Tis the Season ...

So I haven't posted in a while ... I am hoping most of you remember that Thanksgiving THROUGH New Year is the CRAZIEST time in my line of work. Being an event planner ... you can imagine my plate is full with the Holiday season. I currently have 71 events in the month of December ... and I am expecting at least another 10 to book ... BUSY doesn't quite capture it....

That being said .... I just couldn't let another week go without a quick update. We had a blast Thanksgiving weekend ... hanging out with Ray, John, and Dad (Dad was amazing not only helping me assemble my christmas tree (AMAZING), but also put Park's Crib togehter, and then watched the boys all day Friday while I worked .... with Uncky John ... incredible!!). We saw Santa Clause sky dive (pictures to come ... WOW!), grilled out steaks, built a gingerbread house, made our Santa List, and avoided the mall at all costs.

This Christmas will be a little lean in the gift department as I am sure it is with everyone (economy and all) ... but presents will seem to pale in the shadow of my oldest son's cackle of a laugh and my little boy's huge grin. So this has brought me to my biggest revelation to date ...

I am absolutely the most blessed woman on this planet. My two boys are such an amazing blessing, and I still can't understand why God has chosen me as their mom. They bring such life to my world. One of my friends put it so well tonight. "You're eyes are blazing (he said) ... I am so happy that you've come out of this so full of life". And my only response (HOW COULD YOU NOT BE!). I can't imagine a day when my life hasn't busted with fullness. Don't get me wrong the list of "TODO's" can seem daunting and unatainable on some days. But I look back on this year (almost a year since I became single ... can you believe it!) ...and all I see is strength.

I can't believe I have done his entire year on my own (physically, financially, emotionally)! I know pride is sinful ... but I can't help it. Today the more I thought of it ... I'm so PROUD of myself ... (that's embarassing!) I knew and still know that my family would/will come galloping to my rescue should I need it. In so many ways they have done more than they know. My sister still keeps the boys on Thursday and Friday (which is amazing!unbelieveable!)... and my mom has her occasional Grocery trip (life saving!). But for the most part ... its me! Every night, every morning ... sick, well, water bills, rent, happy, sad, time outs, doctor, dentist, play time, nap time, meals, tantrums, all of it (its me!). Its So overwhelming at times. There are days when I look into Ty and Park's eyes and think life couldn't get ANY HARDER. But then there are days (and they happen more than the former) ... when we sit together in the living room me and my boys and we just laugh. Tickling, sweet, joyful, HAPPY, I realize this family ... the family I have now ... is more than I ever had before. This life is more than I could ever want. I truly would choose this time and time again.

I can feel the future deep in me (almost as vivid as if I were looking at it now), and I know that it won't always be easy .... flat tires, cavities, holidays, girlfriends (eeek!), bills, report cards, grounding ... it will always just BE ME! But I am READY. I know I have been blessed with the strength to face it all. It's prickling up my arm right now, in a wave of goosebumps, when I realize ... I dont' need to be scared of what is to come. I have it in me to make this all work.

So when the boys seem just too much to handle, the bank account nears the single digits, I'm down to the last pair of underwear, my last diaper, and then just at the wrong time the tollway lights flash yellow as I zoom through, I will smile back at it all .... smile with confidence and smile with a daring since of acceptance, challenge even. I can do this! Bring it on!!

Back to the laundry ... pictures to come soon!

Bath Time Fun

Lazy nights at the Cobb House!! We've spent a few nights this week just hanging out at the house, which has been so nice! The boys and I do a lot of running and playing with Ray Ray especially (so much that I forget how nice it is to stay home and be lazy!). Here are a few cute shots from our big fun bath night this week (not that we don't bathe regularly but when we can get BOTH bathed in one night that is a HUGE success!)

What a big boy!

Tyler "washing" Parker's hair

We celebrate milestones everyday for Tyler and Parker,

but I have to say nothing is cuter than pictures like this!

Ceramic Fun

We enjoyed some fun with Ceramics on Saturday... Tyler painted a fish he so appropriately named "Nemo" ... surprise! We had a great time ...

So in Tyler's world Nemo would have been blue, green, and purple .... (smile!) Everyday you get sweeter and sweeter my little man ... I am so lucky to be your mom! Thanks for making my days so much fun!

Day Two ....arg!

