A Guy, a Girl and a Baby

Splish, Splash…he was taking a bath…

2011-03-05T22:01:00.001-08:00

He had already had one bath today but during dinner he decided to smear macaroni & cheese in his hair. This earned him his second bath of the day. He sure doesn’t seem to mind though!

When he outright refuses…

2011-02-20T22:50:00.001-08:00

Today Parker wanted nothing to do with my mini portrait studio. When I asked him if he wanted to have his picture taken he said “NOPE.” So I asked him if he wanted to have his picture taken with his new Buzz. “NOPE.” How about Woody and Buzz? “Nope.” How about Daddy’s truck from when he was a little boy?

This option got him interested so he carried the truck from the upstairs all the way to the basement where we put it in the portrait area. Then the little stinker walked away and refused to be in the picture! So this is all I got today. A picture of the truck…

When he doesn’t cooperate…

2011-02-20T22:46:00.001-08:00

…we get pictures that look like this…

When he cooperates…

2011-02-20T22:44:00.001-08:00

He takes such great pictures when he cooperates! Now if I could only get him to hold still and smile for me more often. Maybe when he is three? Or not…

Hawaii…

2011-02-20T22:41:00.001-08:00

We had a nice little get away this past November to Kauai, Hawaii. Parker was so good on the plane ride and the whole time we were there. We had a great time relaxing and playing in the pool as well as exploring the island. It was a different vacation for Justin and me because we are so used to vacationing at a faster pace. With Parker we were forced to do a bit more relaxing! The little man still needs his sleep. The three of us got well rested and had such a fabulous time and we can’t wait to head back to the islands!

Here is my adorable little man:

I can’t wait to go back. I miss the warm weather and sunshine!

Flowers…

2011-02-20T22:33:00.001-08:00

As you probably know I have become quite fond of photography lately. I am still just learning but I have so many ideas and so much I want to do. The main thing that I am lacking is time! So between working and spending time with my wonderful little family I try to squeeze in some time to study photography. Here are two pictures of flowers that I have taken. The first picture was taken at Pike Place Market in Seattle and the second picture was taken at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

I’m bad…

2011-02-20T22:20:00.001-08:00

I’m such a bad blogger. I was going to start posting more frequently starting last summer and we all can tell how well that worked out! Well now it is February 2010 and Parker is a big boy. He has graduated from his crib to a toddler bed (out of necessity b/c we couldn’t get him to stop climbing on top of his dresser). He is speaking more and more every day. It is so cute to listen to him tell you a story and try to figure out what he is telling you.

Parker is also such a smart boy. It is amazing to just watch him play and figure things out. He has such intense concentration at times (much like his Mommy, I’m sure!). We have been working a lot on ABCs and counting. He is a bit stubborn when it comes to counting (he refuses to say the number 1) but he does really well with his alphabet. At 2 yrs 3 months he can already identify almost all the letters. It is very cute to listen to him speak his letters as well. To him the letter ‘M’ is ‘Mem’ and ‘N’ is ‘Nen'. The letter ‘W’ is a ‘double-double’. It really is a delight to watch him learn and grow!

We are also starting to experience the joys of toddlerhood. We are struggling to cope with Parker’s drive for independence! It seemed like just yesterday he was this sweet innocent boy and now everyday we are reminded that we have a two-year-old. But I really can’t complain. As far as two-year-olds go I am pretty sure I have the best one!

What does the tiger say?

2010-11-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

RRRRRAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

Happy Halloween from our little tiger!

Twenty Days…

2010-08-08T21:09:00.001-07:00

Twenty days until it’s official!

We love these two people more than words can say!

We are so excited for your big day Thomas & Chelsea!!!!

Learning to drive already…

2010-08-07T22:50:00.001-07:00

I told you guys that my baby is growing up too fast. You probably didn’t believe me when I said it…

His Papa is already giving him driving lessons…

…And his Daddy says that it’s about time Parker learned to drive the boat.

Seriously, someone has to tow Daddy when Mommy’s at work!

Soccer

2010-08-07T22:21:00.001-07:00

He’s clearly a Nelson! Learning to play soccer already!

I’m sure this brings a tear to his Papa’s eye!

I love to brush my teeth…

2010-08-07T21:57:00.001-07:00

One of Parker’s favorite things to do is brush his teeth.

It used to be great when he would let us help him do a good job.

Now he is a big boy and he doesn’t think he needs any help.

And he is stubborn like his Mommy, so he will no longer accept help when offered.

It’s still okay if we only get, like, three of his teeth brushed successfully, right?

Okay, thanks for the reassurance!

(Almost A Complete) Family Picture

2010-07-17T22:15:00.001-07:00

We went to the Point Defiance Zoo today with *almost* our entire family. It is *almost* because we are missing Trish’s family, but since they live in Idaho, and it isn’t that easy for them to trek to Tacoma for a day, we won’t hold it against them!
We all had a great time! Watching the kids enjoy all the sights was a blast for us all to enjoy. It was so great to get the little kids together because they play so well together and just have an overall great time!

We all met at the zoo in the morning and spent a few hours there, then we left the zoo and had a nice picnic lunch at Owen Beach, then returned to the zoo to finish looking at all the exhibits.

I’ll post more pictures from the day *hopefully* later this week.

(On a side note: I wore SPF 50 sunscreen and I still burned the bejeesus (sp?) out of my skin…my poor, part-albino skin just can’t hold up for very long to the sun’s powerful rays! Poor me!)

Parker & Hailey

2010-07-03T22:19:00.001-07:00

Parker loves his big cousin Hailey sooooo much! Tonight when we were at dinner I told him Hailey was there and he immediately wanted out of his high chair so he could go see her. His eyes light up at then mention of her name! He definitely knows his big cousin is someone special!

