2014: Week 8 | February 16th - February 22nd.

SUNDAY. 16th:  We woke up, raced to get ready and made it to church as a family. Sweet Parker adores "big church" and praise music.  At one point I caught him with his hand raised during worship (just like the lady in front of him) and had to sneak a photo. Super cute moment that touched my mama heart. After church and Sunday school we had lunch together at The Red Barn. Yum! We made it home in time kiss Papa and Grana goodbye and then laid down for much needed naps. Sadly, I needed the rest and had to miss Marissa's baby shower with my neighbor friends but I felt much better afterward. We spent a little time cleaning up the garage while Parker played outside. The weather has been wonderful and it's nice to be outdoors for a change. I'm super ready for spring!


MONDAY. 17th: This morning we had a playdate with our MOPS mamas and friends at Funtastic Playland. It was great to get out of the house and let Parker run around, burning off energy before we headed back home. Both of us took a great nap and then Daddy Daniel surprised us by coming home really early. We LOVE when he does this! The sweetest thing happened and I don't want to forget it. Parker gasped when he saw Daniel walk in, jumped up and ran into his arms and said "I've been missing you, Daddy". I totally teared up. It's so special when Parker expresses love to us all on his own. Parker hit the streets on his scooter and played hard with friends for several hours. Once it was dark and he had to come in, he dressed as a cowboy and rode his "bucking horse" around the living room. My cutie.



TUESDAY. 18th: Parker was at school all day. Daniel called around lunch to tell me he was heading home to nap...he's had a sore throat and some sinus yuck for a few days. I let him go to bed and set out for Parker. Since Daddy was napping, he and I decided to grab a Starbucks snack,  visit the local resale shop and then run in the closest Marshall's. It was fun to run around with him for just a little bit. Once we were home, the boys played outside and then Parker came in and dressed up as a cowboy. This photo of him made me laugh and tear up all at the same time.



WEDNESDAY. 19th: Daniel is working in Houston today. Parker and I stayed home together which I don't typically do when I know Daddy won't come home in the evenings, but he was sweet and our day was really nice. The weather was so great that our back door was open and the dogs and boy could come and go as they pleased. These are my favorite days. I'm oh so ready for spring to stick around (summer weather can stay away though). Today's funny was that Parker kept calling me "big mama" all day, like it was the name he's always called me. I could only smile at the endearment. I mean, it's so true that I can't exactly argue. Pierce's bedding has arrived. I need to order a few things to hang on the wall and then I can get his little room all put together. I'm probably going to wait until I know that no other kiddos will need to borrow his room so it'll be a last minute project. I did have appointments with two different cleaning companies this evening and cannot wait to have someone regularly helping me keep my house clean. Yay!



THURSDAY. 20th: This morning Parker sat on my bathroom counter telling me all sorts of stories. I love hearing him jabber on and on. It's fun to hear how he takes in everything around him. At one point he looked into my eyes and I was flooded with emotion so I threw my arms around him and told him how I love the moments of "just us". Very sweetly, he grinned at me, put his hands on my belly and said "but Mama, we're having more babies". Ha! Of course we are. We were so busy getting to school that I didn't really take time to process our special moment any further. On the way home, alone in the car, I completely broke down (again) as I thought about how little time we have left together as a twosome. Almost every single day for over 1,000 days it's been just us. This wild, sweet, silly, funny, fiercely loving, determined, strong willed boy has taught me every single thing that I know about being a mother. The thought of sharing myself is both overwhelming and a little bit sad. Daniel came in from Houston and I finished getting ready for my mom's night out at Clay Casa. It was fun to chat with other moms as we painted our pottery. I attempted to make a "you are special" plate for my boys. We'll see how it turns out. While I was away, my boys went on a dinner date to Panda Bear. Parker loves dinner dates and is so cute when he tells us all about spending one on one time with the other parent. On the way home I called Daniel and he made sure to tell me that Parker wanted me to know "I love you just the way you are". Ahhh, Daniel Tiger jingles. Haha.


