It'S A HArd ROCk LiFE

Chris and I had *such* a fun trip last week. I have a difficult time writing about it without wanting to go back and have a do over. I just need to keep in mind that June isn't too far away and we'll be headed to Las Vegas to see our friends get married. We'll have another fun mommy & daddy vacation!

On Wednesday we headed to Albuquerque/Rio Rancho to see family for the holidays; we decided to leave P-man with his Grandma & Gramps while we went and had a small vacation.
We stayed at The Hard Rock Casino & Hotel which was a little smokey, but fabulous! Just fabulous!
Our hotel room was very nice and a great place to escape the smoke:) We gambled, relaxed, and I got a massage. It was what I'd call the "grand poobah" and included rain drop shower afterwards. If you ever check out the casino I would HIGHLY recommend checking out the spa.

Here are some pictures from our stay.









Oh-and Chris (aka Mr. Gambleman) won $130 mainly playing Blackjack. I stuck with slots and made $17. Not bad. But on Thursday night the lady playing slots beside me won $4,000! It was exciting and I was oh-so jealous. Stay tuned...a blog about P-man's week and our New Year's Eve is coming soon.

Boot Boy

I took this a few days before Thanksgiving and came across it this morning. It makes my heart smile:) That poor face says it all...NO, NO Mommy!!

ABQ Turkey

This is a lot late, I know. Parker has been sick most of the week, but we're back to running around and removing ornaments from the tree tonight~

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Rio Rancho & Albuquerque this year. Chris and I couldn't be more proud of our little man. He is so well behaved and makes us feel like we're doing a good job at being his parents. I think we often luck out-he's just a good boy!
Here's some Thanksgiving morning pictures of P-man having bubble fun with his Grandma.


At Thanksgiving dinner-17 people came to eat at Grandma's house. Parker was the main attraction-and didn't miss a beat. His favorite food item was definitely the mashed potatoes! But I promise he had some veggies too, see below:)



On Friday morning we loaded up the car and off to ABQ Jump we went. I had heard about it from one of my facebook friends. It held up to the hype. Parker loved it!





Friday night was game night with Parker's Grandad, Grandma CiCi, and Aunt Caty. We all had fun; however, I earned extra bragging rights because I dominated Aggravation.




Until Next Time~THe STUrgy FaM

Oh-and, tomorrow morning I will be playing Santa. I will be taking Christmas gifts by to some of Amarillo's elderly. Normally I would NEVER say this on a Friday night-but I am looking forward to 8am!!

Parker and I are also excited for Monday. We are very fond of NBC's Sing Off!! Even if it requires us to watch Nick Lachay for more than an hour-(YUCK)...it's well worth it.

THe PanCaKE STorY

Yesterday after having lunch with my friend Melissa and her son Cyra-Parker and I decided to run by the store on our way home. We needed a few snacks to last until Tuesday, and I wanted to pick up the items I needed for the dishes I am making for Thanksgiving.
Of course when it comes to shopping I take after my mom. I look at everything and usually buy more than we need. At one point P-man and I ended up in the cereal isle and we strolled past the pancake section. I asked Parker if he wanted mommy to make pancakes in the morning. His big smile and kicking feet said it all. I threw pancake mix and syrup in our cart.

This morning I dug my breakfast grill out from the bottom cabinet. Lets just say I was a little too excited to make my baby pancakes. I made his extra small and very round. I was tempted to make hearts! I grabbed the syrup and put P-man's plate of pancakes in front of him while I poured sweetness all over them.


It was time for our first bite! In it went in and out it came, followed by a tongue and a look of disgust. I guess we don't like pancakes.


Oh and-Chris is working hard making a film for a local church who is wanting support on their expansion project. I am so very proud of my hubby. I saw the beginning stages of the DVD last night and it was AMAZING! He is so talented.

Happy Holidays-The Sturgy Fam

Family Pictures

My friend/co-worker Meghan took pictures a few weeks ago. Sorry I am just now sharing some of these. They are just fabulous!








