Happy December!!!

Happy indeed. This is by far the BEST month of the year, reasons being:
1. Christmas (need I say more? Ok. I will...)
2. My Birthday!
3. The smells!
4. Cold weather! (well...sometimes)
5. New Year's Eve
I could go on, but those are the main ones.

Thanksgiving this year was also great. We spent it at my grandparent's house on Lake Buchanan, and it was our first one as a little family! Madden was so much fun! Here are a few pics!

Pulling up on the couch, one of his new talents!



Ever year I decorate the mashed potatoes: This year's was EXTRA special. and in case you are confused it says "My 1st Turkey day"!

 We have already bought a few Christmas outfits for the little man, and he is so stinkin' cute!

Gandmommy made his ears like that so he would resemble an elf! It worked!

'Till next time...
The Parkers

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Christmas Time is Here...

Made our first family Christmas card!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbtmrJkzbNnHg

hope the link worked! Pin It

6 months!

Three days ago Mr. Madden celebrated his HALF- Birthday...and what a milestone it has been! The day before, he finally got the gumption to move his little booty...a.k.a. He CRAWLED! We were at my Grandparent's house at Lake Buchanan when this happened. To top off it all off, his first little tooth is poking through! So much is going on in his little life and it is scary and exciting all at the same time! Here's what else is new:
-Stats are in: Height: 27" (50th-75th %)
                     Weight: 16lbs. 12oz. (35th%)

- Crawling!!! This is his first crawl on 11/8/10: his doctor says he is way advanced for his age, and that most babies don't start crawling till around 8 months! oh boy, we're in trouble! However, my mom said that we all started crawling at 6 months so I guess it's in the genes :)

 - Still putting everything in his mouth! He loves his Gerber Cookies!

- Has his first tooth! It's barely popping out, but it's there!!!

- Takes naps in his crib!

- He is quite the little flirt.

- Wearing size 6 mo. or 6-9 mo. clothes. But 9 month PJ's!!!!

- Pulls up in his crib and tries to grab the camera...I will get a pic next time!

- Loves our cell phones, cameras, computers and will climb all over us to get to them!

-New foods: sweet potatoes, mango, chicken w/ broth (he's not a fan)

- Has a new high chair and is a big fan of it!

- Gives the Best kisses!

6 months has been super exciting so far...can't wait to see what's in store for us next!

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"Thanks, Career Point."

...for NOTHING! 

We love Madden's Doctor, he is very nice and answers all of our crazy questions :) The nurses are a different story! EVERY TIME we go to the Dr. they weigh and measure him...and miraculously he shrinks! For example: he measured at 20.5" when he was born, and somehow 2 weeks later he had lost that .5! So I made her measure again, and just like that he grew .5"! At his 2 mo. checkup he magically lost another .5" from when I had him measured a week before, hmmmm??? At 4 months he measured at 25". So yesterday we went for his 6 mo. appointment.
Let me first explain how they measure babies here: they lay him down, put a mark where his head is, wrestle with his leg to get it straight, put a mark where his foot is, then measure the distance. I'm sure this is standard with other offices as well, but these "career point" nurses, somehow get it wrong EVERY time!
Now back to his appointment yesterday, the nurse laid him down again on the paper did her marks..and said he was 25"!!! "Umm....excuse me? I don't think so! He was 25" two months ago!" So she tried again...26". Which I still did NOT believe! So I told her that I didn't like the way they measure babies here, and that EVERY time we come he shrinks! Needless to say, she didn't like that very much and was quite rude the rest of the time.
I won't deny that the way I said it was rude as well, but I look forward to his appointments for just that reason- to find out how much he has grown! And for these nurses to not get it right, makes me really upset. So I took matters into my own hands and measured him myself when she left the room. I tore off the part with the markings I had done, and put it in his diaper bag so I could measure it when I got home! And sure enough...27"!!!
The doctor came in after and assured us that they don't really look at his height at this age anyway...just as long as he is gaining weight.
Sorry for my rant, but I just had to let people know of my frustration with these nurses at his Pediatrician. So, "Thanks, Career Point."
I was going to add all of Mr. Madden's new tricks and stats to this post, but I think I will write one just for him later today! Pin It

I Love Football!!!

