Here is our little bean at about 7 weeks (ultrasound done on July 26th - Corey's birthday!). At this point, the baby is about the size of a kidney bean. There really wasn't too much to see other than the heart beat, but that was all I wanted. 
Here's our birthday girl!!! I will have to update some of her stats after her official 1-year pediatrician visit, but here it goes:Mobility: walking
Teeth: 7
Food: new foods every day and NO MORE BOTTLES! Parker is using 100% sippy-cups.
Words: Mom, Dad, Cat, Jack, Ball, Banana, Bye-Bye, and Shoe (she just makes an "SSSSS" sound)
Favorite food: bananas
Favorite toy: ball and "whack-a-mole" (see below)
Favorite book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?
Parker had her 1st birthday party on Saturday, July 31st at our lovely home/compound housing. She invited her friends Conner, Wynnie, Ellie P., Ellie G., Jonah, Makai, Liah, Ania and Antoni. She also invited her friend Cristina (our neighbor) and her friends Ms. Susan and Mr. Jon. It got a little crazy with everyone crammed inside, but I think once she got over the shock of a houseful of people when she got up from her nap, she had a great time.
Corey and I were up pretty much all night on Friday and were fortunate that Parker took a good nap the morning of the party. We had tons of last-minute food preparation to do and Parker is a handful now that she can speed walk and push through baby gates (if they are cracked open.) She actually slept through the first 25 minutes of her party, so when I went to get her, she was a little reserved with everyone.
Parker's party was based on the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I saw the idea on another blog and loved it. I originally wanted to make Parker an elaborate pink cake, but I loved the caterpillar theme, so I decided to go with cupcakes and then just make a fondant-covered head. The caterpillar eats through one cupcake, so it worked with the story.
I tried to follow the book pretty closely - one piece of salami, one slice of swiss cheese...
One slice of watermelon... I also wanted to do the fruits with the days of the week, but the fruit selection out here is pretty unpredictable, so I ended up doing kabobs of strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple and kabobs of watermelon. Also, I made lemonade and added the orange as a garnish to make sure I covered the orange. I couldn't find regular pears, so I went with Asian pears and a single apple as a prop. I also made little cherry tarts in reference to "one piece of cherry pie."
One pickle... Since the caterpillar doesn't really eat through an entree, I made chicken cabbage slaw and potato salad, too.
Inspired by Sunday, when the caterpillar is stuffed and eats through a leaf and then feels much better, I made a spinach/craisin/almond/mandarin orange salad and homemade vinaigrette.
I made a separate cupcake frosted with pink for Parker. We had to move quickly because she tried to touch the flame! I actually had to grab her hand and it scared her, so she started to cry :(
Here's our little princess after she almost burned her fingers. Parker is very sensitive and her feelings get hurt very easily. She is wearing this cute crown that my mom sent. The best part about this crown is that is adjustable, so you will be seeing it for a few years.
Parker was not really interested in the cupcake. She tried a few bites and then asked me for a "nana" or banana. She actually picked out the pieces of banana on her tray and left the cupcake.
On Parker's invitation, I included a little poem: "Parker's fortunate to have toys galore, and a curious mind to play and explore. So don't bring a present, just bring yourself, or if you must, bring a book for her shelf." All of her little friends brought books. I am going to go through and write the date and who gave it to her. I thought it was a neat way to minimize the craziness and add to her book collection.
Parker probably enjoyed the wrapping paper and tissue paper more than anything. Has anyone seen Parker?
There she is! Eventually, she relaxed and had fun. We waited to open her presents until just Amy, Tony and Makai and Susan and Jon were here. Towards the end of her party, though, Parker carried around her lime green bouncy ball repeating "ball, ball, ball" and showed off her walking skills.
