All About Team Parks

In the last year...

2011-04-29T15:13:00.008-06:00

I have never claimed to be a true blogger... but a lot has happened in the last year and I have done a HORRIBLE job at documenting it. Oh dear. So, I will do the best recap I can, in the short amount of mommy time I have.

In the last year...

MARCH 2010

- Had a baby: Quinnton Mel Parks. We call him Quinn. He gets the name Mel from his great-grandpa who was the wonderful patriarch of the family. Quinn's "due date" was on Grandpa Parks' birthday. We gave him the middle name Mel as a sort of guidance for Quinn's life. It meant a lot to Grandma Parks.
- Almost died from child birth.
- Lived, but got bad post-partum depression. It's the pits.

APRIL

- Matt got a job in Park City with Athletic Republic as the Revenue Manager.
- Matt graduated (yes, in that order).
- Matt won the best husband of the year award (not really, but he should have).
- Went back to work when Quinn was 2 weeks old (Tutoring Connection). That was the stupidest thing I did.

MAY

- I went to AZ and OR for a combined total of 3 weeks while Matt moved (with the help of a few dedicated friends -- thank you Manwarings!).
- I returned home to a beautiful little condo in Heber. We began the "real life" (vs. the "student BYU/UVU life")

JUNE

- With the loving help of my sister, Amber, I was able to come out of the depression a bit and started enjoying motherhood...
- Quinn was blessed in church. What a wonderful day. Such a wonderful day I hardly got any pictures.

JULY

- Got laid off from Tutoring Connection. Yep.
- Spent most of our time in Park City with my parents. It was so much fun!
- Did a lot of hiking.

AUGUST

- Continued hiking.
- Went to AZ for Amber's baby shower. I love my sister. I love my sisterS! They are my besties.
- Finally LOVED being a mom.
- Quinn got the stomach flu. I clearly remember this.
- Quinn started teething.
- Still loved being a mom.

SEPTEMBER

- Thought... "we should buy a house now that I don't have a job!"
- Looked for 2 weeks with the wonderful David Medina.
- Found a dog-pit of a foreclosure in Heber and an opportunity to build a new ivory home.
- Decided being house-poor would stink.
- Bought the foreclosure for a great deal. 3B 2.5B, unfinished basement, large backyard full of weeds, disgusting inside.
- Sold our contract at the rental condo.
- Packed our stuff into the Spray's garage and basement across the street from our new home.
- Moved with 2 suitcases into my parent's Park City home until we could move in.
- Quinn got his first tooth!

OCTOBER

- Spent every night fixing up the house. Repainted every wall and cieling, changed every light fixture, replaced the balusters and stained every piece of wood in the house. Wished we could change the floor. Whimpered when we saw our jungle outside.
- Started working from home with CareMinders Home Care.
- Quinn learned how to sit for extended periods of time and play with toys. NOTE: This may look like it's related to the previous statement, but I can assure you it is not. I still love being mom.
- Quinn was Jack-Jack (from the Incredibles) for Halloween and play the part tremendously.

NOVEMBER

- Quinn got the stomach flu again. This time it was bad. Almost hospitalized over Thanksgiving (Pediatricians are nice to nurse-mamas).
- That's the only thing I can remember in November.

DECEMBER

- Spent Christmas with family in Park City. Both sides of the family got to play with Quinn. It was absolutely wonderful!
- Quinn started "rowing". Not crawling. He would switch his arms from side to side while he dragged his be-hind along. Really, it's genius if you think about it. He went really fast and his arms never tired.
- Quinn had 8 teeth by now. Pediatrician said he wouldn't get anymore until around 18 months - 2 years.
- I knew my child was a genius and I REALLY started loving being a mom.

JANUARY 2011

- Quinn continued getting teeth.
- Quinn started crawling... the correct way.
- Quinn and I went to AZ while Matt was away on a business trip. Did some hiking and attended Jim Jarman's funeral. Sad, short, but nice trip.
- Returned to the freezing cold arctic of Utah. Played in the snow with the Manwarings!
- Quinn and daddy went to Cabela's and Quinn loved it (to say the least).

