Pink Pig Adventure

Today we took the boys to Lenox Mall to ride the Macy's Pink Pig, a family tradition. Collin loved the ride and was very aware of all the sights and sounds around him. This was Parker's first time, and he loved it! He sat and looked at everything we passed. In fact, when it was time to get off he started crying and wanted to ride again. This is definitely something we look forward to every year!

Christmas 2011

The Hardy family had a wonderful Christmas! Collin and Parker must have been really good this year as Santa left them a ton of presents! Parker got up at his usual 7:00am and drank his bottle then went and woke up big brother Collin so they could see what Santa left. Collin got a Batcave, Fisher Price Big Action Construction Set, and a Tomica garage for his matchbox cars. Parker got a Step 2 Push-Around Buggy, Fisher Price Circus Train, and push walker. Both boys loved their presents and played with them all morning!

The boys also got tons of toys from Mommy and Daddy, Momo and Granddaddy, Papa and Rara, Aunt B, Uncle Jon and Aunt Lotis. They ended up with so many toys Mommy and Daddy are going to have to clean out the playroom to make sure all of them will fit. They are two lucky little boys who are loved by so many people!

The best part of Christmas was remembering the true meaning of this holiday and getting to spend time with our families who mean so much to us. God has blessed us more than we could ever imagine!

Christmas Eve 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve! We began with a yummy pizza dinner, followed by a birthday party for Jesus complete with the Happy Birthday song and cupcakes. We then got the boys dressed in their matching Christmas pajamas and let them exchange gifts with each other. Parker loved the book he got and Collin was beyond thrilled with the "horsey truck" Parker got him. We then took the boys to see the Christmas lights in Johns Creek and got them home to get ready for Santa. Collin threw reindeer food out in the yard and left Santa cookies and carrots for the reindeer, so let's hope he comes soon!

Collin's New Ride

Look out world, Collin's driving! Momo and Granddaddy surprised Collin this afternoon with a Power Wheels F-150, otherwise known as a "Publix truck" by Collin since there is always one in the Publix parking lot. He was so excited when he saw it and immediately took it out for a spin. Although he still needs a little help in the steering department, he is getting the hang of it fast. Evonvale better watch out for the new driver on the block!

Collin's Preschool Christmas Performance

Today Collin's preschool held a Christmas musical. It was the first production where Collin has had to perform in front of an audience and he did great! His class sang several songs including Jingle Bells, Away in a Manager, and Knock Knock Knock Went The Man in Bethlehem. Collin stood on stage with his class and sang some of the words while continuously bopping his head to the music. He was adorable! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and you will always be a star in our eyes!

Santa Claus 2011

Today we took the boys to Phipps Plaza in Buckhead for our annual trip to see Santa. Collin was super excited about going but got a little nervous when he saw him sitting in his big red chair. Parker, on the other hand, had no clue what was going on. When it was their turn, Collin walked up, handed Santa his list and sat in his lap. Parker sat down and was a little curious at first, but as soon as he realized someone new was holding him the screaming began and the tears started to flow. He wanted his Mommy and Daddy back and he made sure the whole mall new! Collin stayed with Santa and told him that he wanted a horsey truck and a batcave. When Santa asked him if he had been a good boy at school, Collin told him he is always on the green light. Ha! Afterwards we rewarded Collin with a huge cookie from Starbucks for being such a big boy while sitting with Santa. Let's hope he gets everything he asked for!

Parker Is 9 Months Old

Our little boy is now nine months old. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were coming home from the hospital with him. Parker had his nine month doctor's appointment today and appears to be growing and developing right on track. He now weighs 20 pounds (56%) and is 29.5 inches long (89%). His head circumference is 18.25 (90%). The doctor said it had gone up in percentiles over the past couple of months and he is going to keep a close eye on it, but it is nothing to worry about at the moment.

Parker has made so much progress this month. He is able to crawl on all fours backwards, but has not attempted to go forward yet. We are hoping it will come soon. He loves to pull himself up and stand up at the train table and his activity table. He is very steady when he is standing up and tries to reach for anything he can see. His favorite toy this month is definitely his Fisher Price jungle cruising toy and activity table. He loves both of them!

Parker has also started eating and enjoying a few finger foods this month. He loves Mum-Mum crackers, puffs, yogurt melts, and cheerio's. Whenever he sees his food containers sitting out on the table he starts kicking his legs and opens his mouth as if to say "Give me some now!" He is also able to hold his sippy cup and drink out of it if the water is filled to the top.

Parker is such a sweet, loving, and cute little boy. He is always happy and simply loves life! What more could a Mommy and Daddy ask for?

Zoo Atlanta

Today we took the boys on a field trip to Zoo Atlanta. They both had a wonderful time! Collin walked around and looked at all the animals while Parker chilled out in his stroller and stared at the larger ones that caught his attention while snacking on Puffs. Collin was very intrigued with the reptile house and trying to find the snakes camouflaged in the exhibits. Mommy was not so fond of this! We ended our adventure with a train ride around the children's portion of the zoo which both boys loved!

Parker's Nine Month & Family Photo Shoot by Adamo Photography

Thanksgiving 2011

Our family had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving today! Momo and Granddaddy, Aunt B, and Uncle Jon came over to eat with us and help us celebrate. The boys had a wonderful time playing with everyone and getting spoiled. Collin especially clung to Uncle Jon while Parker was content being passed around from person to person getting loved on. Parker even joined in on the festivities eating a traditional meal of turkey and sweet potatoes, baby food of course, while Collin was proud to sport the "cute as pie" shirt he made at school for everyone to see. We are so thankful we got to spend this day with those we love and care about so much!

Reflecting back over the past year, our family has so much to be thankful for! First and foremost we are thankful for our Heavenly Father and His grace. We are also beyond thankful for our two precious, healthy, adorable boys. They mean more to us than anything in the world! We are also thankful Patrick has been blessed with a great job close to home that enables him to spend more time with the boys each night while still allowing me to stay home. God has blessed our family more than we can ever imagine!

Our Jumping Jellybean

Parker, a.k.a. our jumping jellybean, LOVES jumping in his jumperoo. Anytime we put him in it he jumps like a wild man with a huge smile on his face the entire time.

Collin's First Dental Cleaning

Today Collin had his first dental cleaning and he did such a great job! Although Collin had to visit the dentist over the summer when he chipped his front tooth, today was his first time going back to the examine area by himself and allowing the dentist to clean all of his teeth. When the assistant came to get him, he gladly followed her to the examination chair where he got to lay down and watch Cars 2. He allowed the hygienist to clean and floss his teeth and then Dr. Caruso came over to check them out. She said everything looked fabulous and he did an awesome job for her! He even got to pick out two new dinosaur toys, two stickers, and a new Cars toothbrush. He is growing up too fast!

Carousel Fun

Today we had to head to the mall to run some errands. Collin was not going to let us leave without paying a visit to the carousel. Since Parker was with us we decided to let him ride too. Collin chose to ride the elephant and Parker rode with Mommy on the bench. It was his first time on the carousel and he had a blast. He kept watching the statues on the inside of the carousel as we went past them. It appears that both boys are carousel lovers!

Parker's First Haircut

Today Parker had his first haircut. He was starting to have little strands hanging close to his eyes, so we decided it was about time. I brought him to the salon Collin goes to, Halfpint Haircuts, and had our favorite stylist Miss Nolma trim it for him. He sat in the salon chair like a big boy and watched The Backyardigans while she lined him up. Although she only took off a tiny bit of hair, Mommy and Daddy still thinks it makes him look like a little boy instead of a baby. He is growing up too fast!