4th of July

We came home from the hospital Friday afternoon and enjoyed a quiet and very relaxed 4th with my parents and Nate's mom. After we all enjoyed a good BBQ meal, Haven was thrilled to get some good shots at Grandpa Mark with her new squirt gun as well as enjoy some of GG's TAB.

Haven and Grandpa Mark had the perfect view of our neighbor's firework show in the tent that they set up in our backyard. She was so excited to go "camping" overnight with grandpa; however, around midnight, Haven informed my dad that she was going inside to sleep with GG.

Parker Joy Speer

Parker came five days early (YES!!!) and arrived at 9:05 pm Wednesday evening, July 2nd. She weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.

I began having contractions right after being checked by my doctor Wednesday morning (I took the first picture before my appointment). I was dilated to almost a 2, and was 80% effaced. Immediately after my appointment, my contractions were 10-15 minutes apart and continued to intensify and become more consistent. We made it to the hospital around 3:30 when contractions were 3-4 minutes apart. I had my epidural at 5:30 and begin pushing at 8:40 pm. I pushed for 25 minutes and Parker was born at 9:05 with her umbilical cord wrapped twice around her. Thankfully, this didn't pose any difficulty, and the doctor cut her free before I got to hold her.

We are all doing well and enjoying our little girl! She is more than an inch longer and a full pound lighter than Haven, so she feels tiny to me. =0) What a miracle!

We received some sad news early Wednesday morning. Nate's grandfather - known as Popo - passed away in La Verne, California. Thankfully Papa (Nate's dad) was able to see Parker before flying down to LA to be with his family for the funeral service. We rejoice knowing Popo is with his Lord and is now looking down at his great granddaughter with his new heavenly view!