Here are Parker & Hailey from this evening:

Such a good picture of the two of them!

Learning To Use My Camera

2010-07-02T14:47:00.001-07:00

I am trying to get better at taking pictures.

I am also trying to get better at editing pictures.

In order to do this I have had to learn so much about my camera. And there is a lot to know. Who would have thunk it?

It’s fun. I like it. Learning, that is.

And taking pictures. I like that, too.

Here is one of my practice shots then I’ll tell you something I learned to try to make the shot better.

This is a picture of Whatcom Falls in Bellingham, WA.

I always like looking at pictures of waterfalls when you see the water looking all silky and smooth.

In order to take this picture I knew I needed a longer exposure. This is how long your camera lens stays open allowing light to reach the sensor. Cool, huh! That is something I learned.

When you use a longer exposure you can’t move your camera because then you get a blurry image. So I had to use my tri-pod (Thanks Steve & Jackie for the tri-pod).

Even when you use a tri-pod you can get shake just from pressing the shutter button. To prevent this I used my remote (Again, thanks Steve & Jackie for the remote, too!). This way I didn’t have to touch the camera to get the shutter to release.

To take this picture I set my camera to shutter-priority mode which allows me to control the length of time the shutter stays open. I wanted to use a longer shutter speed like 2 or 5 seconds to see what it would do but the thing about long shutter speeds is you have to have low light. It was simply too early and there was too much light for me to use a long exposure. So to take this picture I set my shutter speed to 1 second. Anything more was just too much light and my picture would have become washed out.

One year ago I would not have known how to take a cool picture of a waterfall. I would have just set my camera to auto and started shooting. Which would have been fine too. But it would have stopped motion and the waterfall would look more crisp and sharp than I desired. So I got my learn on and figured out how to make it less “crisp and sharp”.

I like how the picture came out. I would have liked to use a longer shutter speed and see if I can make it prettier and silkier and more smooth. Maybe one day I’ll plan better and go when the sun is setting and there is less light and try again. I have to practice so I can take cool pictures of waterfalls when we go to Hawaii this fall. See, there’s my motivation!

So anywho…I just wanted to share something that I learned and something I enjoy doing. It isn’t way super cool (well, to me it is) and it’s not professional quality but it’s me. And I kinda like being me!

Corn on the Cob

2010-07-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

The other evening we had corn on the cob with our dinner. Justin asked me if I thought Parker would eat it off the cob. I answered no, we’d better cut it off the cob because otherwise he’d probably drop it to Maya after about 3.24 seconds.

(Which, by the way, would have made Maya very, very happy because she LOVES corn on the cob).

Anyways, back to the story….

So we are eating dinner and Parker has a little red bowl with his corn off the cob in it which he ate very quickly (the kid loves corn). When he is about done with his corn I give him some chicken, which he also eats. At this time I am still nowhere done eating (since I am a slow eater) and Parker is getting a bit antsy-in-his-pantsy being stuck in his high chair.

So he starts to whine. He wants down.

I don’t want him to get down and I don’t want him to whine.

I want him to sit quietly in his high chair with a smile on his cute face while I slowly finish my dinner. When will I ever learn that I don’t get what I want? When will I ever learn that my stubborn determination to get what I want probably won’t pay off?

Probably never to both of those questions.

Anyways, getting distracted again…

So to distract him I give him my corn on the cob thinking it will buy me about 3.24 seconds of peace.

Which, by the way, I have taken a whole 2 bites of.

At this point I fully expected him to inspect the corn on the cob, get bored with it then throw it overboard. But much to my surprise he didn’t inspect the cob then give to Maya. He started eating it…

Then he ate it.

All.

With a BIG smile on his face!

I guess I win after all!

Parker Loves The Playground...

2010-06-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

He loves rocks...

He loves putting rocks on the slide...

He really loves when Papa helps him put rocks on the slide...

(I hope nobody wanted to go down the slide)

He loves the teeter totter...

He really loves when his Papa plays on the teeter totter with him...

And last, but certainly not least, he really, really loves swinging on the swings! Especially when he is with his Grandma Jackie!

A Foiled Bike Ride

2010-06-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

We tried to go for a bike ride before Parker's nap...

But we didn't make it in time!

We weren't five minutes into the ride and he was out. Cold.

Mom & Son

2010-06-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pictures from the weekend...

Life Is Good...

2010-06-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Most Disgusting Part of My Weekend...

2010-06-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

I know what they say. Boys will be boys. But YUCK!

Boys being boys makes me GAG!

Literally. I was gagging. As in trying to not THROW UP!

For the record: I have always been, and will always be, a GIRLY girl. Something about dirt and germs just GROSSES me out.

Apparently my son does not take after me in this regard.

Here is the evidence:

See what I am talking about? Disgusting.

That water pump is DIRTY and RUSTY!

You can't tell me that tastes good. Does it???

It can't possibly be better than the nice refreshing CLEAN water in your CLEAN sippy cup. Is it???

Oh, you say it's more fun...

Well, I say it's more disgusting.

But whatever floats your boat, right?

Happy Father's Day...Part Two...

2010-06-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

To the two greatest Grandpa's in the whole world:

Parker with his Grandpa Joe!

(...and Grandpa Joe you have to stop being so camera shy! I don't have very many pictures of you two together!)

Parker with his Papa Steve!

We love you both so much! Happy Father's Day to two of the greatest Father's and Grandpa's we know!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy ever!

To Daddy:

Not many men would put their career on hold to take care of their son but it is very important work that you are doing! I know that it isn't easy, and it isn't always fun, but it is important. What you have given to our son is priceless! Parker is so lucky to have you for a Daddy. I love you and everything you do.