Ha! Now if you really know me, you will know that this statement is far from the truth. I never have really been a huge fan of the sport (I know, How "un-American" of me)...I attribute it to the fact that my high school didn't have a football team, and therefore I had no emotional ties to the game. Yes, in college we had a football team, but I played volleyball and rarely got to go to a game because we were playing at the same time, or on an away trip. And let's be honest, Texas State is not known for the student-body being full of school spirit and gung-ho about it's sports teams :/ Sad but true.
So why my sudden "love" of the game?
Well, Matthew produces the weekend show for KENS5 and therefore is usually there ALL day on Saturdays and Sundays. However, when they are airing a football game on Sunday, they usually don't have an early show (5:30 pm) and that means we are able to go to church together! Or if need be...SLEEP IN-- sometimes both!
So on days like today, I love football! Ask me any other day? And well...I'd rather be taking a nap! Pin It

SOMEBODY has decided to grow again. Yes, I know, he cannot stay a baby forever, but this is just crazy...
Madden has significantly long feet. This becomes a problem with those super cute  Footsie PJ's! So we bought some new PJ's for him yesterday that were size 9 months, in hopes that he would grow into them. Well...they fit perfectly!!!! AHHH!!!!
I'm not completely out of my mind yet, because he still wears his 3-6 month and 6 mo. onesies and outfits...but when I put his PJ's on last night, I think my heart stopped momentarily. My baby is getting so big!
On that note: a new/bigger car seat is in our near future. I have been researching different ones and can't decide which to get??? We have a britax one, given to us by my aunt; however, we are going to need another one as well, and I don't plan on splurging for another britax. So any of you readers with experience in this category, help a new mommy out! K?
I am also about to be in BIG TROUBLE with our little man...he is on the verge of crawling!!!! He gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth! It won't be long till he figures it all out  :O
(I will try to post some pics later when I have some time)
That's our quick little peek into the lives of the Parkers. Happy Holloween!!! Pin It

Inspiration

As with most people, well, probably everyone, I need some inspiration to blog. I know, I know, I have the ultimate motivator--Madden. I should be able to write everyday, five times a day, with the material this kid gives me. So why do I only blog once every 2 weeks or so (if I'm lucky)???
Excuse #1: Time! He consumes my day, everyday! So I don't always have time to sit down and write.
But now he is going to sleep at roughly the same time every night, so why don't I do it at night???
Excuse #2: Exhaustion. By the end of day, I am so tired, often times smelling of spit-up, and the last thing I want to do is type.
And lastly,
Excuse #3 for not blogging often enough: I actually think I may have TOO much to talk about!!! I sometimes have so much to say about so many things that happen in our fun little life, that I can't just pin one thing down! And then everything I want to say seems to jumble up and ends up not making sense at all! I know....Tragic.

I could say that I will try to write more often....ha, I also told myself I was going to start waking up to run in the mornings, and well lets face it...that hasn't happened yet!  : /
Therefore, no promises. The stories will come whenever they wiggle themselves from my brain and make their way to my fingers and this computer! Till then, here's some pics of Mr. Madden!

P.S. You can thank www.thebackgroundfairy.com for my inspiration to write tonight! I'm diggin' the new background!

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Happy 5 MONTHS Madden!

WOW! 5 months already! So many things to say, where to start???
First off...I think Madden may be ones of those super strong babies...have you heard of them? He is ridiculously strong! His arms even have muscular definition! I'm thinking some kind of athlete for sure!!!

Other notable facts:

- this boy LOVES to laugh...(see video), he thinks mommy and daddy are hilarious...grandaddy is pretty funny too sometimes!
- he is a serious flirt
- we started a new sleep routine and (please don't jinx it) it is great!
- he has two indestructible books, and cannot get enough of them...good thing they are "indestructible"!
- wearing size 2 diapers
- 3-6 months clothes
- no longer nursing...we made it almost 5 months!
- He LOVES his oatmeal and bananas! Other foods we have tried and enjoy: peaches, squash, carrots, and plums. Food we have yet to try that is in the pantry: sweet potatoes, applesauce, pears, and green beans! Other moms beware: first time with bananas- don't be alarmed if you see what looks like your child ate some yarn, in the diaper! Also, carrots look the same--both ends! :)

While we are on the diaper subject- this technically could be entirely new post, but seeing as I dont blog everyday or even every week, I'll make it short :) Anyway, I never thought I would get as excited about a poopie diaper, as I do! Ever since Madden had his bout with constipation, {by the way--horrible, horrible thing for your baby to go through :(  } I get overwhelmed with joy at his poopoo pants! Madden also finds great joy in doing #2!
On to bigger and better things and I'm sure what you have all been waiting for:
PICTURES!

face plant!

