tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56131797803534785892024-02-18T21:27:07.519-05:00Perfectly Imperfect..Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.comBlogger1060125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-62565339950488968842016-11-18T21:15:00.000-05:002016-11-18T21:15:17.787-05:00happy birthday coopy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9ffKpQunWFcDCWf8HHvQXqH24F1b2O7rJryNvbVtXR0fLWoomALtjNSHi9rP4_xzacF74xMYyDON7qVVgV_11LMB3YItQdE8IkZQ6RQ0kjOZ8MpFH4bOgH-Z5U1KzP3sF7v6QZxPfQ/s1600/DSC_8742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9ffKpQunWFcDCWf8HHvQXqH24F1b2O7rJryNvbVtXR0fLWoomALtjNSHi9rP4_xzacF74xMYyDON7qVVgV_11LMB3YItQdE8IkZQ6RQ0kjOZ8MpFH4bOgH-Z5U1KzP3sF7v6QZxPfQ/s400/DSC_8742.jpg" width="400" height="267" /></a></div><br />
Our sweet boy is TWO!!!<br />
<br />
Oh Coopy, you have wrecked our world in the best possible way. You are every bit a wild, little boy, but you are also, hands down, the sweetest kid I know. You love, love, love your Mommy, but dare I say, you are probably more a Daddy's boy at the moment? You light up when Dada comes home. And you adore your sister though you are definitely getting to the age where you are giving her a hard time more than you are not.<br />
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You still love to be rocked to sleep every night and I truly hope that doesn't ever change. You no longer fall asleep til we lay you down, but you love to snuggle and rock. You also love to read a book before bed. Your current favorite is the Pete the Cat bed time book. Pretty sure I have it memorized.<br />
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You love to wrestle. You love to be outside. It's hands down your favorite place to be and you run straight to the backyard every day when we get home. <br />
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You love Elmo. You are very much a paci addict. You love your blankie. <br />
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You're still such a little guy. You still have blond hair (no idea how) and blue eyes. You wear a 2t but they are pretty big on you. You can still wear some 18 & 24 month clothes. You are in a size 5 diaper and a size 5 shoe.<br />
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Your nicknames are Coopy, Coop-a-loop, Coop and Buddy. Your favorite song is still Adele's "Hello" and you belt it at the top of your lungs. You like to sing any song really. Your favorite nursery song is "If You're Happy and You Know It". <br />
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You've recently started climbing which I could do without. But you're also still pretty timid. Especially of slides and stuff. I've crawled into many a Chick-fil-A play place to get you. Good times.<br />
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You still cry whenever we drop you off at school or church. I don't think it will ever stop breaking my heart. I'm sure you stop the minute we leave but it doesn't make it any easier.<br />
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You are not a sweets eater. You love all kinds of meat. You eat more chicken in a sitting than anyone else in the family. You love milk. You love snacks and we can usually find you digging for one in the pantry if you go missing. <br />
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You like to dance and laugh. You will throw yourself on anyone sitting on the floor. You love Lacy and love to boss her around. You say so many words and so many sentences. You talk a mile a minute. You and your sister are always competing for air time.<br />
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My favorite thing you do is how you call out everyone you love while we're riding in the car. Our dialogue goes like this: Coop: "I love Mommy!" Me: "I love Coopy!" Coop: "I love Dada!" Me: "I love Dada" Coop: "I love Ella!" Me: "I love Ella!". And so on and so forth until you usually erupt into giggles.<br />
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We love you so much boy child. You are pure joy. You are sweet and kind and timid and so much good in one tiny little package. You are definitely are introvert and your favorite place is home with your people. You need your sleep far more than your sister and I find we have to slow down with you and I secretly love it. I love how you are a reminder to rest. <br />
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You were the boy I never knew I wanted. You've changed my world and my heart and I love you more than I can even say. Happy Birthday my darling boy. Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-89893125572005159092016-01-06T20:41:00.001-05:002016-01-06T20:41:55.723-05:00update or something like that.I shake my head at the fact that I haven't touched this blog since July.<br />
<br />
I want to blog. I miss my blog. But I sit down to write and I get overwhelmed by how much I need to catch up on, and then I can't find the pictures I want, and then I'm tired because I've already been staring at a computer all day, and then; bam. I shut it down. And yet another day goes by that I did not blog.<br />
<br />
I do want to catch things up. To tell you about my boy's first birthday (it was perfect) and our Christmas (so, so good) and wrap up Cooper's first year, and I will. But I figure I'll just jump right in for a minute because my heart is elsewhere today.<br />
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It's been a day. Today actually makes four years since my sweet Grandma lost her battle with cancer. I still miss her so. It makes me sad that she didn't get to meet my boy. Oh how she would have loved him. And Ella? She would be crazy about the girl Ella is becoming. Ella is actually the shopper and girly girl that I never was and my Grandma was definitely a shopper herself. While I rolled my eyes and got dragged from shop to shop, Ella would gladly spend a Saturday morning with Grandma at the mall. Oh she would adore Ellabelle.<br />
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I'm pretty sure I won't ever stop feeling the weight of her absence. Grief is funny. It comes and goes and hits when you least expect it. I just miss her. She was so much good.<br />
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Then there are the kiddos. Oh where to start. <br />
<br />
Ella is thriving in Kindergarten. I will do an update on her because she deserves a post all her own but in short, she's doing good. She makes the best grades, reads well beyond her years, has joined an after school club, and started tae-kwon-do two days a week. She decided a couple of weeks in that she wanted to quit tae-know-do because it interferes with "her schedule". When asked what that means, she let us know that she needs more time with her friends...<br />
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We didn't let her quit.<br />
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She's my social butterfly. She's funny and smart and such a good kid. She's also the best big sister in the world. She has the patience of Job with Cooper nine times out of ten. Unless he's been crying not stop for hours (which he has been known to do). When that happens, she disappears with her hands over her ears. I sort of wish I could do the same. True story.<br />
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And then there's Cooper. Oh Cooper.<br />
<br />
Cooper isn't an easy child. He whines a good portion of the day. We think he's trying to get his one year molars. Or he better be. He isn't walking but he's oh so close. Just in the last couple of days, he has started doing a lot more of standing on his own and taking one step or so. I do think he's frustrated with his lack of ability to walk and that adds to some of the whining.<br />
