Parker 3 Months Old

Parker, 

Another month has gone by, what a fun month it has been! Your personality is starting to shine through and I have a feeling you're going to be a momma's boy (which is 100% fine with me). You FREAK out if I'm out of your sight and love holding my finger or being snuggled right up against me. You also love snuggling with daddy and love it when he talks to you, he always gets the best smiles. He's counting down the days until football season starts and you two can spend Sunday afternoons staring at the TV. You're sleeping through the night for the most part with random nights of waking to eat multiple times. I don't mind, yes I miss the sleep but I also enjoy this nursing time. It's just you and me buddy with a quiet house. I soak up those moments because they are so fleeting. Your sister has become more hands on with you this month and likes to "hold you" aka boppy on her lap with you laying across mommy on one side daddy on the other. She loves hugging and kissing. Also, helping you put your paci in your mouth. But then in turn has been known to throw various items at your head and then runs to the time out chair because she knows what's to come. 

You are the perfect addition to our family and we love you more than words can say!

Mommy and Daddy

3 Month Highlights:

• 12lbs 5oz maybe? Little peanut like your sister!
• Nursing throughout the day with 4 (2oz) formula bottles.
• Sleeping through the night most of the time 
• Taking a morning nap, an afternoon nap, and a quick power nap before our dream feed and bed. 
• Still swaddled and in the rock n play beside momma. You will be here until college. Sorry bud. 
• Found your hands and you love them always in your mouth.
• Smiling more and more you even giggled in your sleep. It was precious. 
• Still having your bewitching hour from 5:30 6-7ish woo.

Meeting Daddy's college friends

Attended your first wedding!

Parker 2 Months

You are now another month older. Why does time insist on speeding up no matter how much I pray it would slow down? A contradiction that all mommies experience as we love watching you grow and change and learn. But these newborn months no matter how stressful and exhausting they may be are SO fleeting. You're already trying to roll over, smiling every once in a while, and are changing so much. This month you gained 12 ounces in one week--mommy was so proud--pretty sure I told everyone we came across. You met your great-grandmother and great aunt. Celebrated your cousin's birthdays and loved on your daddy for your first Father's Day. You also went to mommy's favorite place, Ocean Isle Beach, out of utero. You were there about a month before your arrival you particularly enjoyed evenings on the back deck rocking with whoever claimed you that hour. Your sister is beginning to love you more and more which we are so grateful for. You haven't suffered a paci being thrown your way in a few weeks now.

 2 Months Stats:
--You are 10lbs 1oz--4%
--You are 23 inches long. You're going to be tall. I swear in one afternoon you grew length wise laying in my lap. --51%
--Eating every two-three hours. You either breastfeed, take a pumped bottle, or take one or two formula bottles a day.  I'm so grateful our breastfeeding journey is going differently than with your sister, a lot less stressful.

Likes:
--Being talked to, we have all sorts of conversations with you these days. You just take it all in like you can totally understand what we are saying.
--Swaddled
--Hair dryer
--Lights
--Ceiling Fan

Dislikes:
--Being hungry
--Dirty diapers
--Being changed
--The carseat is hit or miss. For the most part you're pretty good in the car but you can sense when we've got about 30 minutes of a journey left and well...

Looking forward to celebrating your first 4th of July this month, attending your first wedding, and two baby showers for your aunt Goof and baby Aubrey!

The days sometimes are long Parks. But I know too well that the years are so short. I'm treasuring every moment with you sweet boy, the good the bad, the easy the stressful. Babies don't keep. 

One Month Old--Parker Michael

You're one month old sweet boy! I can't believe it, this month has FLOWN by. We're settling into our new normal and it's be a fun month getting to know you and watching your sister like you more and more each day.

