Portlin is 1!

Age: 12 Months

Height: 30 inches 

Weight: 22 lbs. 14 oz.

Milestones: He is crawling, pulling up and taking steps with a lot of assistance!

Sleep: Sleeps through the night. Usually wakes around 6:00 AM.

Best Moment: His one year pictures. Watching him smash the cake. Watching him crawl around every where.
Worst Moment: Seeing him get hurt while exploring. I don't want him to be a sissy but it's hard not to scoop him up every time he falls or bumps his head.
Health: He had tubes placed in his ears last month and seems to be doing well. 

Eating: He is no longer on formula. We've taken him off the bottle and he is now drinking whole milk. He is starting to get a little picky about his food but he will still eat some healthy things. He likes pineapples, oatmeal and of course he loves cake!

Teeth: Gosh I don't know if I can even count them all now. He has all four top and bottom and two molars top and bottom. That makes 12!

Extra comments: Portlin is saying a few things. He still says mama and dada. His new favorite is ahh ohh. He waves but I'm not certain he really knows what he is doing. He will patty cake and roll'em up. He will also sing America with us which is hilarious!

Wow, time flies when you are having fun. It's been three months since my last post. We are finally settled into the new house and loving the neighborhood. We bought a boat and love spending family time at the lake. Portlin has been fishing with daddy and was very intrigued by the catfish and their poop! He had his first birthday and I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came to celebrate with us. We also celebrated our first mother's and father's day with our P-Bear.

I was hoping things would slow down a little in July since June was so crazy. We had my sister in laws baby shower, Portlin's birthday party and one year pictures, several showers for ladies in my Sunday school class, my aunt had open heart surgery, my grandfather passed away, my brother in law had a minor procedure and Portlin had surgery all within a two week span. I really thought my head was going to spin off but we made it through. My sister in law will be having her baby August 2nd and my graduate classes begin August 20th. Guess this means my summer may never slow down. I'm thankful for all of this because it means I'm alive and well!

I am currently anticipating a much needed short vacay for Benjie and I. We are going white water rafting with our Sunday school class. I'm a little nervous to be leaving our little man for the first time since he was born but I keep telling myself it is only 24 hours. After all, our parents raised us, surely they won't kill him. 

Lastly, I am happy to report that Portlin's therapy has been going well. He is now crawling, both Portlin style and tradition style, which ever way he sees fit at the moment. He is pulling up on things and will take a few steps with assistance. My little boy is growing so fast. I really want to freeze time right where he is. He can do so many things for himself but he will still let me hold him which I know I'll miss really soon. He really is such a joy and I can't imagine my life without him.

 As always, here are some pics. 

Fishing with dad!

I keep hearing he will kill me for these one day! For now, I think they are too darn cute!

This smile and those eyes melt my heart!

If this pictures doesn't portray who the Parker family is, I don't know what would!

 Happy 1st Birthday my sweet boy!

Portlin is 9 Months Old!

Age: 9 Months

Height: Somewhere around 27-28 inches 

Weight: 20 lbs. 14 oz.

Milestones: He is holding his own bottle, feeding himself solid foods.

Sleep: Finally back on track. We had a few rough nights after we moved but he seems to have settled well.

Best Moment: At night after I feed him, he likes to snuggle with me. He will put one arm on my back and the other on my chest and he rests his head next to mine. I love that my son loves his mommy. He is so precious!
Worst Moment: Watching him curse us in Portlin language when we make him do his standing exercises.
Health: Glad to report he has been a healthy boy for a while now.

Eating: He eats any and everything you will put in his mouth or in front of him. He loves food. What can I say, he gets it honest!  

Teeth: He still has 6 teeth. They are all very visible. We think he may be cutting more because he is constantly chewing his fingers. I guess only time will tell.  

Extra comments: Portlin is becoming his own self these days. I love hearing him jabber and talk. I love hearing him giggle and watching him "give me five". The more he grows, the bigger my heart grows with love. I never could imagine I would love something so much.

