October 9-October 15, 2011 Parker's third week of life!

Parker was a little sad that his Daddy had to go back to work this week. Sunday was spent lounging around before the Colts game. He had to rest up to watch.

Daddy went to the game, while Mommy and Parker stayed home and watched on television. A quarterback in the making?

Daddy went back to work on the 10th, and Parker and Mommy got into the swing of things at home. We were both very excited when Daddy came home!

Daddy's home!

On the 11th, Mommy and Parker went to see Dr. Santos for another weight check. He surprised everyone by gaining almost a whole pound in 1 week!! He was up to a whopping 8 lbs, 8 oz.!

On October 12, we celebrated Daddy's 35th birthday. Parker picked out many thoughtful gifts for Daddy, and helped him open them.

On the 13th, Parker got to see his Poppa Beezley. Poppa had been sick with a bad cold, and hadn't been able to visit Parker in the hospital.

Since his umbilical stump had fallen off, Dr. Santos wanted Parker to do tummy time every day. That must be why baby clothes have cute little faces on the rear!

Cuddles with Daddy are the perfect way to start a Saturday morning!

It was a great third week!

October 2-October 8, 2011 Parker's second week!

It was a fun second week for Parker. Moreso, because Daddy had the week off to spend with him!

There were more sponge baths...

Lots of cuddles with Daddy... A very special visit from Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Holcomb on October 2.

So, it was Daddy reading Dr. Seuss to me all those months?!

We watched our first Colts game as a family on October 3.

Watching football wears a boy out!

On October 4, Parker had another weight check. He was up to 7 lbs, 8.5 oz.

On October 7, his umbilical stump fell off. He got to have his first bath in the bathtub!

Daddy is the best bathtime helper!

October 7th had another first, too. The first stroller ride around the neighborhood! It was a beautiful day, sunny with temps in the 80s.

Parker started napping and sleeping in his crib the night of the 7th. He had been sleeping in our room in the pack and play, but Daddy needed to be able to get good sleep, since he was returning to work on the 10th!

This shirt is the first item of clothing we got for Parker. Way back when he was just an emryo! It reads, "I may be small, but I'm still a big deal!" Isn't that the truth?! This little fellow has changed our life in a big way!

September 29-October 1, 2011 Remainder of Parker's first week of life!

September 29th we had to go see Dr. Santos for the first time. She thought Parker looked great, and he had gained 1.5 oz since discharge. The trip wore him out!

She recommended buying swaddling blankets with velcro closures for safety, so we stopped by the store to get a couple. We lovingly referred to them as "baby straighjackets." It made Parker into a nice, secure little baby burrito to prevent the Moro reflex from waking him.

Grammy and cousin Riley dropped off dinner for us. She was so excited to see her new cousin!

September 30th was Parker's first bath at home! Since his umbilical stump was still intact, it was just a sponge bath. He didn't cry!

Daddy did a great job holding him to get his hair washed.

All clean!

Checking out the glider with Daddy.

Hanging out in the bouncy seat while Mommy and Daddy eat dinner.

A very tired looking Mommy with Parker!

Someone started developing a preference for thumb sucking!

Daddy and Parker

Mike, Hope, and Ella came down the night of the 29th to stay with us.

On September 30th, more family joined us for lunch and to spend time with Parker

Papaw Bill got to hold Parker for the first time.

And so did Grampy.

Meme had gotten to hold him in the hospital, but she still looked pretty excited!

After a quick wardrobe change and some milk, Parker was ready to spend time with Grammy.

Uncle Mike's big hands make Parker look so tiny!

Cousin Ella was happy to hold her new cousin. She's very good with babies, having had lots of practice with her little cousin Scarlett.

Brother and sister... both parents now!

Parker enjoyed snuggling on the couch with Aunt Hope.

And the big sister... she couldn't understand why we brought that loud, broken thing home. He sure does seem to cry an awful lot! And he doesn't even use the litter box!

September 28, 2011 Going Home!

Parker and I were discharged on Wednesday, September 28. It was a busy morning, with a procedure for Parker, and getting our ducks in a row preparing to go home.

We made an appointment with his pediatrician for Thursday, to check his weight. He had dropped to 7 lbs 3.5 oz, and they wanted to make sure he was gaining before the weekend.

Dr. Gallagher came around at 10am, and was more than willing to pose for a picture with our little Colts fan!

I honestly cannot say enough good things about Dr. Gallagher. I'm so thankful for her great care and management of my pregnancy.

Here's Parker, all strapped in and ready to roll!

Here's Parker's first picture at home. This picture was taken shortly before his first diaper change in his room... that resulted in him peeing on the wall! We had to move the dresser to clean! Ha ha! Rookie mistake!

Trying out the bouncy seat. Taking a little nap before the nighttime festivities! Parker loved being awake and eating from midnight to three in the morning!

It was so good to be home. We were both very appreciative of the wonderful care Parker and I received in the hospital, but we were very happy to be home with our new family.