Time is flying...

This is long, so if you don't have time to read it...come back.

I still can't believe that Parker is now 8 1/2 months old, Campbell is almost 3 1/2 years old, that we have 2 boys, and that SPRING is FINALLY here!!! And today is the ideal first day of spring. The temperature was around 77 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and a slight breeze. It couldn't get any better.

I do have to remind myself that it's been quite a journey to get to this fabulous day. The first six months of Parker's life were a bit stressful, to say the least. And as I told my mom the other day, he really did have colic for those first 6 months. He wasn't just a fussy baby. Then a friend reminded me that once the colic goes away, everything begins to fall into place. She was absolutely right. Around 7 months (when we were in New Orleans), I started to see a noticeable difference, but I chalked it up to traveling and he was just better on central time zone. We then got back up here and he has continued to be easier and easier. He is finally that totally happy baby (except when he's tired and ready to go to sleep), and he has FINALLY decided that my scheduling is going to win. He has thrown in the towel and adjusted to the life and schedule that I have set for him. WOOHOO! All that being said, Parker is an absolute dream. His eyes light up a room so fast and melt everyone's heart. He has a laugh that is contagious and the way he holds out his arms for me, Jason, or Campbell is too cute for words. We are all totally in love with this little guy and are so blessed to have him in our lives. He has taught me so many things about myself and has made me so much stronger.

Now, Campbell..."baby boy," which is what Jason and I called him for the longest time...is no longer a baby boy. He's such a big boy and it just kills me how fast he has grown. He is one of the sweetest, most even tempered, gentle, and compassionate boys I've ever met. He is not afraid to show his feelings or his love of something or someone. He has a VERY "go with the flow" personality, and adapts to pretty much any situation (with a few tears here and there). He loves to kiss, hug, and play with Parker in such a gentle way. He loves to try and show Parker how to roll over and crawl. And most of all, he hates when Parker is upset. He just wants to fix whatever is wrong and right away. At the same time, he has inherited some of my fun traits! For example, loves fruit, BUT will not eat it in anything. Does not like the "chunks." (Blueberry muffins, yogurt, breads with raisins, etc). He has also learned that if he tells us his tummy hurts, that we might not make him eat anymore. Mom and Dad, sound familiar? Each of these things make Campbell the wonderful little boy that he is. Recently, Campbell was accepted into a new preschool for next year. Unlike many of the schools up here, it was not a lottery for accepting new students. We had to go thru an application process that included a playdate for him which included a little "test" with the admissions director. It was so neat to see what he knew and what he was able to do. I was so impressed with his abilities and so proud of him for being accepted. We are looking forward to a new school and new friends.

Happy St. Patty's Day...a few days late

Parker was done with posing for the camera, but at least I got them together for the shot.

I have to admit...blogging has not been my top priority lately and I feel so horrible because there is so much to catch you up on. For example, Parker now has 7 teeth, yes, 7! He's eating us out of house and home (avocado, peas, macaroni, banana, cantaloupe, peaches and the list goes on). The bad news, we think he has developed an allergy to milk :(. It doesn't appear to be too severe, just a rash and a bad cough (which is common with milk allergies). So, we'll see what the doctor says at his 9 month appointment.

Campbell, well....where do I begin? An absolute riot. He's a complete and total drama king. He knows how to turn on the charm in an instant...and boy does it work! His sweetness grows each day - he'll be in the middle of playing or eating and he'll stop and say "mommy or daddy? and we say yes, and he says i love you." Just out of the blue and a moment that just lights up our day and makes us forget about whatever might be on our minds. He has become very protective of Parker, as if he wasn't already. He is quite insistent on feeding Parker whenever he can. Whether it is a bottle or some puffs. Sometimes, it's extremely helpful when I'm trying to get Parker's bottle ready, and Campbell just jumps right in and feeds him a snack. What a lifesaver!

Okay, so those are just a few things going on in the Spence household. Back to St. Patty's Day. No big plans, but it was one of the first fabulous days of weather that we've had in months. So, I loaded the boys up in the stroller and headed to the park.

Have a great weekend!

Parker - 8 months

Parker - 8 months Campbell - 8 months

Wordless Wednesday

Parker...7 months

Parker - 7 monthsCampbell - 7 months

What an unbelievable Super Bowl and Mardi Gras!