FEBRUARY

- Aaaaah... American Idol. This year Matt is watching too.
- Matt got a promotion at work. He is now the manager over all the accounting department. I don't know what the job title is.
- I told you he deserves best husband of the year award this year too.
- Went to the aquarium with the Manwarings. Quinn would have lived with the stingrays if we let him. We brought him home. But, when he becomes a true toddler, we know where to leave him. Just kidding.
- Quinn learned some serious tricks: high five, feeding himself, clapping, big-boy, peek-a-boo/where's-Quinn, nose breathing and became an expert french kisser.
- Quinn won the diaper dash. He subsequently lost in the championship since he never even left the starting line. We were proud of him!
- You should know the trend of genius continued... yes, these are some seriously amazing tricks. BUT, when he plays peek-a-boo/where's-Quinn he does NOT cover his eyes. In the event his eyes were truly covered for the trick, he would fail to see his mama's elated facial expressions. Only a genius would know that!
- Quinn got RSV. It was a bad one. It lasted nearly 4 weeks. YUCK.

MARCH

- Quinn turned ONE! We had 2 birthday parties. One with his future wife at the Kamas pool. One with family and friends at our home. His love for cake grew tremendously... surprisingly not due to it's deliciously sweet taste. Instead, he loved the mess he could make and the laughs he got out of the spectators.
- Quinn at one: clown, sensitive, mama's boy, daddy's helper, great sleeper, almost walking, scaredy cat, love's babies (especially his cuz, Tucker), independent player, serious ball player, stranger anxiety, loves the Backyardigan's, animal enthusiast, ADORABLE. He's our favorite child.
- Haha... tricked you... he's our only child.

APRIL
- The sun made my flowers grow.
- Started the yard work. SO EXCITED!
- It continued to snow and ruined the yard work.
- Michelle Williams came for a quick visit. It was lots of fun to catch up. But, she still owes me pictures from the week... ahem!
- Quinn started walking. He's neither fast nor good at it, but it has begun.

The moral of the story...
- We're alive and doing excellent. I truly have the best little family. I live a modest, yet exciting life. Not exciting due to extreme adventure... exciting because it is everything I've ever dreamed of. I thank my Heavenly Father for it every day.

Townhome for rent in Heber, UT!

2010-08-13T13:04:00.003-06:00

We are trying to find someone to assume our lease on our townhome in Heber so we can buy our first home.

Details:
3 bedrooms (all on 2nd floor)
2.5 bathrooms (1/2 bath on main floor, 2 full bathrooms on 2nd floor)
Office nook
Master Suite with soaking tub, huge walk-in closet
W/D hookups
Open floor plan
Kitchen includes: Microwave, Stove/Range, Dishwasher, and Refrigerator
1 car garage
Fenced backyard with patio and grass
New paint, carpet & blinds. Slate tile.
Lots of storage & closet space
Central A/C & Heater
Animals allowed
Utilities Included: Water, garbage, sewer
Amenities Included: Pool, hot tub, club house, laundromat, fitness center, 2 playgrounds, lawn care, snow removal
Across from new Richmond homes development, beautiful area!

Rent: $1050/month.
Call Aubreigh @ 801-830-4073

Quinn suprises Ashlyn, again.

2010-08-06T10:31:00.001-06:00

Napping is never safe when you mix Matt, Austin and Quinn. Together the 3 boys will torture anyone possible. Poor Ashlyn... she always gets the gross stuff. Sorry Peeps!

Quinn's Favorite Things...

2010-08-06T10:16:00.003-06:00

Here are some of Quinn's favorite things this summer...
Taking naps with mommy.
Chewing on anything possible. He loves fingers the most... his, mine, daddy's, etc.

Spending time outdoors. He fits right in with this family.

Hiking on Daddy's chest.

Hiking the Timp Caves. Mommy almost died of heat stroke, but Quinn loved every minute.

Showing off his "muscles" before bath time. This picture cracks me up. He looks like a body guard with no neck. I promise he has one... it's hiding under that HUGE 95% head!

July 2010

2010-08-05T15:54:00.005-06:00

A quick day camping trip with the Sprays. Our newest Heber buddies!

Hiking somewhere in PC. Quinn loves Grandpa Kevin.

We spent most of July in Park City with my parents... hanging out and hiking. Matt went on his annual Cederlof fishing trip to Grey's River and loved it. And...I was layed off from Tutoring Connection... gasp... I know. It was completely unorthodox and very surprising, but it is giving me lots of time to spend being a full-time mommy. I am enjoying all the wonderful things to do here in Heber and Quinn loves my full attention. We are meeting good friends here and truly enjoying the wonderful opportunities the Lord is blessing us with.

