The Allen Family

Party time!

2011-08-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

Since we weren't exactly sure WHEN Jude would make his arrival, and we knew it would be close to Parker's birthday, we decided to plan her party for the week after her actual birthday. I'm so glad we did! Here are some pictures of the fun!!

Parker is FOUR!!

2011-08-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

Our big girl turned FOUR on July 14! Here she is with her birthday cupcake at Granny & Poppa's.

Riding her new big girl bike from Mommy, Daddy, and Jude!

Notice the squinkies from Granny, Poppa, and CC on the table!

Big girl bike!! Tinkerbell (from Ms. Becca & Jacob) rides along!

ONE MONTH!

2011-08-03T09:55:00.002-05:00

Jude Morrison- You are ONE month old!!

You weigh 10 pounds and are 21.5 inches.

You are wearing some newborn clothes and some 0-3 months.

You wear a size 1 diaper.

You are doing pretty good with the sleeping thing. You go 3-4 hours between bottles during the day and at night. You still take lots of naps and sleep okay at night. Can't wait til you're sleeping a little longer!

You are the sweetest, happiest baby. You love to be held and cuddled. You are starting to smile at us!

You tolerate tummy time pretty well, but you would rather fall asleep when you're on your stomach

You have good neck control and love to hold your head up when someone is holding you. You like to look around.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives!!

A few from the first month...

2011-08-03T09:54:00.000-05:00

Daddy with Jude and Parker on Father's Day

Swimming at Granny & Poppa's

Hanging out by the pool

Parker and CC

So sweet!

First nap in his big bed!

Jude and Avery- 2 weeks old!

Parker, Jude & Avery

Getting ready for his first time at church!

Shopping with Avery!

First bath!

Rotten!

Pics from the hospital stay...

2011-08-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

Big sister holding brother by herself!

Sweet man!

Sign my mom made for the hospital room door!

Monkey!

"Jude" gave Parker a baby doll as a "Big Sister" gift. She named the doll Susie!

Holding brother!

Holding Susie and baby brother!

So peaceful!

Here's Miss Avery!!! She was born on Wednesday, June 15. We were in the hospital together!! We know that Avery and Jude will grow up to be great friends!

Getting ready to leave the hospital! (With his blanket Maw Maw Jammas monogrammed)

Fuzzy pic, but here we are ready to go home!

Little man looks so tiny in his carseat! Hooray for getting to go home!

Birth Day!

2011-08-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

Well, here's the LONG overdue blog of Jude's birth. (You know, now that he's 7 weeks old!)

The last preggo pic taken the Saturday before Jude was born-- here we are with Mrs. Brooke and Baby Avery, who was born the same week!

On Monday, June 13, I went to the doctor for what should be my last appointment before the induction we had scheduled for Tuesday, June 21. The whole weekend before, I had been miserably uncomfortable and felt lousy. Since Trent was working, my Dad kept Parker, and Mom came with me to my appointment. After a quick ultrasound, where Aunt Jamie predicted Jude to weigh 7 pounds, 10 ounces, we went up to see Dr. Willett. As she examined me, she asked "Want to have a baby soon?" My reply? "Today would be good!" I was shocked when she said "Ok, let's go ahead over to the hospital!" Since I was almost 4 cm dilated, she sent me over with the plan to start the lowest dose of pitocin. Around 12:45, she came in to break my water, and at 2:00, I was 5 cm. We watched a lot of tv, visited with family, and waited....

At 4:00, I was still 5 cm.

And at 6:00, I was still 5 cm.

And at 8:00, when the nurse came in, I told her, "If I am still 5 cm, please call Dr. Willett and tell her I want a section."

Guess what? I was still 5 cm. However, Dr. Willett wanted me to wait until 9:00, see what happened, and then we'd make a decision.

At 9:00, I was almost fully dilated!!! Dr. Willet came in, and by 9:53 pm, Jude had made his arrival!

Aunt Jamie's prediction was pretty close! He weighed 7 pounds, 11.4 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long!

Here's Daddy going to get big sister! She was SUCH a trooper at the hospital all day!

Holding his baby BOY!

Jude shares his birthday with his cousin Gerad, who turned 15 that day!!

Getting a good look!

First time to hold my little man!!

BIG thanks to Dr. Willett for being the most amazing, calm, wonderful ob/g.

So sweet.

First family picture!

36 Weeks!

2011-06-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a crenshaw melon (whatever that is!). Approximately 5.75 lb. and 18.75 inches (according to my "BabyBump" app-- he's actually probably a little bigger than that!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained more than I'm willing to post online! HA!

Maternity Clothes: yes! At this point, very little fits! :)

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: Slowing down because he's running out of room! He gets the hiccups at least once a day!

Sleep: Not much! Too uncomfortable!

What I miss: sleeping more than 3-4 hours a night; being able to walk from Walmart to the car without getting winded!

