Random Funnies

Parker is going to be our little class clown. He knows he's funny and we can usually get his to "perform" when requested. I find myself wishing we had a video camera running at all times to capture his expressions, funny sayings and animated mannerisms. I try to remember and write down some of my favorites. He of course says each of these very animatedly and matter of fact. Such the little entertainer!

- Oh my Goodness
- I don't believe this
- The other day during nap time Patrick and I were sitting on the couch relaxing. All of the sudden Parker appears at the top of the stairs and says, "Guys...turn that down, I'm Trying to sleep up here." Then he proceeded to walk back to his room, crawl back in bed and go back to sleep.
- Whenever Parker feels Ashton kicking inside of me he puts his mouth up to my bellly and says, "Hey...Dozer, stop kicking mommy and then proceeds to send him to time out
- You know you guys...(followed by something funny)
- This is delicious
- I'm in charge here
- I don't feel good (said very dramatically of course)
- I'm sick (said dramatically again!)

More Updates

My goal is to FINALLY get everything caught up on the blog...sad that I am just now posting pictures from the fall...I guess better late than never. I figured, why not take advantage of this bed rest thing and get some things crossed off the never ending TO DO LIST. Please forgive me for the tardiness of these posts- but I do hope you enjoy getting "caught up!"

The Collector

I'm pretty sure our little guy is going to be a lot like his Papa- he has become quite the collector as of late which makes getting out the door/long car rides quite the adventure. These days he can't seem to leave the house with anything less than five of his most "favorite" treasures. These "favorites" tend to change each day and range from the obvious (Woody, McQueen, Thomas) to the not so "normal" container of wipes, kitchen spatula or a sock. The ladies at daycare just smile and shake their heads when they see us coming. I am pretty sure every item small enough to travel is now permanently marked with a "PH" so they can make sure Parker's "treasures" return to us each day.

Funny Hair!

Just a funny photo of our little guy who currently happens to be obsessed with his "too cool shades" and thinks its funny when static takes control of his baby fine hair!

Our Resident Rock Star!

Our child has found his voice and boy is he more than happy to share it with the world. Here he is belting out his loudest, most enthusiastic version of the "ABC" song!!! Please note the death grip on his microphone...Maybe one of these days I can figure out how to upload a video as well so you don't have to miss out on the glorious audio that accompanied this photo!

Happy 2012!

One of the greatest things (among many) about our neighborhood is that we are all social and fun...plus a party is never more than a few houses away. This year for New Year's Eve we all decided to stay "in" and hosted a progressive dinner. It was nice to be able to ring in the new year with friends without having to worry about sober drivers, reservations, etc. We started our night out at the Gibsons for appetizers, then headed over to our friends the Asher's who had completly transformed their house to depict the silly country song, "RED SOLO CUP." You guessed it, the song is literally about the red solo cup we all know so well from too many years of partying. So creative and a fun touch/addition to the night. After a yummy Mexican buffet dinner we headed to the Nagle house so the fun could really begin. The Nagles have the ultimate party pad: hot tub, fire pit, dart board, screened in porch- you name it so it was a perfect place to ring in the New Year. I spent most of the night on the couch since I am on modified"bed rest" but managed to have some fun despite it all.

Happy 2012 and may the year bring you nothing but love, laughter and many wonderful memories!

The Farm Girls!

Best Buds- Angela & Ali

So fun to have Tammi back in town!

Cheers to 2012!!

The Nagles know how to throw a party!

While us adults partied it up Parker, Ellen and Marlie stayed behind with a babysitter and had their own party. Parker was so excited to have his buddies come over. He kept running around saying Happy Birthday to me. He thought the balloons and cupcakes we bought were for his birthday...when he finally realized it was actually New Year's he switched to shouting "Happy New Year" quite exuberantly. So cute. Although he doesn't look like it in this photo (he was being shy) the kiddos had a blast and despite all of their sugar and excitement managed to not be too much trouble for Miss Laura!

Our Little Monster

Halloween this year was a blast! Parker LOVED his costume and proceeded to try to "scare" everyone...however, as you can tell he does not make for a very ferocious monster!

Before we headed out to Trick or Treat we headed over to our good friend's the Nagles for a yummy pot luck dinner and games for the kiddos. Mr. John Nagle is a CRAIGS LIST JUNKIE and he is always buying fun things. This year for Halloween they went all out. I don't think there was a square inch of their home that wasn't decorated for Halloween. It was fun to watch the kid's faces and Parker made quick friends with the talking Frankenstein.