Okay... so day two of the diet ... wish me luck! I am totally challenged to loose the rest of this baby weight by January 1! 20 pounds is my goal! What a nightmare it is being this big of a fatty! I'm looking forward to getting back into those skinny jeans, but really more than anything, not having a belly that jiggles when I laugh! I mean HELLO! So I sadly say goodbye to my beautiful bread, dr pepper, and intoxicating pasta, I'll miss you extra large size Hershey's bar, please tell me that I will have chicken fried steak again soon with EXTRA gravy on the side so I can smuther each and every bite in creamy perfection. Oh ... and Ben and Jerry, call me! It might be a southern girl thing, but what am I going to do without that TALL GLASS OF ... MILK every night? But I can do it! I have my 2 pieces hanging in my closet ...and although I may never actually put it on this body again, its good incentive.


If Tyler is still wanting to slap my bare belly and watch it jiggle in two months, shoot me!
Here goes nothing!

Halloween Fun!

We've filled the last week with so many fun Halloween events. Two Carnival's last week and one this week. Tyler is a Halloween Freak, yelling "Happy Halloween" and "Trick or Treat" with Gusto! He has pefected the phrase "Mommy I want Candy". WOW! Is he not my child or what! Aunt Cindy would have flashbacks watching Tyler bouncing off the walls this week! He's such a chip off the old block! BUT ... I love Holiday's with Tyler. He is finally beginning to "get it". How is it possible that it gets better and better every year (Didn't I say it last year that life couldn't possibly get any sweeter ... and yet it does!)Tyler the Pirate and Parker the Parrot ... Arrrrg!

Big apologies to Parker as I find Feathers in his diaper, hands, mouth ... sorry baby! But you're so stinking cute! I'll try to be better about considering comfort for next years' costume!

Halloween Candy Coma! We feel for you Parker!

Matchy Matchy

Some cute pictures of the boys dressed a like after church.

"TYLER HANDSOME" as Tyler would say ...

BEAUTIFUL

We hit an awesome Pumpkin Patch today with some friends ... more pictures to come ... but I had to post this cute cute picture of Tyler roping a "calf". Do I have the biggest ego or what! I think this is my SECOND post bragging on my beautiful child, but I can't help it!! Everytime I look at his cute face I think ... WOW! He's such a cute kid!!!

He even wear's a messy face well!!

Happy Friday to all!

The State Fair of Texas ... 2 year old style

Tyler and I went to the State Fair Tuesday with our friends Amy and Logan ... We had an absolute BLAST. Here are a few of the pictures (I'll try and post more later), of us playing some of the games ... ring toss, fishing, water guns... I've got some great ride shots and a PRICELESS shot of Logan trying a Corn Dog (Ty wouldn't touch the thing! If he only knew what he missed).

We ate GREAT food ... besides the Fried Corn Dogs (delish!), Fried Marshmellows and Fried Oreos were our favorites ... hey girls up north ... JEALOUS! :) ... YOU HAVE to come up here next year in October so you can go ... I mean FRIED OREO ... does life get any better?

OH ... almost forgot! Best point of the entire night was that Tyler and Logan rode almost all the rides by themselves ... YEAH for no more Mommy in the Passenger seat! My baby is all grown up!

Happy Birthday Parker

I can't believe you're already one month old! What an amazing adventure it has already been. I can say with much confidence that your big brother and I are absolutely in love with you. It may be hard to believe this one day, but YOU are the FIRST thing your brother asks for when he wakes up in the morning. He loves kissing your feet and your arms, stroking your soft fuzzy head, and squeezing you super tight. He is your #1 Fan (well maybe second, only to your momma!). We are an incredibly complete family because of you, and every day we thank God that he chose US to be your family. Without you the world would not be as full.

You smiled at me for the first time today. Not a gassy smile, but a really big flirty smile. Glad to know you're already following in your brothers foot steps,

and know how to lay on the charm .

P, you're so active already ... you're favorite things are ... Kicking your feet (no wonder I was so uncomfortable when you were in my belly, you're SO STRONG!), watching the fan in our den, eating (I can't beleive I'm already mixing you 6 ounce bottles you little oinker), sleeping (praise the Good Lord for your 5 hour stretches at night ...YEA!), sucking on anything (including your hands, my neck, blankets, pacifiers, your brothers fingers ...which he eagerly allows), riding in the car, listening to music, watching your brother (which isn't too hard since he's always in your face).

