Our Lives as Parents

At my doctor’s appointment this week my blood pressure was extremely lower than usual. After the RN checked my blood pressure twice I rushed into the room and celebrated with Chris. Then Dr. May came in and told us that my lower blood pressure was actually concerning. He feels it’s best to monitor Parker and me closely for the next few weeks with ultrasounds. In fact we have been scheduled for two ultrasounds a week for the next few weeks.

He also explained that there is a strong possibility that I will be induced around the beginning of my 39th week. That means Chris and I will be parents in two to three weeks!

I am no longer worried or terrified, I am ready. I am ready to bring our sweet baby boy into the world. I feel like we have done all the preparing we can do, now we simply have to hope for the best and wait.
Parker’s room is ready.
His onesies have been washed.
We have registered at the hospital.
We have found his Pediatrician.
-We meet with three Pediatricians during the last two months. This week we met Dr. Werner and we just knew she was Parker’s Pediatrician. She is very direct, positive, and I simply cannot say enough good things about her. Thank you for all the advice and recommendations.
Besides having the baby shower this Saturday and installing the car seat we are good to go!

I’ve spent a lot of time this morning trying to picture our lives as parents. Last night we had our final childbirth class. I actually enjoyed our last class a lot. We went over a lot of post baby stuff.
I know that it will be a learning experience and that we’ll make a few mistakes along the way. At the same time we have always been a strong team and I know we’ll do fine.

I hope that Parker inherits his daddy’s...calm, cool, collective spirit, beautiful thick curly hair, handsome smile, sense of humor, passion to help others, bright blue (sometimes hazel) eyes, intelligence, and great eye sight!

I hope that Parker inherits my...determination, soft-heart, fluffy checks, strong teeth, comforting personality, and love for cuddling!

The very best of us all in one tiny little person who has tiny fingers and tiny toes!

Parker Baby's Room

I finally washed all of Parker baby's bed stuff and outfits. I haven't had my baby shower yet, but already I have enough onesies to last a month! Now that our project is finished I want to share more pictures of his precious room.




For my birthday this weekend Chris and I had some special time together. I can't wait to share a lot of memorable moments as parents, but is nice to spend some Chris and Amber time before Parker joins us. Chris bought me a nursing gown and robe as well as some comfy pillow-top slippers. He also took me to a movie and to dinner. I am one lucky and oh-so-spoiled chick.

Pink Flamingos' Retirement

When Chris and I first got married I felt it was important to take an interest in something he is very passionate about; Fantasy Football. I put my name on the list to play in a league with Chris and some of his friends from Albuquerque. Their new league was forming, so I was able to get in quickly.
I named my team The Pink Flamingos and did my best to learn all I could about the game. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up watching college football with my dad, but as for Fantasy Football I had no clue.
I didn’t know the rules.
I didn’t know NFL players or records.
And I definitely didn’t know how fun it would be.

I remember spending a lot of hours doing research online.
I wanted to learn all that I could about NFL offensive players.
I wanted to learn which teams had the strongest defense.
I wanted to make sure that I drafted a good team, and more importantly I wanted to give Chris a run for his money.

I actually had a pretty impressive season for a beginner. Call it 'beginner’s luck' if you want, but I like to call it dedication and keeping up with the sport. I made the playoffs and won 5th place!

Then this past season I actually kicked a lot of butt. I won 1st place! I won cash, which I should be collecting sometime next month.
With the new season quickly approaching I’ve been thinking about the league a lot lately. After talking to Chris I’ve decided to take a break. I might have had a great season last year, but Fantasy Football isn’t an easy hobby or my passion. For me it takes a pretty big time commitment.
A few weekends ago I let the entire league know that they should give someone else the opportunity to play.
So these next couple of years, until Parker decides he wants to play... we’ll be cheering for Chris’ team (2007 Champions-Chris wrote that).

Breastfeeding 101

This week I’ve been focusing on something that will be very important once Parker arrives; breastfeeding. Sure it’s beautiful, natural, as well as one of the best things I can provide for our little guy. I have a feeling breastfeeding will be like yoga and cooking, it will take practice, team work, diligence, and a good sense of humor about the challenges.