Since my last post, we have moved. All the boxes are unpacked but I wouldn't say we are settled yet. I'm not sure that will happen any time soon.

I heard through the grapevine that I did not get the job for which I applied. I think I had already prepared myself for that news but once I learned of the person they hired it all became more real. I wanted it but God didn't so, I will move forward. I plan to start getting my masters in the fall and I hope that it will help me with future endeavors.  UK left me with a bad taste in my mouth but I can honestly say I love working for the Christian County Extension Service. Yes, to me they are different but I won't get into why this is true. The community, volunteers and my co-workers supported me every step of the way and that's really all that matters to me.


Portlin was re-evaluated by first steps Monday and his therapist says she is pretty sure he will qualify for therapy this time. I can't express how happy this makes me. I truly feel that I have a special little boy who needs to be pushed out of his comfort zone. The kind of motivation that I'm not certain I can give him. I'm positive that with a little help, he will be where he needs to be in just a few short months. I look forward to hearing from his therapist this weekend about his scores and find out when his therapy will begin.

He also had an appointment with Dr. Sternberg in Bowling Green for his allergies. Dr. Sternberg was such a breath of fresh air. He actually asked appropriate questions and listened to our response. He also listened to our suggestions and we have a plan for Portlin. It's amazing how that works! He has already had a Bariatric Swallow Test done and he goes tomorrow for an upper GI to make sure there isn't something majorly wrong with his digestive tract  causing his reflux. He is now taking Singular and will continue his albuterol treatments as needed. Dr. Sternberg says he will consider testing for allergies at a later date once we see how Portlin does on his medications. He will also consider tubes if he continues to experience frequent ear infections.


Our lives never seem to slow down. I'm super busy with work, Benjie is super busy with work, Portlin has a lot of appointments scheduled, we still have a lot left to do at the house and it seems like every weekend is jammed packed with some sort of event! No rest for the weary!


We received some exciting news last month. My sister-in-law is having a boy. Parker Cole Spence will make his entrance into this world in August. I'm overjoyed that Portlin will have a baby boy cousin to grow up with. Plus, all those baby clothes in the attic won't be collecting dust! I've spent two nights this week tagging them to take to Heather. Hope you're ready for them because we are making a special delivery tomorrow.

Life has been hectic but we are beyond blessed. I thank God everyday for all that is on my plate. 

I leave you with pictures of my sweet angel!

 Happy Easter!

 Napping at Mamaw's while Mommy & Daddy move!

 Happy 9 Months!

 Happy Valentine's Day!

A New Year Brings Changes for The Parkers

The new year has brought about a lot of changes for the Parker Family already.  My last post I updated everyone on Portlin's assessment with First Steps.  We've since changed babysitters and I am so happy to report he has improved so much! He is now rolling over and showing small signs of wanting to crawl. He sits unassisted. We still like to sit behind him for those lazy moments when he decides he would like to lean back for a break. He scoots around to try to reach for toys.When he is on his tummy he pivots towards things and tries to bring his knees forward. While on his back he scoots using his feet.  I love seeing the progress he has made. His new sitter has made such a difference! I can really tell she works with him daily.

He celebrated turning 6 and 7 months since my last post.

Age: 7 Months

Height: We keep forgetting to ask! 

Weight: 20 lbs. 6 oz.

Milestones: He is now rolling over, when he wants! He tolerates tummy time very well now. He is also sitting on his own. 

Sleep: We've still had a few rough nights because he has been sick with ear infections and bronchitis but he is still a pretty great sleeper. On a normal night he'll wake once to eat.

Best Moment: Watching him reach for his daddy. They are best buddies and I love it. The two of them together melts my heart.
Worst Moment: Watching him struggle to breath with the bronchitis. It's a pretty scary thing at first for a first time mommy. My worst fear is that he'll have asthma like me.
Health: He has been very sick since Christmas. I hope he can catch a break soon. Although, Dr. Campbell says it's pretty normal since he is attending a babysitter with more than one child. Let's hope he is building a strong immune system now!