You're a blessing from the Lord, and I can't wait to watch the fun things unfold throughout this next year. Don't grow TOO fast, enjoy every minute of it little one ... I know I will!

Loving you more than you could ever grasp!
Mommy (and Big Brother Tyler)

Here you are just a day old in your cousin Hunter's arms ... but what I especially love here is your Big Brother, checking out your little feet. He was absolutely in love with you from DAY ONE!

Cuteness

The Cutest Little Boy I have every seen!

CHUCK E CHEESE!

For all who are curious (and I KNOW you are)

$25.00 at Chuck E Cheese will buy you ...

1. Heart burn! Oh that pizza is like a weapon its so dangerous! I searched the prize counter for some pepto ... no luck!
2. A good Ab work out hoisting your two year old within arms reach of all those games

(Step-Stools ... Chuck e cheese ... invest!)

3. Prizes ... lets see ... a cardboard pirate eye patch, a hopping spider (do spiders hop?), a dum dum sucker, and five stickers (basically JACKPOT! to a two year old)

4. EXHAUSION = full nights sleep in baby world (YEAH for all those lights which lulled P into baby coma ... After a little bought with gas, thanks a lot BABY BJORN you SUCK,

Parker slept until 5 am! YEA!)

6. An absolutely THRILLED two year old!

Thanks ChuckE we had a great time!!

Enjoying our prizes (notice the red "hopping" spider)

Riding with BOB
(Tyler was SO EXCITED)



Hugging Bob as we exit :)

Good Times!

Thanks to P for being such a good baby while his big brother went CRAZY!!!

Play Play Play

Here are some fun pictures of the boys from this week. My camera is doing something funky so the quality is awful. Looks like I'll be breaking down to buy a new one sooner rather than later (ARG!). Anyway ... Tyler and Parker were exhaustingly and wonderfully perfect this week. We had loads of fun going from activity to activity. I love this stay at home thing ... so many fun things to do during the day. (Although as I write this the boys are with their dad so I may be talking via a euphoric high from my 4 hour nap!). Regardless we've been having a great time. Bonding time by the boys

(although If you'll notice in this picture ...

Tyler is holding Parkers pacifier ...

I'm sure he was on P's playmat under false pretenses to

STEAL THE PACI!)

The fun slide at the Wiggly play center ... this has been our

Wednesday hang out. It's great because they serve lunch

here so we can stay for several hours!

Tyler has a blast ... P sleeps :)

The Fam

(Love that face Ty ... he looks mad but really Elmo was on

and he is GLUED to the TV ...

can't be bothered for a picture)

The Library on Friday for Storytime and Puppet Show ...

this was Rayanne's find ... and Tyler loves it!

The beautfiul sleeping boy ...

notice drool on my shirt (lovely!)
ohhhh the wonderful perks of mother hood!

Trying on Halloween costumes ...

Showing off our new Anthony (The Wiggles) ... Nana and I found these at Toys R Us ... Tyler has slept with them several nights, and I LOVE listening to him through the door talking to each Wiggle (He actually referenced them by name ... "Anthony right here" ..."Jeff sing").
Pretty funny! (but really so fun to watch Tyler's imagination Develop!)

Angel

Future ROCK STAR!

A few more weeks left to soak in all this day time fun and then its back to work ... but I have to tell you I'm having A BLAST! Tyler is so so sweet and super helpful. I'm learning to utilize his ability to take direction by having him put dirty clothes in the laundry room, help pick up his room, retrieve things from the fridge, throw things away in the trash can. He's SO cooperative its crazy. He also compromises really well so if he's not TOTALLY on board sometimes I can reason with him ("sure you can have apple juice, after you drink your milk")

This definitely helps when he has his two year old moments, because I know it's not his nature to "melt down". Holding onto the vision of my cooperative two year old helps me maintain sainity when we must resolve to TIME OUTS (But I'm certain all mom's chant to themselves: "BUT HE'S SUCH A GOOD KID" when they are cleaning out playdough from the carpet while their child wails in time out). Oh happy days! kisses and hugs to all!

Parker's first girl!