Cravings: lemonade; ice (yes, I realize this is bad); popcorn

Best Moment this week: scheduling an induction! June 21st IF he has not arrived sooner!! 3 weeks or less!!

I will do a picture post later this week with pics of Jude's room, Parker's room, etc.

33 Weeks!

2011-05-13T16:36:00.000-05:00

How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a pineapple! (Approx. 17 in. and 4.25 lbs.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained more than I'm willing to post online! HA!

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity!

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: ALL the time! He is no longer breech (THANK GOODNESS) so his little feet are constantly in my ribs. I can also feel when he has the hiccups, which happens often!

Sleep: I wake up often! I guess practice for when he's here??

What I miss: sleeping more than 3-4 hours a night!

Cravings: still loving lemonade; salty foods

Best Moment this week: knowing that TOMORROW we will move his furniture in his room!!

As mentioned above, TOMORROW is the day Jude's room will come together! My parents are taking Parker to the beach with them for a few days, so while she's gone, we will put her "big girl bed" in her room and move the baby furniture to Jude's room! Super excited about this!!! Pictures soon!

29 Weeks!

2011-04-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

How Far Along: 29 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a butternut squash! (Approx. 15.25 in. and 2 1/2 lbs.)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained enough already! ha!

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity!

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: ALL the time! Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have moved out of his breech position!

Sleep: I wake up often! I guess practice for when he's here??

What I miss: having more options on what to wear every day!

Cravings: still loving lemonade; Twix candy bars; pears (Yes, random list, I know!)

Best Moment this week: seeing the progress on his bedding!

My awesome mother in law offered to make Jude's bedding, and she is so close to being finished! Now, we just have to get his room ready so that he has a bed to put that bedding in! Ha!

26 weeks!!

2011-03-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

How Far Along: 26 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a hothouse cucumber

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 16 lbs

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity!

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: ALL the time! I'm pretty sure I have the future kicker for CHS football practicing all day long

Sleep: I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: having more options on what to wear every day!

Cravings: lemonade! seriously, I cannot get enough! Thank you, Raising Canes for being so awesome

Symptoms: heartburn, some pain in my hips if I sit for too long

Best Moment this week: nothing super special this week; looking forward to hearing his heartbeat again on Tuesday, though!

21 Weeks

2011-02-15T17:38:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 21 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a banana

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 10 lbs

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: pretty often, especially in the evenings after I eat dinner

Sleep: I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: having more options in clothes in the morning! :)

Cravings: black olives, butter & garlic croutons, pepperoni

Symptoms: some heartburn; EXTREME pregnancy brain! I think I am losing my mind

Best Moment this week: getting a few more things for the room finished; seeing how excited Parker is getting about being a big sister soon!

Letters finished for Jude's room

Diaper bag purchased! And yes, it matches his room. No, I did not do that on purpose.

21 Weeks!

20 Weeks & Arts & Crafts

2011-02-08T06:10:00.001-06:00

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a small cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 10 lbs

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: pretty often, especially in the evenings after I eat dinner

Sleep: I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: having more options in clothes in the morning! :)

Cravings: black olives, butter & garlic croutons, pepperoni

Symptoms: some heartburn; EXTREME pregnancy brain! I think I am losing my mind

Best Moment this week: getting things accomplished for his room; feeling him move more!

I've been able to get a few art projects done for his room!!

Here are the three different prints for his bedding

The green in this pic looks really yellow, but these three 12 x 12 pieces will be framed and will hang over his bed. The colors actually match the fabric really well, but they look funky here!

Stay tuned for more fun projects to come!!

19 Weeks

2011-02-03T09:02:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 19 Weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of an heirloom tomato

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 10 lbs

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity

Gender: It's a BOY! Jude Morrison Allen

Movement: pretty often, especially in the evenings after I eat dinner

Sleep: I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: having more options in clothes in the morning! :)

Cravings: black olives, butter & garlic croutons, pepperoni

Symptoms: some heartburn; EXTREME pregnancy brain! I think I am losing my mind

Best Moment this week: another good doctor's appointment

Almost halfway there! And if Parker is any indicator, I'm actually OVER halfway there! At this point, we are trying to slowly get ready for Jude's arrival by gradually buying a few outfits, diapers, etc. The fabric for his bedding has been purchased, and I love it. Slowly yet surely, we are getting there.

18 Weeks!

2011-01-29T15:30:00.001-06:00

How Far Along: 18

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a sweet potato!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: At my last appointment, I had gained 4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: pretty much only in maternity

Gender: It's a BOY! Baby Jude!

Movement: pretty often, especially in the evenings after I eat dinner

Sleep: I’m exhausted all the time, so I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: caffeine!

Cravings: Chinese food, sushi, salty foods

Symptoms: some nausea/morning sickness (but not always in the morning!), and of course, extreme exhaustion…

Best Moment this week: getting to see our baby boy on the ultrasound again!

