Pink Elephants

Here are some "Tubes Day" pics. They gave Anne Parks a little hospital gown with pink elephants on it. The image was pretty appropriate because I believe that's just what she was seeing about the time I snapped these shots. They gave her an oral sedative to help her relax before taking in for the procedure. I just wish we'd had the video camera to capture her "relaxed" state. While sitting there on the bed, she started to sway back and forth; then she'd slowly shake her head at laugh. She thought the nurse with her "silly hat" was hilarious and eagerly went with her so she could get one too. It was definitely some comic relief for a worried mom and dad.

Anne Parks slept most of the way home. When we got there, she put on her pjs and also wanted to wear her hoodie. That's how she fell asleep a little while later...
She's getting a little too big for her crib. Our next big project - moving to the "big-girl" bed. Any tips or suggestions?

Drama (Mc)Queen

Thanks for all of your prayers and well-wishes. Anne Parks' procedure went very well. It only took about 15 minutes, and she was such a good girl. We spent the rest of the day in bed drinking juice and watching Elmo. Today, she was back to her old self. I have some pictures but haven't uploaded them yet. I'll share them soon.

Here is a picture I can show you now, though... Last week, we visited Sissy at her store, Mint, and also helped her get ready for cousin Smith's arrival. Anyone who's met my sister knows that she can be a drama queen. Anne Parks seems to be following in her footsteps, so Mommasissy offered to give her some pointers. Now she loves making that face all the time. Sissy, you've created a monster!

Phillipians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.


Anne Parks is having tubes put in her ears tomorrow morning. It's a minor procedure, but she will be put to sleep. To say that my anxiety has been high would be an understatement. However, the other day while brushing my teeth, the words "be anxious for nothing" started running through my head. God was telling me to trust in Him! My anxiety has definitely decreased as I have "let my requests be made known to God"! If you can, please remember Anne Parks in your prayers as well.

Fun in the Car

Anne Parks is pretty good at entertaining herself (and me) in the car. Sometimes I'll snap a picture at a red light, and as you'll see, I often get something interesting. (*You're probably wondering, "What's wrong with her poor face?" We'll, those pesky mosquitos won't leave our girl alone! Any suggestions?)

a new headband from Grandma


Where's Anne Parks?

sleepin' in her shades
(Thanks, Mimi! She loves them!)
upside down

Mama look!

The string is what's left of a candy bracelet.

Some if it she ate, the rest is on her face.

We're So Proud of Our Friend!

Click here to check out our friend Erika's interview on the "My Home Ideas" website. If you haven't already, I also suggest you check out her blog and read about her latest adventure...at the Daytime Emmys!
The above photo was taken by another friend from Florida, Marla Carter. You should check her out if you want to have beach portraits taken on your next vacation.

Family Reunion

On Father's Day, we went to the Philips Family Reunion (my dad's side of the family). After lunch they had door prizes and contests. Here's Anne Parks after "bobbing" for apples. She actually just picked hers up. That's why she's the only one without crazy wet hair.

Dancing (Mc)Queen

Last weekend, we drove to Louisville for a our friend Emily Fair's wedding. Anne Parks and Uncle Drew used the time in the car to nap before the big event. This was Anne Parks' first wedding to attend, and she had a ball! We found out just how much she loves a dance floor - one thing she definitely didn't get from her dad! She was the first (and only) one out on the dance floor during the first song. When the song ended, her lip stuck out, big tears started rolling down her cheeks, and she said, "More! I dance more!"

June 12 - Anne Parks' Birthday

I know I've had several posts about Anne Parks' 2nd birthday. Thursday was her actual birthday, and we had a great day together. She opened presents, went to the library, played in the pool, and got her first hair cut. She started the day by opening presents from Grandma and Papa.

Most kids aren't excited to open a new outfit, but Anne Parks couldn't wait to put it on.
Are you still paying attention, Daddy?
Anne Parks and Mr. Potato Head
Anne Parks was very interested in watching Jason get his hair cut. We were afraid she'd be scared, but as soon as the cape was taken off of Jason, she ran over and say "Get up! My turn!"
sitting very still



All done...
...and time for a sucker!

Operation Diaper Free

For my birthday, Jason gave me the book Toilet Training in Less Than a Day. After reading it, I felt like it would be a good method for Anne Parks. Our day was Monday. The idea is to focus on the potty, and only the potty, until the child can go by themself. It seemed easy enough, and she did pretty well for a while, but after spending 4 hours sitting on the kitchen floor with all focus on her, I was pooped, (pardon the pun) and Anne Parks was ready to do something else. I thought I'd failed miserably and maybe even tried too soon. I was especially frustrated the next day when she refused to sit on the potty at all.

Then, something wonderful happened. That night, I heard her calling for me at 1:45 am. I ran and got her and took her to the potty! Since then, she's been doing great. I've just been so proud of her! I've also been pretty sad, though. Once the diapers are gone, you really don't have a baby anymore.

The book encourages you to praise dry pants instead of going to the potty. This illustration from the book cracks me up. It says, "Happiness is dry pants."

Step 1: Teach the doll to use the potty.

Calling friends and family to tell them she's a "big girl"

Do the "dry pants dance"!

A Shower for Sissy

Last weekend, Sissy's sweet friends gave her a shower. She got lots of cute things for baby Smith.

Sissy, Amber, and Kate
Rambo Reed's Mama, Sissy, Kate, and Anne Parks
Amber and Anne Parks
Anne Parks found a seat just her size!