Feed Jake

Do you remember that song, Feed Jake?  I think Sawyer Brown or Pirates of the Mississippi sang the song.  Well, we can officially adopt the lyrics in our house. . .

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I die before I wake, feed Jake, he's been a good dog;

My best friend, right through it all, if I die before I wake, feed Jake.

So, here's the story . . .

I was cooking dinner and every time I'm in the kitchen, Parker comes in and "begs" for something to eat.  So, I was cutting him some pieces of cheese and at first, Parker was eating the cheese.

Then, just like Parker, Jake comes into the kitchen when he hears food sounds.  So, like he always does when someone has food, he sits right in front of you, hoping for a bite.

Jake will even give you this sweet look, hoping the pitiful look will work. 

I was talking to Parker and telling him to not feed Jake anything.  However, I don't think Jake liked that idea too much! Hah!  

I handed Parker a piece of cheese and . . .  

There it goes - in Jake's mouth!!  So, needless to say, Jake has a new best friend!!

Parker even teased Jake a little, because he would take the cheese, put it towards Jake's mouth, then pull it away and eat it!  It was hilarious!!

Music Class

I take Parker to a kids music class at our church on Saturday mornings.  This is the 2nd class we've been to and Parker really enjoys it.  Mrs. Jeanne plays the guitar and Parker really likes that.  He's also become fond of his high school helper, Caroline.  She's a sweet girl and really likes playing and helping Parker.  She told me today that she would love to babysit him anytime!  I could definitely take her up on that!! 

Mrs. Jeanne letting Parker "strum" the guitar.

Parker and his high school helper, Caroline, playing with the egg shakers.

This is "Potato Cakes."  Mrs. Jeanne brings him to class sometimes to help with the activities.  This particular activity, the kids got to put hair clips on "Potato Cakes."  The cat was awesome - he was so still, while all the kids got a turn!

Once the activity was over, "Potato Cakes" went back into her stroller and took a nap.  (Yes, I said stroller.  The cat had it's own stroller - it was hilarious!)

Parker "lounging" in Caroline's lap.  He really is a ladies man! Hah!

Parker and Luke banging on the disk drum!

Again, Parker and Caroline playing together.

We like our Saturdays - music class, lunch at Chick-Fil-A, home for a nap, then watching college football all day!

Birthday Party Fun!

Sunday, Parker was invited to a friend's birthday party at Monkey Joe's - a big bounce-house of inflatables.  This was Parker's first time to go to one of these places, but he was more interested in walking, than playing!  We had a fun time though!

Poor thing, he didn't know what to think!

Having a rest break with Nikki and Ally.

Trying to figure out why the inflatable was moving! Hah!

That's better - no movement! Hah!

He loved walking all over the place.  He got some great exercise!

This was more Parker's speed - the elephant-go-round ride and the stationary car!

Yum, pizza time!!

This is a boy who LOVED his piece of cake!  If you look closely at the 2nd picture, you'll see some cake on his right eye!

Parker was determined to find more pizza and cake in the cabinets!

Go Dawgs!! Go Huskers!!

It's football Saturday - yay!!  We have been waiting all week for this day!  The Dawgs are playing the Hogs and the Huskers are playing the Huskies.  We hope both our teams can pull out wins today!

I ordered Parker's shirt off a website and got it within 2 days!  It says, "I may be little, but I'm a big Nebraska fan."  I love it!!  So glad it came and glad it fits!  I also ordered a NE stocking hat and socks, so Parker should be good to go for the rest of the football season!

I took Parker to a kid's music class at our church this morning.  It was a lot of fun.  Parker had fun with all the kids and the girl helpers, playing with the musical instruments and watching Mrs. Jeanne play her guitar.  I also got to meet some other mom's from church.  We had a lot of fun and are looking forward to the next several classes.

GO BIG RED!!

Spirit Day at school

Today was Spirit Day at school.  Nothing says "school" and "spirit" more than an oversized t-shirt! Hah!

I got Parker a 3T shirt, because I knew he wouldn't get to wear a 2T all through the school year.  However, this 3T shirt is HUGE on him!  Poor thing.  Oh well, he does look kindof cute in it - especially with his rolled up sleeves! Hah!

Ready to go to school!

Parker and Jake

This picture was taken one morning before we left for school.  Parker was looking out the window and I was telling Parker to find the red bird in the tree.  All of a sudden, Jake comes running in the room barking and got right up!  Needless to say, the bird flew off and we never got a chance to find him! Hah!

