Parker Pics

Some recent photos of Parker. She is starting to fill out now that she is feasting on mama's milk! Haven has responded well to Parker and loves to take care of her little sister, as much as her little 2 1/2 year old self can. So far, no jealousy issues, but we are only two weeks in. We are waiting for the moment when Haven will ask us to send Parker back! =0)

Haven's Twirly Ballerina Dress - What a girly girl!

Haven recently was given a "big sister" gift which included a ballerina dress and new sunglasses from Aunt Jill and cousin Piper, and she was adamant about trying the two items on immediately. She then proceeded to twirl around the kitchen floor. It was very cute...

I didn't realize I took the video sideways - sorry!

Haven's Swimming Lessons

Before I had Parker, I had signed Haven up for private swimming lessons knowing she would enjoy being in the pool and learning how to swim! Overall, she likes her mornings at the pool and even better, I get to remain dressed and cheer Haven on poolside with Parker (who is normally snoozing away).

Late night thoughts - When it rains, it pours.

I thought I would quickly write down my crazy past week. The clock on the stove states that it is 2:34 am and I am waiting for Parker to fall asleep as I have her in her car seat and on top of the running dryer... it works like a charm. I just need to give her at least 20 minutes!

After returning from the hospital last Friday, I had intense migraines that left me nauseous and dizzy with pain. I could not sit up quickly or even stand to get Parker when she was hungry since that motion would send shocking spears of pain to my head. I do not normally get migraines in general, so this sensation was new and so uncomfortable! I thought I threw my neck out in labor, since it was super stiff and sore. I called my chiropractor immediately after leaving the hospital thinking the problem was with my neck, which was causing my headaches! When the adjustment didn't bring relief and I was downing my pain pills around the clock, I knew something was not right. We quickly called the hospital and spoke to the anesthesiologist. I had a spinal fluid leak from the epidural (roughly happens once out of every 200 epidurals) causing these symptoms and spinal headaches. I returned to the hospital on Sunday morning for a blood patch. This is basically a reverse epidural, however, instead of inserting the amnesia into my back before labor, the anesthesiologist takes blood from my arm and injects that into my spinal area. The blood acts as a clotting agent which seals the leak. Before the procedure, Nate had to wheel me into the hospital and after the blood patch, the headache pain went from a 10 to a 3 on the pain scale, and I was able to walk out! The effects were almost immediate and I felt so much better. I was able to come home and feel somewhat useful being able to get up and walk to the nursery to feed and change little Parker Joy.

Now, you would think that was enough drama for me.... oh, no. Monday morning I have an appointment for Parker at our family practice. As opened the door to step out, my foot slips off the runner of the truck and onto loose gravel. I fall straight down running my back down and off the runner and land completely flat on the ground. More pain. Thankfully, my mom was with me and helped me off the ground and into the doctor's office. She informs the receptionist that I need ice right away and now the doctor will be seeing two patients, instead of the scheduled one. Turns out that besides having a nasty bruise from the fall, I did bruise a few ribs. Another reason for those pain meds!

It has been a full week since this has all taken place. I had to make time for lots of rest and thankfully, my in-laws were able to take Haven the first few days after my fall and hospital return. I have feeling back to my old self, and I'm enjoying our family of four!

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!

The girls' rooms are finished!

Nursery

Haven's Room



Girls' Playroom


I told a few people that I would post pictures of the girls' rooms once they were finished - which happened today! I had a gal come in and paint the garden scene mural in the new play room (once Nate's office) as well as the flowers in Haven's room. I went back and added some more detailed touches to Haven's room (i.e butterflies) since I am not very good drawing the big stuff.

The nursery is ready for Parker! She is due July 7th, and I can't wait to meet her. I would be THRILLED to feel contractions at any time now. However, it looks like if she doesn't come by the 7th, we will go in to be induced either the 8th or 9th.

Nate's Birthday

Nate is now 32, and we celebrated his birthday with a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream cake (I am definitely not in the mood to bake right now in our 80 degree heat) and a BBQ at his parents' new house. It was very low key and relaxed. I caught Haven singing "Happy Birthday!" to daddy. She was very excited to present daddy his cake all by herself. She reminded us that she would use "both hands" and repeated "I be very careful".

Cousin Nikki's Wedding

We had a wonderful time in Big Fork, Montana (outside of Kalispell) last weekend as we celebrated Nikki's wedding (to Jared) with all the family present! The ceremony was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the company a delight. Haven had an opportunity to use and master chopsticks for the first time... daddy thinks she is now prepped and ready for sushi. Once the music started rockin and rollin, Haven found her way to the dance floor to show off her "jumping" skills - what she calls "dancing".

