Cooper is ONE month old!

First off, I totally copied this post-it note idea from a good friend of mine. Thanks, Monica!!!

I cannot believe that Cooper is one month old (well really more since I am behind on posting, but whatever)!! It really does just feel like a few days ago that he was this teeny, tiny little boy that couldn't even fill up a newborn diaper or onsie.

Here are a few pictures from his one month "photo-shoot"

Almost a smile...

Peace, ladies.

This was one of the first pictures I took, he was sleeping, but so darn cute I decided to snap a picture anyway.

Once I took a couple he started waking up from the flash... he was still asleep in the picture but was rolling his eyes around and I caught it just right. Probably one of my favorite pictures of him so far.

When we finished pictures it was time for a diaper change and he managed to pee, poop, and puke all within a couple minutes, so he ended up in new clothes too.

But seriously, is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby?

Nope, I don't think so.

Oh! How time flies!!!

Well, I am officially willing to admit that time is flying by much faster than I would like and my little newborn Cooper is fast approaching 2 month old! Really!! Trust me. Hard to believe isn't it!?!?! With that being said he is keeping me plenty busy along with his loving older sister (hehe) so I am pretty far behind on the blog.

Adyson is still doing really well with Cooper although I am pretty sure the jealousy has started to settle in. She is suddenly very needy, especially when I am feeding Cooper and cannot respond to her every request immediately. She loves playing with Cooper under his "butterfly toy" and when they are laying on the floor together Cooper just coos and oooooh and aahhhhhhs!

The picture above is from mid-Novemberish, way back when Cooper could actually fit into Newborn size clothes... HA! Here is a picture from today, nasty baby acne and all!! Luckily the pic isn't great (I took it on my phone) so you can't really see all his "baby pimples".

Introducing the "Future President"...

One of Cooper's favorite places is in the Moby Wrap which is a giant piece of material that you wrap all around you and tie to make a little pouch for Coop to hang out in. Of course, Ady had to have one to so here she is wearing her baby girl. This is how we went to the mailbox on this day, I am sure we got a few weird looks. HA!

Adyson and Cooper

Adyson LOVES her baby brother. She a wonderful big sister and really enjoys helping with diaper changes!! She is the one in charge of bringing the diaper to change Cooper and she gets pretty upset if someone else get the diaper before she does!!

The other day, I was in the kitchen and not watching Ady as closely as I probably should have been. When I realized she was incredibly quiet I went to check on her. I found her reading a book to Cooper while he was sitting his bouncy seat. It was pretty much adorable!

Here Ady is reading her book to Grandma Bonnie and Cooper.

"I read my book to Baby Cooper"

She wanted Cooper to snuggle with her on the couch, and was kinda upset that we wouldn't let her hold him. She got over it and let Daddy hold Cooper next to her and loves every second of it.

This was still in the hospital. Adyson like to rub Coopers head because it is "fuzzy." She couldn't get enough of him and we had to tell her to back off several times because she was way to close in his face.

Adyson was amazed that Cooper has ears. She kept going through the list of facial features and saying:

"He got ears? Baby Cooper got ears? Like me?"

"He got nose? Baby Cooper got nose? Like me?

and on... and on... and on.

I haven't tried a video on here before, but if this works I have a couple more I can post too. Adyson has taken a sudden interest in taking pictures so I bought her two disposable cameras to take pictures of Cooper. She has to wind it up, and count to 5 (holding down the flash button) that usually turns into counting to 10. Then she looks for Cooper in the window and takes his picture. If you watch all the way to the end, she even gives Cooper kisses!!

Cooper Patrick Lease is here!!

I know, I know. This is old news by now, but for those who want details, here they are.

Cooper Patrick Lease was born at 11:43AM Friday, October 23, 2009. He weighed 7lbs 3.4oz and was 20.5" long.

He is absolutely the most handsome little guy I have ever seen.

Our day started about 4:00AM. Quentin and I were both so anxious that we couldn't sleep anymore, so we got up and dressed. We had planned to leave for the hospital around 6AM (I was supposed to be there by 7:30) but we jumped the gun on that too, and I was all checked in at the hospital and in an "assessment" room by 6:30AM. Apparently it was a crazy morning, and even though I was not supposed to stay in the "assessment center" I did because there were no rooms in Labor and Delivery available. The nurses came in and hooked me up to the monitors, started an IV, and then we waited.

