The Mini.

Sweet P's going through another growth spurt - he'll be 8 weeks on Wednesday. He eats a ton and he eats often. This can take a toll on the both of us. Fortunately, he's old enough now that he is all smiles during his playtime or it would be even harder! So I decided after 19 ounces in 5 hours that I needed some Starbucks to make it through the rest of the day.

This allowed me to once again reflect on the wonders of the Mini. That's my new minivan. That's right - minivan. I am now a minivan driving mom - so weird. The Mini's like a superhero to me - underneath its boring exterior (read the story and see an exterior pic here), it's a wonderment of comfort and fabulousness. Obviously, as seen above, P likes it too. It was such a blessing how we got it and what a spectacular buy it was, though the timing was crazy (1 week before I had Parker), I can't believe that every one of my criteria was fulfilled by this van.

As a girl, you know you should be practical and smart and think about things like gas mileage, blah, blah, blah. All I really wanted were heated leather seats, a DVD player and a sunroof. I know. I know. Yet there it is in my driveway. God is so good. Safety with a little bit of frivolity just because He can.

I mean, is there anything better than a beautiful summer day driving in the Mini, P in the backseat, Starbucks in my drink holder and everything from Hellogoodbye to Lonestar playing on my ipod? I think not.

Quick Stop at Panera!

Here is Parker meeting Aunt Diane and Uncle Don for the first time as they were passing through the Ham on their way to Pigeon Forge! He looks a little unsure, but this is because he is hungry, not from any dislike of the Howell family.

This was our first time to actually feed P in a restaurant (he's been asleep otherwise) and let him visit afterwards. He did great - well aside from almost pooping all over Aunt Diane! He just felt so comfortable around her I guess...

Sweet P.

All the men in my life are sleeping (Jason, Parker, and of course Bob), so I will take this opportunity for a little update. Check out my new hair! LOVE IT! Thanks Britney!

P (Parker) went to his 1 month doc appt and here are the stats:

weight: 11 lbs 15 oz. (up from 7 lbs 13 oz at birth)

length: 23 inches (up from 22 at birth)

90th percentile in head, length, and weight

He is eating every 3 hours right now, but I think he's going through another growth spurt, we we'll have to step it up for a few days. Overnight, he eats at 10 pm, sometime around 3 am or 4 am and then gets up for the day at 7. So, though being a new mom is frustrating at times, we are doing pretty well!

Man, is it hard to find time to blog (: Sometimes it's supper time and I think, what the heck did we do today!?

Parker is starting to smile some and has the very beginnings of cooing. He likes walks (he falls asleep), car rides (he falls asleep), and playing on his play gym (accidentally hits things). He no longer hates his bath, but I am not sure he likes it yet either. Mostly he's just confused and perhaps feels a little violated being out there for all of the world to see.

Here are some random thoughts:

1. what is up with what I call the "dad phenomenon?" You leave your baby with daddy and he's perfect even though he's been fussy with you all day.
   
2. I hear Parker's cries everywhere I go, even though he's fast asleep or not even with me. I'm in the shower - I think I hear him. The dishwasher's running, I think I hear him. For goodness sakes, I am outside the house at Target all by my self, and I still think think I hear him. I feel a little crazy.
   
3. post-baby belly - jiggly, and that's all I am going to say about that.
   
4. Btw, Jason's running water in the kitchen sink and I thought I heard Parker again - so c.r.a.z.y
   
5. Sorry Bob, you're an afterthought in my life right now - he's lucky if I remember to let him out once.
   

Below is our first real family pic, taken by my mom, before our Sunday School party. Thanks mom! Oh and thanks to P's cousins, Callie and Reese, for the super cute outfit he is wearing!

Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back

Okay, okay. I have heard your complaints! So here's the update! Right now I am making sure our newborn baby boy, Parker, is down for his nap! That's right he's here!

All is going well - I am feeling more like myself these days which is good! I have been an emotional basketcase, but I hear that's totally normal (:

Parker is getting bigger and bigger and I will be very interested to see how much he weighs next Friday at his appointment. He'll also be getting vaccinations, which, I am sure will be super fun for all of us.

I don't even know where to start - I think it's going to take a few posts before I get back into the swing of things. So for now, here are some one-month old pics we took yesterday. Enjoy!

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