*if you want to order any of these pictures let us know-please don't copy and order from this blog-there will be marks across our faces when printing

Zoo Fun

Chris, Parker, and I spent our Labor Day afternoon at the zoo.

Parker loved the Ring-Tailed Lemurs and the Big Black Bear.



By the time we got to the monkey's our sweet monkey was too sleepy. It was a good day:)

eight months=mommy's favorite!

Our little baby is quickly becoming a his own little person. It feels like new milestones happen all the time.
Parker now crawls, speed crawls, pulls himself into a standing position, laughs a lot, and finds new ways to show us just how precious he is every second.



New things happening this month:
1. Parker is eating *real* veggies, potatoes, and he even tried frozen yogurt.

2. Parker picked out his first tooth brush! I gave him the choice of Elmo or Blue Ducks. He chose the ducks.
(He has 3 teeth. One on the bottom and two vampire fangs on the top.)

3. Parker loves Clifford the Big Red Dog!

4. If you turn around even for a second... Parker is on the run! His favorite hiding places are the kitchen and bathroom.

5. Parker is working on walking. Thanks to the entertainment chest and the couch he can successfully get into a standing position on his own.

6. And finally...Parker has his last doctor's appointment in Fort Worth this month! No more traveling or helmet very soon!

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!"

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.

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!

Little P

The next John Elway


Parker and Grandpa (future fishing buddies)


Parker's peepers


R&R with Grandma

Parker had his first pediatrician visit yesterday. Dr. Werner says Parker is 10% under the "average" baby weight. He weighed in a little under 6lbs. He is our tiny baby, but I know it won't last long. He has been eating like a little beast!

We only got two size newborn outfits at the shower, and all his 0-3 months onesies are HUGE on Little P. Of course he already has several nicknames, Little P and Monkey are my favorites!
Between Parker's Grandma & Nonnie our sweet baby isn't running around naked...they rushed out and bought him some super cute size newborn gear.

I'll keep this post short because it's just about Parker's dinner time. First I'll share some more pictures.

Safe Baby

I have been very impressed with all the wonderful resources offered for first time parents! Between the books, childbirth courses, and the pamphlets from our Pediatrician's office, I feel like Chris and I won't be completely clueless once Parker joins us. Of course I also know sometimes we will learn as we go.

Our Pediatrician gave us a packet of information about child safety seat checkups. Inside the packet I read about 95% of all car seats are not installed correctly. That statistic was not only terrifying, but it also left us wanting to make sure Parker's car seat was properly installed.

This morning I met with a lady from the Panhandle Safe Kids Coalition. Not only did she check our car seat, but she also offered some great tips for Parker's first car ride.
She recommended that we not use the cute cuddly pillows and seat belt covers if they didn't come with his car seat. She also showed me how to properly buckle Parker not only as an infant, but as a growing baby too.
I learned a lot this morning and I am glad this program is offered! We can rest easy at night knowing that our little guy will be safe and comfortable during his first ride home from the hospital.

Speaking of the hospital...packing our hospital bag is the only thing left on my to-do list. I plan on getting everything together and in our bag this afternoon. These last few weeks seem to be flying! We see Dr. May again tomorrow afternoon. Although I promise not to get discouraged or over anxious... we will find out if I am dilated or effaced. Regardless of what happens at our appointment I know in my heart Parker will join us very soon:)

Staying Home

This week after meeting with Dr. May, Chris and I decided that it would be best for Parker and my high blood pressure if I went ahead and took an early leave and rested for the next two weeks or so. My last day at the office was Wednesday and I have spent the past two days relaxing and daydreaming about my life as a mommy.

These past two months have been VERY stressful. I blame my high blood pressure on a lot of the stress that I've had at work. I found out the week of my birthday that our local MDA office would be closing due to poor management, an extremely high budget, and a bad economy. I would not have a job to return to after my maternity leave.

At first I was very worried about my future. How would I help to provide for our little family? As we all know life has a funny way of working out for the best. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful and understanding husband.
For the first time in my life I have no idea what I want to do next. All I know is that my #1 job from this day forward is to be Parker's mom.