I was anxious, and there of course was nothing on tv, so the time seemed to pass like molasses. Finally, at 9:00 we decided to ask about the expected timeline and they told us that there were at least 2 emergency C-sections ahead of us, and they weren't sure how much longer it would be. My scheduled C-section was at 9:30 - so we knew it wasn't going to be on time. Not long after that they came in ad got me to go over to Labor and Delivery so that final preparations could be made. Anesthesiology came in and told me all about the procedure and the checked to make sure Cooper was still head down, and then the ball really started rolling.


I have to admit, it is quite strange walking yourself in the operating room. Once we got there I sat up on the table and they did a combination spinal block / epidural. It is nerve wracking sitting there while you know someone is about to stick a giant needle into your back, my legs were shaking uncontrollably and I was scared to death I was going to move and mess everything up. It didn't help matters that the doctor that I thought would actually be doing it was standing to the side of me telling a grad student what to do as he poked and jabbed before finally starting the procedure. All in all, it wasn't that bad and life was numb. I laid down and they checked me about every 2 minutes to see how far up I was numb. By the time they quit poking me with a toothpick, I was numb up to my armpits, and couldn't feel anything but "touch, tug, pull, and pressure". I could feel everything, but there was no pain. I heard the doctors talk about getting started and had to send someone to get Quentin (he wasn't allowed in the room during the epidural). He came in the room literally right as they were starting.

I remember everything, the lights, the monitors, the sounds, the weird feelings of body parts moving around, everything. The actual C-section was relatively comfortable, except right when they were delivering Cooper. There was a TON of pressure on my ribs and stomach area, it almost felt like I couldn't breath. I was laying there feeling like it was taking forever to get Cooper out, and when they held that little purple guy up over the drapes I was instantly in love. I remember being completely overwhelmed with joy and even crying. When Quentin told me it had only been 13 minutes since they started I couldn't hardly believe it.



They took Cooper over and got him all cleaned up and weighed. Quentin got to go over and watch, but he couldn't get the camera out because of his scrubs so we didn't get pictures of him in the delivery room. They let Quentin bring him over to me and I was able to see him. My arms weren't tied down, but I was afraid to move them so I didn't even try. They finished putting me back together, which really did take forever. I was in a hurry to go hold my baby after all.. They moved me off the operating table and I had an awful feeling that they were going to drop me for some reason, and off we went to recovery. Cooper came with us and I was able to hold him and nurse him immediately. I was really worried about breastfeeding, but my milk came in on the second day and we have been going strong ever since.

After a couple hours we were ready for visitors. I was so excited to see Adyson's reaction to her baby brother. My mom, Grandma Bonnie, and Adyson came into the room, and Adyson was immediately awestruck. She knew right away that he was her "baby Cooper" and the he came out of mommy's belly. Adyson absolutely LOVES her little brother and she is a wonderful big sister.

We came home from the hospital Monday afternoon. Recovery has actually been a little easier than I expected, don't get me wrong, the first few days were awful. I felt fine as long as I was laying down, but when I stood up I felt like my stomach was going to fall out onto the floor!! Today, a little over a week later, I can get up and out of bed onmy own, up and down the stairs with no problems, and even went out trick or treating for a little bit with Ady and Coop last night. Each day it gets easier and easier.

Cooper's Pumpkin

Well, we figured that we are getting down to the wire now, so we had better decorate Cooper's "pumpkin" before it was too late!! Adyson was a great help (wink, wink!) and Daddy did a pretty darn good job, too!!

Of course, Adyson had to paint a pumpkin on "her" baby Cooper too, so here it is...

And the finished product...


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

We are getting close. I am definitely ready to NOT be pregnant anymore. We installed the car seat today so I guess that means I really am about to have two kiddos!! We have all the clothes washed, the cradle and bassinet ready to go, and the diapers all stacked up ready to go. Today, I opened a pack of newborn diapers, and for some reason, even though I have done this before they were surprisingly small. I mean really. Adyson had doll diapers bigger than the ones I plan to put on Cooper. I really do not know why this was such a "shock" but it really put things into perspective.

So now we wait. and wait...and wait.... I am not down to counting the hours yet, but there are only 4 full days between now and Cooper. Adyson is even asking for me to "bring my baby brother home for me" and telling (directly to my - errrrr - what used to be my belly button) "Baby Cooper, please some out and play with me!" She is too cute, and she is going to be a wonderful big sister!!

