Indy Bowl Win

Jeff and I were so excited to be in attendance for Tech's win over Northern Illinois Sunday night!! Miss Lindy kept Preston for us, and we enjoyed the whole day in Shreveport. We even got to go to Superior Grill which I have been craving for MONTHS! How 'bout them DAWGS?

Christmas at Nana and Pop's

Well, this may have been our last Christmas to "wake up" in Winnfield! Preston was more into Christmas than I thought he would be, but he most especially enjoyed spending time with Nana, Pop, and Aunt Kendal. I must say a special thank you to Nana for keeping Preston Tuesday night overnight so Jeff and I could go to a party! That was a TREAT! We sure did miss him though, and were knocking on the door before everyone was even dressed the next day :) I hope everyone is having just a wonderful Christmas season. I sure do feel blessed...

Cullen's First/Favorite Toy

Just wanted to post a glimpse of our last few days! Preston had a BLAST at Cullen Clark's first birthday party Saturday--he even got to sit on Santa's lap. I could not resist this picture of Cullen with his birthday cupcake--he devoured it!! Smart boy :) We had Christmas with Jeff's mom last week, and Preston's favorite new toy is the green tulle his gift was wrapped in. He put it on his head like a bow and Dad quickly snapped a picture--hilarious! (I did not do it, I promise!) And finally, I had to share this post-bathtime picture. Preston really LOVES his bath and that is probably my favorite time of day with him. Merry Christmas to all!

Tag, you're it!

I was tagged by Suzanne Tyler to post my fourth picture file, fourth picture and was apprehensive about what I would find! I am NOT the best photographer. Luckily, I really like this picture of Jeff and me :) This was taken at our home in Shreveport in February, 2006, on a night we had dinner party for Max and Holly, Shawn and Ashley, and Todd and Amanda. Murphy and Ava were just little babies and slept on our bed the whole night. Good times with good friends! Now, I tag Brandy and Lisa.......happy blogging!

4 month stats

Preston was a champ at his 4 month visit with Dr. Slusher today! It is so hard to see him get immunized, but luckily Daddy had taken the day off and was with me to console our little man. Preston is still 90th percentile weight, has jumped up to 90th percentile height, and has a head circumfrence in the 50% percentile!! We are so blessed to have such a healthy, thriving baby :) He has still only rolled over twice though--we need to go practice.........

I got permission this time!

As some of you know, there was a little drama surrounding the last time I posted a professional picture. Gotta love a small town! Anyway, I called Mrs. Julia at Hawkins today and was given permission to use this picture on my blog-thanks Kevin! Anyway, what can I say about this little cutie pie? I am actually holding him in this picture, and that makes me love it all the more. Hope you do too!

Squire Creek Breakfast with Santa

As we were pulling into Squire Creek this morning, I realized that this was Preston's first trip out to the club! He picked a great event to attend, and really enjoyed Breakfast with Santa! He was not afraid of Santa at all, as he is too young to be creeped out I think. He really enjoyed being held by Mrs. Amanda and Mr. Brian and was glad to see his friends Georgia, Davis, and Kennedy. We had a great time and will definitely attend next year Lord willing-maybe we can even talk Daddy into coming with us!

Dunkin' Dawgs

Preston Luke had a great time at his first Tech men's basketball game last night! As you can see, he took a little snooze during the first half, but when he was awake he was very attentive to the game! He also liked playing with the Community Trust basketball mommy caught for him. He is really starting to use his hands to grasp and can hold on to an object for a good amount of time, whereas before if he did grab hold of it he would soon drop it. We go to see Dr. Slusher next week and I can not wait to get his current stats--I am afraid he is off the growth chart. We will soon see.......and GO DUNKIN DAWGS!

Multi-tasking!

One of the things I like best about living in Ruston is that Jeff has time to come home some days and we have lunch together. I could not help but snap this picture yesterday after we ate and Jeff was about to go back to work. Only Jeff could take a good picture while he is brushing his teeth!! What a great Dad!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

We are really getting into the Christmas spirit here at the Parker house! Preston really enjoyed his first Christmas parade last night-he especially loved the beginning of the parade with the police sirens and lights. Daddy and I decided to bring him home a little early to make sure he did not get overchilled. Also, I wanted to post that we achieved a milestone on Tuesday--Preston rolled from tummy to back. He has not done it again, but I will have to be ready with the camera to get his facial expression when he does. It was priceless the first time!! Anyway, I just love this time of year and wish everyone a very fun and blessed Christmas season.