Love,

Mommy

Our Arch Nemesis...

2010-06-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

There has been a battle brewing at the Nelson house for quite some time now. Mommy has to admit that she has grown quite weary of this battle. Mommy was never designed to be a soldier. She's a lover, not a fighter.

You may be asking whom we are battling? Her name is Susan. And she is lazy.

Here is a picture of Susan in all her laziness...

Now you are probably scratching your head wondering why the heck are we battling a lazy susan? The reason we are battling a lazy susan involves a very, very active and curious nearly 20-month old little boy. Said little boy has been locked out of every other cupboard and drawer in our entire kitchen but we can't manage a solution to keep him out of the lazy susan. All day long he runs into the kitchen, turns the lazy susan and quickly grabs whatever he can manage before turning and running the other way. At first it was cute. Then it wasn't cute anymore.

All day long we take items belonging in the lazy susan from Parker, listening to him scream his dissatisfaction, replacing items to their proper place and closing the lazy susan. This cycle is on repeat at our house. Can't somebody turn it on shuffle? Please?

Did I mention the lazy susan holds a lot of items?

A lot of items Parker REALLY, REALLY LOVES...

Now Mommy's tired. And it's her turn to be lazy.

She just wants to sit on the couch, watch TV and be lazy.

But she can't!

DAMN YOU SUSAN!!!

Then today Mommy had an epiphany...

She heard the choir singing in her head...

She remembered some magnetic cabinet locks that her cousin Jeff has at their house. We could get those and place on each end of the lazy susan. We can magnetically unlock the cabinet when we need something, then lock it back up when we were done. It was a brilliant plan!

So Mommy called Along Comes A Baby to see if they stocked the item. Much to her joy they did. We piled the family in the pick-up and headed down to buy said item as quickly as possible...

As soon as we got home Daddy set to work figuring out the best way to install these things. Mommy looked over his shoulder and gave her 'two cents' as to the ACTUAL best way to install these things. Daddy kept saying I don't think they'll work. Mommy kept saying they will work...

...but they didn't work...

Now Mommy is sad. And still tired...

The battle continues...

Parker's $*!# Kickers...

2010-06-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in LOVE with Parker's John Deere cowboy boots. I take full advantage of any opportunity I have to put them on him. They just look so adorable on his little feet!

A Day with Torri...

2010-06-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Way back in February when we went to the farm for Grandpa Hale's 80th birthday party we met up with our favorite cowgirl/photographer Torri. We met up with her to take some pictures of our little Parker and she was so excited to take us out to some nature trails she loves to shoot pictures at. We were really excited to see this location that Torri told us about and take some pictures there. While driving out to the trails our little man decided to fall asleep in his car seat. SOUND ASLEEP! Then when we got to the trails, we discovered the area was under construction! They were building all new bridges and adding a bunch of new trails. Torri was very disappointed because she really loved the area, but luckily we went there that day because she was planning on taking a paying customer there the next weekend and she at least discovered it was torn up with family.

We decided to get out of the car and walk through the trails and see some of the changes. We probably walked for a good 45 minutes to an hour with Mommy and Daddy passing a (heavy) sleeping baby back and forth! I though for sure he would wake up and we could make the best of the situation and take a few shots!

After our brisk morning walk we all piled back into the car and headed back to the Longgood Ranch. As soon as we pulled up to the house and turned the car off our little man woke up! Since we were there and he was awake we decided to shoot a few pictures at their place. Here is what I came up with:

Chelsea & Parker

2010-06-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thomas had everyone over for a wonderful birthday dinner for his future bride, Chelsea. We all had such a wonderful time visiting and stuffing ourselves with the excellent dinner T made. Here is a great shot of Chelsea and Parker from the party!

Brush, Brush, Brush!

2010-06-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Parker knows how he loves to share the kisses. He practices good oral hygiene to ensure that his breath is continuously fresh for those moments when kisses are due!

Lost Rawhide...

2010-06-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hello? Hello? Anyone?

Your BIG BOY took my rawhide chew and tossed it on the other side of the gate. I need it...Would you please get it for me? Please?

Sunny Sunday Evening...

2010-06-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just don't know how he does it all! While I am at work "bringing home the prosciutto" my wonderful husband gets the exhausting task of "rearing our child" as well as cooking/cleaning/running all household errands, etc. Today was no exception either. Mr. Man had dinner ready when I walked in the door from work and as soon as we were done eating he immediately headed outdoors to mow the lawn!

Meanwhile...

Parker is excited to see his Daddy outside and thinks this lawn mowing business is pretty exciting stuff! Don't worry Parker...Your Daddy can't wait to show you how to mow the lawn, but just remember that your Daddy is meticulous about his lawn care so pay attention to how he wants it done!

...And you Maya...

Is there anything I can do for you? Anything? Anything at all?

I Bet You Wish You Had a Birthday Present This Cool...

2010-06-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a YEAR since I was given just about the COOLEST birthday present of all time! Not every one gets a brand spanking NEW niece, but me, I guess I'm just cool like that...if that's what the cool kids say...not too sure because I've never been one though. A cool kid, that is. Anyways, getting carried away here...back to the subject on hand:

MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT IS ABOUT TO TURN 1!!!

Which means I'm about to turn quite a bit more than 1...

But we won't worry about that now...

What we will worry about is...what do you get your birthday present when she turns 1? Or does she get something for you? I'm not quite sure...is this the gift that keeps on giving?

Hmmm...I'm pretty sure it's my turn though...

So, what to get her?

I might just have to sleep on this one!

G'Nite

Where's Jacob?

2010-06-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know, Mommy, where is he?