-We go for your one month old check up this afternoon so I'm anxious to see how much you've gained. You're kind of like your sister as you've been slow to gain your weight. You let me know when you're hungry though...boy do you get mad. You're a sleepy nurser so I've been pumping bottles and that seems to be going better. I nurse you a couple of times during the day and you get 1-2 bottles of formula and then the rest are pumped bottles. You wake me up normally around 2 and 4:30-5 to eat in the middle of the night I nurse you then. That 4 hour stretch is heavenly. Thank you. 

Family walks in the bus are necessary. We all need that vitamin D time. 

• You're such a snuggle bug and are most content being held or on my chest.
• You love being swaddled like your sister.
• Obsessed with the hair dryer, the moment you get fussy I click that thing on and all is right with the world.
• You love being outside.
• You HATE getting your diaper changed, yet you also hate having a dirty diaper. It's a catch 22 brother bear. 
• You also don't love bath time, but sister loves to help give you a bath. 

You may not get the elaborate chalkboard updates like your sister did BUT I'm going to try for a blog post and a picture with your bunny. Promise. 

Parker Michael Walters

After wicked contractions for 2 and 1/2 weeks you decided to join us in the early early morning of Saturday, April 30th, 2016.

On Friday, April 29th we headed to our weekly doctors appointment while Caroline played with Granna, Pop, and Aunt Pat. Appointments with a toddler in tow make my blood pressure rise so she spent the morning getting spoiled. It was a quick appointment I even ran into a friend from ECU! Dr. Grewal checked Parker's heartbeat, measured my belly, and then checked to see if those painful contractions had made any progress. Nope. None. Still 1.5cm dilated which I had been for two weeks at that point. Leaving a little frustrated and with a bladder infection but also with hope since she said my water bag was bulging we met everyone for lunch.

While at lunch mommy began having a couple more contractions. Not uncommon after a cervical check. Instead of shopping we said our goodbyes and headed home, mommy was ready for nap time and luckily so was sister. While laying down I had a few more contractions so I decided to move to the tub. I finally got some relief and decided that today was not the day a baby was coming. Once sister woke up we went for our afternoon walk and I had a hard time making it a few steps without having to stop, hold my belly, and squeal in pain. Convinced they were still no big deal I sent Derik to the store to get a few things for dinner and I started cooking our chicken fried rice. While Derik was away I noticed the contractions getting stronger. I called my wonderful mother in law and she said it could be spasms as a result of my bladder infection. She suggested timing them and then calling the hospital. When Derik got home they just kept getting stronger and stronger. I prayed that the Lord would give me a sign that it was go time. We had a false alarm already and I hated to get everyone excited again. About that time I had one more painful contraction and Derik strongly encouraged me to call the doctor. Done and done that was my sign. They of course told me to come on in and get checked out since my contractions were about 3 minutes apart and stronger. We barely clean up our uneaten/halfway cooked dinner, throw our bags in the car, finished feeding Caroline, and headed to meet my parents at the hospital. In so much pain we gave Caroline good night kisses and sent her with Pop Pop. Mom and I waddled into the waiting room to get checked in while Derik got Pop and Caroline situated. In so much pain mom had to speak for me. After waiting to be checked in to triage and trying to distract ourselves by watching Wheel of Fortune they finally called us back. All the routine stuff went down and they finally checked me. I had worked my way to a 4 almost 5 and one of our favorite doctors happened to be on call and he admitted us right away.

We got into our delivery room around 9:30pm and my husband immediately turned on the draft. We met our labor and delivery nurse who just happened to be named...Caroline. Yes, God's sovereign and I truly believe He sent us that precious woman specifically to us. She was amazing. I labored through a few more contractions and started my IV fluids for my epidural. I made it to a 6 before calling in the help. I'm all about owning it and I will own that my birth plan is healthy baby, healthy mommy, and epidural. I also had to get a round of antibiotics for Parker since I test positive for group b strep. Our anesthesiologist came about 10 minutes after I ordered the epidural and proceeded to watch the draft with Derik all the while administering a very large needle that was wonderful and allowed me to still feel for the most part. Just not the pain, check and check.