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He grunts and whines to communicate and if you don't figure out what he wants immediately, he will lose his shit. He's a little pig. The boy loves to eat. Our grocery bill is going to be astronomical. <br />
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He's funny. He loves to be chased. And he is oh so sweet. Anytime I pick him up, he nuzzles into me and lays his head on my shoulder. He is the definition of a Mama's boy and I can't get enough. He may be difficult, but good grief, I'm obsessed with him. He's done crazy things to my heart.<br />
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He was just moved up to the toddler class at school on Monday and we are both struggling a bit with the transition. I truly believe he was moved up to make room for an influx of infants in the infant class and I don't personally believe he's ready for the next step. Apparently their requirements are to be off bottles and on table food. He is both of those, but he's not walking, and he's just so little still. They are transitioning him to one nap a day and napping on a mat on the floor. Cooper is just not ready for one nap a day. I know in my heart he's not.<br />
<br />
My boy is exhausted. He's a disaster in the evening. I dropped him off yesterday and told them he was ready for a nap (he was falling asleep on my shoulder) and they told me they don't get a morning nap and I almost turned around and walked out. I know my baby. He's still a baby. I seriously cannot deal.<br />
<br />
I'm having one of those times where my heart is aching to walk away from my job and spend all my time with him. I hate this. I hate feeling so helpless. I feel like my boy is being forced to grow up and he's just not ready Gah.<br />
<br />
And with that, I'm done rambling. So there's a little catch up on us. I'll be back.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-46829976824498888742015-07-22T22:53:00.000-04:002015-08-03T22:54:35.890-04:008 months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedneyhdvedyGHYmnxa1qNHeuipUuqcEg-fi5KXZ_5BB16idS_4aH3k9KlayRrXW_pzFL3hFnKNSCwKetZNXuzhnd8JbDxR-aoh9CHIEuZm4YwwwE373iPijjjBJl46UBd9PUarYDoBQ/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedneyhdvedyGHYmnxa1qNHeuipUuqcEg-fi5KXZ_5BB16idS_4aH3k9KlayRrXW_pzFL3hFnKNSCwKetZNXuzhnd8JbDxR-aoh9CHIEuZm4YwwwE373iPijjjBJl46UBd9PUarYDoBQ/s640/IMG_3610.JPG" /></a></div>Oh my angel I figure since you will be nine months old in a couple of weeks, I should probably get your eight month update blogged. I took the pictures on time though if that counts for anything..<br />
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Child, you may be far less documented than your sister, but don't ever let that be an example of our love. Boy we are obsessed with you. I'm serious. We can't get enough. We seem to think you pretty much hung the moon. I kid you not. We just love you so.<br />
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You are our cuddlebug. Our little lover. You still have to be rocked to sleep and you still prefer to nurse to sleep. I still don't know when you will pull that plug but we are trucking along. I never saw that in our future but I don't hate it. I love that time with you.<br />
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You still nurse every morning and most nights with short sessions in between if you are home with me. You love some food. Love it. You still get about four six ounce bottles a day. Maybe. You don't love those nearly as much anymore. You are all about the food.<br />
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You are about 20 pounds now and I can't remember how long. Mom fail. You are wearing 6-9 month and 9 month clothing. You are in 12 month pajamas. I recently pulled out some 12 month jammies I bought with Miss Jamie back when I was about six months pregnant. I remember thinking it would be so long until you could wear them. Jokes on me. I swear that was yesterday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegPee5ZtH_8fCYahLoHeJC13irMrPCRY5e3yWgXno7BumJDNwX3RxELY3qpScZUupErbk5_IVQd6uoed9tao3xM9iVtsBWDA43ifSbZjlm6DQkLk6zJWhc94tXqssUR78Tvex2uliuw/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegPee5ZtH_8fCYahLoHeJC13irMrPCRY5e3yWgXno7BumJDNwX3RxELY3qpScZUupErbk5_IVQd6uoed9tao3xM9iVtsBWDA43ifSbZjlm6DQkLk6zJWhc94tXqssUR78Tvex2uliuw/s640/IMG_3615.JPG" /></a></div>You love your people. You light up when we are around. Except for the rare occasion you burst into tears when I come to daycare to pick you up. We will call those tears of joy.<br />
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You said your first word; "Ella". It was clear as day.<br />
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No shocker that's your first word. You are obsessed with her. She is far and away your favorite person. She makes you happier than the rest of us combined. She can make you laugh for hours on end. She is always the one we call on when you need cheering up. Or when you need to be distracted. She's got that junk under control.<br />
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You are on the move. Big time. You've got this weird little worm crawl that is freaking hilarious. We've also seen you get your knees under you, but you definitely don't prefer that way.<br />
<center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gVgP1AEKs5k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>You're after the cat in a big way. You catch him a lot too. That's not usually a good thing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtwKC81R7IlpkyqQzNbms6Fqgd0cAixNM_nsXtckxdksM_YSposqegVEHCu766nUcDEYzNJb9vCuGA4hisuhUwfz5PM0KwPhWXvDvx0Qj7T7kEqD72qaYTRnWwhdYFqEEtX5Jz33pOQ/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtwKC81R7IlpkyqQzNbms6Fqgd0cAixNM_nsXtckxdksM_YSposqegVEHCu766nUcDEYzNJb9vCuGA4hisuhUwfz5PM0KwPhWXvDvx0Qj7T7kEqD72qaYTRnWwhdYFqEEtX5Jz33pOQ/s640/IMG_3617.JPG" /></a></div>You still have zero teeth and I don't see any on the horizon.<br />
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You're still pretty much a terrible sleeper. Naps are just not your thing. You are doing better most nights but you wake up a lot. You are getting better at getting yourself back to sleep though. You still end up in our bed more often than not. Like I said, you love your people.<br />
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You know how to wave. You know how to give kisses (good grief they are sloppy!). You like holding our hands. You like to be standing.<br />
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You aren't quite pulling up but you are close. <br />
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You will sit in the middle of your crib and stare at the open door and just holler til someone comes to get you. We always do. You have us wrapped.<br />
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You can get from your belly to sitting you and vice versa.<br />
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You do not sit still. If we are on the ground with you, you are crawling on us. You will crawl after us if we leave the room. In the tub, you are trying to climb out. Or you are sticking your face under the faucet. That's an odd one. But you love it.<br />
