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!

Spring Valley Beach

On Monday June 21st, Savannah, Kat and I introduced Colton to one of our favorite summer destinations......the Spring Valley Beach water park in Blountsville, AL.  We were saddened that a member of our posse (Meggie) wasn't able to join our most recent adventure due to work, but otherwise, we had a wonderful time trying to beat the heat at the water park.  And trust me, IT WAS HOT!!!!

Upon parking and unloading the car, we immediately applied the 70 SPF sunscreen I had packed.....with the exception of Savannah (she had an amazing dark tan after being in Gulf Shores the prior week).  At 10:30am with temps already in the 90's, we wasted no time as the water was beckoning.  We ventured throughout the entire area of the 4 acre pool, playing in the kid's area, jumping off the pier, and sliding down the multitude of slides in the pool.  Our first visit to the big water slides was highlighted by Spring Valley Beach's biggest thrill, the Sidewinder, which sits atop a lofty four-story tower.  Savannah and Kat rode tandem, as did Colton and I.  After seeing his sisters vanish over the spine-tingling free fall, Colton had immediate second thoughts about this slide.  The Sidewinder is shaped somewhat like an acute U, so just when you think the worst is over, the Sidewinder reminds you of where it gets its name from, whipping riders back and forth.  As I sat Colton on my lap for our free fall over the edge, he grasped the handles of the tube and we were off!  Rapidly descending over edge, Colton became instantly rigid with fear to the extent that I believe I felt every muscle in his little frame contract at once!  Savannah and Kat described the look on his face as "shear terror".  At the bottom of the ride, Colton said, "My not wanna do dat NO MORE!"  Regrettably, I laughed hysterically.

Our only break from the water came at lunch.  I broke out my little portable grill and prepared some grilled hot dogs for lunch.  As you can see from the photo, Colton loves Dorito's (what a mess)!  Savannah and Kat enjoyed some Shaved Ice treats after lunch and we (Savannah excluded) reapplied the 70 SPF.  Back to the water.

After lunch, Colton wanted to go back to the Kid's area but it was temporarily closed due to an "incident".  We didn't ask what kind of incident, ignorance is bliss in this case.  I couldn't help but take a quick picture of Colton at the barrier wall upon realizing the Kid's area was closed, accurately documenting his displeasure (see left insert).  Once reopened, Savannah and Kat took him back for more fun.

As the day sped along, Kat and I sensed the heat of our skin increasing and repeatedly returned to our picnic area and reapplied the 70 SPF.  After approximately 7 hours of fun filled water adventure and our reddened shoulders and faces (as well as my reddened feet, stomach and back), Kat and I discovered that our valiant attempts to thwart sunburn had failed miserably, however, it would have been much worse had we not reapplied as often as we did.  Savannah escaped with only a slightly pink nose and cheeks and what seemed to be an even darker tan than when we arrived.  Colton wore a protective swim shirt and managed to avoid sunburn altogether.

Overall, it was a great day at the water park.  We left completely satisfied, as well as exhausted, and can't wait til our next visit.  What a great family water park!  Now, where's the ALOE VERA?!!!!   

The Reception

On Saturday May 29th, Meggie and I hosted a "Fish Fry" as our reception dinner out at the cabin on the pond at Meggie's parent's place in Ashland, AL.  It had rained most of the day and we were a little concerned about getting rained out, but the rain moved out of the area a couple of hours before the dinner and it wound up being a very pleasant evening with mild temperatures.

We arrived out at Meggie's parent's Wednesday night and began work early Thursday morning to get prepared for the fish fry.  I was assigned "weedeater duty" and my shins payed a hefty price as I had neglected to pack work pants for the weekend.  The cabin is under construction, but Meggie's sister, Lauren, along with Meggie, her mom and her Aunt Claudia did a wonderful job decorating.  The final touches were completed in the rain around noon on Saturday.

Meggie's father, Franklin, along with friends, Brian and Dennis prepared fried catfish, french fries, hushpuppies and cheese grits.  Fresh homemade lemonade was provided by Aunt Claudia.  Everyone brought their appetite and the evening was set into motion.  Meggie and I were overjoyed and humbled at the amount family members and friends in attendance.  After getting our fill of dinner, Meggie and I cut our delicious cake which, to our delight, was subsequently devoured.

The night got really interesting after dinner when the volume of music increased and the ladies entered their dancing mode.  Line dancing, Shag dance and a few "Zumba" moves kept everyone entertained.  My brother, John, did his best to make Uncle David shoot his drink out his nose with his witty banter and Mary Kathryn did the absolute best imitation of "Elaine's dance" from "Seinfeld", she is too darn funny!.  I almost got "jiggy with it" but fortunately, for everyone in attendance, common sense prevailed.  I did, however, enjoy several dances with my lovely wife, Meggie, and I am pleased to announce she made it through the night without any injuries to her feet!

We could not have asked for a better night, a more suitable venue or a nicer group of people to celebrate our marriage.  The night seemed to end too soon.  We would like to thank everyone for making this such a special and memorable night.         

Zoo Slideshow

The Zoo

Meggie, Colton and myself took a trip to the Birmingham Zoo for a little fun and adventure. We strolled around the various areas of the zoo marveling at the wildlife and it's accompanying odors, which, at times, were quite....revolting. A large section of the zoo was closed as they are in the process of constructing a new area to be opened in the Spring of 2011. The primate center was closed and Colton was displeased when he discovered the train was not operating due to repairs. His spirits were lifted, however, in the splash area as he played in the intermittent fountains and enjoyed some quality time in the bubble pit. Fortunately, Meggie and I had packed an extra outfit for the trip because Colton was soaked by the time we resumed our excursion to the reptile center. Meggie and I both liked the playful otters and Colton chose the giraffes as his favorites. The bald eagles were majestic and the white tiger was impressive. And the turtles, well, lets just say they were all over each other.....or as Colton put it, "Dat one is on da udder ones back!" We had a great day and look forward to visiting again when the new area of the zoo is operational. I will try to add a slideshow of the pictures in the near future.