You Are My Sunshine - August 17, 2010

Parker is five months old today! Where has the time gone?! We are having a blast watching him grow...especially his personality! He loves to talk! And he's so strong! We plan on enrolling him in football camp in the spring! :)

Parker continues to grow healthy and strong. He now weighs 15.6- which is up from 14.5 last month. We have discontinued his medication without difficulty and he is almost ready to start solid food. Our miracle just keeps growing and growing! :)

We were able to take Parker on his first beach visit in the beginning of August. Unfortunately Daddy couldn't go because he has his boards in September- but we plan to return in the fall. However Parker was able to enjoy some time with Jeff's parents- Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop Britton. He seemed to love every minute of the sun and sand!

We've also recently traveled to New Jersey to visit the rest of the Britton family. Spencer and Parker were excited to meet their many cousins and second cousins. Although the visit was unfortunately for a funeral, we were still able to enjoy catching up with the family.

Within our busy summer, we've still been able to make frequent trips to visit Nana and Papa Wellman in West Virginia. The boys love playing in the huge yard, and especially riding the tractor!

Jeff and I continue to thank the Lord every day for our blessings. We are so thankful for the 'sunshine' in our lives...and we couldn't ask for more!

How sweet it is to be loved by you! - July 21, 2010

Parker had his 4 month check up with Dr. Beazley yesterday. He weighed 14.5 and measured 24 1/2 inches. That's up from 13.4 lbs and 24 inches in under a month! Dr. Beazley was overjoyed with his report from UVA...especially that UVA doesn't need to see him for another year. He said that Parker's condition after birth was catastrophic and he should have multiple problems from everything he went through. He added there was no medical reasoning for why Parker recovered as quickly as he did- and especially for him to be perfectly healthy now. He truly is a miracle!

We're having such a blast with our boys! Parker is a super happy baby! He laughs and smiles the majority of the day. He even handles the constant aggravation from his brother quite well. Like when Spencer takes his pacifier, swirls it in Brooklyn's water bowl and then shoves it back in his mouth! But when he does get mad...he gets MAD! His scream can rattle the whole house (probably the neighborhood too!). And with Parker's growth, Spencer needs to watch out! Parker is quickly gaining on him!

We'll continue to keep the blog updated. As always, thank you for your love, prayers and support!

Amazing Grace - July 3, 2010

We took Parker to UVA on Monday to visit his neurologist. Although we thought his checkup would be fine, we couldn't help to feel somewhat nervous. The doctor spoke with us for about an hour before Parker's actual exam. I have three college degrees, including my masters, and I have never been more nervous for an exam in my entire life...and it wasn't even mine!  :)   I actually felt myself willing Parker to get an 'A'.  The chief resident and attending both examined Parker. The result......completely NORMAL! They have discontinued his medication and scheduled a follow up appointment for NEXT year! We are thrilled! The doctor even said that Parker exhibited characteristics of a 4 month old! So not only is he normal....he's advanced! :)

We would like to thank all the staff at Lewis Gale Medical Center and The University of Virginia NICU. Their medical expertise and gracious bedside manner meant the world to us. We would also like to thank everyone who prayed for us and sent words of encouragement. It's amazing how much love we felt during the most difficult time of our lives. But most importantly, we would like to thank GOD for giving us the opportunity to raise Parker. We feel so blessed that we were chosen as his parents. We know GOD has big things in store for Parker...and we promise not to let either of them down!

I hope to update the blog monthly to share Parker's progress.

Whenever I see your smiling face - June 17, 2010

Mr. Parker is 3 months old today- and he's healthy as ever! His visits with Dr. Beazley continue to go well. His weight has gone from 9.2 to 11.6 lbs.....and then from 11.6 to 12.2 lbs...all in under a month! He's definitely pushing the scales! And his length went from 22 1/4 to 23 inches in just under two weeks! Spencer better watch out- his brother is gaining on him.

Parker is developing a wonderful personality! He seems so laid back and relaxed. He smiles SO much! And not just any smile- but a smile that lights up the entire room! He also gets more beautiful by the minute! We're having the best time together- making up for lost time. I'm just so in love!