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You are just so dang sweet. You are high maintenance like whoa, and you have a temper like no other, but you are just such a lover and a cuddle bug and the sweetest little guy. Never change kiddo. You are our heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUUIT6t1KRqg4IffxLpk0bT6EUnC07UXakQWpDriMXwtGy5dSalaPFa9vmEO4MilL32QkTiA134kVGakm7HA6RhFMc5qXZAYknuGr73ShiXny6RRBnWWGWyukqi_fQ1ffAhGqgnpCBA/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUUIT6t1KRqg4IffxLpk0bT6EUnC07UXakQWpDriMXwtGy5dSalaPFa9vmEO4MilL32QkTiA134kVGakm7HA6RhFMc5qXZAYknuGr73ShiXny6RRBnWWGWyukqi_fQ1ffAhGqgnpCBA/s640/IMG_3620.JPG" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-85106365620709196652015-06-18T21:55:00.000-04:002015-06-22T21:55:40.685-04:007 months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJJFH-PiOMe8MfmHc3Zg7Ri0KBDg7yANzcNgp0X7-MSNrFVktauz7InLPQOeq95-Aa6b6oECoT38K4AdKobhI1N58OBYhDG3FNJ3awPnskN90I2SXxyhkwtEzwbl7hIyHkYbPvSXefA/s1600/IMG_3485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJJFH-PiOMe8MfmHc3Zg7Ri0KBDg7yANzcNgp0X7-MSNrFVktauz7InLPQOeq95-Aa6b6oECoT38K4AdKobhI1N58OBYhDG3FNJ3awPnskN90I2SXxyhkwtEzwbl7hIyHkYbPvSXefA/s640/IMG_3485.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This guy. Good grief. Look at that smile.<br />
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He's seven months old. I swear, I'm never blinking again. Because this has been the fastest seven months EVER.<br />
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You are still just the sweetest, sweetest baby. You bring so much joy to our house. We absolutely adore you kiddo. Like we can't get enough.<br />
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So you are currently 19.5 pounds. We know this because we had to take you back to the doctor last week for your THIRD ear infection. So that's fun. One more and you're earning yourself an ENT trip. Let's fix that kid. You are wearing 9 month clothing and some 12 month. You are getting BIG and I love it. I do love a chubby baby.<br />
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You are still nursing. I could write an entire post on this, but I'll summarize. My supply has really tanked (though I say that every month) but you are still showing interest, so we chug along. You get up before five every morning and come to my room where you nurse. You usually fall back asleep with me for a bit. You also nurse to sleep at night and for naps if you are home with me. I truly think it's all comfort nursing. I've slacked a lot on pumping lately, but I'm still trying. Like I said from the beginning, I'm up for it as long as you seem to need, and want, to keep at it. So we keep chugging along.<br />
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You are still taking about four or five six ounce bottles a day. You are still on all acid reflux meds. It's still controlled as well as always. You still spit up a lot but you are comfortable when taking the meds. That's the important part.<br />
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We started solids this month and you have LOVED it. Avocado is hands down your favorite, followed by toast, and eggs. Oh, and strawberries. Pretty much you love anything. We had one choking incident at a restaurant that scared your Dad and I half to death so we kind of chilled after that, but we are picking back up. You get purees at school, but at home, we do all self feeding. You're getting better though most of the food still ends up on the floor. We haven't really tried a sippy yet. Or we have, but you hated it, so we haven't pushed it. We'll try again soon.<br />
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You are really reaching for people now. Especially me. You will throw herself in my direction. I adore it.<br />
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You light up when you see your people. <br />
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You started army crawling at the beginning of the month and you've ended the month rocking on all fours and going backwards. Still no forward movement yet, but it will be soon. I'm not ready for that stage yet. <br />
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You are still sleeping a little less than 12 hours a night. You usually waking up a bit before five and come join us downstairs. You usually go back to sleep with us, but not always. You definitely get up earlier than your sister ever did. You could take a few cues from her on the sleeping thing kid.<br />
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You're still a terrible napper. There is absolutely zero schedule to your day most days so you catch naps on the go. Life is just crazy right now and consistency has been hard to come by. At least you roll with the punches well.<br />
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You are a pro at sitting up. You can also get down to your belly though it's not the most graceful thing ever.<br />
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You turn and grab for us if you see us. You prefer to be held 24/7. You are definitely my dependent baby. You love to be held and rocked. Your love language is physical touch. I'm calling it now.<br />
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We moved you to a convertible seat. No lie, it hurt my heart a little. I think I live in a current state of denial that you are as big as you are.<br />
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You say "mamamama" a lot. And a sound that sounds a lot like "Ella". We all get a kick out of that.<br />
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You are definitely a bit high maintenance little boy, but we wouldn't trade anything about you for the world. We adore you sweet boy. Here's to another wonderful month with you.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-47260988994599689102015-05-18T20:15:00.000-04:002015-05-27T20:15:44.967-04:006 months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvHBEcz1TLtyPf_zMcxvL6kmF20z-Pbw5DEDFF8n-KXtVbMNZbyjXH3ZM0MMRJH8w64neJMYR2Q1mNCal-s-zT3Yp6HndMcbk0nhpcijK3__FPOInsvGdTQqEC47BUdmQmBMtjkS6GA/s1600/IMG_3270+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvHBEcz1TLtyPf_zMcxvL6kmF20z-Pbw5DEDFF8n-KXtVbMNZbyjXH3ZM0MMRJH8w64neJMYR2Q1mNCal-s-zT3Yp6HndMcbk0nhpcijK3__FPOInsvGdTQqEC47BUdmQmBMtjkS6GA/s640/IMG_3270+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div>I'm going to say it every single month, but how on earth are we already here???? I can't even fathom how your first year is halfway over. I'm going to be a disaster when you turn one. It's just going too fast.<br />
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Cooper I could go on and on about how wonderful you are. You seriously have brought so much joy to our lives. We can't get enough. But I'm pretty sure I say that every month so let's get started.<br />
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What are you up to these days? You are turning a corner and changing so much. You are sleeping through the night!! I can't say enough about how thrilled this makes me. Though.. (and I can't believe I'm saying this), I do sort of miss our middle of the night nursing sessions. Not enough to make them a nightly occurrence again, but you know.. Occasionally you will wake up once about 2 or 3 am, but that's become the exception. Finally.<br />
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You weigh 18.2 pounds and are 26 inches long. You are wearing mostly 6 month and some 9 month clothes. You still suck at napping but will occasionally take a two hour nap for me. Only me. Forty five minutes is your tops for anyone else.<br />
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You still have to be rocked/nursed/bottle fed to sleep. No putting you down awake. Sometimes I worry about breaking this habit, but not too much. We'll deal with it later. You are no longer swaddled. We just wrap your bottom half and let your arms stay out.<br />
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Still not a paci fan though I'm still trying for it. I need you to learn to self soothe! You are still nursing. Though I think it's coming to an end as my supply has taken a definite hit with all the long days away from you. But we will see. I'll quit when you do. <br />
