ZOO

For Parker's birthday, Honey (MIL) gave Parker a zoo membership to Fort Worth Zoo. We went today for our first trip. He had a blast! We did have a hard time getting there though. There was a wreck on 35 and it took us about an hour to get there. YIKES! I had calculated the time to the minute around Emaline's feeding! I was starting to panic, but my little girl slept the entire time and even is still asleep. I am about to bust, but thought I would post some pictures from today before she decided she was hungry. The hippo came right up to the fence...one dad even grabbed his daughter to protect her from it. Parker loves the elephants and giraffes! We took our lunch and found a great picnic table in the shade. I got a great workout pushing the sit and stand stroller, but Parker did great riding on the back. He never once tried to get off by himself and it sure was easy to let him see the animals while Emaline wasn't bothered. The weather was perfect, a little on the warm side. I just didn't dress us right. Now I know while all the other mommys were wearing shorts and tank tops. Parker wants all of his friends to get Zoo passes too so we can all go together! Thanks Honey for a great present!

Ranch Party

Parker's birthday celebrations are now over. We had a great time at Bent Tree Ranch in Morgan Mill, Texas celebrating Cole (cousin) and Parker's day. They share the same birthdate. Parker loves cows and horses, so he was in heaven. Oh yeah, he loves cake! I will attach pictures... And even in February on a slightly windy, kind of chilled day, 2 year olds need sunscreen!!! Yes, his face and neck are bright red!

Happy birthday Kelsie and Cousin Andrea!

Thoughts

I ruined the Olympics for my husband last night. We had waited all day to watch the figure skating, and by the way, has become an expert on the sport recalling moves and personal stories of skaters. Anyway, last night I was checking blogs when I came across Save the Phillips blog where she stated she checked ESPN for the results of the ice skating. So, I checked the results just as my husband glanced at the computer! YIKES! The headline read= SILVER BELLE with a picture of Sasha. He was devastated and I really hurt for him. He made me switch all night between Mavericks, American Idol and the Olympics for me to give him the results just as Sasha began to skate. Sorry honey.

Have you seen Parker walk like a Penguin? Well, he can. And did you know that hoodie sweatshirts with pockets on the front can be multifunctional? Parker had a pacifier in one side and a pickle on the other...way to go Pman for thinking ahead.

And Emaline. You may say gas, I say smile!

Busy times

Parker's first year in review...

Parker's second year in review...














This past weekend was so busy with birthday parties, a baby shower, a scary Saturday morning, and a trip to Chuck E Cheese! So busy, that I am still recovering. Parker had 2 birthday parties this weekend, one with church playmates and one with my family. We celebrate with Stacey's family this coming weekend. So many parties for a little one. It is funny to see him open cards and already know to look for money. He got many great gifts, but is still warming up to his gift from mommy and daddy, a tricycle. He likes to stand on the back and let daddy push him through the kitchen. Maybe he will like it when it gets warmer and he can ride outside.


Our dogs have been staying in the garage because it has been so cold. Saturday morning husband opened the garage door to the let the dogs out to take care of their business, and they ran away. This didn't use to happen until they started building an elementary school across the street and the workers began to feed them. Shortly after their disappearance, we got a call. Kelli had been hit by a car, our chocolate lab. Husband left to get them at the lady's house who found her. The call had not come from the person who hit her! This was really upsetting. Kelli has a crushed hip, but the vet said that she will learn to adapt and be okay! You have no idea what this meant to husband. Kelli has been his girl for over 10 years. I was worried about our other lab who has always had Kelli around.

Saturday lunch Emaline and I were honored at a Sip and See with husband's family. Emaline got some beautiful clothes and gifts.

Saturday night we took Parker to Chuck E Cheese. Parker had so much fun. Emaline slept through the entire thing. Next time we go we will not eat the pizza and won't buy tokens. Parker doesn't know the games need the tokens, he just runs up to them and pretends he is playing anyway.

Monday was Emaline's 1 month check up. She weighed 13.3 oz!

Say it ain't so!