FRIDAY. 21st: Parker and I took it easy today. We spent a lot of time snuggling on the couch, playing inside and out and laughing as he asked me if he could lay on the "rock belly". Daddy came home and we headed to "night school" so that Daniel and I could enjoy our last Parent's Night Out before Pierce's arrival. We met Sarah and Nick at their new house! I love seeing all that they've done to the place and can't wait to spend more time with them there once they're settled in. The four of us tried a restaurant called FEAST...so great! We never would have chosen this eatery on our own so I'm grateful for friends who are a little more adventurous when it comes to trying local places. Every single thing we ordered was delicious. We always have a great time with the Calks and go home feeling so filled with joy from our time together.


SATURDAY. 22nd: Today was quite busy. Both my boys got haircuts and then we went shopping for new tennis shoes. We found a pair for each of my guys and then drove over to CFA for a family lunch date. It was sweet to get to spend time together and we both love listening to Parker tell us all kinds of stories. I left Parker and his Daddy to play while I went to Target on a huge stock up the house/prepare for having a newborn shopping trip. It was expensive and exhausting. By the time I got home and got a few things unpacked, I found myself on the couch experiencing some pretty painful contractions. I actually ended up calling the hospital, crying and then soaking in the tub for an hour while I guzzled down water. It appears as though I'd dehydrated myself and that had led to preterm labor contractions. I'm a wimp, but sheesh! Completely unpleasant experience that I hope to avoid the remaining four weeks until  Pierce arrives.

2014: Week 7 | February 9th - February 15th.

SUNDAY: Sweet Brandi took a few photos of us as a family of three this morning. While I didn't want an entire session, I couldn't imagine not capturing life as we are now -- belly and all. I'm so grateful to have a friend willing to give us her talent and her time and I cannot wait to see the images. We had a hilarious lunch -- red stag gone half wrong due to being fried in coconut oil and then set off for home. It was a little strange to hug each member of my Wilson family goodbye, knowing I may not see them until I'm mama to TWO. I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's weird and sweet and scary. And it'll be here FAST!

MONDAY: Today was another MOPS meeting. It was so interesting as our mentor moms spoke to us on marriage, sex, romance and how to keep our husbands as one of our top priorities despite our busy lives. I'm grateful for women of another generation who are willing to share their experiences with us. It's so nice to be part of a group that finds these sort of relationships important. I hope when I'm old and gray I can give back to the MOPS organization that has meant so much to me as a new mama. Parker and I came home to take much needed naps and played before Daddy surprised us by coming home early. We were so excited and spent the evening watching cowboy/hunter Parker shoot every plastic animal he owns. This phase he's in is so funny and I really am lucky to get to watch his imagination grow bigger and bigger each day. Chief had eye surgery this morning to remove a spot that has been bothersome to his vision. Cookie sent us silly pictures of the entire process and Parker laughed at Chief's pirate patch. He should be better than every by tomorrow.

TUESDAY: I brought two boys home from school this afternoon and they played hard all on their own. Almost 2 and 3 is a pretty easy age for this mama. I only had to correct them a few times, but for the most part I was able to get things done around the house or sit and rest while they ran around. Too bad the weather wasn't good enough to play outside. We had toys everywhere by the time Daniel walked in the door. They both ate dinner, bathed and then we put Parker to bed while Tate snuggled Daniel on the couch and waited for his Mama to pick him up. Though a few moments are wild with two boys, I'm so glad they have one another to play with. 