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You've started grabbing our faces and bringing us in for big open mouth (SLOBBERY) kisses. I love them. I love this stage so much. You are just so happy and love your people so much.<br />
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You are sitting up on your own!! It's not for too long but you can handle it for a few moments. You prefer to be on your stomach more than anything when you play though. You hold yourself up so well. <br />
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Still rolling all over the place. You can get anywhere you need by rolling. You are definitely showing signs that you are fixing to be on the move. I'm so not ready for that!<br />
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You are still such a cuddlebug. I love it. It's just so different from Ella and I love that you want to be with us so much. Sometimes it would be nice to get a break but I know the day is coming where you won't sit in my lap so for now, we sit. You cuddle so much at bedtime. We just sit and rock and rock and cuddle. It's my favorite part of the day with you. You just look up at me with those big blue eyes and play with my fingers or my face. Gah. You slay me kid.<br />
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You are VERY interested in our food. We've started toying with food for you. You've had banana, avocado and one of Ella's french fries. Yea, we're a little less strict this time around. We've decided to officially go the baby led weaning route so we are getting ready to dive into that next month. I can't wait.<br />
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You are just such a happy baby Coop. You laugh the most at your sister still. You're head over heels for her. The feeling is definitely mutual. You have started reaching out and grabbing her hair and stuff which drives her bananas. I can already see how you will pick on her one day. It's going to be hilarious. Don't tell her I said that.<br />
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You love your people angel baby and we love you. Oh so much. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B0i2m7VNjkw4YbTInxnDEKRzb6WuhL0VRShYvtHrKsgohyH5P8_WYclfzGUzyFVkOCwg-R-ohkEY3OybDqWiZj15nFEMtRwNEFYPSMvizFa1X6qgNuP3Uo_H_K4GH37Dot7KuB9gzw/s1600/IMG_3267+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B0i2m7VNjkw4YbTInxnDEKRzb6WuhL0VRShYvtHrKsgohyH5P8_WYclfzGUzyFVkOCwg-R-ohkEY3OybDqWiZj15nFEMtRwNEFYPSMvizFa1X6qgNuP3Uo_H_K4GH37Dot7KuB9gzw/s640/IMG_3267+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-81609816716982198402015-05-04T10:14:00.000-04:002015-05-08T10:14:58.177-04:00weekend wrap-upDo people still do these??<br />
<br />
I was looking back at old posts from when E was a baby and getting major Mama guilt at how little I've documented things for Cooper and am now determined to change that. We shall see I guess... Life is just so much busier now. I guess that's normal.<br />
<br />
I spend a lot of time with both kids by myself. With B's crazy work schedule, it's just how it happens. I'll be honest, I don't love it but it's our reality so... It would be so, so easy to sit at home all weekend after working like a crazy person all week but these kids are young and active and need to get out so I force myself to get out. I'm always glad we do.<br />
<br />
This past Saturday was the Strawberry Festival here in town. We didn't have anything else going so I figured we would head that way.<br />
<br />
Then Cooper woke up pulling on his ear and I decided last minute we needed to go get that checked out before we left town at the beginning of the week. Last minute of course.<br />
<br />
We pulled up to the doctor at ten til one. They close at one. I grabbed the little one and one spare diaper (ROOKIE) and Ella, and we raced upstairs. Fortunately we got checked in and all and they had time to see us. I looked down to see poop on my arm and my shoulder. Fanfreakingtastic. Of course he had had a blow out, there was no time to get the bag, no changing table in the bathroom (how is that possible?!!?!), and I had no wipes. So we get in the room where I have to clean him with tissues (NO WORDS), try to get the poop off of me (while still holding him), and somehow still wrangle Ella. <br />
<br />
It was a disaster.<br />
<br />
He was fine (of course) and we headed on down to the festival after leaving. Yes, with poop on the front of my shirt. I figured the Ergo would cover it.<br />
<br />
Motherhood makes me not even recognize myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKUZPFFhBLL0mOKjjF-cOYyFSiUYhVWiqMhp3FF0MU0dW5K-FWdhs3yVV9cWONszGacYPtpXi_g_81yaoTJzbeDITWXnTLcTQZwqRc2oqQ-yzLfjLd5uP3HDouCA0fZXV6fN1e6pv-w/s1600/festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKUZPFFhBLL0mOKjjF-cOYyFSiUYhVWiqMhp3FF0MU0dW5K-FWdhs3yVV9cWONszGacYPtpXi_g_81yaoTJzbeDITWXnTLcTQZwqRc2oqQ-yzLfjLd5uP3HDouCA0fZXV6fN1e6pv-w/s640/festival.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The festival was fun. It was hot. And I'm pretty sure Ella's favorite part was the bus ride to and from the parking area, but it was worth it. She rode one ride. We stood in line for 45 minutes waiting on that ride. Totally told her <i>"this better be the most fun you have EVER had, and if it's not? you better tell me it was".</i> Cooper was OVER it by the time she got on the ride. It was really freaking hot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKwwTGo4s1rkhnjiEgQ7MloxIq3qGqUGdiVZTk7VZjmSa5U1Kn6WmeqpfdrVAmJpi4E5EKN4ooeRDXKrc3SflcFxtX3jDU5ipOKFgL2AJbHMobr7raRIAz81rapV-TzFxDFFY9jtDxw/s1600/festival2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKwwTGo4s1rkhnjiEgQ7MloxIq3qGqUGdiVZTk7VZjmSa5U1Kn6WmeqpfdrVAmJpi4E5EKN4ooeRDXKrc3SflcFxtX3jDU5ipOKFgL2AJbHMobr7raRIAz81rapV-TzFxDFFY9jtDxw/s640/festival2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She got to pose in those cheesy cut out picture opportunities (she freaking loves them), we ate snowcones, played in the grass, and sort of watched a wing eating contest. It was actually fun. I'm glad we went.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFjF95nCm23sTUDujiXP5U4bvRiAXei4iN4dkBqalBXRaQhasG7H2lpWnnJYsM3tYLfCp4s1xfFCPrgY2AOWd7q3gEYu7uW64tVRJVO2jjcK9eQEmJLy0z2LTw-Km1s6xB7F7c5yZEA/s1600/festival3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFjF95nCm23sTUDujiXP5U4bvRiAXei4iN4dkBqalBXRaQhasG7H2lpWnnJYsM3tYLfCp4s1xfFCPrgY2AOWd7q3gEYu7uW64tVRJVO2jjcK9eQEmJLy0z2LTw-Km1s6xB7F7c5yZEA/s640/festival3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Sunday we were going to attempt early church before we headed to a birthday party at 11, but that was a bust. People with young kids are pretty much guaranteed to never make anything with the word "early" in it. Just saying. But we made it to the party for E's little bff and she had a blast. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKsyzQwWsdHIjshSTd-IHDowbC3g9LiOiUMVtiHx-ldzFiY3u_YAzQ5jKzpKPZKYeriN59tXuDfQfyZNqYR01PRR8Vb4yP4YZoGDZ9xhTSo0A57jCuL0SAh5fW9w-SQxhDUM3LJRMWA/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKsyzQwWsdHIjshSTd-IHDowbC3g9LiOiUMVtiHx-ldzFiY3u_YAzQ5jKzpKPZKYeriN59tXuDfQfyZNqYR01PRR8Vb4yP4YZoGDZ9xhTSo0A57jCuL0SAh5fW9w-SQxhDUM3LJRMWA/s640/collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning my car out. Which was beyond needed. Cooper refused to nap so we brought him outside with us and he loved it. My heart almost burst at watching the two of them play on a blanket together in the front yard. They are so great together. It's awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdGvD7rPz3Ub-ROLn5fvfd4fBNQnPtp4xqE7YJdV05QOfXta6KSS46S02G-JLzMv9izh-E4cendv3V2i3bYWC1SZ4ZQW2oZOJ3zXpZb1edFfuiIEseAAaBhfzUFnTpLmjcsqua-jApg/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdGvD7rPz3Ub-ROLn5fvfd4fBNQnPtp4xqE7YJdV05QOfXta6KSS46S02G-JLzMv9izh-E4cendv3V2i3bYWC1SZ4ZQW2oZOJ3zXpZb1edFfuiIEseAAaBhfzUFnTpLmjcsqua-jApg/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" /></a></div>We had a good weekend. I started Monday as exhausted as I ended Friday but that's just par for the course these days. Weekends will be relaxing again when they're in college I suppose. I'll soak them in for now.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-72336571927969762732015-04-24T22:42:00.001-04:002015-04-24T22:42:18.623-04:00this time around.I knew deep down that the possibility of my second child being just like my first was pretty much non-existent. <br />
