Keri and Parker's First Night Alone

We were lucky that Chris was able to spend two of the three nights with us in the hospital. The last night, Parker and I were on our own. We did not sleep much...and I captured a wonderful "awake" moment!

Who is the most qualified?

Here is a story for you...

My family and the nurses did a fabulous job of keeping me calm before rolling into the operating room for an emergency C-section. The room was full of laughter, and my father, Grandpa Bob added to the comedy relief.

Many of you know that he was in a medical brigade for the National Guard. He worked with physicians and nurses, ran trauma exercises, and even learned some basic medical "procedures."

Grandpa Bob was sitting against the wall in my room before Parker was born and casually said, "you know, outside of the medical professionals in the room, I am the most qualified person to go into the operating room." Marcie, one of my nurses casually took the bait and replied, "oh really, why is that?" My father's response...ready for it? No really are you ready for it...

"Well, I trached a goat once."

Marcie's response, "yeah, cause this is exactly like that."

Such a classic moment and wonderful memory! So to all of our family and friends, Grandpa Bob is available for all major surgeries and medical procedures. Outside of the trained medical professionals, he is the most qualified guy to help you out!

Parker's Arrival...unscheduled as it should be.

It was Wednesday, September 23, 2009 and I was 37 weeks pregnant. I woke up at 7:30 a.m. after one hour of sleep because of pregnancy induced insomnia. I looked at Chris and said, "I am so ready for Parker to be out."

Little did we know that he would be born at 3:21 p.m. that day.

My first stop of the day was my 9:00 a.m. weekly doctors appointment. My blood pressure had been slightly elevated over the past two weeks and a few of my labs were on the high side of normal. My doctor decided to send me over to Sutter Memorial Hospital to be monitored biweekly. I was told this was very routine for a first time pregnancy.

At 10:30 a.m. I arrived to the Labor and Delivery Triage and was hooked up to the monitors. As I wait, I text Chris that I am at SMH being tested and I would let him know how it is going. Not two seconds after sending that text the nurse turns to me and asks me, "Can you feel all of the contractions you are having?" Uh...no. Contractions? Really?

I text Chris that I am having contractions and call my mom...but, tell them there is nothing to worry about - the nurse will let me know when they need to come to the hospital.

Chris decides to show up (good husband) despite my relatively calm texts and so does my mother. Chris, dressed in his uniform, decides to "run home" and change. Not two seconds after he leaves, my blood pressure shoots up to 199/114. The nurse took one look at the monitor and said, "looks like you are going to have a baby today."

Why did I think that just because Parker's due date was scheduled that the date was set in stone? I had so much to do...one more week of work, a hair cut, a pedicure, finish his room. I was on the phone 10 minutes before going into surgery trying to tie up some loose ends at work.

I call Chris - he grabs the camera, video camera and my half packed bag (I did have another two weeks to prepare) and gets back to the hospital. He walks in the door at 2:55 p.m. while I am being wheeled into the operating room. Chris and my mom put on their scrubs and get ready to join me in the room.
Parker is born at 3:21 in the afternoon and registered at 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches.


We waited six years to have a baby. It was such a special moment to see him, smell him, meet him.

36 Weeks and Counting

It is September 15, 2009 and I am 36 weeks pregnant. My belly keeps growing and we are eagerly preparing to bring Parker Thomas Cavner home. Chris has been working on the room and I have been washing clothes, sitting down, organizing his closet, and then sitting down...my stamina is not what it used to be. I am working until October 5th and I have a scheduled c-section for October 8th. It is nice to stay busy...

Seeing our boy in 3D

Chris and I were fortunate to get a 3D ultrasound at 31 weeks. I can't tell you how exciting it was to see Parker and his smooshed little features. During the ultrasound, Parker was opening and closing his mouth and would not take his hand away from the side of his face. He also stuck his tongue out at us a few times...a sure sign of things to come.