Parker has arrived!

Most of our blog readers already know the saga of Parker's arrival. For those that don't, I will again give the "one-liner" as we often say in medicine. The majority of the pregnancy was super fun - I first felt Parker move around 17 weeks and he never stopped. Family and friends threw me a lovely baby shower in February with yummy food, wonderful conversation, and the cutest baby gifts! Then around 33 weeks I began to have terrible full-body itching and my blood pressure began to rise. I was ultimately hospitalized for 10 days and induced at 37 weeks for cholestasis of pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Tyson and I were constantly worrying about all the possible complications, especially since we knew way more than most and feared the worst. However, on April 19th at 9:39 pm, after 45 hours of labor, the most beautiful, perfect, HEALTHY baby boy arrived - Parker Jackson Hawkins.

 5 lbs 12.5 oz, 19 inches long. 

Since Parker came early and we had a somewhat planned induction, my mom was able to fly out early and arrived just a few hours before Parker's arrival!  We left the hospital the day after Parker was born as we couldn't take another second of being patients, and we had tons of help at home. 

 Proud Daddy!

 Mommy's second cuddle - the first was skin-to-skin as soon as Parker came out and gave a nice robust cry.  Peds was waiting, but we kindly sent them away :).  Thanks friends!

 Nonna's first grandchild!

 Parker was borderline SGA (small for gestional age) and he seemed to disappear in his carseat.  A few blankets were required to secure him properly.

For the first week or so we thought we had an Angel baby - Parker fed and slept like clockwork, a continuous 3 hour cycle.  Around day 10 or so, he woke up and proved to us that he could, in fact, CRY.  Mommy and Daddy quickly realized they needed some soothing techniques: 

For a while this was the only place we could get Parker to nap without being held.  As much as we loved holding him, there are certain things that just can't be done while holding a sleeping baby - unless you borrow his diapers...

 Nana's birthday party - perfect opportunity for a Hawkins' Guys photo

 Parker visited the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival when he was just 1 week old!

 Papa and Grandma Christie get a cuddle at Tyson's cousin's wedding

 Parker's first bath - a few tears until we figured out that he needed more water!  And then again when he left the warm water...

Sleeping. Eating. Ergo for a walk. More sleeping and eating.  The occasional open eyes and alert face.  That about sums up Parker's first month of life!  But I think you can see a glimmer of excitement in this last photo - more to come!  You'll just have to keep following our blog ;).