I am looking forward to spending time with sweet Parker, and when the time is right I am looking forward to starting a new career.
I am thankful for all the wonderful families I've had the chance to meet and work with at MDA, and I will miss them a lot.

Pink Flamingos' Retirement

When Chris and I first got married I felt it was important to take an interest in something he is very passionate about; Fantasy Football. I put my name on the list to play in a league with Chris and some of his friends from Albuquerque. Their new league was forming, so I was able to get in quickly.
I named my team The Pink Flamingos and did my best to learn all I could about the game. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up watching college football with my dad, but as for Fantasy Football I had no clue.
I didn’t know the rules.
I didn’t know NFL players or records.
And I definitely didn’t know how fun it would be.

I remember spending a lot of hours doing research online.
I wanted to learn all that I could about NFL offensive players.
I wanted to learn which teams had the strongest defense.
I wanted to make sure that I drafted a good team, and more importantly I wanted to give Chris a run for his money.

I actually had a pretty impressive season for a beginner. Call it 'beginner’s luck' if you want, but I like to call it dedication and keeping up with the sport. I made the playoffs and won 5th place!

Then this past season I actually kicked a lot of butt. I won 1st place! I won cash, which I should be collecting sometime next month.
With the new season quickly approaching I’ve been thinking about the league a lot lately. After talking to Chris I’ve decided to take a break. I might have had a great season last year, but Fantasy Football isn’t an easy hobby or my passion. For me it takes a pretty big time commitment.
A few weekends ago I let the entire league know that they should give someone else the opportunity to play.
So these next couple of years, until Parker decides he wants to play... we’ll be cheering for Chris’ team (2007 Champions-Chris wrote that).

Breastfeeding 101

This week I’ve been focusing on something that will be very important once Parker arrives; breastfeeding. Sure it’s beautiful, natural, as well as one of the best things I can provide for our little guy. I have a feeling breastfeeding will be like yoga and cooking, it will take practice, team work, diligence, and a good sense of humor about the challenges.

I am excited, but at the same time I worry that I won’t have a large enough supply and that I’ll let Parker down.
Chris and I have three more child birth classes to finish before we start the breastfeeding lesson. I am sure once I have that lesson, and meet with a lactation consultant I’ll feel much better.

Just having my breast pump arrive at our house this week helped me to relax. Of course I've already busted into the tote and have read the directions twice!

In the meantime, I know several wonderful mothers read our blog. I need your help; I would love to hear any tips or stories on the joys of nursing.

Mister Chubby Cheeks

It looks like baby Parker has inherited his mommy’s fat cheeks. Poor little guy. I am sure those cheeks will be kissed a bunch by family members, and I am sure his first nickname will have something to do with those puffy cheeks.
Chris and I agree that Parker is a perfect mixture of us both. We can’t wait to meet our little boy for the first time.

This afternoon I also called the hospital to schedule our tour of the Women’s Center and to take care of the pre-registration process. I feel like all the nervous energy and fears have left my body and mind. I am completely focused.
I am sure our hospital tour will put the icing on the cake. My list of “things to do before Parker arrives” is now smaller. That list consists of relaxing and spending time with Chris.
We are ready for parenthood. We have been for a while, but we still deserve some Chris & Amber time before we share the magical moment of childbirth.


Speaking of Chris & Amber time...this weekend Chris surprised me after a friend's wedding and took me to one of my favorite places; Cold Stone Creamery. I had to mention this because I had the best treat ever! Sweet cream ice cream, bananas, Nilla wafers, and tons of whipped cream; if you like homemade banana pudding this is a MUST! More trips to Cold Stone is definitely on my list :)

Good News Day

What an amazing day!

This morning at my doctor’s appointment we were told Parker is a healthy boy; right now he weighs 4 pounds and 10 ounces. Dr. May said he was average, not too big and not too small.
After our appointment it hit me that even if I go a week longer than expected...our sweet baby boy will join us sometime in the next 5-8 weeks.
With Parker’s nursery almost complete and my baby shower just a few weeks away I feel like this huge weight has been removed from our shoulders.

