We have been BUSY!
I guess it goes without saying we are excited but overwhelmed at the news that I am pregnant with Triplets. It was a complete shock, but we are getting used to the idea. Everyone we have told has been super supportive and offering to help anyway they can. We are very fortunate to have a loving family and great friends in our life. My official due date is June 6th, but with Triplets full term is considered 34 weeks which puts me in April. We just pray that we all stay healthy and this journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Labor Day Fun!
Mommy & I had a great day hanging out at the park with cousin Savannah and Auntie Ria. We even got to play with our friends while we were there! Mommy had a great lunch with Aunt Ria while I slept in the stroller. We had soo much fun today! Parker
Day trip to the Vineyard
Sunday we took Grandpa's boat to visit Martha's Vineyard. We walked around Edgartown and had brunch at The Harbor View Hotel, then we went to Oak Bluffs and got to see all the little gingerbread cottages. We shopped a little and got ice cream. Edgartown reminds me of Nantucket and Oak Bluffs reminded me a little of a beach town down south. We had a great time! Parker is doing great. Running around now and talking up a storm. Some of his words are: duck, bike, dog, cat, bye bye, Hi, momma, mommy, dada, milk, bag, & more and his new favorite NO. We have been trying to enjoy as much summer as we can since it always seems so short and the winters always seem so long. We have been to the beach every weekend since July 4th, it has been wonderful.
July 4th
We had a wonderful time July 4th weekend! On July 4th, We went on a boat ride and to the Beach. Aunt Fernanda and cousin Savannah came with us. Everyone had a wonderful time. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a fabulous time at the beach. We found a great little spot on the beach we will keep going to, we loved it! On Sunday we decided to go back to our favorite spot on the beach and bring cousin Aleah. The kids had so much fun. Overall the weekend could not have been better. We got some great pics. Hope everyone else had a good July 4th!
Parker is 1!!!!
Wow! This past year has really flown by. I can't believe our little man is already turning one! Parker had a great Birthday and Birthday party this past weekend. He loved the balloons but not the cake, he doesn't like sugar...oh well we got some cute pics anyway. I made him an Elmo cake and Elmo cupcakes for the kids, everyone else loved it. This was my first time making buttercream icing and decorating a cake, now I know what hard work Granny went through for all us grandkids...THANKS GRANNY for all my cakes growing up. Parker had his 1yr checkup and he is 19 pounds 10 oz, 29.5 inches long. He is still in the 10% for weight but 48% for height. We go the green light to try to wean off of the zantac as well as to try whole milk. We are hoping he has grown out of his reflux and milk allergy. Keeping our fingers crossed! He is now been walking for about a month and saying a few words. We will keep everyone updated as he keeps hitting his milestones.
Florida Vacation
We just returned from a wonderful two weeks in Florida visiting with parents and grandparents and enjoying the warm weather. The weather was perfect everyday. Parker did extremely well on the plane both ways, he slept most of the time. Parker really enjoyed meeting his great grandparents' Stephens and great grandpa Huyser and his great uncle Larry and Gail for the first time! We got to spend part of the time with my parents and part of the time with my mother-in-law and Shana- everyone had a great time with Parker. He started saying a few words....hat, thank you, moma, dada, nana, mimi. He learned to blow (like a fan)-it was really hot down there so it was the first time he was around so many fans...lol. He loved the kiddie pool in Treasure Island b/c he was able to walk around by himself in his float. We went to the aquarium and the zoo and Parker loves the fish! The second week we went to Siesta Key and the beaches were beautiful, but we didn't spend much time on them b/c Parker liked the pool better. We were able to walk on the beach with the stroller which was nice! We had a wonderful time visiting with everyone...miss you all!
Growing up so fast
Parker took his first steps and has started saying moma and dada and giving kisses! How exciting!
