Single Parent Weekend

Greg went to NYC this past weekend to celebrate our friend Joe's 35th birthday.  We thought about all making the trip, but with all of the travel we have had with Parker the last few weeks, I felt we needed a little downtime.  Greg left early Saturday morning and returned Monday morning.  Parker definitely missed her Dada and asked about him a lot. 

We had fun by taking a hike at Mendon Ponds, making brownies, a trip to Target, watching the movie "Brave" and just playing at home.  Otis was the man of the house and made sure to bark anytime he heard a strange noise. 

Here are some pictures of video from the weekend:

Parker was a little unsure as I was putting her in the backpack, (it's been awhile since we've used it) but once we started moving she loved.  It was probably a funny sight to see me lifting this thing onto my back...

Not a very good picture, but I wanted to get one of Parker in her Cards t-shirt

Otis is a very patient dog

 

I love how she stops tp pick up everything in her path and put in the cart, the first thing she picks up is a penny that she had been carrying around all afternoon

Parker - 18 Months Old

Parker passed her 18 month check-up with flying colors.  She is still clocking in high on the charts at 34 inches (97%) and 26 lb 8 oz (70%).  Her head circumference is at 90%.  The doctor asked if she has at least 15-20 words and so Greg and I were counting them last night and got up to around 30.  Then this morning, she said two new words; it is amazing how fast she is learning.  Parker is starting to string together words to form short sentences, usually with "I want.." at the beginning.  She is getting better at saying please and thank you.

She loves to play with her legos and the other day even built a "choo-choo".  Parker is getting great at doing board puzzles and always loves to be read to.  We don't use the pacifier anymore but most nights she is upset that it's time for bed.  We usually have to let her cry for a few minutes and then she's fine. 

Parker still loves to eat and goes through fazes of favorites.  Raisins were a big hit for awhile and then "cereal" (one of my favorite words to hear her say).  She loves to drink her milk and in an effort to curb her constipation problems, we always cut her milk with water by about half. 

We have a feeling she is going to a little bit tomboy mixed with a girly side.  She loves to wear beaded necklaces and new shoes, but she also loves to wrestle with Daddy and can catch a ball in her hands really well. 

Here are some photos and a video from the last few weeks.

She is saying "It's the water" about the little pond in our backyard

 Case in point, tool belt & beads (while we were stripping wallpaper in kitchen)

Dumped a box of cereal in living room when I walked away, first real mess like this

 Bringing Otis all of his toys from his basket

sleeping with lovey on head

shopping trip with Mommy



Easter

We had a low key Easter with a trip to the park in the morning and Larry & Sandy over for dinner in the evening.  We hid eggs in the house for Parker to find and she got the concept rather quickly.  The dress Parker was wearing is another that my Mom saved from my childhood, so I was so happy to be able to use it.  It was a nice holiday and we only could have asked for more spring-like weather to make it perfect.

sticker on the forehead and trying a Peep