15 Months

In light of Parker's 15 month check up I will forgo wordless wednesday and share his developmental status. Thrilling, right? I do not document these things anywhere and I know I will want to look back. So we visited Dr. Rob, for the sixth time in four months, yes Parker cries on cue when he walks in the room. Not for the nurse, and she is the one who administers the shots. We are frequent fliers due to American germs or daycare germs..not sure yet.

Parker grew an inch since May, making him 30 inches, and in the 17th percentile. He weighed 24lbs, gaining half a pound since May (42nd percentile). So most of his development is in the 15 to 18 months range: stepping on balls instead of kicking, pushing chairs or boxes around the house, crawling (scaling in our case) onto stairs, tables, 2-3 block towers, scribble with crayons, turning pages in books, demanding personal attention (ummm yes!) imitating adults, etc. The only concern I have is language development. Parker will consistently use Daddy, duck, no no (only to dogs while shaking a finger...hmm where did he get this?) and dog. He will imitate other words key, skunk (I know random-it was in a book), Mama, truck, choo-choo, but then I never hear these again. The doctor asked if he had 4-6 word, well no...

I know he was in Korea, leaning solely Korean for 10.5 months of his life. I know that he may be delayed due to this alone. Although our ENT reiterated that speech and language can develop with full hearing in one ear, yet I still worry (I think that is my job) Parker has decreased hearing in one ear and full in the other and ENT says there is no need for surgery. I do not often talk freely about his SN because I do not want him judged because of it. When he is of age, he can share if he decides. He is amazing at following directions so I know he can hear (Parker, go pick up your sippy cup, go stand at your highchair, put the ball back in the box...and he will do it all)

Despite colds all around, Parker started swim lessons (yea for his teacher, my friend Jen!) and Kindermusik...he loved both and slept in 45 more mins each day!!! We are in town this weekend and have a birthday party, dinner with out of town friends at a favorite brewery, and freedom festival in our town (parade!)

Parker got his fourth hair cut since he has been with us (he had a few trims in Korea.)
He looks darling but was too tired before his nap for a photo shoot.

Ready to swim

Loves hiding, then I say "where is Parker?" and he jumps out. We play this game lots!

Bubbles at library story time!

Father's Day Reflections

I just realized that I did not think about Parker's birth father today, nor on his first birthday. I find this interesting because I am often moved to tears as I speculate about his birth mother. My hopes are that they both are at peace in their lives. I still hold hope that Parker will be able to know them in some way, in the future. Happy Father's day to Jim and my Dad!

We spent our weekend at the lake, the above picture being a sunset on the ride home from skiing. My muscles got a work out from skiing.

Jim: knee boarding

That's me...don't mind the picture quality

Earlier in the week, Parker met a baby cow. He know that cows say moo but it sounds like "booo" We are at the point where Parker know what he wants but cannot communicate. He point, whines, and sometimes screams. I do not want to keep handing him cups, toys etc. if he cannot verbalize it, but I am unsure if he is able to say these words, so we are working on a few signs.

I am excited to add Kindermusik into our schedule this week, we need something new. Disclaimer: I am not complaining about staying at home with Parker, but we have some "groundhog days"...I suppose I do at work. I want to meet some SAHM's with children close in age to P; but Jim and I laugh that "What to meet at the zoo?" or "Do you go to the sprinkler park often?" are like pick up lines!

Tomorrow should be fun, Parker has his 15 month check up and a possible first swim lesson with Jim.

Three Word Wednesday

So Grown Up!

3 Days of Rain

Unfortunately, another storm prevented us from attending the outdoor movie. So Friday night consisted of some episodes of Boys Over Flowers (A Korean Drama, think Gossip Girl) with some popcorn and Sam Adams. Saturday morning, Parker woke up to see Korea beat Greece, in the World Cup. Jim was excited to watch Ji-Sung Park, of Manchester United, his favorite club team. Jim showed him how to kick around a soccer ball (sent from Korea by Omma), while they watched US vs. England. While Jim enjoys all sports, he played organized soccer for 13 years and it is his true love. He still enjoys a good pick up game.

I wanted to get Parker some soccer gear to kick off the world cup, but most items are too big or have juvenile messages (ie. future soccer fan, Mommy's MVP). What about a regular jersey or world cup shirt?

Saturday it rained on and off and we got a small, humid window for a cookout. We had some friends over and had a great time. Parker stayed up a few hours past his bedtime, but he was adorable playing with my friend Julie's son. Her son, Tyler, announce that he wanted Parker to come to Disney with him in the fall. So do I!

I worked a PRN shift today, and Jim drove to his parent's for an early father's day celebration. They arrived home in time for..more rain!

We have a fun week ahead, Grandma Persic arrives tomorrow, and we will make another trip to the lake!

Jen and Brad and their baby Ozzie-Meg insisted in being in the picture. Parker really like playing with Jen and Brad!

Julie and Matt. Tyler was too busy playing!

Parker was not happy we made stop playing for a photo

Wordless Wednesday

Nothing New, Just Pictures

Basically just wanted to share some pictures of my handsome guy. I am shocked when I look back at how much he has grown up, as of this weekend he has been home four months. I watched a video of another family's year home today and teared up...that will be us in no time.



Fairly quite weekend, work Friday night, a trip to the Asian fest with a friend and Parker, and Jim's family reunion today. About two and a half hours in the car-each way. Now, I am not complaining, just stating facts: I do not like car rides. I get no enjoyment our of roadtrips, I will take a plane or train anyday. Parker is typically wonderful in the car, I am the trouble.



Great week ahead: abbreviated work schedule due to training, outdoor movie, hosting friends this weekend, and a mani/pedi (I am most excited-finally have free time to go!)

The beloved bucket

Laughing at Grandpa Howell

So cute!

Doesn't he look older?

With Dad

Tomorrow is Thursday

With Aunt Nicole in the water

Look at the water dripping down his face

Already? Where was Memorial Day weekend? Okay, it just flew by. Here are the highlights of our lake trip: Running with my Dad (he's getting ready run a half in October, right?), Visiting with family, Aunt Kathy's brownies, playing in the water with Parker, seeing his face light up when he realized where we were. Parker's high points: eating fruit (he SCREAMS for it) and a sock monkey from Grandma!

Jim took the rest of the week off, since he would lose vacation if he did not. So he thought it would be a great time to get work completed on the basement. However, he is not progressing as expected. My Junior League dinner was loong Tuesday night and tonight I met some stroller fit Mom's for cocktail and Sex and the City 2. I owe my husband a few rounds of golf...but it was wonderful to chat, empathize, and laugh. One of my mantra's in life is women need other women.

Back to working Mom tomorrow and Friday, Asian festival Saturday, and Jim's family reunion in Ohio on Sunday.