Once upon a time I used to blog...

I remember years ago when I started my first blog thinking, "I will have so much more to blog about once I have a cute kid to write about"  And now that I have an adorable munchkin of my own, I have morphed into the worst blogger of all time.  

Parker is now 9.5 months old.  Where has the time gone?  My 9 month pregnancy seemed to last an eternity compared to the last 9 months.


A few updates about our sweet boy :)  This is sort of long-winded but more for my documentation then anything else.

• Parker is starting to roll from his back to his stomach more frequently.  He doesn't protest to being on his stomach as much as he used to.
• He gets up on hands and knees constantly to reach and grab toys just out of reach.  He hasn't quite found the motivation to crawl, but I know he is fully capable once he decides to give it a whirl. 
• His current favorite activity is to walk endless circles in our house!  When he wants to walk he reaches for my fingers and then pulls himself up to a stand and takes off.  He just recently figured out how to push his little walker around and our backs are singing the hallelujah chorus for the break ;) 
• Parker likes to stand next to the couch, but hasn't quite found the coordination (or maybe the courage) to walk alongside it without my hand.
• This boy LOVES to sit and read books.  He squeals with excitement when we re-read his favorite ones.
• We recently tried the swing with huge success and now can't wait for the weather to get warm so we can visit the park more often.
• Lately Parker has decided that he would rather feed himself finger foods then be fed the jarred baby food.  
• If he is the least bit tired while eating solids he can be quite a fussy eater.  If he is distracted by an object in his hands he will be distracted enough to open his mouth and eat without protest though haha.
• We are working on weaning Parker from breastfeeding.  Currently I feed him morning and night and give him a bottle twice during the day.  The reason for the wean is so that I can leave him with my mom while we head to Costa Rica next month (a bit selfish but true).  At first I thought I would be totally fine to wean him, but I actually am having a harder time getting rid of the morning and night feed then I thought.  I suppose I have grown to like breastfeeding (which is weird because when he was younger and had GERD breastfeeding was so frustrating.  At the time I couldn't wait to be done with it.)
• He loves to give his stuffed animals open mouthed kisses.  It is so cute :) 
• Still loves his bubbas.  Won't sleep without them.
• Gratefully he never tries to roll during diaper changes which I am hearing is rare, so we will enjoy it while it lasts!
• Parker got his first haircut from dad this past week and actually did fairly well a part from the fact that he is 9 months old and can't sit still.  But then Ki got out the electric clippers out to trim the sides up a bit and the poor baby was terrified.  He about broke my heart bawling his eyes out and reaching his little arms toward me wanting to be saved.
•  He likes bath time, but hates getting lotioned afterwards.  Also doesn't love to float on his back yet.  He always flails his arms trying to sit up or grab my arm.
• Takes really good naps and generally sleeps from 7:30 or 8 pm - 7:30 am no problem.
• Getting lots more vocal lately.  It seems that he might be starting to grasp that "dada" is Ki
• So snuggly before/after naps and other random times when he wants to be :)  Enjoying his cuddles while they last!
• For a while around 8 months he would do this eye roll thing.  It was so random and hilarious.  Hasn't done it for a week or so though.
• Reaches for us when he wants us, which still melts my heart every time :)
• Is generally a super easy going baby.  Doesn't usually cry too much unless other babies are crying haha.  With that being said, at times he can be quite stubborn.  Ie: When Parker wants to walk holding our fingers but we don't let him (usually at church when we are confined to a chair) he throws a fit.  Or if we are walking with him trying to get to a certain destination that he doesn't agree with he fights to go the direction he wants with all his might.  Must get that little stubborn streak from his dad ;)

Now for some pictures to sum up the last few months.   Ok, yeah I lied.   It is a lot more pictures than "some" :)   Peruse if you so desire.  Thanks for not giving up hope that I would eventually update my blog ;)

First time eating solids at 6 months old in December

Getting excited for Christmas! - 6 months old

Wrestling with Snuggles the bear

Photo shoot with his best friend Max - December 2012

Parker & Max - 6 months and 3 months

Christmas Eve 2012 - Love my little family!

About to open our Christmas pj's with the fam :)

Parker and Grandma Mem

SOOOO excited for Christmas!  ;)

Christmas Morning at our house before going to Grandma & Grandpa Greenwood's - We were all sufficiently spoiled

"woah - this big one is for me?!"

He didn't quite grasp opening presents completely, but did like to play with the bows and wrapping paper :)

Giving his new jumperoo a test run :)

Giving his puppy a kiss :)  January 2013 - 7 months old

Our cool little dude :)  Wishing for warm sunny weather like his mom!

Sledding for the first time - 7 months old

Cute little snow bear.  Very curious about the snow.  Trying to sneak a finger out to touch it :)

First time swimming - 7 months old - Good thing his 0-3 month swimsuit still fits!

Ki and Parker at the pool

One of his first times getting on all fours 7.5 months old

Taking a nap with his tiger and his bubba.  Has to have something to cuddle while he sleeps :)

Grandpa Marty came to visit!  Wasn't to sure about him at first - but were good friends by the time Grandpa left

Parker with Grandma Natalie - 7 months

Looking at his favorite book - 7 months old

8 month pics - (we were aiming to do them at 6 months but... that didn't happen)

loves to suck on his lips and make elephant sounds

8 month pics - my cute smiley little guy!

"How did my tiger get here?"

So big. 

CHEESE!!!!

:)

Ki's favorite - Cute chubby cheeks and the prettiest little eyes!

His classic "excited" face :)

He is so scrumptious!  I just adore him :)

Grandma Cyndi came to visit!!!  8 months old

Sunday snuggles with dad :)

Love these two so much!

It's official he is cruising!  9 months old

haha ignore his homeless hair :)

Swimming with mom - wishing the water was as warm as his bath haha

Bath time with his best friend Max!  9 months and 6 months

Visiting Tiff and Max in Idaho

Parker's first haircut :)  He obviously didn't love it.  9 months old.