Merry Christmas!

We are celebrating Christmas with Gdaddy, Honey, Sissy and Doc!  Parker's first Christmas was even a white one!  Little bit is under the weather but we are making memories in spite of it. :)  

We wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Time for blogging...

A little update in the lives of Kiki, Coco and Parker.  Parker is almost 6 months old!  He is really coming into his little personality and is so much fun.  This week he mastered sitting up!  

I apologize for the lovely bib - this kid produces more spit than I thought humanly possible.  No teeth yet but he is drooling like a fool!

I am told our lives are REALLY going to change now.  Bring it on!  So sorry the blogging is nonexistent.  I am still trying to figure out how to fit everything into my life and find time for sleep too.  If any of you have figured this out, please share your fabulous secrets.  I need them...like yesterday! 

I must run - I hope to start and finish my Christmas decorating today!  Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday Sissy!

To my sister, my best friend and the sweetest aunt to Parker I could have ever asked for...

Happy Birthday!

May you be queen for the day (or week)!  You reign in my heart. :)  I don't know what I would do without you.  So thankful God put us together.  I love you!

**For those of you who are unsure - I am holding up Sissy's "train" in the picture above.  Don't you just love our Burger King crowns?

Happy Halloween!

Because Kiki is a Slacker

....or maybe because she is a new-ish mom :).  love ya, seester!

isn't he scrumptious?!  cannot wait to kiss those cheeks!

-peace out, MC

We love Fall in Alabama!

Monogram Chick {aka: Sissy} posting because I'm having serious Parker withdraws.  Coco emailed this pic yesterday while they were hanging out on their back porch.  Could he be any cuter in his hat?  {This hat either came from Etsy or Kiki's good friend, Ashley...she'll have to tell us which} I sure hope his eyes stay blue like this...he'd be like his mommy and sissy.  Ugh, I just want to kiss those cheeks, don't you?

Smile!

Last week we had a 3 month photo shoot with Parker and a great local photographer, Ann Wade Parrish.  Parker was a perfect little model and we had so much fun!  Click the below picture for a preview!

Happy Friday!

Parker's Nursery

Parker's nursery has been work in progress and I am still not really done but sharing his room with you is long overdue.  Nearly everyone in my family had a part in Little P's room.  I prefer things that have meaning in design and his room is full of sweet and funny memories already.  

The vinyl bible verse above the crib was applied loving (er, painstakingly) by Sissy and Doc.

The framed print above the changing table was painted by Parker's great grandmother (my Gammie).

Check out the post about the changing table/dresser here and the lamp project here.


These bumper pads really deserve an entire blog post to themselves.  My wonderfully fabulous mother (aka "Honey" to Parker) slaved over these bumper pads to get them just right (let's just say there is no "pattern" for square bumper pads that exist only in Kiki's head).  Sissy and I spent hours in a fabric store in Atlanta coming up with all sorts of fabulous ideas and my poor mother was left to execute our complicated vision.  An endless THANK YOU to Honey.  It looks awesome.  Perfect, in fact.  I am forever indebted. :)  

Oh - and don't worry, I have been informed this was a one time deal.  I have used up my bumper pad favors. I think I drove my sweet mother to cursing with this little project. Hmmmm...maybe she'll change her mind by the time we are considering #2.  Then again, maybe not.


How fabulous is the monogrammed window valance?  That was another "Kiki vision" that I coerced Coco, Sissy and Doc to execute one afternoon (I was conveniently on bed rest and "instructing" from the couch).  Check out Sissy's blogpost (courtesy of Doc) of this adventure here and here.  Oh, and construction of this little wonder didn't end here...Honey spent a number of hours trying to get the monogrammed button in place.  I believe a "thank you" is in order...I love my family!

As I write this post, I am reminded that it is a wonder my family still speaks to me!  Oh, that's right...I am partly responsible for this sweet face...and magically I am forgiven. :)

Let me know what you think of Parker's room.  I am not done...but I think my family is!

Introducing...

I thought I would share with ya'll the birth announcement I did for Parker some weeks ago.  I am so pleased with the way it turned out and I must give props to Melissa at RoxterDesigns (check out her Etsy shop) for the fabulous design!  And Sissy gets all the credit for the sweet pictures of the little man.  It is hard to believe Parker is 3 months today, does anyone else feel like life stands still at times then you look back and can't figure where it went?

A Lazy Afternoon...

I took advantage of a recent lazy Sunday afternoon to do something a bit domestic...Coco was more than thrilled as my domestic occurrences are few and far between since the entrance into our world of our precious little one.  While Coco was relaxing and Parker and Lucy were napping I dusted off my KitchenAid mixer and had a little therapy session.  It is amazing how the simplest things can make you feel "familiar" again.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup Crisco

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

3 cups oatmeal

6 oz. chocolate chips*

Mix sugars and Crisco.  Add all other ingredients and mix well.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 13 minutes.

* I use twice as many chocolate chips than the recipe calls for (everyone needs more chocolate, right?).

**To make oatmeal raisin cookies (actually pictured above), I substitute 1-2 cups of raisins for the chocolate chips.  I also add cinnamon and nutmeg to taste to the mixture before I add the oatmeal and raisins.