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!

2010-06-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Spring has officially sprung! I love my Mother's Day present from my BIG BOY!

And He's Off...

2010-06-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, I'm bored of looking at tulips. I'm going to play in the dirt!"

He Doesn't Need a Wagon Anymore...

2010-06-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Mr. Independent doesn't need any assistance from his Radio Flyer. Once again proving that my baby isn't much of a baby anymore!

The Tulip Festival was a while back too...

2010-06-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Two things Mommy loves: Parker and Tulips!

Mommy & Parker

2010-06-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

He is getting TOO big! What happened to my little baby? Somehow he has become a big boy...Not sure I can put up with this!

Like Father, Like Son...

2010-06-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love these two people! My baby boy is so much like his Daddy, they even stare at things the same way! Do you see it? The same instense gaze? It's there, I can see it!

Olympics were a long time ago...

2010-06-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

The crowd around the torch was MASSIVE and if you wanted to get an unobstructed view you had to stand in line for a few hours...Sorry, Olympic Torch, but you are not a ride at Disneyland, so I will NOT wait in line for the perfect picture! I wanted a shot which minimized the crowd so I climbed atop a concrete barrier and took my picture! Voila, problem solved, a pic that is good enough for me and it only took a few seconds of my time...

Parker and His Pacifiers

2010-06-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Before I had Parker I would look at other older babies with pacifiers and think, "Man! That kid is way too old for that pacifier!" Well my baby is now almost 20 months old and guess what? He still loves his pacifiers and I don't see an end to it anytime soon! Oh, well...they make him happy...and they really aren't hurting anything! He'll grow tired of them eventually, right?!?

Bad, Bad Blogger!

2010-06-12T21:01:00.001-07:00

I've been a very bad blogger! It's so hard to keep up with this dang thing! I will work at getting better...please forgive me!
Lisa

Parker’s First Hair Cut

2009-11-01T16:00:00.001-08:00

Parker looking so cute

2009-11-01T15:59:00.001-08:00

Woodland Park Zoo

2009-11-01T15:58:00.001-08:00

We met up with the Erga’s and took the kids to the zoo. We had a lot of fun although the little ones weren’t too interested in many of the zoo animals. Oh well…we will try again later when they are older!

Mommy and Parker with the Giraffes in the background

Mommy and Parker looking at Giraffes

Giraffe

Monkey

Parker checking out the hippos

Hippo

Cassie and Kylie checking out the hippo exhibit

The happy family posing on the hippo statue

Daddy really liked the Komodo Dragon

Elephant

Another Elephant

Sleeping Lions

Bear

Parker in his stroller

Mommy and Parker at the penguin exhibit

Penguin

Penguin up close

Kylie

Mommy and Parker at the penguin exhibit

Happy family at penguin exhibit

Mommy and Parker on the carousel

Big Gorilla

Hungry Gorilla

Tired Baby!

Parker’s big boy car seat

2009-11-01T15:56:00.003-08:00

Parker was getting too big to carry in his first car seat so it was time to upgrade. He seems pretty happy with the results!

Daddy and Parker

2009-11-01T15:56:00.001-08:00

A few cute pictures of the men of the house that we had to share!

The Northwest Washington Fair

2009-11-01T15:54:00.001-08:00

Here are pics from Parker’s first trip to the fair!

Camping at Lake Pearrygin – August 2009

2009-11-01T15:49:00.001-08:00

We took our first family camping trip this last summer. Every year we camp at Lake Pearrygin outside of Winthrop, WA. We had a lot of fun and we’re sure Parker can’t wait to go again next year!

Parker playing with a lantern in the tent

Maya trying to get comfortable on the air mattress.

Maya giving Parker goodnight kisses.

Daddy and Parker sleeping!

Parker after his first night sleeping in a tent.

Parker with a sippy cup at the grandparent’s motor home.

Gabe, Hailey and Parker

Parker in the exersaucer.

Chelsea, T and Bo

Papa Steve cooking a camping breakfast!

Daddy thinking about how much more comfortable his bed at home is than the air mattress.

Camping breakfast

Daddy putting gas in the boat to go water skiing.

Daddy getting ready to hop in the water for his first ski of the summer. Unfortunately he doesn’t get to complete his ski because the rope snapped and hit Parker in the face! :(

Parker being tough after getting hit in the face with the snapped rope!

Bo and Uncle T playing fetch

Bo leaping for his toy

Daddy relaxing

Hailey hula-hooping

Miss Hailey getting some shade.

Hailey quenching her thirst with her spray bottle/fan.

Parker playing on the beach

Parker’s second trip on the boat. A far more successful venture.

Grandma Jackie and Hailey tubing

Hailey and Aunt Lisa tubing

Parker with his Uncle T

Hailey enjoying the boat ride

Parker and Paetyn playing with the exersaucer

Parker practicing his walking

Parker ready for camping dinner

Mommy and Parker

Parker sleeping

Parker and Maya checking out the stake for Maya’s leash.

Parker not too sure about the grass.

Parker giving some attitude!

Daddy finally gets to waterski

Chelsea wakeboarding

Hailey watching everyone from the boat.

T showing off while wakeboarding

Parker playing at his exersaucer again

He loves his exersaucer

French Fries at dinner

Hailey waiting for her food!

The Grandparents, Parker and Hailey

Family picture at the ice cream shop

Hailey got a yard of bubble gum at the candy store

Parker is exhausted after his camping trip

Maya is begging us to put her in the car so she can go home

Daddy and Parker at Ross Lake

Swimming in Lake Whatcom

2009-08-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

This summer we experienced unusually high temperatures over a period of a few weeks. This led everyone to seek out activities to keep cool. Once again we headed to a body of water, this time Lake Whatcom via the Bliss house! Parker wasn’t as comfortable in Lake Whatcom as he had been in the swimming pool at Birch Bay. It didn’t take him too long before he had his fill of swimming but at least we were able to cool off a bit before he decided he was done!

