On Our Own

Our nanny, maid and personal chef (aka my mom, Grandma Judy) left last Sunday. She arrived just after Parker's birth and was able to visit for two weeks. She was such a blessing to have around. She brought me breakfast while I nursed, made dinner and made sure our house passed the white glove test. I was able to take relaxing showers and get ready at my own pace. It was nice to be able to catch up on rest and enjoy every moment with my newborn. I loved not having any other responsibilities, except Parker.

The first few days on our own were quite different. Everything happened at a much slower pace. There was no one to come running to my aid at the snap of my fingers. Our sink immediately began generating dirty dishes and our laundry basket began filing up. Now we've got things figured out and back in order. Ryan is an ANGEL. He insists that I not lift a finger for housework because he'll take care of it (he's silly, I won't let him do everything). I don't know of a more helpful, encourgaging and supportive husband.

This week we've also been blessed with the delivery of several dinners. The women's ministry from our church wanted to bring us meals, as they do for all new moms. There was such a large crowd of eager women wanting to cook, that next week's dinners are covered as well. I don't think I will need to cook for another month with all the left overs we'll end up with. Tonight we are having lasagna with a garden salad and garlic bread. Thank You ladies of Alliance Fellowship!!!

Grandma Judy with her sweet pea. Holding his head up on his own at only 2 weeks. He's still a bit wobbly, but we think he's a strong little man.

Curious Kitty.

Our cat Mara has adjusted to the new addition exceptionally well, considering the fact that she is a bit of an odd cat. She prefers Ryan and I, but deals with strangers when they happen to enter her territory. We thought she would hiss and run from him at first, but somehow she senses that he's ours and will be a permanent fixture in the household. When he's anywhere near her, she'll just sit and curiously watch him with a gentle eye.

One of Ryan's favorite pics.

February 22nd - Happy 29th Birthday Ryan!!!

This was also our first Sunday attending church. We made it through half the service before Ryan had to get up to walk the halls with all the other parents of fussy babies. He's such a good dad!

Handsome dudes

Waking up. He loves to stretch out and arch his back when he wakes up.

I'm Free!

This was Parker's two and a half week check-up. He's a growing little peanut, weighing in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and 20.5 inches long. The circumference of his head was 1 inch larger than it was at birth! He made it through with no screaming fits (he loves to scream when we change his diaper, but he'll eventually out grow it... we hope.)

Celebrity Babies

Parker with the Dalbey babies. This was the first time that Elle, Aaron and Parker were all together. We were celebrating Ryan's 29th birthday and Grandpa Don's 8^th. The entire family had their cameras in hand; with all the flashes and commotion, it felt like we were being bombarded by the paparazzi! But, that's normal behavior for our family gatherings.

Busy with Parker

My little cuddly teddy bear

Photo Therapy with Grandma

I look good in green

Parker meets his cousin Elle Dalbey for the first time

First outing in the Baby Bjorn. Once we got him in it he just loved it and feel right to sleep.

One Week Birthday

Parker is one week old today and weighs in at 7 pounds 3 ounces. He's almost back up to his birth weight! His jaundice is pretty much gone and he's really starting to 'wake up.' We can finally see his eyes and are trying to decide what his eye color is before it changes. They look slate blue, but sometimes we see hints of green and brown.
So far he's a fantastic baby; he makes my heart melt! He sleeps 3 hour stretches and would probably sleep longer if his mama didn't wake him up to eat.
Ryan and I are truly enjoying the precious newborn moments! The love we have for this little creature, who was just a strange kick in my womb seven days ago, is overwhelming and indescribable! We are blessed.

He Has Arrived!

We are finally the proud parents of Parker Daniel Bolin!

Arrival: Monday, February 2, 2009

At: 11:18 am, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital
Weight: 7 pounds, 5 ounces

Length: 20 inches long

His labor and delivery was a euphoric experience and was the answer to many hours of prayer! We ended up not having to go through with the induction process. He arrived on his own with just a little stimulation and surprised all of us at how quickly he decided to enter the world. I hope to post his birth story soon.

Current Status:

Swaddled in his 'Billy Light' blanket. He became a little jaundiced just before we left the hospital. Yesterday we had to go back to the hospital to check on it. It had gotten a little worse so they issued us a Billy Light to hopefully take care of it. This afternoon we go back in and hope to see improvement (I couldn't bear to see him have to be readmitted, so keep your fingers crossed).

So, his first two days at home have been a little chaotic. Drs. orders were for me and babe to rest, but with doctors appointments everyday we aren't getting much.

The night before at Hotel Deaconess!

Just after, with gooppy eyes

First moments in Dad's arms

First day home