15 Weeks

2011-01-04T10:01:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 15 weeks

Size of baby: Jude is the size of a navel orange!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: more and more... haha

Gender: It's a BOY! Baby Jude!

Movement: the occasional TINY flutter

Sleep: I’m exhausted all the time, so I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: caffeine!

Cravings: Chinese food, sushi, salty foods

Symptoms: some nausea/morning sickness (but not always in the morning!), and of course, extreme exhaustion…

Best Moment this week: finding out it's a BOY!!

13 Weeks

2010-12-23T18:50:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 13 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby A is the size of a peach!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 3 pounds

Maternity Clothes: a few things... jeans mostly, with everything else regular

Gender: Can't wait to find out!!

Movement: none yet

Sleep: I’m exhausted all the time, so I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: caffeine!

Cravings: Chinese food, sushi, jello

Symptoms: some nausea/morning sickness (but not always in the morning!), and of course, extreme exhaustion…

Best Moment this week: honestly, being off of work and getting to catch up on some sleep!

11 Weeks

2010-12-08T18:43:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 11 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby A is the size of a lime!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 3 pounds

Maternity Clothes: a few things... mostly for comfort, though

Gender: Can't wait to find out!!

Movement: none yet

Sleep: I’m exhausted all the time, so I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: Dr. Pepper!!

Cravings: Chinese food, sushi, potato chips

Symptoms: some nausea/morning sickness (but not always in the morning!), and of course, extreme exhaustion…

Best Moment this week: hearing the baby's heartbeat (168 bpm) at my appointment yesterday!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

2010-12-07T15:54:00.001-06:00

Parker picked out her very own tree for her room this year!! She is starting to get so excited about Christmas, which makes ME more excited!! Updates to come about some of our holiday activities!

9 Weeks

2010-11-26T19:58:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 9 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby A is the size of a green olive!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 1.5 pounds

Maternity Clothes: none yet

Gender: Can't wait to find out!!

Movement: none yet

Sleep: I’m exhausted all the time, so I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: Dr. Pepper!!

Cravings: salty foods

Symptoms: some nausea/morning sickness (but not always in the morning!), and of course, extreme exhaustion…

Best Moment this week: celebrating Thanksgiving with the family and having another life to be thankful for!!

**Pictures will begin soon. Right now, there's not much of a belly there. But it's growing.

Big News

2010-11-10T18:21:00.000-06:00

By now, pretty much everyone who reads my blog will have seen this on Twitter or Facebook, BUT... Trent and I are expecting Baby Allen #2 on June 28! We are very excited!

To give a little background....

About a year and a half ago, we began trying to get pregnant. After many disappointing months of nothing, my doctor diagnosed me with polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. Together, these two things definitely complicated our desires for another biological child. (If you know our hearts-- adoption is DEFINITELY a "long term" plan for us!) After months of prayer, doctors visits, and even some fertility medication... we are finally expecting again!!

The author of one of my favorite blogs, Kelly at Kelly's Korner, is also pregnant, and I'm stealing this idea from her blog! :)

How Far Along: 7 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby A is the size of a blueberry!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 1 pound

Maternity Clothes: none yet

Gender: Can't wait to find out!!

Movement: none yet

Sleep: I’m exhausted all the time, so I sleep pretty good!

What I miss: Dr. Pepper!!

Cravings: none, other than randomly wanting Slim Jims

Symptoms: some nausea, extreme exhaustion… and I don’t know if this counts as “symptom”… but a total aversion to the smell of chicken

Best Moment this week: seeing that little heartbeat on the ultrasound screen!

Geaux Wildcats!

2010-09-04T08:44:00.002-05:00

Look out, Central! There's a new cheerleader in town!!

My awesome mother-in-law gave me some sewing guidance, and helped me put together this mini-replica of the CHS varsity cheer uniform for Parker. She LOVES it and thinks she is big stuff looking like the "cheer-laters" (as she calls them).

Here she is at the Central Jamboree (vs. West Feliciana). It was our first taste of Wildcat football for the new season, and Parker showed up in style (and full of CHS Spirit!).

Parker with Miss Hailey

Parker and Miss Jenna (her favorite "cheer-later")

The CHS Varsity Cheerleaders and Parker Ann

Parker is THREE!!

2010-08-02T17:03:00.006-05:00

LONG overdue post... I'll let the pics speak for themselves.

Amazing cake by Beth Hembree

Birthday banner I made

Opening presents

Blowing out the candles

Someone REALLY enjoyed her cupcake

Sweet baby Carter

Carter, Macie, Kallie

Addie, Kara, Parker, and Jacob

Parker and Addie- Best Friends!

Payton, Mimi, And Parker

Trace and his Toy Story swim shorts!

Go Jacob!

Sweet Addie G

Slip-n-slide fun

Best friends in coordinating suits! Mimi and P!