Jumparoo!

Realizing that Preston has no clue what day Christmas actually is, when his present arrived yesterday I decided to go ahead and put it together and let him use it. As quickly as he is growing, he probably won't be in it for long!! Anyway, he LOVES his Jumparoo!! He will jump a little, not really on purpose, but he is happy with that. After he played in it for just a few minutes, he went straight down for a nap. I am so excited about this new option for contentment other than the swing or bouncy......

I am having so much FUN!

Sorry that my posts have not been very interesting lately as Preston and I have been spending a lot of time at home because of the cold weather. In fact, I think the reason the Bulldogs lost to Nevada was that their #1 fan Preston Luke was not in attendance!!! He has been a little congested and I did not want to take any chances. This morning, we had SO MUCH FUN playing on the playmat. I think Preston has learned the cause and effect of pushing the bar back and forth, but he probably really has not and just does it repeatedly by happenstance. He's my baby though, so of course I think he is advanced :) Tummy time is still like pulling teeth, but he is doing more than ever before. Sometimes, I try to trick him and let him watch Seasame Stree or something for a few minutes on his tummy-most times it does not work! Oh well, we will keep trying.........

Counting Our Blessings

During this special time of year, especially this year, I can not help but reflect on how richly God blesses us!! Even though we do not appreciate it or notice it sometimes in the moment, when you look back you see how His hand is in everything and how it all does work together for good.
Nana was a wonderful hostess yesterday for our Thankgiving feast, and we had such a great day. All who were not there were missed, however, and hopefully we will see you at Christmas. Happy shopping!!

Bumbo chair

I was trying to get some cooking done this morning, and Preston was NOT entertaining himself. Gone are the days of happily laying in his pack-n-play for hours on end--when he is awake he wants ACTION! Anyway, I went up to his room and got the BUMBO chair out of the box and he really enjoyed it, that is until he got tired and took a nap. We are all doing well and hope you are too. Have a Happy Turkey Day!

Shep's 2nd Birthday Party

Preston was so excited to be invited to Shep Smith's 2nd birthday party today at Gymboree in Shreveport!! Although he could not participate in the games the kids were playing, Preston was truly ENTHRALLED with the bright colors, fun music, and of course watching the other children. Happy Birthday Shep :)

Littlest Louisiana Tech Fan

Preston continues to be a good luck charm for the Bulldogs! I was hesitant to bring him out to the game last Saturday, as it was really cold and windy, but we put his "Santa" suit on him and he was a champ. Hopefully, Preston's good vibes will lead us to an Indy Bowl bid.......don't think he will make that trip though :) HOW 'BOUT THEM DAWGS!?!

Let the training begin.....

It will not be easy, and I certainly will not let it take away from being mommy to Preston, but I have signed up to run the Mardi Gras HALF-marathon in New Orleans February 1st, 2009. There is a group of girls from Ruston that also plan to do it, so hopefully I will have some company on my long runs. The only difficulty is finding TIME to train, but I have been getting up and going to the gym around 5:45 while Preston and daddy sleep. Well, you may think I am crazy, but you all know how much I love to run. If you are a runner, let me know if you are interested and I will shoot you hotel info, etc!!

Uncanny Resemblance

Well, my grandmother was the first to notice it. I did not see it at first, but after viewing this evidence there is no argument that Preston Luke is my son :) Yes, this is MY baby picture at 3 months, according to Nana's notes on the back of the picture. Maybe I should redo the baby look-alike meter with both Jeff and my baby pics, but I just think he looks just like me :) Hope everyone is staying warm in this chilly weather! I kind of like it though.....

Winnfield Open House

Preston was such a hit at the Christmas Open House in Winnfield Thursday night! Although I did not get much shopping done, I really enjoyed strolling around the little man and of course listening to Nana play handbells. The story behind him wearing his Christmas clothes already is that he probably will not be able to wear that outfit during the holidays!! He made a trip to Dr. Slusher this week, nothing major just still investigating, and he now weighs a whopping 15.2 lbs. Yes, at 12 weeks!!! Anyway, this night was just a taste of how much fun celebrating this Christmas will be with a small child in our family for the first time in a while.......