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Cry It Out?

There are several debates on whether or not to let your child CIO. I always said (pre-baby) that you should just let them cry...however, ever since Mr. Madden has arrived it's very difficult to do so!
But I have decided that today is the day, for his naps at least!
Reason being: He has now started taking longer naps. For about his first couple of months, he would only take little naps (anywhere from 15-30 min.) right before his next feeding. Now he takes 2 sometimes 3, that last anywhere from 1-2 hours. I posted a while back that he would only nap in my arms. So the task at hand is getting him to take his naps in his crib!
I realize this is entirely my fault (him napping in my arms), but you live and learn, right?
30 minutes later....SUCCESS!!!
I semi-followed the Ferber Method, (going in and checking on him after 5 min., comfort him without picking him up, leave, then wait 7 min...10 min...etc.) and he DID it! He's asleep!
Now I just need to be consistent! Pin It

short and sweet

Now that Madden has found his feet, it seems as though he has grown leaps and bounds in a matter of days!
For instance, I gave him his bath tonight...and instead of being the normal blob of a baby, he was sitting up and kicking his feet! It is amazing to me how much he has discovered and done this last week. He laughs..and not just little giggles, he now has his own belly-busting laugh...so much so that he gets hiccups right after, just like me!


I've heard other moms say it before, but I totally agree that 4 months is such a fun stage! Pin It

4 Months!!!

It's completely crazy that I have a 4 month old baby boy! His stats are in:
Long and Lean

Weight: 14.0 lbs!!!
Height: 25"

50th percentile for both!

He also got two shots today :( However, he is quite the little trooper...and doing much better this time than after his first round of shots!
We love him more and more everyday! Pin It

A case of the Mondays...

I LOVE MONDAYS! In all seriousness, I wish everyday was Monday. It is really Matthew's only day off. Which means I get HELP! Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that I am able to stay home with Madden right now, it is such a blessing! But on Mondays, I am able to do things such as laundry, cleaning etc. that normally I am not able to complete during the week because my days consist of Madden!
What about nap time, you ask? Well until just recently Madden wouldn't really "nap". He would doze off right before he would eat for about 15-20 min. each feeding.
Now, he will take 2 sometimes 3 naps. HOWEVER, they only last about 20 min. UNLESS you hold him the entire time! So, he will usually sleep for an hour for his first nap, and then late afternoon he will take another one for upwards of 2 hours....in my arms!
Trust me, I have tried to lay him down once he is fully asleep, and within 45 sec. he is awake and MAD!
So, on  Mondays, I have someone else to hold him for his naps...like right now--Daddy is on the couch with Madden!
And now, back to my amazing Monday, with my amazing little family!

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Red Rover, Red Rover, Let Madden ROLL OVER!!!

So the past 4 mornings Madden wakes us up as usual....however...he is now facing UP! He has been a tummy sleeper ever since we brought him home from the hospital (I know they tell you not to, but that's how he would fall asleep, so why mess with what he prefers?!?!) anywho...he now rolls over almost everytime he wakes up!
He has rolled over before this, but those times were only because we would put him down for tummy time and he would get so mad that he flipped over!
The first morning he did it, I think it startled me and him! He was still screaming just like it was an accident. But the next morning he was talking and playing! When I heard this, I decided that he was letting me sleep longer...then he screamed!
I will say this...it is much easier to pick him up out of his crib when he is face-up, than when he was on his tummy and crying for me to get him.
Madden is now 3 months old...it's crazy! We have decided that he is an amazing baby! I was recently reading some other mom's blogs and some interent postings on babies and pacifers/bottles, etc. and how their babies would only drink from certain bottles, and some wouldn't even take a paci.
Madden, on the other hand, doesn't care where the milk comes from, as long as it's warm! I am nursing him, but for those times when he gets a bottle, he doesn't care what kind of nipple it has on it, as long as something comes out! Same goes for the paci...we have 3 different kinds and at any moment I can pull any one of them out of my diaper bag, and he will take it!
So like I stated, he is an amazing baby!
He is a mover! He does not like to be in one spot for very long, unless we are outside. If you are holding him, he will rarely let you sit down for longer than 45 seconds. To remedy this and save my back, I have on occasion, been known to drive him around the house in his stroller! He's a fan! I wish I could take him on a walk outside during the day, but it is just WAY too HOT!
He has his nighttime routine now...he came up with it himself! Just before his last feeding I will give him his bath (it just so happened that around this time he would either have a ridiculously large #2, or he would spit up all over himself), then I will nurse him, then he winds himself down and grandmommy will usually rock him to sleep. Tonight, he went to bed at 8.
I'm super excited for what's to come with our little man...so till next time! Pin It

"I LOVE to Laugh...Ha Ha Ha Ha!"