<br />
Other than the obvious he was a boy and she was a girl, I knew that there would more than likely be personality differences. My pregnancies couldn't have been more different and I figured that was the beginning of what would surely be plenty of big differences in my children.<br />
<br />
I could talk for days about how their sleep is different, or that he always wants to be held while she never did. Or that he is the world's most unscheduled baby while she was like clockwork. But I won't. Not today anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSKsWxUeRbBsxAowvKEeoO4NNP389uJHPUqFC3LSshrEyN9XWv-_aSFCNqJLUmblp0pVNZVhBwRRQdAUb9P3n4P7LI3hsv6yDDSpSV30kSLc31QGw99-FZDugjrqoxk38xlJVc7MYaA/s1600/nursing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSKsWxUeRbBsxAowvKEeoO4NNP389uJHPUqFC3LSshrEyN9XWv-_aSFCNqJLUmblp0pVNZVhBwRRQdAUb9P3n4P7LI3hsv6yDDSpSV30kSLc31QGw99-FZDugjrqoxk38xlJVc7MYaA/s320/nursing.jpg" /></a></div>When Ella was born, I never even considered not breastfeeding. I just figured it would be something we would do. I didn't give it too much thought it just was. <br />
<br />
Then we had supply issues. From the very beginning. So we started supplementing from the very beginning. <br />
<br />
Lactation people were telling me not to (emphatically I might add) while her doctor was telling me it had to be done because we were all watching her bilirubin rise and her weight drop with a quickness. So we supplemented. As I think any parent would have done.<br />
<br />
My supply never went up. I tried. I pumped. I put her on every single time she wanted to eat. I did what I thought best for my girl. But things didn't change. She would latch on and scream and hit me with her frustration over low supply and I would cry and it was just AWFUL.<br />
<br />
I went back to work and lugged that pump with me for three months. I would sit in a room pumping and squeezing every last drop I could out. We would nurse in the evenings but that ended when she lost all interest. When that happened, I dropped that pump and that measly 1/2 an ounce I was pumping, like a bad habit. I was free. And while I felt guilty as hell, I was also relieved. Beyond relieved.<br />
<br />
So many people told me that low supply wasn't real. That it "effects like less than 3% of the population" and that that wasn't my real issue. That supplementing was the problem. That scheduling her was my problem. That made me feel worse than anything. I felt judged and that maybe I hadn't actually tried as hard as I thought. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW0ksoR6JdzyW0UL5zWvkuZT4y2V631M8eL0-3b_i5_QWUI157J9hIKsiI5M9hVNAu2ACHRBXufcqKVllUIfeHmVMs0KhpE9S0VUaFRTuWsnJZstUaJvSoQTEoe3JK86avjUFeswuLw/s1600/nursing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW0ksoR6JdzyW0UL5zWvkuZT4y2V631M8eL0-3b_i5_QWUI157J9hIKsiI5M9hVNAu2ACHRBXufcqKVllUIfeHmVMs0KhpE9S0VUaFRTuWsnJZstUaJvSoQTEoe3JK86avjUFeswuLw/s320/nursing1.jpg" /></a></div>When I found out about Cooper, I was bound and determined nursing would work this time. I didn't even allow anyone to buy any formula for "just in case" because I didn't want it there. I had flashbacks to Ella screaming all the time in hunger and I was terrified that would happen again, but I was bound and determined it wouldn't.<br />
<br />
Then he was born. There was no immediate desire to nurse from him. He actually just laid on my chest for the longest time just staring at me and not making any move to nurse. But then he did. And for the next couple of days, he nursed over and over and over. <br />
<br />
Pretty quickly, his weight dropped drastically. That word was brought up again; supplement and I wanted to scream. I was devastated. <br />
<br />
They kept telling me that when my milk came in, things would be better. Just to give it a couple of days. So I did. But his weight kept dropping and his bilirubin kept going up. It was just like Ella all over again.<br />
<br />
So I ordered some supplements of my own. I tried tea. I pumped after every feeding. And I drank more water than I have ever drank in my life. <br />
<br />
I tried oatmeal. I threw any idea of a schedule out the window and let him nurse on demand. It was hourly but I was game. We were going to do this.<br />
<br />
His weight went up a little and we were given the ok to stop formula. Almost immediately his diaper output plummeted. I took him up to the lactation specialist to see what was going on. He was getting less than an ounce off of both sides total. <br />
<br />
I was so upset. I ordered new supplements. I pumped after every feeding. I felt like my chest may fall off but I was determined.<br />
<br />
Through all of this, he hardly complained. He seemed content just to be that close to me. I felt like I was letting him down because my body sucked. To be honest, if he hadn't seemed so interested, I would have thrown in the towel immediately. It was so dang stressful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPVyHtD8YDOJGvIn0z0FTHH4PAL3ECCTaFMQ_qLgOpv08mewT7ckm7XjwbOZt1LQ_YmOyinqVCVVkZXBeX6_8MqRvC2z7FwRa4Grit50edFTF2bFJZsLaVNQZ6ozQon9tLlM3yy1ouQ/s1600/nursing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPVyHtD8YDOJGvIn0z0FTHH4PAL3ECCTaFMQ_qLgOpv08mewT7ckm7XjwbOZt1LQ_YmOyinqVCVVkZXBeX6_8MqRvC2z7FwRa4Grit50edFTF2bFJZsLaVNQZ6ozQon9tLlM3yy1ouQ/s320/nursing2.jpg" /></a></div>Selfishly I wasn't ready to quit. I wasn't ready to give up that quiet time with him. I wasn't ready to give up how he would rub my fingers while he nursed. I just wasn't ready to stop.<br />
<br />
So we kept at it. We would nurse and then supplement. It was working for us. He was happy, I was happy. We were good.<br />
<br />
Now he is five months old and we are still at it. I've nursed in public (NEVER would have thought), though completely covered (my personal choice). We've nursed while walking around with him in the Ergo. It's a foreign world to me and honestly one I can't believe I'm in. I feel lucky. I do. I feel lucky to be experiencing this with him.<br />
<br />
It's a lot of work. I've done some research and low supply is usually caused by some other medical things that I've got going on. Levels and stuff. So yay. But it's worth the work. I pump all day in the car while I'm traveling. I pump at night. I feel attached to that dang thing and I sort of hate it, but it's necessary. He still nurses in the middle of the night, sometimes multiple times a night and while people keep telling me to give a bottle then, it's such a special time and I'm not ready to stop. So we keep at it.<br />
<br />
I don't know how much he's getting anymore and most days I think he's just comfort nursing but I don't care. I keep saying, "I'll quit when he's ready" and that's still my plan. I don't know how much longer we have of this but I'm bound and determined to see it through. <br />
<br />
So one more difference between my kiddos. This one seems to need and want to nurse when his sister wanted nothing to do with it. If there's anything I've learned it's to just do what you need to do for each kiddo. So we do this.<br />
<br />