The Quinn Update:

Quinn and his "girlfriend" Auntie Amber. He is going to have severe jealousy issues when Tucker is born in October!

Quinn laughs hysterically at Grandpa Kevin and Mommy.
He is starting to "talk" when he wants attention.
He loves when mommy fake barfs on him. Nana Heidi calls it a language of love... afterall that's what he heard for 9 months straight.
Quinn got sick with a 103 degree fever and got the whole family sick.
He rolls from front to back... hated it so much he immediately learned to roll from back to front.
He was diagnosed with horrible acid reflux. He sleeps well still, but cries tremendously when he eats. It is a battle every time. He is on special formula, special bottles and prevacid. It is an ordeal to feed him. Poor guy! Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated here :)

Well, more to come when I get the rest of the pics off Matt's IPhone.

June 2010

2010-08-05T14:12:00.009-06:00

Quinn is getting to be so fun. He is finally sleeping well through the night. He sleeps an average of 11-12 hours a night. Hooray! He loves going new places to see all the new scenery and loves to play. He just started smiling and is so close to laughing!

Quinny a little concerned with the Mexican food.

Quinn loves Daddy. He loves to smile for him!

Quick family shot.

We blessed Quinn in the beginning of June. Matt's parents were able to come out for a quick 2 day trip. It was so nice to see them and spend a short weekend with them. Thanks to all the family and friends who were able to come down. In the excitement of it all I barely took any pictures. I blew it... no big family blessing picture. Oh well.

Great Grandpa Rowley plays with Quinny

Mama, Daddy & Quinn (I'm not even ready for church... so it goes)

Quinn loved Grandpa Parks

Great Grandma Rowley & Grandma Parks (Quinn barf on both of their pretty dresses)

Quinn loves his bath time!

May 2010

2010-08-05T13:58:00.003-06:00

We moved... well, actually Matt moved while I was in Portland. :) One of these days I will get around to posting pics of our cute little townhome. We absolutely LOVE Heber. The scenery and people are beautiful. We feel so blessed to be here.

Not too much happened this month. But, I turned 25... yay! Matt took me to a beautiful dinner at Snakecreek Grill. Amber came up to watch Quinn and he threw an absolute fit. 30 minutes into our dinner I got a panicked phone call from my very capable sister. We rushed home and it took mommy 20 minutes to get him calmed down. The beginning of reflux starts... (to be continued).

May is spent unpacking and setting up the new home. During the day I work from home with Quinn except for 1 or 2 days when I commute to Pleasant Grove to work for TTC. Amber is Quinn's favorite babysitter. She comes twice a week to play. Quinn think she is his girlfriend and he is completely in love.

April 2010

2010-08-05T13:01:00.006-06:00

The last few months have been insane! Here is a quick breakdown of our summer.

In April, Quinn and I went to AZ to visit family and watch the "kids" (16 and 18) while my parents went to Cozumel. Great Grandma Lynda was so in love with Quinn. He loved that she would hold him while he slept.

Auntie Ashlyn wasn't so in love with Quinny. Amber and I convinced Ashlyn that Quinn was so cute in the bath... which he is. What we didn't tell her was that he had an uncontrollable urge to poo during bath time... every time. Needless to say, Peeps wasn't pleased.
Next, Quinn and I flew to Portland for a quick 5 generation picture. Grandma Poitras, Grandma Bonnie, Ronale, Amber and my parents all enjoyed the 3 day trip. We loved the beautiful walk along the water way.
And of course... a girls shot. We all bought matching hats. It was the style in Portland. So fun!

Also in April:

Matt graduated in Finance.
Our sweet ward helped us pack our entire apartment while Matt was in a final and I was sick in bed with a breast infection.
Matt started his new job at Athletic Republic in Park City and loves it!
Quinn started sleeping 6-8 hour stretches at night... hooray!

Quinn's Blessing

2010-06-01T19:33:00.002-06:00

Hooray! We are finally moved in, unpacked and settled down...whew! I will post the whirlwind of events later, but a quick invite to anyone who wants to make the trip up to beautiful Heber...

What: Quinn's Blessing and of course... food and visiting afterwards
When: Sunday, June 13th at 1:00
Where: Daniels Canyon Ward Building in Heber, UT

Let me know if you plan on coming so I can get a head count for food!

