He's here:)

Shepard Jonathan Parks made his way into the world on November 14, 2011 at 3:54 pm. He weighed in at 6lbs 4 oz and was 20 in. long. He's the littlest of all of my children. We are in love with him! I will take some time in the next few days to give the birth story and upload some pics!

11/3: Baby Shepard Update

We went to the doctor again today. There was only a slight change. I am not quite 3 cm. We have another appointment for Monday morning. We have arrangements made, just in case he decides to show up this weekend, but we are hoping to at least make it until Monday!! Shep looks good and we are just waiting for the day that we are supposed to meet him!

10/31 Update on Shepard

I am 34 weeks now! I went to the doctor yesterday, and the latest news is that I have not dilated much more. Still in the arena of 2 cm. So that's good! Shep is unfortunately alot lower than he was last week:/ My doctor wanted to see me again first thing Thursday morning to see if I've progressed anymore. He's unsure if we will make it thru the week. I honestly have no idea. My goal from here, is just to try to rest as much as I can, and see how long he decides to stay put. The good news is that I can trust wholly in the fact that the Lord knows exactly what day and time our new baby boy will be born and worrying over it, will not change that! So, if we happen to have a baby before Thursday, I will certainly let you know! If not, then I will update again after my next visit:)

Baby Shepard Update

I am 33 weeks now and had an appointment with my doctor yesterday. I am 2 cm dilated now. We looked back on my history with Davis, and I am progressing about a week sooner than I did with him. If things went like last time that would put me delivering some time next week at 34-35 weeks. I am really hoping to make it at least to 35 weeks. I just feel better about that milestone. I've had my round of steroids for his lungs, so that is good news. It's so crazy for me to think that he is so close to being here! Please pray with me for the day that God has appointed for Shep to arrive. Pray that he would be healthy and strong. That, being early, he would have no breathing difficulties and would be able to come home when I go home with no health problems. I have worried more with him than any other baby. Probably because I've worked in labor and delivery for the last 5 years and have seen lots and lots of happy stories, but have also faced the reality that sometimes it doesn't turn out that way. I trust the Lord and know He is sovereign over all, so I am choosing to trust Him, even when it is very difficult to take my thoughts captive! So, please pray with us, as we await our sweet new boy's arrival! I will keep you updated:)

Daddy/Daughter

I actually stole this from a friends' blog:/ It was just way too cute though and I had to share it!

50 Rules For Dads of Daugthers
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Little Known Things...

I decided to share a little known thing about our newest upcoming addition, Shepard. He is a gift. He is a miracle. And I know you're thinking, "well sure! All babies are!" That is absolutely true. But our little Shep will have a story that has a little slant to it:)
First off, this little blessing was a certain surprise! We thought we were done and were actually moving forward in life, with our three growing and changing. It was actually much easier to go places and do things. Everyone was potty trained and slept in their own bed. We didn't have to pack up a u-haul to stay overnight somewhere. You know...easier:)
Well, when I found out I was expecting #4, it took me a little while to settle into the idea. But always in the back of my mind, was the fear of miscarriage and losing this little one. It has happened a couple of times before right at the end my my first trimester, and it is so devastating! You don't realize how much you dream about that little life until it is no longer. So, I was skeptical about the same thing happening, obviously.
When I was about 10 weeks along, I borrowed a doppler from a friend, to try to find the heartbeat. That is early, and I know that a baby can be difficult to track down at that gestation, but I've been able to do it in every other pregnancy at that time, so I didn't think this time would be any different. But it was different. I couldn't find that precious heartbeat. I listened, and listened, and listened. For almost an hour, I searched. I was so heartbroken. My fears had become a reality. I told Scott, and we kept it to ourselves for a bit. I knew that I needed to see my doctor and let him try to listen and do an ultrasound to confirm. But it was a Friday night. It was no use to try to do that over the weekend and I wanted to see my doctor personally. I asked Scott not to tell anyone. I didn't want anyone to know until I was sure. First off, if you know me, you know that I don't like to make a spectacle of things. I'm usually pretty calm and I certainly don't like much to be made over ME! It embarrasses me. I knew that it wasn't definite, but in my gut I just thought it was gonna play out like the other two sad endings.
We prayed thru the weekend, and I had to confess to the Lord that I believed wholeheartedly He was a miracle worker, and very capable of making a heart beat, or stopping it for that matter! I can believe with confidence for others, but my confession would lie in the fact that, I didn't believe He would do that for me. I thought my story would end sadly. Still believing He was sovereign and in control, and good, but I am not the one who would receive the miracle.
We went to the doctor first thing Monday morning and told the doctor everything that had gone on. He decided to try to doppler first. He listened, and listened, and listened. And then...the most beautiful sound filled the room. A tiny little heartbeat whooshed. He let us listen for an unreasonably lengthy amount of time:)
The Lord was very near. You see, the truth is, no matter the outcome of that story, it didn't change who God is. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! But He chose, in that moment to remind me tangibly that He is the Miracle Worker. That I am His and He cares about me. I truly believe that either He made Shepard's heart beat again, or He hid it from me to show me Himself through the whole journey. Either way, He reminded me that He truly knows my every need. That He hears my every cry. That He is worthy of my praise.
Again, no one really knew about this story, but I felt like it would be a great thing to write down, so that I could tell our little Shep just one more reason he is so very special:) I don't like to draw attention to myself, but at this point I think that it is the Lord who can be made much of;)