On Sunday, Parker had her official 1-year photo shoot near the Nakamura house. Hopefully I will get some pictures back from that soon. I can't believe I didn't take any myself of her in her beautiful dress, but it was hot and we were cutting it too close on time. Anyway, Parker did well but didn't really stand still for any of them. After her formal pictures, we stripped her down to a diaper and her crown and took photos with a cake. She was supposed to eat it, but she didn't want it and actually made a face when I tried to feed her some. When we were finished, we came back to Kadena and had breakfast at the restaurant overlooking the golf course. It's not Cracker Barrel, but it's okay. The good thing is that when Parker isn't tired, she actually does really well at restaurants because she likes when people smile at her and she loves to entertain. Lately, her entertainment consists of putting her finger in her nose. It's like her own personal toy. I realized that she's not trying to pick anything out, but she thinks it's hilarious to shove her finger up there!
This is the "northern" side of the walkway - you can see the golf course and then the East China Sea beyond that.
Someone took a family picture for us, but Parker was distracted by more people walking by!
I tried to get a few cute pictures down by the edge of the golf course, but Parker was once again distracted and it was pretty hot and sunny. Maybe another time :)
Amy and I went to get pedicures for the last time, and after the ER incident (see the end of the post), we met up with Amy, Makai and Tony for dinner. Parker and Makai were being silly and making each other laugh.
Then Makai put his hand in Parker's mouth... and she bit him! We thought this was purely a reaction, but we got a letter this week that Parker is on a "Biting Profile" at the CDC. They sent home some literature on biting, but we can't really do anything unless she bites us. It is kind of embarrasing, but hopefully she'll stop soon. I feel bad for Makai. He must just be tasty because Parker LOVES to nibble on him :)
This is Parker IMMEDIATELY after biting Makai... you can't even make up this face. I think she was proud :(
Then they were buddies again and Makai kept smiling and Parker would do her dry throat cough/laugh.
These guys are two peas in a pod!
Parker blows Makai a kiss....
... and waits for one in return :)
Parker had fun and despite the Goo Gone, she was a happy girl as Daddy took her upstairs for her bath.
Parker got this fun toy from Ed and Lorna. We refer to it as the "Whack-a-mole" but she loves to hit balls and can also just shove them through with brute force. She's definitely not too much of a girly-girl.
Last week, Corey turned 38. Yes, it's true. He can't believe it, although he is starting to complain about his back. I think it's a combination of work and holding Parker in the most awkward position possible. When he holds her, he looks like he's going to drop her any second. My neighbor has actually said, "you need to go help Corey - it looks like Parker is going to fall" but that's his normal position. Anyway...
We went to a local teppanyaki restaurant and Parker was well behaved and afterwards we went to the BX to Baskin Robbins for some birthday ice cream!
Sometimes Corey will nap with Parker on the couch. I actually don't like this because I think she sleeps (1) better and (2) longer in her crib, but it was so cute.
One day Parker's teacher (Miss Holly) sent me a picture of Parker in pigtails. I thought it was adorable and have tried it a few times at home. She barely has enough hair, but... I think she looks like a big girl with her hair styled :)
Daddy, Parker and Mommy at Torii Beach.
Amy, Makai, Mommy and Parker. Amy and Tony had a Going Away/Tony's 40th birthday party two weeks ago at Torii beach. I really can't believe they are leaving. At least they are only going to Hawaii. We just ran into them again tonight and had dinner at the BX (yummy food court - good thing there's a Subway!) What am I going to do without Amy? She's pretty much given me my sanity back after the first few months. I am glad we'll be visiting Hawaii in October!
In this picture, Parker looks like she has chunkier thighs... don't be deceived. You should SEE Makai's! They are so cute and squeezable!
Two little monkeys.
This was the night Parker just took off walking - June 24th. Our friends Jon and Susan were asking if Parker could walk yet, and we said no, not really - only if you hold her hand. Parker loves Jon and walked with him for about 10 minutes. Then she pulled her hand away and just took off. She probably toddled around for about 40 minutes before we packed her up and headed out before the meltdown. She had a blast and giggled the whole time. I think she enjoyed showing off because everyone kept saying how surprised they were and giving her attention. Parker likes to applaud for herself and then look to her audience for more applause and encouragement.