We have an appointment with his neurologist, at UVA, at the end of the month. We're excited to visit the NICU and their wonderful staff. They were such a blessing to us!

I am including pictures from Parker's birth. Jeff and I thought we lost the camera card from that afternoon- but thankfully I discovered the pictures recently. You may notice he is actually blue around his mouth- but still beautiful.

Thank you again for all your prayers, love and support. We will be forever grateful!

Heavy Heart - May 17, 2010

I can't believe it's been two months since Parker was born. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday...but it also feels like we've lived a lifetime since he was born. I have mixed emotions about March 17th. I am so GRATEFUL for the day Parker was brought into our lives- but it's also an extremely difficult day to look back on. I have never felt such panic, fear, exhaustion, desperation or pain in my life. The day started with the excitement of our new arrival and quickly turned into something I'd sometimes like to forget. I truly survived that day by the Grace of God- along with the support of Jeff and my family. I have spent today remembering his birthday- wishing I could look back on it fondly. Maybe today was a little tougher because Spencer's birthday is this weekend- and his birth was such a positive experience. But I was reminded by my sister that it's the day that we brought Parker home- HEALTHY -that I need to focus on and not the actual painful day of his birth. I give thanks every day for the GIFT we were given. So maybe we'll just celebrate Parker's birthday EVERY day! Isn't that only appropriate when given a MIRACLE?

Much love and continued thanks for your prayers and support!

Walking on Sunshine - May 11, 2010

We have been so blessed!!!! Parker continues to do well- growing by leaps and bounds. Within 10 days he went from 8 to 9.2 lbs! Dr. Beazley says he's perfect- following the exact path of all his peers. We know that God has given us a miracle!!! Thank you again for helping us through such a difficult time! We are literally walking on sunshine...the pictures are proof!

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! :)


 

Take Me Home, Country Roads - Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Two weeks ago tomorrow the Lord blessed us with the arrival of Parker Liam Britton. Within the two weeks since then, we've truly had our faith tested. There was a point where we almost lost Parker- on more than one occasion. The Lord gave us a MIRACLE in Parker- and for that, we will forever praise HIM.

Parker did great last night! He took full feeds all night- and did super again today! So two weeks after his birthday, we are finally going home! We hope to be discharged after rounds in the morning- hopefully by noon. We are so excited! I cannot wait for tomorrow to get here! We are so ready to take him home- introduce him to Spencer and Brooklyn- and then LOVE him forever. We have been SO blessed! I cried on the way back to the hotel tonight- I finally feel the 'release' of everything we've been through. The ups and downs of the last two weeks- and especially the 'unknown' has been so difficult. I told Jeff that two weeks ago tonight, we had no idea that our lives would change so drastically, so fast. Before then I took so much for granted- my family, friends, health, another day, etc. I don't want to ever do that again. I will always remember how quickly it can be taken away.

I would like to ask you to pray for other children in the NICU. Jeff and I met so many families of premature, or sick, babies. Some families have been there since December. A mom I met today said they plan for her daughter to be there until June. It is heart wrenching to have to leave your child in a hospital bed every night, knowing YOU should be the one to wake up in the middle of the night for your baby- not someone else. Jeff and I were only here for two weeks. I can't imagine staying for months. So please pray for these children and parents.

Again we thank you for your prayers! 'Prayers for Parker' started as a small blog to keep our family and a few friends updated. But it turned into a huge chain of prayers, love, support, and encouragement that helped us survive such a difficult time. Thank you...thank you...thank you!!!

So 'take me home, country roads, to the place I belong, 'west' Virginia, mountain momma, take me home, country roads.' :) 

PS- GO WVU in the Final Four!!! :)  Parker will certainly have on his blue and gold!

Our hungry, hungry hippo! - Monday, March 29, 2010

Parker made great progress today! He was much more awake and super hungry. He strictly breast fed all day and will eat from only a bottle tonight- the NG tube will not be used. If he still gains weight tomorrow then I feel we should be discharged on Wednesday. If he doesn't gain weight, or loses weight, then I expect to be here for a few more days.

We're sorry for the short post- we'll update again tomorrow. As always, thanks for your prayers, love and support!