The Western Montana Fair

I can't believe I was at the fair FIVE TIMES in one week! I am not a fair junkie, really. Nana and I took Haven to the fair on the first day promising her rides and loads of fun! Unfortunately, rides did not open till that evening and we quickly became very unpopular when we told Haven she would have to wait till tomorrow. We had to go back the next day to redeem ourselves.

Nate and I went to two concerts two consecutive nights: Third Day and The Nitty Gritty Dirtband. Third Day was amazing, and Parker witnessed her first rock concert! I can't believe she slept through most of the show. Finally, we took Haven to see a three-ring circus in the big tent. It was a great show, but we were so miserable since it was close to 100 degrees in that large tent we shared with hundreds of people.

My favorite part of the fair: the lemonade slushies with soft serve vanilla ice cream. I believe I had four delicious drinks total during my five day fair fiesta! Okay... I really do like the fair.

Parker

Haven's Trip to the Farm

After a few days here in Missoula where Haven was able to show off her swimming skills to Grandpa Mark at the pool, Haven went on a road trip with GG and Grandpa. On their way to my grandparents' farm, they had to pull over for potty breaks since Haven is completely potty trained now (woo-hoo!!). Haven had so much fun riding tractors and combines, and proudly pronounced that she was a "farm girl" when she returned home. She even got to squeeze in some fishing with Grandpa Mark. While they were away, I was able to have some quiet time with Parker and recover from my first case of Mastitis (now battling it again - ugh!). It was a good time for all!

Vacation Bible School

Haven attended Vacation Bible School at Nana and Papa's church. She LOVED learning new songs and had so much fun singing in front of the church the following Sunday! It is obvious that Haven was the youngest "student' at VBS and was able to be a part of the crowd at 2 1/2 since Papa is pastor. Haven definitely appreciated this perk! =0)

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.