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Cheekwood

Two month well visit and shots

 

Illinois/Indiana

A few weeks ago Parker, Eden, and I tagged along with Keith while he traveled to Illinois for work. When he finished up on Friday we drove to Indianapolis for the rest of the weekend. We learned that of our kiddos Parker is definitely our better traveler, but it was good to get away with just our little family of four.

Friday Parker, Eden, and I wen to a local apple orchard while Keith worked. Parker had a ball exploring, playing, and eating apple donuts. He didn't seem to mind that I decided against picking apples as planned (it was too windy and cold to stay any longer than we did!).

Keith wasn't quite finished when we left the orchard so I headed to the mall. It turned out to be a great idea because Parker took a nap as we strolled.

When Keith finished work we picked him up and stopped at a Chicago style pizza place for dinner before making the drive to Indy. The first thing on our agenda in Indianapolis was to visit the Children's Museum. It is said to be one of the best anywhere and it didn't disappoint. My favorite was the Chihuly in the center.

We also went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Parker tried to get us kicked out by touching some sort of abstract display that essentially just looked like a bunch of door frames. Oops!

We spent that night watching the Ole Miss v. Alabama game- and what an awesome game it was! 23-17! Hotty Toddy! We watched the first half at a burger place and then headed back to the hotel for the second half. Keith and I were so excited during the game, but quickly realized that we needed to stay calm. Every time we cheered and yelled Parker's hyper level went up. Not what we needed in a hotel and at bed time. ;)

Before leaving town we took our car loving boy to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

And a walk by the canal (which was supposed to be pink for Breast Cancer Awareness but really looked like a creepy blood red) before getting into the car for the drive back.

TWINS!

Parker: 2 1/2 Years!

This boy is 2 1/2 years old!

And what a cute, fun, entertaining, sweet handful he is! Seriously, two year molars are no joke. (It doesn't help that Parker is the slowest ever when it comes to getting new teeth.) Neither is a two year old asserting independence. (I'm pretty sure "no" comes out of my mouth more than any other word.) And neither is a previously only child competing for attention. (My child who has never wanted to be held is now whining, "Mommy hold you!") But those sweet moments are so, so special. I wouldn't trade Parker's "I love you, Mama"s and big bear hugs for anything!

 

School is going really well (with the exception of rest time, but really I'm not surprised about that). Parker loves school, his teachers, and his new friends. His teachers sent home a "Hello Book" with pictures of all of his classmates, and we sing a hello song while flipping through the book. It is so cute! When we say prayers at night I ask Parker who he wants to pray for and he has started naming a couple of kids from his class. I've also been told by another mom that her daughter has informed her Parker is her boyfriend. Uh oh!

 

He also loves going to church and class (Sunday school). As in loves it so much that he isn't ever ready to leave when we go by to pick him up and we literally have to pry him away.

 

He insists on doing things "all by self." It may take a little longer or be a little messier, but I know it helps him to learn and he's so proud of himself when he accomplishes something on his own. Plus, some things are actually really helpful to have him do himself- like climb into his carseat when we're out and I'm trying to get Eden and our purchases in the car too.

 

We'll hear a song, or read a book, or have some good food and he'll say, "I like that." (or in the case of ice cream, "I love that.").

 

Anything in the past happened "yesterday" even if it was really just earlier the same day.

 

We'll see kids about his age while out and about and he'll excitedly yell "new friends!"

 

He's talking in complete sentences and the way he uses different inflictions is so precious! He also ends a lot of sentences with "huh". Like, "That's pretty cool, huh?"

 

When he climbs into his big boy bed he says, "comf bed!" And speaking of bed, he is doing SO GREAT sleeping! I never thought he'd sleep until 7:30 am, but it happens pretty regularly around here now and it is wonderful!

 

Current favorites:

Book- Little Blue Truck and Little Blue Truck Leads the Way; Curious George, specifically the story where George visits the chocolate factory (probably because we toured Olive & Sinclair last month).

Food- "macs cheese", fruit (always), sweets (cookies, ice cream, chocolate)
Drink- Chick Fil A lemonade (half water) and Gatorade
Toy- cars
Place- beach
Songs- ABCs, Jesus Loves Me, Wheels on the Bus, G6

 

Every time we go somewhere we hear "Par drive? Par drive!" And then while we're driving he gives us directions (straight, right, or left) and at every traffic light he informs us "green means go!" or "red means stop!" or "yellow means caution!" 

He's obsessed with Darcy and follows her all over the house and gives her toys. We have gone to Radnor Lake a couple of times in the past month and every time he would see a big branch he would say, "Darcy loves sticks!"

 

He has admitted that he loves Eden. ;) He tries to play with her (not really a great thing since he's so physical and she has been bonked in the head on occasion or ended up face down on the carpet once), has attempted to share his food with her (I've caught him trying to give her garbanzo beans and syrup), and he takes his job of putting the canopy up on her car seat very seriously saying, "Don't want sun to get in her eyes!" He'll get in her face and say, "Hey blue eyes!" or "Hey sweet girl!" and it is the cutest. His favorite nickname for her is "Edes." He thinks it's funny. :)

 

James Parker, you're a pretty cool kid. Love you bud!



 

*Updates added. I always think of more things after I click "post"!