Our amazing nurse Caroline. Thank you thank you for your patience and support! In between contractions and post epidural. 

Again, the epidural was good but I could definitely still feel the pressure and pain from the contractions that were definitely getting worse and closer together. I asked Caroline to check me and I was at an 8. Almost there, this was a little after 11 and Dr. Lowe came in and informed us there were two other laboring mommas and we were in a competition. Again. This happened with Caroline. Friendly competition of course. He checked me and I was at a 9.5 so he instructed Caroline to refresh me on pushing and get a couple practice rounds in. At 11:55 he declared it was time to push for real. We pushed for about 40 minutes and Parker Michael made us a family of four at 12:37 am on Saturday, April 30th, 2016. 

After some skin on skin time with mommy you were weighed, measured, and all checked out and daddy got to hold you for the very first time. Nothing makes me fall in love with my husband more than watching him be the best daddy to our babies. Momma's y'all were right I love Caroline something fierce and couldn't imagine how in the world I could love another human being like I love her. They then placed Parker on my chest and I fell in love with him in a completely different way. I was completely euphoric despite the exhaustion. We finally got placed into our room for the rest of the weekend around 3am and tried to get some sleep despite Granna snoring, the nurses coming in, and the uncomfortable beds. While in the hospital we welcomed lots of family members, ate a TON of food seriously we had nutritional services hopping, watched so much HGTV, breastfed, and got used to changing boy diapers. 

We really really really missed each other. 

 As for Caroline, we are slowly. SLOWLY. slowly. warming up to baby brother. She loves him strongly so we're working on how to love him gently. A post on life with two under two to come later. This momma is tired and ready for bed before my little alarm clock wants to eat. :)

Sitting Duck...36 Weeks.

Oh Parker,

I hope you understand how much your mommy and daddy love you. You may have not gotten weekly bump-dates, bump pictures, framed ultrasounds like your sister but you sweet boy are so loved just the same.

I roll out of bed sometime between the minute your dad's alarm goes off and your sister is jabbering away over the monitor. After not a lot of sleep and multiple potty trips during the night I greet C-monkey with a warranted diaper change, with MUCH protest from her, and head downstairs. You may or may not feel the abuse during these diaper changes and she kicks you, a lot. I'm sorry. We make daddy breakfast and sit with him as your sister follows him saying bite bite. I drink my cranberry juice (thank you UTIs) and you decide to wake up. We walk daddy to the door and wave bye bye a million times and then console your sister's meltdown because daddy has left and you hear the all to familiar theme song of Sofia The First as mommy tries to make her and C breakfast without a growth attached to my leg. You get pop tarts, cereal, or a bagel (mommy gets something too I suppose) but "I bite I bite" gets some too as her oatmeal and banana just aren't enough. Facetime with Granna report that you haven't made your arrival yet and to ensure her and pop are doing well. Then, we all waddle upstairs after breakfast for some playtime in the playroom while momma gets laundry started, makes up the bed, and wipes down the bathroom counters--hello nesting--. Mommy is awfully ambitious in the mornings because most of the time she feels her best during these hours. Caroline and I shower because showering alone is overrated or I run the risk of freezing or burning us as sissy loves flushing the toilet. After fighting your sister who has now laid face down on the shower floor refusing to get out we both get dressed for the day---maternity leggings and daddy's long sleeve shirts for this momma unless we manage to make plans and get out--. Hair drying is a fun time, you love it already and jab mommy frequently and your sister likes to help momma and brush my hair and blow dry it. I love little moments like this. We then play some more upstairs and then head downstairs for a cereal bar snack or gaga as your sister calls it and then she asks for LET GO so we watch the five minute music video a couple of times. If it's warm enough we head outside outside for winging and siding and running for the hour or so before lunch. This is also when we run any errands or head to Winston to see daddy.

