Noah Andrew Parker

After a couple of false alarms, Noah is finally here! Sorry we've been away so long, but as you can imagine, we've been a little busy.  The little man graced us with his presence on October 5th 2010.  We couldn't be happier.  God has truly blessed us with a little angel! He came in weighing 7lbs, 2ozs, 20 and 1/2 inches long.  We were surprised considering the doctor had told us he would be around 6lbs 1oz.  He came out ready to eat, so soon after they cleaned him up, I had my first breastfeeding lesson with him.......he did very well.  I'm still breastfeeding, which is a chore for those who don't know, but he's totally worth it! 

I had not slept for two days prior to delivery due to contractions, so I was eager to rest.  However, I found myself not being able to take my eyes off of him after he got into the room with us.  I checked to see if he was still breathing about 100 times that night, so needless to say, sleep didn't come.  Tim was very reassurant that he was fine, and I didn't have to check him all the time, but I just couldn't help it.  Two days after delivery, we brought him home. 

We learned the meaning of the phrase "get sleep now, before he comes".  The first couple of weeks, he woke up about 3 to 4 times over night.  Now that he's a little over a month old, he's waking up twice, which is so much better.  We are still looking forward to him sleeping through the night, however.  He was spitting up a lot when he was eating, so during a check-up, we asked his pediatrician.  He told us we could incorporate cereal into his bottle already, and that it would help the milk settle in his stomach better.  So, I've been pumping and we've been adding about 2 and 1/2 tsp. of cereal into his bottle.  He seems happier, sleeps better, and spits up a lot less.  He smiles a lot, and makes the cutest expressions. 

For those of you that don't have kids, or only have girls, the male diaper change is an experience all in itself.  We've learned to cover, but sometimes, we need two hands, and he can't be covered 100% of the time.  I've been hit about 3 times, and Tim, about 3 as well.  He loves to pee after his bath, which results in a second bath, which he is never thrilled about.  Actually, his first action after being brought into the world, other than crying, was him peeing on the nurse.  He has also peed with GiGi as well.  That incident resulted into a furniture cleaning....Gigi had never experienced anything like that before, having three girls.  To quote "Oh my gosh, it really does happen.  I've only seen it on T.V., but Wow!".  He has finally gotten to where he enjoys bath time.  Lotion time, not so much.  We've been trying to warm it up with friction before we apply it to his skin, but it's still a little cold. 

For halloween, we went to Pop and Gigi's since it was my birthday.  We dressed Noah up in a little pumpkin sleeper.  We went to Oxford, out to eat and shopping.  We tried hard to get back for the Auburn game, since Tim was insistent.  We got back about 15 minutes into the game, which Tim didn't mind because he had set it to record.  I'm sure Pop and Gigi have deleted that recording....Ha. 

Noah has finally gotten used to his swing, and using it is about the only time we have free hands.  He's finally starting to notice mobiles and lights.  He still doesn't realize his hands are his and that he's controlling them.  Sometimes, he accidently pops himself in the face, and looks at us like "How dare you"! Lol. 

Our past few pediatrician appointments have been very good.  They say he's very healthy! He's had his first and second Hepatitis B shots.  I can't stand it.  He cries and it breaks my heart.  Next month, for his doctor's visit, he has to get 4 shots! I'm not so sure I can handle that visit.  We've been instructed to give him children's tylenol before we come.  This past weekend, Savannah, Kathryn and Colton came over after Oak Grove's football game.  They were excited to see Noah and spend time with eachother.  Ooey Gooey brownies and chili were made, and were enjoyed by us all, except Noah of course.  Saturday's Bama game wasn't the turn out we wanted, but it didn't get our spirits down.  Tim, Savannah, Kat, and Colton headed off to Wal-Mart to get Colton a late birthday present.  They returned with a Toy Story 3 obstacle course (similar to the old Mouse Trap game). 

Every time Noah cried, Colton would say "It's okay Noah, it's okay".  It was so sweet.  This weekend was a blast.  Unfortunately, reality is setting back in and Tim goes back to work tomorrow.  Noah gets christened next weekend, so we will be back in Ashland.  I start back to work next Monday, which I'm completely dreading.  I've gotten so attached to Noah, that I find myself having withdrawls just running to the store.  It's going to be really hard.  All in all, he's a healthy happy baby boy. 

He's stolen our hearts with ease, and Mommy is definately a sucker for those sweet little cheeks.  We thank God for this precious gift, and look forward to watching him grow.

We are anxiously awaiting our first holiday season with the newest member of the Parker Posse.  A special thanks to everyone who prayed for us over the past several months......God has answered and blessed us more than we could ever have imagined!