Mr. Madden is almost 3 months old and is becoming quite the giggle monster! It might be the cutest thing I have ever heard! I have yet to catch it on camera though :( I will keep trying.

Other milestones...

-He has kind of put himself on a schedule...his last feeding is usually around 7-8 pm...then will stay awake for about an hour, and about the time he would get hungry again he falls asleep and is down for the night! He will sleep for about 5-7 hours then wake up to eat again then sleep for another 3 hours, eat again then repeats that one more time...and around 10:30 or 11:00 am he is up for the day and ready to play!
- He sleeps in his crib!

-He is a pro at holding his head (has been for a long time)

-He is working on sitting up

-From his back, he can roll up onto his side--then just kind of stays there! He hasn't quite figured out how to get ALL the way over.

- He loves being outside

-He thinks his grandpa is the funniest person alive!

- He loves going swimming and being in the water

I could go on and on about this little guy! He is an amazing baby, we love him SOOO much! He is three months old on the 9th and I can't believe how fast time goes by and how much he has changed! Till next time... Pin It

3rd Time's a Charm!

Apprently Madden doesn't like change much...
The first time we put him in his swing he instantly began crying. So we waited a couple of days before we tried it again...this time he sat in it for about 45 sec. then decided he hated it!
3 must be the magic number, because the third time we put him in it, he loved it and ended up falling asleep! He just hangs out in it now! It's a life saver some days :)
On the same note, his bouncer chair experience was very similar. However, he loved it the first time we put him in it...My mom and I were at Target and Madden was quite fussy. So we put him in the bouncer on display, turned on the vibrations and he was instantly quiet and happy. We decided it was a MUST to buy.
We did, put it together, and when we put Madden in it...you guessed it...he HATED it!
It took a few tries, but about the third one he became a fan. The bouncer is still touch and go though...this boy loves being held!

Here he is 2 months old in his giraffe swing! 

 












And asleep in the bouncer:

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Bath Time BABY!

As promised, bath time stories commence.
It has been quite a journey with Madden and the tub. When we first got him home, we had to do the whole sponge bath thing...Madden was NOT a fan! He hated it and it definitely took 2 people to get him clean! He is hilarious when he gets mad...his arms and legs shoot straight out, knees lock, he shuts his eyes, and SCREAMS! Needless to say those sponge baths were short! When the umbilical cord finally fell off we thought bath time would be a little better...NOT! The first few times it was just the same except now there was a tub full of water involved!
I attempted it by myself, once.
Relief was found in the shower! Turns out Madden really does LOVE water! We started taking showers with him...he never cried once! I think the sound of the water distracts him...that and he's being held the entire time!
Even with the success of shower time, "bath time" was still on my mind. So a few days ago I attempted the once dreaded bath...SUCCESS!
The key to my success, keep the water running! I can only imagine that bath time will get more fun as he grows up and is able to sit up and actually play in it! Right now, he is still just kind of a blob :)
The adventures continue and we are loving every minute!

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"Oh, Oh, It's MAGIC! you know...."

Madden's carseat is MAGIC!!! He falls asleep almost instantly when we put him in it! Which is good to know should we ever need to put him to sleep when he doesn't want to! Don't worry...we are not those people who will put him in it all day...those babies are bald on the back of their heads!!!

I still can't believe how fast time goes by! He is a month old as of yesterday. It's crazy. And it has definitely been an adventure so far...from bathtimes, feedings, mini- trips, and all the bodily functions that babies do!
Babies are a handful...but at the same time they are their own comic relief! He is so funny! The noises he makes, the way he goes cross-eyed, the way he bobs his head when he's hungry...he makes me laugh everyday!!! I LOVE HIM!
I will try to post again about bath time....i would do it now, but I feel it deserves it's own post!
So till our next adventure and when I have time...