Quinn's Newborn Pictures

2010-04-10T13:55:00.003-06:00

Here are Quinn's "newborn" pictures. Michelle Williams and I took them yesterday. We were peed and pooped on several times! Oh the joys of naked babies... never a good idea. Protection from the "elements" is strongly encouraged. :) Thanks Michelle!

(It takes a while to load... or you can click on "View all images" and it will take you to the site.)

Mission Reunion...

2010-04-06T23:12:00.002-06:00

On Sunday Matt, Quinny and I attended Matt's mission reunion. His mission president, Presidente Vasquez and Sister Vasquez flew all the way from Mexico City to give a beautiful fireside. Quinn, of course, slept through the majority of the event. I was so impressed at the love Presidente Vasquez has for these "boys" that served and have since turned into men. What a neat experience to hear him speak so highly of our husbands.

Kissable...

2010-04-06T23:10:00.000-06:00

Yes. Kissable.

Trying to be like Daddy...

2010-04-06T16:01:00.005-06:00

Handsome stud #1

Handsome stud #1 and #2. Our first Sunday we went to be grateful for our 2 miracles.

Sleeping so soundly... hand on chin.

Ditto.

Thanks Nana!

2010-04-06T15:57:00.004-06:00

Dear Nana,

Thank you for teaching mommy everything you know about being the best mom ever. Although, I really didn't like the sponge bath, I am happier now that I can get all the way in. I can't wait to see you in May... I am going to be so big!! I love you! See you soon!

Love,

Quinny

Miracle Baby

2010-04-06T12:11:00.008-06:00

Quinnton Mel Parks was born on March 15, 2010 at 5:32 pm. He weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20.5 inches long! BIG BABY!

So why the miracle baby?...

The night before I went into what seemed to be labor. We went to the hospital and went through the process of being checked in. Contractions slowed down and I wasn't dialating... at all. This is after 2 weeks of regular contractions every 5 to 10 minutes apart. The nurse noticed my blood pressure was a little high. She attributed it to all the walking and pain and sent me home.

The next morning I had a doctor's appointment. I told Dr. A. I had been checking my blood pressure last night after I was sent home and it had stayed high. He checked it again and it was 160/90. He felt a strong need to take the baby today instead of waiting for the scheduled C-Section on Thursday. He believed the baby was probably quite large for me and coupled with my high blood pressure he felt it was better to deliver today instead of wait. We set the time... 5:00 pm that evening. I went home to "rest".

When I arrived to the hosptial, I continued to have contractions and my blood pressure continued to rise. They called it toxemia. The C-section labs were drawn and the 2 hour wait began.

Labs came back. I had now moved into Pre-Ecclampsia... very quickly. My platelets were dropping and there was now a chance I would have to undergo general anesthesia instead of the routine spinal. The anesthesiologist had one shot to get the spinal in. After 10 minutes of prodding, it worked.

Quinn was out within 10 minutes after the spinal block was placed. Matt was with me at the head of the bed and only had to sit down twice. Hearing Quinn cry for the first time was the most spiritual and emotional moment of my life. Seeing his sweet face peek through the curtain was incredible. What a moment! He was beautiful... and big! Matt followed the baby and my mom who had been taking pictures, came in to join me for the last 40 minutes of stitching my insides back together.

In recovery, my body continued to get sicker. My blood pressure rose to a scary 205/105 and my liver was at risk of failing. Turns out, if Quinn wasn't as big as he was (which was weird being that Matt and I are so tiny)... I could easily have had a massive stroke and bled to death within minutes when pushing. They wouldn't have known my condition was as life threatening as it was because the C-section labs wouldn't have been drawn. My condition moved faster than any one the nurses had seen before. They did a great job, however, keeping me calm and taking quick action. The next few days were a blur though. The meds they had me on kept me pretty zonked. When I finally came out of the daze, the nurses sat me down and explained just how critical I was. I am thankful for God's hand in the miracle. Quinn was healthy and I lived.

The other miracle?... Matt got a job in Park City with Athletic Republic. They had called him the week before and told him they decided to go with someone else. However, after thinking about it more, they changed their minds and wanted him! YAY! It is a great opportunity and a great company to work for. So, off we go. We are moving to Heber in 3 weeks. Talk about a crazy month!

A C-WHAT?

2010-03-09T10:36:00.002-07:00

So, after the last two weeks of trying everything possible to induce labor... including RUNNING on a treadmill and getting odd looks at the gym every day... the contractions keep stopping. They start and hurt for a few hours and then completely stop, dead in their tracks. No baby.

