Merry Christmas!

What a handsome little man! The one on the motorcycle is my all-time favorite. Oh, and the "L" wasn't planned (Alice, it stands for LOVE...not loser). Thought that was cute :)

We had a great Christmas - we are going up North this weekend with my family. Really looking forward to relaxing, and spending time together.

I have photos of Parker and his visit from Santa to share...not enough time today to upload them all!

Wishing you all the best in 2008.

Holiday Wrapping

Parker had a BLAST wrapping presents. He used more tape the outside of the box. He wore the "special" bracelet that helped dispense the tape. It was all over the rug on the living room floor - right side up, and right side down. And, then he insisted on using the scissors to cut the paper. Hmmm...I think we wasted more tape and paper than we needed, but it was the fun of it for him that counted. And, we can always buy more! I was tested with my patience level - and, as a result we have about 3 presents under the tree. This mom needs to get wrapping :)

Parker tells me that Santa is going to bring him "a big blue one"...we're on the hunt for the perfect paper and hope that what Santa brings for Christmas is EXACTLY what he wants! He had snack with Santa at school yesterday and rode on the sleigh. Parker told me all about it..."Tommy not want to ride wif Santa. I sitting in Kaiden. And Yivia." Cute.

photoshop

I got to play around with Photoshop yesterday on Graham's computer. Really neat stuff! I made this quick layout of Kels & Parker. They have some awesome digital templates at 2peas that I hope to get my hands on...once I get my new computer of course. I'll be turning to Graham for the advice in that area as well - some people just know computer "stuff", and he's one of them. Gosh, I love that guy :)

Holiday Decorating

I wanted to share some photos of the holiday decorating that is taking place at our home. Parker LOVES the lights, and insists that 1 string stay in the middle of the living room floor at all times and be turned on at his discretion.

I found some steals at Good Will and turned them into some updated Holiday art...not bad for $3.99!

I'm working on an email update about Parker's Gap campaign...man, it's tough work to keep everyone in the loop. But, I love it. Anything for my boy :)

I think we are going to take a drive around town one night this week to look at the ligths, and then stop at Caribou for a cup of hot cocoa. Getting in to the Holiday spirit - it gives me goosebumps!

Gap video

Check out Parker's Gap video above...what a cutie pie! I'm so proud of him, and am really pleased with the way the clip tuned out (even though I'm not really a fan of seeing myself on camera).

You can also view all other 19 videos on the Gap site here. Enter your email address, and then click on the pictures of the kiddos!

Here is a link from the West Central Tribune paper article that was run yesterday - click here.

Happy Friday :)

Holiday projects

I love any excuse to do a project! This weekend we made these cute little trees (inspired by Ali Edwards). Parker had a great time helping, and it is so good for his fine motor skills. He's concentrating so hard in these pictures. So cute!

Tis the season :)

The lights are up. The decorations are placed. The tree is trimmed. Ahh - I love this season! Parker had a BLAST helping me with the lights (as you can see). The coolest thing for him was plugging them in and out. The things that fascinate kids.

Photos from our trip

The site is up, the votes are calling your name! Please visit the Gap site for Parker's chance to be one of the new Gap faces :)

Here are some photos of our trip - enjoy!

Trip recap

Amazing. Emotional. Once-in-a lifetime. A truly unique experience. This was our trip to San Francisco!

From flying on the airplane and Parker expressing his interest to "hold the ocean" to the bright lights and the click of the camera...we had a BLAST! Our days were filled with amazing things from start to finish.

The day of the fitting was a peek into the world of fashion. When we entered the room at the studio, the people from Gap turned their heads and said "oohs" and "aahs" over Parker :) There were racks of clothes, tables of shoes, an on-set hairdresser, and a room of seamstresses. His clothes fit just right - with not an inch to move or give. When the Converse sneakers went onto Parker's feet he told me "those too tight, mama". And, underneath the 3 shirts they layered on him was still that boy I love and adore...

