It's the Most Wonderful Time

I haven't been the best about keeping our blog updated. Parker and I spend most of our days playing under the Christmas Tree. I have a feeling that he is going to get a little upset when we take it down this weekend.
Parker is doing all the things most four-five month old babies enjoy. He likes tummy time. He can completely roll over and kick his legs. He will soon take off crawling and that will be a bittersweet moment for me. He definitely didn't stay a newborn or tiny infant for long.

We had a wonderful Christmas.
The night before Christmas Eve we had a pizza party and gift exchange with my family. Parker got a Bumbo which we all love! I would highly recommend that all parents invest in a Bumbo once their babies become active and want to sit up with little help.



Then on Christmas Eve we went to a house warming/holiday party at Aunt Susan's new house.




On Christmas morning Parker played with his Jungle Jumperoo from Santa.



Then we hit the road.

We spent Christmas afternoon and the day after Christmas in Albuquerque.
Parker met his Uncle Jon and Aunt Jaid.



He also met several of Chris' aunts and cousins for the first time. And he got a cool Dunk n' Cheer from his Grandma and Grandpa.









He also had some great laughs and a slumber party with his Aunt Caty, Grandma CiCi and Grandad.

Merry Christmas Baby

Our sweet Parker baby had a *very* busy day.
We crawled out of our cozy, warm bed right after his daddy left for work this morning.
We enjoyed bath time. Then we were off to paint the town red.
First, we went to the bakery and got some thumbprint cookies for daddy's Christmas party.
We also grabbed some wrapping paper, tins, and bows from Hobby Lobby.
After our shopping adventure we went to daddy's work for the party. Of course all his co-workers fell in love with P's cute chubby little face. And he was such a good boy.
After the party we went to the bank and then home. His PW (Papa Wayne) came by for a visit and some good laughs, then it was time for a small afternoon nap.

This is definitely music to his mommy's ears... hopefully a busy day means a good nights rest:)

While he is sleeping I have a second to share a Christmas picture we took earlier this week. Enjoy.

Our Favorite Gift

My Parker Bailey,
You brighten my everyday. Today we spent our morning in front of our Christmas Tree.
We talked.
Wait.
I talked.
You made all kinds of squeals and screams.

Do you know how amazing this is to me? We don't have conversations yet, but you are starting to respond to my questions and jokes in your own special way.

Then this afternoon you helped me make your daddy's birthday dessert. Actually, I made the dessert and you cuddled closely. You cuddled closely until you discovered the huge spoon that I was using. Then you tried to grab the spoon from me.

You spent the rest of the day with your tiny fingers inside your mouth. You are so determined to figure out that small tooth that is starting to come in.
You also got a little fussy. So we sang 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' until you drifted off to sleep.

I love spending my days watching you discover new things for the very first time. Last night your daddy told me that you are the very best birthday present EVER. I couldn't agree more. You are the best!


I love you,
Mommy

And Happy 28th Chris. I love you. You are a wonderful husband and an amazing father.

Parker and Mickey

Last night Mickey Mouse got loose in the house and kept Parker busy for awhile. Of course, he thought it was much funnier before we turned the camera on.

Rolly Polly

Parker learned how to roll from his back to his stomach. He will be crawling before we know it!

Peanut's Cinematic Debut

Amber and Parker had some fun with the camera today. Enjoy!

Three Months

Before we had Parker I thought this blog would be a great way to keep in touch with our family and friends. You'll have to forgive me, I haven't exactly been the best about updating it as often as I would like. Life at the Sturgy home has been busy.

Parker is pretty much the boss. He is now taking fewer/shorter naps during the day. We spend a lot of our time enjoying his swing, having tummy time, and talking about his stuffed animals and toys.
I now realize that I may have been too eager to develop a routine once we brought Parker home from the hospital. For us it's definitely a slower, stress-free process so we've thrown all previous plans out the window.

Parker is two days shy of being three months old, and already he is starting to sit up with little support.

He is also obsessed with his tongue and he drools a lot! We will catch him licking his hands and resting his tongue on his burp cloth and toys. Most times the necklines of his onesies are soaked as soon as they are buttoned.
He is all boy! Good thing I can mentally prepare now, I have a feeling that more slobber and maybe even boogers are in my very near future.