I went to Dr. A on Monday for a routine check and we've got a problem...

It appears Baby Quinn and Mama Aubreigh are not going to be compatible.

It is impossible to tell just how big (or small) Quinn is at this point. He looks to be pretty average (6 or 7 pounds). But, these little hips of mine are still just that... LITTLE. Quinn keeps trying to push his head through that bony pelvis of mine, but he just can't quite make it. I am officially "due" tomorrow... but, it's just not going to happen. If no labor by next Monday we will have to schedule a C-Section. In Dr. A's words, "Dear, next week I think we are going to have a heart-to-heart." YIKES!

So, the blessing date for March 21st is cancelled... looks like Mama will still be in the hosptial. But, I am so grateful for a healthy boy. Who knows... if this baby comes out and is 10 pounds, I will shock the world! Biggest bummer of it all: C-sections limit the amount of kids a woman can have. But, nothing is set in stone... it is just a 95% chance I will need one ;)

Stroller for Sale!

2010-03-02T20:41:00.003-07:00

Did you know not all carseats fit in all cars? Either did I... until today. In my efforts to procrastinate the day when my backseat permanently became babyland, I avoided putting my carseat in the back of my car until the last possible minute. Yes, days before my due date. I was completely heartbroken to discover my 2001 Camry does not hold the car seat/base. So, off to the store for yet another unplanned baby purchase (they aren't kidding when they say babies are far more expensive than you'd think). A new carseat means new stroller. So, pass it along!

Stroller - $60

Car Seat - $20

(They are matching and gender neutral)

Here are the stroller stats:

-Locked front wheel for safety and ease of jogging/running
-Safety strap attaches to runner
-3 point harness for child/baby
-Durable black & grey fabric is fashionable and easy to clean
-Large undercarriage bin for storage
-2 cup holders and tray for mom/dad
-Seat reclines or sits high
-Large foot rest for child
-Hand brake and foot brake system
-All wheels remove easily
-All wheels are actual bike tires, no flats & a smooth ride!
-Standing storage & folds small

Here is the stroller for sale...

A little more about the name...

2010-02-20T12:18:00.005-07:00

Quinn will be the first boy to carry on the Parks' name. We decided to use a family name for his middle name. I left it up to Matt to decide. We had narrowed it down to Matthew or Mel... he picked Mel (after Matt's grandpa - Hal's dad).

Here is a copy of the card we sent to Grandma Parks announcing the name... (click to make it bigger to read it)

By the way...

2010-02-20T12:02:00.008-07:00

Yes, I know... I am blogging failure! But, after threatening from many of my dear friends and the reminder that I can use this as an excuse for journaling, I am back again. A few things to update you on...

10. Matt survived surgery and we lost the tournament in softball... no trophy this year. Don't worry though, we will be back in April after this baby comes out!

9. I stopped puking around the clock around 7 months. I felt really good until just a few weeks ago and now I am nauseated in the morning and at night again... but really, I can't complain!

8. A terrible thing happened as I went back to work in the ICU... I started really liking it :) I can't believe I have been there for a year now. The team I work with is so talented and so kind. It is the best nursing job I could ever have asked for! I don't know how often I will be able to work after the baby is born and I just took my 3 month maternity leave this week :(

7. Tutoring Connection/Fabulous Living is surviving the recession... how? I don't know. But, we are and I can't complain. How lucky am I to run a women-friendly business where I can bring my baby to work! Love it!

6. I got called to serve as the secretary in the Stake Relief Society... it is so exciting to work with such inspiring, strong women. I love the calling and have a new-found appreciation for all the details, thoughts and preparation required to run such a large organization. I am so grateful for the Relief Society and the blessings women receive through it. It is truly an inspired organization of God. I have already learned so much in my calling and continue to learn more each week!

5. I went to Arizona for a baby shower and it was so fun to see so many friends and family! Of course as Murphy himself would have it... half of the invitations got lost and none of Matt's family or my friends knew they were invited! But, the shower was absolutely beautiful and perfect and I loved every minute of it!

4. A few friends threw a baby shower for me here in Provo. It was so fun to party with a bunch of friends and family. We had a great turn out and I so appreciate the love and support I have here in my Utah home :)

3. Matt is busy interviewing for jobs and finishing his Capstone semester... he will graduate this April with a bachelor’s in Business Management: Finance & Banking and has already completed his Business Spanish Translation licensure through the University of Spain. His Capstone is CRAZY busy and very stressful (the class is ranked and the bottom 15 or so will not graduate... my hubby is leading the top of the class, good job hun!).