Oh yeah…if you haven’t noticed the trend by now…Lisa isn’t in too many pictures because she is usually behind the camera. But no worries, Mommy is around enjoying many of these fun activities as well!

Birch Bay

2009-08-30T19:57:00.001-07:00

The weather was hot so Justin and Parker went to Birch Bay to visit Papa Steve and Grandma Jackie where they were camping. Parker got to try out his new swim float that Mommy bought him. He loved it!

Too cute to not share!

2009-08-30T19:49:00.001-07:00

Parker 9 Month Pictures

2009-08-30T19:48:00.001-07:00

He is getting way too big! Nine months already. Time flies when you are having so much fun. Once again, Artiem photography did an excellent job with his pictures. We may be biased, but we are pretty certain we have the cutest kid alive!

The truck in two of the pictures was actually Justin’s when he was a baby. We thought it would be special to include it in a few of Parker’s pictures and they turned out so great! Brought a tear to Grandma Jackie’s eye!

He is a cool dude!

2009-08-30T19:43:00.001-07:00

Lisa’s Very Special Birthday Present

2009-08-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

Most years Lisa’s sister, Jonnette, doesn’t go all out on birthday gifts. However, this year was very different. Jonnette was pregnant and due to give birth on July 10th. During her whole pregnancy Lisa kept telling her that she would have the baby on her birthday, July 3rd. Jonnette insisted this wouldn’t happen because it was simply too early as she had been overdue with her first child, Jacob. Now one would think that since Jonnette had known her sister Lisa for 28 years she would know by now that Lisa is ALWAYS right! Right?!?

Well, once again, Lisa was right and Jonnette was gracious enough to have our new baby niece, Hannah Elizabeth, on Lisa’s 28th birthday. Such sisterly love! Now that is a gift that can never be matched!

Here are a few pics from our first time seeing beautiful baby Hannah on July 4th, 2009 when Hannah was 1 day old!

Parker is so excited to be meeting his cousin Hannah!

Such a sweet girl! Now to dress her in more pink and less purple!

Fourth of July

2009-08-30T19:26:00.001-07:00

This year to celebrate the Fourth of July we went to Tim and Della’s house in Satsop. This is their second year throwing a big party (and our second year attending!). Before we left town we had to stop at Papa Steve and Grandma Jackie’s house to drop Maya off for the night and to take pictures of the three grandkids in their Fourth of July T-Shirts (Thanks for the T-Shirts Grandma Jackie!).

Once Maya was settled and pictures were taken we headed down to Satsop. We had a wonderful time with Tim and Della and their family and friends. Especially nice to see was Della’s Grandma Barrett. She was up from Texas and Lisa hadn’t seen her in nearly 10 years!

Unfortunately we forgot to charge our camera battery so we didn’t get too many pics but here are the few we managed before the camera battery died!

Papa Steve and Parker on his first Independence Day!

Parker giving Papa Steve some OOH-MA kisses!

Gabe, Hailey and Parker in their matching shirts!

Parker enjoying himself at Tim and Della’s house!

Miss Maddie anxiously awaiting the fireworks show!

Della, Isaac and Grandma Barrett

Maddie, Della and Grandma Barrett

Lisa and Della

Lisa’s Birthday

2009-08-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

For Lisa’s Birthday she had to work…No fun, huh! But Justin was nice enough to bring her balloons and other adornments to the pharmacy so that all would know it was a special day! Thanks Justin!

After Lisa got off work we met at D’Anna’s restaurant in Bellingham for a good dinner!

There will be no mistaking whose birthday it is!

Papa Steve and Grandma Jackie

Lisa, Parker and Justin

Uncle Ty, Mike D and Aunt Kels

Parker sitting so well in a big boy high chair!

Uncle T and Parker are so full after such a good dinner!

Parker and his Biter Biscuit!

2009-08-30T19:01:00.001-07:00

Now that Parker is getting the concept of chewing we bought him some Gerber Biter Biscuits. They looked like harmless fun. We quickly learned they are terribly messy! Parker likes his biscuits but they are swiftly followed by a bath and the high chair has to be wiped down completely! Who knew he could get biscuit in so many places???

Father’s Day in Seattle

2009-07-30T21:37:00.001-07:00

We happened to be driving through Seattle on Father’s Day so we decided to stop at the Seattle Center. We had never been to the Experience Music Project and Daddy really wanted to go so we figured what better day than Father’s Day to pay the museum a visit? Daddy loved EMP and in addition to that they had a Jim Henson Experience exhibit and a science fiction exhibit. We couldn’t take any pictures inside the museum but here are a few from the Seattle Center!

Parker and Maya in the laundry basket!

2009-07-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

Parker and Maya hanging out together…in a laundry basket. Keeping them both contained. Now that’s what I call parenting!

Parker helping Daddy with Laundry!

2009-07-30T20:47:00.001-07:00

Parker loves to help Daddy fold laundry. For Parker help means pulling all the clothes out of the basket and playing with them. Even if they have already been folded! Here he is in action!

Grandma Sherry and Grandpa Joe

2009-07-30T20:38:00.001-07:00

Okay, so these are out of chronological order. I thought that I posted these awhile ago but realized I hadn’t. These pics were taken in March when Grandma and Grandpa Paskas came to visit. Parker loves his Grandma Sherry and Grandpa Joe!

When Grandma Sherry is in town she likes to feed Parker!

MMMMM…rice cereal.

