Randomness

A few weekends ago we ventured out into the unknown of downtown Portland to watch the Oregon Beavers triple A baseball team. We went with some great friends and speaking for myself, had a great time. Lincoln loved the sights and sounds and Benson was an angel. Dave was kind of a handful, but what can you expect from a 28 year-old. It was amazing how many people were watching Benson and not the game, he got his own share of ooohs and aaahhs.

We really enjoyed the food, sounds, and smells, only sporting events can bring. Love them hotdogs!

Lincoln was a champ!

This is Benson shortly after his bath. I love a clean, Johnson and Johnson smelling baby. Especially since the reason for the bath in the first place was due to a major blowout followed by Benson peeing on himself. The joys of a newborn. Love ya Benson!

Lincoln enjoying his bath as well. What a stud!

Just about to enjoy one of the most delectable things on the planet. A S'more!

Handsome Dave roasting himself a dog!

Lincoln just kickin back!

Nap time for the babes!

I wasn't really sleeping, as you can tell by the smirk on my face.

Lincoln passed out on the couch after a long day of playing hard!

Just a random pic of Benson!

Introducing Benson Eric Parkinson

Benson was born on June 24th at 2:08pm. He weighed in at 9lbs. and 70z. and was 20 inches long. We are so happy he is here safely and don't know what we ever did without him!

Below is a newborn picture of Lincoln.

Do you think they look like brothers?

A very chubby Benson

A picture of the delivery room. My hospital stay was amazing! I felt like I was in a hotel!

Grandma Jen holding her second grandchild. Isn't she beautimous!

All I can say is that we never could have survived without my mom. She cooked, cleaned, babysat, and the list goes on. Thanks mom!

Me on epidural drugs = Happy! The delivery was awesome! I was induced. We went to the hospital at 7:30am, I was already dialated to a five when we got there. Since I was already dialated so much they decided to give me my epidural first thinking the labor would go pretty quickly once my water was broken. The doctor finally came and broke my water around 11:30am and Benson was born at 2:08pm. I was amazed I only pushed for 8 minutes. And the best part was...I didn't feel a thing!

Me and my two sweet sons!

Our amazing family of four! I sure love my boys!

Just cuddling with my new babe while sporting the birds nest hair style!

Proud Daddy!

Lincoln sporting his new trike from Grandma Jen. He is adjusting to having this new person around. He gives Benson kisses every once and a while but is still a little unsure of what is happening. Don't worry Lincoln, we still love you so much. How could you not love this face!

Benson just chillin!

Just a few cute shots of Lincoln! He loves playing in the dirt when go to work on our garden. Typical boy! Love you Linc!

White Coat Ceremony! I know it is late!

Dave's class pre-white coat. AKA "plain old students"

Dave's class post-white coat. A.K.A "totally awesome Optometry Interns"

The White Coat Ceremony is a "rite of passage" for students beginning the study of medicine that encourages a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The event emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for the patient.

Dave's class reading their Optometric Oath

The white coat is a symbolic, non-verbal communication used to express and reaffirm a fundamental belief in a system that society observes. The authority of dress is serious and purposeful, not social, casual, or random. It is a guide to both the patient and clinician on how to react and relate to one another.
The uniform should convey to even the most anxious patient a sense of seriousness and purpose that helps provide reassurance and confidence that his/her complaints will be dealt with competently and seriously.


Dave I must say you look quite dashing!

We are so grateful for so many wonderful friends who have made our time in Forest Grove a time we will never forget.

I am especially grateful to have been around such amazing women. I know that these women are much of the strength behind those white coats. I love you girls!

We were so privileged to have Dave's Mom and Dad here for this great event. I know they are much of the reason Dave is here. Thanks for helping to make Dave the amazing man that he is!

Congratulations Dave! Thanks for all of your hard work! We are so proud of you!

Beach time with Grandma and Grandpa

We had a great time visiting Indian Beach with Grandma and Grandpa Parkinson! The weather was beautiful and we even saw a bald eagle. Thanks for the great memories. Love you guys!

Lincoln feeding the ducks!

Grateful for an amazing man!

If anyone really knows Dave, they would know that he would never approve of this post. Why you might ask? Because it is all about him! Yesterday Dave finished his second year of Optometry school. Not only did he finish it, but he did it with flair. I am always amazed by him and his many abilities. I will name just a few...First, how is it he is able to juggle the toughest semester of his life while having a family (including a pregnant wife), keeping up with the never-ending apt. maintenance and looking good all at the same time? It is a mystery! Actually that is not true. The mystery lies in the little details of the life of this amazing man.

Dave, I am so grateful to have you have a husband, example, best friend, and partner in crime. And, I know Lincoln loves you so much and we are both so amazed and thankful for all of your hard work. We would be so ungrateful if we did not thank our Heavenly Father for all of the blessings we have received during this often difficult time but wonderful time. We love you!

Love,

Tara, Lincoln, and Baby!