Everyday Love - Friday, April 16, 2010

We've been home two weeks now enjoying everyday life. Jeff and I have savored the moments of 'the ordinary'. We now know that those moments are truly the extraordinary moments in life. Spencer has loved getting to know Parker. He has been a super big brother (better than we expected). He kisses him on the forehead, gives him his pacifier, pats him on the head- and won't even go to bed without giving his brother a goodnight kiss! He's even shared his green beans and yogurt covered raisins with Parker (which Mom and Dad had to quickly remove!).

Parker has been to see Dr. Beazley each week to track his weight progress. The first week he didn't gain any weight. He actually lost a couple ounces- which was discouraging. But last week Parker made quite a jump- gaining 6 ounces in 5 days! The average newborn gains 1/2 ounce a day. Parker doubled that! Way to go lil man!

Dr. Beazley (quite possibly the best pediatrician in the world!) has been so amazed with Parker's progress. During this last visit he said, "You could line 100 pediatricians up to examine Parker and every one of them would say he's a perfectly normal, healthy baby...and not one of them would know, or even believe, that he had been through such a traumatic event."

Just four weeks ago I watched as my son slept while on a ventilator. Tonight I'm watching him sleep in his bassinet next to me. God truly gave us a MIRACLE in Parker..for which we will forever praise HIM.

Easter Blessings

There's no place like HOME - Sunday, April 4, 2010

We arrived home last Wednesday and were greeted by both of our families- and especially Spencer and Brooklyn! They were so excited to finally meet Parker! And Jeff and I were so excited to finally have our family together at home. We both had prayed for this day since Parker's birthday. The feeling of relief- and more importantly gratefulness are overwhelming.

Since then we've enjoyed the weekend with just 'us' 'getting back to normal'. We've needed a few days to decompress, reunite with Spencer and Brooklyn, and bond with our newest family member. We've played outside, taken naps, and snuggled in bed while reading together. It just doesn't get any better than this!

We took Parker to see his pediatrician on Thursday. Dr. Beazley worked on Parker during his brief stay at Lewis Gale. He was so glad to see Parker! He has been in contact with UVA for the last two weeks- trying to figure out exactly what happened and why. In a nutshell, he said there was no medical evidence of anything that caused Parker's trauma after birth. And more importantly- it was even more medically amazing that he pulled through what he did- and in just under two weeks! I will forever believe that Parker is my MIRACLE and God has great things in store for him!

Thanks again for all your interest in Parker's story- and especially for your prayers! We have gotten so many messages within the last two weeks. We're trying to get back to everyone when we can. However I accidentally deleted all of my received phone and text messages the other night while I was feeding Parker. My only excuse is it was 4 am...and I have 'Mommy brain'. :) So I apologize if I miss getting back to you.

We will continue to keep you updated on Parker's progress- and will include pictures- because he just gets cuter every day! :)