He is also getting very strong! There are times when he'll have a death grip on a chunk of my hair, my shirt, or even my glasses. He is making more and more little sounds and grunts too. Our little baby is quickly growing.

As far as his helmet goes, he is learning that it's not so bad after all. He hardly puts up a fuss when you put it on him.
Last week we were told he is recovering nicely. We don't have to return to Fort Worth for about three weeks. Chris and I are looking forward to some time spent at home.

And we are all looking forward to Parker's first Thanksgiving!!

Helmet Life

It's only day two of helmet life and according to Sweet P wearing that helmet is the worst thing EVER!
After a morning full of sad faces and tears I did manage to snap a few pictures of Parker enjoying helmet time with his aunt Jamie this afternoon.


For a split second Jamie's horse sounds made Sweet P forget all about his helmet.
Chris thinks he looks like an American Gladiator and I think he resembles Mighty Mouse. Either way he is our brave little baby.

Making Sweet P wear his helmet even when we see tears is by far the toughest part of being parents so far. We were told he could only spend one hour per day without it. It is definitely an adjustment for us all...but it's only for a few months. I know helmet life will get easier once P gets use to wearing it.

We have a follow up appointment with the surgeon in Ft. Worth next Thursday but after that we are hopeful that our trips will slow down.

Tigger Treat!

Parker enjoyed his very first Halloween at home after a long week in Fort Worth. Our little Tigger is recovering well from his skull surgery. He is such a good boy.

Chris and I couldn't be more proud of our little man. He's a trooper! Now that winter is quickly approaching we are looking forward to sharing more pictures and stories of Parker's first *Thanksgiving* *Christmas* *New Year's* *Valentines* and such.

Good Baby Boy

Parker is two months old. *Already?* Is there anyway to slow this down?
Chris and I notice more and more changes every time we turn around. Our good boy is sleeping five... sometimes six hours during the night, which means Chris and I are getting more rest too. *Thank you Parker*
He is eating about every three hours which means more playtime during our afternoons. He is a very good boy and usually only gets upset when he is ready to eat or when he is really sleepy and wants to cuddle.

His first road trip went well too. Parker is quite the road warrior. Our trip to Fort Worth took us about 7 hours. It can be a little challenging to travel with a breastfed baby. His first hotel stay went well too. Parker cuddled up with me and went right to sleep.
******
I've spent a lot of time thinking of the best way to write about our visit with Dr. Honeycutt, the Pediatric Specialist.
He recommended that Parker have surgery on his front skull bone as soon as possible. After the surgery Parker will wear a baby helmet for about 9 months. This is all done in the Fort Worth area so that will be our home away from home for the next 9 months. We'll travel four maybe five times between October 26th and Thanksgiving and then once every two or three weeks until the helmet is off.
We absolutely hate the thought of our sweet baby needing surgery, but we are thankful that our Pediatrician caught this early before it caused Parker any pain.

Fan of Daddy's Fan!

It is quickly becoming one of Parker's favorite afternoon activities.
I've tried toys, songs, and stuffed animals, but nothing can compare to our ceiling fan in the living room.
What can I say...he's a fan of the ceiling fan his daddy installed last year.
He will lean on his Boppy and gaze at that fan for hours.

Sometimes he'll laugh.
Sometimes he'll reach one hand up towards the ceiling.
Sometimes he's deep in thought.
And then there are moments when those tiny eyes get heavy. He will force those peepers open just to check out the fan.

He looks so cute I'll want to pick him up and love on him. When I do he yells at me.
Seriously! He'll let out a little yelp.
Not a cry.
He literally yells.
It's almost as if he says "put me down mommy I MUST see that fan!"

Parker Pumpkin

Happy October everyone:)
Parker and I had a good time with his pumpkin outfit this morning. My little cutie pie. I needed an October picture for my calendar. Chris and I have one happy little man!




I better enjoy this why I can. I am sure my little man won't let me put him in super cute but embarrassing outfits for long. Before we know it he'll want to wear nothing but a football helmet and snow boots around the house.
But for now...I'll be anxiously counting down the days until he wears his Tigger Halloween outfit.

All Better

It's a moment only a woman can appreciate...this morning I fit into my favorite pre-baby jeans! I didn't have to lie down to get them zipped either. They just fit!
What a wonderful start to my busy morning. Tummy stitches and all, I did a happy dance in the middle of my bedroom while my sweet baby watched me, bright-eyed and smiling. He smiles a lot everyday. I cannot wait to hear his laughing sounds.

