5 Month Old Video Highlights

Season of Thankfulness

We love our little guy!



Hanging with Uncle D



Little Mr. Smiles



Has Hanson come back? :) Just trying to picture JP as a brunette!



Cuddling with Pops



Thanksgiving took on new meaning this year as John and I reflected on the greatest gift that we have experienced as a couple-the gift of a son. Our life has been turned upside down in a good way. Over the last few months, we've learned that being a parent requires sacrifice and a great measure of God's mercy. Being a parent while challenging at times brings so many rewards. Our life is much richer today because of John Parker.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Happy Half Birthday, JP!

I can't honestly believe that my little baby is already 6 months old!!! Time seems to fly by even more now that we have John Parker. I'm amazed at the love that a mother can have for her child; it's like nothing that I've ever experienced before. I absolutely love staying at home with him; it's by far the best job I've ever had! :)

At one time I worried that I wouldn't have enough to do each day that I would get bored or tire of these same four walls. Now, I only laugh because most days are anything but boring. We visit with friends, go on walks, meet daddy for lunch, or visit the Aquarium. The adventures just seem to be getting more enjoyable as he becomes more engaged in them. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this past month. Happy Half Birthday, John Parker!

The Gang's All Here

We recently had a playdate at our place with the Clark's, Conway's, and Boy's crews. It's a family affair for sure since Laura and Andreja have two and the Fabienne and I have one.

It's been so neat to watch the little one's grow and develop personalities. Charlotte loves cuddling with her mama and Clarke just started to crawl. Emma and Elliott had no problem climbing upstairs and exploring John Parker's room. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

Storytime with Mrs. Laura



Clarke showing John Parker how it's done



Hey, are we on camera?



For posterity, here are all the kids (except for Nora). Getting them to all look at the camera and smile is like moving the Great Wall of China! :)

Putting my Running Shoes on again!

For those of you that know me, you know that I love to run. My running had fallen to the wayside once I got pregnant. Walking has been my only form of exercise in the last year, so you can imagine my joy to start running again. On Saturday morning, I laced up my shoes and ran the Pancreatic Cancer Reseach 5K Race.

Let's be honest; it was no cake walk. I am very out of shape, but it felt great to get out there and run for a good cause. I had the best cheering squad in town. My sweet husband and little man braved the cold November morning and managed to meet me at every mile. I've learned that even though your time is not your own as a mom. It's important to take time to do things that you enjoy, so that you can be the best that you can be. So, I'm breaking out my running shoes again, and it feels great.