Happy Birthday Parker

This time 11 years ago, Parker was a brand new baby. Parker was born in a broom closet on May 4th at 1:52 am.

We lived in Oak Harbor, WA. If you are wondering why an Army family would be stationed with the Navy it's because at the time we were a Marine Corps family.

I went in for a routine OB appointment on May 3rd. The doctor decided that I needed to be monitored for a while and before I knew it we were told that I was going to have to be induced. This was 2 weeks before my due date. Since this was the 3rd baby I would birth there was no hurry in setting up a crib, having a bag packed and all that jazz. This wasn't my first trip to the rodeo. I remember asking the doctor if I could go home and come back because I didn't have anything ready and I needed to have someone watch our other kids so my husband could be with me. The answer to my many questions was no. I had to stay there. I was irritated to say the least.

Because my induction wasn't planned ahead of time and other babies decided to come that day, I was put in an over flow room. The room was full of extra supplies and about the size of a broom closet. After a few hours of labor(I'm lucky I know) Parker was born. He was born with only my husband, the nurse and myself in the room. I remember when I first saw Parker I said "Oh my gosh he is so small." The nurse assured me he wasn't small. Then she asked how big the last baby was. When I informed her he was 9lbs. 4 ounces she replied that Parker was indeed smaller than that.

At two weeks early Parker weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 ounces and 19 inches long. Parker has a warm heart, desire to take things apart and see how they work, a love for BMX bikes, skateboards and anything that requires building.

I'm not sure how he is 11 already. It seems the years have flown by. I can't wait to see what happens during the next 11 years. Happy Birthday Parker. We love you very much.