David Parker

By Tyler

Sorry I couldn't get into more detail last night. With all the excitement and exhaustion, we didn't want to fail to let everyone know the great news, but we just didn't have the energy or were clear-headed enough to elaborate. Some of this information is repeated from my post last night so please forgive me. I just wanted to give all our friends a little more detail.
Carmen's doing fine now. The labor was much shorter than last time, but she still labored for just under 12 hours (way better than for 3 days). Parker 8 lbs 8 ounces, was 22 inches long with a head 14 inches in diameter so it took a few really difficult pushes, but there was no tearing (rips). From the time we got to the birth center to when Carmen delivered was only about 2 1/2 hours so our timing was very good. Her water broke while she was laboring in a bath; after that she only labored another 1 1/2 hours until Parker was delivered.
Parker's amazing. He's got great muscle tone and strong lungs. He doesn't seem quite as aware as Annley was of her surroundings when she was born, but he's far more relaxed and quiet-tempered. The only times he really gets upset at all is when he has to be changed (he can't stand the cold) and when he's hungry. Other than that he's perfectly content.
Annley stayed with my parents last and Carmen is really grateful for the break since Annley is a firey ball of energy and also since Carmen's still on the mend. We're at home now and enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep last night. Annley will probably come home in just a few hours where she'll have to start getting used to the idea of sharing "mommy" with a new baby. She regarded Parker last night with curiosity, a shred of jealousy, but mostly excitement, so I believe she'll be just fine after a short adjustment. Annley is a bright, helpful, and intelligent young girl, so I have no doubt that she will be a great big sister.
Parker is the second child we've given birth to with a perfect Apgar score of at least 10. We've been told that's not particularly common. We already know what an amazing child Annley has turned out to be so we have confidence that we're at least a little prepared for all the joy and difficulty that comes with bringing a second child into the home.
We appreciate all your love and support. Thank you for the incredible out-pouring of well wishes. We love all our family and friends and we'll be excited to share our family with them whenever possible.
Love,
Tyler and Carmen