Just because they are entirely too cute!

Grandma and Papa arrive

After Gammy left, Grandma came to continuing the spoiling of the Maupin family. And we love it! Aren't we lucky to have such wonderful grandmothers?!?!

Lots of snuggling has gone on. And now Papa is here to play with!

Exercise for everyone :)

In Awe

There are many times each day that I look at my kids and think "man am I lucky" or "geez am I blessed." I think this picture really captures those moments when I look at Parker and think "gosh he is one cute kid!"

I'm going to use his teddy bear...his first bear...to give a little perspective on how big he is getting for our out of town following. This will be the first picture...'Parker- in the beginning.' I will try to take a picture with the same bear monthly so you can track his growth as he becomes a big boy!

La Fashionista

When asked to dress herself, and left to her own devices, Hailey's unique fashion sense comes shining through!

Which child is this???

They don't just look alike folks.

Before...

After...

Hailey is the best big sister ever

I am truly amazed at how wonderful Hailey Beth is doing with Parker. From the moment she walked into the hospital room she has taken over as mama protector. She wants to hold him and talk to him and love on him as often as we will allow it. There doesn't seem to be too much jealousy, though I know she would really like to run and play more with me but my body won't quite allow it at this point! She even worries about me and my tummy and keeps wanting to kiss my belly button to make me feel better. Hailey really is a very special little girl. We have obviously done something right, although I think a lot of it is just her nature. We certainly could not ask for a better big sister for our little man. What a pair I'm sure they will turn out to be!!

Maupin...Family of FOUR

So, so much for a "scheduled c-section". Mr. Parker Daniel Maupin has a mind of his own and he is not afraid to use it!

After being given the boot on Monday, we allowed as how another week for the little man to grow was not such a bad thing. We were able to get some last minute items and spend time with Gammy without the complete exhaustion that comes with a newborn. We were cruising along, happy as can be, growing, kicking, hiccuping our way through the week until I woke up to go to the bathroom at 2:30am, Friday morning. Just couldn't stop going...and going..and going. Yep, water is broken, free trip to the hospital. On our arrival things moved rather rapidly. The midwife came in to check me, the radiologist came in for an ultrasound to confirm that he was still indeed footling breech, and from there it becomes a bit of a blur. Apparently they don't mess around with women in labor carrying footling breech babies. All at once there were 8 people in my room talking to me about anesthesia, c-section risks, taking my history, starting my IV, giving Jona his OR gear...WAY overwhelming. They wheeled me into the OR, did my spinal (which is an experience I hope to never repeat and certainly don't want to relive here on my happy blog), strapped me down, draped me up and made the first incision. This was when I thought it might be a good idea to remind them to get Jona. Darn good thing I mentioned it because he had been forgotten! Anywho- after what I swear was nothing more than the blink of an eye, Parker was here- FOOT first! Jona got to watch them pull him out and see him cry and you could see it on his face, the instant love. The transformation really is amazing.

September 5, 2008 at 6:19am

8 lbs 2 oz 20.5 inches

Parker is superb. He is an absolute clone of his father, even more so than Hailey I think. And he is covered in blonde fuzz.

Hailey is madly in love with him and wants to help with everything. I fear that as time progresses I am going to frequently find Parker naked in the throws of having his diaper changed by his big sister. Mickey Mouse was also delivered without incident and Hailey is recovering quite well. No pain meds for her. But don't think she is all crunchy granola- she is NOT breastfeeding but has instead opted to give Mickey the bottle. Good call I think!

Gammy is here until Sunday and is getting in as much snuggle time as possible. She has been a godsend, making sure Hailey is taken care of and having fun, cooking, cleaning, and all in all being the wonderful mom and Gammy that she is. Thanks mom, I can't tell you how blessed I feel to have you here.

Parker is adjusting to being home like the laid back little man I hope he turns out to be. Other than believing he needs to be nocturnal, and thinking that if he is awake it MUST be time to eat again, we are doing incredibly well.



He is quite the lover of bath time. I had to wash his hair yesterday because it was getting oily from all of us touching it. He sat back and let me wipe him down and wash his hair and he never made a sound. I very vividly remember Hailey screaming bloody murder with every bath time until she was 3 months old, (I'm sure you remember too Auntie Kimmie!) so this is a huge improvement!!

I feel really good. I have surprised myself with my recovery, doing much better than I expected. I was up and walking as soon as they let me and all my systems seem to have bounced right back into working order. Knock on wood nearby please :)

So here we are. A family of four. And there is no doubt that we are blessed beyond measure. I will try to post new pics when I can, but my computer time is currently limited- I'm sure you understand. Hugs and love to everybody and thanks for all the happy birthday wishes and support!

Cruel Joke

Ok, so just kidding. Apparently, today is not D-Day (delivery day of course). My midwife called this morning to inform me that the attending physician who is on call today was refusing to perform my scheduled cesarean because I am 38 weeks 3 days, not 39 weeks. Now lets be fair, he offered to do it if I would first consent to an amniocentesis to confirm lung maturity. Cause really, what I want in addition to my spinal anesthesia and major surgery is a ridiculously long needle inserted into my belly. Sounds like a rockin' good time. So, obviously we did not agree with that, which leaves us with the only option of rescheduling for when I turn 39 weeks, which will be this Saturday. We are the first section that day, 9:30am which is nice because I won't be nearly as hungry at that time, and it means that the little man has another week to grow and who knows, maybe he'll turn around...positive thinking, positive thinking.

So, for all of you who sang happy birthday over your cheeseburgers and hot dogs at lunch time, thank you. Consider it a dress rehearsal and lets meet again Saturday over coffee and danishes :)