The dinner at Gap headquarters was a true "wine and dine" event - with a kid twist! They thought of everything - tables filled with crayons, slinkies, sticky slime to throw on the walls, and macaroni and cheese that even the grown-ups loved! We got to meet some of the key faces behind the design, purchasing, marketing, and publishing decisions at Gap. Wow.

And then the photo shoot. I talked with Parker and told him that he was going to have to wear the shoes "that were too tight" for just a little bit while he had his picture taken. I asked myself how to prepare for this day, and couldn't anticipate how it would turn out. I reminded him that if he was a good boy that his Papa would reward him with a ride on the backhoe. Hmm... he had to think about this for a bit. We were in the dressing room getting things in just the right place when Parker decided that he didn't want a thing to do with wearing the clothes that were snug, the shoes too small, bright lights, and the unfamiliar people telling him what to do (do you blame him?). It was at that moment that the British woman (her name was Yett), turned to me and said "Well, mum, what'll it be?" I politely asked if she could locate Kenadi (Parker's new best friend that we met on the first day) and asked for her presence to help persuade Parker to take his photos. Yett piped up, and exclaimed "Well then, Kenadi it is - on we go...OOOOHHH, Kenadi darling, come hither, I need you!" Yett quickly returned with Kenadi and plopped her on the lap of the photographer. At that moment the thoughts running through my head were that this was either the make or break moment for Parker's photo opportunity.

Stefano Azario was so polished, skilled, and centered his energy into every click (that Kenadi assisted him with) and immediately transformed Parker into the radiant, shining, brilliant little boy that he is! With Kenadi on his lap, he moved the camera into place and captured Parker at his finest. It was at that very moment that I realized how rewarding this experience truly was. This phenomenal man behind the lens did not let the temper tantrum of a 2 year old get in the way of turning my boy into a work of art. There were so many positive comments coming from the Gap people behind the screens on set that included lines of: "he's animated" "those eyes!" "captivating" "we've got it".

And so, Kenadi saved the day! It was to her cooperation and Parker's instant liking the day we arrived that contributed to priceless photographs. I stood on set with tears of joy and pride. This, I will never forget.

We had a safe flight home, managed to get caught up on laundry, and stepped back in to our "real" life here at home in St. Cloud. When I reflect on the pictures of our trip, and the video of the things we did, I still take a step back in awe and wonderment. These 5 days in California have been life-changing.

Now...it's up to you! It all comes down to the votes. There will be 4 winners selected - one from each category: baby boy, baby girl, kid boy, and kid girl. And the even better news is that Parker has a 1 in 5 chance of winning in his category (baby Boy)!!! It's up to America to select their favorites :) You are welcome to vote for one child per day in each category, every day. Please select only 1 primary email address to use in the voting process, as multiple addresses will disqualify your voting entries (or so I've been told).

Visit this link to cast your vote: www.gap.com

Please share this with others to increase Parkers chances of becoming one of the new faces at Gap! The polls will be open from Tuesday, November 20th - Saturday, December 15th. Enjoy the attached photos from our trip...go Parker! Get voting ;)

Beaming with excitement of Parker,
Abby

p.s. I'm also encouraging votes for Kenadi in the baby girl category - what a sweetheart! She and Parker make a cute pair :)

San Fran here we come!

The laundry is done. The suitcases are waiting for the final things to be added. The DVD player is charged up and ready. The extra camera batteries are on standby. Parker has 4 of his favorite balls perfectly placed next to his Spiderman bag. And...we are ready! Stay tuned for pictures next week of our trip. Thank you, everyone, for your kind words of encouragement and support! We truly appreciate it from teh bottom of our hearts!!!

We met my sister & Graham at Space Aliens on Saturday afternoon for lunch. Notice the alien headband - we also went home with a Sponge Bob Football after Parker scored 100 tickets on one of the machines. THAT was cool to see :)

Gap Questionnaire

Here's the latest "TO DO" for the Gap trip next week. I was asked to complete the below questions about Parker...