My Moments of the Month

I want to actually "blog" and write down a few thoughts and recent experiences. I know by seeing many of our pictures, we look like we have it "all together". And, most of the time, life is not crumbling down around us (thank you Lord!). However these past few weeks, I have been humbled in many ways, and felt like I needed to write it down for others to read.

Scenario #1

I know that my book club has lovingly given me the label of Martha Stewart (hey, we share the same initials) and they do expect a certain level of "perfection" whenever I bring food or host. However, at our last meeting, I entered Jessica's (host) house a half hour late since I totally forgot we were meeting early so we can enjoy dinner as a celebration for our last meeting before summer break. I had agreed to bring the main dish - my mom's delicious and always-a-hit chicken enchiladas recipe. And, just before leaving for book club with my warm Mexican dish looking amazing and delicious, Nate and I have an argument over the expenses of replacing our wood fence (priority #1) and purchasing an outdoor play set for the girls (priority #2 that I would like to be #1). I leave frustrated over trying to prove to Nate the importance of having a play area that is close to the house, something Haven can enjoy while I tend to baby during the summer, a sturdy quality play set that is toddler appropriate.... yada yada yada. Now, I arrive at book club late, but thankfully the enchiladas are still hot, and I am greeted by a group of hungry gals. We all dish up, start to eat, except I am apologizing over my tardiness and fill the girls in on my battle with fence vs. play set. Finally, I took a big bite of the enchiladas and swallowed in HORROR!! I quickly grabbed my cell phone and called Nate, who is at home. Honestly, I really didn't want to talk to him at the moment since I wasn't feeling the love at home before I left... BUT, I had to know what spice was sitting in the front of my spice shelf. And, before he gave me my answer I knew... instead of 2 tablespoons of chili powder, I used 2 tablespoons of nutmeg!! NOOOOO! I quickly hung up and faced the group to tell them my mistake. Some had eaten their portion out of desperate hunger, some were politely pushing their "spiced" enchiladas around their plate trying to disguise the off-taste of the dish, and one gal actually said she like the taste of nutmeg mingled with tomatoes, cheese and chicken. I was embarrassed, and felt bad that I spent a few hours the night before making TWO casserole size dishes of chicken enchiladas (one for book club, one for weekend). However, what I learned is that sometimes I need to let go of expectations and realize that nutmeg chicken enchiladas is exactly what people need to see to realize that I am human too... and nine months pregnant... which was my excuse. It is the baby's fault that I can't think straight and use the correct ingredients for my recipes!!!

Scenario #2

I needed to go to the mall since half of my family celebrates their birthdays in June. It was a rainy day and Haven woke up smiling, so off we go to get some needed shopping done! Before we make it into a store, Haven spots the mall's strollers that are cute little trucks and can be rented by the hour. Our green Chico stroller was no longer good enough, and she began demanding the Mall's truck stroller. Ya know what?! Fine! I wanted to get shopping done, and if we can do that in the truck stroller... you bet! No problem! Sign me up, here are my keys to hold for lateral... off we go in the large red truck stroller! We pass the candy store... Hmmm... I am just going to go the extra mile and get her a few gummy bears to chomp on to make my life a bit easier and to keep her happy and distracted while we shop. Off we go in the red truck stroller, a bag of gummy bears, and a happy kid! I can already foresee the success of this trip. I am going to get SO MUCH DONE! First stop - Bath and Body Shop - just my luck, they are having a summer clearance sale! I stroll the isles looking for the deals and filling my blue bag with products as I skillfully maneuver the very large and now cumbersome Mall red truck stroller between kiosks of bubble bath and smelly lotions. Off to a great start... I have found some nice, smelly goods on sale, and begin to head to the check out counter... when, Haven (now done with her gummy bears which I was hoping to last for at least a half and hour or so) demands to get out of the stroller. I am okay with this, since I know we are going to be done quickly as I make my way up to the counter. Haven wants to push the stroller. Okay.

