Acceptance

Thank God for people like this... And so glad we have friends and family to protect our little guy from the few mean, hateful people he may encounter.

1 month (5.5 week) Appointment

Parker now weighs 8 pounds 2.5 ounces!  Finally...a robust weight gain.  He is 20.5 inches long-- so no robust length gain.  He is in the 2nd percentile for height and weight-- so he is a little guy, but we are proud of the gains he has made and how much better he is getting at eating!  

Later this month, we will start speech therapy to make sure he keeps eating correctly, and strengthens his mouth and facial muscles.  His evaluators are telling us that he is showing no delays right now and to keep doing what we are doing (even though it will likely not stay this way).  

Now...on to the audiology and cardiology appointments! January....we are ready for you!

Silly Faces!

I Miss Daddy!

Parker missed his Daddy today! Going back to work after the holidays is always a bummer.  I am starting to get very very anxious about going back to work in just two weeks.  

This time has gone so fast....and I know I will miss it dearly when I am only getting to see my little guy a few hours a day.  Here's to trying to enjoy every second of the next two weeks without letting my dread take over!

Parker 1 Month

Parker 1 Month, a set on Flickr.

This is obviously being posted late...but thought we would share the pictures anyway :) I foolishly placed the cake in a place that Parker would be able to reach it...but thought the pictures were too cute not to share!

Hello 2013

Dear Parker,

To think, it was barely over a month ago that you came into this world. Your travel to this strange, unknown world was one that we had been planning 9 months for. It was a roller coaster of a day once it finally happened...and just when we thought the ride was over, the seat-belts strapped us in and we were taken around and around for another several days.

In the short time you've been with us, we've learned so much from you. There is no such thing as being prepared. There is no such thing as perfection. There is no such thing as 'normal.' There is no reason to sweat the small stuff. There is no reason to be afraid of the trivial. Your parents have family and friends that will always be there for you...to stand by your side in any endeavor you may encounter. Some days, news of chaos, pain and loss is all you will hear, but we promise you there is more love in this world than you will ever know.

Our resolutions in 2013 are much like any other resolutions: To be happier, to be healthier, to get back in touch with old acquaintances and be better to the people in our lives. That said, we also have a few set aside just for you as you continue your journey throughout this new year. We promise to give you every advantage that we can in this life. We promise to push you to your fullest potential. We promise to never give up on you and to lead by example...every second of every minute of every hour of every day. We promise to stand by your side and fight for you. We will be your advocates and not only push you out of your comfort zone but we will push every person that you meet to embrace, learn and love. We know that each person you encounter on your journey will be impacted by you. By your smile, your big heart and your unconditional love. We promise this for you. 

We also know that each day will be full of challenges, but we promise to help you rise to the occasion, overcome your hurdles and we promise your life will be filled with success. 

And so we notice now...these aren't resolutions at all...they are all promises. Things that we cannot just try...but things that we must do and will do for you. We know that it is impossible for us to fail in any of these as it has been ingrained in the very fabric of our beings. We have learned from our parents, and so on and so forth. You have been given a gift, being born into a family filled with so much love. Love that has been passed down generation after generation...and there is no way we will let that stop now. We love you little man, with all of our hearts. And while you've been given so many gifts from so many people in such a short time, you have also given us so many gifts back. We look forward to what 2013 will bring for us, for you, and for all others in your life.

We promise to be the best parents that we can for you. Every day is a journey, one foot in front of the other...and we will never stop .

Love you more than anything, love you more than everything...

Mommy & Daddy

Thank You

It was so nice to be with so many friends and family members this past week. We keep finding ourselves saying "thank you" in situations where we can't possibly repay the sentiments and gifts given. The love and generosity of everyone in our lives has been humbling and inspiring. Matt and I have leaned especially hard on our relatives - who have waited on us hand and foot for the last two weeks. So even though these words will never be enough...THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. We love you!

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah!

We were lucky enough this year to spend so much of the "holiday season" with our families.  Parker met grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends that might as well be family!  Picture slideshows to come!

Christmas Wish

A few weeks before I had Parker, I saw a group of adults with special needs visiting the grocery store I was in.  A woman, probably in her fifties, was thrilled to be there and obviously had Down Syndrome.  I smiled at her and said hello, and she was very intrigued by me because I was pregnant.  She followed me through the fruit and veggy isles for a few minutes.  I saw her again in another aisle and she stopped again and stared at me with her 10000 watt smile.  I remember thinking how sweet she was, but....and the "but..." is what I can't get out of my head.  But....what kind of life does she live if visits to the grocery store make her day? But....my baby won't have that problem.  But....who takes care of her?  Do they love her? Are they nice to her?

Tonight was my first night in a grocery store since having Parker...and I couldn't help but think back to this experience, since it is now our reality.  I know Parker's childhood will be wonderful.  He is a cute baby, and will turn into a cute toddler.  Everyone loves cute little ones.  

My biggest hope this Christmas is that I can find peace without so much worry, and hold close the fact that the people in his life that love him will always be carried in his heart.....even if the grocery store is the most exciting part of his day. 

Meeting Grandpa

Parker finally got to meet his Grandpa today! Both of them loved it. Grandpa is super awesome at feeding him and calming him...which is not an easy task with Parker's tummy trouble. We are so excited to spend the next week with so many people we love!