GAP CASTING CALL
BABY FINALISTS QUESTIONNAIRE

BABY’S NAME: Parker Duane Knutson
GENDER: Male
HOMETOWN: St. Cloud, MN
AGE: 2.5
BIRTHDATE: 04.20.2005
TOP/BOTTOM/ SHOE SIZES: Top: 4T/Bottom: 3T/Shoe Size: Infant 9
PARENTS NAME(S): Abby Andries & David Knutson

QUESTIONS

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT GAP’S CASTING CALL? I was online shopping for a winter coat one day and the Casting Call Ad caught my eye.

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO ENTER? The display information on the advertisement and how adorable looking the winners were from last year.

WHY DO YOU WANT YOUR BABY TO BE IN A GAP AD? Parker portrays the finest example of a true “kid” who loves life to the fullest. It would bring me great joy to share this with others.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU HEARD YOUR CHILD WAS PICKED OUT OF MORE THAN 800,000 KIDS AND BABIES TO BE A FINALIST? Ecstatic and astonished! It is extremely rewarding & confirming to know that there are others that find him as attractive as I do.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BABY’S PERSONALITY? Flamboyant, warming, and inclusive – he always has to make sure that nobody is left out. When in Parker’s presence, he reminds me that life is all about LIVING.

WHAT IS YOUR BABY’S FAVORITE SONG OR TYPE OF MUSIC? We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Greg & Steve

WHAT IS YOUR BABY’S FAVORITE FOOD? Pizza.

WHAT IS YOUR BABY’S FAVORITE TOY, GAME, OR THING TO PLAY WITH? Parker loves a ball (of any sort). And, his favorite book to read is Llama Llama Red Pajama.

DOES YOUR BABY HAVE ANY PARTY TRICKS? Singing nursery rhymes (at the top of his lungs!)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOMETOWN/LOCAL ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR BABY? GO TO A PARK? THE ZOO? CHEER ON A LOCAL SPORTS TEAM? Believe it or not – Parker LOVES to play in the “tunnels” (as he describes them) at McDonalds.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR LOCAL PAPER AND LOCAL NEWS STATION IN YOUR TOWN? Local paper: St. Cloud Times. Local News Station - there are several in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area: Kare 11/WCCO/Fox9/5 Eyewitness.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BABYGAP? I love how CUTE everything is - it makes me just want to buy everything! And, not to mention how well they wear and wash up. What mom doesn't love that?!

Parker is a finalist in the Gap modeling contest!

I was online shopping for a winter coat one day - searching some of my favorite sites. As I entered the Gap site, an advertisement caught my eye that read "Gap Casting Call - enter your photo here. Your child could be the next Gap model!". So, I entered the site, added Parker's photo and went on with my shopping.

On Thursday, November 1st, I received a phone call at work. What sounded like a telemarketer, I soon learned was confirmation of Parker as a finalist! I received 2 affidavit forms that needed to be signed, notarized (thats when I started realizing that this was serious stuff), and sent back in to confirm things. So, on I went with the forms and sent them in. The email that I received read:

"Congratulations! You have been selected as a potential top 20 Finalist in the Gap Casting Call.

As a Finalist, you win a babyGap photo shoot prize package, consisting of: (i) a trip package for you and your child featured in your submitted Photo to the babyGap/GapKids photo shoot, including roundtrip, coach-class air transportation for two (2) from a major airport near your home to San Francisco, CA; five (5) days and four (4) nights accommodations at a hotel (single room, double occupancy); and a $500 gift card to cover travel expenses. Each babyGap Finalist must travel between November 13 and November 17, 2007 or the prize will be forfeited. Please see the Official Rules for further prize details and eligibility requirements. This prize has an approximate retail value of $7000."

On Friday, it was ALL confirmed with a phone call from Gap Corporate. I learned that there were over 800,380 (to be exact) entrants for the contest. 5 kids from each of the 4 categories were chosen as finalists. And - my boy, Parker is one of them :)

My mom, Deb, is going with Parker and I to San Francisco next week! So far, I've been told that we will be picked up - at the front door of our house - in a Town Car at 8:30 am. on Tuesday, November 13th to fly out of the MPSP Airport at 11:40 a.m.

