Parker's Week with Daddy

This week Parker only went to daycare one day. Yesterday, he reached and held onto something for the first time (purposefully), and he is getting better and better at holding up his head. Check out these pictures that Jared took!

Rolly Polly

Parker rolled from his belly to his back for the first time yesterday. There is definitely no leaving him on the bed or changing table for even a moment unsupervised now. What a big boy!

A Few Updates

Parker slept unswaddled for the first time last night. I was a little nervous about it, but Jared seemed to think he would do fine. I was especially worried b/c we both worked today, and no one would have the luxury of naps if he kept us up as a result. Luckily, Parker slept right on through the night just a sucking that thumb of his. He loves that thumb!

Parker is wearing 3-6 month clothes now. Sure, they are a little baggy, but at least they are not skin tight showing off that santa size belly of his. :)

Jared also suspects that he is close to rolling from his belly to his back. He hasn't done it yet, but it may be soon to come!

Parker Rolling Over

He waits until the last two minutes to do any rolling if you want to skip ahead. :) Of course, I think the whole 5 minutes are just precious.

A Visit Between Four Generations

Playing and napping on the pool table.

Hanging with Mr. Footbook and sucking his thumb.

Great Pawpaw is snoozing! :)

Parker's First Bluegrass Lesson

Laughing with Great Grandma

Hanging with Uncle Matt

Great Grandma Kisses

Grandma Kisses

Four Generations of Richardsons

Laughing at Pawpaw

Parker met his Great Grandma Alma and Great Pawpaw this weekend up in Six Mile, SC. We stayed with Jared's parents for the weekend. What a great weekend. It was Debbie's birthday, and she got to spend it with her whole family. How special! Of course, we celebrated with a feast and lots of festive drinks.

On the way home, we stopped at Carters and The Children's Place so that we could stock up on clothes for the summer season. What fun!

Friday Night of Fun

Back to Work

I've been back at work now for two weeks. Parker has done great. He seems calm and cool when I pick him up from Ms. Melody's house. He enjoys his days with daddy. He has even taken his one bottle of formula a day like a champ. I was sad to have to supplement, but I'm just not making enough milk to keep my little piglet fed during the day while I'm away.

I have done ok. My first week back to work, I had to take off two days because I was sick. It was a cold gone wild. Just a little out of control. It was probably my body rebelling against waking up at 5:45. I've never gotten up so early...ever in my life! Each day while at work, I am counting down the minutes when I get to be home with my dear, dear family again. It amazes me that women choose to go back to work when they have the option to stay home. I really treasured my three months to watch my baby grow. I cried a little when he did his first "first" while I was at work (when he rolled over). I know that there are more to come. Today, it was nice to get my first paycheck again and join the rest of the dual income families. Hopefully, we'll get a house for our family soon, and it'll all be worth it.

Parker rolled over for the first time today!

It made him super mad! Tummy time forced upon him by himself! I was working and was sad that I missed it.

A Visit Between Five Generations

Grabbing GranBilly's hat!

Talking with Granny Pearl

Five Generations of Joiners - what a special thing.

We visited with Granny Pearl, Parker's great, great grandmother. Her maiden name was Parker, and he was named after her. It was a fun and special visit.

The New Year in Eastman

Patrick holding Parker for the first time. It looks like it went well. :)

Jared trying out Robin's Snuggie.

Parker napping on GranJill

Sophia and Zach loving on each other!

All of the big cousins!

Sleeping on GranJill again.

With GranBilly

Oh, how I love those big blue eyes.

Parker with Great Aunt Robin -- the baby hog!

Parker made his very first visit to the home of "cutting the cow" and fresh veggies. He met and visited with the Joiner side of the family meeting Great Aunt Robin, Great Aunt Sophia, Great Granny Joan and Great GranBilly in addition to some great, great aunts and uncles! He also met and visited with his great, great Granny Pearl. It was such a special visit. We stayed with Great Aunt Robin and Great Uncle Jerald in fantastic accommodations with a crib for Parker to sleep in. The food was delish too!

New Year's Eve

Parker and I visited Joyce and Desmond for their pre-party -- b/c their party started after Parker's bedtime. It was great to visit with friends prior to bringing in the New Year!