I Just Knew It Was Too Quiet...

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

For months now been threatening to chop all my hair off. First it was falling out by the fist full (another lovely result of having a baby). Then it started falling out by Bennett fist-full when he learned to grab and yank. Ouch! I continued procrastinating though. I didn't know what I wanted done and I don't have a "hair person" so I didn't know where to go or who to see.

Recently it had gotten so long and heavy that my go-to hairstyle of a ponytail or messy knot was literally giving me headaches. A couple of Sundays ago I saw yet another friend with a cute new hair cut. When I commented on it she recommended her stylist and I called the next day.

Today I sat down with Lee and as he kindly asked me what I was looking for, if I'd seen any pictures I liked or what celebrities hair styles I envied I simply repeated my mantra "just take it off". I told him to feel free to do whatever he wanted with the caveat that it should not require maintenance other than regular washing.

It took a bit of convincing for him to understand that I really, REALLY didn't have an opinion other than "take it off". So he did! Almost 12 inches!

Here is a before picture to show how long my hair had gotten. I wasn't trying to grow it out...this is just what happens when you don't go to the salon for 9 or 10 months.

And after! Bennett seems to approve. Of course it may never look this pretty and shiny again, but it doesn't matter to me because although I like how it looks I love, love, LOVE how it feels!

Fun in Fort Worth

Jeff spent a few days in Vegas last week with a bunch of college buddies to celebrate the year they are all turning 30. I didn't send the camera along with him (although I'm doubtful that he would have remembered to use it much) so hopefully Hank or someone will share a few photos with us. Jeff had a wonderful time and really enjoyed getting to spend time with some great old friends.

While Jeff was away Bennett and I hung out in Fort Worth with Gran, Papa J and Aunt Lisa. I packed what felt like a car load of "stuff" to survive three whole days away from home with a baby. Diapers, wipes, about a dozen outfits, toys, favorite blanket, lovey, noise maker, just-in-case-medicine supply, bibs, snacks, sippy cup, bath supplies, pacifiers...I remembered it all and then some!

Except I did forget to pack his booster seat/high chair. But have no fear, Aunt Lisa came to the rescue with an ingenious mealtime solution.


Yes, he's sitting on phone books (certainly you remember this trick from your younger years, right?) and lashed to the chair with a belt. Perfect!

The next day Gran decided she might as well by a booster seat to keep at her house.

It was a pretty lazy weekend. I got to hang out with my family and they got to play with the Bennett boy. I did a little shopping. A little napping. Hung out with some old friends. Dad and I beat Mom and Lisa at spades. Twice. All in all, a great weekend.

Sick Day

Last week our house was hit with the crud from all directions. On the same morning that Jeff was floored by a nasty stomach bug Bennett woke up congested and running a fever. I spent the day caring for my sick boys and attempting to not cross-contaminate.

Although I felt terrible for my sad, listless little boy it was kind of nice to be able to spend the day snuggling with him. He is so active these days he rarely finds time to cuddle any more.

Somehow I managed to escape the week without being brought down from either side. I credit years of working at the homeless shelter for my hearty immune system. I hope it holds up...I hear that mommies don't get sick days.

Jeff was significantly better within 24 hours and as good as new by Saturday. Bennett took some extra long naps for a couple of days and by Saturday was back to his squirmy, cheerful self.

Fun Weekend

It has been a busy week since closing on our new house. Bennett and I have been back and forth between Dallas and Allen almost every day.

Despite the Cowboys loss to the Giants (boo!) the Parker family had an enjoyable weekend. Friday evening we went to Fort Worth for a post-holiday dinner at David and Tricia's house with a bunch of my life-long friends. Bennett and Elliott were both perfect angels and allowed the adults (by the way, I have to say it feels so weird to write "adult" in reference to myself!) to eat and talk and enjoy one another.


Bennett was hilarious, showing off his standing and feeding himself skills, hamming it up with everyone and breaking out in a huge, toothy grin whenever we all laughed at something. I'm pretty sure he thought all the talking, laughing and excitement centered around him. Elliott was cool and calm and allowed us all to hold him and coo at him, occasionally treating us to a tired, lopsided smile. He's a doll!

The highlight of the night was our "regift exchange". Everyone had to bring something they had been given at Christmas to exchange white elephant style. It was a riot! Without a doubt we have created a new tradition that will live on for years to come. The following pictures have been edited to protect the innocent...er, purchasers...and possibly future recipients!





Saturday we headed up to Allen again. Our friends Clint and Lisa have been kind enough to store some of our belongings in their garage and they helped us haul them up to the new house. That afternoon we got to hang out with our soon-to-be neighbors the Thomas family. Rob and Haley have three precious kiddos including Ridge who is just three months older than Bennett.


The Thomas family's new fort/swing set was being installed in the back yard and when it was completed we got to be the first guests to play on it. It was fun to watch the big kids climb and swing and slide knowing that Ridge and Bennett are going to be joining them in no time!



Jeff and I also got to spend a lot of time just goofing off with our little boy this weekend. He is so playful these days! He loves to give big, wet, open-mouth kisses. He likes to hide and rediscover toys, plays catch (sort of), gets excited about singing familiar songs and even blows raspberries on our bellies. It is such a fun age!

Here are some pictures of our sweet, expressive little guy from this week.

Bennett can finish a banana in about 38 seconds. It is actually quite impressive.

Helping Daddy redecorate his office.

This is his "fake smile" that he uses when he sees the camera. I didn't realize kids this young could figure that out already!

He loves to read. Or rather, he loves to open and close and turn the pages of books. But that is getting close...right?

Bath time is fun!

Lovin' on Daddy.

Photo op with Mommy.

