2014: Week 4 | January 19th - 25th.

SUNDAY: Parker woke at 2am this morning. I went in to his room when he woke but put him back to bed. I did think he felt extra hot but it really didn't occur to me to take his temp. I suppose I was extra sleepy. When Daniel grabbed him at wake up time, he was still hot so I took his temp and he had a low grade fever. Throughout the day it got better and worse, never really staying down low enough between administering Tylenol. A mama from a child in his class texted me that her entire family had been wiped out by the flu so I thought it best to take him to urgent care rather than wait around to see if the doctor had room to fit us in tomorrow. Our poor man was snuggly and sad all day. After his nap we did take him to see someone at a pediatric urgent care clinic and he did test positive for flu. Ohhh, the nose swabbing for the flu -- so not kid friendly. I promised him meme to make him better and whatever else he wanted since his Daddy was leaving town for the night and all of tomorrow. Parker (as smart as he is) cashed in and asked for a little coke, donut holes and frozen yogurt. Perfect dinner! Ha. We settled in without Daniel and Parker slept until early morning in his bed. Since he didn't feel well, I got him and let him sleep the rest of the morning with me. While I get the worst sleep EVER when we share a bed, I do enjoy a few minutes of sweet snuggles and getting to hold my baby like I did years ago.

Singing at CVS in his jammies.

MONDAY: Parker seems to be feeling better after being on antibiotics for 12+ hours. The weather has been nice all day so Parker and I sat on the porch and played in the sunshine for some Vitamin D. He napped well and asked for a "brown shake" before changing and heading out back to play some more. Daniel hunted all day and brought home fresh red stag meat that I fried for dinner. It was pretty tasty! I have no idea where on earth we will put the giant mount when it's ready. There's no room in our house!

Sunshine makes everyone feel better!





TUESDAY: Unfortunately I had to keep Parker home from school today. I know he's sick of being cooped up so I planned on running a few errands with him. On the list, his fave -- PetSmart. We got everything on our list done and then napped before meeting Daddy, Mr. Nick and Sarah for dinner. The men talked work talk but Parker sat right in the middle on the guys' end of the table. He absolutely loves hanging with Mr. Nick and I'm grateful that Nick is so sweet with him.

We got all dressed and Parker said "Mama, we BOTH have stickers on our hat".



WEDNESDAY: Today is hopefully our last day at home together. Parker is restless and sick of playing inside. He's feeling so much better. I've never been more thankful for modern medicine. Since Daddy Daniel is out for the night, I thought we'd better kill some time walking around Target and Marshall's. I'd hoped to find a new shirt to take with me to Fredericksburg this weekend but let's be real -- not much fits over my belly.




THURSDAY: Yay! Parker has been fever free since Monday evening so he's back to school today. I think we're both excited about taking a little break from one another. It's been so sweet to snuggle and love on him, but we're tired of Daniel Tiger, Curious George, Free Willy and Stuart Little 2. After school we had a fun snack date at Chuy's with Hayley & Tate and Brianne & Tommy. I ate enough chips and creamy jalapeño sauce that I didn't need any dinner once I got home. My fave! I hope we can make this a regular every month or so.


FRIDAY: Ahhhh! I've been waiting for this weekend for a couple of months. This afternoon Liz and Hayley and I drove to Fredericksburg where we met Jenny and Trish for a weekend away. Liz Hamburg will meet us tomorrow. We are all so excited to spend time together, without our sweet kiddos, laughing and chatting like we used to. After grabbing groceries at HEB we went to Hondo's for dinner. Chicken fried steak, potatoes, quesadillas and queso filled our table and we sat and watched couples of older generations dance the night away. Back at the house we stayed up until the early morning hours catching up on labor and delivery stories and laughing our booties off.



