Daddy can "fix anything"

When my wife Melissa told me she added me as an author to her blog, I started to sweat and I wondered what I could possibly provide as interesting topics that other people would want to read and discuss. The first thing that came to my mind is "Daddy can fix anything". If I could actually fix anything, then I should be able to figure out how to do this right? Well for the most part yes and the rest I will need to learn as I go. Actually, that's how I know how to fix "anything", as Eve always says when something breaks or needs batteries. I'm proud to hold this position in my family because I feel a real connection to them as a result of me trying to fix things. From, a Leapster that is not set to the proper brightness setting, to a brand new DVD/LCD TV combo that Eve decided to insert a toy jewel into the DVD slot the first day we set it up for her. I fear though the day Eve, Lila or Melissa comes to me and I cannot actually fix it. I do not ever want to disappoint them and truly know the trust they hold in me may wind up in failure. But that will never stop me from always "trying" to fix anything and I can "self teach" myself how to do almost anything as long as I try. The proof is in the fact I did not know how to be first a Husband to Melissa, next a Father to Eve and eventually a Father for the second time when Lila was born. I just want them to know, if they ever need Daddy for anything, I'm there for them for anything and everything because they are my everything and anything!

Sisterly Love

When I first found out I was pregnant, I asked Eve if she wanted a baby brother or baby sister. She said, on video, a baby sister named Ruby. Then she changed her mind & wanted a baby brother. So, when the ultrasound tech announced that we were having a girl, Eve yelled out, "no, i am having a baby brother." Eve is literally tickled pink on being a big sister to Lila. Eve said today that she loved babies & loved her baby sister. I asked her if she wanted to have another one. Eve replied, "no just one, my baby sister. And I love her." Lila loves her big sister & gets so excited to hang out with her. Eve makes a list of everything she wants to do with Lila when she gets older: dress up with her, go to the beach, have a tea party, and a sleepover. They are going to have so much fun when they are older: making tapes of Cabbage Patch dolls singing, putting on plays with their dolls, playing store (wait, that was me & Vicky!). Anywho..Eve & Lila have a lot of memories to make with each other & many years to drive me nuts with their fighting.

Can You Have Too Many Princess Parties?

With our move to GA, Eve is happy about one thing--two birthday parties! We had a birthday party for Eve in PA when we went back for Easter & "low key" one here in GA at one of her favorite parks. The theme for her PA party was Princess & the Frog & her theme with her GA one was Princess. So, basically Eve got to celebrate her birthday for a month! Her PA party was at one her favorite hot spots, Krazy City in the Plymouth Meeting Mall. She had a "small" party of 20 kids. Even though each kid got a game card, half of them spent their time in a ball blaster thing (i have no idea what you call it!!). She got to hang out with all of her hometown buds & had a blast!

Our low key party at the park seemed good in theory--just a few close friends & no big investment since you don't have to rent out the park. However, there was a chance of rain & you never know if someone will be there having a party too. Well, we completely lucked out & had a gorgeous day (even though the wind made it impossible for us to put anything on the table--NOTE, if you ever plan on having a party at the park, bring a staple gun & staple everything to the wooden tables!). And, as luck would have it, someone walked over at 3:30 & said they were hosting a party (by that time, our party basically ended & all of the kids were at the playground).

Now, the party planning has begun for Lila's first birthday. Her PA party is going to be at My Gym in Exton, which was the same place that we had Eve's party when she turned one. I am still contemplating what to do here in GA. Maybe a pool party? Time to start shopping!

Can't Believe It Took Me So Long!

I have been blogging for my job, Graco Children's Products, for 2 years. And, I never even thought of starting my own blog. Now moving from PA to GA, I thought it would be a good idea to start posting stories about the family & uploading pics & videos (I already do this on Facebook, but thought I would make it official) since we don't get to see our fam & friends very often.

First step--get blogging & uploading pics! The big news at the Parlaman household is Lila's new wheels--her legs! Lila has figured out how to scoot & crawl around so now, watch out world. I hope to upload this video tomorrow (disregard my yelling at Eve in the video). I think I am sensitive to Lila having her moments since I am a second child so I always try to give Lila her moments in the sun (even though Eve keeps stepping into her sun).

I hope to get Rob to start blogging too since he is so tech savvy with his iphone. Stay tuned for mind blowing topics from Rob to include: beer, cleaning up the yard, hockey, Jcrew sales, people Rob can't stand (basically the general public), and bathing his children (since that is his designated "bonding" time with the kids).