Parker Mayes

I really should be sleeping right now, but I wanted to type out a few things about my little man that I want to remember. He can say the funniest, sweetest things sometimes. He can also be a Mr. Smarty Pants, but I choose to remember the sweet and funny things!

He is so friendly, and I love that about him. He will usually talk to people even if he doesn't know them. The other day at the dr's office while we were waiting at the lab, he decided he wanted to sit beside this elderly lady. I said down on the other side of him, and he talked and talked to her about everything that was happening in the waiting room. It was so cute. She didn't understand half of what he said, but she was so sweet to listen and entertain him. Her husband came in a few minutes later and sat on the other side of me. I offered for us to move, but he didn't want that. Parker made his way quickly to the husband. He sat down in the seat so proudly and looked up at him and smiled. The man asked what his name was, and Parker said "Parker Mayes Stephen". Which is his name, but he got his middle name and last name mixed up. But hey, he knew his full name. Then, this is the first time he's ever done this, he said "what's your name?" The man told him his name was James, and Parker quickly told him he had a train named James. Such a sweet little moment to see him engaging in conversation like that.

I love to hear him talk to his sister. He has heard us say things, so he will say things like look at those tiny fingers, hey precious, good morning sunshine, and of course I love you Chloe.

He also has many conversations with his stuffed animals in his room.

He will try to repeat things that Brent and I are talking about and it's hilarious to hear his version of it.

He likes to name the Braves players now. He loves to talk about "Pinske" being in the outfield!

He comes to my room every morning (if he's not already snuck in in the middle of the night) and tells me the sun is up so it's time to get out of bed.

He loves to tell me what girls can't do, but boys can. He will say "that's dangerous for girls mommy" or "that's dangerous for you, but not for boys".

I know there are a million other things, but I will post more when I can think of them all. I just wanted to get some of them down before I forget everything!

I love that little guy so much.

Chloe is 1 month old

This little bright-eyed beauty is one month old tomorrow! I can hardly believe 4 weeks have passed, and they have been exciting, sweet, precious, exhausting, and trying weeks. We are so blessed with our 2 children, but sometimes I forget that in the wee hours of the morning when I am so sleepy I can barely hold my head up to feed Chloe. I forgot how tiring those first few weeks can be. I can see some routine beginning to form though, so that is great encouragement. I also have no clue what I would do without Brent helping me out so much. I have a whole new appreciation for those who have no help and raise kids.

She is a sweet, cuddly little girl. She loves her mama right now for sure. I love that she can be screaming, and the instant I pick her up and speak to her, she calms down. I love that she is looking at us more and more. I love that she looks like me. I love that she has such petite features about her. I love that she has great piano fingers right now and hope that one day she will want to play piano. Although I never played, I have always loved listening to someone play the piano. We'll see if she likes it too. I love that she can sleep through her loud and active big brother. I love how he kisses her head too. And gives her the paci when she cries. I love having two kids that I can hold and hug and kiss and love. I love that when I feel like two kids are overwhelming me, one of them does something that makes it all better. And God is reminding me through them of the blessing they really are. I love that when I lose my patience with my strong willed little man, he still loves me and wants to hold me. I love that right now he is in his bed supposedly taking a nap, but he is talking to all of his stuffed animals. I love that I have a husband who will gladly let me sleep late or nap even if both kids are wide awake. I love that I can totally rely on God to carry me through this season that seems to have lots of ups and downs, but is filled with joy.

Somehow writing all of that totally changed the perspective of my day! After I have been to the doc with Chloe, had her foot pricked AGAIN, dealt with a couple of toddler meltdowns and a busted lip, told a certain toddler for the 15th time today not to put his sister's paci in his mouth, I was really beginning to go a little crazy in the head! Thankfully, in the quiet and still moments, God reminds me of all of the wonderful things and the crazy days seem to lose momentum.

And back to the reason I started this post. Chloe had a check-up today. I was a little concerned about her color still looking a bit jaundice and she has had some ups and downs with eating. Spitting up more, eating less, and some issues with her bowels. Not to mention a few nights of her just screaming out seemingly in pain. I just thought it best to take her on in for her one month appt and not wait until the scheduled one next week. It looks/sounds like she has a little bit of reflux issues, so we are going to try some Zantac for a bit. I am really hoping that helps. And I just need to watch my diet a little better and stay away from milk products for a few weeks and see if that helps her. She also had to get her bilirubin level checked again, and I haven't heard from that yet. On a postive note, little miss has gained 2 lbs. and that is great! She is growing at a great pace and that makes me happy! So we know she isn't hungry at least.
Today, she was:

9lbs, 3oz (2 lbs, 7oz more than when she was born)

21 in long (1.5 in taller than when she was born)