-The Parkers! Pin It

Madden Valentine Parker

I'm a MOMMY!!! (As most of you already know from facebook). Madden Valentine Parker arrived at 11:28 pm on Sunday, May 9, 2010--Mother's Day! What a perfect Mother's Day gift! He did however ruin the plans for that day...my baby shower!
I went into labor at around 10:30 pm on Saturday night...I didn't really know it was labor...I just knew my back was killing me! Matthew got home from the station at around 11:00pm. Not long after he got home I realized that the pain was coming and going...then it dawned on me...I'm having contractions!

We started timing them, they were coming about every 10 min. and lasting about 30 sec. Gradually they were coming faster, lasting longer, and hurting worse! At around 1:00am, they were every 4 minutes, 1 min. long, and we decided that we would leave at 2:00 am for the hospital if they were still coming. We frantically packed our hospital bags (we weren't quite ready for this to all happen yet!). Matthew loaded up the car and we left for the hospital at 2:15am.
I had called my parents house twice, with no answer, to inform them that I was having contractions and we would be going to the hospital. Kat and Matt were spending the night there, because I was supposed to be having my baby shower that next day, so I called Kat and told her to wake up mom and give her the phone!

Good thing about going to labor in the middle of the night, NO TRAFFIC! We arrived at the hospital and were the only ones in Labor and Delivery for a while...they placed me in the pre-admission room and hooked me up to the monitors (which I HATED!!!) My contractions grew to every 2 min. however I wasn't dialating. I was in some intense pain with each one! Back labor is NOT fun. The nurse called my Dr., but she was out of town, so they got a hold of her on-call, Dr. Serrano. They kept him updated via phone. My mom got to the hospital around 7:00 am...I think...and a few hours later I finally was given some drugs...a little late. They had no effect on me whatsoever.
The nurses kept checking me and so long as I was progressing, the Dr. kept me there. Well, I wasn't really progressing all that much, so the nurses would pretty much lie to the Dr. on the phone, in hopes that he would tell them to admit me so I could get the epidural. He didn't.
At around 10:30 my second nurse (I went through about 4 different shift changes throughout my entire labor!) told me that the Dr. would be coming in at 11:30am to check me and she could give me some more drugs or I could wait till he got there. I figured that the other drugs didn't work...and the drugs weren't really in "the plan" to begin with, so I opted to wait an hour. Well, the Dr. didn't show up until 12:45!!! Jerk!
When he finally showed up, he checked me and gave us two choices: Go Home and come back in like 6 hours, or be admitted, start some other drugs, epidural, and if all else fails have a Cesarean at 8:00PM. I chose the latter. I didn't want to have a C-section at all...but I would have killed him if he sent me home!
3hours after I was finally admitted, the new drugs they gave me still didnt help me relax so I was given the epidural! AMAZING relief! (as well as a miracle worker). The Dr. then induced labor and Madden was on his way! By 8:30 pm I was fully dialated...but Madden wasn't quite ready yet I guess. After 2 hours of pushing and a total labor of 25 hours he decided it was time to arrive--sideways!!!
 Daddy cut his umbilical cord and my 7lb 7 oz. baby boy was perfect! Since he came out sideways his face wasn't smashed or anything! He did however have quite the conehead...due to being in the birth canal for 2 hours of pushing!
Madden's first week of life was a little rough. He ended up having to go to the NICU with fluid in his lungs, low blood sugar and then he developed some jaundice while in there. It was probably the toughest week of my life. He was put on antibiotics to make sure the fluid wasn't/wouldn't become an infection, he also had oxygen being given to him and an IV for fluids. I wasn't able to nurse him for the first couple of days, and then gradually they let me nurse him twice a day, then eventually all the time.
Friday night we were able to room in with him in the hospital, then Saturday he was finally discharged at around 4:30pm!
It has been quite an adventure thus far...we are learning his cues and cries, and trying to not get peed on each time we change his diaper! He has already peed on the wall twice now, projectile pooped on it and on me once, and spit up all over his grandmommy! He is marking his territory.
So the blog is now dedicated to Madden and our adventures as new parents! If you made it this far reading...thanks! He is such a blessing for Matthew and I. I can't wait to share will y'all our journey!
Till next time....
The Parkers (all THREE of us!!!)
To see pictures of our little man go to http://www.heresmadden.shutterfly.com/ Pin It

Almost ready!

HELLO!!! It's been so long since my last post...due to the fact that we have not had internet at our apt. for about 3 weeks now :( BOO. So to catch you up on life, here it goes... I am officially 37 weeks today, also known as Full Term! Which means Madden can decide to make his grand entrance whenever he feels like it! Hopefully he will hold out till after my shower next Sunday!
We finished our childbirth class at the hospital on Tuesday which we both enjoyed. It was very informational and got me thinking about labor and the drug options and whatnot...I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do yet as far as epidural and all that...so I guess we will decide when the time comes!
In my last post I told you we were getting a new stroller system which we did! Here it is...