Nicest weekend we've seen in months
We enjoyed the very nice weather we had this weekend! Shane, Parker, cousin Trent, & I went to the park so he could swing...he loved it! Shane and I got to go for a motorcycle ride while Stacy watched Parker...We had a wonderful weekend as a family!!!! Sorry I have posted in a while, not much is going on here besides winter. At Parker's nine month appointment he weighed 18 pounds. He is doing great. Teething alot, but no new teeth! He is crawling and pushing his truck all over the place. We are now having to child proof the house. He had his first stomach virus a few weeks ago but is doing much better now. Just counting down the days until our vacation to Florida...it can't come soon enough.
Parker turns 6 months
Today Parker is 6 months old. We took a lot of pictures and he actually sat unassisted for the first time (only about 5 minutes) but we got pictures of that too!
1st time away from Parker!
We just got back from Jen's wedding in Wilmington, NC. It was our first time being away from Parker. He stayed here with his Nana and Grandpa and was such a good boy. Shane and I missed him so much...we were already talking about him while we were at the airport before we even left Nantucket. But despite missing him dearly, we had a great time just the two of us. We had a full agenda planned with Jennifer's wedding and had a great time. It was such a beautiful wedding, held at the Dudley Mansion in Wilmington. We stayed right in the heart of town so we were able to walk everywhere! It was nice being able to let loose for a few days with no responsibility, but we were ready to be home with Parker by Sunday.
Finally STTN!
Well Parker finally slept through the night for the first time on Wednesday night. He must have known it was mommy's night to get up and he did me a favor! I felt like a new woman yesterday. He went down at 7:15pm and didn't wake up until 6am and then just ate and went right back to sleep until I woke him up at 8:15 for daycare! Last night he was back to his normal-he woke up at 11:30 had a bottle and then woke up at 5am again. I think Shane had a heart to heart with him at 5am b/c he happily stayed in his crib until 6:15 and that never happens. Hope we get more nights like Wednesday soon.
4 month wakeful period
I think its safe to say we have hit the 4 month wakeful period(4 month sleep regression). Parker has been waking up every 2 hours crying and fussing for the past two nights. I think it's a combination of wakeful period and teething. I wouldn't be surprised if a tooth comes in soon. We are so exhausted and hoping this passes very soon. It was hard to come to work today after only getting a few hours of sleep the past two nights. Parker is growing so much. He had his 4 month checkup last week and weighs 13 lbs, 14.5 oz. Despite the sleepless nights we had a wonderful day for his Baptism. He was very good in Church and was an angel all afternoon at his party. Everyone took turns holding him and playing with him & I'm sure he loved all the attention. It was a beautiful day for the party and everyone had a great time. If you watch the video, the reason we are laughing is because he likes to be held facing forward and when she passed him off to a member to welcome him in the church and the member pulled him into his chest and he started crying and we all joked that it wasn't that he didn't like him & not to take it personally.
Parker's Baptism
Parker's Baptism was today check out the video and pics.
First week at Daycare and back to work.
So this week was the first week at Daycare for Parker and my first week back to work. Parker is doing very well at day care, I'm sure he loves all the children around. He is eating very well, even better than for me which makes me think the zantac is finally working! He has gotten used to the taste now and just opens his mouth and swallows when he sees it coming. I am very glad his appetite is returning. They said he is a very happy baby and easy to get to smile and laugh. They said he is the most talkative baby there...well baby talk that is:) He must get that from his daddy...lol. I also think he is getting his first cold. He was up 4 times last night and not really hungry and this morning he had stuffy nose and a cough...oh the joys of day care :( I guess this goes with the territory. My work week is going ok. I think its Bitter/sweet, I'm glad to have some adult interraction again, but miss my little man so much. Hopefully things will continue to go well for us and this new adventure.
Parker laughing at cousin Trent
Check out the video of Parker laughing. Sorry its sideways most of the time!
Friend's 30th B-day.
I am so excited to celebrate with Leslie for her 30th B-day. We are going to the Summer House for Lunch. They are located in Sconset on the beach and they have the best Kobe beef burgers and crab cakes...yum. Nana is keeping Parker for me so I can enjoy myself. I am setting her up with everything... taking the swing over, carseat, stroller so hopefully Parker will be a good boy today for Nana! THANKS again Nana!
