Parker: 4 Weeks Old

Well I know it's been awhile since our last update and I thought now would be an opportune time to share some new pictures with you of Parker. Today marks his 1 month old birthday - it's extremely hard to believe how quickly the time is going by! (Click on the images above for a description.)

What has changed? At his 2-week appointment he weighed 8 lbs and was 21 inches long; so, it's safe to say he's probably close to 9 lbs now. He's definitely filling out a little more now. We don't really notice it too much since we're with him every day, but looking back at the pictures from the hospital to today - there's definitely subtle differences.

Parker's proving to have some great strength in his young age. He's able to push up on your chest while holding him, he's getting quite good holding his head up and moving it from right to left, and he's finding his hands with his mouth when hungry. And look out, when he's mad, he has quite the temper and his arm and leg strength really show!

Parker and Mommy made their first short road trip last week. Our cousins from New Jersey were visiting and we wanted to introduce the new addition in person. We also visited with the grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandma (5 generations). Plus, we had a few other visits with friends and family. It was a busy day and a half, but Parker is certainly proving to be a great car rider!

Parker had his 1-month follow-up with the neurosurgeon last Thursday and we heard great news! His head circumference continues to stay on the "normal" curve and his soft spot is sunken (a good thing - no swelling). So, the doctor isn't labeling him as a hydrocephalus baby anymore. However, we'll continue to follow-up with him until at least his 1-year birthday.

Nana and Papa Dickerson are coming up to watch Parker allowing Mommy and Daddy to have a second date night - opening weekend of Harry Potter after all!

We just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers throughout the pregnancy and after - we truly believe that they helped! We've had nothing but positive news about Parker's "condition" and hope that it continues.

We love you!

Introducing...Parker Dean Riley

Hello!

In case you haven't heard, Parker Dean Riley joined our family on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:39am. He weighed 7 pounds 5 1/2 ounces, was 20.1 inches long, and is adorable!

Thanks to one of my best friends Rachel Decker, we had some really nice professional photographs taken of Parker and his mommy and daddy. They turned out fantastic and really captured his little personality.

Check out the album on Snapfish and order some if you'd like!

Lots of Love!
Jeff, Serena, & Parker