Eating: Eating mashed potatoes, corn, cantaloupe, pineapple and bananas.  

Teeth: 6 NOW! 5 are very visible with the left front tooth peeking through the gums. 

Extra comments: Christmas with Portlin was wonderful. I loved spending the holidays with my family. I mostly loved that this year's Christmas wasn't stressful. I really focused on the fact that I now have a son and he was the best gift I could have ever received.

Also, WE ARE MOVING! After much prayer and thought we have signed a contract on a new house. The Realtor we purchased the home from will be buying our home.  We love our home but after Portlin's arrival we felt like the walls aka toys were closing in on us. The lord has blessed us greatly and to him we are so thankful. We are beyond excited for this new change. Our new house should be done the end of February to the middle of March.

I've also applied for a new job. The application process closes February 7th. This was a much anticipated decision and I pray that the Lord sees this new adventure as fit for me. I know that it's what I want and the opportunity is something I know I'll love, but if God sees a different path, I know he'll show me the way.

Please pray for us and all the new changes we are experiencing. Pray that God continues to show us the way and that we serve him as we should. For he is our provider and king and he deserves the glory. 

Being A Parent Can be Tough

I've already figured out being a parent means constant worry! If it isn't one thing it's another. For several months I've had concerns about Portlin's use of his arms and legs. I realize he is by no means severely delayed developmentally but I've noticed he doesn't bare weight on his limbs like I think he should. His regular pediatrician said there was no cause for concern but we saw the nurse practitioner the day after Thanksgiving and she suggested he be evaluated by first steps.

Portlin's evaluation went well but it means that we will have to take him from his current babysitter. It breaks my heart thinking about it. I know she loves Portlin and would never harm him intentionally but the environment his is in is not ideal for him and this point. He has been restricted way too much which has contributed to his slight delays. Since he shares time with older kids, the babysitter leaves him in his car seat most of the day to prevent the others from bothering him. While that sounds like a novel idea when you really think about it, he can't move and explore like he needs to in a car seat. After many attempts to change his daily activities, I've noticed I'm getting no where. His babysitter has a lot of experience and has kept many kids so the saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks is true in this instance. She thinks Portlin is too big and will develop when he wants to. I'm not ok with that. I will never settle for less when it comes to Portlin.

The PT gave me some suggestions as far as exercises to complete at home with him. He hates them but I think Portin can be a little lazy because he is such a content baby. Always happy until you make him stretch out of his comfort zone. Another part of his problem. I need someone who isn't afraid to make him cry now and then. I think his babysitter loves him too much because it's obvious she couldn't stand to see him upset yesterday.

I don't know what the future holds for Portlin but I know as a mom I'm going to do whatever I can to provide the best opportunities for my baby boy. I love him too much not to!

Bitter Sweet Day

It's been a while since I've posted but today seemed to be a good day because I have lots to say.

First, I'd like to rejoice in the fact that our sweet angel Amelia would have been 2 years old today. Although I was only 12 weeks pregnant when we learned of her passing, we already picked out a name so we have always felt our baby was a girl. After losing our second sweet baby, times were definitely dark for us both. For me, I struggled longer with the idea of never having a baby. I was never mad at God for taking her because I knew one day I would know his reason. However, I was angry at him for blessing those I felt weren't deserving. As more people and friends around me received their blessing my heart ached more and more. For a long time I wrestled with emotions not even my husband understood. Night after night, reading facebook posts about pregnancy I cried. When will it be my turn God?