2. I have been busy making preparations for the baby. I got a sewing machine from my mom when I graduated and refuse to sew with a pattern but love to pretend I am a pro (really I just don't know how to use a pattern, so I wing it). I have made lots of things for the nursery and baby including:

The baby blanket (that can't even go in the crib due to SIDS) and refinished the futon I found on KSL Classifieds...

Refinished the rocking chair my mom rocked all four kids in...Car seat blanket/coverlet...Refinished the $15 garage sale changing table...

Antiqued the wooden letters to spell the baby's name...
Travel wipes container...
Set up the pack-and-play (we don't know where we will be after graduation and figured we had better wait on the whole nursery set until we know) and nursery...
1. By the way, I see I have yet to tell the world... we're having a BOY! His full name will be Quinnton Mel Parks (we'll call him Quinn). The contractions are becoming more painful and regular... a good sign that baby Quinn is trying to come before his mommy goes crazy! But, as of last Wednesday (37 weeks) I am 75% effaced and 1/2 a cm dilated. Yes, I know what that means... 1/2 a cm dilated means the doctor didn't have the heart to tell you that you're not dilated at all. Looks like this baby might make it all the way to 40 weeks. This baby carries like a men's size basketball... straight out and down low. We are so excited for Quinn to join our team. I hear the first 2 months are torturous, but we'll survive :) I will post pictures of the delivery (no, not the gross parts) as soon as I am home from the hospital, conscious and not nursing :)

Puking and Hospitals

2009-09-09T15:02:00.007-06:00

The tiny room we called home for 2 days. Matt was quite popular... thanks guys for visiting! (Mark & Violet. Kendra, Nathan & Baby James. Amber & Sean.)

All smiles, as usual! Isn't he cute with the oxygen on and IV going? He didn't trust anything I said all night and would ask the nurse or doctor as soon as they came in. Silly boy! He was OBSESSED with eating and asked the nurse 10 or so times within the first 20 minutes after surgery when he could eat and have a Jamba Juice!

Sweet baby James Manwaring! Went to his blessing on Sunday. He helps me remember why I am crazy enough to endure all the puking. Thanks Kendra for sharing him with me... and thanks again for the delicious meal in the hospital!

Here is a quick update...

The Zofran stopped working for me. In fact, I am probably sicker than I have been before... I didn't keep anything down for 48 hours, and puke like clockwork, every hour. It very well may have something to do with serious sleep deprivation from last week's event and my barf-tolerance beginning to fade. I am finally in my 14th week and into the "safe zone", so as soon as the "all-day" sickness wants to leave, I am ready! Dr. Anderson kindly gave me a new prescription, Phenergan, which seems to be working. No barf in 18 hours makes me a happy woman! But, the darn medicine makes me so tired I literally fell asleep in between every single bite of oatmeal this morning. :)

Matt is one organ short now, thanks to the lovely event that took place last week! I think part of him was afraid to complain of how badly he felt when his wife had permanently staked claim next to the toilet for the last 2 months. But, when I walked into the living room and saw him literally rolling on the floor in pain, I figured we had no choice but to get him to the ER, quickly. So, off we went... me in my barf-encrusted PJs at 1:00pm and Matt, stark white, in some serious pain. They scooped him straight back into surgery after the CT came back with the obvious... Appendicitis. We spent the next 2 days in the hospital where I uncomfortably slept with my growning belly hanging off the side of his bed, Matt sprawled out and zonked from the narcotics. I can assure you it takes some serious love and devotion to "snuggle" up next to an unshowered, drugged up hubby when all you want to do is barf! I had to literally FORCE him to stay home from work the next day. Two days later, after a painful morning for him, I found him sneaking off to work... the guy won't sit still! Thank goodness for doctors... I had to specifically ask the doctor to ban Matt from our softball games for 2 weeks to avoid engaging in the battle and a Matt developing a hernia through his inscisions! Haha... he is doing great now and counting down the days until he can finally flex his stomach again!

Oh Baby!

2009-08-18T16:21:00.004-06:00

Breaking news... Team Parks has drafted a brand new player. The contracts are in the works, but here are the stats.