"Wait! Haven! You need to follow mommy to the counter so we can pay for our stuff. Listen to mommy and obey." She is not obeying. She is trying to turn the large red truck stroller around and out towards the mall... and there she goes! I quickly run (more like waddle now) grab her, and the stroller, reverse direction and head to the counter. Haven is now upset and crying since I disturbed her course of direction and demands to push the stroller away from the counter. In a rush, I throw my stuff on the counter and the clerk begins to ring me up... why did I have to pick out 15 different items! Haven is now throwing the dreaded tantrum and is demanding me to pick her up. Not an option for me at this point since she is out of control and I can't hold her while paying for my purchases. I quickly told her she needed to calm down before mommy would pick her up. It was soon apparent that she was past the point of calming down... I am now experiencing a hot flash (they do happen to pregnant women) and feel sweat pouring out of every one of my pores and I quickly gave the clerk my card to swipe for the final transaction! Now, a completely out-of-control Haven has lost all her privileges. I force her into the stroller and strap her in, turn around, scribble something like my name on the receipt, grab the bag, and quickly maneuver the stroller around the maze of display stands and out into the mall... followed by a sympathetic gaze of the Bath and Body greeter gal... or was that a look of relief? By now, Haven is trying to throw herself out of the stroller and screaming her head off. I can't believe this is happening! We have the red truck Mall stroller, the gummy bears, and the promise of an Orange Julius if she was extra good. I knew it was time to leave, so off we go to turn in the truck stroller and get the heck out of the mall! Of course, the lady manning the stroller kiosk is on the phone and I run into a gal with her two kids who we were in Kindermusik class with. "Haven is having a bad day," I stammer totally humiliated that my toddler is still screaming and trying to chuck herself out of the red truck. Finally, I get my stroller and make a B-line for the mall doors... then that nice gal from Kindermusik is calling my name... Oh, I had forgotten my keys at the stroller kiosk.... SHOOT! I turn around with my out of control kid who is now trying to escape from our stroller to face the mall crowd again. I just hate having everyone looking at me wondering what I am going to do with this screaming, thrashing 2 1/2 year old. Nothing! I am going to do nothing except get my keys and leave! Now, I am feeling the pregnancy hormones surface around the corner of my eyes and I am having to try to pull myself together! We make it to the truck, both of us in tears, and back home we go. When I look back on this mall mayhem experience, I realize I needed to be reminded that I do have a normal toddler and I can't be in control of child's behavior 100% of the time. Plus, who cares what people may be thinking. Sometimes people need to be reminded of what it was like raising a toddler... if they had kids at all.

I wanted to write these two experiences down since I needed the good dose of reality, and felt like maybe others might relate in reading my "moments" of the month. =0)

Memorial Weekend

Instead of the warm, sunny weather we were all hoping for on our extended holiday weekend, we had rain, cloudy skies and an excuse to stay indoors. My parents drove out for the weekend, and we always enjoy our time with them. They helped us out with some Spring cleaning and organizing. We just converted our office to a playroom for the girls, and painted the walls a nice gray/blue instead of the original boring beige. We touched up the nursery crib rail where Haven's teething marks made some significant gashes in the wood. The nursery is pretty much all done... I will post some pictures of the girl's rooms soon. And.... a drum roll please!!! Nate cleaned out and organized the garage!!!! I wish I had a before picture, because it would have been worth posting before and after pics. Just picture the worst case scenario on Oprah's rescue house clean-up/organizing special and you can get a good idea of the state of our garage. Thankfully, it doesn't give me an instant headache when I walk out there now. And, I don't have to plow through medical boxes to get to my truck! After this weekend, we all feel a bit better getting our home in order (NO MESS = NO STRESS). Here are some pics of Haven with Grandpa Mark and GG....

Washington DC... Philip becomes a Doctor!

My little brother is now officially Dr. Philip Flatau! May 15th-19th, I joined my parents and cousin, Stephanie, and flew out to Washington DC to be with Philip and Kara, and the rest of Kara's family. The big event was Philip's graduation ceremony at the historic Freedom Hall building- literally three blocks from the white house. It was a very fun weekend full of graduation festivities and quality time with my family. I even had an opportunity to meet up with my good friend Amber (who was a candle lighter in my wedding) who now resides on Capital Hill with her husband. We did have some free time for mega mall shopping and an evening monument tour. I am officially done with traveling for now... my swollen feet and legs on the flight home were a reminder that I am nearing the end of my pregnancy.

Next for Philip and Kara: Family practice residency in Florida at Eglin Airforce Base (near Destin). They are moving south in a few weeks and will officially have a permanent location for the first time in their married lives! Yes, a three year residency is very permanent to them. Their new address is:
Philip & Kara Flatau
1474 Rawlins Crt.
Niceville, FL 32578