WEDNESDAY: We stayed home this morning. Parker was so sweet and at one point asked me "Mama, can I kiss you really HARD?"...of course I agreed and soaked up the moment with my biggest boy. This afternoon we ran a last minute errand to Target to grab a few things for Valentine's day at school tomorrow. Parker and I needed to grab Starbucks gift cards for his teachers and couldn't walk away without treating ourselves to a coffee and cake pop. Funny enough, I'd no sooner texted Dolores than we bumped into her while choosing a gift for Marissa's baby shower. Parker and the girls acted so crazy together. They've really missed playing with one another lately. We spent a few minutes choosing a Vday card for Daniel; Parker picked out one that was eye level. Of course it was actually perfect, but the funniest thing was when we got home he walked in and said "hey Dad, we got you a dog card". Ha! NO secrets with this boy and it just completely cracks me up.

THURSDAY: Parker's school celebrated Valentine's Day today. Since I was in charge of the teachers' lunch, I had to stay about an hour and help set everything up for them before heading to my doctor's appointment. I will say that I was slightly shocked when I stepped on the scale. I'm almost at the weight I was when I checked into the hospital to have Parker! I really really don't want to gain any more since I already have a good 35 pounds to work off but realistically I know I'll put on another 4-10 lbs. Yikes! All is well with baby Pierce so my doctor is allowing me to skip a 36 week appointment and return at 37 weeks for non stress tests and a pelvic exam. I'm praying that I make some progress on my own this time around.  Parker was super cute when I picked him up from school. He couldn't wait to get home and go through his mail box with me. First, we had to run to Best Buy to grab a dvd drive for my computer and I wanted to walk through Marshall's for a few minutes. Typically, Parker is so good for me. He stays close, answers when I call him and obeys without any problems. This was absolutely not the case today. Sadly, once we got home he didn't behave much better. At one point he flat out disobeyed me and when I removed him from the box he was standing on, he hit me with a hammer (it didn't hurt, I just didn't approve). I popped him on the bottom and sent him to his room for time out but not before he screamed in my face. I admit I had to close the door behind me and have a small mama breakdown of my own. I don't like it when my sweet boy acts up. It makes me so sad and I often doubt my mama skills. Thankfully Daniel witnessed some of his poor behavior and was home to help me through the evening. We were all three so ready for bed time and a fresh start to a new day!


At one point in the night Parker did apologize for being mean to me because he wanted to and layed on my baby. 

FRIDAY: Hooray for a new day! We snuggled until late in the morning and then got out of bed to look at Parker's Valentine goodies. He was super excited about his new shovel. At his request, I made him french toast. While in the kitchen I thought it a good idea to unpack the huge box of bottles, boil everything and completely rearrange where all my dishes are in order to make room for baby stuff. Woah! Did I ever overdo it, but it had to be done and I tackled it while I was in the mood. The weather today was absolutely gorgeous so we kept the back door open for the dogs and Parker to go in and out as they pleased. Parker always cracks me up when he wears boots with a hard hat and vest. At one point I walked out and caught him "working hard". Sweet man! We stayed in our jammies until after nap time and then made cupcakes to share with our neighbor friends. Sweet Daddy Daniel came home from work early and even made a trip to Target to grab groceries for our dinner. Once Parker was up, he took him outside to play with all the girls. Papa and Grana arrived in time for dinner and Parker loved getting to visit with them before bedtime.

SATURDAY: This morning we celebrated Charlotte's 2nd birthday with a donut party. It was super cute. I loved that everyone wore their pjs! It was fun to catch up with a few mama friends and let Parker run around and play. Since we were out, we met Daddy at Lowe's for a few things to help us with upcoming projects. After really good naps, we dressed for Rodeo San Antonio where we met Hayley, Jake, Tate, Papa and Grana. They walked and walked and walked me until I couldn't go any further! The boys loved all the sites and enjoyed seeing the animals. It wasn't our original plan, but Parker was able to attend the rodeo and concert with us and his grandparents. Since he's all things cowboy right now, I knew he would be enthralled with the events of the night. He was in absolute Heaven. I really enjoyed the family date and getting to do something so special with him all by himself. The night was late, but well worth it for the memories.