Pretty girl!

Potential future husband?? We love Jacob!

James

Sweet little Jackson!

mustard.seed.photography

2010-07-07T08:03:00.009-05:00

I have this amazing, wonderful, beautiful friend Lindsey. In addition to being an incredible person, she is also a PHENOMENAL photographer. She recently did some pics of Parker; here are a few "sneak.peeks" that she has sent.

Summer Time 2010!!

2010-05-30T11:05:00.002-05:00

So it's been a ridiculously long time. Summer is officially here, though, so I hope to regularly update on Parker's adventures this summer. Here are a few recent Parker-isms.

To Trent, while he is sweeping in the garage: "Whatcha doin', Cowboy??"
To me, as she is prancing on top of Trent's bass case: "Mom, I just gotta be able to dance!"
About everything: "I NEED ______!!"

This summer will be the battle of wills known as potty training. Right now, she is sitting on the potty chair in the living room watching Shrek. I told her she could not go play in her pool until she pottied. We shall see how this goes...

Playing Catch-Up

2010-03-06T17:19:00.008-06:00

Now that we're 3 months in to the New Year, maybe I'll catch up....

Here are a few pictures from the year so far....

Sparklers with "Mandy" (Mattie) New Year's Eve

Parker's new cousin- Carter Scott!

She was NOT interested in having her picture taken with Carter.

When the dog tries to take your waffles, it only makes sense to go eat in the bathtub....

SNOW!!!

Reading books at Borders

We recently went to visit with our friends the Reynersons in Houston. Parker and Mimi are BEST friends!

At Kemah

Riding the train

Riding the carousel

"Rockin' out!"

At the Children's Museum in Houston...

While we were at the Children's Museum, we got to see a baby chick hatch

Grocery shopping in Kidtropolis at the museum

At the Houston Zoo

Twins?!

We also went to MANY CHS basketball games!

Supporting one of our favorite CHS basketball players!

Sassy

Poppa put this sticker on her nose- this picture just makes me laugh!

A little overdue- Christmas!!

2010-01-08T21:33:00.010-06:00

I had trouble with trying to load these pics on to Facebook, and got frustrated so I never posted them here either!! Here's a glimpse at our Christmas! (The third one with Parker!!)

Our Christmas tree

Our stockings

The Christmas tree art project Parker and I did

All of our Christmas cards!

The nativity I cut out with Mom's Cricut

We left Oreos and milk for Santa

Parker's stocking

All of the gifts to the side (in green) were from Santa!

Christmas morning-- "Santa drink it all!" Checking out the cookies and milk!

Oh boy!!

The first present!

Opening presents with Daddy

Opening presents with Poppa

Opening presents with Granny

New school bus!

Opening her stocking

Trying on her new Converse

Playing with her new food

Sitting in her Santa chair

On the way to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's with "Baby Jenna"

Trent and I

Opening gifts at Maw Maw & Paw Paw's

Family picture!

Playing with cousins at Maw Maw Jammas's house

Opening MORE presents!

The 6 grandkids...

Playing with Addie's new toy!

Exchanging gifts with Addie

3 of the 4 girls- Kallie HATES to have her picture taken! :)

Opening presents from Crunchy Paw Paw

Having a heart to heart with Hunter??

Macie got a practice beam for Christmas, so the four girls had to play on that!

It's REALLY hard to get a picture with all 6 kids looking... I can't imagine what'll happen once Jamie has Carter in a few months!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-20T09:32:00.001-06:00

*Click to view larger!

***Special thanks to Ashlee at Image Advertising for the amazing design and awesome customer service and Lindsey at Mustard.Seed.Photography for taking the mediocre pictures I had and editing them in to something worth using! :)

Recent Parker-isms

2009-12-05T22:11:00.002-06:00

To my mom, after a week of being at home with me for Thanksgiving: "I missed you, Granny! Granny's house be fun!!"

While my mother in law was trying to show me Parker's Christmas gift where Parker couldn't see: "Ooh! I need to check that out!"

Naming Disney princesses for CC: "Cindawella, Snow White, Belle, Stinky Booty" (Sleeping Beauty)

"I NEED ______!" fill in the blank with a variety of things... Candy, sweet tea, Barney, "tickle bugs", cookies, chicken nuggets, shoes, etc. She insists she NEEDS pretty much everything!

Instead of "Christmas decorations"...... "Christmas relations"

Instead of "Merry Christmas!".... "Harry Chrismus!"

Geaux Cats

2009-10-02T20:48:00.005-05:00

I got this wild idea that I wanted Parker to have a CHS cheer uniform, so I made one for her myself. It's not the most spectacular thing ever sewn, but I was pretty proud. Tonight is the Central-Catholic game, and we went for a little while. The goal was to "Black Out Catholic"... so everyone wore black, including the team jerseys and varsity cheerleading uniforms. So, here is Parker in her Varsity Cheer Outfit!!!