For her birthday, Parker got her own chair, complete with her name on it! She LOVES this thing. She likes to sit on it and smile because she thinks she is such a big girl. She also loves to pile animals and toys on it and then squeeze on and play with all of them.
One morning, I had Sesame Street on in the background while I was making her formula... and I caught her totally lounging in her chair!!
Here's a better view with her name showing. She is really funny now about sitting on the chair, and lately, she's been trying to climb up on the couch and sit with us. If I help her up on the couch, she gets so excited. It's amazing how much she imitates right now.
More pigtails.
This is just a random photo of her funny face in the morning.
And this is her proud face... "check me out, Mom - I'm walking!"
The first Christmas after we got married (2007), Corey's parents sent me this baby doll that Parker is holding. It came with a note from Lorna and said "this baby looks like a baby I imagine you and Corey might have some day"... seriously, Lorna??? After a direct comparison, we have decided that Parker is much cuter!
The baby IS very good for helping Parker learn about eyes, noses and mouths. I hoping that if she learns now, she won't be poking the new baby's face too much!
A few weeks ago, Parker went to her friend Ania's 3rd birthday party. Here are Parker, Makai and Antoni (Ania's brother.) Ania's parents are our friends who also moved out here from San Antonio - JoAnna works with Corey here on Kadena. We haven't gotten together in too long, and JoAnna is currently deployed on the USS Mercy. Patrick is a trooper, especially since they sent JoAnna out when Antoni was 3.5 months old. We were all shocked that the USAF couldn't find anyone else to go!
Mommy and Parker and the pink poodle that the Japanese clown made for her. Parker was a little unsure, but she let the clown come over and make her an animal. I think this is especially cute because one of our nicknames for Parker is "Poodle" - short for "Par-ker Poo-dle."
The party was at a huge indoor kids playground (Mona Kids Jungle). Corey took Parker down the slide in the area for the tiny kiddos.
Parker loved the slide and loves fun, fast things!
This is some Japanese character - I've heard it compared to Elmo or Mickey Mouse. Parker thought it was fun to sit in the little ride, but I don't think she recognized him.
Parker also crawled around on the outskirts of the "big kid" section and thought she was funny.
Parker and Makai with the Japanese clown.
Amy, Makai, Parker and Mommy.
Parker loved the balloons and wanted to be a part of the 'big kid' table.
Don't worry - I watched her... no choking on the balloon animal. Strangely, though, we learned a recent lesson about baby proofing... or parenting. I say this is strange because Corey is the one who is super-hardcore about baby proofing. He got cabinet locks but didn't install them. Then when Amy and I were getting pedicures (her last time for toes on Okinawa!), Corey was watching Parker and let her play with the bottles of harmful products under the kitchen sink. He was literally standing right next to her and somehow reasoned that all the lids were on and so it was okay. After a few minutes, he realized that she smelled like Goo Gone and panicked and threw her in the car to head to the ER. I intercepted them in the parking lot and went along. While we were driving, I asked Corey if he called the ER, poison control or the MPs... he said no.... he just panicked and started driving. I reminded him that since we live on base, he can dial "0" and the operator will connect him. I felt like the nurse thought we were the worst parents in the world. Parker is fine, but I think Corey is feeling extra silly and extra guilty because he's been spoiling Parker and rocking her longer at night. We are so fortunate that she's okay!
Corey and I were up pretty much all night on Friday and were fortunate that Parker took a good nap the morning of the party. We had tons of last-minute food preparation to do and Parker is a handful now that she can speed walk and push through baby gates (if they are cracked open.) She actually slept through the first 25 minutes of her party, so when I went to get her, she was a little reserved with everyone.
Parker's party was based on the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I saw the idea on another blog and loved it. I originally wanted to make Parker an elaborate pink cake, but I loved the caterpillar theme, so I decided to go with cupcakes and then just make a fondant-covered head. The caterpillar eats through one cupcake, so it worked with the story.
