Bye, Bye, Bottles!

It's amazing how when a child reaches two, parents suddenly start to think of all the things that need to be accomplished within the next year. For us this means a few important things- saying good-bye to bottles, changing to a twin bed and toilet training. Parker has always loved his "ba". I often tell people how it is quite common for Parker to go and sit in our upstairs loft and call for his ba when he has had enough and just wants to go to bed. He has never taken a soother, but his bottle has definitely been an item of security and enjoyment especially at bed times. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to stop his afternoon bottle and have him start using a "big boy" cup for his milk. This has gone quite well. We have begun a routine where Parker sits with me and has his drink while watching an episode of Little bear. Shortly after, I put him to bed and generally he falls asleep well. Night time has been a little different. I think that this is a combination of not seeing daddy much and not having his security item with him. The past couple of nights he has cried more than usual and wants to be snuggled before going to sleep. Overall, I am very happy with how well he is making this major adjustment. I knew that it would not be easy and I am not sure if there is ever an easy time to stop a routine and end something which has been a major level of comfort for a child's first two years of life. My goal was to have bottles finished prior to our return trip to Italy and I am confident that this is a goal that Parker is successfully accomplishing with a little help from mommy and daddy!

This past week-end was a very busy week-end for us as daddy was in a hockey tournament with family and friends. It was so nice to see my husband so energized and excited for something again. Between him and Uncle Mikey, I know that another tournament will soon be approaching and it makes me very happy to see the bond that they share as brothers. It was so nice to have the opportunity to do something fun with both of our families and better yet- to win their division. Way to go, champs!!

Today was a special treat for us as my friend Sarah visited us again with her precious newborn son. Parker and I want to thank-you very much for coming to visit us last week and this week. Maybe this can become a weekly thing? Parker absolutely loves baby Reid and was so excited when he saw them again. He kept staring at Reid and laughing. It is going to be so wonderful when Parker can play with all his cousins and friends because he is such a lovable and kind little boy. His energy and zest for life are truly remarkable.

The Toronto Star will be doing another article on Parker in a few days (possibly Saturday's paper). We have always been extremely happy with every article that they have written and want to thank them very much for continuing to follow Parker's journey.

Lastly, I want to end by thanking a couple of people for some fundraising that they have done for us. My husbands aunt (Kelly) recently did a spice fundraiser for us over the holiday season. We want to thank her and everyone who supported our family by either selling spices or buying them. It is very much appreciated. We would also like to thank Yorkview Public School for their ongoing support for our family. They have started a "Pennies for Parker" fundraiser at their school and we want to thank everyone involved at the school as well as the students for their generous contributions. It is the support we get from others both financially and emotionally that enables us to get through our most difficult days and for this we will always be extremely thankful and grateful.

Parker fast asleep. He always looks so precious when he is sleeping...

Daddy is the best goalie EVER!

Parker saying hi to his new pal baby Reid!