I am finally feeling more like myself. I cannot believe I spent the last 6 weeks worrying that my health issues were postpartum baby blues. I was pretty sick. They say when you have gallbladder problems you only hurt after eating fried or greasy foods.
False.
I was convinced I was dying after eating baked chicken, potatoes and carrots.
After another attack last Thursday afternoon Chris came home from work to take me back to the ER. We weren't leaving until we had answers. After countless hours and tests we were told that I had too many gallstones to count. I would need my gallbladder out immediately.
I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday resting and recovering. I was so sore. I was also told not to lift more than ten pounds. Since I couldn't pick up my baby it was the longest three days of my life.

Life around the Sturgy house is a little easier since 'operation gallbladder'. We head to Dallas/Fort Worth next week to visit with a Dr. Honeycutt. He is one of the best Pediatric Specialists in the state so we know Parker is in good hands.


Daddy singing P to sleep!

Say a Little Prayer for P

Life at the Sturgy house has been kind of rough. That is why we haven't been on this blog all week.

It started last Monday around midnight. I woke up with severe pain in my stomach, back and chest. It felt like I was being stabbed repeatedly.
At first I started to panic and I couldn't breathe.
Then I tried the bathtub and I couldn't be still.
I tried to sit on the couch and thought I was about to die.
Eventually I found myself in the kitchen getting sick in the trash.
Chris called my sister and our brother-in-law Scott to come watch Parker and we were off to the ER.
There I was tested for blood clots, anxiety, and finally an asthma attack. After hours of blood work and cat scans we were sent home with an inhaler. The doctor on call had no clue what had caused me so much pain.

I had another painful attack early this morning. My OB/GYN Dr. May is pretty certain I am having gall bladder attacks. He has referred me to a Specialist and I have more test early next week. The only cure would be to have my gall bladder removed very soon. If it means no more late night/early morning severe pain this surgery cannot happen soon enough.

Last week at Parker's doctor's appointment we found out that our growing boy weighs 9lbs 5oz. Yea! What a big boy!
(P and daddy watchin' those Broncos!)
(Mommy's cuddle bug)

Dr. Werner also mentioned that she has concerns about Parker's forehead. There are signs that his little forehead bones may have prematurely closed. After x-rays at our local hospital Dr. Werner has referred us to meet with a Pediatric Specialist at Cooks Chidren's Hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth.

As a parent it is the worst feeling in the world...to think your tiny baby may need surgery. Chris and I are prepared to handle the bad, but we are praying for the best. Please keep our sweet baby in your thoughts and prayers.

I LOVE...

Those sweet baby toes I get to kiss every morning.
The violent piggy sounds Parker makes when he eats.
The smell of a fresh (clean) Swaddler (diaper).
The moments Chris and I have shared as P's mommy & daddy.
How life has come full circle.
As a parent I have a new understanding of my parents. When I look at my sweet baby I think there is no way he will ever know how much love I have for him. Even if I plan on telling him *everyday* for the rest of my life.


This weekend Parker met two of my girlfriends from ENMU. I love that I have great friends who couldn't wait to meet our sweet baby. Even if they had to drive miles to visit us. Jessica and Claudia also took me out for a girls' lunch.
Of course they had a lot of questions about my birth experience and my life as a mom. *I can only hope that I've given Claudia baby fever; I think she might be ready.*

I have a feeling that soon we will no longer plan our weekend getaways...instead we will plan family vacations together. *Smile*

Buddies

Earlier this week Parker met Linda, one of my best friends from college. She absolutely loved him! I am surprised that she didn't try to sneak Little P in her huge purse and plan a quick exit.

I know it was a neat experience for Lin. She knew Chris and I before we dated. To know us as friends, a married couple, and now as a family of three... I am sure it's crazy!
On Saturday Jessica and Claudia my two other besties from ENMU are coming to visit Parker. I have a feeling once they meet him they will definitely want one of their own, or at least I hope so. Parker needs some little buddies to play with!


P changes more and more everyday. He is now making so many cute sounds. He is our little mouse! He looks more and more like his daddy everyday. Even Linda said he has my eyes and my smile, but other than he is all Chris.