I tried to follow the book pretty closely - one piece of salami, one slice of swiss cheese...
One slice of watermelon... I also wanted to do the fruits with the days of the week, but the fruit selection out here is pretty unpredictable, so I ended up doing kabobs of strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple and kabobs of watermelon. Also, I made lemonade and added the orange as a garnish to make sure I covered the orange. I couldn't find regular pears, so I went with Asian pears and a single apple as a prop. I also made little cherry tarts in reference to "one piece of cherry pie."
One pickle... Since the caterpillar doesn't really eat through an entree, I made chicken cabbage slaw and potato salad, too.
Inspired by Sunday, when the caterpillar is stuffed and eats through a leaf and then feels much better, I made a spinach/craisin/almond/mandarin orange salad and homemade vinaigrette.
I made a separate cupcake frosted with pink for Parker. We had to move quickly because she tried to touch the flame! I actually had to grab her hand and it scared her, so she started to cry :(
Here's our little princess after she almost burned her fingers. Parker is very sensitive and her feelings get hurt very easily. She is wearing this cute crown that my mom sent. The best part about this crown is that is adjustable, so you will be seeing it for a few years.
Parker was not really interested in the cupcake. She tried a few bites and then asked me for a "nana" or banana. She actually picked out the pieces of banana on her tray and left the cupcake.
On Parker's invitation, I included a little poem: "Parker's fortunate to have toys galore, and a curious mind to play and explore. So don't bring a present, just bring yourself, or if you must, bring a book for her shelf." All of her little friends brought books. I am going to go through and write the date and who gave it to her. I thought it was a neat way to minimize the craziness and add to her book collection.
Parker probably enjoyed the wrapping paper and tissue paper more than anything. Has anyone seen Parker?
There she is! Eventually, she relaxed and had fun. We waited to open her presents until just Amy, Tony and Makai and Susan and Jon were here. Towards the end of her party, though, Parker carried around her lime green bouncy ball repeating "ball, ball, ball" and showed off her walking skills.
On Sunday, Parker had her official 1-year photo shoot near the Nakamura house. Hopefully I will get some pictures back from that soon. I can't believe I didn't take any myself of her in her beautiful dress, but it was hot and we were cutting it too close on time. Anyway, Parker did well but didn't really stand still for any of them. After her formal pictures, we stripped her down to a diaper and her crown and took photos with a cake. She was supposed to eat it, but she didn't want it and actually made a face when I tried to feed her some. When we were finished, we came back to Kadena and had breakfast at the restaurant overlooking the golf course. It's not Cracker Barrel, but it's okay. The good thing is that when Parker isn't tired, she actually does really well at restaurants because she likes when people smile at her and she loves to entertain. Lately, her entertainment consists of putting her finger in her nose. It's like her own personal toy. I realized that she's not trying to pick anything out, but she thinks it's hilarious to shove her finger up there!
This is the "northern" side of the walkway - you can see the golf course and then the East China Sea beyond that.
Someone took a family picture for us, but Parker was distracted by more people walking by!
I tried to get a few cute pictures down by the edge of the golf course, but Parker was once again distracted and it was pretty hot and sunny. Maybe another time :)
Amy and I went to get pedicures for the last time, and after the ER incident (see the end of the post), we met up with Amy, Makai and Tony for dinner. Parker and Makai were being silly and making each other laugh.
Then Makai put his hand in Parker's mouth... and she bit him! We thought this was purely a reaction, but we got a letter this week that Parker is on a "Biting Profile" at the CDC. They sent home some literature on biting, but we can't really do anything unless she bites us. It is kind of embarrasing, but hopefully she'll stop soon. I feel bad for Makai. He must just be tasty because Parker LOVES to nibble on him :)
This is Parker IMMEDIATELY after biting Makai... you can't even make up this face. I think she was proud :(
Then they were buddies again and Makai kept smiling and Parker would do her dry throat cough/laugh.