I began to set a timeline that gave me something to look forward to. We discovered that I was pregnant in March and on May 13, 2010 we learned our baby no longer had a heartbeat. I wanted to be pregnant again by my due date November 28, 2010. That date passed me by. As a matter of fact, I was very ill. In and out of doctors appointments. My body didn't seem to be bouncing back from the miscarriage. I finally had surgery in December for my Endometriosis. I read that after this surgery women tend to get pregnant faster, so I wanted to be pregnant by March, the month I found out I was pregnant last. All the while I was still very ill. I became very depressed because I felt so bad and I wasn't getting answers from the doctors. I went through so many tests but finally in February the doctor told me I had Mono and another virus. Finally I had a diagnosis and I could continue my recovery and begin trying for a baby again. March came and went. Even though I felt better I started thinking, I'm not ready to start trying again. My body had been through so much. My heart and mind had also changed. During this long process Benjie and I started attending Edgewood again. God showed me that he is never failing and the hurt in my heart melted away. I began to realize my life isn't on my own timeline, it's on his. He will provide for me when it's right. I noticed a change in Benjie as well. His outlook had changed and he began living for the Lord. Finally, a reason for the loss of our sweet Amelia. To save her parents! Benjie rededicated his life to the Lord and was publicly baptized. We became members at Edgewood, all the while still trying for God's miracle.

Month after month there came disappointment. Struggling to keep our faith in September we took our annual anniversary trip. This year we decided to go to Portland, OR. What a beautiful place to witness God's wonder btw! It was our special week, but I decided I won't ruin our trip in worrying about baby making processes. We drove all over, seeing Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, fishing on the Columbia River, Seaside and much more. What a relaxing trip we had.

October came and I knew by the calendar it was time to get serious again. We had a relaxing vacation to get away from it all and now it's time to really try. Only, this time mother nature didn't pay me a visit! The test was positive! I woke Benjie that morning. Showed him the test and told him he was going to be a dad! Again! We both cried. The first 12 weeks were long. We wanted so bad to share our wonderful news but we knew from before it's best to make sure. I went through a lot to sustain my pregnancy but obviously on June 20, 2012 we welcomed our third child into this world!

Our loveable Portlin Benjamin Parker is 5 months and 8 days old!

Height: 27 1/4 inches

Weight:18 lbs. 14 oz.

Milestones: Portlin has started eating solids. He loves carrots, will tolerate green beans, and hates squash! He can almost sit up on his own, almost like a little tripod. If you put his hands between his legs he'll balance himself for several seconds.

Sleep: We had a few rough nights this last month because of his teeth but he is back on schedule. Mommy and Daddy get a full 7 hours!

Best Moment: I still love to see him smile at me. I love when I go get him for his night feeding he will place his arms around my neck as if he were giving me a hug. Sweetest thing ever!
Worst Moment:  He has his second ear infection. Trying to give him medicine is like trying to feed a wild hyena!
Health: Except for the ear infection, he is a VERY healthy boy.

Eating: Doing great! Hopefully we can introduce some fruits to his diet starting next week. 

Teeth: 3 NOW! His bottom two are very visible and the top tooth has barely broke through the gum.

Extra comments: The holidays are approaching very quickly and we are so excited! Although Portlin doesn't understand the meaning of Santa yet, we look forward to his first Christmas with us! He has already had his picture made with Santa and will be having holiday photos taken for our Christmas cards with Mrs. Sally this weekend!

Here's a picture of the big guy!

Portlin was also dedicated at church on November 18th! What a stud muffin!

 


Here are some pics from his first Thanksgiving.

My Big Boy

Portlin weighed 17.4 pounds and is 25 7/8 inches long. He got a good report from the doctor today. He is so healthy. Here's hoping he doesn't get sick from the Rota Virus again!

It's Been A Year

It's been a year since we learned I was pregnant with Portlin. I can't even believe that I have him now. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I look at him. He is just so perfect! While I was getting ready this morning, I reflected on the last year. I almost forgot some of the things I've been through. October 24, 2011 I was admitted to the hospital at almost 8 weeks of pregnancy because Dr. Sheth thought I could be having a stroke. The left side of my face went numb during the middle of the night. It was scary to say the least. Benjie was working and unable to meet me at the hospital right away, so my second mom, Patti, came to be with me. I remember calling Dr. Stice in a panic because they were going to do an MRI and CT Scan. You don't do those things when you're pregnant right? He assured me that everything was going to be ok! I found out it wasn't a stroke and I was released the next day. Dr. Stice thought it was an atypical migraine.

