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.

Birthday Blessings

Every year as my children get older I reminisce about being pregnant with them, about their birth, about how they were as babies and toddlers. Then I hear the screams of "MMMMOOOOOMMMM" and I am brought back to the present day reality.

Usually I go back through time with my husband. He just sits by and lets me go down memory road. I wish I could be more like my husband when it comes to the kids and their birthdays. I feel like he embraces each birthday and welcomes the next year's challenges while I am dragging my heals in the sand trying to stop time. In reality I know I can't stop time, it just seems to pass by so fast these days. It wasn't long ago I was changing diapers and chasing kids at the park or longing for all 4 of them to nap at the same time. My reality is now breaking up arguments of silly substance and playing taxi driver or short order cook as I constantly hear "What's to eat?"

Today's birthday was a little different. I didn't have a birth to think about or how it was when the children were little because it was my birthday today. I think my mom may journey down the road of memories when it comes to my birth. This year my birthday blessings came in so many ways I was overwhelmed.

Yesterday started my blessing journey. My husband called and sort of sang Happy Birthday to me a day early. My husband told me it wasn't a day early because it was already my birthday where he was. Then my children had requested to go shopping for me. My two oldest children also requested a list of things I would like for my birthday. Then to my surprise they told me that they wanted to use their own money to buy my present. After shopping and finding the right present we headed for home.

Today is my actual birthday. My day started out great except for the nagging headache that I have had. The kids all entertained themselves and I didn't have to play referee to any arguments. One of the children went with a friend to a basketball game and the rest of us headed to the book store.

Throughout the day I have had several phone calls to wish me a happy birthday. My husband was one of them. He wanted to tell me happy birthday on my birthday since I insisted he was a day early on the last phone call. I had many happy birthday wishes on Facebook and in text messages. But one thing stayed constant all day. I felt loved and blessed to share my day with my children, family and friends. Even though my husband isn't here to help me celebrate my birthday in person, I have had one of the best birthdays a girl could ask for.

In case you are wondering what the girls bought me for my birthday, I received an exercise ball, a cross necklace and a ring that I had wanted forever. They were so proud of themselves. I was so proud of them. They are becoming some of the most beautiful girls am mom could ask for.