Yesterday Emaline was 1 month old! I can't believe the time has passed so quickly. In this month she has overcome Jaundice and made it to 1 feeding a night! YIPPEE! My girl is good or she already knows what makes her mommy happy. I get all her stats on Monday, so will update on her growth then. I am anticipating a jump in her height, due to her outgrowing her clothes with feet in them. In the picture, Emaline is showcasing her gifts from mommy's friends Nikki and Stephanie, her teacher friends from Richardson. I love the binky blanket! SO CUTE! Thanks girls!

AND TODAY is Parker's 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday Cutie! Below is a picture of P man before his dog dog party (more party pictures later). In this year, Parker got tubes in his ear, learned to walk, went to the beach, grew hair:), learned to talk, sing, dance, run, jump (still perfecting this skill), went to big boy bed, and became a brother. Parker, I know that God will continue to bless your life and teach you how to become more like Jesus. I pray that you stay healthy and continue to bring smiles to mommy and daddy. He will also help you learn to share...

Happy birthday kids!

Valentine's Day

Can I just say that I love my husband? He is so creative. For Valentine's day, my man took me out to dinner and surprised me with a gift (which he wasn't suppose to do). My gift was a magazine that I wouldn't splurge for myself, some candy, and a sheet of paper. This sheet of paper wasn't plain, it had lots of words on it and even a graphic. On this piece of paper was a note to me inspired by Max Lucado called Cloak of Love. On this paper he made 10 promises to me which means the world to me. They are promises of his love, his faith, his commitment, and his protection. I am so thankful for my husband, who puts God first and his family a close second. Thank you for a wonderful Valentine's day. I love you!

3:24 am Breaking News

I truly believe I was one of the first to know that Michelle Kwan (sp?) had pulled out of the Olympics. I mean, who else was awake at 3:24 am? It was during Emaline's feeding and Lester and Scott were discussing the decision on NBC. I even woke up Stacey to let him know about the breaking news. I also got to see Stevie Wonder on Cosby, good times.

Here is a new picture of Emaline...after her first church service!

HELLO JUNIE!

For my thirtieth birthday, my MIL gave me a great gift (yes, she also gave me a gift even though she took me on cruise back in October, big thanks MIL). Last night I had tickets to the Junie B. Jones play A Little Monkey Business at the Dallas Children's' Theater. I was escorted by some serious Junie B. fans: Emily, Kim, and Anne. We had a fun evening starting at the Cheesecake Factory, with a 3 course meal and lots of Junie B. talk. Then off to the theater. The characters were played by adults, which for some reason I thought Children's theater would be played by children,not so. In fact, some of the actors played up to 3 roles. It was too funny! We laughed out loud being the Junie B. fans we are. I miss Junie B. Jones, but a special thanks to her dedicated fans who keep me updated with her latest books. If you love Stinky Cheese Man, the DCT is performing it in May I believe.

WOWIE WOW WOW it was a great evening!

( If you have never heard of Miss Jones before, be aware that her language isn't CHILD proof. She says: darn, stupid, and calls Meanie Jim fat. I have always skipped over these words or substituted when I read aloud. Still a super fun read, if you like to read or don't like to read.)

He said IT!

Yes, today is a day I have waited for my entire life. A day where my child tells me he loves me, and it happened today. For the past few months if you asked Parker to say I love you, he would do this humming thing, but today was different. I was in the laundry room and I could hear Parker coming towards me, then I heard him say something unfamiliar. I stuck my head out the door and looked at him, he looked at me and then said- WUV OOO Mamma. Heart leaping for joy...arms extended...big hug. Parker is growing up so fast, repeating so many words and have I told you he can count to 10 by himself? If your child has been doing this since he was 1, please keep it to yourself. I love Parker so much. He has such a sweet spirit, a joyful spirit, who likes to read about SHEESUUUS (Jesus). WUV OOO. I hope to hear it every day, every hour if I can. I love being a mommy.

On another note. Thanks husband for all of your help with sister and Parker. I couldn't do this without you. You are a great daddy! WUV OOO.

I can't believe I did it!

Okay, for the first time ever I watched the beloved Bachelor! I love that I am getting in on it at the end. I have no prior history with the final girls. From what I saw last night, I like the Tennessee girl. The CA girl was way too much, then the one he likes seems to have another agenda. Tennessee girl was a teacher and just seemed more real, who cares about the mountain issue. It won't last that long anyway.