It's then lunch time and your sister becomes HAPPPPPPY she loves food. We'll have to feed hidden as I have a feeling she'll want a bite too. No, no thank you toddler with sharp teeth. We normally get to eat lunch with your sister and it's typically leftovers or a sandwich. Counting down the days to a deli sandwich, not warmed up! You start moving around again as I'm pretty sure you're grateful I'm sitting and eating. We then head upstairs and pray your sister decides to have mercy on momma and not fight me tooth and nail to take a nap. After 30-40 minutes of fighting it she eventually gives in and mommy uses this time for sanity collecting. Let's be real I try really hard to use this time to be productive but sometimes I end up napping and watching old episodes of favorite shows. It happens and my body needs it. In the occasion that I am productive it's remembering to switch the laundry, working on assignments, or cleaning something. I'm always cleaning. This is also when you tend to be your most quiet, maybe you and your sister will be magically on the same napping schedule. Ehhh probably not but that's ok!

Easter weekend the past three years. 

Before momma knows it I hear my name being loudly shouted over the monitor with occasional da-da's, nanas, pap's, pop's etc. Another battled diaper change and we head downstairs for afternoon snack. Depending upon how long your sister sleeps 2 1/2-3 hours usually daddy normally gets home shortly after. It's your sister's favorite time of the day hands down as we run to the window and wave frantically and the run to the door he'll come through. I'm pretty sure she melts daddy's heart when she takes off running and I know you will too. We then either go for a walk or play outside until it's time for dinner to get made. This is what we calling bewitching hour between 5-6 especially if we can't be outside. Sister goes into complete meltdown mode as mommy is cooking dinner and lays on the kitchen mat by her feet. It is terrible, we're preparing you now. We eat dinner, have a dance party, put up C's toys, and then depending on the night daddy gives your sister a bath as we just can't bend over that way right now. Daddy and I alternate nights with C of story and bed and the other plops on the bed until we both head downstairs for kitchen clean up. This is when daddy and mommy hang out--you'll be joining in soon-- and catch up on shows or watch a sporting event of some sort. Although you do join in already this is normally when my tummy turns into an alien belly and daddy can watch you roll all around.  Then its time head to bed and the whole production begins.  Mommy has to set up her pillows, pee, rearrange, pillows, pee, brush her teeth, pee, rearrange pillows, FINALLY gets comfortable but alas, pee again. Mommy sleeps ok for the most part just multiple potty trips and tossing and turning.

As of our appointment on Friday, you won't be making your appearance anytime soon it seems. Despite some pretty wicked contractions at night they've made no progress in the dilation business which is fine. I'm learning peace in the anxious of the waiting. I'll be considered full term in 6 days but the longer you cook the better Mr. However, Dr. Lowe did say if I were to naturally go into labor between now and Sunday they wouldn't stop me that you're developed, measuring a week ahead, and also still HEAD DOWN thank you Lord! We continue to pray over you each day for a safe delivery,  healthy baby, and healthy mommy when delivery time does come. We're preparing as best as we can. We have your nursery done (for the most part), bouncy seat, swing, and rock-n-play ready to go. Your hospital bag is packed and mommy will be working on hers and daddy's this afternoon. We also have some fun things planned for your sister as we adjust to being a family of four. Sweet boy you're going to be the best addition to our family and we cannot wait for you to join in on the craziness.

All of this to say, I may not know what size vegetable you are this week, or what is currently developing but we do know this...you are SO LOVED precious boy. I've been super emotional lately thinking about how the time where it is just me and you are quickly coming to an end. I'll miss your kicks, your constant hiccups, and how you always poke your butt out when I put my hand on my belly. I love being pregnant most days and we are already sharing such a special bond already. I guess it's time we let other people get in on that bond too. Who knows when you'll make your arrival...it could be tomorrow it could be three weeks from now. But until then momma will soak up every last bit of this pregnancy no matter how uncomfortable it may be and pray to find peace in the waiting!

Love, 

Momma

We've been blessed with the best support system! Thank you to all who have showered us with your love! 

She really does love you, I promise!