Drinking sweet tea in her "Dowa" (Dora) cup

CC and P

"CC want shugs"

At the game, watching the "big girls" (Varsity Cheerleaders)

Not cooperating, as usual

Still watching the "big girls"

Parker with the Varsity Cheerleaders-- precious, precious girls

Varsity cheer huddle at the start of the game

Parker with her "shaker"

Watching the game

We love our Cats! Ready for the next home game (in 2 weeks) against Zachary... Parker will have her Ball- 88 t-shirt on for my former student Corey!

Weekends Lately...

2009-09-22T21:54:00.005-05:00

Trip to The Myrtles

Then to the hunting camp

Played in the creek at the camp

Took a bath in the sink at the camp (no bathtub!)

Watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

CENTRAL HIGH FOOTBALL!!!

More later

Birthday Party Fun

2009-07-19T15:52:00.004-05:00

Two Years Ago...

2009-07-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

Two years ago....

My life changed.

It became full of even more joy.

It was full of new experiences.

More fun..

Sweet moments...

Two years ago, life changed.

It got so much better.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

Jacob Playdate/Trace's Bday/Misc

2009-06-29T17:07:00.006-05:00

"Shuggies!"

Silly girl

This was how she was sleeping...

Playdate with Jacob

In the car, I hear her say "That's SO nice!" I turn around to find this:

Trace's birthday party!

She fell asleep in her high chair Sunday afternoon!

Dress I made! : )

Better Late than Never... Beach Trip!

2009-06-29T12:35:00.007-05:00

Catch up...

2009-06-11T18:04:00.001-05:00

So instead of trying to play catch up on Parker's pics for the last week, I'll just share a few cute stories!

Yesterday, Parker explained (in her own terms) the process of metamorphosis to her Daddy. (Her Granny and Poppa are raising butterflies.) She told him "Pilluhs (caterpillars) wiggle wiggle... sleepin'... buh-flies" In other words, the caterpillars wiggle themselves into their chrysalis, where they "sleep" until they emerge as butterflies.

When I went to get her out of bed the other morning... "Finished sleeping! Want out!"

Today in the car "Janee... Janee..." (I thought she was saying Jamie- her aunt). I said, "Aunt Jamie? What about her?" to which she replied "No... Mommy... Janee."

Parker:: Friday, June 5

2009-06-06T15:38:00.002-05:00

Friday is laundry day...

At the Mayers' for the LSU baseball game

Parker:: Wednesday, June 3 AND Thursday, June 4

2009-06-05T12:14:00.004-05:00

Meltdown at SAHM Bible Study

Sweet, sweet baby Cole

Going outside got her over the meltdown...

Lunch at Chick-Fil-A

Granny and Poppa's flowers

Baby cardinals at G & P's

Swing, swing

Eating cucumbers...

The tractor at Maw Maw and Paw Paw's

Parker:: Tuesday, June 2

2009-06-02T20:06:00.007-05:00

Today, we joined our friends Nannee and Mimi, Becca and Jacob, Mrs. Ashley and Avery, and Mrs. Shelley, Dillon, Camille, and Ms. Allison at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales. The Splash Park opened late, so we spent some time playing on the playground first! We had a great time!!

Waiting on Nannee and Mimi

Climbing to the top of the slide!

Sweet Camille

Miss Avery Lou

Sweet Pea

Sliding with Mimi

Jacob on the see saw

Becca and Jacob

Mimi!

Cute little Avery Lou

Slide

Swinging with Jacob

Climbing through the tunnel

Looking at the fish with Jacob

Finally, the Splash Park opened!!

Such sleepy girls!

Parker:: Monday, June 1

2009-06-02T18:31:00.004-05:00

The sun on our walk

Walking with Mimi

Slip N Slide fun in matching swim suits

Parker:: Sunday, May 31

2009-06-02T18:27:00.002-05:00

Ganny and Poppa came back from their trip

Reading with Poppa

Chili's after church

Parker:: Saturday, May 30

2009-06-01T12:25:00.006-05:00

Trying to put a diaper on Tigger

Date night!!

P stayed with Maw Maw Jammas and got in to EVERYTHING during our date night!

Wiped out!

Parker:: Friday, May 29

2009-05-31T14:23:00.005-05:00

P's cute dress

Playing at Mimi's... getting ready to go swim in the BIG pool!

Heading to go swim...

No pics of the actual swimming, since I was in the pool too! But, here's the wet hair post-swim!

Playing in Mimi's "house"

Cheese!

Bath time!

Parker:: Thursday, May 28

2009-05-28T21:03:00.008-05:00

Warning: There is almost too much cuteness for one post packed below!

We visited with Ms. Becca (Bacca) and Jacob (Jeco) today....

Playing Paw Paw and Gia's piano

Wagon Ride

Becca being the best aunt ever... playing ball with Jacob

Riding in the Hummer

New.Favorite.Picture.