Adyson and "Bear"

Yes, Ady and her bear have matching pajamas... :)

Before Ady was born, Quentin and I went to Build a Bear and built her a bear. She has suddenly become attached to this bear and we decided it would be fun for her to build one for Cooper. On Sunday afternoon we loaded up and went to the mall (one of Ady's favorite things to do) and Adyson rode the Zebra (on a carousel) and the choo-choo. Then I went off to get my hair trimmed and she and Daddy went to build a bear. They had a great time, but Adyson was afraid of the the stuffing machine and wouldn't push the button. They were going to dress the bear in a Halloween pumpkin, but Quentin said it was not near as cute as it could be and chose a Harley shirt and bandanna instead. When they were finished they came and found me and she was so excited to tell me "I put heart in Bear's back" and told me all about it. It was super cute as usual. Here are some pics that we took with Ady, Bear, and "Baby Coop's Bear"

Here is Adyson, Bear, and "Baby Coop's Bear"

In true Adyson Fashion... here is "the look" - she crosses her eyes too when she does this look, but I can never snap the pic in time...

Bear and "Baby Coop's Bear"

Adyson and "Baby Coop"

I received a package in the mail today as part of a gift swap that I am participating in. The package contained two incredibly cute outfits for Cooper. Immediately upon opening the package, Adyson started taking the clothes off of her Baby Coop. She told me that his clothes were dirty and needed to go to the laundry room.

Here is Adyson and "Baby Coop" in his brand new outfit.

The outfit had little puppy dogs all over it and the cutest little booties, hat and bib to match. Of course, "Baby Coop" had to wear it all!!

This is her "kiss" face.
Posing for a picture, but of course, Baby Bob Baby couldn't be left behind...he is always in her hand!!

Random thoughts...

Today was a busy day of random randomness. Starting off with an early trip to the airport, which luckily we passed by a wreck practically as it happened - when I came back by traffic was backed up for miles and miles. That would not have been good.


So after the airport, we came home, ate breakfast and called the vet. It was about 9:15ish and they either had an appointment today at 9:30 or next week. Yikes! We made it to the 9:30 appointment. Shasta has some sort of infection on one of her paws. Doc says it doesn't look serious since it is only on one foot, and was most likely from a bug bit or some sort of allergy. We are treating it with antibiotics and will see how it goes.


We spent the rest of the day shopping at Toys 'R' Us and playing outside. Pretty much a normal day in the 'sac! We did manage to add to our "pet count" today. We have four new "friends" and they are "furry worms" according to Adyson. I am hoping maybe they will actually stay alive long enough to make cacoons and maybe even turn into some sort of moths or butterflies... We'll see...


In other news, last night was Adyson's first night with no "B" and let me just say it was freakin' awful. Ady threw a fit yesterday when she woke up because she wanted to stay in bed all day with her binky, but also wanted me and Quentin to stay up there with her. That was obviously not gonna happen so when I picked her up to bring her downstairs, she threw her binky (the old rule was it had to stay in her bed) and it landed behind the headboard. I told her it was lost. We "looked and looked" but just couldn't find it. Last night when it was time for bed (after a day with no nap) she threw an absolute fit. It was rediculous. She literally screamed for an hour and a half until finally she was so tired she fell asleep whining. I fished the binky out this morning and we went on a hunt. We pulled the curtains back and Ady looked behind the headboard and just "couldn't find it," even after we moved the mattress and everything. So tonight I totally cheated!! She was really tired, but as soon as she got out of the bath I gave her the option to go to bed or go downstairs. She went to her bed and when she couldn't find her "B" she wanted to go downstairs. So, we came down and mopped the kitchen floor. After that she said she was ready for bed, and up we went. I expected a very similar episode to last night, but she whined for a few minutes and fell asleep. I think she was just so tired, she didn't have it in her to throw a fit! HA!



And Finally...



How 'bout them COWBOYS!! #5 ?!?! Heck-freakin-yeah!!! And oh by the way - that makes TWO Sports Illustrated covers this season...

In case that wasn't enough randomness for ya, I just looked over and the window sill next to me is covered in ants... Guess I will be hunting for bug spray after I post this...

Edited to add:

Dang - no ant spray but I did forget to mention that I got up the nerve to wash "Baby Bob Baby" tonight - he survived the washing machine tied in a pillow case and is yellow again instead of brown!! Whoo Hoo!!!

32 Weeks and Counting...

Here we are... Adyson and I showing off our bellies, once again!!

The Beast

Adyson and I put together the double stroller today. She was more annoying than she was help, but what else is new? She just kept saying "I want ride in new stroller!! Move Mommy!!" and such. We did finally manage to get it together, although there wasn't much actual assembly. All we had to do was put the wheels, cup holders, front canopy, and parent "organizer". Once all that was done, we got out the car seat and tested it out too. Sorry the pic is blurry - I took it with my phone. Ady didn't want to sit down, so here is, standing on the new stroller.

Cheese!!!

