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...

Claire-Two Months

All Smiles



Check out my dark hair



Excuse Me!



My how I love my little Claire! She really has started to come alive. I'll be the first to admit I'm really not a huge fan of the newborn phase. I adore the newness of little babes, but I'm much more in love with a little baby who can smile and coo. It really helps me feel connected with my little ones.

Weeks 5-9 were pretty rough. It seemed like sleep was hard to come by during the day. Claire loved to be held when sleeping. She would cry the moment I put her down in the crib. This was a bit hard with a adventurous and needy toddler. The baby Bjorn became my best friend. Week 10 was our turning point. Claire cooed for the first time which melted my heart and still does. I seriously could spend hours listening to her coo. She gets quite talkative at night right before she goes to bed. She also loves to talk and interact most when I'm changing her. She also started sleeping longer at night--9-10 hour stretches! Woohoo! I feel like a new woman. She likes to keep me on my toes though because each night she varies her wake-up time. We're not out of the woods just yet, but I do see the light at the end!

We had a great 2 month visit. She continues to top the charts with her height (24 1/2 inches) and weight (12 lb, 4 oz).

Things that I've loved this month--

*How much she loves to look at her brother--she'll follow him around the room when she's laying on her playmat

*How she and her daddy have connected this month--he's figured out how to soothe her and to make her smile. I love watching them cuddle.

*How laid back she is; she will gladly take a break from eating or playing if I need to take care of her brother or make dinner. She's surprised me with her flexibility. Judging from her first 9 weeks I thought she might be high maintenance! I'm hoping I was wrong.:)

Small Spaces

John Parker loves small spaces. It's been a slight obsession of his a couple of months now. He loves to stuff himself, blankie, and toys into crates, toy boxes, or plastic containers. It's ADORABLE!!!

He can play amidst his homemade fort for a half hour or more. The other day he wedged himself into the kitchen cabinets along with his blankie and closed the doors; it was so cute!!! What I love most is that he knows no size, time and time again he invites me to play in the cabinet or crate. I love that he thinks his big mama can fit. It's so fun to see his mind at work; his imagination is definitely emerging.

Claire-One Month

I have loved how so many of my fellow friends and bloggers recap each month with their little ones. It's fun to see a picture of how they are growing and to hear how they've changed. So here goes, I am behind as usual. However, 10 years from now I won't care. I'll just love looking back at pictures of my little Claire bear.

Things that have happened this month--

*We've learned that you are a hungry girl--you can eat. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised since you were 9 lb, 11 oz at birth. You eat every 2 to 3 hours, but mostly 2.

*You are a cuddler; you love to be held by anyone and everyone. You've gotten lots of good cuddle time with mommy, daddy, family, and friends this month.

*You started smiling so early on (day 20 to be exact) and haven't stopped! I love your sweet smile.

*I am not ashamed that I'm a little bit more relaxed this go around--I love to snuggle with you during nap time and often snooze with you while your brother sleeps.

*I didn't waste anytime putting you in your play gym or bouncy seat. You love the flashing light, just like your brother. You smile at the giraffe in your bouncy seat.

In many ways, the 1st month was a blur filled with wonder and exhaustion. We are so glad that you are a part of our family. Daily, we thank the Lord for how healthy you are.

Giving Thanks!

It's hard to believe that our little Claire Bear is already 2 months old. We have been so amazed by the generosity of family and friends. I never expected such an outpouring of love especially for a second child. We have loved all the visits, cards, and care packages. We were blown away to have received 7 weeks of meals!!! I loved not cooking! However, my waste line needed a break since I chowed down on most of the baked goods. Here are some pictures from the last couple of months. We truly can't thank you all enough for helping to ease our transition.