Cuteness!

Playing... with Becca's help

Swing Swing!

Making faces at me.

Swinging with Mommy

More riding!

"Driving" like a big girl

Then, after nap time, Mimi came over to swim.....

Waiting at the door

Don't you love the flops?

Cool!

She was looking out the window.. This was when she asked me "Where is her?"

Fun with Mimi!!

Mimi drinking from the sprinkler

Cute girls

She stopped for a snack!

Sliding

So fun!

"I sit and watch Parker"

...and she did!

Splashing!

More splashing!

Snack time after all that fun in the pool!

With Daddy before bed time

Watching Daddy practice!

Random Videos

2009-05-27T18:23:00.005-05:00

Slip N Slide Fun

Swimming with Addie G

Car Ride

Parker:: Wednesday, May 27

2009-05-27T18:05:00.005-05:00

Waiting outside for Nannee and Mimi... with her phone, ball, and "Kitty" (her bear)

Trampoline fun with Aryee

Ms. Megan, Aryee, P, and Reace

In Jack's car

Mimi, Reace, Trace

Fearless- climbing up to slide

Big girl!

See saw

Getting the slip-n-slide set up

Jack

Addy and P

Mimi, Nannee, and Baby Joe

Fun with the water

On the way home!

Feeding Jackson

Parker:: Tuesday, May 26

2009-05-26T22:35:00.001-05:00

After she "fixed" her own hair

Eating at the real table like a big girl

Nap time

So sweet

Cool!

Parker:: Monday, May 25

2009-05-26T08:59:00.005-05:00

Memorial Day '09

Sassy new "flops"

Playing with Ms. Amber and Addie G

Addie G

So sweet!

Swim time!!

How cute is this????

Slide time!

Parker's turn!

Cute little girls!

Head first!

So sweet!

Time to get out!!

Popsicles with Kara and Kallie!

This is so good!

Yum!!

Parker::Sunday, May 24

2009-05-25T09:19:00.003-05:00

I'm going to attempt to do a Parker picture-of-the-day every day (or close to it) this summer. Of course, the post each day will be of the previous day's pic. Here's the first day!

Cute!

Upside down sunglasses on the way to church. "Cool!"u

Watching Daddy practice before church

Parker and Angel

Bows!

2009-05-08T16:37:00.005-05:00

This is what happens when your 22 month old brings ALL of her bows... saying "I want it... In!"

Looking for an Update???

2009-05-05T18:48:00.001-05:00

New pics on my other blog...

Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T15:29:00.007-05:00

**MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN PAST THIS POST-- I POSTED TWO OTHERS TODAY!**

Parker's Easter Basket!

Lots of good stuff!

Maw Maw and Paw Paw gave her animal crackers!

At Maw Maw Janice's... with Gerad

under the dining room table with Macie

Easter egg hunt at Maw Maw Janice's

Kara

Found one!

Mommy and Daddy

Family Picture!

Grandkids with Maw Maw Janice

Parker and Aunt Jamie

Hunter and Parker

Checking out their candy

At church... Trace in his super cute tie

Parker and Trace

Parker and Reace in the nursery

Mommy, Parker, and Baby Joe (Parker was a little jealous at first!)

Mimi, Camille, and Trace

Playing with Dustin's fire truck

Sweet Baby Joe

The Ring's Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-13T15:17:00.005-05:00

Saturday was the annual Easter Egg Hunt for our church. Here are just a few pics.

Parker with her Nan-Nee

P with Bandit, the Vernon's new puppy

All the kids ready to hunt eggs!

Parker with Daddy and Jack-Jack

Found one!

She was really interested in looking at the eggs in her bucket!

Hunting eggs with Daddy!

Looking at everything that they found!

Riding with Kamryn!

Easter Pictures (Studio)

2009-04-13T15:12:00.003-05:00

Here are just a few of the "Studio" pictures we did for Easter!

Playing Catch-Up!

2009-03-29T10:17:00.004-05:00

Okay, okay... So I'm a little behind on updates. Here are a few pictures of Parker over the last.... month.

Sleeping on the way home from church... I love that she has her ankles crossed.

Yes, she is in her stroller for the baby dolls.

Playing with Mimi.. after bath time.

Just chillin' with Daddy and Jackson

Best Friends! Parker and Mimi the weekend we went to Shreveport.

Yes, they are two peas in a pod! In the dog's kennel... and no, we didn't put them in there.. they got in and closed the door on their own!

In Daddy's shoes!

Lounging around with her LSU blanket Ms. Bekah made her!

And, not Parker... but here is CC (with B) at her Senior Prom this weekend!

Mommy and CC!

Parker is doing great... still talking up a storm. She *tries* to sing her ABCs... "A, C, D, E, E, G, H, D....." We're working on it. She also enjoys saying prayers (prurs) every night, and will now yell "Nigh Night! LOVE YOU!" when we leave her room.