The stroller is actually almost the same as the last one, but the car seat is better! I do kind of wish we had gotten the jogging stroller though :/ ah well!
On the 16th we went back to do our second session of the 3D/4D ultrasound...the little man was way more cooperative than the first time! And he is a little butter ball! I can't wait to meet him! He is still very active inside...and lately he will get me really good with a swift kick in the ribs or in my side.
The season is over for the club volleyball team I was coaching. They improved so much, and though I would never want to teach middle schoolers, they were actually a lot of fun to coach! Serious cases of ADD, but fun.
Last night, my mom took a mini photo shoot of us, which was fun...I posted the pics on facebook already but here you go again...

We are sooo excited about this new life! Thanks for sharing in this experience with us! I will try to write again soon but there are no promises!
Till next time...
The Parkers! Pin It

Responsibility?

Well our first childbirth class was quite enjoyable! We both liked it a lot! Our instructor went over a lot of our discomforts and worries and how to handle them, which was very helpful. We did some excercises to help relax, and overall it was great! Matthew won't be able to be there with me next week :( so mom is filling in! The other couples in the class with us are all different which is good! There are some very odd couples and some that are similar to us. I look forward to the rest of the classes!
During our class, the instructor went over car seats and stroller systems and how most people choose one b/c it's cute or it matches the "theme" i.e. she was talking about me!!!! And it came to the decision to return the system we have already put together and were super excited about...to finding one that is safer and more practical. WOW, I'm starting to feel like a responsible parent!!!
So the mission this afternoon is to take apart the one we have already put together, return it, and find one that suits us better!
Pics to come when all is said and done! Pin It

More news

The 3D/4D ultrasound was so cool to see...however this little man inside decided that he was too cool to move around. That, or he just doesn't have much room in there! I apparently have a small uterus, and he is super cramped....poor guy! Sorry!!!! He is defnitely head down and has been since about 31 weeks....which is most uncomfortable. Here's a pic from the ultrasound...we go back in 2 weeks to see if we can get some better shots of him.

He has his daddy's nose and chin, and my cheeks and lips!






During the ultrasound we could see him sticking his tongue out, eating his fingers and attempting to eat the umbilical cord!
We have put together the changing table as well! It is beautiful! After only a few loving arguments throughout the process we managed to complete it!

Apprently this last week my body has been working hard, because I am exhausted!!! Even in pictures I can barely fully open my eyes!!! Ah the joys of no sleep! I know I know..."it only gets worse" "this is just your body's way of preparing you"....yes, I have heard all of those statements...but just let me vent! :) Thanks.
Here is the 33 week photos...

As you can see...I'm tired! :)
Tomorrow we have a Dr.'s appointment, then we are going to go talk to a pediatrician, and then tomorrow night we have our first childbirth class at the hospital! Should be an eventful day!
Thanks for letting me vent! Now it's nap time!

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Nesting and such...

Well it's official...we are going to do the 3D/4D ultrasound on Friday!
Everyone else says its cheating, but I'm so excited to get to see this little guy and all his activity!
In other news, I believe I have a slight case of nesting...we finally put the stroller together (after about 4 months of it sitting in the box!). It is super cute!!! This is Matthew and the finished product!

Yesterday, I made Matthew clean the second bedroom with me...It was FULL of stuff from his old apt. most of which we threw away or gave to goodwill! Now it is ready to be made into a temporary nursery!
I'm actually nesting in two different places! One of the bedrooms in my parents house is also going to be a nursery! But those walls I actually get to paint!!!
We also got our changing table last night....so now we'll see how long it takes us to finally put IT together!
Here is the latest bump pic...31 weeks/ 5days...I will be 33 weeks on Friday so we'll update the photos!

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Matthew is 30!!!

For Matthew's 30th Birthday we took a little road trip to the Horshoe Casino in Bossier City, LA. I had been thinking for about a month what to do for his bday...My best friend Kelly got married inVegas on Sunday and we were supposed to be there, then spend an extra day for Matthew, however; the Dr. said "NO!!" so Vegas was off. He loves playing poker so I did some research on different casinos that were driving distance...I originally wanted to take him to Galveston in hopes that they still had the gambling cruises...or to South Padre where the Texas Treasure used to be...only to find out that they no longer exist!!! So I had to venture elsewhere....Louisiana. I finally told Matthew what I was thinking we could do for his birthday and he was sooo excited by the idea of playing poker for his 30th!