Have you ever watched TV around 2 am? During this nursing thing, I like to turn on the TV to keep me awake. I have seen so much. Did you know that you can add jewels to your own clothing with some gadget that I wish I could remember the name of? You don't even have to take them off to do it. Did you know there is a web site for men who want to meet and hang out with other men? At the early hour in the morning, it took some processing time to realize that it was more than just friendship these men were looking for. I have watched Sixteen Candles, Say Anything (that I missed the ending), Full House, and lots of CNN and MSN. In the hospital I liked to watch the baby channel during those middle of the night feedings. It kept my interest and was educational at the same time.

30 and some change. Emaline is 3 weeks today. Parker will be 2 next week. Husband will be 30 next month. So much going on. Have a great Tuesday.
(If I mispelled on this post, forgive me, the spell check isn't showing!

Thirty

I am thirty today. My husband skipped his early morning workout to be here when I woke up and to corral any kids who woke up before me. Which was 2! He then fixed me breakfast right down to the chocolate milk (KAYA MULK per Parker). Husband taught Parker to say Happy Birthday, which is TOO cute. I then taught him to say MOMMY'S OLD. I will probably regret that at some point. So. Thirty years ago today I was born. I thought I might reflect on the past 30 years:
Lived in Clarksville, Texas, met my friend MALW in kindergarten, sibling of 2, loved Miss Piggy, sprained my ankle, loved wrestling, lost my grandfather, my dad's birthday cakes, moved to Paris, hated 5th grade, made the basketball and volleyball teams, started liking school, met my friend MNDD, got a boyfriend, was baptized, played softball, went skiing, made junior varsity, got my first car (Chevrolet Celebrity), played on state floor in Austin, graduated high school with some great friends, went to ACU not knowing anyone, worked retail, grandmother died, divorce, spring break campaign TO NYC with a great leader:), pledged a club, graduated, my grandfather died, started teaching in Richardson, got my very own apartment in Dallas, annual Hot Springs trip with mom, found a church home, found Husband, got engaged, married in Paris (TEXAS), went to Disney World, bought first home in Arlington,taught 1 year in Arlington, went to NYC with SIL and MIL, moved to Corinth, my mom got sick, taught in Coppell, found new church home, BIL died of cancer, went with AES to Chicago and went to Oprah Show, got pregnant, had Parker Gregg Pearson, quit teaching, love staying home, got pregnant, went to Colorado for 5 year anniversary, went on cruise to Caribbean, had Emaline Cagle Pearson, TURNED 30!

I know that I left out so much, but had so much fun and sadness remembering all of these memories. God has blessed me in my life, even in ways I wasn't aware of at the time. So, Mommy's old. I can't wait for the next 30 years.

By the way, doorbell just rang...and I got FLOWERS! Thanks Husband, Parker and Emaline.

2 weeks

Yes, it has been 2 weeks since our family grew from 3 to 4! And oh how that changes things. My heart has grown to love 2 babies, when I didn't know how I would love another like I love Parker. I don't get to sleep at night and have become a milk producer. My milk must be pretty fatty due to Emaline going from 8 lbs 11 oz one week and the next 10 lbs!! The doctor just kind of laughed and said she must be a good eater. Emaline has done a great job sleeping the past 2 nights. Which is truly an answer to prayer.
I love how Parker loves on ILINE, translation, Emaline. He even shared a stuffed animal moments ago, but shared it on her face. We will have to work on that. We have been so spoiled to the many dinners that we have received, and homemade bread! It sure has helped to not have to worry about what to fix for dinner. My recovery has been amazing compared to last time. I highly recommend the C-section. I must go, the one who can walk and talk wants to hold my hand and take me somewhere. So, no pictures today, maybe later.

Just pictures

I can't decide what to write about, so here are some of my favorite pictures...

Has it been 1 Week?

I can't believe it has been 1 week since Emaline was born, and since I posted! So much to blog about. Husband said my blog needed to be updated so I just need to decide where to start.





We had so many friends and family join with us at the hospital to celebrate Emaline. The picture includes great grandmothers, grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousins. God is so good to have blessed us with amazing people in our lives who hurt when we hurt, and rejoice when we rejoice. We had wonderful nurses who cared for us and were so patient with us.






