The Same Ol' Question

It never fails.. that dreaded question comes up, "When are you going to have another one?" Glenn and I tend to laugh the question off, but sometimes it makes me want to scream. Cooper is JUST 13 weeks old. 13 weeks that have been the quickest yet slowest weeks of my life. It took us 3 years and many attempts to finally get our little miracle baby. I had three years of wishing and waiting for dirty diapers, smiles and coos, little clothes, and having someone so little depend on ME to keep them alive! Three years of silently crying inside as I watched all my friends with their babies, wondering when it would be my turn.

I spent 9 months excitedly awaiting the arrival of Miss Cooper. We planned her nursery, bought lots of clothes, enjoyed baby showers, worried about being good parents, etc. Over 12 hours of labor later (and a week and a half early), our lives changed. So much planning, yet you are still never prepared for your new job as a parent.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it took us so long to get to this point. We just want to enjoy every minute of it. We want to concentrate on the present and not necessarily the future just yet. Like I said, these past 13 weeks have gone by so quickly, and Cooper is changing so much each day. Why can't we just focus our attention on her for this moment in our lives? In the blink of an eye, she'll be older and I won't be able to cuddle her or carry her around. God gave us this tiny miracle and I want to enjoy every single moment with JUST her.

Maybe one day we will be ready for another. Who knows what our future does hold, but I know at this moment, I've got a cutie napping upstairs who has my heart. She means more to me than she will ever know.

Photo by: Melissa Haas

3 Months Old

Cooper Booper, you are 3 months old!

We took several 3 months pictures and this was the best one. You weren't in a very photogenic mood that day! :)  We are starting to see so much of your personality these days. You are the happiest in the mornings and I love when I'm the one that gets to wake you up. You are still fighting those naps during the day, but we typically get one solid 2-3 hour nap in at some point (most days). If you aren't having a good napping day, we put you to bed earlier and that seems to help. Usually we start our bedtime routine anywhere between 7 and 7:30. You're sleeping about 11 hours at night which makes Mommy and Daddy happy!! Those early days we didn't think we'd ever get a solid night's sleep again. Luckily Mommy takes after HER Mommy and is a morning person so waking up at 7 or 7:30 (on the weekends) is not something I will NOT complain about!

Yesterday you surprised us all by drinking a total of 33oz in one day! Usually you take about 27 or 28. I'm thinking you just went through a growth spurt because I feel pretty certain you grew while at Mrs. Pam's one afternoon. You seemed way bigger when I saw you later that day.

You seem to enjoy playing on your mat a lot more. You are cooing so much more now and love when Mommy and Daddy sing to you. It's so weird to watch you during tummy time because I am constantly amazed by how much MORE you are able to do. You are quickly becoming a pro at holding that head up and we can't wait to try out some of the toys we have for you! We did get you a new swing because of one particular movement you like. Daddy was able to do it, but with you getting bigger, it hurts his arm.

You went on your first real restaurant visit earlier this week with Mommy, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Brian, and your cousins. Mommy was REAL worried, but you did pretty good. You only got cranky towards the end and I think that's because it was getting close to bedtime. You do love going on walks though. We go with Miss Lauren and her furry baby Winston when we can. Hopefully with the weather getting warmer, we can make that a nightly ritual. Fefe and I took you to Furman last week and we walked for about an hour and a half and then people watched. You loved watching the ducks splashing in the water.

I can't believe you are not a newborn anymore. You're in size 2 diapers and can wear some 3-6 month clothes. I can't wait to see how much you change this month. Mommy and Daddy just love you to pieces. Daddy is taking vacation soon and gets to spend a whole week with you! I'm quite jealous, but I did get 11 weeks... Plus this summer!!

2 Months Old

** This is a week late! **

Cooper, you are 2 months old! We are amazed at how much you have changed in just a couple months. At your 2 month appointment, you were measuring 23in long and 10lbs 15oz. You are still in the upper percentile for height and slowly going up in weight, although, I would have to say that in just the past few days, I'm sure you've put on a few ounces. You are eating anywhere from 4 to 6oz (lately closer to 6oz!). You've also started making this higher pitched squealing cry when we stop to burp you. It's like you are scared we aren't going to let you finish. We just think it's funny.