Grandpa Joe, Grandma Sherry and Parker.

Parker isn’t much for being held for too long.

Ha Ha, my mom will kill me but this is too funny! Parker and Grandma Sherry taking a nap!

Grandpa Joe holding Baby P!

Grandpa Joe says take the darn picture already! You know I don’t like having my picture taken!

Birch Bay with the Erga Family

2009-07-30T20:27:00.001-07:00

Mike, Cassie and Kylie were staying the weekend at a condo in Birch Bay so we went to visit them, eat dinner together and swim in the pool. Unfortunately, Mommy didn’t think to charge the camera battery so I didn’t get to take any pics of them in the pool. They did have a lot of fun though. Here are the few pics I did manage to take before my battery went dead…

Parker and Kylie sitting so well together.

Look at how big I am. I can sit up by myself!

Kylie talking to Parker.

They are both doing so well sitting up!

Of course Parker has to scoot under the coffee table!

Kylie trying to figure out how to scoot.

Parker says it’s so easy. Just watch me!

Parker’s first visit to the farm!

2009-07-30T20:08:00.001-07:00

Parker got to go visit Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Hale in May. He had a lot of fun at the farm. We got to spend a lot of time with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma, see Uncle Bob, Uncle Doug, Uncle Rick and Todd. Uncle Rick had a baby thoroughbred horse that we got to see. We thought Parker would be scared of the horses but he wasn’t scared at all. He even stuck his hand out to touch one of the horses. Such a brave big boy!

Anytime we go to the farm we always go to USA Subs (can’t ever miss that place!). On this visit Parker got to sit in a high chair at a restaurant for the first time. It took him a bit to get the hang of it because there isn’t as much support as our high chair at home. He bent forward and hit his head on the end of the table and got a nice red mark! Didn’t phase him though. That’s our Parker, knocks his head and keeps on going!

Uncle Bob took Justin on a ride in his Porsche. Of course Justin loved it. I told him someday he can have a Porsche, just not that day!

We also went out to dinner with Great Grandpa and Great Grandpa Hale, and Uncle Bob. Another first for Parker…his first time being fussy in a restaurant. We brought his high chair along so he could sit in it but he did not want to sit in it! So Justin and I passed him back and forth so we could eat, then Uncle Bob offered to take him so we could finish our meals. Parker had fun with Uncle Bob looking at the gas pumps that decorate the restaurant as well as talking to the waitresses! My boy is a flirt already!

Here are the pics from our fun week at the farm! We can’t wait until October for Erica’s wedding so we can visit again!

Such a pretty baby horse!

And fast too! Uncle Rick is taking this one to the Kentucky Derby!

Look at how long the legs are!

So pretty!

Parker looking at the horses in the stall.

Parker checking out a horse up close.

Not scared at all…

OOOH, I see a camera, I’d better look at it!

Told you I wasn’t scared, I want to touch the horse!

Big boy growing up so fast!

Such a nice horsey!

Going to touch the camera!

Parker is having so much fun at the farm!

If I am going to be in any of the pictures I have to take one of myself. So here I am.

Parker gets a bath in Great Grandma Hale’s utility sink!

He doesn’t care where the bath is at. He loves his baths!

Giving Great Grandma Hale loves!

Smiling for the camera.

Parkers first time in a restaurant high chair. Such a big boy!

I am so happy to be in the high chair!

Right before he knocks his head on the end of the table.

And right after knocking his head. Notice the nice red mark! Quick give him the pacifier so he doesn’t scream!

Mommy, thanks for the pacifier but I am a big boy, I wasn’t going to scream!

MMMMMM….USA Subs. The french fries were as good as they look.

Parker and Daddy during his first trip to USA Subs!

Parker loved playing underneath Great Grandma Hale’s bar stools.

This is where he always scooted to the whole time we were there!

Blanket play time before I take a nap.

Sometimes Daddy’s need naps too!

With Uncle Bob checking out the gas pumps in the restaurant.

Uncle Bob and Parker

Thanks Uncle Bob for taking Parker, now I can finish my dinner!

Great Grandma Hale looking stylish as usual!

Uncle Bob and Parker talking to the waitresses!

Parker and his older woman!

2009-07-30T18:37:00.001-07:00

Our friends Mike and Cassie Erga had a baby girl, Kylie, just 10 days before Parker was born. It is a lot of fun to get the two babies together and watch them interact. Here is a cute video of the two!

Papa Steve and his big boy!

2009-07-30T18:22:00.001-07:00

Some Papa Steve and Parker time!

Parker’s 6 Month Pictures

2009-07-30T18:17:00.001-07:00

Parker was a total ham when it came time to having his 6 month pictures taken. There were so many great shots it was difficult to pick out which ones to buy!

He is such a big boy now!

Splish, splash he was taking a bath!

2009-07-30T18:14:00.001-07:00

Parker loves taking baths. We bought him a bath seat so he can sit well in the tub and play with all his toys. Makes it a lot easier for Mommy and Daddy too because now that he moves so much it was getting quite hard to keep him still in the tub so we can get him clean!

Ski to Sea Parade

2009-07-30T18:08:00.001-07:00

We took Parker to the Ski to Sea Parade. He had fun until he fell asleep! The happy family. Parker can’t take his eyes off the parade!

He was very happy once I put him in the Baby Bjorn. Then he could see everything!

Look at that Parker!

And the next thing you know…little man is fast asleep!

And there is nothing that will wake a sleeping little man! Not even sirens on a fire truck!

Too stinking sweet!

He’s a big boy now!

2009-07-30T18:00:00.001-07:00

All of a sudden Parker started feeding himself his bottle. Makes it a lot easier when we have things to do! Just make the bottle then give it to the kid, he can handle the rest!