And honestly, I think this is good for both of us. It's such a special, special time. Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-17084872885679920772015-04-20T21:19:00.000-04:002015-04-20T21:19:49.140-04:005 months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl1NAzDJivHD1JxdGadMlh638Ncr3yz2wiROesp_BJAUk4x0v5M77rMOlps2SUXdIssvpqR03cPFDroXzFozbnEBDldQV1GWT-uoRjVvrFup7P2HOGAzWEG1CYxstqR14WGl72DzD5w/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl1NAzDJivHD1JxdGadMlh638Ncr3yz2wiROesp_BJAUk4x0v5M77rMOlps2SUXdIssvpqR03cPFDroXzFozbnEBDldQV1GWT-uoRjVvrFup7P2HOGAzWEG1CYxstqR14WGl72DzD5w/s640/IMG_3158.JPG" /></a></div>Oh my boy, slow it down please.<br />
<br />
I still think of you as my teeny tiny newborn but you're not. You are five months old and I'm dumbfounded at how we got here so fast.<br />
<br />
We had a doctor appointment the other day and you are right around 16 1/2 pounds and about 24 3/4 inches long. You are staying right around the 50th percentile for everything. You are wearing 6 month clothes and size 3 diapers at night and size 2 during the day. You're getting big buddy. You have rolls upon rolls. It's delicious.<br />
<br />
You have had another rough month healthwise. You started the month still battling your reflux pretty bad. You quickly ended up with an ear infection. We started up some antibiotics and you beat that pretty quick. But pretty quickly your reflux flared up again and we ended up back at the doctors with a double ear infection. We are struggling big time with your reflux. We are trying to get it under control but you are struggling. <br />
<br />
With all that said though, you are still such a joy. You seriously have the best personality. You are still a Mama's boy through and through, but you absolutely adore your Dada and your sister. Your sister still gets the best laughs from you. You think she's hysterical.<br />
<br />
So what else are you up to these days...<br />
<br />
- you have a little lovey that you kind of like and will grab a hold of. We put it close to your face at night and you love it.<br />
<br />
- you moved upstairs to your crib. You just seemed like you were getting too big for the rock-n-play so we moved you. Not going to lie, I really, really miss you down by me. Sometimes I bring you back down at one of your wake ups during the night. I'm a stage five clinger. Oh well.<br />
<br />
- you really like sitting up in your little chair and playing.<br />
<br />
- you adore your sister. Seriously. She gets the best smiles from you and you love sitting and playing with her. She loves to read to you and you will lay and listen to her. I am beyond thrilled that you two have each other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxrXXSNAespMmQUAAc3f54O4iRbYxfIPO4gWUxSQZZgjdqlEArAP0yoBrRKd9ykrlpgQC8vjsPIyTLV8U-Q7OWbJHrp_jEtyHAyGTVph6W1mC72QUIIozfHczjSNR5hsreGr-o4SAWQ/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxrXXSNAespMmQUAAc3f54O4iRbYxfIPO4gWUxSQZZgjdqlEArAP0yoBrRKd9ykrlpgQC8vjsPIyTLV8U-Q7OWbJHrp_jEtyHAyGTVph6W1mC72QUIIozfHczjSNR5hsreGr-o4SAWQ/s640/IMG_3060.JPG" /></a></div>- you are still pretty stingy with your laughs but you give out the smiles all day every day. You have the best smile. It lights up your whole face.<br />
<br />
- you are still rocked/nursed to sleep and while I know this is going to be a terrible habit to break, I kind of don't care. I know this will be over before I know it. So right now, I'm soaking it in and I'll deal with breaking this habit later. You are also rocked to sleep for nap. It is what it is. I'll deal with it later.<br />
<br />
- as for sleep, well, you kind of suck at it. You nap for maybe 45 minutes and then you are screaming to get up. You will sleep longer.. if I rock you and hold you and let you sleep on me. Which is all well and good, but there is another kid with needs in this house so... And night time? It's a guessing game. Sometimes you wake up once a night. Sometimes two or three. There is zero method to your sleep madness. Every night is something new.<br />
<br />
- you love to be sitting up but can't sit up on your own yet.<br />
<br />
- you are still trying to stand up but that right foot still turns in a bit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WhVsMTCW0NUepZwHEUY8HGGxkNEp8ZYazfHD639hWbWSGBpuKyr3vDUA1n3YXDnkuXK7wk9MNjYvHhzKoF8k3x8a8mGNDTYIpllESgEqAdrLBhvtdglKuoUvxtMHUWFGpAv-jRWZaQ/s1600/IMG_3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WhVsMTCW0NUepZwHEUY8HGGxkNEp8ZYazfHD639hWbWSGBpuKyr3vDUA1n3YXDnkuXK7wk9MNjYvHhzKoF8k3x8a8mGNDTYIpllESgEqAdrLBhvtdglKuoUvxtMHUWFGpAv-jRWZaQ/s640/IMG_3170.JPG" /></a></div>- you have found your feet but you don't quite have them in your mouth yet.<br />
<br />
- you now roll over back to belly and then just hang there. You still don't love tummy time but you don't roll from belly to back much.<br />
<br />
- you go for your toys but you aren't too ambitious about it. You don't seem to be dying to move much. You definitely prefer sitting up to being on your belly or back. That could have something to do with your reflux. <br />
<br />
- you've started smacking after nursing. It is the cutest freaking thing ever.<br />
<br />
- you are starting to blow raspberries. You make the funniest noises with your mouth. It's hilarious.<br />
<br />
- you attempt to hold your own bottle. But you don't attempt it too hard. You are kind of lazy. It's cool though.<br />
<br />
Cooper we love you so much. The days are busy and kind of crazy but we wouldn't trade adding you to our family for anything. You are our best little surprise ever.<br />
<br />
And just for fun... a little behind the scenes of the monthly photo shoot..<br />
<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8ZITTt2n7Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-85605710865343359342015-04-02T21:34:00.000-04:002015-04-13T21:38:35.341-04:00five.And just like that, five years has flown by and tomorrow, my sweet angel, you will be five. <br />
<br />
I feel like I'm going to wake up and you'll be sixteen. Not even kidding.<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16167081294/player/" width="640" height="427" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>I remember when you were younger, I would write updates on what you were up to and what you were learning. I could fire off tasks and funny things you would say with a quickness because everything was so new. But now? You have exploded sweet girl. This past year has taken you from a toddler/preschooler to a little girl and it happened over night.<br />
<br />
The other day we were all in the car and I looked back at you in your seat and I couldn't get over how grown you were. I remarked to your Dad about how you now had "big kid legs", all muscle and length and no more of the pudge of your toddler days. And it made my heart ache. Because while I absolutely adore the girl you are becoming, I do miss my tiny baby. But that's to be expected.<br />
<br />
The biggest milestone for you this year was becoming a big sister and girl, you are the best big sister EVER.<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16788280921/player/" width="640" height="427" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>Have we had bouts of jealousy? Of course, but you got your world rocked by Cooper joining it and you have handled it with a grace far beyond your years.<br />
<br />
You adore your brother. You love to feed him and change him and you get so excited on nights we let y'all share a bath because then you get to help bathe him. When he smiles and laughs at you, it absolutely makes your day and you will turn to whomever is near and excitedly exclaim <i>"he smiled at me!"</i>. I'm pretty sure that will never get old. <br />
<br />
If you accidentally "hurt" him (like crawling on him to get to my lap), you will apologize til your blue in the face and your little face will still show how worried you are long after we have reassured you that he is fine. You love your little brother. My prayer is that you will always care for him the way you do now. He has one awesome person in his corner in you.<br />