What's up...

Hello long lost blogging friends!! It has been quite some time, so I thought I'd take just a minute to update:) Lots of things have obviously taken place since I blogged like a bajillion years ago!! The biggest of which, is the rapidly approaching arrival of our fourth baby:) We are naming him Shepard Jonathan, and my other children already endearingly call him "Shep":) I am 26 weeks preggo and am honestly living life like I'm not gonna have a baby in my arms in less than 10 weeks most likely! We were not anticipating having number 4, but the Lord had different plans for us! So, because of my lack of planning for more children, I subsequently gave away every baby item, every piece of maternity clothing, baby toy...etc. away. All we had was our crib, which a few days before we found out we were expecting, had offered to give to another couple who was expecting their first baby! I had to take that offer off the table:/ I believe wholeheartedly that the Lord will provide for all our needs. It's just feels so crazy to be in this position!
As far as my pregnancy goes, it has followed suit like the others. Same song, different verse:) I'm contracting like a champion, so I have to take it super easy, which is kind of a ridiculous statement with a husband and children ages 3, 5, and 7:) We are hoping to avoid bedrest this time around. The odds are not likely, but we can still hope, right? You can pray with us that our sweet boy will stay inside until his appointed day of arrival, and that he will be healthy and strong and full of life at that time! In the meantime, I am gonna try to get my act together and start getting some things for this baby so we'll be ready for him when he gets here!
Until next time...

Long, long time...

It has been quite the blogging break! I just realized, too, that the picture at the top is from Easter, count it, 2 YEARS AGO! Yes. The blog is in need of an overhaul;) Our desktop has a virus, so uploading pics is impossible until it is fixed. We have internet on our laptops too, but I really just don't want to bore all of you with just words and no fun pics!
In the meantime, I will try to do better at keeping this thing a little more current. Since my last post, Paige has turned 7! We now have a 7, 5, and 3 year old. Unbelievable. I have had more drama with my problematic tooth. The stomach bug hit our house and took names, causing Annalee to spend a little time in the hospital. Spring break came and went, but was gloriously beautiful at the beach! And now, I am counting down the days until my paige gets out of school! Well...and Scott too! I heart summer:)
So, until next time, which will hopefully be soon!

Our Son Arrives...

*Today is my baby's 3rd birthday!! This was the post on the actual day of his birth! I can't believe it's already been 3 years! *

I can't go into a great deal of detail yet but the pictures will do a little bit to describe one of the most amazing days of our lives. We had Davis Grey Parks at 5:15 on Febraury 11th and he was 7 pounds and 20 inches long. I say this with a great deal of joy in that I delivered our child. I'll go into more detail when we come home on Wednesday but for now here's a taste of Davis.