These babies didn't last long around our house.  Sissy gave me this recipe years ago and I have adapted it to make Coco's favorite Oatmeal Raisin cookies.  I hope you enjoy!

Chunky Monkey!

I love to kiss these cheeks!

**You MUST head over to the Monogram Chick blog today and check out all of the adorable pictures of Mister Parker.  His proud Momma LOVES his doting Aunt!**

Hello Fall!

The weather was unbelievable over Labor Day weekend and we took every opportunity to enjoy it.  We spent many hours on our new back porch watching football and racing.  It got a little chilly Sunday night and I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of sweet little Parker.  I am really looking forward to fall! 

2 months!

This post is nearly 3 weeks late but better late than never right?!  P's 2 month check up was a few weeks ago and overall he is doing really well.  His "big boy" stats are below...

12 lbs, 6 ounces

23.5 inches long

He is growing like crazy and changing constantly, it is so much fun and challenging too!  We figured out about the time Parker turned 2 months old that he is anemic, which is just another word for lots of doctor's appointments and expensive formula. :)  Just kidding, er, sort of.  After some trial and error the new formula is working really well for our little man.  He is such a happy baby!  His horrific diaper rash is gone and hasn't returned and he is sleeping better, too.  I hate that he is anemic but it sure is nice to have some answers and work toward increasing his iron levels (which, unfortunately, has been a slow process).  So if you think of us, pray for increasing iron!


You must check out the Monogram Chick blog, Sissy (aka Parker's aunt, MC, and my fabulous sister) is sharing a little project I coerced them into coming to town to help with - oh the fun!  And a nursery post WILL HAPPEN this week - Sissy is showing me up, I must deliver!


Oh! and Happy Labor Day!

Wordless Wednesday....

Reality bites

Just so you know what I am up to...I will be spending the next 7 days soaking up this sweet face. 

Because in exactly one week I have to go back to work.  Back to reality.  I am going to do my best not to dwell on the inevitable.  I do enjoy my job and am eager to resume a more typical schedule but I just can't resist this face.  I can't believe how quickly time has gone and how much my little man has grown and changed.  Parker is 7 weeks old and so much fun, he has started smiling and grinning and he has even found his voice!  I just can't help kissing those chunky little cheeks...

Wordless Wednesday

I couldn't have said it better myself. :)

One Month

I cannot believe our little munchkin is already a month old, Parker is changing right before our eyes.  I love to watch him sleep and listen to him coo.  I thought I would share a few pictures of Parker I snapped today.  

This picture was just too sweet not to share.  We spend A LOT of time doing this these days.  It's official - Coco and I are in love with our little boy.

Hello Again!

It has taken me more than three weeks to get back to blogging.  I've had one particular distraction lately...

Isn't he PRECIOUS? 


Life as Parker's mommy is a whole new experience.  It has been full of so many different moments and emotions, most of them so sweet.  I will be the first to admit - being a mom is the hardest thing I have ever done.  I have an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree and CPA certification and being a mother trumps them all.  There is no book or manual that comes with a little bundle of joy and every baby is so different.  The only thing you have are your innate parental instincts (and your dear family and friends!).  So...for the last three weeks I have been developing those parental instincts (and making many phone calls for advice and help)!


Our little man is doing great, Coco and I are soaking up his sweet face!  We learn more and more about Parker with each day.  It is surreal to sit and stare at our little one and think that God created him just for us.  We hold on to each moment (even the fussy ones!), he is already growing so fast I can't imagine how quickly time flies.


We went for Sweet P's three week appointment Tuesday and he is growing like a weed!  Here are his current stats...

8 lbs, 9 oz. - he has gained almost 2 lbs since birth!

21.5 inches long - he has grown a whole inch!

I promise one of my next posts will be of Parker's nursery.  My sweet mother was wrapping up the finishing touches the day we brought him home from the NICU!

**A very special thank you to MC for keeping the blog up to date with Parker's arrival and NICU stay.  Parker loves his Auntie!

Since Kiki is Otherwise Engaged.....

Kiki has her hands full these days.  I guess I'll give her a break this time.....I posted this on my blog today and thought I'd ask her readers for help.

This little muchkin melts my heart.  This is Parker, "Master P", my newbie nephew.  He is 2 weeks old today and is absolutely Preshy Presherson.  I cannot wait to get my hands on him again and nuzzle his sweet little face.

Now that I'm an auntie to Kiki's bebe, I need a name.  I need an auntie name for Master P to know me by.  My question for y'all, my darling chickadees is this....by what name to you call your aunts?  I don't want to be Aunt Sarah....I want something else, something better. I've got one name in mind, but I'm not wholeheartedly committed to it and need your help.  Pretty please?  Many Thanks, Monogram Chick

Parker & Kiki Update via Monogram Chick

Parker is here and SO STINKIN' CUTE!   Both baby and mama are doing well.  Looks like Kiki will be heading home sometime today.  Parker gets an extended stay at Brookwood Hospital with luxury accommodations in the NICU.  He has had a little trouble regulating his blood sugar so to keep an eye on the little guy they admitted him and are keeping a close eye on his levels before and after feedings.  As of late this morning he was doing well and his blood sugar levels were good.  We'll continue to pray for stabilization!  They have "P-man" (every aunt needs a nick name for her nephew right?) hooked to an IV of fluids {Kiki said last night that the fluids had really "brightened" his coloring} and since his levels have been good they will slowly wean him off the fluids starting today.