One of my favorite things she does... every night, went Trent gets home, I say "Daddy's Home!!"... well, now she calls Trent "Dahome" instead of Daddy! Haha!

She loves candy (camy). The other day, she kept asking for some, and when I told her we didn't have any, she started saying "Want camy... Ganny!" In other words... she knows Ganny will give her candy! Ha!

Parker will be starting Parents' Day Out on Tues. and Thurs. in September. I'm very excited about this!!!

Pictures by Amanda Causey

2009-02-24T09:59:00.004-06:00

I could not resist posting these pictures... just a FEW taken by the amazing Mrs. Amanda Causey last weekend. Check out her website here: www.amandacausey.com

Babies, Bath, and Chuck E Cheese

2009-02-14T09:14:00.006-06:00

One of Parker's favorite toys (this week) is her stroller. She loves pushing all of her babies around the house... and chasing Jackson with it!

She LOVES bathtime.... the next few pictures are a mini-meltdown after she got out of the tub. She was so mad at me! She kept saying "Bath! Bath! MO-mmy!!! Bath!" (My Grandmother made her nightgown!!)

Last night, we went to Chuck E Cheese with the Reynersons. It was Parker's first time to go! Here she is riding some rides with Mimi!

This little girl kept trying to get on the ride with Parker and Mimi!

Time for a sucker!

Pants, Balmart, Fries, and Ganny

2009-02-12T20:09:00.002-06:00

Parker says something new pretty much every day, but here are a few of the funny things she has said lately.

Saturday afternoon, after her nap, I had her clothes laying on the changing table to get ready to go somewhere. She saw them, and said "Change you! Pants on! Socks, shoes!" She was ready to go! Once I had her dressed, I got a bow, and she ran out of the room saying "Hair!" She knew that it was time to fix her hair... and she did NOT want that to happen!

Sunday morning, we went on our weekly Sunday trip to Walmart. Later that day, we were driving to my parents' house, and as we were making our turn to go to Granny and Poppa's, she pointed straight (down Wax Rd., in the direction of Walmart, which was about a half mile away, so she couldn't see it) and said "BALMART, Mommy! Balmart!" Is it bad that my 19 month old knows how to get to Walmart??

Later that evening, we passed McDonalds, at which point I heard "Chicken! Fries! Chicken! Fries!"

And finally, Parker has had trouble from the very beginning at saying "Granny." At first, mom was Gaggy. Then it turned in to khaki. This week, she has started saying "Ganny" or "Gannys." We're getting there... slowly, yet surely.

Pictures coming soon... promise! The camera battery went dead, and I keep forgetting to charge it. It is, however, charging right now, so new pictures will be coming ASAP!

Little Miss Chatterbox

2009-02-02T19:07:00.005-06:00

Parker is doing great! Chattering up a storm and playing hard all day every day! She's learned a lot of the animal names since our zoo trip, and loves her animal finger puppets at Granny and Poppa's... I need to get pictures of them! She loves the "Wion" (lion) and the "Bunkey" (Monkey). Tonight, she was looking for her lion at home, and kept saying, "Where's the wion? Hmm??? Where's the wion? Hmm???"

Here are a few pictures... til I can get some more!

Playing in one of her plastic toy boxes!

Riding on the toy

Playing with "Baby" AJ

Just chillin'

At church... one of her new favorite things to do is walk on the chairs!

Eating cheerios!

She was playing with Sydney through the glass door

Reading books! She does this ALL the time

She was actually saying "Cheese!" in this pic. She does that a lot when she sees a camera!

Zoo Trip

2009-01-17T09:16:00.005-06:00

Okay, so it's been a REALLY long time since I updated! Here are some pictures from our zoo trip on Jan. 1st.

Petting an elephant!

She really liked the petting zoo part!

Tired after a great day!

Christmas Pics

2008-12-27T11:39:00.008-06:00

All the Christmas goodies! (yes, a section of lights on the tree was out, and I didn't realize it until I looked at the pictures!)

Milk and Cookies- Parker style (Teddy Grahams and a bottle)

She loved her new piano!

and the rocking chair

Opening more stuff!

A stroller for her babies

Even with all of the gifts, Parker LOVED the boxes!

One of the best gifts was this quilt made by Granny's friend, Mrs. Deborah Lorio.

After gifts, we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast with Granny, Poppa, and CC.

Then we went to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's. Parker loves the snow birds on Maw Maw's tree.

Vacuum cleaner from Maw Maw and Paw Paw

Opening more gifts with Granny!

Family Picture!

Poppa, Granny, Mommy, CC, Parker, Daddy (she HAD to have CC hold her!)

Parker LOVES her CC

All the cousins in the Rayborn family- Michael, Mark, Amy, Sara, me, Carlee

The WHOLE Rayborn family

Parker with her great grandparents... she's the only great-grandchild

Four Generations!

