Welcome Baby Parker

Only a month overdue....but finally......introducing William Parker Rizer.

Born Thursday, June 17th

5:15 pm

8 lbs 7 0z

20 1/2 inches Parker's birth story will always be a reminder to our family that God is in control and His timing is always perfect.

Although my due date was not until June 24, at 38 weeks I was already 5 cm dilated and 60% effaced. While this doesn't seem like a big deal, it was actually a VERY stressful time. Darron, his sisters, and his parents were leaving for a family weekend two hours away. Because Grandpa Keith is pancreatic cancer and his chemo does not seem to be working, a five day retreat to Seward was much needed for the family. My doctor encouraged Darron to still go on the trip, and told me to lay low as much as possible while he was gone! Nervous and apprehensive, Darron headed out early Thursday morning and we both prayed and trusted in the Lord's plan.

The kids and I had a fun few days, trying to stay busy without sending me into labor. Contractions were a regular part of my day and night and at one point they started coming about ten minutes apart.

Thankfully, Parker listened to his mommies pleads to stay put and Darron arrived home late Monday night to a very pregnant, contracting wife.

Less than 48 hours later, and labor was starting!

T and Scott wanted to keep Preston and Payton on Wednesday night because we all felt like labor was knocking on the door. So after dropping off the kids, Darron and I headed to a late movie. During the movie I was cramping pretty bad and having stronger contrations. After the movie we headed home and settled in for the night. I slept pretty good but woke up at 4 am needing to use the bathroom. I tried to go back to bed, but I couldn't stop thinking about a strawberry popsicle I had in the freezer. So....downstairs I went to enjoy! About 10 minutes later my contractions changed. Suddenly they were more painful and started coming closer together.

By 5:30 am I woke Darron up and told him my contractions were about seven minutes a part and pretty painful. Because of my history of delivery pretty quickly, we headed to the hospital.

T (Darron's sister and my labor support) met us at the hospital. My contractions were five minutes apart and I was still 5 cm dilated so we went walking the halls of the hospital for about an hour or so. After walking, my contractions were more painful and I had dilated another cm.

By noon I had received my epidural (LOVE those!) and the doctor decided to break my water about 1 pm. Not much happened until about 4:45. As I rolled over on my side, I felt Parker drop into place and I needed to push. In rushed the doctor and I pushed and breathed through one contraction. Parker's head came easily but the cord was wrapped around his neck twice. The doctor unwrapped the cord and suctioned his mouth and nose, then delivered the rest of him. He quickly turned from blue to red, was placed on my tummy, and screamed that precious cry all parents wait to hear. Because we didn't know if he was a boy or girl, I listened eagerly to hear several voices yell, "boy!" as he came out.....and I was RELIEVED to have another boy (not sure I can handle another girl!).

Preston LOVES his baby brother....they already have a special bond.

Walking the halls of the hospital at 39 weeks pregnant. I was way bigger with Parker than with the other two.

Happy to meet our new little man.

Is this Preston or Parker....they look SOOO much alike!

Payton and Preston meeting Parker for the first time.

Holding Parker for the first time.

Payton wasn't sure what to think at first. She LOVED Parker but wasn't sure how to handle the crying and having to share her momma's lap! She really enjoys talking to him and helping now.

Parker is a sweet little guy. Pretty laid back and easy going for the most part. Although life is busy with a four year old, a two year old (going through the terrible two's!), and a newborn....I wouldn't want it any differently! So thankful for my family and the blessing they are! And thankful for having a reminder, through Parker, of God's perfect timing and plan!