I am excited, but at the same time I worry that I won’t have a large enough supply and that I’ll let Parker down.
Chris and I have three more child birth classes to finish before we start the breastfeeding lesson. I am sure once I have that lesson, and meet with a lactation consultant I’ll feel much better.

Just having my breast pump arrive at our house this week helped me to relax. Of course I've already busted into the tote and have read the directions twice!

In the meantime, I know several wonderful mothers read our blog. I need your help; I would love to hear any tips or stories on the joys of nursing.

Mister Chubby Cheeks

It looks like baby Parker has inherited his mommy’s fat cheeks. Poor little guy. I am sure those cheeks will be kissed a bunch by family members, and I am sure his first nickname will have something to do with those puffy cheeks.
Chris and I agree that Parker is a perfect mixture of us both. We can’t wait to meet our little boy for the first time.

This afternoon I also called the hospital to schedule our tour of the Women’s Center and to take care of the pre-registration process. I feel like all the nervous energy and fears have left my body and mind. I am completely focused.
I am sure our hospital tour will put the icing on the cake. My list of “things to do before Parker arrives” is now smaller. That list consists of relaxing and spending time with Chris.
We are ready for parenthood. We have been for a while, but we still deserve some Chris & Amber time before we share the magical moment of childbirth.


Speaking of Chris & Amber time...this weekend Chris surprised me after a friend's wedding and took me to one of my favorite places; Cold Stone Creamery. I had to mention this because I had the best treat ever! Sweet cream ice cream, bananas, Nilla wafers, and tons of whipped cream; if you like homemade banana pudding this is a MUST! More trips to Cold Stone is definitely on my list :)

Peek-a-Boo

I was planning to wait until we hung the alphabet soup wall art, pictures, and I had a chance to wash Parker's bedding, but...we are simply too excited to wait.

Here's a sneak peek of Parker's nursery! Enjoy:)

Good News Day

What an amazing day!

This morning at my doctor’s appointment we were told Parker is a healthy boy; right now he weighs 4 pounds and 10 ounces. Dr. May said he was average, not too big and not too small.
After our appointment it hit me that even if I go a week longer than expected...our sweet baby boy will join us sometime in the next 5-8 weeks.
With Parker’s nursery almost complete and my baby shower just a few weeks away I feel like this huge weight has been removed from our shoulders.

I know that I’ve shared a lot of elevator stories during my pregnancy...I can’t help but to share this story.
This morning after our appointment this older woman in the elevator looked at me and said, “You’re having a boy. “ Then with a smile she said, “Don’t worry child, he will be born the first Friday with a full moon that follows your due date.”
Of course I get back in the office and Google 2009 full moon schedule. Sure enough the first Friday that follows my due date, September 4, 2009, is a full moon date. I wish that I could take the stairs!

After searching the full moon schedule I received a text message from my friend Linda. I’ve known for the past couple of months that she was planning on moving back to Amarillo, but she’s moving this weekend! A few years after college graduation she and her late husband bought their first home in Amarillo. She never sold their home.
Earlier this year Jessica, Claudia, Linda and I decided that we missed our friendships. We felt that we had grown apart the past 5 years; emails and text messages just wouldn’t do so we agreed on visiting each other’s homes during our birthday weekends. It’s amazing what those weekends have done. They have made our close friendships even stronger. I couldn’t be more excited for Lin. Just knowing that she is happy again is the best! Plus I know that she and Parker will be good buddies.

Baby Items

I broke down last night and bought a baby sling and an electric breastfeeding pump. I couldn’t be more excited! These are two items that I will desperately need once Parker arrives.

The lady who teaches our Bradley class is also a sales consultant for Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. I’ve wanted one her slings since our first day of class. Not only are they cute they are also a secure way to carry Parker outside of the womb.
Check them out at http://babyslings.com/. I’ll be like the momma kangaroo and Parker will be in a little pouch!