2014: Week 6 | February 2nd - February 8th.

SUNDAY: After church, we made it home in time for naps and then picked up for Sarah and Nick to come over and watch the super bowl. Parker was psyched to see them and showed off as usual. He wanted to sit in Nick's lap or have Nick up and playing throughout the entire game. We shared yummy food and great convos, but the game was a complete bust. I don't like professional football at all so I wasn't exactly interested. As Parker took a bath tonight, I changed into my pjs in front of him. When he looked up at me he said "Mama, you look like you got a ball in there, but it's just Baby Pierce".


MONDAY: Errand day around here. Parker helped me go to Marshall's, Hobby Lobby and the Post Office. Very low key day at home otherwise. Love getting a chance to relax and snuggle with my big boy.



TUESDAY: I had a MOPS meeting this morning and Parker went to school. I scooted out a little early to meet Sarah for lunch at Bird Barker. The place is adorable and serves delicious food. I loved my sandwich and my chocolate peanut butter dessert. It was so nice to sit down to eat with a friend and not be rushed from the table because of scheduling or kiddos. I still had an hour or so to waste before picking up Parker so I walked through Pottery Barn and Gap. Though I had a list of things to do at home, I really enjoyed the time I had to myself.



WEDNESDAY: Story time with my boy! We always have an enjoyable trip to the library.I appreciate so much that Parker enjoys sitting down to listen to a story. One of my favorite things he said today as he snuggled into his chair to watch tv this morning was "I'm cozy as a bug". Ha! Almost...and I think I like his version of the phrase even better.


THURSDAY: It was especially cold this morning but I thought nothing of it since we've had crazy winter weather the past 6 weeks. Parker was in my bed watching Daniel Tiger while I made his lunch and it occurred to me that maybe I should look outside. WE HAD SNOW! I peeked around the corner and told Parker I had a surprise for him. His response "Who is it?". Haha. I dressed him and let him go outside to play in the cold for a few minutes before we took off for school. Of course he needed a shovel and we also had to lick it. The snow looked exactly like dip n dots ice cream. Parker even declared that it tasted like strawberries. We set off for school and immediately found ourselves in the worst traffic we'd ever seen in SA. I detoured and found a route that wouldn't take two hours to arrive at the ELC. It was fun to get to experience the wild morning together. I headed home to pack so that this afternoon we could load the truck and drive to Navasota. Today's funny saying...when I picked him up from school Parker asked me if I have muscles to carry his baby brother. I have no idea where he comes up with such silly things to talk about but I sure love it. When we arrived in Nav, Parker was so excited to see Cookie, Chief and Bekah. I can't believe this is my last trip home before Pierce is here. Lots to pack into our short trip.






FRIDAY: Honey and Harley both have vet appointments this morning. Honey needs her teeth cleaned pretty badly and both girls need another round of heart worm tests and pills. I grabbed donuts for Parker and then he and Daniel dropped me off to get my hair cut with Lyssa. It feels so good to lighten up my hair color and chop some of this long hair off. We noticed that Parker has a leaky eye and since we received a notice from school about pink eye this week, decided to squeeze him in to see Dr. Prihoda. Sweet boy. He came home with eye drops. After nap time, Baba drove in. It was a great surprise for Parker man! They played hard before Bekah took Parker to his "bakeyball" date with Cookie. Daniel and I were off to College Station for a quick kidless date. My sweet husband dropped me off for a much needed pedicure army favorite spa while he ran errands to Academy, Cavenders and Gander Mountain. We also had dinner at a local fave: Cheddar's. Yuuuuum, spinach dip! I ate every single bite! We made it home in time for bed time kisses and to chat with Hannah B-nana.