Expected date of "contraction": March 10th

Gender: Unknown for another 8 or 9 weeks

Weeks in contract: 11 1/2

Weakness: Makes mom VERY morning sick

Strength: Doctor claims baby is an expert wiggler

Biggest fans: Ashlyn and Amber Tucker (Aub's sisters)

I thought I would update you all on the pregnancy... I had my first doctor's appointment on Monday with Dr. Anderson. I did some serious research before picking a doctor. Many of the doctors here in Provo have a bad reputation for treating women like products in a birth factory. Matt and I are both VERY impressed with the doctor. He is very well recognized both for his clincal skills and his bedside manner.

Dr. Anderson did an ultrasound in the office and determined the baby is very healthy and very wiggly! The baby is moving like crazy... legs kicking, arms flailing (although I can't say I feel it yet). Matt has already determined the baby has my "can't-sit-still" personality. The baby is measuring a week bigger than what the conception chart says. While I am 11 weeks, the baby is measuring 12. My due date is still set for March 10th, although it might get changed after my 20-week ultrasound. Seeing that cute little baby and hearing the heartbeat was one of the coolest experiences I think I have ever had. For the first time it really hit me that it really is a baby growing inside me, not a parasite. I instantly felt the "mother-bear," "baby-protector," "I'm-a-mommy" feelings surge through me. Matt was so excited to see the baby on the screen, he couldn't help but smile all day. What a neat experience!

The morning sickness -- it is getting better, but definitely not gone. I have been taking a high dose anti-nausea pill originally created for cancer patients... aka, Zofran. The drug is outrageously expensive and very few insurance companies will cover it, but Dr. Anderson, knowing I work in the ICU, got me the goods for a very affordable price. I can assure you I will never get pregnant without full access to Zofran again! I am now able to put on pants and mascara for the first time in a month... and Matt only has to wake up once during the night to feed me, instead of every hour. I will take the major headaches (side effect) over the extreme barfing events.

I am hoping to return to work in the ICU within the next 2 weeks (I have been way too sick to work there for the last month). All in all baby and I are healthy and growing. I have already gained 7 pounds... which is very good news! My belly keeps expanding, and my bladder continues to "shrink". People keep telling me the extreme exhaustion will depart for phase 2, but that's hard to believe. I should only have 2 more weeks of barfing and only 8 or 9 weeks until we know if its a boy or a girl. We will keep you posted!

10 Things That Came to Pass...

2009-05-20T23:27:00.001-06:00

So, here is the cliff notes version of what has happened over the last month.

10. Aubreigh graduated with honors from BYU. Finally!

9. Matt finished his semester successfully and started his GMAT class.

8. Aubreigh cut 8 inches of her hair off, courtesy of Amber. Thanks, sis!

7. Went to Las Vegas for a short weekend trip with the Williams. Went to a timeshare presentation only to say "NO" and receive show tickets to Circus du Solei - Mystere.

6. Decided never to return to Vegas.

5. Aubreigh got a job at Mountain View Hospital in the ICU where she will work two days a week.

4. Aubreigh helped open up the Tutoring Connection's sister company - Fabulous Living. See the new website at www.FabulousLiving.net!

3. Matt got a job title upgrade and pay raise. Great job, honey!

2. Went camping at Burraston Ponds. Michelle and I giggled like little high school girls. Hey, why not!

1. FISHING! Whooooo hooo!

(pictures to come!)

New Website!

2009-03-14T12:27:00.001-06:00

Visit the new Tutoring Connection website, it is awesome!

www.TutoringConnection.net

Sweet Air Dudes!

2009-01-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the blog!

2009-01-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! For those of you who have known me for a long time, you know that this is WAY out of my comfort zone. Sure, I love keeping in touch, but the whole internet/online thing is a bit too cool for me. However, after 2 years of peer pressure, I caved in and so here we are...take two...The Parks' Team Blog!

Just as a quick update:

Matt is working as an Accountant/Bookkeeper for Harman Property and Realty in Provo and going to school full time.
I am working for free (as I finish my Capstone "residency" in BYU's Nursing School) in the Payson Mountainview Hospital -- Intensive Care Unit.
No kids yet, but we do have a sweet, little gay kitty.

Okay, he's not so little anymore...

Matt is currently serving as the 1st Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency.
I am currently serving as the Compassionate Service Leader.
We are right in the middle of a wonderful ski/snowboard season (check out the slideshow of Matt and Austin (my little brother) catching some sweet air, above).