My Little Hunters

I realize this could be a little redneck, but I thought it was too cute to pass up. Lee went hunting yesterday morning with his dad, and Parker and I went to meet them after the hunt. I couldn't resist putting Parker in his own camouflage outfit in hopes of getting some good pictures. Aren't they so cute? It won't be long before we're really getting him ready to go out in the woods!!

Parker's Big Boy Bath

Parker took his first bath in his "big boy" tub today, and he loved it!! We had been using the little sponge, and he would scream and cry almost the whole time. We had to bathe him really fast because he hated it so much. I can't say I blame him...I wouldn't like a bird bath either. Too cold! Well, today we got out the big tub and had no problems. As a matter of fact, he almost fell asleep at the end of the bath...he was so relaxed!

Daddy and Parker's Favorite Spot

Our big red chair is Lee and Parker's favorite place to spend time together in our house. They can be found taking a nap, studying for law school, or just playing and singing together. It's so sweet and so fun.

We are now officially on our own. My sweet mom stayed here for two weeks with us to help us adjust. It was wonderful to wake up and feed him after a night with no sleep and hand him over to her while Lee and I went back to sleep. She kept our house in order, ran errands for us, and helped us learn the little things about taking care of a baby. A large amount of fear set in the day before my mom left. I just wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do this by myself. But we've been ok. We're at least attempting now to get into a routine...as much as possible. We all get up in the mornings to eat and take baths so that we're all up and going by the time Lee leaves for school. It at least helps me to get up and out of my pajamas!! Parker is sleeping well at night most of the time....but not all the time. Last night was a nearly sleepless night, but we're learning the tricks. And every day gets better and better!

LIFE WITH PARKER

(this post was made by Jessica's mom)

Parker has invaded every inch of his parents' hearts and home! Life has, of course, not been the same since he arrived, but no one is complaining.
















Lee has taken advantage of every moment of his break from law school to coddle, change, and watch football games with his new son. This is his favorite position.


Parker sleeps for long stretches, so he spends a lot of time in his bassinet, with a skirt made by Jessica's grandmother.














Jessica and Lee are having a wonderful time as new parents.
















Playtime...bathtime...the fun never ends!

HE'S HERE!

Howard Parker Hill
was born Thursday, December 27 at 6:18 a.m.
8 lbs 5 oz
20 inches long
Mommy, Daddy and baby are doing just fine and will settle in at home on Sunday.

For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.
(Psalm 139:13-14)

Parker's Nursery

Here are some pictures of Parker's cute nursery. If I had had anything to do with this creation at all, I would not be so proud. But...I can take no credit. My mom and Kelly came up with the whole idea, and my mom and Alyssa created it. My dad and Sam and Lee were wonderful and patient in putting it all together. I still can't believe how great it looks. We love it so much. It's very calm and soothing...Lee and I sometimes just sit in there and look around in disbelief. The things that make the room so neat are all the special touches that members of our family have put into it. Check out the slide show below to see each neat creation. Make sure to click on the pictures for the details. Thank you so much to everyone who helped...especially my family for giving up long weekends of time. Now we just need a baby for it!

Make a postcard!

A Christmas Compromise

Christmas decorations have caused a few disagreements around our house this year. Lee loves Christmas and pulling out all the decorations and putting them all up. I, on the other hand, hate the decorations. I always think they track in so much dust and make my house look junky, and I hate putting them up, and taking them down is even worse. So, with the arrival of our little baby this year, I felt like it was perfectly logical to not put up decorations. Parker is due so close to Christmas that we could very well be at the hospital on Christmas day. Our house is already filled with baby things that we haven't quite figured out just where to put. And, because I can't travel for Christmas, my whole family is coming here to Jackson, and we're staying at Luckett Lodge. And I just don't want to take down decorations either being as pregnant as I will be if we're still here after Christmas or a week after when we've come back home and recovered. Therefore, no need for decorations, right? I thought it was that easy. But oh no. Lee has thrown a fit. So, this was our compromise. Our tiny little four and a half foot Christmas tree. Don't worry. When I asked Lee to get a strand of lights out of the attic, he came down with an entire nativity set for the mantle, stockings, and a wreath that goes on the front of our house. But he's promised me that it would all be down before we came home from the hospital. He is too much!

A Quick Catch Up

Yes, I know it's been a while. Ok, a really long while. I have no excuse. We have been a little busy trying to cram lots of stuff in and get lots together before we got busy with the holidays. And my life has been a little boring. So here's a quick glance at what we've been doing.

Yes, Alyssa and I did finish the cake decorating class. We had such a good time. It was really fun for us to spend time together every Tuesday night catching up, but we had a better time laughing at ourselves...and others in the class. We did learn a lot. Of course, Alyssa has already made a million cakes while I have made none. As a matter of fact, I think she has all my tools we got in class! Oh well. It was worth it. And one day I'll save us big bucks by making birthday cakes for our own children!

I had a shower in Pontotoc a few weeks ago. Lee's sweet cousins and aunts gave it for me. We had a really good time and got lots of fun stuff...lots of clothes to keep this little baby warm! I also had a shower here in Jackson that my sweet small group girls gave me. It was so nice. My mom and sisters and Lee's mom were all able to be here, so that was really special. It was also great to see some friends that I don't get to see all the time.

Lee and I have also been going to the classes at the hospital to get ready for Parker to come. Ugghhhh is all I have to say. We finally finished last night, and I was so glad. Don't get me wrong, we learned some things and were introduced to some things that we didn't already know. But they were on Monday nights, and we were always tired. And most of what was taught in the class was stuff we already knew...I think we read too many books!! We were so glad to walk out of that classroom for the last time Monday night.

We had a really quick and busy Thanksgiving week. Our plans had to be changed around at the last minute. My PeePaw, who is not really my grandfather but has been like one to me and my sisters my whole life, passed away the Thursday before Thanksgiving. Although the death was not a shock because he has been sick for years, it was a little bit of a surprise because he continued to do ok for so long. Instead of going to Pontotoc on Friday, we drove to the Coast for the funeral which was early Saturday morning. From the funeral, we left and drove to Pontotoc and did Thanksgiving with Lee's family Saturday night. We had planned to be home Saturday night but stayed there because we were so tired. In the meantime, my parents came back to Jackson with Alyssa and Sam to put the shelving unit for the nursery in our house. Little did we know they were really doing an Extreme Home Makeover. Sam and my dad put more shelves in all of my cabinets in the kitchen while my mom and Alyssa put all the baby stuff into the drawers and cabinets in the nursery. Lee and I got home Sunday afternoon and were amazed and overwhelmed. It was so nice and looks wonderful. My mom and I spent the beginning of the week finishing up the nursery and doing some things around the house while my dad drove back to Houston. My grandparents and dad and Lia came on Wednesday, so we had Thanksgiving dinner with all of them on Thursday at my house. We used our china for the first time - I know, it's about time. Whirlwind of a week! But we got so much done and had a really good time.

Those are really the most exciting things that have been going on. Sorry I've been such a slacker. I've got to get better at this!! I think because I put it off for so long the thought of sitting down to write anything made my head hurt! I'll be more consistent...hopefully!