Parker James Quinn

Our son is here! I only have a minute, but I wanted to post so I remember this time. Thursday after school I went for my doctor's appointment. I was still only about 3 cm dilated, and I was a little discouraged. Dr. Sutton said not to be worried because I could be holding a baby the next day (little did I know...).

After the appointment, I came home and Lily and I ran around the backyard and played. Then, I went to make pasta for our team fundraiser dinner on Friday. I got home around 9:45 and watched tv and fell asleep feeling pretty normal. Around 1:30 am, I woke up to go to the bathroom and had trouble getting back to sleep. More painful contractions started about an hour later and, by 3:45 am, I was waking Jeff up to say I was showering because we might be going to the hospital. After calling my mom to ask her what I should do (because moms know everything!), I called the doctor. Dr. Sutton, who I saw the day before, told me to go get checked.

I woke Jeff up and he showered. The contractions were getting more unbearable, so I was happy to get to the hospital around 5:00 am. They hooked me up to the monitors and checked me. I was afraid that they may say I was only 3 cm still, but I was actually 7 cm. They quickly got me into a labor/delivery room and filled me with fluids so I could get an epidural. By around 6:30, the doctor broke my water and it was time to start pushing. The pushing was intense because I felt like I was getting nowhere. Luckily, the hard work paid off and by 7:33 am, I was holding my sweet baby boy!

My mom, Jeff's mom, and Jeff were all there for his arrival. It was surreal and exciting to finally see him. I can't believe I was only at the hospital for 2.5 hours! Here are some pictures of his first moments. I will post more information soon!


Parker James
7:33 am
8 lbs 3 oz
21 inches

Sprinkled with Love

One of my friends, Jeanie, and my sister, Sarah put on a little sprinkle to celebrate Parker! Everything was so nice, and it was great that we were able to get together for such a good occasion. Lots of my family and friends came to celebrate. I appreciate all the gifts we received. We continue to be spoiled by all of the wonderful people in our lives. Parker is due is less than 3 weeks. Everything is ready now!

36 Weeks!

Yesterday I was 36 weeks pregnant! This is a very good thing considering a couple weeks ago I thought Parker might be trying to escape early. I went the the doctor last week and was still 2 cm and 70% effaced. I go back on Wednesday to see how everything is going. Bed rest has been a struggle. I actually feel more tired now. I have been worried about Jeff and taking care of Lily, so it has been hard to relax.

Parker is moving a lot still and seems to be doing just fine. As far as things at home, I believe we are as ready as we will ever be for the little guy. His clothes are washed, car seat is out of storage, diapers ready, bag is packed. It is hard to believe that, in less than a month, he will be here!

Here is my little side kick (and by that I mean she really doesn't want to leave my side lately. Someone has been a bit clingy to mommy! I think she has been a little confused and stressed herself with all the changes going on.)

Evan's Baptism

Last night, our nephew Evan was baptized at St. Francis Church. We were thrilled to be chosen as his godparents and even more thrilled to get out of the house to be there. Holly, my sister-in-law, has become like a sister to me, and I feel fortunate that we have been able to share the joys of motherhood together. She, Eric, Callie, and Evan are very important to us!

I cannot believe I forgot my camera! I have been horrible about taking pictures as of late. Jeff snapped a few on his phone, but they didn't all turn out. It was a very nice evening and Holly and Eric had a great dinner afterwards at their house.

We look forward to watching Evan grow and are happy to be a part of his life!

Updates

Yesterday morning, Jeff had surgery on his collar bone. He had to be there at 6 am and surgery lasted only about an hour. His parents were gracious enough to take him, and I met them at the surgery center later. He woke up in good spirits and felt better than expected. The doctor did say the break was worse then the scans originally has shown, but that his bone screwed together nicely. We were thankful to bring him home around 10:30. He has been doing great-resting and relaxing. I know he is pleased with how he is feeling, and he is happy to have surgery out of the picture.

I am feeling fine too :) Less contractions and just normal aches and pains for 36 weeks (I will get a picture later today of the belly). Jeff and I were talking last night about how weird it is to know we will have another baby in a month or under. I still cannot believe it!! Jeff assures me he will make it to the hospital no matter what and be able to hold little Parker (with at least his left side).

Today, we get to celebrate our nephew's (Evan's) baptism. We were thrilled to be chosen as his godparents. I will be escaping the house to be at church later. Jeff said he may even try to be there (if he can get a shirt on). It will be nice to celebrate this happy event with our family.

One event I will be missing is my ten year high school reunion tonight. I originally bought dinner tickets because I thought I would be able to go. Bed rest probably doesn't mean to go to a party! Wishing all my old classmates a good time. It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since I roamed the halls of Muncie Central.

Preschool!

Despite all the misfortunes we have had as of late (to add to the list-our water heater was leaking everywhere yesterday. It went through the wall and ruined part of the dining room floor. Luckily it is rented and they should be taking care of it soon), yesterday was a pretty special day for Lily. She started preschool at Hazelwood Christian Church. She will be going Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for a couple of hours. I thought it would be the perfect start to her becoming more independent.

Since I was home yesterday, mom and I drove her together. You just pull up and the teacher takes them inside, so we couldn't get any pictures going in. She did a final look back at us and I started crying! She looked so grown up! It was a weird feeling because she has spent her whole life with either my mom, Jeff's mom, or us. All of the sudden she was doing something on her own. When we picked her up, she came running out saying how much fun she had. I hope the enthusiasm remains! They seem to do lots of great activities with the students. She has 15 kids in her class. Yesterday she was excited because she got to paint. I think it will be perfect for her to have her own "thing" especially since we will be adding a baby to the house.

Oh Baby!

It has been one heck of a week for our household. I posted last about Jeff's accident. Well, Tuesday night, I started having a sharp pain in my side. It was still there Wednesday morning, so, after I got to work, I called my doctor. They said to take it easy (right-I have 27 third graders) and call if it got worse. It did. By 1:00 in the afternoon I was hurting. I was hooked up to a monitor at the doctor's office. I was having some contractions. They checked me and I was 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. They sent me to the hospital to be monitored. I was having contractions every 2-4 minutes. They gave me medicine and the contractions got further apart. They kept me overnight. By morning, the contractions were less frequent, but my uterus was still irritated (never settling).

I was sent home to be on bed rest until further notice. I am currently 35 weeks, and, at the very least, they would like me to make it to 36 weeks. I will keep getting checked each week, and I guess I will be taking it easy at home for a while!

I am so thankful for the friends and family who have brought meals and helped at my house. I can't imagine trying to take care of myself, Lily, and Jeff without them. Jeff is getting around much better but will most likely be having surgery on Friday to fix his clavicle. I am hoping the baby doesn't come until he is able to be there :) I am staying positive (because things could be worse), but it has been overwhelming to have both of us down.

While I was at the hospital, I was thinking how poorly prepared I was for the baby to come NOW! My sister has been here this weekend, and she has been AWESOME! She has everything ready to go for me. She and my younger sister even worked on the baby's room for me last night.

I missed my 34 week picture last week (my picture man couldn't do it!), so here is one to remember 35 weeks. I look a little rough, but my belly is definitely bigger!



Here are pictures of Parker's room...
The wall decals are so cute! They are from Target and worked well with his IKEA bedding.

I plan on putting his pictures in these frames.


Sarah found the red storage box at Walmart! Love the storage and added color.




Thank you for all the prayers and support. Lets hope Jeff gets through surgery well and that the baby stays put for a bit!