 

 

About a week ago, you turned into Miss Grumpy and I'm sure it's because you refuse to take naps during the day. You will catnap for about 30 minutes in your room after playtime, but then you're up. I've learned you will fall asleep in your swing downstairs if I put you in there when I start seeing those yawns so I've given up forcing you to nap in your crib. I really think you've associated the crib with nighttime and that's okay. You like being where everyone else is, even if you're asleep. You've started sleeping WAY longer spurts at night and this makes me AND Daddy extremely happy! We've pretty much eliminated that middle of the night feeding, however, I'm still not quite convinced this will last. I always wake up on edge at around 2:30-3am, knowing you are bound to wake up at some point. You did a few nights ago and ended up "talking" yourself back to sleep. Sweetest sounds to wake up to!

 

 

You love sticking your tongue out and you drool A LOT. You smile when you see either me or Daddy. When we sing, you try to sing too. You are still not a fan of tummy time. You do better holding your head up when we're holding you, but we are working on the tummy time. We can usually get a little bit in before a meltdown occurs. You are starting to really love your baths which makes getting ready for bed so much more enjoyable for all! You even gave me a few smiles the other night.

 

 

I was supposed to go back to work today, but it snowed! And I won't be going back tomorrow either which means I've got a few more days of snuggles. :)  I'm scared you will forget me during the day when I'm at work. MY mom keeps telling me that will never happen. You will still be with Daddy on his days off and then with Mama Debbie or Mrs. Pam on days he does work. We went to visit Mrs. Pam the other day and she is VERY excited to have you! I'm sure you will be spoiled rotten. Knowing you will be with people who love you very much makes going back to work a little easier... AND knowing we will have the WHOLE summer together!

 

We love you very much Miss Coop! Even when you are grumpy, I could still just pinch your little chubby cheeks! We can't wait to see how much you change in the upcoming months!

Some Things I've Learned About Motherhood So Far

1) My house will never be clean again. Clean while she's sleeping? Or while she's with Daddy? Psh, I use that time to shower, catch up on Facebook, or just sit. 

2) The washing machine has become my new best friend. There was really no need to buy a hamper because the majority of her dirty clothes have to be washed ASAP before the stains set in. 

3) Glenn and I eat in shifts. Never fails that as soon as we sit down to eat, Cooper is awake. And screaming because she wants to eat when we do. 

4) Accept help AND don't be afraid to ask for it. Need a nap? Call your mom-in-law. Need to go grocery shopping? Call your mom. Yogurt Mountain date with your hubby? Call your sister-in-law. They all will jump at the chance to babysit. 

5) I've cut my "get ready" time down to about 15 minutes. And even when I know I have more time to get ready, I still feel the need to rush. Maybe saving money by shortening my showers will even out with the increase in laundry?

6) Find what works best for me, Glenn, and Cooper. It may not necessarily be what the books say or what worked for a friend and her baby, but that's okay.

7) Make sure doctor appointments are not during feeding time. Makes for a very unhappy baby AND annoyed waiting room. 

8) Clothes that look too difficult to put on... Don't need to be in Cooper's closet. Whoever thought that elastic band at the bottom of those cute newborn gowns was a good idea never tried getting that thing on a crying/wiggling baby.

9) Record every TV show I want to watch at night... Even if I think it will be safe to watch, more than likely I'm too tired to watch OR I want to take advantage of Cooper being awake and we play. Plus it gives me something to watch the next morning while Cooper is snoring away.

10) There's nothing sweeter than seeing that first smile. It's gas you say?? Nah, not in my mind. 

11) Sometimes you just gotta laugh. Up to your elbows in poop? Spit up on your shirt? On the 4th outfit of the day because she peed as soon as the diaper came off? Just laugh. And remember it all so that you can embarrass her when she gets older. ;) 

Having a baby has been a blessing yet one of the biggest challenges I have started. Not a day goes by that I thank God for Cooper yet ask for His continual guidance so that we can be good parents to her. Each day gets a little easier. Thankfully Cooper seems pretty patient and doesn't mind that her parents are learning as they go. 

1 month

Cooper, you are officially 1 month old today! It's hard to believe a month has already passed us by. You have grown and changed so much since you entered this world! We took you to the doctor this past week and the doctor says you are doing great! You  weight 8lbs 11.5oz (you have turned into a little chunk-a-munk). You are in the 81th percentile for length, but only 36th percentile for weight. You are going to be tall like your daddy! Your head is in the 92nd percentile!! I keep telling daddy it's because you are so smart. Unfortunately, this means mommy has had to put away a lot of the headbands she bought because they are too small for you! You are out of newborn diapers and clothes... Sometimes the 3 month clothes seem a little big, but you are slowly starting to fill them out. Good thing because we sure have a lot of clothes for you to wear.

