Love the legs

I don't have much to say for this post except -- check out the hamhocks on Parker! (4 months)

Great Grams Arlene Ratcliffe (1919-2010)

I never met any of my great grandparents, but I heard wonderful stories about them throughout my life. We are so grateful that Chris' paternal grandmother, Alma Arlene Ratcliffe, had the opportunity to meet and hold our sweet Parker before she passed away in January of 2010.

Parker, your Great Grams was a strong, independent woman. She worked as taxi driver, a realtor and, our favorite, a sample lady at the grocery store (she would always fill our pockets with goodies when we visited). She enjoyed playing golf, traveling and in her later years yelling at Guy because he couldn't hear. May you rest in peace Grams!

Shake your sillies out...

Look I got it!

Now, I must shake and drool.

Parker can now grab his toys with about a 65% success rate. He loves to shake the toys and he does so with such concentration and pride (excuse the blurry pictures, he moves his entire body to shake his hand). After the toy makes a noise he looks up at us and shoots us a huge grin like he has just done something so spectacular! It is such a fun game and such a sweet time with our boy!

A side note, would you check out our baby's big belly. Gotta love that baby belly!

Bottles and Beer

Bottles and beer on a Wednesday afternoon...could anything be better? Parker and Olivia were born six weeks apart and the adults are having together on leave. Case in point, we went to the Streets of London for an afternoon Happy Hour. Three pitchers of beer, four bottles, and two naps later, we walked home and Chris joined us for an inpromtu dinner. Such random fun!

Cabin Fever

The Cavner and Grohs families headed to the mountains for a weekend of fun, skiing, and food. Although the weekend ended early because of a sick kiddo, we had a great time...and once again, we did not make it skiing. Just seemed like too much work when the cabin was warm, we had Mimosas, and the town of Murphy's was waiting for us.

We all woke at 6 in the morning on Saturday. Elena, Parker and Chris watched Little Einstein together while the rest of us listened to them singing the cartoon theme song. Michael discovered Parker, which was hilarious. It was a little like watching Shark Week. He would shriek with excitement and then lean over Parker and watch him with such amazement. We ended the trip with lunch in Murphy's and some yummy ice cream.

On Saturday afternoon, Chris and I took Parker to Bear Valley for his first trip to the snow. Too bad he slept through the experience, although that did not stop us from plopping his car seat in the snow for a photo.

This trip has quickly become our annual tradition. My wish for next year - the kids remain healthy and we actually make it skiing. Thanks Holly, Ryan, Elena and Michael for such a fun trip.

This week on Animal Planet...when babies attack!

Starring Michael McCarty (7 months) and Parker Thomas (31/2 months)

Elena and her ice cream.

Parker Thomas Cavner

Almost Four Months!

Parker is 3 months and 4 weeks old and pushing 16 pounds. The boy is wearing 6-12 month clothes, such a long way from the 5 pounds 15 ounces when he came home from the hospital.

He is a little chatter box, cooing and grunting. He sits up in his Bumbo chair and grabs toys and then laughs hysterically as he shakes them in his hand. He loves his baths. Loves playtime in the morning with his dad. And loves walks (although he sleeps through most of them).

Such fun!

Talking with Daddy before he leaves for work

Sleeping in the bean bag chair...so comfy.

Sun and Fun in San Diego

January 9, 2010. Parker and Mommy went on a little journey. We flew down to San Diego to meet Daddy who was there attending a conference for work. I am afraid of very little; however, flying alone with Parker and all of his stuff gave me great anxiety.

We left the house at 6:30 (the first challenge), made it through the security check point (the second challenge), boarded the plane without hitting anyone's elbows (tthe hird challenge) and completed the flight without Parker crying (the final challenge). I was so relieved and happy when I saw Chris waiting for us on my way to grab a cab.

We stayed on Coronado and spent the first day walking around the island. Parker had his first cocktail at the Del and we walked six miles through the neighborhoods. Parker also took his first bath in a tub with Daddy. So fun.

On Sunday, the three of us went to the Gaslamp for lunch and took a water taxi across the bay back to our hotel. Parker just had to eat so he missed his first boat ride.

Did I mention that it was 75 degrees and sunny every day? This was such a nice change from the fog and cold of Sacramento! Parker loved hanging without any pants...let the chunky legs hang out.

Our first family vacation was so fun and Parker was a GREAT little traveler. Next on the list, two trips to the cabin with friends and a trip to Hawaii at the end of March.

New Year's Eve, BYOB (Bring your own baby)

New Years Eve. Time to celebrate 2010. This year we celebrated with the Barron and Santos families and made the party BYOB - Bring Your Own Baby. We had appetizers, finished a mangnum of Champagne, watched The Hangover and celebrated the babies -- the best things of 2009!

Teagan Marie, Olivia Hart and Parker Thomas slept the night away. We didn't even get a picture of them all together because they all looked so cozy and comfortable. And the best part of the evening was when Parker got arrested for sleeping before midnight!

Here is to a very fun filled 2010 and having fun with the kiddos as they grow!