Reflux...ugh
Well the new hypoallergenic formula seems to be working for his milk allergy but the reflux is still bad. Parker has started waking up more often at night due to the reflux. I was hoping the zantac would help but I think he may need something stronger. The next step will be to see a GI specialist in Boston-we were hoping it wouldn't come to that but it seems like we are going to have to in order to make Parker feel better:( I can't believe he is almost 3 months old...ahhh time is going by quickly. I start work again on 18th so Parker will be going to daycare...goodness I hope he does ok there. I worry about the feedings because sometimes it can be a real challenge with this reflux.
Wow almost STTN!
Parker must have had a great day yesterday as he almost slept through the night...surprised mommy and daddy by sleeping 8pm-4:30am! Woohoo! 8.5 hours in a row!
First trip to Beach
We just got back from Parker's first day at the beach...imagine that we live on an island and today was the first day we have made it to the beach. With all of our gear in tow: umbrellas, baby tent, car seat, baby life vest (for the boat ride), diaper bag, beach bag, our chairs, cooler...there was so much stuff I'm surprised we didn't sink the boat getting there...lol. We brought the jet skis over as well. We had a lot of fun with Daddy, Nana, Grandpa, & Trent. It went pretty well, Parker didn't really like his tent too much so I ended up holding him most of the afternoon. He loves being on the boat though "the motion of the ocean." But everyone had fun on the jet skis, especially Trent who was allowed to drive one by himself for the first time...I'm sure it made his weekend. Parker is doing a little better being on the hypoallergenic formula for his milk allergy and baby zantac for the silent acid reflux... The zantac is supposed to make a difference in 4-5 days...or so we're told. We hope so. The good news is the Thrush is all cleared up. We will keep you updated.
Quick update
On Thursday I had to get some skin cancer spots removed so Nana watched Parker for me. I am so bummed b/c the doctor made a huge incision on my chest and I'm afraid it will leave a big scar:( Friday night Shane and I actually went out to dinner (we rarely ever do this) while Nana stayed with Parker...we were supposed to meet up with Shane's friend's visiting but they were going out too late for us b/c Shane was going fishing Saturday very early. Poor Parker has started refusing to eat, trying to figure out what is wrong with the little guy. I think he has oral thrush and his mouth must be very sore b/c he keeps pushing out the bottle with his tongue. We had discussed this with his doctor but they told me it was just milk tongue...I also think he may have a milk allergy so I need to talk to the doctor this week to figure things out. We are currently using a lactose free formula that is helping a bit with the gas but I'm afraid he still may have milk allergy b/c he has several of the symptoms...wheezing after eating, little bumps on his chest and cheeks, loose stools, fussiness when eating, and now only eating half of his daily needed amount (which may also be from the Thrush but who knows) my poor little man:( Hope we figure this out soon.
Finally got to go on the Jet Skis!
Shane and I were finally able to go on the jet skis this weekend. We dropped off Parker with my parents over at my brother's house and went out with our friend's Dave and Meg for the whole afternoon. We had so much fun, but it was very choppy out so I was very sore for the next few days. Pops got to spend some quality time with Parker while he was here, so everyone was happy!
My Mom to the Rescue!
My mom offered to come stay with us for a few days to help us out with Parker. She is staying with us for 3 days and David for 3 days to visit the two grandchildren. It was so nice to have someone to watch Parker while I got some mommy time! I've been able to get my hair done, go off island and shop, and tonight we are going out with friends for the first time since my parents were here last time which was about 2 months ago! Mom has loved every minute with Parker she has even taken over the night feedings to allow us to get some uninterrupted sleep...what a blessing! Mimi is spoiling him rotten. Parker had his 2 month check up and vaccines Tuesday. He is 11 pounds and 6 oz and 22 in. He is climbing the chart, now in the 44th percentile up from the 25th percentile. He was very good with his shots, his little legs were sore for the day but was back to normal the next day. We are having such a good time with Mimi we don't want her to leave:( Pops will be here on Friday for the weekend so we will have to go over to David's to visit so he can see Parker too. Shane and I are hoping to go on the Jet skis this weekend and drop off Parker with my parents for a couple hours since we never get to do things like that anymore. We really appreciate the help!
