Our 2011 Christmas Gift - LUKE

Its been a smooth 41 weeks of carrying our unknown child. Unsure if its a boy or a girl, unsure of its features, unsure of what it even sounds like. Although six days past the expected due date, our child is absolutely perfect.

Saturday, Dec 3, 2011
3:53 am - Beginning of strong contractions (avg 30 mins apart)
7:02 am - 1st time having breakfast at Silver Fork restaurant (avg 15 mins apart)
12:54 pm - 1st call to the doctor. Doctor's response: "give it another hour." (6 mins apart)
2:30 pm - 2nd call to the doctor. Doctor's response: "come to the hospital" (5 mins apart)
3:15 pm - Arrived at the hospital and admitted into triage. Confirmed I was 4cm dilated.
4:00 pm - Received my really large birthing suite.
5:10 pm - Decided to get the epidural (probably at 5cm dilated), later received 2 additional doses epidural, my parents visited & prayed over me.
10:00 pm - Nurses realize my water broke at some point in time.
11:00 pm - Nurses identify that baby's heart rate is dropping with each contraction (due to pinched umbilical cord).

Sunday, December 4, 2011
12:20 am - Dr.Bridges informs me of baby's heart rate dropping and that alternative methods may need to be considered, but try natural first. She also confirmed I was dilated enough to start pushing.
12:35 am - Began pushing with each contraction. The doctor used the vacuum and if the baby didn't come out, then the next solution is cesarean. One final push and...
12:54 am - Alex announced that its a baby BOY! Our son's umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice, nurses cleaned him and took his vitals. Alex immediately tended to our little boy, then when they brought him to me on the bed - Alex began to pray aloud (this is what really melted my heart to tears). Praise Jesus, he is healthy...no cone head, no heart issues, and doesn't have jaundice.

Lucas James Hopwood (goes by Luke) was born on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 12:54am. He weighted 6lbs 14oz and was 20.25 inches long.

Thank you Jesus for answering all our prayers from the beginning. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Swedish Hospital-First Hill for your compassion and great service. I could not of had a better first-time experience and really do appreciate you staying up through the late hours to comfort me and ensure a healthy delivery. As I've told others, "I would do it again." Thank you!!

 

Woohoo!

(Diana) For dessert, unscramble the cupcake letters to figure out what it says.
(Mom) "I see the word baby. B-A-B-Y"
(Sisters) "Baby, what? Woohoo!"
(Mom) "Oh yeah, its says 'Baby Woohoo!'"
(Diana) "It says 'Baby Hopwood', but we'll name it Baby Woohoo for now."

Now I get it why they call it the "Miracle of Life"...because this gifted blessing is created as just that...a divine miracle! Our little child is a healthy 13 week old fetus (apparently the size of a lime) and seems to be as chill as its daddy. We are incredibly excited and joyfully looking forward to November 28, 2011!!!

Moorea! (aka: TAHITI)

Moorea is a gorgeous, little island in French Polynesia just 9 miles northwest of Tahiti.  Its a beautiful reward after the exhausting adventure getting there.  Our layover flight to LAX was canceled and therefore we missed our Tahiti flight out of LA.  Since flights out of LA are limited and there aren't any inter-island connections once you arrive in Papeete; I highly recommend starting your travels one or two days before you actually start ordering poolside mai-tai's.  Despite the canceled flights, misconnections and the unexpected 6 hour bus ride, a secluded beach was still worth the effort.  Below are a few pictures from our heavenly vacation.

Samchoon's Legacy

John Sungsoo Park was born on October 29, 1954 in Seoul, Korea and died on February 5, 2011 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 56.  He was a son, husband, father of three children, a brother, mentor and a lover of Christ.  I called him Samchoon (meaning uncle in Korean). 

Samchoon was a humble, generous and selfless man who devoted his life to serve Christ and love others before himself.  Aside from owning his own CPA firm, Samchoon spent his time as an elder at Korean Presbyterian Church of Seattle, rarely missing a Sunday service and always sharing the gospel until his final days.  From church sport activities to weekly church meetings, Samchoon's priorities never wavered.  He truly loved God's people as if they were all "blood related," serving the church with great compassion and dignity.  Samchoon taught me that it wasn't nearly enough to go to church, that to be a Christian we are to live completely devoted to Jesus.  And that there is great value in loving and serving Jesus, desiring more of the Holy Spirit as a church community. 

