Parker turns 2!

Parker - July 7, 2009

Parker - July 7, 2010

Parker - July 7, 2010

Yes, I know...Parker turned 2 two weeks ago. But that seems to be how I am these days...two weeks behind on things. Anyway, we can hardly believe that the little guy is now 2. Where have the last two years gone? Parker is now a complete toddler. A running, jumping, dancing, laughing, talking (non-stop) wild man! The boy barely walks anywhere - always running and trying to keep up with big brother.

Jumping...his latest activity is trying to jump off the stairs like Campbell. This equals heart failure for me. At least he's nervous enough to want to hold on to the rail. If he's near a pool, you can pretty much bet that he's jumping in with all of his might. Again, this is more heart failure. :)

Onto dancing...he loves to dance all around the house, especially copying Campbell when KISS is playing "Rock and Roll All Night." Uncle Mike and Uncle Jeff should be very proud that their nephews are becoming quite the rock'n'roll fans. Sorry Tater! No classical or opera yet.

Laughing...well...this just happens constantly. The child has a laugh that is contagious and brightens up any dull moment. The best time is when Parker starts laughing, then it gets Campbell going, and the next thing you know - all of us are hysterically laughing at who knows what. But it's one of those laughing moments that makes you double over and leaves you exhausted - but a good exhausted. If we could have one of those moments 5-6 times a day, we'd be the happiest people in the world!

Talking...well - is anyone surprised that he talks non-stop? Even the pediatrician commented that she knew where he got it from (and it's not his daddy)! I'll take it as a compliment, as we all know I LOVE to talk and will never stop :)! Having Campbell constantly asking him questions, asking him to say things, and just plain having conversations with him - has made Parker quite the conversationalist. He tells us what he wants to eat, drink, play. Asks for certain books. Asks to go to the gym, swimming pool, Rainbow City (the childcare facility at the club). And knows everyone by name. He wants to see "dane" (Ms. Jane) at the gym, "thelby" (Shelby) at the pool, "Noama" (Norma) at Rainbow city. It's awesome and so helpful.

His stats for 2 years? Height - 341/2 inches, Weight - 28lbs. 12 oz. and PERFECTLY healthy. We couldn't ask for anything more.

Renovation...Mission Accomplished!

It's been almost 2 months since we completed our renovation and we are so happy! The boys love their playroom and I just loved the finished look of each room. Below are some photos of the final product.

Laundry area

Office area

Play room

I LOVE THESE BOYS!

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is almost here. What's even harder to believe is that Parker will be 2 just three days later. I am having one of those moments where I am having to stop and enjoy these boys because time is flying. I have to admit, at the end of the day, I am done! I'm tired of hearing the whining, coming up with answers to the question of "why?", repeating myself 10,000 times. I put them to sleep, go to bed, then start all over again. I am only human to have these feelings. But then, when I stop to think about what they have done for me, I forget all of those frustrating moments. They made me become a mom. They have taught me to love in a way that I have never loved before. They are so responsible for making me the woman I am now. For that, I will always be grateful.

Lately, the boys have become such good friends. Parker is infatuated with Campbell. And Campbell, he just loves to help teach Parker everything he needs to know. Campbell is also one of the best interpreters of Parker language. Jason and I will be asking Parker to repeat himself over and over again, and Campbell just blurts out what Parker is asking for or saying. It's amazing. I love that Campbell wants to know everything Parker did while he was at school or camp. And just the other day, we picked Campbell up from camp and the first question to Parker (not me, but Parker), "what did you do while I was at camp?" They have a bond that only brothers should have and I pray that it grows and grows. They are sweet, gentle, funny, loving, and what makes it even better, when one of them falls down or hurts themselves, the other is usually right there making sure his brother is okay.

Thank you for letting me sappy for a minute. I am just having my "stop and enjoy the boys moment." Below are two pictures from our trip to NC earlier this month.

Campbell's Spring Concert

Campbell's Spring Concert was on May 20th, combined with Grandparents Day at school. Kiki and Tater came up for the weekend and had a blast seeing him perform. He took it very seriously, as you can see. We are so proud of him and how much he has learned this year. It's hard to believe that he's going to be in JK next year.

Weekend in Duck

I have completely fallen off the wagon in the blog world! I guess it's a good thing...we've been traveling, getting the house put back together (and yes, pictures of completed renovation are coming), and kicking off the 2011 Summer! In May, we traveled to Duck, NC for the weekend. So much fun to get them ready for summer by hitting the beach. It was overcast but warm and perfect for playing in the sand. Am going to be posting short blogposts, but at least capturing some of the fun the past few weeks. Also, be sure to check our picasaweb - new albums have been uploaded. www.picasaweb.google.com/spencefam2

Bowties & Belles

Saturday was our last event for Jr. Friends before the summer. And what a way to end the year...Bowties & Belles...Derby Style! We sipped on mint juleps, watched the derby, and enjoyed checking out everyone's hats and bowties.

My official role of Chair of the Jr. Friends began at the conclusion of the event. I am looking forward to a fun year with a great group of women on the board.

The weekend ended with a relaxing mother's day...a little bit of gardening, swinging in the hammock with the boys, and receiving a beautiful Elizabeth McKay dress and Jack Rogers sandals. It couldn't have been any better! Happy Mother's Day to all of the great moms!

Jr. Friends Chairs...Past, Present and Future


My awesome Vice-Chair for next year and this year's Bowties & Belles Co-Chair

Our sweet husbands who have given up so much to help us fulfill our volunteer duties.

Easter Time!

Yesterday afternoon, we went to an Easter Egg Hunt and the boys loved it! Shortly after we arrived, the Easter Bunny made his appearance. Campbell was beyond excited and was the first to greet him with a huge hug. Parker, not so much. He was TOTALLY fascinated with him, but wouldn't dare get too close. He wanted to wave to him constantly and call his name. Then the hunt began. All of the kids enjoyed collecting eggs in their baskets. A fun day for everyone and now we are all super excited for the Easter Bunny to drop some goodies off at 905 Allison St.

I am most excited for Easter so I can have a diet coke again! I gave up ALL soft drinks for lent and have not had 1 since Mardi Gras day. And of course, I can't wait to get into the Easter candy.

There are more pictures on the picasa web album - www.picasaweb.google.com/spencefam2