SATURDAY: Daniel and Chief woke super early this morning to head to Brookshire for a sporting clay shoot. We girls and Parker slept in pretty late and woke just in time to rush to get dressed for an early lunch with Poppy. He turns 83 next week and this is the only chance we have to celebrate with him. We sat at a huge table at Mamie's and chatted for a couple of hours, watching Parker run around entertaining us all. It always makes my heart so happy to see the men in my life love on my biggest boy. Saturday afternoon we made a trip to the grocery store for dinner while Chief and Daniel took Parker to the tractor store. He found a cowboy hat that he LOVES and looks so super adorable in it. The cowboy birthday party planning is officially in motion.

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2014: Week 5 | January 26th - February 1st.

SUNDAY: I had an incredible weekend with my favorite girl friends. Really, there aren't quite words for how refreshing it was to spend time with women who know my heart and soul so well. It was fun to get home in time to take a short nap and then get Parker when he woke up. I know he had a great time and we needed the break from one another but my heart is always so full when I'm with my boy again. The afternoon was beautiful and the weather finally warm so I watched Parker kick the soccer ball around with his Daddy. He's such a happy boy when he's able to run and play outside. Makes this mama ready for spring time more than ever.






MONDAY: MOPS Monday over car seat safety and boy did I learn a thing or two! Time to make some changes in my back seat. I always enjoy getting to see my MOPS friends and thankfully Parker enjoys attending as well.


TUESDAY: Aside from school, the only exciting thing that occurred is that Parker has decided he can now go to the bathroom alone. He prefers the door cracked and will "holler" for us if he needs help wiping his bottom. I peeked in and watched him stand on stool, pull pants down, use potty, pull pants up, flush and move to sink to wash hands. What the what?! He's not even three. I'm so proud of how independent he is and I love that he's willing to try things on his own. I just can't believe how stinking big he is right now!

I love love this image of him laughing in his Daddy's lap at bedtime.

WEDNESDAY: Jammie day at our casa.


THURSDAY: Parker was dropped off at school as usual and I headed to the OB to check on little Pierce. My appointment went better than it typically does as my doctor was all smiles and laughs today. Not sure where the personality came from but I certainly appreciated it. Pierce is growing right on track and soon I'll be at weekly appointments. I went over to the hospital after my appointment and pre registered. It was much easier and quicker than I expected. I didn't get to spend much time at home today and before picking up Parker I went by the Kirk's to meet baby Mabrey and pick up some boots she's letting me borrow for Parker's western day at school It was fun to catch up, even if the visit was a quick one. Parker instantly became obsessed with the boots and has insisted on wearing them all over the place since the moment he found them.


FRIDAY: I didn't want to get out of bed and get dressed but I saw on Facebook that a few of our MOPS friends were headed to the zoo since the weather was finally warm enough to spend time outside. We hurried to get showered, dressed and out the door...Parker had no idea where we were going. I told him it was a surprise and we made it all the way to the parking lot before he guessed where we were. It was fun to get to surprise him as I typically talk him through the day's events and errands before we set out. Funny enough, it ended up being a boy mom zoo date with Wyatt and Elizabeth, Mason and Alison, Tommy and Brianne. The boys did very well and we had a great time watching the elephant interaction. We even heard Lucky trumpet! A few of us headed to CFA for lunch afterward and then it was home for a nap. I love last minute, unplanned dates with my sweet boy.


SATURDAY: This morning we went downtown as a family to watch the San Antonio Rodeo parade and cattle drive. Parker was so excited to see the "tows and horses" and asked to wear his boots and cowboy jeans. Of course we let him and thought he looked so adorable. The parade was quick and identical to last year, but Parker loved it. Once it was over we walked to the playground and let him run around and play for about twenty minutes before heading home for lunch. We all took a good nap and then Daniel and Parker braved the pre super bowl crowds at HEB for groceries. Parker was so sweet when he got home and made me laugh at how stinking big he is. He came in alone and hollered "Mom, I gotta a bag of whole chips. Can I put them in the kitchen?". I love how helpful and funny he is.










Parker man shares my love for coke floats and had to have one all his own.