We came home on Friday after learning that Emaline had jaundice. Her count wasn't very high so we didn't have to have the lights or blanket. We just had to supplement with some formula and lay her in indirect sunlight. I loved dressing her to come home from the hospital. She looked so different in clothes rather than the white shirt the hospital keeps her in. Her ride home was silent. We were met at home by Nana and big brother, but he was asleep at our arrival. When he woke up all he could talk about was Emaline. I can't believe how well he is adjusting. He wants to hold her, help change her, alert us if she moving in her sleep, and stick her passy in her mouth. In this picture he is sharing his cows.

Emaline is sleeping okay... (I was just hugged by a naked 23 month old who was so proud of himself for pee peeing in the potty) sometimes she sleeps all day and night, other times she wakes almost every hour. She can sleep through anything. Blessing. We have received 4 meals so far from families from church. People are so generous. Another blessing is the help we have had the past week. My mom stayed with us a few days, followed by Husband's grandmother and aunt, Stacey's mom, and now my mom is back. Laundry and ironing is caught up (until Emaline pooped everywhere while Mammy was changing a diaper today), floors are clean, and kitchen is organized. I just might hire Mammy and Dee to come once a week to help organize my house and decorate (for another post).

Parker. He is incredible. He is learning new things and words every day. One of his new phrases is 'OH GOSH!' I was really feeling guilty that I had taught him this unacceptable phrase when I heard some character on Clifford say it this morning.

A special thank you to my husband for being an incredible man of God! Thank you for being my encourager, and helper. I know that I am so fortunate that you help me so much with the kids (yes kids!). I love you.

More pictures

Today has been a great day. Emaline is eating great and mommy and daddy have been able to get some rest. She really likes to sleep...really likes to sleep. We miss seeing her eyes. I love her faces. Big brother came into the room today asking for baby. He wanted to hold her, but only by himself. It looks like we get to go home tomorrow. I can't wait! Emaline wanted me to say hello to her new friend born on Wednesday, Emily Rose. What fun they will have!

Emaline Cagle Pearson

Emaline Cagle Pearson was born January 17th at 1:26 am! She weighed in at 8 lbs 13 ozs and was 21.25 inches long. Emaline decided that she didn't want to wait until the 18th to make her appearance, she sent me into labor on Monday having contractions every 12, then 10, on down to 4 minutes apart by the time we made to the hospital, where after being checked I was already at a 5!!!! (Special shout out to our middle of the night baby sitter!) My doctor got my c-section rolling fast and we had a birth day. She is absolutely beautiful with a full head of hair. Her name is a family name tracing back into the 1840's on my dad's side, then her middle name was my grandmother's maiden name. Parker is adjusting well, except when she cries. My brother made him a shirt for Christmas that said, "I was FIRST" so he wore it up to the hospital. Emaline gave Parker a stuffed lion because when we were first teaching Parker sister's name, he would roar like a lion because the end of the her names does sound like LION. Parker picked out a teddy bear and gave it to sister...I mean Emaline.

Sister's Room and Science Museum

Save the Phillips has been asking for pictures of the nursery, so here are 2.

Today we took Parker to the Fort Worth Science Museum today for his special day. He had a blast. He loved the different exhibits, especially the Kid Zone Water Exhibit. He played there for about 30 minutes. He also loved the choo choo train. He would only pretend to drive the car if he held onto Mommy's keys. The museum wasn't very crowded so he kind of had full reign. We had a great time enjoying him today, trying to cherish every minute before he has to SHARE his time. Sharing is not one of his gifts as of now.

One Week and other thoughts!

One week from today is the day! The doctor visit today was pretty uneventful (although I got to see baby girl) and we go back on Monday to do some pre-op stuff. I am starting to feel the pressure of not having everything ready. Ready. Can you really be ready? I have had some contractions here and there, just enough for me to add things to a bag or hang things on the wall or wash the dishes in the sink, but nothing serious. Every time I call husband he asks if my water broke. I carried Parker full term and don't think baby girl will come early. One thing different from this pregnancy to Parker's is I am hungry all the time right now! Seriously, hide the twinkie box or the danishes husband brought back from West last night. I am eating everything in sight. I am still 7 lbs lighter now than I was when Parker was born.

