Surprise it's a BOY!

Cole Timothy

Born 9-16-09 at 3:03 pm

6lbs 15oz and 20 1/2 inches long

We are so glad to finally be able to introduce our newest addition Cole Timothy. He arrived last Wednesday and lets just say we have been VERY busy since then. Blessed with a VERY fast labor and delivery posed a slight challenge for Cole initially. He had what they call delayed transition but they weren't convinced that was all it was initially. He initially was a little sluggish, not needing any assistance but just periods of rapid breathing and decreased muscle tone. Since it wasn't explained by infection the Dr.s decided Wednesday night (6 hours post delivery) that they would send him to Chapel Hill (on Thursday) to rule out any possible other problems. Luckily my ob discharged me (less than 24 hours post delivery - Yikes!) so that I could go with him. Therefore on Thursday afternoon we all headed up to Chapel Hill. Wally's parents were able to go with us so we could bring Parker. We are so thankful they were able to come and help out. To make a long several days and occuarrances brief he spent a night in the PICU and 2 on the pediatric floor at Chapel Hill. Luckily once we got to Chapel Hill they felt like they were looking at a different boy than our hospital was. All tests came back normal and they attributed everything to delayed transition from birth. I have never felt so much relief as when the geneticist told me that her conclusion was that my baby was normal and that we just go home and love him. Well we came home from Chapel Hill on Sunday night with high billirubin levels (jaundice) which is no surprise as we have a strong family history of this including Parker. We got his levels checked Monday morning and they were high enough that he needed to be admitted Monday night to Onslow Memorial for phototherapy. Make sure to check him out in his "personal tanning bed" just chilling in the photo slide show below. We were discharged Tuesday night and thank goodness we have been home ever since. Parker has been great and is enjoying learning all about Cole and why he does what he does and how he can help. Cole even gave Parker a leaf blower when he got out of the hospital. He loves it. Picture of him with it is also in the slide show.

We do want to thank everyone who helped us make this as easy as possible for us to be with Cole in Chapel Hill. Our parents for watching Parker and being with us for support. Our FANTASTIC neighbors, Ryan and Beth , who not only looked after our dogs and our house but also cleaned our house for a great surprise when we got home and have made us several delicious meals. We also appreciate all the texts and calls of care and concern as well as the prayers.

Our baby is truly an example of the miracle of prayer!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What a sweet little peanut!

Cieszko's come to visit!

This weekend Chris, Alison and their son Davis came to visit us. We have been trying to get the boys together so they can play for a while and it finally worked out this weekend. We had a great time! Of course Parker and Davis enjoyed playing with the toys while we all enjoyed catching up. Alison and I have once again timed being pregnant at the same time so it was fun sharing prego stories too. They sure have a sweet son. He is absolutely adorable and fun to play with. We hope they will come again soon!!! Parker has been talking about his buddy Davis since he left.

Parker and Davis

Like Father's like son!

Boys enjoying the sandbox

Mommies and their boys and of course the babies to be.

What we've been up to!

Well we are still working out some kinks with our new laptop and installing softwear to be able to have all of our videos and pictures accessable, so sorry it has been awhile since a post. I decided to pull just a few cute pics. from the past few weeks to show you what we've been up to.

We have definitely enjoyed the waterslides in Emerald Isle this summer. Parker even learned how to go down a few short ones by himself. We have a few videos of it so when I can get it uploaded I will share. He actually asks everytime he sees my camera if he can watch the waterslides. Too bad they are closed for the season.

Can you tell we've been in the water ALOT. It is one of the only ways I have been able to survive this summer heat. This is us at our gym pool. Parker loves for Wally to toss him up as high as he can. Man am I in trouble as he gets older.

Parker loved using his tools (Handy Manny of course) to help us put the crib in the nursery.

Parker as you can see has become quite the helper. He also loves his "construction worker hat". Put the two together and you get my little construction worker doing housework. I love this picture. He is so silly.

Parker was so worn out that he apparently woke up from his nap walked to his chair then as he climbed up I guess realized he wasn't quite done napping and well decided to finish his nap right there. I had heard him say something so I waited a minute and then went to check on him and this is how I found him. He slept like that another 45 minutes. Can you say uncomfortable?

Oh and last but certainly not least this fantastic little boy of mine is potty trained. Yes you read it right he is potty trained! I actually had no intention of this prior to baby's arrival but Parker showed some interest so I pursued with no pressure. Thank goodness for McQueen pull-ups and underwear because he was the driving force. We simply said "don't pee pee on McQueen, that's nasty" and he listened. He's been in underwear with no accidents for 2 weeks now. We still use pull-ups for nap and bedtime but wake time is all about the potty. We are so proud of him and praise him for his timing!