Tummy Time!

Since Preston reached his 12 week birthday yesterday, I am determined that we MUST spend more tummy time! At birth he really did not care to be on his tummy, and as fussy as he was I just decided not to press the issue. (Awful, I know.) Anyway, although he does not relish the experience now, I can get at good 5 minutes in. We are still teething, no teeth in yet of course, but Preston loves to suck on anything he can get his hands on. Lately, I just give him his burp cloth and he really digs that. All is well at the Parker household, just enjoying every day with this precious baby man. Love to all!

Smiley, Happy Baby

It is so much fun to play with Preston and be rewarded with a big, happy SMILE! He is really doing well, and so sweet to let me take him around wherever I need to go. He has started the teething process, but Pop said that the spells will only last a couple of days or so and then go away for a while. (Thank goodness!) As you can see, he is just about to pop out of his 3 month clothes, but mommy is trying to get one more wear out of them.........

First Halloween/Homecoming Game

Preston has had a big weekend with a lot of firsts! He really enjoyed his first Halloween, especially hanging out with Baby Elvis (Cullen Clark)! Also, he again brought good luck to the Bulldogs as we defeated Fresno State--he did not do much cheering though. He is sleeping well through the night, and getting cuter every day :) More later.........

A Scary Good Time

Thanks so much to the DeMoss'and Rollins' for such a great time last night! Preston had so much fun at his first Halloween party. He was a little young for apple bobbing and hay rides, but we all enjoyed getting together with friends. The other little cow pictured is Davis Demoss and Toto the dog is Alex Hunt. Happy Halloween!

Baptism Day

Jeff and I were so blessed that we had so many family members join us yesterday to pledge Preston's life to our Lord. It is such a HUGE responsibility that Jeff and I do not take lightly. We are so grateful to have come from Christian homes and will always respect the example our parents and grandparents set for us. We only hope we can do as well as they have. We love you all!

First trip to Joe Aillet Stadium

Preston made his first trip to see the DAWGS play in person--most definitely the youngest fan in attendance! We made it until almost half-time until I thought it was too chilly to have him out. Everyone has told me that we have to bring him to the games now as he brought the team good luck! Special thanks to Mr. Ryan for helping mommy make a bottle by taking us to the skybox to get some warm water :)

Preston's First Night Away

Preston had a big weekend as he spent his first night away from home Friday night! He had so much fun staying with Nana and Pops in Winnfield. Unfortunately, the cirucumstances surrounding his stay are not quite so happy :( I will not go into details here (email me if you want to know) but mom has been pretty sick with a complication from breastfeeding and had to stop and really needed some rest. The first time I gave Preston formula, he looked at me like "Mommy, what is this?" and I shed a few tears but becuase I was under doctors orders to stop so I am better about it now......Dr. Slusher made me feel great by saying that if he only gets a bottle or two a day from my HUGE stockpile then she still considers him breastfed. So, I just have to concentrate on getting myself well so I can be the best mommy for Preston. Thanks again Nana and Pops for keeping me!

Our Little Pumpkin

Preston and I had so much fun this morning at the Townsend House pumpkin patch! He was and ANGEL--just propped up on the pumpkins having a great time. He is still a little fussy in the afternoons, but much better during the day as a rule. We aren't getting much sleep, but it is amazing that you kind of get used to it :) Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather!

Parker Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free family websites - Family tree research
I copied this meter off The Lane's blog and although I agree that Knox is a PERFECT mix of Lenzie and Clay, I do not see where Preston looks ANYTHING like me at this time. It would be interesting to see the results of other people's children--it only takes a few minutes if you have the time :) Anyway, I thought this was fun!

Thanks Mrs. Sarah!

Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Mrs. Sarah Pullin for coming over today to help me take a picture for Preston's birth announcement! I have been trying for, well, 5 weeks and have not been successful. Mrs. Sarah has a photography background and had some great tips. Can't wait to see the finished product.....