Several weeks later during a doctors appointment we were given information about doing some genetic testing to see if the baby could have a chance for Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18 & 13. Here's where I would encourage people to do the research about what the test is really telling you. We were under the assumption we would get either a positive or negative result. Not exactly the case. The nurse called to tell me that my tests came back positive. I didn't know it but, a positive result doesn't mean you are having a downs baby. It only means that based on your blood evaluation, your age, and several other factors, I was at a higher risk for having a downs baby. A 1 in 170 chance to be exact. After many tears and an explanation from Dr. Stice we started meeting with a high risk OBGYN, Dr. Robinson. She explained our options as far as further testing but we already knew we weren't going to risk the life of our child no matter what! Somewhere around the 15-20 week mark they do an ultrasound to measure different things on the baby which gives you a better idea if your child could have downs. Portlin measured perfect in all areas. I must admit, a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I always kept the thought in the back of my mind but I just knew God hadn't chosen us for a special needs child. We were cleared from seeing the high risk doctor. Hallelujah! 

On a regular visit we got a surprise from nurse Lindsey! She got us in for an ultrasound to see what we were having. We went straight to the bakery to get cakes that said It's A Boy. We had dinner with Aunt Heather and Uncle Adam and revealed to them, the Parker name will go on! We were so excited. My nesting mood kicked in way early and by February Portlin's nursery was complete! Even with all the craziness through my pregnancy I would have to say it was a pretty pleasant experience overall.

I've been meaning to contact nurse Ruth that took care of Portlin while we were in the hospital. That woman was an angel! We asked her for an email address before we left but she said she was leaving the hospital to take a teaching job with the university and didn't have her new address yet. I've learned a thing or two being married to a background investigator. After a quick search through the nursing staff email list I found her! Here's our conversation.

Ruth,

I am so glad I found your email. You took care of my son (Portlin) while we were at The Medical Center. I wanted to send you a few pictures and give you an update on him. Hope all is well with you and the new career.

The first two pictures are newborn pictures we had taken of him. The last one is a recent photo we took this weekend. He weighs 15 pounds 1.5 oz. 25 1/8 inches long. He is so healthy! He talks and giggles so much. He will be 4 months on October 20^th! He is such an awesome gift from God!

We can look back now and laugh but we had a rough first night at home with him. I remember you telling us how good he was, that he never cried! We watched the sun come up that next morning after leaving the hospital. I thought for sure they had sent the wrong child home with me! I guess the new environment just wasn’t as good as having Mrs. Ruth take care of him! It took a few weeks but we have since adjusted very well! He wakes only once at night to eat and is right back to sleep. He goes to bed at 7:30 and wakes for the day at 5:30-6:00. He is so happy and hardly ever cries. He has already gotten an ear infection, but you would never have known it. Thank goodness I was that first time worry wart mother and took him in for a runny nose!

Anyhow, thanks so much for everything you did for us while we were at the Medical Center. I am sure they were sad to see you go! I know I cried when we got in the car. I wanted to bring you home with us!

Thank you for the update and photos! You made my day and week! I can’t believe how Portlin has grown-he looks so amazing. Absolutely adorable! I’m sure the only reason he was up the first night at home was because he had rested well on the way home and didn’t want to miss anything. 

While I am enjoying my new role here (and still get to see babies in the nursery during clinical time with my students) I still very much miss the opportunity to meet fine folks like you and help care for precious little ones like your Portlin. It thrills me to see him so happy and healthy. He is just as cute as I remembered him!

Take care and give him an extra hug and kiss from me. Enjoy these fun years as they fly by so quickly! And take care of yourself too!

So good to hear from you. God bless you and your sweet family!

Ruth

Of course I cried!  Here is one of the pictures I sent her. Such a big boy!