Having Fun Being One

Parker's first birthday was a memorable day for many people, as it was a record breaking day in Chicago. Also known as Chi-Beria, the actual air temperature was -16 at 8am, and wind chills were in the -40's. It was actually (slightly) warmer at the South Pole! 

I have found that some traditions are just downright cruel to kids! The way we unwrap gifts, hope they are excited for the toy inside...but then don't let them play with it but expect them to unwrap another. That's just kind of mean! Then the birthday cake and candle...Parker was excited for his cupcake, but we won't let him touch it. Not only do we put a hot candle on top, but then we drag it on even longer by singing happy birthday!! Needless to say, Parker couldn't handle the anticipation and he touched the candle while it was still hot. He cried (but wasn't burned) and then was so scared of the cupcake he wanted nothing to do with it anymore! We felt like such mean parents!! Parker did go back & eat the cupcake about a half hour later. 

Parker's birthday party was on Saturday at the Grant Township building. He wasn't feeling very well and wasn't his usual outgoing self. He was snugly & slept through half the party.

His favorite gifts? Pots & pans and a broom & dust pan!

Mommy's favorite gift is this handmade baby super heroes growth chart from Parker's godmother Aunt Missy.  

It's so hard to believe our little baby is already a toddler...and yet it's hard to remember our life without him!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

This has been the longest winter break ever! With a snow day in December (due to icy road conditions) and two snow days in January (due to record breaking cold temps), winter break was two and a half weeks long. It has been very cold and very snowy so we had to get creative to avoid cabin fever. 

Talking on the phone - he holds it up to his ear and will say "ello?" and nods his head as though he is listening!

We had a play date at Monkey Joes with Aunt Missy and cousins Mckayla and Mia. Parker wasn't too sure at first. But we had a lunch break and then he took off on his own to climb back in! He also enjoyed the bouncies for the bigger kids, walking around among them, trying to get the balls they were throwing. 

We have also spent time at the indoor play places at the mall. Parker runs around like crazy and has just started to feel brave enough to climb into (and over) the structures.

While Kasey was still here with us, we went snow tubing at Wilmot mountain. I know Kasey thought it sounded pretty boring - but she was having a blast when we got there. The runs go so fast I don't know how we stay on the tubes. Parker isn't old enough for the big tubes, but he enjoyed being pulled around in the little tube.

Finally, before dropping Kasey off at the train station in Milwaukee, we spent that morning at the art museum (per her request). I personally found the museum to be rather boring with only three artists that I recognized. Parker was certainly entertained as he wanted to check his echo in each of the galleries! We would walk around the corner and he would start shouting "hey!". There was also a children's room with tons of art supplies. He made a party shaker (it was New Year's Eve themed crafts) and that shaker is still something he plays with in his stroller.