Anderson's Second Birthday

Although it seems impossible, Anderson Parker Parrott turned two years old on June 4, 2013.  We combined his love for Sesame Street and his love for food and created a customized party for our toddler!

There are so many people who love Anderson and who wanted to celebrate his birthday, that we couldn't fit them all in one party.  So...we had two!  Don't worry, they were identical (except for what Anderson wore and who attended).  He enjoyed each person being there and was excited to be a part of it all!

He would open one gift and want to play with that or would want to go play with those who were celebrating with him, so opening presents took some time.  At one party, a family member got him some gummy bears as a gift and Richard was able to bribe him with those to continue opening gifts.  Ha!  We sang to him and he learned to blow out the candles on his cake.  He seemed to enjoy being serenaded.

We are so proud of who this little man is becoming and are lucky to get to be his parents.  I know that each year will just get better, but I also sometimes wish I could hold him right here...for just a little longer.  I love that wipes off my kisses and then kisses me again so I don't feel sad.  I love that hugs me and says, "squeeze" as he does.  I love that he sings his ABCs and during LMNOP, he says, "I gotta pee".  I love that he says night night to Richard and me separately.  I love that he calls most people, known or unknown, friends.  I love that he loves his family and friends.  I love his smile!  I LOVE this boy who has given me a new sense of purpose and identity...this boy, who gave me the gift of motherhood two years ago.  Happy Birthday Anderson!

Back to Florida

That's right...recently, we revisited Florida!  We went down with Anderson's Grammy and Granddaddy to spend some time in the Sunshine State!  It was, in fact, sunny as well as relaxing!  Anderson was so fun to watch as he played in the sand, showed curiosity about the ocean, and was exploring new things throughout the trip!
We were able to spend some time at the beach while we were there.  Anderson loved playing in the sand, watching others build sandcastles, and stomping on said sandcastles.  He was interested in the ocean, but was not super interested in tackling it on his own.  The splash of the rocks being thrown into the ocean was super exciting!

While we were at the beach, Richard taught Anderson a really "fun" game.

We also went to get ice cream at our favorite place...Strahan's!  Their mascot is the cow, which Anderson thoroughly enjoyed.

We LOVED our trip and spending time with Grammy and Granddaddy!  We left sunbathed and relaxed!

Mother's Day 2013

This Mother's Day will from here on be known as "The Year Of The Tie!"  Not only does it have a catchy ring to it, but it embodies all of Mother's Day 2013.  My day started with sleeping in, only to be awakened by the sound of Richard and Anderson coming up the stairs.  I heard Richard whisper, "When we get in there, you say 'Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!'"  Anderson practiced it perfectly, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!"  As they approached, I snuggled under the covers so he could "wake me up".  He came in, and with a huge breath yelled, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!"  I "woke up" giggling with a big thank you!  They brought in the breakfast they had made me and it could not have been more perfect.
As we have a lot of moms to celebrate, we began to get ready for the day and, as I got myself and Anderson ready, Richard put the finishing touches on his tie.  Anderson watched and asked, "What's that?"  To which Richard responded, "Dad's tie."  Anderson immediately walked straight up to Richard and said, "Anderson tie!"  So...

Once everyone was good and tied, we headed to lunch with Anderson's NayNay and Great Grammy.  We went to The Forum's dining room and had a great time getting to see everyone!  Anderson was thrilled that everyone there was commenting on his tie!

Following our lunch with Great Grammy and NayNay, we made our way to Anderson's Grandma's house to celebrate.  We changed clothes (Anderson was devastated to have to take the tie off) and took some family pictures!

Anderson LOVES getting to spend time with Lily...and Max and Skipper!

Finally, we ended our day spending time with Anderson's Grammy!  She was happy to see us and even had a present that she and Anderson had made for me!

It was a fantastic Mother's Day and I so appreciate all the mothers in my life who made me who I am today and who will also play a role in shaping my son's future!  We are truly blessed!