SHHHH Maya! Baby’s sleeping!

2009-07-30T17:52:00.001-07:00

Here is a too cute picture of Parker Sleeping. He holds tight to his lovey blanket! So sweet!

Visit to Centralia

2009-07-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

In May we went to Centralia because Uncle Tiny and Austin were up from California and they were throwing a birthday party for Austin. We traveled down there Friday night and met Jeff, Gina, Alexis and Andrew. We all stayed at the same hotel and had fun spending time together. On Saturday we all went to Fort Borst Park in Centralia for a picnic and the birthday party. This was the first time that all the family had been together in a long time. It was great being able to see each other and eat some good food. I had great intentions of taking a lot of photos but then I totally forgot. Oh well, here are the few I took…

Of course the exersaucer went with us!

Such a happy boy!

OOH! A camera!

Alexis insisted we go swimming so I stopped and bought a bathing suit (because of course I didn’t pack one), then we discover the heated pool isn’t heated at all and the hot tub was way too hot. We tried but Parker’s teeth instantly started chattering and he was to have none of the pool!

So instead of swimming in the bitterly cold pool we sat in a chair, Mommy drank a glass of wine and we commemorated the moment with a picture.

Didn’t want to let him crawl all over the hotel floor so he had play time on the bed.

Too stinkin’ cute!

Cousin Jeff with Andrew and Parker

On the way home we stopped at The Cheesecake Factory because it was Mother’s day and Mommy wanted some cheesecake. To keep Parker entertained we let him play with a spoon.

We thought we too the spoon back from him only to find it in his car seat when we got home!

Bliss BBQ to kick off Summer

2009-07-30T17:12:00.001-07:00

Every summer we spend a lot of time at the Bliss house. They live on Lake Whatcom and always have people over for BBQs and playing on the lake. There is always good food, good entertainment and good company. Needless to say, Parker had a lot of fun at his first ever Bliss BBQ. Also needless to say, his exersaucer went to which ensured the rest of us had a lot of fun as well!

Justin playing football with Maya.

Loving the exersaucer!

Parker getting sleepy!

Sitting on Grandma Jackie’s lap.

Parker’s cousin, Baby Gabe

Great Grandma Dee and Papa Steve

Papa Steve showing Parker the boat.

Maya resting because the BBQ is just so exhausting for our little princess dog.

Papa Steve trying to get Parker to take a nap. (Maggie providing some assistance!)

Parker not too sure about the grass.

Maya checking things out, making sure her baby is okay!

Still not too sure about the grass.

Papa Steve and Parker time. Too sweet!

Rain, Rain, Go Away…

2009-05-07T08:56:00.001-07:00

We’re one week into May now and yup, it’s raining. So naturally, Little Man & Me are spenind fun, quality time in doors today. We were at Target @ 8:00am, and not surprisingly we were the youngest people there by a conservative 50+ years. No joke. And what did we find when we got there? They were out of our formula brand of choice. Which this week is Emfamil Lipil. This meant we had to trek it on over to Wal-Mart. We’re back now and ready to take on the day. Laundry, cleaning, playing. Here’s a few pics of Parker rocking out in his ExerSaucer. Loves this thing.

-Justin-

Saturday Morning…

2009-05-02T10:03:00.001-07:00

Saturday’s here once again. Unfortunately it’s not as sunny this AM as it has been the past few days, so Lisa took advantage of the situation by reading to Parker a few books. Parker loves being read to. It is also worth noting that he also likes to try to put the books in his mouth, we hope he grows out of this. Here’s a few pics of Mommy reading to Parker.

-Justin-

Hangin’ with Uncle Rick…

2009-04-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

Well, another fun day has come and almost gone. Uncle Rick dropped by for some fun. You know Parker enjoyed himself. Here’s a quick video of us enjoying time with Parker.

Parker sucking on a piece of frozen fruit. We think he may be teething.

-Justin-

Lazy Day…

2009-04-02T10:06:00.001-07:00

Well it’s another lovely day here in Bellingham. Last night it felt like Winter, today it looks/feels like fall, and yet the calendar reads April 2nd. So in honor of the bad weather, we’re having a lazy day around the house. Laundry: Check! Dishes: Check! Nap time: Check! Here’s a quick couple of pics of Parker grabbing a quick morning nap. Enjoy your day, we’ll enjoy ours. –Justin-

Justin’s Birthday Party

2009-03-23T08:18:00.001-07:00

We had a fun birthday party for Justin with family and friends coming over for a party. We ate some pizza, cake and ice cream and enjoyed some Rock Band. Hailey really gets into Rock Band!

Parker’s Three Month Pictures

2009-03-21T22:32:00.001-07:00

Our little Parker is turning into quite the photogenic baby! Tina at Artiem Photography did such an awesome job and I am amazed she got such good pictures of Parker!

Maya got some PJs!

2009-03-21T22:29:00.001-07:00

Every night when I am getting ready for bed I always say to Maya, “Come on, lets go put our PJs on!” The only problem was that she didn’t have any PJs. One day I was at Bow Wow and Woofs pet store in Birch Bay and came across some PJs. Lucky Maya! Now she has PJs to put on too!

Parker’s first Christmas

2009-03-21T22:25:00.001-07:00

Santa brought Parker his first rocking horse

Mommy and Maya trying to wake up!

Parker’s first sippy cup

Parker checking out his stocking

Daddy with his babies

Daddy’s present

Maya had to try out the rocking horse

Nothing like a Christmas Day nap!

Christmas Eve

2009-03-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

Every year on Christmas Eve the Nelson and Bliss Families get together to have dinner, play a game and enjoy time together! It is a fun tradition that we hope continues for many years to come. Here are pics from this last Christmas Eve!