Firsts...

I experienced a first today with having a little boy. We were in the carpool today waiting to pick up Paige, and Davis had to go potty. Thankfully he just had to tee tee, but at this point there's not alot we can do about that sans letting him pee outside with everyone giving you the stink eye! So...I search the van for something he can pee in. The only thing I can find is a few ziploc bags. So...yep. I let him pee in a ziploc bag, triple bagged it, and threw it in the nearest garbage can! Gross, I know, but we had to do what we had to do! Don't judge me.

Making a comeback...

I know...I know.... I've been missing for quite some time. I took a little sabbatical, and our computer is not reading our memory card so I need an external card reader that Scott always has with him! I have lots of pics that I want to post;) We are doing well. After our bout of sickness we have really tried to stay well. I am running the marathon in New Orleans this Sunday and I am praying that we all stay well because my parents will be keeping my little ones. I can't even believe all of the bugs that are flying around right now! It is a miracle in and of itself that we have not gotten anything else. So, plese pray with us that the Lord would keep us healthy! Annalee is staying home with me this semester, and I have REALLY enjoyed her being here:) She is a really fun little girl! She will be starting kindergarten next year (what?!), so I am really cherishing having her with me:) Davis will be turning 3 this week, and Paige will be turning 7 next week! EEEEEEK!!! This is all going by way too fast! I enjoy, by God's grace, being a mother. I am sinful, and I mess up ALOT! But, it really is a gift from the Lord. He is really kind to allow me to experience motherhood and see Him in a greater perspective.

No fun:(

We have been sick, sick, sick in the Parks' house. Last Friday night Annalee woke up with fever and Davis woke up the following morning with the same thing. They both just had a sore throat and fever, which was not surprising because our good friends that we play with frequently had a virus along those lines. They were getting better Sunday, and Monday Paige woke up with it. I had jury duty so my mother in law graciously took off work and kept my sick bambinos. Annalee, who had been getting better started spiralling downward and complaining of her ears hurting. I made an appointment for her and sure enough..double ear infection. Meanwhile as the day goes on, my throat starts to hurt. I woke up Tuesday with fever and the worst sore throat I've ever had. Ever. I couldn't get out of bed much less take proper care of my kiddos, so Scott came home from work and had to stay home Wednesday as well. Paige was finally better on Wednesday, so I was able to take her to school, in between fevers! I finally had my last fever break about 10pm Thursday night, but Scott started not feeling well. He had to stay out again on Friday with the same thing. On saturday he decided to go to the doctor. Keep in mind, that I think that I have this virus that is going around and am feeling a little better but my throat is not great and I was still fatigued. So Scott sees the doc and he has strep! That in turn means, I have to go and I, of course, have strep as well:( I have not had strep in a good 25 years. Basically since I had my tonsills out when I was little. We got a round of steroid and antibiotic shots to help get us back on our feet. Our family and friends have been so good and helpful to us! From taking the kids places and bringing us meals, it was a huge help to give us a little time to rest! Hopefully we are on the up and up! I feel alot better today with a little sore throat still and Scott is getting there, just a little slower. Please pray that we will all be back to good health quickly and join humanity again!!

More Christmas stuff!

My children, perfectly perched in front of the tree on Christmas Eve, as we celebrate with one of our traditions: to open one gift (which is always our Christmas p.j.'s ;)

Another one of our traditions is to go drive around to look at Christmas lights after the Christmas Eve service at church. We packed a picnic and ate in the car! We found a house that it's lights were aligned to music on a certain radio staion! It was fabulous!!!!

Bedtime on Christmas Eve

This seems to have become our annual pic just before bedtime on Christmas Eve. They were just a little bit excited ;) They are truly a joy!

I've been MIA

Our internet has been malfunctioning this week, so blog updates have not been possible:( Everything seems to be working well now, so I will catch you up this week! Happy New Year!!!