As I said, he is so amazingly cute....here are a few pictures of infant eye candy!

He is here!

Hey y'all! Monogram Chick blogging for Kiki again. Parker Riching Marshall was born late this afternoon weighing in at 6 pounds 12 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. Kiki is doing well and enjoying a little quiet time while the fam grabs some much needed sustenance.

Today's The Day!

Hey y'all this is (soon-to-be) Auntie Monogram Chick, and I have a Parker update!

Kiki went to the hospital last night and settled into her home away from home (LBD 3).  As Kiki snuggled into her super fancy hospital bed Coco settled in next to her on what looked to me (via g-chat) like a rack of terror.  According to the updates, I don't think either of them slept too well.

As of this morning, the pitocin was flowing and she was progressing well.  Well enough that Kiki talked them into an epidural.  She is now resting well.

The Dr. checked in around lunch time and the best estimates are that pushing will commence around 4:00 this afternoon.

As I know more, I will post and as soon as pictures are available I'll post them too.  Right now Kiki is anti-camera and not allowing photography of her laboring self.  Can't say I blame her.  But this post would be way better with pics....I'mjustsayin.

****UPDATE****

Coco snapped a pic of soon-to-be Grandparentals with Kiki.  She approved the photo for blog consumption.  Speaking of consumption, Coco informed me he was snacking on cinnamon teddy grahams and Kiki was drooling over them as she smacked her gum.  Poor Kiki.

 

****UPDATE2****
Just talked with Kiki.  She is super composed for a chick that'll be birthin' a baby and minute now.  The surgical team is setting up.  Crowning is close and he is ready to make his debut!

Kiki with Coco's mama...another soon-to-be Grandparental as they await Parker's debut.

Here comes Parker!

Well folks, Parker's time has come!  My blood pressure is still elevated so my doctor has decided that the best thing for both me and Parker is to induce on Monday.  We will go into the hospital Sunday night and induction will begin early Monday morning.  I had a stress test and an ultrasound at the doctor on Thursday and Parker is a healthy little boy.  They estimate him to be about 7.5 lbs (at 3 weeks early!) and definitely strong enough to endure the labor process.  We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we journey through the next few days!  I promise an announcement and a picture when our little man makes his debut!

The Big Reveal

This post is embarrassingly overdue.  I apologize.  No excuse.  Let's get on with it.


Back in February, we shared with you that we were embarking on a little home addition.  Well, this home addition was officially finished May 6th and it is June 9th and I am finally posting all of the before and afters!  We have kept you posted along the way with some updates and pictures in progress but I will do my best to "recap" our story here. {Some of the pictures aren't the best, I do apologize!}


Once upon a time, Kiki and Coco bought a small, ugly little house in a great area (location, location, location)...

We worked hard to spiff 'er up on our own...

But all the elbow grease in the world couldn't make this house BIGGER.  So the construction began!

This last picture is the view from our existing "master" bedroom looking into the addition.  Below is the same view pre-construction (I am so over that green color).

And the same view "after".  We added about 50 square feet to our "master" bedroom, some much need light through two windows and gutted the existing closet into our new office nook (see picture below).  The ceilings were scraped and crown molding and taller base boards were added.

Since we were a one bathroom house, a second bathroom was a necessity.  We were able to add a significant amount of space onto the back of our house that includes a double vanity, very large two-head shower (it is to die for!), separate toilet room, his/hers closets and a laundry room.

The view from our master bedroom into the new bathroom

Laundry on the left, toilet room on the right

A good shot to give you an idea of the layout.  Look in the mirror and you will see the shower and the doors to his/hers closets.

Have I mentioned I LOVE this shower?

Our previous laundry area was in our kitchen so when we relocated it to our master bathroom, it opened up all sorts of possibilities in our kitchen.  Unfortunately I never took a before picture of our laundry area in the kitchen but please take my word for it, the after is fabulous in comparison.  We moved a wall, added double doors to conceal our utilities, added two floor to ceiling cabinets for pantry space, a bench with storage, built-in shelves to maximize space and hide our microwave!

We are on the hunt for a round table, a fabulous mirror or artwork for above the bench and new chairs but all in due time.

Can't see the microwave, can you?  Just a hint, it is below the red vase.  Coco found a "little" black sharp microwave that suits our needs perfectly!

Last but not least we added a screened porch equipped with two fans, electrical plugs in the ceiling for outdoor heaters (coming this fall!), and most importantly a TV.

And the current view of the front of our house...we increased the roof line, painted the entire exterior, new front post and new shutters.

We absolutely love our new (and old) space, it has totally changed the way we live in our house.  I am sure with the arrival of our little one that will change too, but for now we are so thrilled to have some more square footage!  Hope you enjoyed the recap!