Homeowners!

It is official! Jeff and I signed our mortgage papers on Monday (all 12,373 of them) and have purchased our first house!

We were technically "homeowners" already since we own our condo but it there is just something extra-special about your first housewithayard. We are so excited!

Here is a sneak peek at our new pad:

Since we've not sold the condo yet we will be moving in little by little. I expect to be living in Allen full-time by the end of the month. If any of you just particularly love lifting and carrying boxes and furniture give us a holler - I'm sure we can put you to use. We'll provide the pizza!

The New Year and a Lesson Reminded (#2) for Dad

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:34-35

Stacey and I have talked a lot about Bennett's future. What his hands might someday hold? Where his feet shall step? What his ears will hear? What his eyes could witness? As a Dad, I have prayed often for these things - that Bennett's life would be filled with adventure, curiosity, travels, tender moments, graceful experiences, etc.

New Year's meant something different to me this year knowing that 2008 will be my first full year as a Dad and Bennett's first full year as, well, a human. So I paused to reflect on who I want to be in 2008 as the watchful eyes of my son are upon me.

I'm reminded that more than anything our lives are marked by the love we give to one another. It's not about money, work, houses, sports, and travels. As I often tell Bennett, the world does not any more men selfishly seeking their own ambitions, comfort and kingdoms. Instead, the world is in desperate need of men who will love others at all cost.

So I continue to pray that Bennett's life will take him to unique places where he will experience life to its fullest. How unique those places are and how full his life becomes will be determined by how much he loves.

Family Christmas: Act III

We finished our Christmas celebrations back in Fort Worth with the Jackson family and Mawmaw who came in from Georgia. My wonderful Pawpaw passed away in May and I can't imagine how it must feel to go through the holidays without your husband for the first time in over 50 years. My Mawmaw is a spunky and brave woman. She got on an airplane for the first time in her life in order to come visit us. I am so happy she was able to join us for Christmas this year. It was a sweet celebration and I cherish the time we got to spend with her.

Bennett again raked in the gifts. I think the neatest present he received was this "Box of Blocks". My sister Lisa handmade and stained a fabulous set of wooden blocks and even a box to store them! They are beautiful and I know we will get years of play out of her thoughtful gift. Bennett approved as well.



Jeff was thrilled to receive "Guitar Hero" which was at the top of his wish list. Bennett got a baby guitar so that he can jam along with us. The entire weekend was accompanied by strains of "My Name is Jonas" and "School's Out" as one family member or another took their shot at guitar glory. It was a lot of fun!

When Mawmaw is at our house you would think she'd get a break to just sit back and let us take care of her. But no, we put her to work because that woman can cook! Bennett greatly enjoyed his first taste of Mawmaw's (should be) World Famous Chicken and Dumplings. He gave it two thumbs up!

Bennett not only plays the guitar but also regaled us with a few lovely original piano compositions. Ok, ok, really he was just gleefully banging on the keys...but I think this picture looks like he is being very thoughtful about his performance.

I am now officially finished blogging about Christmas. Hip hip hooray!

My parents kindly watched Bennett New Year's Eve so Jeff and I could go out and have some grown-up time. We rang in the new year by going to downtown Fort Worth, chatting over warm drinks on the rooftop of the Reata, catching a movie (a rare treat for us) and relaxing, talking about the past year and making new friends at the Worthington Hotel. It was a low-key celebration that was right up our alley!


2007 was a big year for us. I quit my job, we had a baby, built a house and tried to sell our condo. 2008 will also bring a lot of changes as we move to Allen and continue to try to sell our condo. We are excited about what the upcoming year holds for our little family!

Family Christmas: The Main Event

So I know that I'm quite late in posting about Christmas, but we've been away from home enjoying time with family for most of the past couple of weeks and I've just gotten around to uploading our pictures. "Better late than never" is kind of a personal motto. So without further ado, an illustrated recap...

Bennett had a busy first Christmas. He started the morning by waking up bright and early to check out what Santa left. It was a modest amount of loot but he seemed impressed nonetheless.


Then we got dressed and took off for Aunt Jen and Uncle Rick's house in Forney where Bennett helped cousins Haley and Dylan play with their gifts.



From there we all headed to Nanny and Papa's. Bennett sat in the yard with his mom and Aunt Jen to watch Uncle Rick, Dad, Haley and Dylan play "football" or something slightly akin to the game we know as football. Its only similarities were that they did use a football and there was much running around and tackling. Bennett was very intrigued.

After football was Christmas dinner. Bennett loved the stuffing, cranberries and green bean casserole. Nanny does dinner up right. Yum!

After a good afternoon nap, Bennett finally got to what he had been waiting for: gifts! Tearing paper is loads of fun.

This snowglobe from Nanny and Papa was the hit of the night. Bennett was completely enthralled with its music, lights and blowing snow. It probably entertained him for about 30 minutes straight. Whenever it would stop he would look up at one of us and grunt until we pushed the button to make it play again. So cute!

Bennett was a trooper throughout the busy day and he crashed hard as soon as the last gift was opened. Jeff and I played games with Rick and Jennifer after the kiddo was in bed. The guys totally kicked our tails at Battle of the Sexes but I got a little taste of victory when Jeff and I won Family Feud. All in all it was a great day. We enjoyed spending Christmas with the Parker clan.

The next day Jeff and I rushed to take down out tree. I usually like to keep the tree up until New Years but this was quite possibly the driest, most pathetic looking Christmas tree ever. It needed to be put out of it's misery. We might have gotten the tree out of the house with half its needles still attached. Maybe.

We hope you all enjoyed a restful, happy Christmas with those who are dear to you. More to come!