As for the breastfeeding pump...it was definitely a must have item. I plan on breastfeeding Parker after I return to work so I needed to find a pump that is perfect for mommy’s on the go.
I also wanted to find a pump that would keep my milk supply consistent.
After asking other mommy friends, my yoga instructor, and a client of mine’s mom who works with babies in the hospital, I was told to buy either a Medela or an Ameda pump. This past weekend I looked for these two brands at Babies R Us and I was very discouraged. They were kind of expensive! With a baby boy on the way I just hate to spend hundreds of dollars. I was starting to think I might as well take my chances with the Playtex pump which had several bad reviews, or look into renting.
Luckily, last night my Bradley instructor got me in touch with a hospital distributor who sold me a $300 Ameda Truly Yours pump with carrying case for half of its retail price. My breastfeeding pump...another item we can now mark off of our list.

Hey, I'm no Buddha!

It seems like everyone; mainly strangers and older ladies want to rub the tummy these days. I get it, I am all belly! Don’t get me wrong; I am thankful that my body hasn’t blended together like one giant marshmallow and that you can tell I am growing a baby in the bump. Please don’t think of me as a touch-me-not. As much as I enjoy the smiles on my tummy rubbers faces, at the end of the day I wish the number of rubs I got was limited to friends and family only. Between the ever growing belly, stretch marks, and the frequent rubs by the end of the day I itch.

I itch badly!
I often scratch myself sore.

So this afternoon I searched for polite ways to tell those tummy rubbers to back off. One website suggests that I keep my hands on my belly when I am in high traffic areas leaving no room for uninvited guest.
So I tried this just a few minutes ago. Talk about awkward. I needed to take the elevator downstairs so that I could put some mail in our outgoing box. Of course once the elevator doors opened I noticed five people inside, all older women. I quickly put both of my hands and the mail I was carrying across my belly bump. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable elevator rides I’ve had yet, but it worked!

Then on my way back upstairs I let my guard down. This time there were two men, and lady about my age inside the elevator. Before I knew it the woman was asking me about my due date, and before I had a chance to put my hands on my belly for protection she went for the rub. I had a delayed reaction and before I could stop it my hands went right on top of her hands. It was very awkward and down right uncomfortable. She probably thinks I am a touch-me-not or a wacko.

***Good News***
Chris and I didn’t hear from Dr. May’s office today. That means I wasn’t leaking proteins and I don’t have the warning signs of preeclampsia. I more than likely just have high blood pressure. We have our next appointment and ultrasound this Friday. We should know more then. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts.

Rough Week

This week I feel emotionally drained. I'm flat out exhausted. I have a new respect for women who go through pregnancy alone; if it wasn’t for Chris I would be in bad shape.

On Monday morning before rushing off to work I took my 24-hour urine specimen to the lab and had more blood work done. I wasn’t expecting to have that much blood drawn. It wasn’t painful, but definitely uncomfortable and I felt dizzy immediately afterwards. I was told if I am leaking protein (a warning sign of preeclampsia) I should expect a call from Dr. May either Thursday afternoon or Monday, July 6th. All I can do now is stay positive and wait.

Then yesterday afternoon my supervisor announced that she will be leaving the end of July. I wasn’t surprised. She checked out last year and spends a lot of time at her desk playing computer games.
I was confused when she mentioned that our regional office didn’t want her to tell anyone until the beginning of July. There are only two of us in the office and I leave for maternity leave in a few weeks. What if I test positive for preeclampsia and have to take my leave earlier than I expected? With a massive budget and our Labor Day Telethon right around the corner, I believe not hiring someone new now will set us up for failure. I am disappointed.

Parker’s nursery is coming right along. Chris has done a great job! This weekend he'll probably hang crown molding and install a new fan.
I’ll stand in our sweet baby’s room for a few minutes before I leave for work in the mornings, and also when I get home in the evenings. It’s like a breath of fresh air...or an escape from a rough week. It makes me smile.
I think about all the fun times we’ll have in Parker’s room.
I think of all the sleepless nights we’ll spend in Parker’s room.
I think about the times we’ll watch Parker crawl or have tummy time in his room.
Chris and I are anxiously counting down the weeks until we bring our sweet baby home and show him his room!