Good Parenting is Sexy

I'm baaacckkkk! Ahh.... vacation. It was WONDERFUL! We played in the pool, rode bikes, walked on the beach, ate good food and got really spoiled having my mom to entertain Parker. All in all, a great and relaxing week! My favorite part of the vacation, you ask? ..... watching my husband play with our son. This was the first whole week that Daniel has had off work since Parker was born and watching their relationship grow is, well.... downright sexy.

Daniel always told me that he'd love our baby but that he'd REALLY love if he/she came out a toddler and now I know why. Poor guy was CLUELESS when Parker was born. He wouldn't pick him up or adjust him once I'd placed Parker on his body because he was so afraid he was going to break him.... he was SOOO tiny. Now, Daniel launches him in the air so high I forget to breathe for a second.

When did Daniel become SO good with Parker? He's evolved into an AMAZING and involved dad and it melts my heart. As I watch Daniel's relationship flourish with Parker, our family has become so close! I LOVE (is there a stronger word?) my family!!!! Side Note: I love coffee too but my love for Daniel and Parker is so much greater so it seems so silly to use the same word. Now that Parker can show Daniel what he wants and has preferences, Daniel is having so much fun with his little buddy! They play ball, take cozy coupe rides, wrestle..... it's adorable! I literally cried the other day watching him tickle Parker to tears (which isn't saying much because I cry at ASPCA commercials and when Ellen gives away free things to needy families.... but you get the point!) It's SOOOOO cute and beyond that.... I am more attracted to my husband right now than I've ever been! Who knew being an awesome daddy would be SOO sexy! I'm betting most of you mommies know what I'm talking about. Is there anything sexier than your baby sleeping on your sleeping husband's chest? I think not!

All this to say.... Daniel, I LOVE you. I love our son and the family we're creating. You're a wonderful father and our son is lucky to call you "dada."

Is it 2pm on Friday yet?

The time has come! Our yearly Hilton Head family vacation starts TOMORROW!!!! You have no idea (or maybe some of you do) how much I NEED this vacation! Yes, my life is a vacation according to my husband and it really is amazing BUT.... starting tomorrow, I get a whole week away from my house, my laundry, my dishes, my dogs, my dust buster, my broom... you get the point! The last time Daniel took a week off was when Parker was born and that was no vacation! Starting tomorrow, my decision making will be limited to: Should we go to the pool or the beach? Pancakes or waffles for breakfast? Lily sundress or Lily tank top with a white skirt? Simple, easy breezy, carefree! Can you tell my mind is already on vacation?

Another reason I'm SUPER excited about this vacation is the wardrobe I have accumulated... no, not for me... for Parker. There's the gymboree swim trucks and matching rash guards, the gingham Jon Jon monogrammed with his name and an alligator, His purple seersucker Jon Jon with an applique whale, seersucker shorts to match daddy's with a white collared shirt..... I'm SOOO excited! Pictures to come! I LOVE beach clothes!

Is it 2pm on Friday yet???????

Pop Tarts for Dinner

Someone ate pop tarts for dinner in my house and it wasn't me! Who was it you ask? ... my dogs... Ellie and Moses. Poor things... I forgot to go to Petsmart today. Whoops! I figured a pop tart is a better dinner than nothing, right? Here's the deal, Ellie and Moses (mostly Moses) were my BABIES before I had an actual human baby... and now.... they're dogs.

Everyone told me when I was pregnant that my precious Ellie (a chocolate cocker spaniel) and Moses Dudley (a fawn, highly overweight pug) would move down a few notches on the totem pole in my heart. I, of course, denied this up until the morning I brought home tiny, infant 4 pound Parker. On April 13, 2009, Ellie and Moses became dogs. Prior to March 21st (the day Parker was born), there were days Moses and Daniel shared about the same amount of my heart. I know this is TERRIBLE to admit... but it's true. I had a sick love obsession with my pug. Now, my priorities are in line... and thus... they are eating a pop tart for dinner.

I still love them dearly and they're treated VERY well! They have a fenced in backyard, fluffy beds, get walked multiple times a day, eat more expensive food than I feed myself and have a live in dog sitter when we go on vacation. They aren't lacking in love... they just aren't being carried around in snugglies anymore. Wait did I do that? YES... in college I actually put Moses in a snuggly once (or was it twice... you'll never know)! I think their new position in my life is healthy. Parker and Daniel should be my priority and the dogs come second to that WHICH is why they don't have kibble tonight for dinner! I had a lot on my plate today for our human baby and my hubby SOOOO............

Doggies, tonight you dine on Pop Tarts... tomorrow.... back to your kibble. Enjoy your mommy slip up day!

Sista Sista

Did you ever watch that show when you were a kid (or younger adult for my more seasoned readers)? Well, my sister and I did and we were pretty much just like Tia and Tamara except for the adopted, twin, black... wait... no, actually we weren't; but nonetheless, it made for a nice blog title since this entry is dedicated to none other than my sister, Kelly.

As you can see, I have brown hair; she has blond hair. I have brown eyes; she has blue eyes. I am married; she is single. I like vanilla; she likes chocolate. I'm a republican; she's a slightly confused democrat. My nose is real; hers was very expensive. You get the picture.... Other than our mutual love for Channing Tatum, we're pretty much polar opposites but the crazy thing is when we're together it just works. It didn't always. 1999-2002 were our rough years to be exact. She was in middle school and had way too many obnoxious middle school girl friends and I was in high school and was hot 'n heavy with "the love of my life." We did a lot of tattle telling and even hit each other with a hair brush a time or two. Our defining moment was the day I left for college and she could no longer blame things on me.

We really became close when I was diagnosed with cancer. Kelly's not one to verbalize her emotions and mine pour out of my mouth before I know I've said anything. I felt most loved by her the time I visited her in her dorm in between chemos and she made her suitemates bleach the cement walls to minimize bacteria. We've shed a lot of tears for each other both out of sadness and laughter. She makes me laugh until my cheeks hurt and I make her focus. We need one another. God knew what he was doing when he made us sisters.

Kelly recently graduated and moved back home. I'm excited she's here even though she's made it pretty clear this is one step above hell. I'm looking forward to her really getting to know Parker. I hope they have a really cool relationship. Of course we'll take baby steps as the only time I've ever asked her to babysit, when I came home, she was asleep on the couch while Parker played on the floor.... but I think her moving home is a new beginning! She spent the night with me last night and I felt bad I didn't have anything more fun for her to do! We watched Wipeout and 20/20! Woo Hoo! Fun night at the Wise household! I think my life makes her seriously consider being a single, European traveling nomad. She's got a hat collection that I'm told is very cool in Europe so she'll fit right in.

Well... all this to say... Kelly, I love you so much! I'm so glad you're back in Charlotte and we get to spend more time together. I know you're a little down about the job situation but I am so proud of all the work you've done to put yourself in the position to achieve your dream job! If all else fails, you can always fall back on the skill you honed at the early age of 3.... the naked belt dance. Dad would be so proud.