All Is Well

I took this pic while Hayes was sleeping in his crib. I like his scrunched up face. And you can see all of his hair. He has the most hair of any of my babies.

Olivia with her new buddy. The first week . . . look at his double chin!

At the hospital around 11 pm. Fresh from Heaven.

All is well in the Parkin home. We're still adjusting to our little guy . . . mostly the lack of sleep, but we've had more restful nights than sleepless nights, so I can't complain. Hayes is now 13 days old today and it's such a blessing having a newborn in the house. We just love him so much. He had a check-up with Doctor Jones yesterday. Weighing in at an impressive 9.4 lbs, Hayes has mastered the skill of nursing and Doc was thrilled with his weight gain.

Olivia is attached to the little guy and will take him from my arms as soon as she wakes up. Davis has suprised us the most with his gentleness and concern for Hayes; there IS a soft side to my Davis. Chandler is a little uneasy when it comes to holding Hayes but always manages to give a kiss and hug. I know it sounds cliche, but . . . it's hard to imagine our lives without Hayes -- we feel so complete.

Hayes Michael Parkin

July 26, 2009

8 pounds, 11 ounces

20 inches

Chandler's Birthday

Chandler turned 8 on July 9th! My sweet, baby boy is now a Cub Scout, 3rd grader, and soon to be baptized. He loves science and Art -- I think he'll work for NASA someday as a rocket engineer . . .

His birthday started off with a family breakfast and presents. When asked what he wanted for breakfast Chandler replied, "Mom, you know what I like." He is so easy to please! He was excited to open a few presents before running off to the Summer Arts and Sports Camp -- several books that he wanted. It just so happened to be Crazy Hat Day so Jason made Chandler a Happy Birthday crown. Chandler won a prize for it and was thrilled.

After morning camp, I took the kids to see Ice Age III and invited Chandler's buddy, Nixson, to come. When Jason returned from work, we opened more presents and then we took him to dinner at DogHouse Grill -- his request. We came home and opened more presents and ate cake. We gave him Demi Lovato/David Archelata concert tickets for July 10th. It was a family trip to the SaveMart center and we had a good time. Even Jason said he liked Demi Lovato (well, liked her more than the Hannah Montana concert . . .)

On Saturday, July 11th, Chandler invited a few friends over to do some science experiments. He decided to take advantage of my science background so I ordered some supplies and we had a mini-lab set up on our back porch. Being 9 months pregnant, I wasn't in the mood to have very many kids over for a "big" birthday party, and thankfully, Chandler was very understanding; just a few kids and the family making snow, goo, magic sand, geysers, and more. Chandler said it was "TOTALLY" cool. So, mission accomplished!

Now the next mission . . . getting him baptized! With the impending arrival of Baby #4, we decided to post-pone Chandler's baptism until September 5th. He didn't understand why he had to wait two months, but now is o.k. with waiting. Like I said, he is my super easy child to please and I love him to pieces. He is so giving, loving, and is my little peacemaker. I'm so blessed to be his mother.

Chandler loves the Diary of a Wimpey Kid book series.

First thing in the morning . . . waiting patiently

Oh, that was a yummy chocolate cake. Vons makes the best cakes!

Opening up the telescope/microscope from G and G Parkin. Look at his expression!

Making snow! (Check out Steve Spangler Science on the web.)

And cake number two -- YUMMY -- Indiana Jones theme

4th of July

We had a mellow, relaxing, and sunny 4th of July. We spent the day hanging out as family -- swimming and eating snowcones; it was perfect. I didn't feel like having people over (gee, is it because I'm 9 months preggie? I can barely walk). When the sun went down, the troops marched on over to the neighbors and we celebrated with fireworks. Chandler was a bit uneasy about all of the illegal fireworks being launched across the street and dry ice bombs that were nearby (not us, of course). Can't say I like dry ice bombs, either. It was a little out-of-control this year in The Hood, but we had a great time watching the sky light up and hangin' with friends.

Driving Me Crazy!

These boys are driving me CRAZY! BONKERS! LOONEY! Seriously, I've raised my voice (o.k., maybe more like really, really raised my voice) and am starting to scare myself a little! Poor Olivia -- what if she has another baby brother!

Kids

My friend, Nicole, took some amazing shots of the kids about a week ago. Thanks, Nicole!

OLIVIA

CHANDLER

DAVIS

One more of Liv -- I love this pose!

Our 3 kiddies . . . and #4 is almost here!

Happy 35 To Me!

My 35th birthday was a perfect day . . . received many phone calls, texts, cards, and emails wishing me a happy day, had some serenity time by the pool, took Olivia with me for a pedicure (she was so surprised), ate sugar and real food, and was completely spoiled by my handsome husband.

Here's why: After a long day and night at work, Jason went grocery shopping a few minutes before midnight to buy me my favorite fruits for breakfast. He then decorated the downstairs with balloons and streamers until 1:30 am. At 5:30 am, he slaved in the kitchen to make me breakfast in bed and gave me the most beautiful card ever. He rushed home on his very short lunch hour to buy me my favorite birthday cake: TCBY white chocolate mousse with chocolate cake. When he came home at 5:30, we had a family party and he presented me with wonderful presents, picked up the babysitter, and took me to Max's with our good friends, Matt and Nicole, also May 28 birthday girl. I could go on and on . . . thank you, Jason, for being my best friend and ensuring that I had a special day.

Jason is the best! And still loves me even though I drive him crazy with all of my pregnancy complaints . . . . .

So yummy!

Classic Davis picture. Look at my growing belly . . . 8 more weeks!