Paul's Golf Course

Over the last year Paul has taken on the project of creating a golf green on our back patio.  Here's the finished project.  Note that it's complete with a sand trap and water feature (between the edge of the concrete and the rough).  Isn't it beautiful?!  What a green thumb he has, unlike myself, who has killed off too many plants to count. 

Newport Harbor Boat Rental

For Paul's birthday he bought himself a Groupon for a boat rental in the Newport harbor.  The boats max out at 5mph, so there weren't any daredevil stunts, just a nice relaxing cruise at sunset.  For weeks afterward, Parker couldn't stop talking about driving the boat. 

Double Whammy

Parker has successfully learned how to climb in and out of his crib.  Climbing in is pure comedy- he literally goes end over end- hopefully someday I'll be able to catch it on video.  Any parent will immediately understand the unpleasant ramifications of this new skill.  First, sleeping is compromised.  If the kid doesn't have to stay in his crib when it's naptime, then why would he?  Playing is so much more fun than sleeping.  Yesterday at naptime Parker was out of that crib faster than I could let myself out of his room.  I bought myself some time by putting a nightstand in front of the door, but that merely delayed him a few minutes.  Finally, I ended up locking myself in my room and watched an episode of Dr. Who with my earphones to block out the crying.  An hour later I opened the door to find Parker curled up in a ball, asleep, just outside my door.  If there is any silver lining, it's that I've been dragging my feet about putting Parker in a toddler bed (which he really needs- at 28 months he's way too big for his Pack N' Play) because I didn't want to deal with him getting out of bed, which is no longer a novel issue.

The second reason this is so difficult is because the Pack N' Play has also acted as Parker's spot for timeout.  I loved this because I could put him in there, walk away and even give myself a personal timeout.  He had time to cool off and then I felt like we both were better able to communicate after I went and got him.  Parker doesn't go in timeout often, but when he does it's for good reason- like hitting, running out in the street, or throwing food.  He'll have weeks where he doesn't have timeout at all, but then there are those magical days when it seems like he ends up there at least every hour.  Yesterday he was there for throwing his fork in a fit of rage, and it didn't take him long to figure out that he could get himself out of timeout quite easily.  From there he purposely did naughty things to be put in timeout.  Literally, he would hit me and then excitedly say, "Time out?!!!"  I tried putting him on a timeout chair, which seems to be the best option at the moment, but I didn't like having to stand guard over him as he slid off the chair as soon as he was set on it.  Usually after timeout we have a little chat and he always gets a hug and kiss at the end of it.  Let me tell you, I was not in the mood for any affection after forcing him to stay on that chair. 

I know we'll figure this out and it makes me chuckle a little bit to think that this is only a very small example of what parenting is all about- being creative and adapting to new situations before you feel you're ready to. 

Parker Visits Grandma and Grandpa

While I was in Michigan, Parker got to spend the week with Grandma Trudy and Grandpa John.  It sounds like Parker had his fair share of meltdowns, but Grandma and Grandpa took it all in stride and I'm pretty sure that they still love him!  Parker got to do lots of fun things on his vacation like visiting the toy store, having play dates with other kids his age, playing in the backyard and riding in Grandma's bus (aka Vanagon).  We're so grateful for John and Trudy!

Visit to Michigan

A couple weeks ago I flew out to Michigan to help my bff Jenni with her newborn identical twins.  They are so adorable and small and snuggly!  Starting a couple weeks before my trip I started getting really nervous that I wouldn't be much help- I have just been so tired lately and was worried that instead of lightening the load, Jenni would have to put me down for naps in addition to her three girls (twins plus toddler).  I really didn't feel too tired while I was there- what an amazing blessing!  We had so much fun catching up all while taking care of lots of small people.

We went to Culvers for dinner one night.  It's a midwest original that first opened their doors in Wisconsin (America's Dairyland) and they don't sell "hamburgers."  No, no.  They sell "butter burgers." The buns are toasted and buttered and oh so delicious.  We also had deep fried cheese curds and frozen custard.  Now I didn't want to ingest all those calories, it was the baby.  She said (through a series of Morse Code kicks) that that's what she was craving and if there's one thing I know, it's: If baby ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Jake must truly be a saint to handle all the estrogen that was floating around in their house while I was there (Jenni, Scarlett, Siena, Jaide, me and baby girl FJ).  Hopefully the next time I visit, Paul and Parker will be there with me to even things out a bit.

Family Pictures

I have been wanting to have professional family photos taken for a loooooong time.  We take a lot of pictures ourselves of Parker, but it's hard to get a family shot when you're always the one behind the camera.  For Christmas my dad gave us a gift that will keep on giving- a photo shoot!  I had a photographer in mind, but she wasn't available until March and at that point I was in the "Is she pregnant or has she just been stealing Paul's share of donuts?" stage of pregnancy, so I thought it would be best to wait until I was obviously pregnant.  And as an added bonus, she also took a couple shots of just me and my little lady in waiting.

We had the shoot last night and the photographer already sent me a little sneak peak.  We should get the rest of the photos in two weeks.  I can't believe that she was able to get Parker to smile.  Even though we've been practicing all week, he's still pretty stingy about cracking a smile in front of the camera.

    

At the Beach

This morning we met some of our USC friends at Mother's Beach, which is the perfect name for this beach.  It's in a little protected cove and the water is really shallow.  It's a short walk from the parking lot to the water, so the trek with kids and beach toys in tow is completely manageable.  There's also a playground which looked really fun, but we never made it over there.  Maybe next time.  Parker had a blast and I loved catching up with some of my favorite people from our old ward. 

Here are the kiddos building sand castles (They're all saying "cheese!" Can you tell?)

 

I love this one of Julia and her dad!