The downside to Adyson being so tall for her age, this seat is supposed to last until she is 50 lbs. Which I am certain it will. However, the canopy, I give it until Spring... She is so tall that her head nearly hits the top already!!

It wouldn't be a true test if we didn't strap "Baby Coop" into the car seat. So far we have had every doll (or Baby Coop), Baby Bob Baby, Big Bob Baby, Big Manny, Little Manny, Puppy, Horse, Big Giraffe, and Baby Giraffe all in the stroller. Although I have to give Ady props, when she had her "pairs" of Bobs, Mannys, and Giraffes out, she did put the big ones in front and the little ones in the car seat!!

Canoeing @ Watson Mill

While we were at the covered bridge, we also decided to rent a canoe and take it for a spin. Here is a view of the river that we were on.

Okay, okay. Truth be told, the river was only about 2 feet deep in the deepest part that we were in. But at least we didn't really have to worry about tipping the canoe over since we were in no "real" danger. The oar is actually touching the bottom. No kidding :)

In true Adyson fashion, she had to pick up a stick and help Daddy row the boat. She did more splashing and nearly hitting me in the face than helping, but she was happy.

Quentin, working hard to row while I took pictures. We were by no means professionals, and even though the water was only inches deep, we had a heck of a time getting the canoe to go in the direction we wanted (probably because the water was so shallow, you couldn't really row).

Here are Adyson and I. Just enjoying the ride. You can see a tree in the background, I am pretty sure we crashed into it shortly after this picture was taken... Maybe I shouldn't have asked Quentin to stop rowing and take pictures!! HA!

Watson Mill Covered Bridge Comer, GA

When we were in Georgia with Quentin, we stumbled across this covered bridge, which is part of a Georgia State Park now. We decided to drive out and see what it was all about and here is what we found:

This is the view of the bridge as you approach it. you can actually drive through it, and we did. Once on the other side, there is a small parking area and a trail where you can walk down to the Broad River.

(This is copied from the website www.raodsidegeorgia.com)

History of the Bridge
The Watson Mill covered bridge was built to allow access to the mill built by Gabriel Watson in 1798 about 300 feet south of the present location of the bridge on the south fork of the Broad River. A sluice extended past the shoals now below the bridge and provided water to power both a sawmill and grist mill. There were other shops in the small community that developed around the mill.
In 1900 the mill fell victim to technology. In place of the sluice, a raceway was built to deliver water from the dam to the turbine that generated electricity for Jefferson Mills (a textile mill) in nearby Crawford.
With the rise of electricity in rural areas in Georgia during the 1950's it was no longer economical to create power from the dam, and after stripping the site of everything of value the company let it sit until it donated the land to the state of Georgia in 1971.
The state began a restoration effort, which centered around the covered bridge. In 1973 Watson Mill Bridge State Park opened to the public, and since that time has become a frequent stop on Roadside Georgia's itinerary.

This is a side view of the bridge.

Ady was having such a great time "exploring" that she wouldn't hardly stand still for a picture. There were plenty of big rocks for her to climb all over. Of course, the rocks were slippery with moss so I didn't do too much exploring. Daddy took Ady out into the water almost of to her knees and she LOVED it.

Ady and Quentin by the waterfall.

Virginia Vacation

(So I thought I had posted this, but just saw that is was only a draft... Better late than never, right?)

Ugh! I forgot this crazy thing loads the pictures in reverse order! HA HA!

Quentin had a class in July at Ft. Eustis in Williamsburg, Virginia. We decided it would be fun to tag along so we flew out on July 3rd. We had a great time, here are the highlights of our adventure.

Me and Adyson at Virginia Beach. Adyson was really not too sure about the waves. However, she LOVED the sand and she would sit right where the water would barely reach her when the waves cam in and dig holes and wait for them to wash away. The water was pretty cold, so that may have also been why she didn't like it too much.

Adyson did not want to go near the water without being held or holding hands. I think this picture is the actual "First Time" in the ocean picture.


Adyson and I showing off our "Baby Coop" bellies.

Adyson and Daddy at the fireworks on the 4th of July. We spent the day at Busch Gardens with DJ, Sabrina, Bri, and Marie. We had a ton of fun and everyone was exhausted by fireworks time. Adyson was frightened by the noise, she thought it was thunder. She ran to Quentin and said "I scared Boom-Booms" and he held her the entire fireworks show! She was interested in watching, but wasn't sure if she wanted to look.

Here are Quentin and Adyson on one of the rides at Busch Gardens. They had a couple different "kiddie" sections, but for most of the rides you had to be 38" tall to ride by yourself. Sabrina and I decided that was a good job for the dads! They had a blast!!