Heaven is Here-Welcome Parks!!!!!

 Our big boy Parks Joshua Copa came January 17th at 5:50 in the morning weighing 10 pounds 3 oz.  I had been at the hospital from 11:30-4:30 the day before with consistent 4-5 min. contractions but since I came in dilated to a 2 and didn't progress, I had to go home where I continued to have contractions.  We went back in to the hospital at 3:30 am.  I was dilated to a 5 or 6 so they let me stay.  I felt like I needed to push before getting the epidural.  They didn't have a chance to run my epidural fluids, just gave me the test shot in the back.  I was supposed to have antibiotics pumped before too but...NO TIME!!  They were rushing to find a doctor because he came so so fast.  The anesthesiologist said he didn't know if the epidural would work because Parks was too low.  It was very painful.  He came out with a blue face, swelling, and some marks, but we are so glad he came here healthy.  When I held him on my chest for the first time he cocked his head to look up at me when I spoke to him.  He looked over at Carleton when he spoke to him.

 Apollo and Annie made little bean bags a couple months ago and gave them to Parks when they met him.  Parks "gave" Apollo and Annie each a Lego set so they could have some attention too.

 


When Parks was in my tummy he was pretty chill during the day but every time I woke up in the night, I could feel him moving.  During his first day he was super sleepy but he came alive...awake at 9:30 that night.  Carleton talked about holding him and he would just look around.  At 7:00 that morning, he was back to being sleepy.

 We didn't know if he would fit the outfit we picked for him to come home because it looked big, but it did.

 Home at last.

 We spent the night at the hospital after the kids' visit.  Annie thought Parks would be home.  My parents heard Annie and Apollo waking up that morning in their bunk beds and in Annie's cute little voice, she said "Let's go see Parks" and ran into our room.  They were sooooo excited when we arrived home that night and couldn't stop touching their little brother.  Mom and Dad had some balloons and the sign on the door.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for being here and taking care of the kids.

That night the kids wanted to rock Parks to sleep.  They filled his cradle with animals and blankets and sang to him.  Apollo even gave him his "Chugnut" (bed-time buddy) to sleep with.

 So cute.  Parks will look at the kids when they talk to him.  He has stopped crying when Apollo and Annie sing to him.  Parks is a very chill baby.  He loves to be close to us at night.  He's a sleepy gus and doesn't cry much. 

 First bath. 

 He calmed right down when we ran warm water over his head.  Apollo and Annie always liked water too.

Piper meet Parks.

 Parks is coming soon...we think.


As I write this, I am having painful contraction after another.  Carleton and I have spent the day at the hospital with consistent contractions four minutes apart.  I came in dilated to a 2 and because I didn't dilate more, I got sent home, the hour and a half walk at the hospital didn't help. 




 I took these pictures after doing a step class this morning.  I've been hoping working out would put me into labor.  We're probably going back tonight so we're crossing our fingers;)




 


 We made these signs.  Apollo's idea was the "I love you Parks."  Annie and Apollo designed cars for the poster and drew pictures for him.  We decorated Parks' room yesterday (sooooo cute-can't wait to post pics!) and put this sign on his door.  We're are all looking forward to meet him!






 Gymnastics.  Annie is in her same mommy and me class.  I love doing this with her.  Apollo has his own class with 5 out of the 6 kids being boys.  He takes it with Apollo and Donny.  Apollo and Annie love their class.

 

 



The kids have loved pushing each other around on this thing lately.

 

 The kids worked for a long time designing cars.  Awesome gift, Carol!

 Our house has had a complete make over.  I can't wait to take before and after pictures.

My whole family joined us for Christmas this year.  We packed in a lot of fun events.  Even though Heidi's fam has been gone for awhile, Apollo said he was thankful for cousins in our Gratefuls tonight.  Here's what we've been up to:  surfing, a visit from Santa, Beek's place, Riverside Vintage Hotel, Projects, Shopping, Rock Climbing, Christmas lights, Racquet ball, House deco, The Beach, Bike Rides, and Working out.


 Christmas Eve.  Mike has been such a great help.  He picked out an awesome grill for Carleton and held it for me until Christmas. 




 Annie was afraid of Santa but kept creeping closer to him.

 



Grandma Skenandore always had Santa come every year to visit the family Christmas Eve.  It was fun to carry on tradition.







 Christmas morning.
 

 

 Marshal and Annie were good buddies.  He was the tough guy with the babe on the back of his motorcycle.


 



Beek's Place.  We went for a beautiful drive in the mountains to see some ruins.  Apollo says he likes to "discover new thing."

 


Happy Birthday Marshal.
 

New Year's Eve.  Casino in the house.
 

 



 We love our Carol.

 Projects.  Thanks for all the help!

Outdoor World.

 At Home.

 

 All Day project. 

At the Beach.

 Apollo and Annie rode their bikes on the beach.  Apollo loved to ride his bike in the waves.  So cute-he had a constant perma grin.

Out in the water with Justin and Jordan.

 View from above.  My tummy is getting so big. 







 Poor Annie.  I always cut Annie's hair but this time I wanted to take her somewhere to get a cute trim so she would have cute pics with Parks when he comes.  Carleton thought he would do me a favor the other day and cut it himself.  Oh my.  She's all forehead.  They didn't have bang extensions at the hair salon:(