Parker and I visited Paige Michele Baker today (born September 10th). I'm quite sure she is the cutest little baby girl I've seen in a while. The softest hair and brown eyes you could loose yourself in. Parker was defintely loving the play time, and sacked out quickly on her blanket (cute!). I can already see visions of Parker faking sleep when it's time to leave Paiges' house so as to strech play time with Paige. I remember doing that when my cousins would visit (remember that Kristin). I think we were certain that if your parents couldn't find us (smile) in the house ... that they would surrender, give up, and leave us all there. I can still remember stuffing you in the linen closet (or was that Jenn?). What silly memories!

Telling Secrets already!

This Maternity Leave stuff .... Love it!

So I don't remember feeling this fantastic after Tyler was born, but really I am so surprised at how great I feel. Parker and I hit the mall today to use up some gift cards I had been saving for once I wasn't prego any more. I had so much fun shopping in stores I would NEVER have shopped, and spending "money" on myself. I bought two new bottles of perfume, a new pair of jeans, and two new shirts. Parker was a dream baby, and allowed me two glorious hours of "mommy" time. It was a great day! Kisses from the Cobb's

Sacked out on the couch!

Brothers

Holding Hands

(I happened upon this while we were watching TV this week. I looked over to see Tyler holding Parker's hand ... only he wasnt looking at him, he was staring at the TV. Seemed to be the most natural thing for Tyler. "Just hanging out/watching TV/holding my little brother's hand".)

Ode' to My sister

I don't think I can fully capture in words what an amazing sister I have. I kept thinking to myself this weekend ... "who needs a husband". NO ONE would have nailed it in meeting my needs better, even my ex spouse. I'm telling you there was never a better advocate than Rayanne McCall Falco. From the moment I found out I was in this difficult position she has been there for me. Holding my hand, helping me cope, drying tears. I think at times I found myself looking at her wondering if she was more appropriately labeled my mom as oppose to my sister.

These last nine months, she as been an amazing stand in with Tyler when I couldn't lift him, or just got totally overhwelmed. Rayanne played grocery shopper, Moving/Packing Lady (I'm pretty sure she packed my entire kitchen by herself), Uhaul Driver, Comedian, Counselor, Laundry Lady, House Cleaner, Pillow Mate (on those first nights when sleeping alone was unbearable), Back/Foot Massager, Defender (I will NEVER forget my clean mouth sister charging into my house the night my world changed, challenging the past head of my household with a "WHAT THE F***", I don't think she has ever hit someone, but the blood boiling in her face proved that would have been the situation that turned her into a "fighter", I've never felt more safe, or more proud). She's helped me clip coupons, and bargain shop, Threw the Best Baby Shower EVERY, and then there is this weekend ....

DELIVERY WEEKEND!