July 4th
Parker had his first fishing trip. Shane, Parker, Trent, Aleah, Nana, Grandpa and I went out on Grandpa's boat for the afternoon! Parker loved the hum of the engine and the rocking motion...mommy on the other hand, felt sea sick the whole time:( Luckily Nana came to the rescue and could feed Parker for me...lol. This weekend was nice spending the entire time with Shane and Parker. It was the first weekend Shane has had off since April. It was nice having him around to help with Parker but by Sunday he was getting antsy and needed to do something else. It was a rainy & cloudy weekend so there wasn't much we could do with Parker but Saturday we decided to walk to town and look at the boats and it started raining hard when we got to town, luckily we found an abandoned umbrella on a bench that didn't close and I borrowed one from David's store so we could continue to walk around. Parker was all set with his rain shield zipped on the stroller so he slept the whole time. Sunday Shane worked on the boat that he is renting out this summer. Parker and I just hung out at home.
Good Day! Bad Night!
Parker literally slept like a baby but Shane and I were wide awake from 1:30 am-4:30 am...It was a hot night here in Nantucket. We had a wedding to attend on Saturday, so Auntie Ria aka. Fernanda, babysat Parker in the morning so I could get my hair cut and get a pedicure! It was so nice to get pampered for the first time in a while. Then we went to the wedding and brought Parker with us. It was a nice outside ceremony and reception and Parker did pretty good. Only got fussy towards the end! So all in all we had a nice day together.
Back on track
The past two nights we decided to not wake for his 10-11pm feeding and just let him wake up on his own. He slept from 8pm to 12:45 and then again from 1:30-4:45. Daddy took the first shift and mommy took the second...so both mommy and daddy got about 7 hours of sleep! Hooray!
Going backwards
Sometimes it seems we are going backwards...Parker is only sleeping for 3 hours at a time at night now between feedings and we have tried feeding him more but he just won't stay awake long enough to drink it...hopefully we will get back to the 4 hour intervals soon...Mommy needs her sleep!
1 month old!!!
Parker is officially 1 month old. He is growing so fast. He is 9 pounds 4 oz at his month check up. He got his first shot today and did very well. I am noticing things are starting to catch his eye and he is doing very well at night. He is starting to sleep atleast one 4 hour period and then a 2-3 hour period so it is nice for mommy. Daddy is helping out by feeding the 10-11pm feeding so mommy can go to bed early and get some sleep.
Update on Parker's head
We had an x-ray yesterday to make sure his skull platelets were not fractured under his hematoma. The radiologist said it looked good, but we are waiting for specialist to review. He did really well and almost slept through the whole process.
Last night we had another good night...he slept from 8:30-12:30 and 1-3:40 so I got a little more sleep, but then only from 4-5:30 and then he was up!
Spoke too soon
I guess sleeping longer stretches in the night was not in the cards. Parker only slept for and hour at a time last night...
Good night
Well we finally had a good night...Parker slept for two 2.5- 3 hour stretches...although mommy is still very tired! We saw the visiting pediatric doctor today and she said Parker is 21 inches and 8 pounds 12 oz! He is gaining weight well!
1st Dr. visit
The check up went well. Parker now weighs 8 pounds 5 oz and 19.5 inches long. He is in 26th percentile for weight and only 6th percentile for length...hopefully he will not be short like his momma...we are hoping he gets his dad's height:) They said his bump on his head from birth should go down by 3 months and not to worry. Next check up on the 20th.
Parker is 3 weeks old today!
