Trip to the coast

We have had such a horrible, long winter... it snowed here a couple of days in April. So strange. When we saw the sun Saturday morning, we decided to run off to the beach. We chose to go to Tillamook so that we could go see Grant's mom Sam and go to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. We had a great day. Parker had a great time with his feet in the sand. At first, he wasn't sure what to think. Then Grant loosened the sand and poured it over his bare feet. He started kicking it and smiling.

Sam works at an Artichoke farm. It is a neat little place south of Tillamook. It has a cute gift shop and nursery. She showed Parker the flowers and he would kept picking them. She said he has mastered the art of deadheading.

Nap time

Parker has three babysitters.... our friend Melissa from church, Aunt Kristen, and Grandma. My mom comes up on Thursday nights, sends us out on a date night, and watches Parker on Fridays. How lucky we are!!! Friday morning before I hopped in the shower I took this picture.
15 minutes later, I come into the living room to see this adorable sight. I got ready for work and they were still sound asleep. Apparently, they slept this way for 1 1/2 hrs.

So, my mom has done such a great job with Parker.... but, I may need to dress him in the morning.
He must know how ridiculous he looks. She said she forgot to button his onesie before putting on his pants when changing his diaper, so she just snapped it on the outside. I have such a problem with him looking like this. Good thing he didn't go out in public.

Parker's elders

Parker finally got to meet Grant's Aunt Sydney a couple of weeks ago. She lives in Battleground, Washington. We went out to a great lunch and visited. It is always great to visit with Sydney. She is an amazing lady who has a wealth of knowledge and experiences. She was in the peace corps and has owned a book store for years. We love Aunt Sydney and hope to see her more often.
My Grandpa Shook (my mom's dad). We went to St. George, Utah to visit at the end of January. Grandpa was so cute with Parker. He is almost 86 years old. He loved talking with Parker and would wipe away the baby drool with his handkerchief. He sent Grant and I out on a date while he and my mom watched Parker. He made a little bed for him out of a dresser drawer. He always asks, "How's that boy of ours?" I'm so glad we took that trip. We wish he was up here in Oregon.
My mom with Parker right after birth. She is such an important part of Parker's life. She babysits him every Friday. She calls to check up on him. She brings him lots of presents. My mom is so fun with him. She gets down on the floor and plays with him and totally tires him out. He has the best naps when she is around.
Grant's mom, Sam. Sam is living out at the beach. We don't get to see her as often as we'd like to... but when we do, we have a great time. Grammy is a cuddler. She loves holding Parker and checking out all the new things he can do.
Parker has yet to meet my extended family in the Salt Lake area. We are planning a trip to Utah in July for the Sessions family reunion.

Parker is so lucky to have all of these people to love and care for him.
I would have loved to see my Dad be a grandpa. He loved babies! I would be holding a baby at church and he would come snatch it out of my arms. Many people saw the serious side to my Dad, but he was totally goofy... especially when it came to babies.

Real Food! (kind of)

Parker is now eating some rice cereal. It was time. Hard to keep him full with breast milk and formula. Notice his rocket bib and spoon! :) He did very well. I love how he and Grant are both wearing plaid shirts. Totally unplanned. Karin bought him this cute shirt.

He looks like he is in a trance.

Helping Daddy with the spoon.

Oh, how he's grown

Parker a few weeks old vs. 5 months.
He is wearing the same outfit, but now in a 6-9 month size. I love the smile. I thought he was so cute back then, but he is so much cuter now.

I can't wait to show these to his girlfriend

I just had to do it! He looks so dang cute as a little flower and bunny.
I know Parker loved his little photo shoot. Anne Geddes watch out.

My favorite sound

Grant has a special talent for getting Parker to laugh. Well, he makes me laugh too. He is such a fun- loving dad and husband. We love him! Grant went back to work on Tuesday and sure misses being at home with Parker. I had spring break this week and loved every moment of it. Unfortunately, the weather was icky. It snowed almost every morning and hailed and rained almost every afternoon. Crazy March. Hopefully we see some sunshine soon.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! I love holidays! Isn't our little bunny so cute? I have a pink flower head band too that I want to take pictures of him in... a little Anne Geddes shot. Not sure if Grant will go for that. We have Easter plans with my mom at her house on Saturday and with our sister n' law Wendy's parents, Sally and Terry, on Sunday. That will be a fun packed house with the whole family. We are having so much fun with Parker. I am looking forward to my spring break next week. I wish Grant had the week off too. He's been off work for the past 6 weeks using all vacation and sick leave, so it might be awhile till we have a day off together. Parker and I will go downtown for lunch with him a couple of days. I plan on relaxing a little and getting a pedicure and manicure, and visiting with family and friends. I also have plans to clean out our closets of all of our big clothes. I want to have a garage sale sometime instead of giving all these nice clothes away. We have such a range of sizes. Grant lost 120 pounds and I lost 70. I still have a long way to go. Kind of frustrating to not find anything that fits you in your closet, but I love shopping and I love wearing smaller clothes! I'm not complaining. Our favorite easter treat we found has been a sugar free marshmellow bunny. Hard to find, but yummy!

Bouncing Parker laughs

Grant can really get Parker laughing. It is so cute. Unfortunately, you'll have to cock your head to the side to view it. I should have held the camera the other way. We are looking in to buying a video camera. Would love to capture more moments like these.

Karin's Visit

We were so happy to have Karin come for a visit. I just love this picture of the 3 of us. Parker loved her red hair. He seemed unsure of it at first and then warmed up to her.