That night, we went to Trent's mom's house. Here's Parker with her purse from Aunt Shirley

ALL of the girls had to help Parker open her gift!

She loved this MagnaDoodle

Hunter playing with Parker (the oldest and the youngest)

All the grandkids

Another family photo!

Christmas BLESSING!!

2008-12-22T17:07:00.005-06:00

Well...

At Parker's last neurologist appointment (back in June), the doctor told us not to be surprised if Parker was still not walking by Christmas, or even by the time she was two, really. Of course, for those of you who have been reading the blog, you know that she was walking at 14 months.

Today was our check-up appointment. Parker walked into the office, played in the waiting room, and sat and colored while waiting to see the doctor.

Basically, the doctor does not know what was ever wrong with Parker. She does not know what caused the weakness on her right side. She told us that she doesn't need to see Parker anymore (unless we have other concerns later on), that she doesn't think we need to continue with physical therapy, and that she thinks we can go to occupational therapy just twice a month and discontinue that after a few more months as well.

WHAT GREAT NEWS! The doctor who once diagnosed Parker with cerebral palsy DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN IT!! Of course, we do. All glory to God for what He's done in Parker's life. What an amazing testimony of His power and grace!

Now, a few new pictures.

We went back to the Messengers with some friends.

Trent, Parker, Miriam (Mimi) and Nathan

Looking at the lights

Family picture!

Parker and Mimi with Jase and Gage

Parker REALLY wanted to play with this "puppy" (yes, it is a cat)

Looking at Santa (Caw Cause)

Parker and Mimi exchanged gifts! Aren't they adorable?

Snow Day 2008

2008-12-11T16:10:00.011-06:00

Here are just a few pictures of Parker from our Snow Day 2008. I will post some others on my blog too.

I found myself singing "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!" all day. Well, that and "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland."

Here is a video from Parker's first snow experience. If you listen carefully, you'll hear her say "Snow?" at the very beginning.

A Weekend of Holiday Fun!

2008-12-07T10:28:00.013-06:00

This weekend, we officially kicked off the "Holiday Season" as a family. Friday night, we took Parker to see the Christmas lights at the Messengers in Denham.

Ready to look at the lights!

Our first stop was at the "North Pole"

Here are a few of my favorites!

Family picture before we left!

Saturday morning, we got up and got ready for the Central Christmas Parade. Parker looked so cute in her hat, but she wouldn't keep it on her head very long.

All bundled up and waiting for the parade

Trent with our niece Kallie

Kallie, Parker and Kara ready for the parade!

Family pic at the parade

The grand marshals of the parade were the CHS football team. I am SO proud of these guys for all they accomplished this year!

Enjoying the parade

CC was in the parade as the CHS Homecoming queen! Here she comes!

Daddy and Parker

Parker had fun with her cousin Gerad too!

Once the football team made it to the end of the parade route, a few of them walked back by us. Here is Parker with two of her favorite football players, Brandon and Will. (These are the ones she had shirts for!)

When CC finished, she came back to visit us too!

Santa!!!

We had a great weekend. We're looking forward to more Holiday fun in the coming weeks.

LOTS OF PICTURES!

2008-12-04T17:22:00.007-06:00

Random pictures from a variety of events over the last month or two!

Here was Parker's tshirt for the first playoff game

Supporting her favorite quarterback!

Parker with her B Hollingsworth shirt on at the football game

Little Wildcat fan

Brandon was "getting" her

We tried to get a pic of her WITH Brandon...

Parker with her I *heart* My CC shirt on at the senior night game

Closer up of the shirt

Granny, CC, and Poppa at the Senior Night game

Volleyball fan

Watching the game with Poppa

Just an Update

2008-11-21T22:32:00.004-06:00

Stuff I know I need to post pics of:

CC's Senior Night volleyball game
Parker's Wildcat football shirts (from two different games)
Video of P and Jackson
Parker's first Crayola masterpieces

But in the mean time, here's an update of some of Parker's newest accomplishments/ experiences:

New words: Apple (Ah-pa), Baby (Bebe), Ball (says this one pretty clearly!), Bird (Buhd), Book (clear), Fish (pretty clear), Bottle (Bah-uhl), Milk (Mik), Up (Very clear), Sleepy (Peepy), No (No no no no no no no... you get the point), Poppa, Maw Maw (sounds a lot like Mama), Paw Paw (sounds a lot like Poppa)
New moves: Spinning around in circles (normally if you say "Round and around and around and around..."), walking backwards, "giving five," and a few new dance moves, including one that resembles "Gettin' Silly"
New adventures: climbing on to the couch (VERY new), climbing on to her "bouncy zebra" toy, climbing on (and walking on) the coffee table at Poppa and "Gaggee's"
Other New Things: First ear infection (BOTH ears!), first round of antibiotics, first experience with cough medicine- which made her CRAZY!