Ode to March 2009

Happy, happy April! We are so excited that it is finally springtime, the weather is getting warmer, and JR is getting bigger! March was a fun month...full of adventure! JR took his first trip to the Biltmore in Asheville, NC. We ate a yummy Sunday brunch and then went to the stables to see the horses. The staff was nice enough to let JR see the horses up close and personal--he was so excited! It was a wonderful trip with Gance and Poppy.

Of course, March wouldn't be complete without March Madness! JR cheered for Clemson basketball, but they got knocked out in the first round....better luck next time Tigers!

JR got hit with a pretty nasty ear infection in March, so he looked like the picture below for quite a while!

Now he is feeling better...he knows that Easter is on the way!

Hanging out

Happy Monday, everyone!
love,
JR

March Happenings

February was a blur, and March is escaping almost as quickly. So before the month completely gets away from me, I wanted to share some recent stories and happenings...

JR got to visit with his favorite girlfriend, Ava Grace Perry at his favorite lunch spot...Nu Way! Ava Grace is getting prettier every day and is such a big girl now!

JR has been practicing feeding himself with a spoon the last week or so...what a mess! He is also pointing at everything, which makes it a little easier to understand what he wants.Now listen, spoon, you do what I say, ok?

I'm starving!

I got this!

Remsen and I took a much-needed trip alone to Chattanooga for the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament. Our Wofford Terriers were defeated in the first round, but we stuck around to watch the other games (specifically Davidson and junior standout Stephan Curry). We had a blast stopping in Atlanta on the way to see Adam and Kent, and enjoyed Chattanooga...below are some pictures.

JR has yet to start walking, but recently got himself some PURTY shoes, thanks to Gance and Poppy and their shopping endeavors...finding wide shoes is hard business! JR is also not much of a talker, but knows how to use a telephone, and plays like crazy. He still loves music and dances by bobbing his head all around. He is a big clapper...a very happy baby overall!

In other news, we are very thankful that Remsen's mom Meredith (JR's Emme) will be having much needed surgery next week to repair a hernia and remove her gallbladder. We know this is a hard surgery to endure and are so proud of her strength to tackle it and get healthy!

We will post some pictures on Sunday after our BIG trip to the Biltmore with Gance and Poppy! So exciting!

Blizzard 2009

Ok, so it wasn't a blizzard, but the five inches of snow certainly made for a winter wonderland in March!

Surviving the NYC

The Parrish fam set off on the most spontaneous trip to date....NYC for Valentine's Weekend with a one year old.

And it was a success. JR not only earned his wings (no joke, Continental gives tiny wings to babies--what choking hazard?!), but he also loved the long strolls throughout the big apple, made especially long because Mommy didn't have her navigation hat on straight...and Daddy's navigation hat does not exist....fahgetabioudit! Sure it was a wee but chilly, but LOVE in NYC makes us warm!
We hit all the kid-approved spots: giant Toys R Us at Times Square, FAO Schwartz, Rockafeller Center, and Children's Museum of Manhattan. Mid-day naps at the Sheraton were also enjoyed by all.

The most rewarding aspect of the trip was visiting with friends and family: Lucia and fiance Brian, and Aaron and Pam. It is so fabulous to connect with folks, get in some truly great bearhugs, and meaningful conversation.

More from the First Birthday Celebration!

New ball!

Birthday bear!

New wagon!

Lots of fun gifts to open!

Rain boots!

Boy VS. Cake!

Well, our baby is on his way to becoming a little boy! He had his 1st birthday on Friday, got to visit with family, had a great birthday party and everything!

First, Aunt Karen and Uncle Mark came to visit from Seattle and the Parrish fam had a wonderful time with them! We had a great dinner at Gance and Poppy's where JR got an early birthday gift!

Shirtless, thanks to baby throw-up....don't ask.

PawPa and Grandmother Joan came to visit for the birthday weekend, too! What fun!

JR's birthday party was a blast and attended by Mommy and Daddy, Gance and Poppy, PawPa and Grandmother Joan, Emme, Uncle Stewart, Aunt Cheryl, and Nena! What a crowd! JR had a blast opening presents and eating his birthday cake! He also loved watching a picture slideshow that Daddy created on his ipod nano...

Will post more birthday pictures tomorrow!