Most of my family will agree that a stop at Dunkin Doughnuts on the way to the Hospital is VERY appropriate for me. My sister took me to the perfect breakfast stop and we had Chocolate Kreme Filled Perfection (I'm sure my doctor paid dearly for that consumption when it came time to push, but OH WELL!). Arrived at the hospital right on time 7:00 am with about eighty bags in tow (all of which RAYANNE had to lug into L and D! Don't put two women in one room for 60 hours and not expect at least three bags each! After we settled into the room Rayanne delivered the first of many "pushing presents" ... as if having her there wasn't already the biggest gift EVER I got tons of fun stuff, cute pants (which I STILL haven't taken off), Chapstick (it was funny ... It went something like this Me: "Dang I forgot my chapstick" Rayanne: "Lets see what we can do about that!" and pulled some out of a gift bag... What a girl!), EVERY gossip magazine, delicious Linen Spray, Hand Soap which we used all weekend (it smells DEVINE), body wash, new panties, and the CUTEST wreath for the hospital (we had compliments on it all weekend long). After we opened presents :) The Nurse applied Prostin to my cervix at 8:00 am and we walked for about two hours. I think Rayanne led me to every gift shop in the hospital pushing my iv pole and cheering me on! After starting at a 2-2 1/2 cm dialation when we arrived, the Prostin got me to about a 3 1/2 before they introduced Pitocin at 10:30 am. With Pitocin started, I was confined to bed. We put in "First Wives Club" (very appropriate I thought :) ) Pitocin started and by about 11:30 I was Ready for an epidural. Contractions were coming quickly and crazy, Rayanne was RIGHT there rubbing my feet, counting contractions, explaining everything, and asking all the right questions when my mind went blank. Epidural came at about 12:00 (I think?) and then it was quite a roller coaster from there. I stalled at 5 cm for about 8 hours and for a while we were nervous we would head to a C section. But somehow Parker's big head made its way down and We were go for delivery at about 9:00 pm. We had to hang out for a little while, waiting on set up and the Dr to get ready. After one practice push and a big pep talk from my Dr and my sister ... I was good to go. Started pushing at 9:32 pm (Rayanne was AMAAZING, as all my support team was, but she was especially awesome. I think she wowed even the nurses with her counting, getting me to push THREE counts of 10 with every contraction). And at 9:44 pm Parker was born, Rayanne cut the cord and followed Parker standing on her tip toes to give me thumbs up from the corner and catching my eye with updates and big smiles. Even as she was holding PAC's hand and getting all the updates with him, she kept peeking over to make sure I was good. We didn't get in a room until 12:00 and We were BOTH exhausted. Thankfully Parker was an angel that first night, but we still only got two shifts of 2 hours each of sleep. LONG NIGHT :) Rayanne hung out with me all day through a stressful Hearing test (which Parker eventually passed) ... horrible hospital food, Foot Fungus showers :), Industrial Toilet flushing ( I think I went pee at least five times in the middle of the second night ... sorry about that Ray ... that Toilet was LOUD!). She was such an amazing partner in crime, helping me change Parker (getting him cute for his pictures), loving on Parker, Driving us home (slowly and minimizing the bumps :) ), and stayed with us ALL day yesterday and all night, cooking dinner for us, and even running 2 loads of laundry. I can only IMAGINE how tired she is!!!

So this is to my sister, my heart, my rock. Thank you for everything this weekend. For being the most incredible part of my life. For always staying so involved! I am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life.

Here are a few pics from this weekend and Rayanne's amazingness ...

Spending some quality time with Tyler before Parker's Arrival

Breakfast stop

Pushing Presents :)

The Sisters

Right by my side!

PUSHING!

(sorry if thats a little TMI, but Just wanted you to see my rockin sister litterally in action!)

OH MY GOODNESS!

The Pushing Team

(minus Nana)

I could NOT have gotten this 10 pounder out in 12 minutes had I not had these five women by my side. It was an amazing experience. One I will never forget!

First Family Photo and then Mommy and Paker


Parker definitely does his "own stunts" ... I'd say diving out into the world in 12 minutes should be considered a stunt on some level. First Casualty of P's stunting is his left cheek right below his eye (notice the scratch) ... caught it with his thumb nail on the way out ... poor baby! What a tough cookie!

Amy and Paker right after delivery
Big Thanks to Amy who stayed with me the entire day Friday, bringing SPRINKLES cupcakes in the am, I'll fill you in on all Amy's awesome duties later this week! She is the most amazing friend!! (At one point during pushing I looked up to see her STANDING on an end table in the corner of the room, camera in hand, mid text, shouting encouraging words ... now THAT's multitasking!

You're mine alright! I'd claim you every day!

Ray and Paker right after his first feeding, She was the first person to ever burp him (notice the amazing burping form ... Ray is a pro at EVERYTHING! I've already learned SEVERAL new tricks I didn't know with Ty) Biggest Award of the weekend goes to Ray ... I would NEVER EVER EVER have been able to do this without her. She stayed by my side the entire weekend from our sleepess night Thursday (in anticpation to induction), to ALL day laboring and a roller coaster delivery, to awful hospital room beds, and bad food, to feeding and changing and loving on PAC, to photographer, chauffer, foot rubber, hair stylist, kleenex lady, the list goes on and on and on... I will have to do an entire blog devouted later ... she was absolutely the rock! xoxo What I did to deserve her for my sister I don't know, but I only hope some day soon I will be able to pay her back even HALF of what she has done for me this weekend (well the past nine months really, well no, my whole life)

Ty and Parker hanging on day two

On our way home

Mommy and Ty playing after we brought Parker home

I will post more later this week after I've had a little sleep ( I use the word little loosely ... although as I type Ray is taking the next feeding so I'll be getting some shut eye after all ... like I said that Ray ... what a woman!)

Kisses from TY and PAC