When we arrive in San Fran we will spend our days doing the following:

Tuesday, November 13th – travel to San Francisco
Wednesday, November 14th – clothes fitting
Thursday, November 15th – meet & greet with all 20 finalists & dinner with the Gap crew
Friday, November 16th – photo shoot with Stefano Azario, who is flying in from France!
Saturday, November 17th – travel home

I'm elated - to say the least! And, so proud of Parker. When I told him we were going on an airplane he looked at me and said "No thanks, mama. Maybe later". We've since then talked more about going on our trip next week and Parker has warmed up to the idea. When I asked him last night where we were going in an airplane he said "San Fwancysco, mama!"

Here's the winning photo that I uploaded onto the Gap site. I'm so proud to be a mama to this boy!

So...mark your calendars! Go to www.gap.com on Tuesday, November 20th to vote for Parker Knutson!!!!!

I'll be posting more details daily - be sure to check back for updates :)

Parker aka Monkey

Here's the little munchkin - he had SO much fun trick-or-treating last night! And, he WAITED at the door for the kids to come. Had a blast handing out candy. So fun to see the excitement in his eyes and hear it in his voice. I love that he can be a kid :)

Happy Birthday + Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday to PaPa!!!!!

We are going trick-or-treating tonight in the neighborhood. Here's my cute little monkey! I ordered it here.

More pictures to follow tomorrow...

Happy Halloween!!!

Tonnels + Party

Parker...being a BOY :)

Parker LOVES to play at the "tonnels" at Burger King and McDonald's. I think there's incentive for good behavior when he knows that he gets to go. (great barganing chip for mom, here!) We had supper before his Halloween Party at daycare.

This is his BFF, Olivia!

Pumpkin boy

This picture says it all. My boy, Parker is:

happy

healthy

caring

active

curious

patient

attentive

loving

special

Alice & Parker

Here is a photo of Alice, my co-worker & friend, and Parker man. What a cute pair! We went to see Alice's new house - she made BLUE koolaid for Parker...he loved it!

Oh...and here's one of the 2 of us :)

Pull-ups

Parker is a BIG boy now - wearing pull-ups! He was taking a bath on Monday evening, and while I was looking at his jammies and diaper on the floor, ready for him once he got out of the tub, I said to him "Parker, I think babies wear diapers and big boys wear Spiderman pants". He looked at me (5 minutes later) and said "Mama...babies wear dat diaper - I not baby, I Karker, I big. I wear Piderman".

So cute. So challenging to sit him on the potty every 30-60 minutes. So messy. We use the Kandoo wipes to clean up. I'm learning to be patient and persistent with the potty training adventure we are encountering.

More fun news - Parker has started transitioning to the Pre-school room at daycare!!! He's so excited and really "ready" for the change. His new teacher commented on how well his listens and follows directions. So proud of him! And, the first day he was in his new room he worked on his handwriting...totally blew my mind away. I can't believe he is already in Pre-school. Where does the time go?

Frosting

This boy LOVES frosting! Here's Parker posing for a picture and Jon & JoDee's wedding. The kid ripped up the dance floor that night too. And, was the hit of the party with this good looks :)

Notice how we can't go ANYWHERE with out his blankie - and its most often in the background of all my photos. This boy also loves his "ankie".

His eyes make me melt to pieces!

"ooo-kini" bars

Parker LOVES to make "ooo-kini" (zuchini) bars with Grammy! And, licking the bowl with his fingers is his favorite part. He insists on telling us about each ingredient he dumps into the bow...sugar, flower, ooo-kini, and then really likes to mix, mix, mix!

His favorite bite is, of course, the frosting on top of the bars when they come out of the oven :) And he eats them top first!

Como Zoo

Pics from the Como Zoo this weekend! Parker LOVED the tiger, giraffes, and seals. He was still talking about them when he went to bed last night :)