<br />
Ella you are hands down still the light of our lives. You make us laugh so hard and you make us absolutely beam with pride at the things you are learning and accomplishing. <br />
<br />
You aren't perfect though. You have a sarcastic streak a mile wide and a tongue that is going to get you in trouble a lot. We are working on self control with you but you are one of those people that always have to get the last word in. You get it honest girl and I do apologize for that.<br />
<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16169483003/player/" width="640" height="427" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>You are smart and you do so incredibly well at school. You know all your letters and numbers and can count to 100 easily (and maybe further, I tune out at 100, sorry). You can write all of our names in the house and can write all of your letters, upper and lowercase. You are learning to read. You are a pro at sounding out words and know your vowels and consonants and the sounds they make. You can read short books to us. You love to do that. You also love to spell and write words. You can be found with a notebook and pen so much of the time walking around asking us <i>"how do you spell.."</i> whatever it is you are working on at the moment.<br />
<br />
You are funny. And you know it. You can make a face that makes an entire room crack up. This is also something we are working on self control with as you, like your mother, definitely enjoy the laughs and are egged on by them big time. Time and a place child, time and a place. <br />
<br />
You never nap. You are go, go, go from the moment you wake up (7 am) til you collapse into bed at night (around 7:30-8 pm). You love to be outside but you also love curling up and watching a movie. You consider it a huge treat if we eat pizza in the living room while watching a movie. It makes your day.<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16602047340/player/" width="427" height="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>I asked you about some of your favorite things and you said Sadie was your best friend (school friend) (though sometimes that answer is me!), your favorite tv show is Octonauts, and your favorite color is still pink and purple. You love grilled cheese and orange juice. You're a pretty picky eater. Your sweet tooth is out of control. Your favorite movie is still Frozen (duh) and Big Hero 6. Favorite show is Octonauts and Wild Kratts. You love your tv time for sure.<br />
<br />
You still love books and drawing and writing. I wish you would do more of that and less tv but you got your love of tv from your Dad for sure.<br />
<br />
Girl you are the light of our lives. We love you so, so much it hurts. You are by far our favorite and we are so proud of you and the girl you are becoming. Welcome to five girl. You're going to rock it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Th_I30cAsxp-oXr8liUY2bye1_XTpS_FXh8ZeSGncUbLOhiP67FUhQU7OU0GDQGJ2YmYFm5gsqPOniwpxHu0j0ZTrNAgDa21WjkQ7njSyjIjR-OceRRYC2qCImahI2kbTh4dM4wg7w/s1600/zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Th_I30cAsxp-oXr8liUY2bye1_XTpS_FXh8ZeSGncUbLOhiP67FUhQU7OU0GDQGJ2YmYFm5gsqPOniwpxHu0j0ZTrNAgDa21WjkQ7njSyjIjR-OceRRYC2qCImahI2kbTh4dM4wg7w/s640/zoo.jpg" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-17282874210943661912015-03-18T21:35:00.000-04:002015-03-26T21:36:57.273-04:004 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv3N99dBpDmS8KJYf9YqtMbGVEvN7smk-hNtQEq2fT_-BxGMeKPXp3y0JyRJiIFSO5j9kvuz0tfBYSLOZtTraxCB2TYtXYh_rkBteRrFymVGi77KUuhD3tkDLXYjq6A6AzINd9FCuOQ/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv3N99dBpDmS8KJYf9YqtMbGVEvN7smk-hNtQEq2fT_-BxGMeKPXp3y0JyRJiIFSO5j9kvuz0tfBYSLOZtTraxCB2TYtXYh_rkBteRrFymVGi77KUuhD3tkDLXYjq6A6AzINd9FCuOQ/s640/IMG_2989.JPG" /></a></div>Oh sweet boy, you are four months old and I cannot even wrap my head around it. I'm not blinking anymore because I swear every time I do, you grow up more. Not okay.<br />
<br />
It's kind of been a rough month for you. I took you to Urgent Care at the end of February and you were diagnosed with reflux. You had this cough that sounded like you had been smoking for 40 years. It was awful. You felt terrible. It took us a few weeks, a trip to the ER, a diagnosis of bronchiolitis and an ear infection, a formula change, and a lot of meds to get you feeling better. It was rough. But I think you're on the up and up now. Fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
Your sleep has left much to be desired this month. Some nights you sleep four-five hours, and some nights you are up every two hours. There has been no schedule. I'm going to throw you a bone though. You really have not felt good at all. I'm hoping now that your ear feels better and your reflux is a bit more under control that we will really see an improvement in your sleep. We all need it. For sure.<br />
<br />
So what else have you been up to this month Coop-a-loop?<br />
<br />
- You went to Savannah for your first St. Patrick's Day. And you had a blast. You saw a bit of the parade but you spent most of your time being passed from person to person as we all fought to hold you and love all over you.<br />
<br />
- You push your bottle or my chest away when you're done eating. <br />
<br />
- You are still nursing and I'm just going with your flow on this. My supply is still terrible but it's about the same as always so we work with it. I think you nurse mostly for comfort which is fine by me. I figure when you get completely frustrated with it and don't want to anymore then we will quit. Until then, I'll pump and do whatever I need to. You're worth it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjlGqz2X6KKfW0Z5lkLoPhAmiXtHnw4gp35_ozE4s6PdLIk0Alk19fMdDtNWsuvpJfoyGMd4SXJerOIQEimS4VhsL9dx3jMFZI_JsqrUUruoPIzlbnDeRe3q-3xDkBzixuiZGEQ8nxA/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjlGqz2X6KKfW0Z5lkLoPhAmiXtHnw4gp35_ozE4s6PdLIk0Alk19fMdDtNWsuvpJfoyGMd4SXJerOIQEimS4VhsL9dx3jMFZI_JsqrUUruoPIzlbnDeRe3q-3xDkBzixuiZGEQ8nxA/s640/IMG_2985.JPG" /></a></div>- You still eat about every three hours. We don't want to up your amount too much right now because of the reflux so you will probably stay on that schedule for a while. You eat about five ounces at every feeding.<br />
<br />
- You are putting your weight on your feet more often and are starting to enjoy "standing" a bit more.<br />
<br />
- You love sitting up in your little chair. You are still pretty wobbly but you're getting there.<br />
<br />
- You have figured out the toys on your seat and love to play with them and bang them on the tray. You also have found the toys on your play mat and like to roll and grab them.<br />
<br />
- You love your little giraffe. It's your buddy.<br />
<br />
- You are this ll close to rolling back to belly. You keep getting stuck on your side. You can roll from stomach to back but you don't do it much. You are still not a huge fan of tummy time.<br />
<br />
- You are extremely vocal. You have definitely found your voice and you love to use it! You have the sweetest little voice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJF73ao8N7u3cXIrAVMyLgIR0pHKYz9CZq31dFjGCuQLToGymAcBg6q6PIYv9Rjwn1pdDkjfE8CjL7Phel7ZPhcqCCf46bFhYSun4DyrN1beJGGHQYwZIFBrMdzkqkFEBe02KDwZgGA/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJF73ao8N7u3cXIrAVMyLgIR0pHKYz9CZq31dFjGCuQLToGymAcBg6q6PIYv9Rjwn1pdDkjfE8CjL7Phel7ZPhcqCCf46bFhYSun4DyrN1beJGGHQYwZIFBrMdzkqkFEBe02KDwZgGA/s640/IMG_2991.JPG" /></a></div>- You are wearing mostly 3-6 month clothes and some 6 month. You are still in size 2 Pampers Swaddlers. At your four month appointment you weighed in at 15.3 pounds and were 24.75 inches long with at 42.2 cm head circumference. You are right in the 50th percentile for everything.<br />
