We spent some wonderful family time in New Orleans last weekend. Me, my sister and mom went down to be with Philip and Lauren and baby Parker for her baptism/dedication at church. And of course, I got some great pics of the baby with all of us holding her. It’s always fun and memorable to spend time with family and watching this little girl grow up is going to be a big part of that from now on.
Warning:Â This post has LOTS of baby pics!!!Â
We usually at least go out to eat once while we are in New Orleans and this time we stayed close to where they live in Bucktown and went to the waterfront restaurant, The Blue Crab.
Right on Lake Ponchartrain, there are plenty of water views and gorgeous sunsets on the lake.
Shrimp is always a fave of mine and these grilled shrimp were delish.
It’s not New Orleans without crawfish and Lauren’s father-in-law ordered a big platter of these little guys. I have had them before and they do taste good, but are way too much work for me to order. I don’t like to have to work for my food!
Most of our time was spent visiting with and holding the baby, sitting by their pool reading a book, and eating. Eating is always a big part of our agenda. Lauren introduced me to snowballs, a New Orleans treat that somehow I’ve missed until now. I don’t know how that happened, but now that has been remedied and I’m an official BIG FAN of snowballs. It’s shaved ice with flavored syrup added and they even add condensed milk on top. YUM, it’s delish!
Little Miss Parker is 4 months old TODAY and looking like a little princess. She has a closet full of cute clothes that she got before she was born and also had plenty handed down to her from Philip’s sister, who had a girl 3 years ago. Parker will never run out of clothes!
Lauren and Parker out by the pool before we went to dinner. Isn’t she a little doll baby?
She’s quite photogenic and I have fun trying to get some good shots of her.
I loved this one when she was playing on her play mat and I was standing over the top looking down at her. Those blue eyes are mesmerizing.
Clean and happy baby out of the bath.
The main reason we went down this weekend was because Parker’s baptism was taking place on Sunday. Lauren and Philip go to an older United Methodist church on St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans, the stately Rayne Methodist church built in 1875.
It’s a gorgeous red brick church and just what you’d expect in New Orleans. That’s our crew coming down the stairs after church was over.
Inside the church were the most amazing stained glass windows.
Little Parker was baptised and did really well, no crying at all. She was an angel the whole time.
They sprinkle babies in the Methodist church (which is not something we grew up with) and it was a sweet moment for all of us, as she was dedicated to the Lord. The Pastor is a woman and Lauren really likes her a lot and I can see why. She was so friendly and I loved hearing her talk.
Mom and daughter after it was over.
We took the time before lunch to get some good shots of all of us with Parker, since we were all dressed up. She did great and then took a big long nap while we all ate lunch. Grandmother Renee and Parker.
Lauren, Renee, and Parker.
Parker and Lauren.
Mom and Parker. I love this pic of them. So glad we are getting all these great photographs of mom and the baby now. You can see how pretty her christening gown was, a gift from a friend at one of her showers.
Baby Parker and Mom.
Me and Parker.
She’s a cute little doll baby for sure. We can’t get enough of her and it’s been so fun to see the changes every month brings.
The proud parents on baby dedication day!
We had a great time and I’m so happy we were there for the festivities. Family time is the best and so important for all of us. We enjoyed every minute of time with them!
Lovely photos of a special day. Parker has the most fabulous blue eyes! (By the way, it is amazing how much your niece looks like you. Such a pretty young woman!)
thank you for sharing the baby photos Parker is a doll alright so great she is giving so many family members such joy
Henrietta
Your niece looks so much like you. I never tire of seeing pictures of precious Parker.
God bless sweet baby Parker!
Beautiful family!
Rhoda, Although we have never met, I have been reading you for years and feel like we are old friends. I love the family pics and stories, especially the ones featuring your sweet new addition! Thanks for sharing with us.
Parker is a “Gerber” baby for sure- just beautiful! She will be so lucky to have such a loving Aunt!
Thank you for sharing such a special time ! Parker is a beautiful baby!!
Precious, Precious. That is all that I can say. I can totally relate to the baby dedication. All of our children were dedicated in the Methodist church. As you know, I grew up Methodist. Beautiful family. Love you all.
Thanks for sharing all the great pictures with us. Such a wonderful time. Parker is a beautiful baby! I agree….Lauren looks so much like her aunt Rhoda.
Parker is so cute…! Sweet, sweet pictures.
Oh my, how VERY much I enjoyed reading this post and looking at the lovely photos. I can’t imagine anyone getting tired of looking at photos of sweet little Parker. <3 Thanks for taking the time to share Rhoda!!
Rhoda – you have a precious family and that baby doll Parker is a cutie! So glad you got to enjoy her for the weekend.
Smiled with every pic! Never feel you have too many photos, your friends love each and every one. Your Mom really glows with happiness and love.
Love how close your family is. We’re the same with four daughters and now we are all having babies. Just curious – Is Lauren’s dad in the picture? You haven’t ever mentioned him and I know your sister is remarried.
Hi, Laura, no her dad is not in the picture. Long story that we won’t get into.
Parker is such a cute “chub wub”. Loved all the pics.
She’s a cutie!!! What a precious little face. Especially love the pics without the headbands. Those always look so uncomfortable to me.
She is absolutely a little doll – that little mouth is so cute it’s killing me! Parker looks very much like your sister (her grandmother) and you, Auntie Rhoda…
Gorgeous pictures, loved the Christening one with baby and great-grandmother. The one with the three generations of women was a great one, too. Baby Parker certainly looked like she didn’t mind the “sprinkling” at church. What a good baby. Thanks for sharing this wonderful weekend!
Parker is just precious and oh my – those eyes!!
Judy
Parker is absolutely beautiful but she is growing too fast. Can’t you slow her down a little bit?