Parker is really fascinated with Jake and likes to pet him and pull his leg.  Jake, however, isn't too fond of the extra pulling Parker does on him.  So, we've been working with Parker and teaching him to pet Jake "nicely."  He is getting better and Jake is getting more tolerant! Hah!

Parker had his 2 year check up at the doctor a few days ago. 

Here's the latest updates on PK:

--weighs 32lbs

--about 35in tall

--he's a great eater - eats anything and everything

--enjoys drinking water (thank goodness)

--loves his school, teacher, and classmates

--is getting better using his fork and does a pretty good job with his spoon

--he knows when I am in the kitchen, that means food; he will sit in the middle of the floor or hold on to my legs, and "whine-scream," while I'm cooking dinner.  It's funny, but after a while, it does get to you! Hah!

--likes getting his teeth brushed; he'll say "aaahhh" for me while I'm doing it

--loves being read to

--loves to swing

--he's very much independent and a pretty "chilled out" kid

He is into everything and is constantly on the move.  He finally realized that walking is faster than crawling!  Everyone said for me to enjoy all the time that he was crawling, and now I see why!  I can't take my eyes off him for a second!

At the doctor, Parker was fascinated with the cabinet doors.  He kept opening and closing them.  Luckily there was nothing in them, but he thought he was "hot stuff" walking back and forth from me to the cabinet.

Parker is 2!!

I can't believe our little man is 2!!  It seems like only yesterday, when Brad and I were heading to the hospital the morning of September 8, because my contractions were starting.  It's amazing to look at pictures of Parker when he was born, and look at him now.  It is so true - they do grow up so fast! 

We had Parker's birthday party Saturday and we had a beautiful day!  It was about 80 and a nice breeze.  It was an absolutely awesome day!  There are lots of pics, so I hope you enjoy!

The birthday celebration started a few days ago, when I met the office gals from the school I used to work at.  We always get together a few times a year, and we've been able to get together for Parker's birthday both years.  They are great friends and I really appreciate their friendship.  They really spoil Parker!! Hah!

The birthday celebration!  Parker and his Sesame Street cake.

Parker and his "girl" friend Mackenzie.  She was so cute (she had her ND jersey on)!

Parker swinging with Sydney.

Jake getting a drink from the water slide - hilarious!

Parker's cake and cupcakes (yes, I made the cupcakes)!

Parker eating his cupcake.  He was a pretty neat eater!

Parker with his big birthday gift - a Buzz Lightyear truck!

Parker's gift table.  Everyone was so sweet to think of Parker and bring him a gift.  He got some great things, even though they weren't supposed to bring anything!

Parker and I with the girls I used to teach with.  They got Parker the Buzz truck.  We still get together often and they are great friends!

Parker with Grandma and Grandpa Kleeman.  We are so grateful they were able to come down for Parker's big day!

The birthday boy with Mom and Dad!  We had to take some birthday pics after the party, because Parker was worn out!  He took a 3 hour nap!!

This was an after-party pic with Grandma Henry.  He was well-rested and much happier!

Parker testing out his new ride!

Havin' fun outside!

We took Parker to Amicalola Falls over the weekend to enjoy the outdoors.  This was his 2nd time going and he enjoyed walking around (he did NOT want to be held).  We ate at the restaurant at the Falls and it was really good! 

Parker's birthday breakfast!

Parker with his birthday snack to take to his school classmates (blueberry mini muffins and juice).

Mrs. Dawn, Parker's teacher, had a sign on the classroom window for him!

Brad and I took Parker to Chick-Fil-A for his birthday dinner.  He had a chicken strip, oranges, and juice.  For dessert, we all shared an ice cream.  He really enjoyed that!

Parker with his birthday gift from Brad and I.

He got an Elmo book, the alien-dude stuffed animal from Toy Story, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Parker was a little more interested in the flowers, than his birthday gift!  Hah!

He is really enjoying his truck.  He actually figured out the power switch and off he went - it was hilarious!

We had a great time with all of Parker's friends and our friends at Parker's party.  Thank you to all who came to celebrate his special day, including our family.  Thank you also to our friends who couldn't be there, but sent gifts and birthday wishes! 

Of course, Happy Birthday to our little man!  We love you Parker and we look forward to spending many more birthdays together!