We're back and still quite excited about our incredible win over the Colts and a great Mardi Gras. The boys and I left on the morning of my birthday, and I have to say...they decided that they were going to give me the best birthday present ever! There was not one tear, hint of fussiness, or whining the entire trip to New Orleans. Yes, my two boys were so patient with the 1 hour wait in the security line, and could not have been better on the airplane. Parker drifted off the minute the plane took off, and Campbell, well, he was just so excited about going to "New Oh-lins" that he didn't have a thing to fuss about. When the Captain said it was okay to turn on the electronic devices, out came the DVD player, headphones, and "Lightning McQueen" movie, really known as "Cars." At the end of the flight, a few people stopped me to ask if I had given them something to make them behave so well. I was flattered and so proud of my little guys.

That Sunday, we started off the day with our first Mardi Gras parade. Very low key, which was good since Parker had never experienced one before. He did so well, that he fell asleep during the parade. That night, we watched the Super Bowl with my family and boy what a game! I don't think anyone sat down the entire game. Even Campbell and his cousin, Ana, were running around with nerves. Below is a video of C when the Saints were having some trouble...

So...the Saints did it, they won their 1st Super Bowl and we were in the Big Easy to see it! I couldn't have asked for anything more.

After the win, we had all week to prepare for Jason to arrive and for the Mardi Gras festivities to begin. Campbell couldn't wait to go to more parades and to "march" along with the bands. Before Jason arrived, our wonderful friends who used to live up here (and now live in Shreveport), came down to visit. We started the morning off with beignets and then a trip to the Children's Museum. You could barely tell that the kids hadn't seen eachother since June. We all just picked up where we left off, with the exception that there are 2 new babies in the mix.

On Saturday morning, we hit the ground running! Spent the day with tons of friends and gorgeous weather, watching 2 parades. Parker did great, slept in the carrier, the whole time! This was pretty much the name of the game for the little guy. I think I need a massage after holding him for so many days/hours!

The adults got all gussied up on Saturday night and headed to Mystic. This was Jason's first year as a member and had a great costume! A highlight of the evening was Dad re-proposing to Mom in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary coming up in July. It was one of the sweetest things ever and I just pray that Jason and I are as happy as they are in 42 years. We are looking forward to a fabulous Rapier family trip to Colorado to celebrate the big 50!

The next morning, up again and out to more parades. The Sunday before Mardi Gras is one of our favorite days. Fun parade, good food, and awesome weather!

By Sunday night, we were all done! We stayed in and I did what I do best, slept on the couch while Jason watched the Olympics. Happy Valentines Day!!!

Monday, we went to one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants and got our fried shrimp po-boys and Campbell even liked the fried shrimp. Hint, we did have to call them chicken nuggets. But hey, what harm did it cause?!?!

That night, we went to my aunt's to watch the Monday night parades. We've done the past 2 years and really love being with her family for the parades. Campbell was hysterical, picking up his trumpet every time a marching band would come by and joining in! Parker, well, Parker did what he did most of Mardi Gras. Slept in the carrier on my chest. As cold as it was that evening, I was certainly nice and toasty with 20 extra pounds (sleeping pounds) on me.

Our second to last day, Mardi Gras day! Jason rode again this year, so I was on my own with the 2 guys. I have to say, managing the parades with 2 on your own is quite interesting. Thank God for my sister-in-law and brother for their extra hands. When Jason's float came by, Mike put Campbell on his shoulders and Mike's friend, Gail, took Parker. I was able to get some fun shots and to see the fun Campbell was having catching something from Daddy.

It was a beautiful day, cold but beautiful. We ended the day with another ball and took our friends from DC with us.

So everyone, after my lengthy recount of our trip, I have to say it was great. I am so happy that we were able to be there for the Super Bowl and to enjoy yet another Mardi Gras. It means so much to me and Jason that our kids love and know New Orleans. Campbell even said the other day that he wants to go back to New Orleans to see Kiki and Tater, but without me or Jason. I am not kidding, he really said it! So, Mom and Dad, you ready for him alone?!?!?!? Just kidding!

Of course, there are TONS of photos on our picasaweb...take a look and enjoy. www.picasaweb.google.com/spencefam2