These guys are two peas in a pod!
Parker blows Makai a kiss....
... and waits for one in return :)
Parker had fun and despite the Goo Gone, she was a happy girl as Daddy took her upstairs for her bath.
Parker got this fun toy from Ed and Lorna. We refer to it as the "Whack-a-mole" but she loves to hit balls and can also just shove them through with brute force. She's definitely not too much of a girly-girl.
Last week, Corey turned 38. Yes, it's true. He can't believe it, although he is starting to complain about his back. I think it's a combination of work and holding Parker in the most awkward position possible. When he holds her, he looks like he's going to drop her any second. My neighbor has actually said, "you need to go help Corey - it looks like Parker is going to fall" but that's his normal position. Anyway...
We went to a local teppanyaki restaurant and Parker was well behaved and afterwards we went to the BX to Baskin Robbins for some birthday ice cream!
Sometimes Corey will nap with Parker on the couch. I actually don't like this because I think she sleeps (1) better and (2) longer in her crib, but it was so cute.
One day Parker's teacher (Miss Holly) sent me a picture of Parker in pigtails. I thought it was adorable and have tried it a few times at home. She barely has enough hair, but... I think she looks like a big girl with her hair styled :)
Daddy, Parker and Mommy at Torii Beach.
Amy, Makai, Mommy and Parker. Amy and Tony had a Going Away/Tony's 40th birthday party two weeks ago at Torii beach. I really can't believe they are leaving. At least they are only going to Hawaii. We just ran into them again tonight and had dinner at the BX (yummy food court - good thing there's a Subway!) What am I going to do without Amy? She's pretty much given me my sanity back after the first few months. I am glad we'll be visiting Hawaii in October!
In this picture, Parker looks like she has chunkier thighs... don't be deceived. You should SEE Makai's! They are so cute and squeezable!
Two little monkeys.
This was the night Parker just took off walking - June 24th. Our friends Jon and Susan were asking if Parker could walk yet, and we said no, not really - only if you hold her hand. Parker loves Jon and walked with him for about 10 minutes. Then she pulled her hand away and just took off. She probably toddled around for about 40 minutes before we packed her up and headed out before the meltdown. She had a blast and giggled the whole time. I think she enjoyed showing off because everyone kept saying how surprised they were and giving her attention. Parker likes to applaud for herself and then look to her audience for more applause and encouragement.
For her birthday, Parker got her own chair, complete with her name on it! She LOVES this thing. She likes to sit on it and smile because she thinks she is such a big girl. She also loves to pile animals and toys on it and then squeeze on and play with all of them.
One morning, I had Sesame Street on in the background while I was making her formula... and I caught her totally lounging in her chair!!
Here's a better view with her name showing. She is really funny now about sitting on the chair, and lately, she's been trying to climb up on the couch and sit with us. If I help her up on the couch, she gets so excited. It's amazing how much she imitates right now.
More pigtails.
This is just a random photo of her funny face in the morning.
And this is her proud face... "check me out, Mom - I'm walking!"
The first Christmas after we got married (2007), Corey's parents sent me this baby doll that Parker is holding. It came with a note from Lorna and said "this baby looks like a baby I imagine you and Corey might have some day"... seriously, Lorna??? After a direct comparison, we have decided that Parker is much cuter!
The baby IS very good for helping Parker learn about eyes, noses and mouths. I hoping that if she learns now, she won't be poking the new baby's face too much!
A few weeks ago, Parker went to her friend Ania's 3rd birthday party. Here are Parker, Makai and Antoni (Ania's brother.) Ania's parents are our friends who also moved out here from San Antonio - JoAnna works with Corey here on Kadena. We haven't gotten together in too long, and JoAnna is currently deployed on the USS Mercy. Patrick is a trooper, especially since they sent JoAnna out when Antoni was 3.5 months old. We were all shocked that the USAF couldn't find anyone else to go!