The fruits of Samchoon's labor on earth was apparent at his memorial.  It was quite obvious he had an impression on hundreds of lives.  Many people flew to Seattle from various corners of the continent on a moments notice to celebrate John's life.  The sanctuary was packed full with over 400 people, and an additional 100+ people listening in while standing outside in the cold weather.  Despite the interment service the following day, many people sacrificed their own agenda to honor and bid Samchoon a final farewell.  Its exactly what he would do for them.

It amazes me how Samchoon provided and attended to the needs of his parents, wife and children (for many years had seven people in the same house), while running his own business, and actively involved with church - he carried such a heavy load.  And despite his busy schedule always made time for you.  How does someone with such a large (proverbial) plate  demonstrated a headship, a loving marriage, and a joyful heart with such grace?  He enjoyed the outdoors and was the first to introduced my family to the quality goods at REI.  He was the adult with great responsibilities yet his child-like joyful spirit never escaped him. 

A few months prior to passing away, Samchoon prayed over a family meal and while I only recorded a small snip - he prayed, "Jesus always guide them (family members).  Always be the master of their lives.  (with appreciation & gratitude) God, thank you so much!  I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen."

Samchoon, THANK YOU!  Thank you for your encouragement and your example through the years.  Thank you for continually pointing us to Jesus, for the many hugs & laughs you shared and for humbly leading our family well.  I love you, Samchoon!

Thee Birthday Celebration

There's many reasons to celebrate: a new job, promotion, retirement, graduation, engagement, wedding, family addition or even a new home.  However of all these occasions to get a greeting card and  raise a glass, the best celebratory reason to honor and uphold, is Jesus and his existence on the earth.  Yes, I'm talking about Jesus Christ's birthday (aka Christmas).

If I knew someone who was turning 2,010 years old - I would hope the birthday party to be huge!  From flowers, decorations, food/drinks, music, photographers, transportation and additional costs, the average cost of a wedding in Seattle is about $30,000.  Even the multiple-day wedding events in India aren't as intriguing as Jesus birthday party.  Although its definitely a great reason to 'go big' and party it up, its minor league compared to how JC rolls.

Participating in Jesus' birthday is unavoidable and providentially designed that way.    We have eight Christmas events to attend to this month...it seems overwhelming but its always a joyous occasion.  Jesus doesn't need money to determine his worth or value.  He honors His own birthday every year in playing joyful carols in every store & on every radio station, receiving Christmas card surprises in your mail, sentimental candlelight church service, happy people of all ages, time off from work and the selfless act of giving gifts and love to one another.  What's most impressive about this birthday party is that its an international event and Jesus invited EVERYONE to participate!

May you and your loved ones enjoy the Christmas festivities with joy and gladness.  Happy Birthday Jesus and thanks for the party invite. 

Thankful for FRIENDS

I can't help but be thankful for all the family & friends in my life who have brought me so much joy this year.  What an encouragement it is to walk with people who simply love Jesus.  At home, work, church, on weekends, or over beers, God continually orchestrates the gospel around me through these peeps...its awesome!  Kamsa mi-da, mahalo, domo arigato, gazie, thank you!!!

I light of the Thanksgiving spirit, I've posted couple of my favorite thanksgiving memories.  Get your Joey pants, do a little dance, and have a joyful holiday surrounded by love, laughter and delicious grub!

Boston/NYC vacation

The culture and history of the east coast is so rich (and so are the wallets). We caught a red-eye flight to Boston and since our hotel room wasn't ready we decided to eat in the hotel restaurant. Although the eggs and bacon were good, it wasn't quite worth the $25, so being half awake it wasn't the best first impression either.

Boston, oh I love this city! I couldn't get enough of the Irish pubs, tax-free clothes and how much history that has been preserved throughout the years. From original gas street lamps to one of the oldest baseball stadiums today, you can't help but appreciate the old ways of doing things. Although the Red Sox lost their home game, Alex's youthful excitement was shining when he got a signed baseball from manager, Terry Francona.

New York took us by surprise when the subways were clean and the people didn't elbow us or talk to us with an attitude. Between great eats, shopping, parks and tourist attractions we made full use of our vacation. The new Yankee Stadium was absolutely beautiful...but so was Central Park, St.Patrick's Cathedral, Grand Central Station, Ellis Island, and Time Square. I can only suggest two things when visiting the Big Apple: a smart phone to help you find, locate & navigate around the city AND great walking shoes (no slippas or heels) to help you wondering the blocks a little longer.

Here are some pictures from our vacation last September: