Story Time

The Wet Christmas Cat

Once there was a cat named Reese. She was a frisky kitten who loved to play. The only problem was, she liked to play where she was not suppossed to. Sometimes she was so naughty that she resembled more of a squirrly squirrell than a cat.

Now as Christmas time approached, Reese resolved to be a good kitten. Her reason was this; fear of missing her always hoped for wet canned food on Christmas morning.

I do not want a lump of coal, she thought. So she set out to make a list of her usual misdeeds in order to conquer the temptation to do them.

Hmmm, let's see, I will not jump on the counter, bite momma's ankles, clean the baby, or even rip the toilet paper. Surely this will bring me my beloved canned food on Christmas morn!

Little did Reese know that there was a much bigger, more dangerous, almost impossible to resist temptation coming.

Then the box came out.

Oh, a box! I love playing with boxes, Reese thought. But I will remain curious from a distance because I am a new cat. I am resolved to be good.

The problem was, it wasn't the box itself that was to be her BIGGEST, MOST DANGEROUS, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST TEMPTATION. It was what was inside the box.

Before she could see it, she heard it. It made a scratch scratch sound and it was big. Then she caught a glimpse- something green. But what could it be? As it emerged from the box, her eyes transfixed on the object. It was in that moment that the naughty came right out of Reese. Every hope of being good was gone. When she had resolved to be good, she had never seen this coming. This was different. This was the BIGGEST, MOST DANGEROUS, VERY NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST TEMPTATION. And what on earth could do this to Reese? Why, it was THE CHRISTMAS TREE!!!!!!

Energy and curiousity coursed through Reese's veins. She claimed she couln't help it as she climbed the tree, knocked down the tree, bit lights off the tree, pulled ornaments off the tree, and even crinkled presents under the tree.

Reese's parents tried talking to her, taking her out of the room but nothing worked. They didn't want to, but they had to-bring out the spray bottle. Now every kitten knows that being squirted with water is a most unpleasant thing. Reese surely didn't like being squirted but at first it did help her remember to be good..for a little bit. But because Reese didn't mind this temptation, that she didn't resolve to be better about this, it was her downfall. She built up a tolerance to being squirted, sometimes taking not one, two, but sometimes five squirts before she would distract herself. And so, all Christmas season long, Reese became the wet Christmas cat.

Whether Reese recieves her beloved wet canned food is yet to be determined by Santa.

The End.

His happy place

Parker has taken to thumb sucking lately. Something I did till I was, ahem, 8 years old. Yes, you heard me.

Embarrassing? not anymore, but at the time it was. What prize finally motivated me enough to stop? A pair of red plastic open toed heels with sparkles. They were dreamy and made me look oh so grown up and pretty.

And just for the record, I do not have buck teeth and never needed braces for that matter. So there.

For now, it's just plain cute with Parker. He even tries to suck his thumb while nursing- I will give you two words to describe it; wet and noisy.

The Woombie

Has anyone every heard of The Woombie? It looks so cool! I have a couple swaddle blankets including Halo Swaddle Sleep Sack and Kiddopotomus. Parker doesn't like swaddling in general, but I'm wondering if he may like this because it allows more movement.

Who is this child?

Mr. Smiles
Mr. Mittens

Mr. Sleepy while holding his hands so cute.

No colic for three days! I hope I didn't just jinx this by acknowledging it. This is so easy! Giggles, talking, naps, and play time! Is this what having a non-colicky baby is like? If so, sign me up with Octomom because babies are just fun and cute!

Where's the Turkey?

On Thanksgiving, our little butterball went missing when I laid him down for a nap in my Aunt's spare room. This is what I found- a foot! He inch-wormed his way to the left and then under the bed! Me and the turkey all dressed up for the big dinner (which he screamed most of the way through).

A closer view of his little man outfit. so cute.

Many, MANY things to be grateful for this year. But these two top the list.

Arrgghh!

Parker is having his second bad day in a row. I just ordered Colic Calm (a different type of gripe water) and as soon as I hit "order" I'd wished I had paid for rush delivery. Poor guy is in pain often- hence the crying. He has finally passed out on the living room floor. I immediately felt like a chicken with my head cut off thinking of all the things I need to and want to do and every precious moment of his sleep is ticking away as I try to organize my thoughts. Then it hits me, he is sleeping in the living room and any chore that greatly needs to be done is in the general arena of the living room. Argh, I am banished upstairs with one pile of laundry to fold.

oh well, I guess I'll blog. I'd really like a nap, but laying down is like asking him to wake up screaming as soon as I get cozy.

Family Updates

Here's Parker giving Mommy some time to catch up on New Moon before the big movie! (and by the way, I love that bassinet that my SIL Amanda recommended. It makes nursing at night much more pleasant and also gives me the chance to stare at my beautiful baby while in bed)

Today Parker is 3 months old! so not fair that they grow so quick. He is talking up a storm, giggling, grabbing toys and even sings with us- it sounds like a puppy howling ("ooooowwww"). He can hold his head up during tummy time and is suddenly very afraid of Brett's sneezes. Which is funny because my sneeze is louder and more alarming than Brett's. He will slowly pout his bottom lip and give the cutest cry you ever heard. Oh he is so cute. Whenever we turn the camera on to catch the cuteness, he looks like a deer in head lights and stares at the camera. I am much more sane the past 6 weeks because Parker is sleeping 6 hours straight at night. Only getting up once is AMAZING.

Brett is now working 12 hour shifts instead of 8 hour shifts. This means he only works 3 days a week! It is sooooo nice having him home those other 4 days. However, on the days he does work, we basically don't see him. That makes for a long day for mom, colicky baby and over-worked dad. And by the way, Brett's boss has posted a couple letters on his unit because family members of patients have said he is the BEST nurse. The cardiac ICU (that's where he works) was also voted the best cardiac ICU around. The hospital has billboards up around MN boasting this, and even has pictures of his co-workers on them. Brett had just finished a long night shift when they took the pictures and refused to be photographed. What a stinker, but I can't say I wouldn't have done the same. Anyway, its goes without saying that Brett is an amazing nurse and incredably hard working. He is just starting to study for the GRE and prepping for anethesia school applications next year. Whew, along with his calling in the Elder's Quorum presidency, he is BUSY!

I am not nearly as busy as him but my full attention is demanded by Parker all day. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Having a baby and being at home is just as wonderful as I always dreamed it would be. It's not easy, but completely satisfying. The only hard part is wishing I could take some of the burden off Brett. It's still an adjustment because previously our duties have been very equal. For almost 6 years, we both did school, work, callings and shared household duties. I am still trying to find a good routine to take over most of the household duties with a colicky baby. Luckily I have an amazing husband who doesn't mind helping me when he is home.

In other news, we (including both our moms) have been working on finishing Parker's room in time for his crib to arrive. Brett's brother and wife are giving us their crib in the middle of December when their youngest is done with it. We have been so lucky to be the benefactors of some generous people! I can't wait to post pictures of it when it's complete.

Blessing Day

Such a handsome boy! My MIL made his bow tie out of extra fabric from my wedding dress.
I wanted a picture of us by this painting in our brand new church building- isn't it beautiful?! My friend Carmen croqueted that blanket for me.

The family at the blessing minus Tim and Marnie's kids who were off playing.

Brunch at our house afterwards.

Bryson and Jack admiring Parker.

Mr. Bones and Scaredy Cat

Here are the for real baby and fur baby on Halloween. I wanted a picture of Parker and Reese next to the pumpkin. This is the best we got because Reese kept trying to walk away. We gave her some treats but this is her walking away and licking her chops after promptly finishing the treats before we could even snap a picture. I love how she looks all mean and Parker totally looks scared of her.

lucky i'm in love with my best friend

six happy years. i love you boo.

Apple Orchard and a Parker Pumpkin Patch!

A goat sniffing Parker. We ripped poor Parker from sleeping in his warm stroller to take pics, he was a good sport!
Parker riding the fake pig.

Sitting on the fake tracker with Dad.

Looking cute as ever in a pumpkin patch!

Our good friends Jade and Ginger had previously set up this ideal photo shot for their three little pumpkins and let us borrow the costume, set and camera to capture the only Halloween that Parker will fit in a pumpkin. I love it!

First Pair of Jeans

Parker's first pair of jeans! He dressed up to go shopping at the mall.

Doesn't Brett looked rugged in his beard? I think its a good look for him!
The cutest view!

