"It couldn't have gone better..."

....that's what the pediatric surgeon told us after he had finished Everett's surgery. Everett did awesome and it took the surgeon half of the time he had allotted because Everett was such a champ! We were told that the blockage was fixed and Everett has no other concerns. While they were doing the surgery, they were checking the rest of the digestive system to make sure all of the other parts were working okay. Fortunately, it was just the one blockage and it is all fixed now!

We were able to see and hold Everett before he went into surgery and we got to see him once he was out. We made Everett a sign for his bed that shared the meaning of his name:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Shane - "The Lord is gracious"
"The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion." Psalm 116:5

Everett is recovering well and just taking it easy. He will be under sedation for about 48 hours while his body recooperates from it all. Adam and I are so proud of him. We are continued to be BLESSED by God's faithfulness and protection over our family. Thank you for your support, prayers, and love!

Kangaroo Care with Everett - Adam did get a turn too!

Loving on our son before surgery

Everett Shane Parken is HERE!

Our lives have beautifully changed forever as our son, Everett Shane Parken, entered this world today. He was born at 9:13am weighing 4 pounds 10 ounces and 18 inches long! My water broke around 4am, but I must have been in labor without knowing it because by the time we got to the hospital around 5:15am, I was already 8 cm dilated! It was truly a blessing as I did not feel pain until the last hour. I had some not comfortable contractions starting after 8am and then the last part of pushing for 20 minutes was the hardest, but he and I did great! No medication, great nurses, and Adam and I are just elated! Our current pics can be found here on Picasa, but we will take more as we get to see him more!

Since Everett decided to make an early appearance (35 weeks), he is being monitored at the Special Care Nursery. He is really doing just fine, but they want to make sure of that. Everett needs to be able to eat on his own and keep is oxygen levels stable and then we'll be able to take him home. There is a chance we may go home before him, but not by much (one day or so). We keep praying for him to gain his weight and eat his food! I already told him eating runs in our family, so he might as well get on it! We can't wait to introduce you to our precious boy....he is an amazing gift from God!