Parker loves to play! I took this picture while he was in the tub. He loves all things with wheels - especially cars. He also loves to read. He is obsessed with cleaning supplies - brooms, mops, etc. Mostly, he loves to race around outside in the big, wild world.
Right now Parker is very interested in trying on other peoples’ shoes. He’s interested in a variety of styles - heels, sneakers, etc.
Parker got his first real chance to play at the beach. He hung out with his buddy Cole at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Parker raced right down to the water. He would certainly have jumped right in if we’d let him. As you can see, he also enjoyed playing in the sand.
Thanks to a friend of a friend, we scored some tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll. We saw the Obama girls, Sasha and Malia. Parker wasn’t very interested in them, but he did like having such a large lawn to explore.
This is Parker at our neighborhood Easter egg hunt this weekend. He’s using the same basket I used as a kid. it’s a bit tattered, but it does the trick. It took Parker a minute to figure out that the eggs go in the basket. Once he figured out how the whole thing works, he was digging it!
As you can see, spring has sprung in Washington. The cherry blossoms and tulips are amazing. This photo was taken around the corner from our house. Now that winter’s fading and Parker is experiencing the outdoors, he can’t get enough of it. In fact, he gets pretty mad when we head indoors. It’s so confining!
You can buy all sorts of expensive, intriguing toys, but let’s face it, there is nothing as fun as a paper towel roll.
Here’s Parker deep in thought while wearing his silly St. Patrick’s Day headgear. However, it appears Cayman is the one who is truly concentrating…trying to figure out if those clovers are edible.
We finally got some warm weather this past weekend. it was a whole new world for Parker. For the first time, he got to run barefoot through the yard. He climbed all over the porch and raced down the sidewalk. It’s so much fun to watch him explore the world. The only bad part - when we made him come back inside!
Parker is experiencing many firsts. Today he had his first haircut. Just a little trim. We insisted that our hairdresser not cut off his wonderful curls. He was bit confused by the process, but never got upset. Gilbert, who cuts our hair, is a pro at handling kids.
We marvel at the many things Parker is learning to do. Yesterday, he was playing with his bib and I heard the Velcro open. I looked over and he had put his bib on all by himself.
Here’s Parker honoring his Italian roots. He has really transformed into a little boy. Holly has been teaching him to eat with a spoon. it’s a work in progress, but very fun to watch. He has already figured out how to “sneak” food to the dog. His favorite foods right now are blueberries, broccoli, and, of course, cookies!
Parker has been a man on the go for quite a while, but now he’s mastering a new trick. He’s walking. He still walks a bit like Frankenstein, but he’s getting the hang of it. It’s very exciting for us to see him looking so grown up.
OK, it’s not really a winter wonderland - just our backyard. We bought Parker a baby sled, strapped him in and enjoyed our two inches of snow. This is Parker’s first real snow in D.C. He didn’t seem to mind the cold and he laughed a lot.
This is the “hill” in our backyard. Parker enjoyed the adventure. We also pulled him around the neighborhood on his sled. We’re hoping for some more snow. He’s clearly just getting started.
Today, when Parker woke up from his nap, we headed downtown to check out some of the inaugural decorations and preps. We were all happy to spend most of the tour in the warm car instead of outside in the cold. We did pop out to take a few photos to document this historic time. We enjoyed all the buzz. Parker liked watching all the people.
Parker showed Grammy and Pappy all the excitement that’s brewing down on the National Mall. 5,000 port-a-johns. But who needs those when someone will change your diaper????
Here’s Parker posing on the new chair my parents bought for him. It matches the chairs in our yard. He’s sweet and all smiles.
Our little elf was feeling a bit under the weather over Christmas, but he was a good sport and let me snap a few pictures of him hanging out in his festive pajamas.
Here’s Parker rollin’ along. He’s testing out the new tricycle that Grammy and Pappy Parker bought him for Christmas. His feet don’t quite touch the peddles yet, but it won’t be long. He’s fascinated by all things with wheels, so he races to the tricycle whenever he comes back downstairs after a nap.
WOW! What a year! Parker turned 1 on December 13th. He enjoyed being the center of attention for the day…oh, wait, he’s the center of attention at our house every day. Anyway, Parker started slow, but soon got the hang of destroying a cake. We thought he hadn’t eaten much of it and mostly just played. We soon discovered we were wrong when the sugar high kicked in! Parker is loads of fun - a healthy, happy 1-year-old. He weighs 25 pounds. His favorite foods are green beans, cheese and cheerios. He adores trucks, cars and anything else with wheels. He is walking with a bit of help and chattering up a storm. Happy Birthday, little man!
Parker never cried, but he sure was suspicious of Santa. He never took his eyes off him. He’s always been a bit uneasy around guys with beards and, of course, Santa looks like nothing but beard!
Parker loves to explore everything these days. He’s particularly interested in what’s in our kitchen cabinets. We keep dangerous stuff locked up, but we let Parker have fun with pots and pans. We’re hoping it’ll transition him into cooking for us!
Here’s a shot of Parker’s first Thanksgiving dinner. We enjoyed the delicious dinner, but he seemed rather unimpressed. He didn’t like those silly mashed potatoes sticking to his fingers. Maybe next year…
This is Parker and Holly taking advantage of one of the final warm days of fall. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful city.
It is amazing how much fun an 11 month old can have with something as ordinary as a glass door. Parker is exploring everything these days - including what happens to your nose when it’s pressed against the back door.
Here’s Parker exploring his surroundings. This time, his target is my camera!
If you’re seeking privacy, Parker’s not your guy. Lately when you enter the bathroom and close the door, Parker is nearby. He now slides his hand under the door…hoping to remind you that he’s eagerly awaiting your return.
Here’s our little Pumpkin at a pumpkin festival in Philadelphia. He’s ok with the pumpkins, but he’s not too keen on that scratchy hay. It feels funny on the legs!
