Three Years Old.

I'm not sure quite how it happened. But I must have blinked. I vowed to myself not to the day you were born but I guess blinking is inevitable. My beautiful olive skin, dark hair, dark eyed baby girl is now a bubbly brown eyed blonde who tans better than her momma.

I've come to realize that time contradicts itself. Time has become a thief, yet it is also a sweet sweet gift. I'm incredibly grateful for the gift of time but some days I just want it to come to a screeching halt. We were warned. However, I don't think we took those warnings seriously during the season of cluster feeds, late nights, and bewitching hours. We were so caught up in looking forward to her next stage or milestone, we forgot to slow down and enjoy it. I wished for more sleep for myself, now I find myself creeping in her room just to hold her while she sleeps. It is amazing how fast the past three years have flown by.

You are as sassy as you are sweet. Still tender hearted and caring. Forget to leave your listening ears turned on sometimes but overall you're a pretty ok threenager. You love all things Disney princess, Paw Patrol, and Daniel Tiger. You're also obsessed with the Wee Sing DVD's Aunt Goose got you your first Christmas. Daddy thinks they are strange but Mommy loves them, it's what she grew up watching. I want to forever ingrain in my mind the way you say "glass slippers" the way F's are B's (bire truck, beeding me). You're really into imaginative play these days and I love hearing your little conversations with your "girls" aka princess dolls. You love your brother something fierce and lovingly refer to him as "bud, Parks, brudder, buddy". Holding his hand is your favorite though he'll have no part of it. School is by far the best part of your week you're going three days a week from 9-12. You have quite a few buddies at school, I love watching your little relationships grow. You're also in a tap/ballet combo which makes this momma's heart so happy. You love to dance and make everything your stage. The storage ottoman has seen quite a few performances which I don't see coming to an end anytime soon.

ONE

TWO

THREE

Your actual birthday was a fun one. A party at school, one of your bestest girls coming to play, dance, and dinner + ice cream at the Dairi-O. You were a very very happy girl! 

Birthday party--princess party! Each Disney princess was represented in their own special way.

Our One Year Old..

From the moment they laid you on my chest it was the purest love. Our year has been filled with ups and downs. You definitely haven't been the sleeper your sister is. Even though the bags under my eyes are much more noticeable, I wouldn't trade our middle of the night play dates for the world. 3am snuggles are exhausting but some of my favorite. It would be just me and you bud. I know I'm crazy when I say I miss it but sometimes I do. In the quiet I learned your breathing patterns, studied your sweet face, trying to etch in my memory because time is fleeting. I've been saying time contradicts itself. It's a gift but it is also a thief. Being you and your sister's momma is truly the greatest gift I have ever been given. I know I'm going to blink and you'll both be grown and on your way. 

May your roots be firm in Christ's love. May you know the gift of salvation, grace, and His mercy. May you try your hardest at every task that comes your way. That you'll never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. You find friends worth having that will build you up and not tear you down. You won't be afraid to take chances, chase your dreams, and discover who you are. May you come home with grass stains, scars, red cheeks, and bruises because you're experiencing childhood. May you get back up when you fall, because that can be the hardest part after all. May you know our Savior in a real way and learn to always put your trust in Him. May you stay humble and kind. May you respect those around you. May you understand that mistakes don't define you, that you'll always find forgiveness when you need it the most. May you grow to be a good person, love your momma the most, let your dad beat you at basketball, and remember your sister has been your biggest fan from day 1. All these things I pray for you sweet boy on the eve of your first birthday and most of these every.single.day. 

Parker Michael Walters 

4:30:16

12 Months

We made it sweet boy I questioned my sanity a whole lot and any kind of parenting skills I had a lot of days BUT we MADE IT! Unfortunately, this week has been on of your worst. 2 teeth, pneumonia, super high fevers--105--3 rounds of rocephin you've had such a tough week buddy but you've been such a trooper.

Sure fire way to break this momma's heart is to see her babes sick. Gets me every single time. Cried in the doctor's office twice in one day. 

The happier note was the rest of your month! 

These people will be your very best friends. I promise. 

First Easter! Hanging with Auntie Bina while the crazies hunted for their eggs. 

Your first Forrester-Easter-Beach-Trip. The first half of the week was great you had so much fun! Second half was a tad bit overwhelming and to be completely honest, momma and daddy were ready to leave the beach.--A first--You just weren't happy, weren't yourself, and we all needed our own beds. 

Stats:

18lbs 14oz 12%

Height-32 inches long 82%--Doctor predicts you'll be over 6ft. 

Still long and skinny!

Eating: graham crackers, cheerios, still all things baby food, yogurt, applesauce, and puffs. No textures for you bud. No textures for you. Not yet at least, we'll get there. 

We switched your allergy medicine and glory be, it's helping! You're finally sleeping not having to get up multiple times during the night because of snot and cough! It's been such a change and such a blessing. Sleep is good sweet boy and I think you can tell the difference too. You're consistently happier, which we love so very much.