I know that I’ve shared a lot of elevator stories during my pregnancy...I can’t help but to share this story.
This morning after our appointment this older woman in the elevator looked at me and said, “You’re having a boy. “ Then with a smile she said, “Don’t worry child, he will be born the first Friday with a full moon that follows your due date.”
Of course I get back in the office and Google 2009 full moon schedule. Sure enough the first Friday that follows my due date, September 4, 2009, is a full moon date. I wish that I could take the stairs!

After searching the full moon schedule I received a text message from my friend Linda. I’ve known for the past couple of months that she was planning on moving back to Amarillo, but she’s moving this weekend! A few years after college graduation she and her late husband bought their first home in Amarillo. She never sold their home.
Earlier this year Jessica, Claudia, Linda and I decided that we missed our friendships. We felt that we had grown apart the past 5 years; emails and text messages just wouldn’t do so we agreed on visiting each other’s homes during our birthday weekends. It’s amazing what those weekends have done. They have made our close friendships even stronger. I couldn’t be more excited for Lin. Just knowing that she is happy again is the best! Plus I know that she and Parker will be good buddies.

Rough Week

This week I feel emotionally drained. I'm flat out exhausted. I have a new respect for women who go through pregnancy alone; if it wasn’t for Chris I would be in bad shape.

On Monday morning before rushing off to work I took my 24-hour urine specimen to the lab and had more blood work done. I wasn’t expecting to have that much blood drawn. It wasn’t painful, but definitely uncomfortable and I felt dizzy immediately afterwards. I was told if I am leaking protein (a warning sign of preeclampsia) I should expect a call from Dr. May either Thursday afternoon or Monday, July 6th. All I can do now is stay positive and wait.

Then yesterday afternoon my supervisor announced that she will be leaving the end of July. I wasn’t surprised. She checked out last year and spends a lot of time at her desk playing computer games.
I was confused when she mentioned that our regional office didn’t want her to tell anyone until the beginning of July. There are only two of us in the office and I leave for maternity leave in a few weeks. What if I test positive for preeclampsia and have to take my leave earlier than I expected? With a massive budget and our Labor Day Telethon right around the corner, I believe not hiring someone new now will set us up for failure. I am disappointed.

Parker’s nursery is coming right along. Chris has done a great job! This weekend he'll probably hang crown molding and install a new fan.
I’ll stand in our sweet baby’s room for a few minutes before I leave for work in the mornings, and also when I get home in the evenings. It’s like a breath of fresh air...or an escape from a rough week. It makes me smile.
I think about all the fun times we’ll have in Parker’s room.
I think of all the sleepless nights we’ll spend in Parker’s room.
I think about the times we’ll watch Parker crawl or have tummy time in his room.
Chris and I are anxiously counting down the weeks until we bring our sweet baby home and show him his room!

Messy Marker

I have a problem. Not a huge problem, but I would say it’s definitely an issue.
When Parker is old enough to start daycare I really don’t want to write his name on everything with a marker. For some strange reason I've been thinking about this a lot lately. In fact during lunch today I searched online for cute washable labels.

I had never even thought about labeling until earlier this week when Chris and I went to visit daycares. One of the ladies who gave us a tour told us about these plastic bottle labels that slide on the baby bottles.
Does anyone know where I can find these?
Chris' mom is also very crafty so when she returns from Italy I might also ask her to help me sew or embroider Parker’s name on his diaper bags and toys.

Of course I am not naïve and I know that we are having a little boy! I know that when Parker is a toddler smeared marker will be nothing compared to the booger graveyard he will more than likely leave on his bedroom wall. But for now marker labeling is out.

This morning my friend Molly had a baby girl. She was 7lbs 2oz and so very precious :-) I am so excited for her and cannot believe she is already a mommy.

This was us last year in June. We were throwing a baby shower for Missy. I cannot believe very soon we’ll all three have kids!