So he called the different poker rooms at several casinos and decided that the Horshoe was where he wanted to go!
Sunday came around, I packed up the car, picked Matthew up from the station and we started our drive. We stayed in Austin at Kat (sis) and Matt's that night, then continued on the next morning!
When we finally arrived we checked in, showered, ate a FREE buffet then hit the casino. I decided to try my luck at the slots. Kat once won $100 on a penny slot...me? I lost $15. Rather quickly I might add. I had $20 left that I was willing to lose...so I went to the roullette table where, yep, you guessed it... I lost!
At that point I was done.
Matthew was at the table from about 5:30pm -4:00 am!!! I was upstairs watching Dancing with the Stars, sleeping, sitting with him for about an hour at the table, then back to bed! When he came upstairs he had won over $1100! Woo-Hoo!!!

We ate another Free buffet for lunch then headed on our journey home...with a few pit stops..1. to visit with our friend Stephanie in Tyler, 2-4. Bathroom breaks!, 5. dinner in Austin-- and crazy story about that....
We stopped at Baby A's, we finished and asked for our check, and when the waitress came back with it, she said that the couple sitting at the table next to us paid for our meal, but didnt want us to know until they had left! How crazy is that?!? We were so surprised because we hadn't even spoken to them or anything!!! They just decided to pay for us! What a blessing!

That about sums up our trip....Matthew said it was the best birthday he's ever had! So...Happy Birthday Matthew! I love you!

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New Theory

The other day Matthew and I were in the car and I sneezed...normally this wouldn't be anything to write about except this time I peed a little in my pants :( How embarrassing!!!!
I've been told it only gets worse. Awesome.
Here's my new theory:
You know how when a very pregnant lady walks she looks as though she is waddling?!? Well I have decided that the "waddle" is not due to the weight of the belly or back pain, but in fact it is the woman walking ever so slightly as to not pee her pants!!! Pin It

Pregnancy Hangover

I sometimes wake up and feel "hungover". Now this is actually impossible seeing as I don't drink. But I literally wake up and feel as though I went out and got WAMMERED the night before! And it seems to last all day!!!
I asked my doctor about it at my last appointment, and she said it was probably just me not getting enough "good" sleep. Makes sense. So I have named this phenomenon a "pregnancy hangover". And quite frankly, it sucks.
Other than that, this little man is very active inside! It's crazy! When he kicks, he actually makes my clothes jump! And whenever Matthew talks to him, he kicks him in the face! It's pretty funny! Not too much longer till we get to meet him, and we couldn't be more excited!
'Till next time... Pin It

Tragedy.

Well it's a sad day in the Parker Household....I just ate the last Samoa Girl Scout Cookie. The sad thing about it is that I haven't seen any girl scouts out and about trying to sell me more cookies...what is that about?!? Have they decided the patch or prize isn't worth it anymore?!? (I'm not really sure what they get for selling the most cookies...BECAUSE....I never got to be a girlscout :( And if you couldn't sense the bitterness in that statement, trust me, it's full of it!) Orrrr....have they in fact learned new ways to sell those glorious boxes??? Have they in fact learned the secrets of marketing and networking at such a young age? Well, good for them....bad for me!
On a lighter side there are still some thin mints left...but they just don't satisfy like the Samoas...'till next year I suppose :( Pin It

Best day of my life, so far...

Well as most of you may know through facebook, the bump has ARRIVED!!! I waited sooo long for it to happen and then at 25 weeks it finally popped out. (this pic is at 26 weeks) Everyone kept telling me "not to rush it" and "be thankful you're not showing yet"...but in reality, I didn't really FEEL pregnant until I could see it. It all became real in that moment!
So now with the growing belly in action, these next few months I feel are going to be amazing!! The little man is very active most of the time...if he doesn't move for a while, I find myself worrying and I will lie down on my back just to feel him kick me again so I know he is ok in there!