After dinner we headed out to Trick or Treat and Parker was so grown up, going to each door, ringing the bell, saying "Trick of Treat" and then of course finishing with a big thank you! When we would reach another house he couldn't believe we were going to yet another and he'd get excited all over again! I think he had just as much fun handing out candy once we got back- so cute!! It will be fun to see the boys together next year. I can't wait to start planning coordinating costumes for them each year.

Our Little Monster

Starting to "POP"

Parker's 2K Class Photo

I guess its safe to say our little man is growing up WAY TOO FAST! All of you "adults" out there are saying, we told you so and finally we are listening!

Here is Parker's 2K classroom picture and he looks pretty darn handsome and so grown up. The one thing I struggle with on the poor guy is what I like to call his "Dumb and Dumber" hair-do. Unfortunately, he has acquired my baby fine hair and Patrick's crazy thick, fastest growing hair on earth which always results in the "bowl cut" look but despite it all I guess this is as good as a class photo can get.

Santa Claus came to town!

Phew...why does it always seem that Christmas comes and goes as quick as a flash?? And I remember when I was little how that feeling of "joy" would continue for days as I played with all of my new gifts. Now as adults, the day seems so anti-climatic as the next day we are back to the same old, same old.

This year was particularly special for us in that Parker really understood all that was going on. It was so fun to watch the wonder and amazement in his eyes as he opened his gifts and helped play Santa with Uncle Drew!

Due to some complications with our pregnancy starting last week...(more potential pre-term labor contractions like I had with Parker) I was on modified bed rest and had to rely on my "elves" my mom and Patrick to handle most of the work and details of the big day! As you can see below they didn't do too shabby of a job getting all of the loot under the tree and ready for the big reveal. A huge thank you to everyone who assisted while I watched half helplessly from the couch!

We are so thankful to have some of our family close-by. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the love and traditions surrounding us! Until next year...

Parker wasn't quite sure what to think of Santa at first- but once they bonded over the duck food they became quick buds!

How many Santas do you know that feed the ducks?

Santa & Mrs. Claus- Lake Keowee


The Mathews crew (minus Patrick & Drew)

My "elves" are good- all ready to go...Santa has come to town!

Such a big boy- won't be long until we are running to catch up with him...maybe now Patrick will actually let me replace my beloved beach cruiser?

Parker absolutely loves sour things (like his Mommy) and even won the best sour face contest at school one day. Needless to say one of his favorite things to do as of late is see who can make the best sour face and he wants to do it over and over again...I think here this is actually a "real" reaction as he is licking one of those lemon juice squirters- ewww!

Digging for more goodies in his "McQueen" bag from Nana & Papa

Ready to try it out...not quite sure what to think but he does love the bells!

29 weeks and growing!

My little man

Sadie relaxing by the fire- its been a long day of chewing bones and wrestling with Brandie!

Christmas!

What a fun Christmas season we are having this year with a bright and bubbly toddler running around. I am amazed at how much Parker has changed since last year. He actually seems to "get it" this year and is loving all of the Christmas songs, foods, decorations and traditions that come with the season! he is being a very good boy and hasn't even tried to open any of the gifts wrapped for him under the tree. He does come down each morning to make sure his "treats" are still there...I am adoring how sweet and gentle he is with everything!

He's not quite sure what to think of Santa...the last few weeks we have had a remodel project going on in our home so we have spent a lot of times at Lowe's...and the past two weekends Santa has been there. Parker begs us to go visit him but then when we get closer he stops and just wants to wave and talk to him from afar. Not sure if I am even going to attempt pictures this year...we will see.

We've also officially started the tradition of Elf on a Shelf in our home. Parker has proudly named his elf "Parker Halpin" and is very proud to tell you so. I can't even believe how cute he is each morning when he wakes up and comes running downstairs to see where "Parker Halpin" has moved. We can hear him from our bedroom calling, "Where are you elf?" We have been trying to catch some of this on video so hopefully I can upload something soon!

I am so excited that our two boys will have something to look forward to each year. The holidays are such a special time of traditions and memories for me and its fun to have a family of your own to create new ones and also carry on old ones too!

This year this is much to be thankful for!