Parker in his car seat next to the Christmas Tree

Parker with Grandma Jackie

Parker with Renee

…his shirt was green with a snowman and said “I’m an ice guy!”

Christmas Party

2009-03-19T21:30:00.001-07:00

Parker was certainly the center of the Nelson Christmas party this last year. He got all dressed up to impress in his red and white stripe pants and “elf apprentice” shirt and met a few people before falling asleep and sleeping through most of the night! The little guy is our budding social butterfly!

Mommy and her “elf apprentice”

Parker!

Daddy mixing drinks!

Daddy with his Mommy!

…and he is starting to wind down!

It’s Uncle T and Chels!

…and you can’t forget Uncle Chet!

Parker with Uncle Michael and Ashley

Grandma Jackie’s turn to hold the sleeping prince!

…and he is spent! Enjoying some quality cousin time with Hailey Bailey!

Christmas 2008

2009-03-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

Grandma Sherry, Grandpa Joe, Robert, Jonnette, Ben, Jacob, Larry, Ashley and Jadyn all came to visit for Christmas. We had a fun time together and exchanged presents. Jacob and Jadyn were a lot of fun to watch open presents.

Jadyn wearing Uncle Ben’s hat and shoes

Jacob wearing his Daddy’s hat

Jadyn and Jacob handing out presents

Uncle Robert opening his presents

Jadyn with her new book

Jacob opening presents with help from his Daddy

A very tired Justin with Parker and Maya

Jadyn opening presents

Grandma Sherry and Grandpa Joe

Jadyn, Parker and Jacob. Jacob was very unhappy that his Mommy was touching another baby!

Another Day, Some More Pictures…

2009-03-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Here’s some more pictures of the little man. We’ve been having fun lately and wanted to share some of that with you all. He’s starting to sleep longer and more regularly now, which means we all are a little more happier. Enjoy.

-Justin-

Uh Oh...

2009-03-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this picture. Parker got his pacifier flipped up and onto his nose and was trying to get it back into his mouth. It was so funny to watch, I almost started crying I was laughing so hard. -Justin-

Rice Cereal...the movie!

2009-03-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a brief video of Parker enjoying his meal. This is too funny.

Rice Cereal

2009-03-13T08:39:00.001-07:00

Here's a few pictures of little man enjoying some rice cereal:

-Justin-

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

2009-03-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

little man cooking with mom

he loves that pacifier

happy boy

he loves the high-chair

this is the "I just ate and feel like spitting up" face

Whistler

2009-02-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

Parker took his first international vacation in December when we traveled to Whistler, BC. We went up for 2 nights and had a great time. At 8 weeks of age Parker traveled to Canada and made it to the top of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The new Peak 2 Peak Gondola had just opened and it spans from the top of Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain and was built for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Of course we couldn't miss to opportunity to ride it so we bought sight seeing passes to travel up the Mountain and ride Peak 2 Peak.

We bundled Parker up, put him in the Baby Bjorn and bundled Mommy up around him and off we were. Here are some pics from our trip as well as video while we were on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

The view down into the valley while riding Peak 2 Peak

Another view while on Peak 2 Peak

Justin having a beer on top of Whistler Mountain

Mommy and Parker riding the gondola up Whistler mountain

Parker when we returned from our adventure!

Looking back at the cables we had just spanned while on Peak 2 Peak

The Family

Justin having a beer on the top of Blackcomb Mountain

Parker enjoying the sights

Another Peak 2 Peak view

View straight down from our glass bottom gondola.

A passing gondola

Passing over a ski run while riding the Peak 2 Peak

The family in the Peak 2 Peak gondola

Another view through the glass bottom gondola

The View

Glass Bottom

Mommy holding Parker

Daddy

Another View

The Gondola

The Family

The Glass Bottom Gondola

Parker loves the mobile!

2009-01-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

Just recently Parker has taken a real liking to the mobile! He will lay under it for sooooo long just cooing at the animals. The only downside to the mobile is you have to wind it about every 3 minutes! Enjoy the adorable videos!

Taking a picture for the Christmas Card!

2009-01-15T21:17:00.000-08:00

The Family

Thomas, Chelsea and Bo

Grandma Jackie, Hailey and Parker

Papa Steve, Hailey, Parker and Bo

More pictures from the holiday season...

2009-01-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

More pictures to share...

Parker Relaxing

Uncle Thomas and Parker at the Ugly Christmas Sweater party

Papa Steve and a sleeping Parker

This is newborn Parker!

Parker looking at his Mommy!

Parker with Mike D

Hailey loves her baby cousin! This is Hailey and Parker together on Thanksgiving!

Hailey with newborn Parker!

Grandma Jackie and Parker!

Chelsea and Parker

Thanksgiving

2009-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Lisa, Great-Grandma Hale, Parker and Grandma Jackie

Aunt Kelsey and Parker

Grandma Jackie, Great-Grandma Hale and Parker with his new snowman from Great-Grandma!

Great-Grandma Hale and Parker

Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Hale came to Bellingham for Thanksgiving and were finally able to meet Baby Parker! It was really great to get to see them. It had been a long time since we had seen them and we really missed them!

Parker's 1 Month Pictures

2009-01-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

We had Parker's 1 month pictures taken on Nov 18, 2008 and had some family pictures taken as well. Little Parker wasn't too cooperative and wanted to either sleep or cry! He was especially unhappy when we undressed him to try to get a few naked baby pictures. This really stressed his Mommy out! The photographer at Artiem Photography did a good job though and we were impressed that there were actually a few good pictures! It is hard to believe that it's already time for his 3 month pictures...time flies when you are having fun!