SATURDAY: Oh how fabulous it felt to sleep in and not have to take care of anyone other than myself this morning. We were super slow getting dressed. Liz Hamburg drove over and we all set out for Grape Creek Orchard. Our picnic basket was filled with yummy snacks and the weather was gorgeous so we sat outside and enjoyed the scenery while munching. We finished just in time to catch a tour and tasting. It was fun to learn how the wine is made and have a chance for a tasting away from the crowds. The tour guide didn't feel like we got the best he had to offer so he treated us to two free bottles of wine and VIP seating in the members only area. We sat and talked so seriously this afternoon that I teared up several times. There's no one that I've felt so open and vulnerable with since moving away from these girls and having the chance to be raw was super therapeutic. We took Liz back so she could make it back to Olivia and then decided on a carbalicious dinner. Thank goodness for people who love pasta! We headed back to our house and had some major girl talk. My most favorite part of the night was when Trish stopped and prayed over each of our families. That woman brought us all to tears! I'm so so thankful for feeling as refreshed as I do after this sweet time with friends. Big thanks to all the husbands/daddies for taking care of our sweet boys and girls.

Parker had a great time taking Grana and Tate to the Wildlife Ranch. I loved getting photos of their fun time together.

2014: Week 3 | January 12th - 18th.

SUNDAY: We've had two late nights and a few late naps recently so we opted to ignore the alarm this morning and stay home from church again. Parker actually sat on the couch with us and halfway watched Free Willy for a little bit. He did have to move to the floor to simultaneously play barn animals with his Dad. Our boy just isn't big on sitting still and that's ok. The guys helped me organize the attic and get Christmas packed away and also made a Target run. They love taking little trips to run errands together and usually come back with some sort of secret or special treat. Today it was McDonald's.


MONDAY: We had a busy MOPS morning today. It was great to see all our friends after a long break for the holidays. Since it was spa day I enjoyed a chair massage and manicure. Then we came home and napped! Since we haven't seen any of our neighbors over the past few weeks, we walked over to visit with Rylee before bedtime and even got to see Emma and Ellie. How we miss the friends on our street and can't wait for warm spring days to play outside for hours on end.


TUESDAY: After school Parker and I spent a few hours at Target and Babies R Us. We shared a snack and he helped me "shoot the gun" as we registered for a few items for Baby Pierce. Crazily Parker went potty six times in just three hours so I was worn out by the time we got home to Daddy.


WEDNESDAY: We skipped off to story time this morning. Parker loves the library and the fact that he gets to sing and pop bubbles. I'm just so glad he loves to read and to have more variety in our bed time "tories". Next we were off to get the boy's shaggy hair cut and spent a few minutes killing time at the bike store. I can tell he's ready for a balance bike...he'll have to work hard on all the hills around here but it'll be a great morning or afternoon activity to get both boys out of the house for a little while. Before racing home for a nap we took my dirty car through the car wash. I always think Parker is silly for being scared as we drive through but I love any excuse he makes to hold my hand. This evening we drove up to StoneOak to meet Daddy and a table of Cameron men for dinner. Parker did great as he's always up for a bowl full of queso.



THURSDAY: I enjoyed time to myself since it was a school day and then brought both Parker and Tate home from school. The weather was gorgeous and it was a back door open kind of afternoon. Tate did not want to leave when his mama came to pick him up, but we were having the Calk's over for dinner. We've so enjoyed getting to spend time with Sarah and Nick. Sarah came over early today and we had a few hours to ourselves to chat without our men around. Fun, fun! This new friend makes my heart so happy.





FRIDAY: Jammie day at our house. Parker and I were super lazy after all of the week's activities. I've been very sore and just needed to sit. All day. My boy has been sweet and plays all around me without demanding too much else.


SATURDAY: This morning, we headed to the wild life ranch as a family. I figured it'd be something we could all do together that wouldn't require me to do much walking, bending or lifting. Parker LOVES this place and we both love to watch him get exited over looking at and feeding the animals. Our afternoon was spent napping. How I love a good nap these days!

2014: Week 2 | January 5th - 11th.

SUNDAY: We stayed home from church today and hung out as a family before Daniel had to return to work tomorrow. Parker took his first nap in his big boy bed today and did so great! I'm super proud of him for so easily adjusting to change. It has made my life so much easier as his Mama. When it came time for bed time, he wasn't quite sure he wanted to sleep in his "blue bed". I didn't push him and let him sleep in his "brown bed" again (I had no idea it'd be the very last time)!