On another note, Matthew and I celebrated our first Valentine's Day together as a married couple on Friday night. Matthew had to work all day Sat. and Sun. so he made dinner reservations at Brasserie Pavil (French Restaurant) for Friday night. It was delicious! Expensive...but so good! After dinner we were going to attempt to see a movie; however, we failed. We went to Coldstone Creamery for ice cream instead!
After ice cream, on a whim, we decided to go bowling! We got there and it was an hour wait to get a lane...so we played arcade games until our name was called.
We finally got to start bowling and we played 3 names....Erin, Matthew, and Madden. We switched off bowling for Madden everyother frame.
End result: Erin beat Matthew...but the underdog Madden took home the "W"...it just goes to show that we are better together than by ourselves! I thought that was such an incredible way to realize that truth!!!
Matthew's toast to me on our wedding day was to make everyday of my life, the best day of my life...so far! And he does a pretty good job of it!!!

Happy Valentine's Day! Pin It

Comic Relief

Something quite funny, and cute, happened while I was substituting at Castle Hills today. I was filling in for the front desk lady/receptionist when 2 second graders walked in the office. They were looking for a sweater that one of them had lost.
I remained in my seat the entire time, so the next thing I was asked came as a surprise. On the way out the door, one of the girls looked over the counter and asked, "Are you having a baby?!?" I said yes. She said, "CONGRATULATIONS!!" and then left!
It was very cute...but even now I have no idea how she knew! I was sitting the whole time!
On another note...it's a good thing I AM pregnant...because if she had asked me that, and I wasn't...I think I would cry! However, thanks for the laugh!
I sub there again tomorrow, we'll see what the small children observe this time! Pin It

Let's RODEO San Antonio!!!

Last Saturday we went to the SA Rodeo! We saw Lady Antebellum, as well as the rodeo events...p.s. Muttin' Bustin' is by far the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Here's some pics:                          Bull Riding

                                                       View from our seats- no zoom

                                         And my amazing camera zoomed in on her killer heels!

It was a great concert...especially since it was FREE! (thank you Matthew and your Kens5 connections~!)


Overall, a fun time! I hadn't been to the rodeo in about 3 years! I tried to upload the Muttin' Bustin' movie I took, but it wouldn't let me :(
Till next time... Pin It

"When the night has come...."

Update on the "Bump"...
It seems as though during the night the bump will magically form and in the morning when I'm lying down it is quite noticable and firm. However, the moment I stand up to go to the restroom...it disappears back to the little bump that really just looks like the "I ate too many cookies" phase of pregnancy.  :(

My 13 year old volleyball team had our first tournament last Saturday, and one of the moms was asking me about the baby and how I was doing. I said great! I am at 6 months...and she gasped! She said, "No way! You're tiny!!! I thought you were just at the beginning like around 4 months just starting to show!!!"

I told my mom that if I didnt know I was pregnant, I could be on the show "I Was Pregnant and Didnt Know It" (or something like that..not sure if that is the exact name!?) Those stories are crazy!

Maybe I should just take bump pics when I'm lying down! Pin It

Baby Madden!

Our appointment on Monday went awesome! We are definitely having a BOY! Madden Valentine Parker is growing healthy and strong!
I have gained 10 pounds so far and I am about 23 weeks. The bump has its moments...some days it really looks like I have a little one, then other/most days it doesn't at all! He is due exactly 4 months from today!!!
He is definitely an active little man! Especially at night right as we are trying to go to sleep. The other day he kicked so hard my shirt moved!!! Pretty amazing stuff!
Here are some pics from the beginning...

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009...Matthew was working at the station all day, on my way home from my parents that night I stopped at HEB to get the tests...and YAY! I took the picture...first of the electronic clearblue test.

The day before, I had gone to Orange Grove for Mari's bday party and took pics that Matthew hadn't seen yet. So when he got home Sunday night, he relaxed a little bit, and then I gave him the camera and told him to look at the pics from the party. He gets to the end and sees the one with the test and says..."What does this say?!" He was so excited!

Our First Sonogram...I was only about 6 weeks so there wasn't much to see but he was definitely there!

11 weeks and starting to look like a BABY!

We wanted to surprise our families with the sex of the baby for Christmas...this is at about 18 weeks. The boy arrow is actually pointed at his leg which was sticking straight up..his other leg is pointing straight out and his little package is inbetween! ha!

22 weeks...and boy oh boy! My mom even got to come to this sono.







So that is our little man so far...Matthew and I couldn't be happier. Matthew still talks to Madden everyday and loves to feel him kick!
We got our stroller and car seat on Monday too! It is so cute! Thanks mom for the gift! Maybe we will put it together today! I will def. take pics!
Love to you all,
The Parkers! Pin It