Mommy and Parker and the pink poodle that the Japanese clown made for her. Parker was a little unsure, but she let the clown come over and make her an animal. I think this is especially cute because one of our nicknames for Parker is "Poodle" - short for "Par-ker Poo-dle."
The party was at a huge indoor kids playground (Mona Kids Jungle). Corey took Parker down the slide in the area for the tiny kiddos.
Parker loved the slide and loves fun, fast things!
This is some Japanese character - I've heard it compared to Elmo or Mickey Mouse. Parker thought it was fun to sit in the little ride, but I don't think she recognized him.
Parker also crawled around on the outskirts of the "big kid" section and thought she was funny.
Parker and Makai with the Japanese clown.
Amy, Makai, Parker and Mommy.
Parker loved the balloons and wanted to be a part of the 'big kid' table.
Don't worry - I watched her... no choking on the balloon animal. Strangely, though, we learned a recent lesson about baby proofing... or parenting. I say this is strange because Corey is the one who is super-hardcore about baby proofing. He got cabinet locks but didn't install them. Then when Amy and I were getting pedicures (her last time for toes on Okinawa!), Corey was watching Parker and let her play with the bottles of harmful products under the kitchen sink. He was literally standing right next to her and somehow reasoned that all the lids were on and so it was okay. After a few minutes, he realized that she smelled like Goo Gone and panicked and threw her in the car to head to the ER. I intercepted them in the parking lot and went along. While we were driving, I asked Corey if he called the ER, poison control or the MPs... he said no.... he just panicked and started driving. I reminded him that since we live on base, he can dial "0" and the operator will connect him. I felt like the nurse thought we were the worst parents in the world. Parker is fine, but I think Corey is feeling extra silly and extra guilty because he's been spoiling Parker and rocking her longer at night. We are so fortunate that she's okay!This pregnancy is very stressful for me. I actually convinced my neighbor Tara to go to a Japanese OB clinic that I heard was open 7 days per week. We went on a Sunday (when lots of Japanese stores are open), but they were closed. After that, I decided to email the doc at the family practice on my base (where I'm supposed to be seen until the end of my pregnancy), and I asked him to refer me to the hospital OB department for some peace of mind given our infertility history. He got me in right away for an ultrasound and is going to follow me more closely on my base, which is super convenient. My only frustration is that since we are in separate buildings, I have to change out of my scrubs and into my uniform, but I guess that's not too bad.
I've been feeling okay other than being tired. There have been a few mornings when I am in surgery that I feel pretty nauseated, but luckily I have Zofran if I can't ignore the feeling. I got tricked into being on the committee for the dental birthday ball in my command, and the ball in on August 14th. Life will be much easier when that is over!
Last week we learned a hard lesson at my clinic and work has been very stressful. About 2 months ago, my old boss basically forced me to sign acceptance letters for 2 more additional duties - Infection Control Officer as well as Records & Drug Review Officer. Neither one of these is something I wanted to do and I refused to sign them for a long time because I wasn't given any info from the previous infection control person. One day he came in to our office and said he needed me to sign it by the close of business that day.... I should have refused again, because the girl who was in charge at the time was basically on terminal leave and never filled me in. I made my own binder, but needless to say, there were several things that weren't being closely observed. We had a little incident in our central sterilization that started with one enlisted showing very poor judgement and decision making and ended with most of us doctors assuming other people were doing their job and not looking too closely. It's being handled and overall was probably the best we could hope because several providers were gone that day and we had a light patient schedule. Now I am running trainings and updating logs and spending a ton of time micro-managing our enlisted. It is good experience for private practice and learning about the details of the sterilization process, but it probably couldn't come at a worse time with the birthday ball and the first trimester.
Whew! I really need to update more often. Actually, we really need to move our computer downstairs and then it would be a lot more convenient. We ordered a desk from China that is supposed to come in sometime in September, and then hopefully we can have a better set up (and make room for the baby.) Right now I can't exactly be in our office working on the blog with Parker... the stairs are around the corner and the litter box is in here... not what I want her to be exploring!
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