We are loving being parents to Parker. Each day is a new adventure. Trying to get into a routine so mommy and daddy can get some sleep! Parker still wakes up every 2 hours at night to eat and only naps like once during the day so mommy is very tired. Our first Dr appt is today! Hopefully he gets a good check-up.
Getting out of the house
It is so nice to have Nana so close! She came to sit with Parker while mommy ran errands. It has been very gloomy here for several days so we have not gotten out of the house in days.
Mimi & Pops were here
We were so thankful to have help when we first came home from the hospital. They were a big help between walking Dolcie, cleaning, running errands, and making sure we were well fed! And of course spending time with their new grandchild! We miss you!
10/15/2009 2:22:53 PM - 001000532395
love the pumpkins pics -- wish it was cool here. Love the last pic of Parker...so darn cute in the little vest :)
9/12/2009 5:25:06 PM - 001025387295
We love all the new pictures. We love & miss you. See you soon.
Love, Mimi & Pops
7/22/2009 9:32:18 PM - 001025387295
Love the picture of Parker and Nana! So Sweet. Mimi
7/6/2009 1:16:25 PM - 001025387295
We love the pictures. Parker & Savannah are too cute. My angels! Wish we were there. Love Mimi & Pops
5/9/2009 2:55:41 PM - 001025387295
We love the pictures and videos. We had such a great time. Parker is a sweetheart.
Love, Mimi & Pops
3/25/2009 10:01:16 PM - 001025387295
how exciting to see Parker's 1st steps. can't wait to see him.
Love, Mimi & Pops
2/18/2009 1:52:40 AM - 000051302769
I can NOT believe how well he is walking on that fire truck!!!! That is so exciting! He is too cute Portia!
11/17/2008 12:22:29 AM - 001025387295
Portia & Shane how beautiful Parker is sitting unassisted we are so happy to see him growing and he is so handsome too.
Love Mimi & Pops & the Cox Family
10/29/2008 10:42:43 PM - 001025387295
Cute pictures of Parker Thanks for sharing! Mimi & Pops
10/5/2008 3:07:22 PM - 001025387295
Portia & Shane, We Love the pictures. Parker is so cute! Love Mimi & Pops
9/22/2008 3:31:40 AM - 001025387295
Portia & Shane thank you for sharing Parker's Baptism. The pictures are so sweet. The video was very nice and a surprise too! Parker is so sweet and growing so fast. We love you very much Mimi & Pops
8/12/2008 7:14:28 PM - 001025387295
Portia great job on the web page we are loving it!
Mimi & Pops
8/11/2008 6:30:32 PM - 000056891859
Thanks Ashley! Glad to know there is someone who can relate...Hopefully the zantac will help us too. The good news is our insurance covers the hypoallergenic formula!
8/8/2008 1:55:12 AM - 001098887796
Hey Portia! If it makes you feel better, Braeden was on a hypoallergenic formula as well and zantac for his acid reflux! It gets better! By the time he was 6 months we were able to switch him to another, more affordable formula. Still kicking the zantac, but hopefully that'll be next to go too! I love your updates and Parker is just adorable! :o)
8/5/2008 7:52:23 PM - 001025387295
So sweet and handsome, he looks like he is talking to you!
love it!! Mimi
8/5/2008 1:44:57 AM - 000051302769
His little smile is soooo cute. I am so glad you are getting the eating thing worked out. Wow, 8.5 hours is so nice! Miss you girl!
8/4/2008 12:24:28 AM - 001025387295
Awesome! Best pictures so far. Parker is really growing. Great family pictures! Mimi
7/29/2008 9:17:42 PM - 001025387295
Portia & Shane these are great pictures of Parker thanks for sharing. Parker is adorable and I love looking at these everyday. With Love, Mimi
7/2/2008 1:40:43 AM - 001098887796
SO precious! He is such a cutie!! I'm so glad you have a site, so we can keep up!! :o)
6/30/2008 6:58:20 PM - 000051302769
Portia your son is soooooo adorable! I love the family pictures of you three at the wedding. So cute. You look great! Miss you. Lisa