My life as a mom at home is wonderful. In fact I am almost positive that I could successfully audition for a Broadway play. I never knew that I could dance, sing, brush my hair, and swaddle my sweet baby all at the same time! When I look down and see his sweet smile acting like a maniac was totally worth it. This is such an exciting time for me!

My Football Watchin' Dudes

Preseason football is over... Parker and his daddy are watching the first game of the season as I write this post.

It really is a cute moment! I'll hear Chris explain a play to Parker or tell him about a certain player. Our sweet baby has a lot of football, baseball, basketball, golf and hockey to watch with his daddy. *Mommy's out numbered...my nights of Bravo, TLC, and Lifetime are over. But that's okay, I'd rather spend time with my two dudes.*


Chris is already doing his very best to make Parker a Cubs fan!

What's That?

What's that in our sweet baby's mouth?

Oh no! It's a pacifier.
Chris and I didn't want Parker to have a pacifier, but we are learning as parents plans often change.

We had a good Labor Day weekend. Of course it's always fun when there is a baby around! Chris' mom and step dad came to visit Little P. Poor little buddy has his days and nights confused so we have been making every attempt to keep him awake during the afternoon. It was nice to have two other people working hard to entertain Parker. Thank you Grandma & Grandpa!

Last night my parents had everyone over for steaks. Besides his doctor's visits, this was Parker and mommy's first trip outside our house. It was nice to get out and get some fresh air!

I cannot believe tomorrow he will already be 3 weeks old. It seems like time speeds up tremendously once you become a mommy.

Monkey!

I was taking a picture of Parker's cute monkey outfit that his Aunt Jamie got for him when I captured a smile. Check out that sweet face.

Little P had his two week well check this morning. His birth weight was 6lbs/9oz, and this morning our little monkey was 6lbs/13oz.
After his well check we had to go to the hospital for blood work. In the waiting room I wished that they would just take my blood and leave our sweet baby alone. As the nurse was opening the needle packet I had tears in my eyes. I feared that he would hurt or become upset, but he did just fine. He was a good boy and slept during his blood work.

Chris heads back to work tomorrow. I cannot believe it has already been two weeks. It's very important that I get Parker on a routine. I want to make sure that Little P is alert and ready for playtime when his daddy gets home. He is already getting better about sleeping during the night and early morning hours.



Chris' dad, step mom, little sister Catie, and brother Jeremy came to visit this past weekend. It was great to see everyone! I am sure they will be visiting more often because Little P is just too cute to resist.

Mommy's Hat Trick

It's official! I have been initiated into the wonderful world of motherhood. During the past 24 hours I've been peed on, spit up on, and pooped on. I never knew how much laundry such a tiny person could get dirty. Milk stains are quickly becoming a fashion statement at the Sturgy house:)

I guess I should explain the poop. Please don't think I do the dirty work around here, Chris actually changes most of the diapers.
Since Parker's belly stump and pee-pee ring fell off we wanted to give him a bath in his whale tub this morning.
Afterwards we wrapped Little P up in his hooded towel and I sat on the couch and loved on him. Before I knew it there was a small explosion and poop was all over me. It was not my favorite moment. But after the diaper change I did get a lot of kisses and some cuddle time.



I love our sweet guy more than life itself. He makes my heart smile!

Sleep...Sweet Sleep

Mommy & Daddy pictures


....

It took us a week, but life at the Sturgy house is *almost* normal again. They never told us in our childbirth classes that life as first time parents would be so overwhelming.
Little Parker is very fortunate, he has a lot of family and friends who adore and want to visit him. Between the frequent visits, his feeding schedule, and exhausted parents...it has been a learning experience for our little family.
Things have definitely slowed down this week and we are getting the hang of this and have been resting better.
Parker changes daily. On Sunday we noticed that he smiles in his sleep. It's adorable! I wonder what our sweet boy is thinking about when his peepers are closed. I could watch him sleep for hours! Parker also likes to sleep on his side. He is a side sleeper like his daddy. We are trying to develop a routine with him, but he is still pretty much a night owl. Once 2-3am rolls around he just wants to hang out and explore the world.

Aunt Jamie & Uncle Scott lovin' on Little P.

Our little slugger!

Parker & Great Grandma (my grandma)

Tomorrow we have a professional photographer coming to our house to take some pictures of our little family. I'll share those pictures soon. But before I go...here are some bath time pictures:)