A true Minnesota baby-sporting a cute winter hat!

Newborn Photos

Having a photographer in the family is GREAT! We are lucky enough to have two! In Utah, my sister in law, Ellen, was always willing to take photos for us. And now that we are in Minnesota, Brett's cousin's wife (got that?), Kim, is a photographer with her own buisness. She offered a free sitting and picture to me for my baby shower and I was so excited! 10 days after Parker was born we headed down and did a little photo shoot. Parker was not as cooperative as we wanted but Kim was extra patient and spent a lot of time waiting to get the shots we wanted. Kim is very fun and easy to work with. Check her out at krussellphotos.blogspot.com She has a great deal going on right now for Christmas pics!

Melt my Heart

Parker started smiling a couple weeks ago! Truly nothing better. He is looking JUST like his daddy now so now I need to add baby boo to his long list of nicknames. Other nicknames include; Mr. Floofloodoo, Mr. Man, and Parker Roo. He also started reaching for toys several weeks ago.

Parker Pics

Just thought I'd post some pics since Parker is getting HUGE so quick. He gained a pound a week his first 3 weeks! I have no idea what he weighs now, but he is bigger!

Paker facts:

He is 6 weeks old today.

He has two dimples on his right cheek

He recognized me at 3 weeks old

He smiles when he is falling asleep

He began purposefullly smiling this week

He has a loud cry which draws a lot of attention

He loves to sleep on our chests

He will almost instantly stop crying and close his eyes when we turn the faucet on, but will not do this for other white noises, like the bathroom fan, humidifier, etc. Thus, I do believe our water bill is going up...

He is very strong

He makes lots of little grunts and noises...basically he is just a very noisy baby whether he is crying or not

He is very gassy

He makes this sound when he is sleepy that sounds like he is laughing

HE MELTS MY HEART

As for the colic, he had two GREAT days over the weekend (of course when Brett is home) but is back at it now. Here's what we've tried...

chiropractor

zantac

prevacid
tylenol

mylicon

gripe water

white noise

different sleeping/holding techniques

swaddling

milk free diet

formula

rectal stimulation

probiotics

Priesthood blessing

and I'm sure I'm forgetting something

I'm hoping he will start to get better since its suppossed to peak at 6 weeks and get better by 3 months. The doctors want me to either wait it out at this point or try Nutramigen formula for 5 days which would elliminate allergens to see if he is allergic to something. I really don't want to do this but I just might. He will sleep for an hour at a time at night but rarely gets more that 2-3 10-20 min naps during the day. And mostly crys in between. Its a very pain filled cry that breaks your heart. He will even turn purple and blue and stop breathing for 5-7 seconds. He has a herniated belly button which seems very painful but they won't do anything about that until he is a couple years old. His belly button is huge and is constantly protruded and you can hear and feel air gurgling in there. Its very creepy. I know this is a common problem but from what I've read Parker's seems worse than most cases. Anyway, I love him oodles and oodles and just wish I could make it better now.

Pre-Parker Post

Last pregnancy shot.
I got a pedicure and had to go blue in honor of the little man.

The neighborhood pool and my lopsided belly. He was constantly lopsided and would push his butt and feet out at the same time causing my belly to look like a football. It was not comfortable.

Baby shower with family and friends. I told my sister to take pics during the shower- she forgot, soo this is all I have.

Before Parker arrived 10 days early, I was working on this post. It seemed a shame to waste it, so here it is. The title was going to be "No job, no baby, no problem". I can't believe this was just 6 weeks ago! Weird. I can't believe I was pregnant and yet it is still kinda weird that I'm not pregnant.

COLIC means...

- that you cry ALL the time

- that you don't sleep much and neither do I

- that we've spent a lot of money trying to make you comfortable

- that it hurts me to see you in pain

But most of all it means that I still love you to the moon

Baby Love

Kissable

First BYU game- he doesn't fit his BYU gear yet, but he is wearing blue and white with a sports themed shirt. Yup, that's me with my for-real baby.

I can't believe he's here, I can't believe he is mine. I am completely exhausted and totally in love. I am typing this one-handed as to not let go of the feast on my senses that he is. He is delicious to smell, taste, look at and feel. Oh yes, he must be real.