MONDAY: Today is our wedding anniversary. We knew we'd have Parker with us so we planned a family dinner date to Olive Garden. Parker and I hung out at home all day anticipating our date with Daddy. He napped in his big boy bed again today without any problems. I was shocked when Daniel walked in the door with an axis and black buck mount...not quite what I expected but it made the moment fun. We took our annual anniversary couple and family photo. This ALWAYS makes us laugh and while it may be a bit stressful at the time, I love looking back at us and seeing how we've changed over the years. Dinner with my boys was sweet and oh so enjoyable. I love the chance to treat ourselves and not have to cook! Tonight, Parker spent the first night in his big boy bed. I wasn't sure I'd be able to sleep and checked on him every time I woke up. I'd promised him a treat if he would stay in his bed all night long so we'll see what I have to come up with.


Parker took this photo of the two of us and I just LOVE it! He did a great job.




TUESDAY: Woohoo! Parker did INCREDIBLY in his big boy bed. He asked for his surprise and I treated him to an Olive Garden mint from last night. We went back to school today. It's been a long few weeks without "school day" and after being sick I've looked forward to some quiet time at home to get a few things done that I was forced to leave alone while I rested. Late this afternoon Parker was playing with his "yightening mtween" car while I was in the kitchen. He found this spot in the ice maker and told me that this is where he sleeps. I didn't think anything of it and then hours later as I went to refill my ice water, I laughed my ass off and made Daniel walk to the kitchen to see for himself. I absolutely love all that comes with being a boy mom.


WEDNESDAY: Parker and I baked muffins this morning and spent the day together at home. His bookshelf came in and once Daddy was home, Parker helped him put it together. I LOVE Parker's big boy room more than I ever thought I would and I'm so glad that he's comfortable in the space. So far we haven't had any issues with wanting to go back across the hall.


THURSDAY: School day again and some sweet snuggling with Parker this afternoon. I love that he climbed into my lap and asked "Mommy, can I lay on your belly?". These little moments with Parker loving on my belly melt my heart big time.


FRIDAY: I promised Parker a "pecial date" with Mommy if he slept in his bed all week. He's done better than I ever expected which is becoming so typical of my boy. We headed for a lunch date at CFA, one of Parker's faves. For the first time ever, I ordered him his own meal. We ate, played and sat down to eat again. It occurred to me that I could trade his book for an ice cream cone so I did. I didn't think that he wouldn't know how to lick the cone and it tickled me that he put the entire thing in his mouth. Shortly after this last photo I took, my phone died and I have to say it was such a blessing in disguise because we talked and laughed and kissed to the point that I had tears in my eyes.




SATURDAY: The weather was FINALLY beautiful today so we thought it'd be fun to head to the zoo. WRONG. Everyone in San Antonio was there. IT was super packed, I was dressed too warmly and Parker didn't love that he couldn't freely run around or hear us very well. We zoomed through the zoo and met Hayley and Tate for a quick bite at a local burger joint. Already looking forward to the next time we're able to go and hoping it won't be as packed.

2014: Week 1 | January 1st - 4th.

Unbelievably, we started out the new year as a couple, meaning without our Parker man. Because I've been sick he went to Cookie and Chief's for a few days so that Mama could rest. I missed him terribly and wasn't quite sure what to do with all the silence, but was thankful for an opportunity to rest and recover from a violent stomach bug. I spent the majority of two days in bed asleep and ended up sleeping so much I was sore! Parker had a great time playing at Ms. Shelli's, sleeping in Bekah's bed, flirting with Taylor, getting new pj's since Mama forgot to pack them and riding Chief's tractor. Friday night, Daniel and I went to see Saving Mr. Banks with Sarah and Nick. We enjoyed the story and were glad to get out and do something we rarely get to. This morning Daniel and I slept in and picked up the house before setting off to reunite with our Parker. We met my mom and dad in Flatonia where we were greeted with huge smiles from our big boy. It felt so wonderful to have his little arms squeeze my neck. I'm just not the same without my boy. We grabbed BBQ and visited for a little while then got back on the road to SA. The guys let me stop at Babies R Us to look at a few things and do some quick registering and we were headed home, all feeling so glad to all be under the same roof again.