We haven't been to too many places. The doctor, both grandparents' houses, your aunt and uncle's house. We did make a quick trip to Target. Too many people are sick and mommy is terrified of germs. It's also been very cold so we've been staying close to home. Mommy is going a little stir crazy, but it's definitely better than you getting sick!

Right now we put you to bed around 9:30ish. You usually make it to about 12:30. You were making it a little longer so we're thinking maybe we need to start giving you a little more to eat at your last feeding for the night. You then go back to sleep pretty easily and wake up again between 4:30-5am. Again, you go back to sleep pretty easily. You've been in your crib since New Year's Eve and don't seem to mind. You may be a little fussy at first, but you usually wear yourself out and go to sleep.

We're working on tummy time. It doesn't seem to be your favorite thing to do.. You last maybe 5-10 minutes and then either a) start crying or b) fall asleep. But you're getting better!

We love you so much! You definitely keep mommy and daddy on our toes. I can't imagine our lives without you, but like I said before, being a mommy is tough! Who would think a grown woman who teaches 26 2nd graders would be so scared of a tiny 8lb baby?! Slowly mommy is learning that we have to do what works best for us and not worry what others say we *should* do. No matter what challenges the days may bring, my absolute favorite part of the day is when I am rocking you to sleep and you just curl up on my shoulder and fall asleep. Those are the moments that I absolutely cherish. I have to enjoy them while I can because I know you won't be little forever!

Just a few pictures from our first month with you!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we always go over to Glenn's parents' house. It was extra special this year since we had Miss Cooper with us! I think it's pretty safe to say everyone is just smitten with her. This girl is going to be spoiled rotten.

Sitting with Uncle Brian... she's obviously deep in thought.

 

I love these pictures with her cousins. They are so precious.

Love my sweet girl!

 



 

Uncle Brian and Aunt Kelly

 

 

So incredibly blessed to have our little munchkin with us! AND to have family that has been so willing to help us!

 

PS - We went to my parents' house on Christmas Day.. I don't take pictures when we go there because my Dad takes care of that! :) I need to "steal" some of his pictures to upload.

Almost 2 weeks old!

Welp, we've been at it almost 2 weeks and we're still here. Although I don't really have much experience, I would say Miss Cooper is a pretty easy baby. We are very blessed for that! She's perfectly happy and content as long as she is fed. Girl likes to eat. What's funny is that I was so scared she wasn't getting ENOUGH food in the beginning, but she eats plenty now. I tried the nursing thing.. she wouldn't latch so I'm pumping what I can (which isn't enough for her hungry self) so we are also supplementing with formula. We go back to the doctor for our 2 week check up this Wednesday and I'm anxious to see how much she weighs.

Being a mommy is tough! Partly because I'm so worried about everything! It's also more difficult when you can't get around like you want to. I can't drive or lift anything heavier than 10lbs (which includes the car seat) for 2 weeks (although my follow-up appointment isn't until next Monday so I'm not sure if I should wait till then). BUT, I also managed to fall down coming into the house last weekend. We were coming back from Cooper's doctor's appointment and CRASH. My legs were already so swollen from everything else, and they just turned into jello. Somehow I've managed to do something to my knees or legs which makes it incredibly difficult to go up and down stairs without grasping to the side for support. There is no way I'm trusting myself to carry Cooper up and down so we pretty much stay upstairs. I can go down by myself, which I do quickly while she's sleeping to wash bottles, get a snack, or drink. Thankfully we have a video monitor so I can keep tabs while I'm away! I went last week and they did X-rays.. nothing's broken. But it's not getting better.. so we shall try again tonight! My sister is taking me to an after-hours (which means you don't need an appointment) place that specializes in sports injuries so maybe they will be a little more detailed in what they do. Glenn will be here alone with Miss Cooper and has already put his Mom on watch in case he needs help. This will be my first time away from my baby! I just want to be at 100%. My little girl needs me to be!

Here are just a few pictures of what we've been up to these past few days:

 Photo taken by my Dad
 

 Photo taken by my Dad