Claire-Three Months

I always look forward to this month because it's quite a turning point. I find that most babies seem to come alive this month and start to really develop their personalities.

--You started to roll this month. It sure shocked your daddy and me. We weren't expecting this for a couple more months. You roll from your back to your tummy and are quite the tummy sleeper, just like your mommy.

--You are really into rattles this month. Absolutely everything goes in your mouth--dresses and all! You have started to reach for things.

--You started going to Waumbaland (church nursery) this month. The ladies love you there and take such good care of you. You are quite the little social butterfly--always skipping your nap to play.

--You went on your 1st big roadtrip to Tennessee. I loved that you slept so well in the mountains. You were great about being passed around by the ladies. You sure didn't suffer from a lack of attention.

--You love to squeal and make sure I hear you over your brother's babbles. I am loving how you pull back and look at me and make all sorts of funny noises.

--You took your 1st dip in the pool; I was smitten by your cuteness in your adorable pink flapper suit! I really love dolling you up!

--Sleep is still a work in progress, but we'll get there.

--I love your cheeks; I could kiss them all day long!

I am definitely a huge fan of yours. It's so wonderful to be a part of your firsts and to celebrate all the little things.

Picture Post

I'm not really feeling terribly creative today, but I wanted to post some pictures of John Parker and Claire from the last few weeks. John bought me a new camera for Mother's Day--which I love, love!!! It's renewed my enjoyment of capturing everyday moments of our little ones. Now, I just need to find time to read the manual, so I can really put in to use! :)

Sunday Best



Sweetness



Ready, Set, Go



Contemplative



Bashful



Little Sis



Mischievious



My Little Picasso



My new trick



Precious

The Birthday Train

For John Parker's 2nd birthday, we decided to have a Train Party. I love party planning; my skills have definitely gotten rusty since leaving the corporate world. It's so much more fun to plan parties for little kids. They're so grateful and much more easygoing! :) John Parker genuinely enjoyed his party this year. I was amazed of the difference a year can make. I did go a little over the top last year for his 1st birthday, so I simplified it this year. We kept the party really small and talked it up in the days leading up to his party. I read "Bob the Builder's Birthday" and "Baby Bop's birthday" so many times I am fine never seeing those books again! :) He loved the balloons that we placed around the house. And yes, he has a new found love of cupcakes. He has quite the sweet tooth, just like his momma! For days after his party, he would lead me to the pantry and point to the cupcakes begging for just one more. It was so cute. Thank goodness the cupcakes are finally all gone! My favorite memory from his party was of him picking his nose as everyone sang "Happy Birthday". I mean, really? Ahhh, one for the books! I'll just warn you there are a lot of pictures on this post...

Yummy!



He wanted a cupcake more than his train cake--oh well! :)



The Spread




His new favorite thing--Cupcakes



You can never have enough balloons...



So thankful for Pops



This is what happens when you take the family picture after the party..



Lovin' all the trucks I got



Claire looking sleepy eyed with Duncle



Jen and Cody



James and Jaillene



Meghan and Noah



Harper Ann having a ball with the bow

First Roadtrip

We took our first family road trip over Memorial Day weekend to visit my family in Birmingham. I was so ready to go somewhere since we hadn't traveled since Christmas. Three hours was a very manageable trip for our littlest passenger. Claire did great; she slept most of the time while her older brother decided to boycott his nap. I forgot how much easier it is to travel with babies than toddlers. They can sleep anywhere and don't fuss over being confined. John Parker was quite a trooper. He stayed in good spirits most of the time just yelling a bunch to let us know that he was still awake in the back. :) Thank goodness, Claire doesn't mind loud noises at this point.

We packed a lot into a short period. We spent quality time with my family, visited with our friends the Youngs, and were able to enjoy dessert with my Aunt Gail and cousin Anna. I was so proud of myself for not over packing for our short trip. I truly have a problem. I usually bring 3 outfits for every day we are away and multiple toys to keep the kids occupied. I finally realize that you can buy more diapers, you can rewear clothes, and likely you won't need that many toys since Grandpa and Grandma are around to love on your little ones. Here are some pictures from our trip.

All dolled up for Memorial Day



Lolly and Harper Ann cuddling after lunch



Loving on my niece



Dr. JP's in the house



Why is Duncle trying to give me a shot?



Me and my girl



Guys and Dolls



Caroline giving JP some love



My cute pregnant friend, Gina.




Claire taking in easy on one of our breaks

Growing Pains

John Parker turned two last Thursday. My baby is now officially a toddler. I know, I know, technically little ones become toddlers once they start walking, but I love calling John Parker my baby. I'm blessed in that I had a few extra months of having a baby since JP was so late to walk. He's still quite the little cuddler which I love. It doesn't happen everyday, but most mornings or after naps I can steal a few minutes with him just cuddling and reading in his chair.
We've officially lost his bumpers, put away all of his nursery decor and have changed his room to a train theme. We're debating as to when we'll put on the toddler rails. I'm just not sure he's ready or maybe it's me that's not ready.

I do love the little guy that he's becoming. He loves to drink from a big boy cup and insists that he feed himself. I love that he's becoming more bold-like climbing his playhouse and putting his foot up on his crib. He makes the cutest noise when he plays with his cars and trucks. He is really into the game "Go and Stop". It's our favorite road game when we stop at a light. He and Duke are best buds. He loves to pet him, chase him around the house, and pester him while he eats his foods. I love that he loves to do what I do. He'll gladly help me load the dishwasher or washing machine. He likes to mow the yard and sweep the porch. (Don't be mislead, I rarely ever do these things:)) Two is going to be a good year. I'm sure it will have it's challenges. Tantrums will become more frequent and his independence will likely try my patience. I'm looking forward to this new chapter of toddler hood. Bring it on...