now that we live farther away, it's a little harder. So, we thought we would try the morning. The animals are much more active in the morning, but apparently so are the people. It was very crowded. I'm always so proud of you in situations like that. We needed to renew our membership so we had to stand in a long line (behind some pretty rude people) and then we had to stand in a long line again to get in. You were very patient and didn't complain once. Additionally, since there were lots of people you often had to wait your turn, sometimes even when others didn't wait theirs and cut you off. I'm so proud that you aren't one of "those" kids. I'm not saying you are perfect and I'm sure it will get more difficult as you get older, but for now you are very polite and, generally, follow the directions we give you.

Anyway, you wanted to see the giraffes first, so we headed to the back. All the animals were very active and I think you had a good time. You were a little tired, so you weren't quite as into it as you were the last time, but I still think you were having fun. We took a break and had a special treat of lunch at the zoo. We sat right by the flamingos and you kept saying, "Hi Flamingos!" It was pretty cute.

You fell asleep on the way home, which is always disatrous. (It means you won't take a real nap!) So, when we got home we watched a little tv while Mom ran some errands. Then we played upstairs for a little while. After dinner, I was cleaning up and Mom took you upstairs. She helped you do somersaults and you LOVED it. It was pretty cute.

The cutest thing of the night, though, happened when Aunt Stacy called to say she was for sure coming tomorrow. I told you and you got all excited, ran to the door and said that you wanted to wait on the porch. When I told you, we couldn't wait tonight because she was coming tomorrow, you had a meltdown (because you were so tired I think). But you were okay in the end.

I'm very excited for you to get to spend some time with Aunt Stacy this weekend. She's really good for you and you love her so much.

Sleep well, baby. I love you.

Mommy

Not Ready for Bed

2010-06-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Parker,

I had been planning to write a post about what a fun day you had, but right now you are frustrating me. Normally, I lay next to you for a few minutes while you fall asleep. Tonight, you were not cooperating and I always tell you that if you aren't laying still and trying to fall asleep, I will go in the other room. Tonight you were not cooperating. So, I left. You cried for about 30 seconds and then started to play. Now you are yelling for me to come read you a book. That is NOT sleeping, Parker Alyse.

So, as I sit here and listen to you read to yourself and ocassionally holler for Mommy, I will tell you about your day. This morning, you went to the neighborhood park with your Mom. She took some good pictures of your fun time. It looks like you played with stick and swung - both things you really love to do.

You came home and we colored for awhile, had a snack and you took your nap. I worked on painting the bedroom. After too short a nap, you got up and had lunch and then played the piano for awhile. You are hilarious when you play the piano because you 1) must have the light on and 2) insist on playing for a few seconds and then turning the page of whatever book is up there as if you were actually reading the music. It's also hysterical because you "sing" with your playing. This consist of you mostly yelling and asking where things are. It makes me smile.

After lunch, we went to get your hair cut - which you hated - but took all of 5 minutes. Then we got some ice cream. You have been doing this thing lately where you will tell us you are done and then when we get rid of your food, you ask for more. This happened with the ice cream. So, immediately after I had thrown the rest of your ice cream away, you start crying and asking to have more. Of course there are people everywhere thinking I am the world's worst mother. Oh well. You got over it.

We came home and bummed around the house for a bit and had dinner. While I cleaned up from dinner, you played upstairs with your Mom. When I was done, I came up and you wanted to play "tackle you" (a game in which you run and "push" us over). This turned in to full on wrestling and it was awesome - a bit painful - but really fun. You were laughing and having a great time. No one ever tells you before you are a parent that wrestling with a 1 year old will be more exhausting and taxing for the adult! :)

You finally settled down and did some puzzles. You started to figure out parts of the "real" puzzle. You aren't really close to doing it by yourself yet, but you could find the pieces with the sections of the dog or the bird or the fish. I think that's a start.

I suppose that brings us to now. You are still asking me to come and open your door. I guess I will go try to see if you are ready to go to sleep yet.

Although you frustrate me sometimes, you are still the most amazing thing and I am so lucky to be your Mommy.

Good night, baby. I love you.

Mommy

"What's That?"

2010-06-29T05:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Parker,

Sorry this is a day late, but I didn't have much time last night to write. So, we'll just do it this morning. :) Yesterday, you were kind of sick, but not too horrible. You did however, keep running around saying, "I'm sick!" (I think that means you aren't too bad!) Your big kid friend, Maggie, came over to bring Mom her birthday present and hang out with you while Mommy started painting the bedroom. By that time, you had started to get kind of crabby (from being sick I think) and it wasn't so successful. I was still on the first wall, when you came in and wanted to watch. Maggie went home and you watched for a few minutes, but I could sense impending doom as you started to explore things near the paint! So, I stopped.

We played outside for awhile. You had been storing some rocks in the drawer of the table on the porch (which I didn't know) and you spent a great deal of time playing with them. You liked to drop them through an opening on your little chair and then pick them up again. I don't know why I buy you toys!

Lately, you have been saying "What's that?" quite a bit. The thing is, baby girl, that you most often know what you are pointing at, but we oblige you anyway. So, we were reading one of your bedtime stories last night ("Once Upon A Potty - not one of Mommy's favorites, but we are trying in vain to get you interested in the potty. You love the book, but don't want to sit on the potty. Sigh.) and you kept asking "What's that?" So, I would have to respond, "That's Prudence's pee, that's Prudence's poop etc." Your Mom and I were cracking up by the time it was done!

Alright, kiddo. I'll "talk" to you later.

I love you,

Mommy