I am trying to cherish this time with Parker-Man! He is so cute about 'sista.' He will kiss my belly or rub it and say 'soft.' I just wish I had more energy to really play with him or chase him around the park, but I am whipped. I know baby girl's arrival will be a huge adjustment for us all, especially him. We have tried to set some special things up to help with the adjustment.

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Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to Kelli, Happy Birthday to you!

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I am really excited about being home for the next few weeks. Yes, I am looking forward to bonding with my children, but I am also looking forward to some new TV shows. I love American Idol, and last season I didn't miss Dancing with the Stars (Parker even danced around the living room and loved the music), but I am more excited (I think) about Love Monkey. My favorite TV series was cancelled a few years ago and Ed is making his comeback on Love Monkey. I LOVED ED! We wouldn't miss an episode. Husband loved Carol Vessie and I would laugh out loud at Shirley and the $10 dollar bets. I tried to get everyone I know to email NBC to keep it going, but NBC didn't listen to little ol' us. Carol is now on Boston Legal, and Doctor Mike is on some new show with Darma, and now Ed is on Love Monkey. I loved Stuckeyville. I keep waiting to see if they release Ed on DVD, but no such luck.

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Some of you might be surprised by what I will blog about next, others of you won't. When I was younger I was really into wrestling. I mean REALLY into wrestling. I would tape Saturday night events from the Sportatorium with Mark Lawrence and watch them on Sunday because they came on after my bed time. My brother and I would reenact many of the moves and sequences to the point of blood or even my head being thrown into a real turn buckle when World Class Wrestling came to Clarksville, Texas. I sat on the square and sold tickets to the event. I had a T-Shirt with the words- Property of Kerry Von Erich on it. I know some of your jaws are on the key board. The Von Erich family was my favorite. Kerry and I shared the same birth date, and my grandmother went to David's funeral because it was at the church where she was the secretary. All of this to say I love Netflix! On our Queue next is an entire DVD on the Von Erichs. Don't call and ask if you can borrow it! I will sell tickets and provide popcorn and we all can watch the 8 matches and many moves set to music together.

NEMO!

I couldn't resist! Parker received this jogging suit outfit for Christmas, and I was a little scared of it. It has been so stinking hot that I haven't put it on him yet...until this week. He didn't like the hood at first, that is until I showed him what he looked like in it. Then he didn't want to take it off. He WAS Nemo! I just love the picture, especially his smile.

YEAH!

Okay, I made it! Thanks guys for all of your prayers, meditation, and yoga chants to my health!

Parker just amazes me. Maybe I am trying to soak in all of his wonder while it is just the 2 of us during the day for only12 more days, but the kid makes me smile. He is putting words together and making real adult sentences that I understand. Today it was, "No No Mamma!" or he says, "all done mamma." I love to translate for him to grandparents and great grandparents. ELMO and NEMO sounds just alike which can be really confusing. Are we talking about a fish, or a red puppet? I love how he can put his shoes away or his dirty clothes in the right basket or rearrange his closet during nap time. He loves to put on shoes and is obsessed with our shoes. Stacey tells me stories that after his workout at the gym he finds treasures in his shoes from Parker. Keys, pacifiers, his shoes, just about anything. He also likes to carry his shoes into sister's room and hide in the corner to put them on.


Today as we swept the kitchen he was so helpful with the dust buster. He loves to help me make the bed adding pillows, which he pronounces very well. If I ask him where sister is, he rubs my belly, even kissing it this week with some guidance from daddy. I love how a certain grandma tries to get the baby name out of him. I was actually worried he may remember, or attempt it (yes, we have a first name). No luck for her. Instead, grandma taught him to say, HI PAIGE! It was cute the first 50 times. I love his phonics. He got the Leap Frog magnetic set for Christmas and LOVES the letter K. He dances around the kitchen making the K sound and can find the K from all the other letters on the refrigerator. Now, don't change the letter to another, he won't perform. Only K gets the special attention. He even attempts the ABC's with the song from the fridge. I love how he messes my hair even in Target when I least expect it. Parker has such a kind spirit and a great sense of humor. I love that he looks forward to church. Any time I am changing his clothes and mention we are going somewhere in the car, he says, "Church?" I may need to start taking him up for field trips.