<br />
- You constantly have your hands in your mouth chewing on them and I've seen you sucking your thumb a few times. You also spend a lot of time sucking in that bottom lip. You act like you're teething, but I know your sister started this months before she started teething so maybe you're just getting started. It will probably be a while before we see any teeth.<br />
<br />
- You go to bed around 7:30 pm each night and then it's a guessing game what happens next. You are usually up at least once or twice to nurse and then usually back to sleep. But like I said, you are Mr. Random Man at night. Every night is a guessing game.<br />
<br />
- You are getting a bit better at napping but still aren't great. You will take an hour nap every so often. That's about your longest nap. I don't get why you don't like to sleep...<br />
<br />
- You have started giggling out loud more often. It's pretty much the best sound. <br />
<br />
- You are starting to turn your head when we say your name and smile at your name. <br />
<br />
- You are still hands down a Mama's boy. You adore your sister and your Daddy but you light up when I come in the room. I love it so, so much. You melt my heart kid.<br />
<br />
You are such a joy Coop. It's been a trying month but we are moving along and I know much better times are ahead. I can't wait for the next month with you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUyOG5oKyYOUsSEKqpyOaOUPv-YeUi-LheMVX5rv4X7GgaP2ko7wo5R3_02yX_cHgqSawZzhQILjCHs4HeEpdgtV7vRSc9Nt2AvRcWQcpmQLHhGtq_D-w-HFPsIa320zb63X5912jCA/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUyOG5oKyYOUsSEKqpyOaOUPv-YeUi-LheMVX5rv4X7GgaP2ko7wo5R3_02yX_cHgqSawZzhQILjCHs4HeEpdgtV7vRSc9Nt2AvRcWQcpmQLHhGtq_D-w-HFPsIa320zb63X5912jCA/s640/IMG_2995.JPG" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-83218890878452319572015-03-11T20:55:00.000-04:002015-03-11T20:55:47.852-04:00my boy.We found out Cooper was a boy at an early ultrasound right around 16 weeks.<br />
<br />
Life was crazy and honestly, I kept forgetting I was even pregnant so I thought if I knew what the baby was, it might help me bond. So I begged B and then eventually just booked it thinking he would have to go if I had a set appointment.<br />
<br />
I kind of wanted a girl.<br />
<br />
No, I <i>really</i> wanted a girl.<br />
<br />
In my head danced visions of girls in matching clothes. Of sisters sharing a room and telling secrets into the night. Of another sweet girl wearing E's hand me downs.<br />
<br />
We had a name picked out. I could practically see the monogrammed clothes hanging in her closet. I was already in love with this girl.<br />
<br />
But then a part of me always thought deep down this baby was a boy. At my very first appointment when I first saw the little bug, I thought "it's a boy" and I just knew it was true.<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16602079360/player/" width="800" height="534" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't secretly still hoping for a girl.<br />
<br />
Then we went to that appointment and the tech gave us an 85% shot that it was a boy. She just could never get that money shot to give us the 100% <i>"it's a boy!"</i> statement. But I knew. I knew that we'd just spent the last hour watching our son jump around on the screen.<br />
<br />
It sounds insane to me right now that that sweet boy is sleeping away in my room, but this is how I felt back then. I had no idea...<br />
<br />
I left that appointment slightly disappointed. I even voiced it to B, but not in so many words. I mean what kind of mother thinks like that?!<br />
<br />
I feel I should put a disclaimer here; I adore my boy. At that moment though, I mourned the loss of a sister for Ella. And that's really what I wanted. Probably just because she loudly, LOUDLY, voiced her desire for a sister. I almost felt like I let her down. Crazy? Absolutely, but you can't reason with pregnancy hormones.<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16169506153/player/" width="800" height="534" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>The weeks between that early ultrasound and our genetic screening were crazy in my head. A tiny part of me still thought the tech might be wrong. Maybe she saw his cord? Or a hand? I've heard plenty of stories where the ultrasound was wrong. It definitely happens.<br />
<br />
But then the other part of me desperately hoped she was right. I bought a couple of boy items. I allowed myself to dream of blue and start to daydream of boy names. I felt like that at my next appointment I would be bummed no matter what, because now I wanted both.<br />
<br />
The day of our specialist appointment quickly arrived and the tech took no time in pulling E aside and sharing with her first what the baby was. And as Ella said <i>"it's a boy"</i> (with no excitement mind you), I teared up. It was a boy. <i>My boy</i>. No I didn't know anything about raising boys but I was damn sure ready to try. Was I still a tad disappointed? Of course. I won't lie. Who wouldn't love watching two girls grow up? They're amazing. <br />
<br />
I had no idea.<br />
<br />
It's actually kind of weird typing this now because I know I felt this way but he's here now and oh my gosh ya'll; this boy has <i>rocked</i> my world.<br />
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My whole life I've been waiting on this child. On both of my children, but I couldn't imagine what he would do to my heart. I know they say boys are <i>"Mama's boys"</i> but you just don't get it til you see it. Til you live it. I swear I didn't know we were missing him until he was here and I realized that he's been missing all along. He is ours. He is the final piece to our family puzzle. We never would have been complete if it hadn't been him.<br />
<br />
Funny how things work out. It makes me thankful that I'm not in charge of things. I didn't know how much I needed this boy. I didn't know how much I would adore this boy. I didn't know how much it would make my heart smile to watch him and Ella develop a relationship I could have only dreamed of. Thank you God for knowing better than I do. Thank you God for our beautiful, beautiful, beautiful baby boy. He's our world. I think we'll keep him.<br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16582100207/in/photostream/player/" width="800" height="534" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-1908912426333268092015-03-01T20:26:00.001-05:002015-03-01T20:26:49.688-05:00full circle.November is an extremely hard month around here.<br />
<br />
While it's the beginning of the holiday season and pretty much the beginning of my favorite time of year, it's also the month that we suffered the most heart ache in.<br />
<br />
It's the month that three of our pregnancies left us. The one where we found out about the other one that left us at Christmas. It's a hard, hard month.<br />
<br />
When I found out Cooper was due in November, my heart sank. And when I went to that first ultrasound appointment, by myself since Mr. P was working out of town, and I was told that the baby's heart "was very slow but there's nothing we can do about it", I walked out to my car and just sobbed. Of course my November baby wasn't going to make it. It's such a bad month.<br />
<br />
But God has bigger plans than us. Always. And they are always so, so much better than we can imagine them to be. Because that baby? He made it. And he turned an ordinary day in a month that used to bring so much heartache, into one of the best days ever. In a way it has all come full circle. All that heartache, all that loss in one month of a year and then He completed our family with the sweetest gift in that month. <br />
<br />
Wow. <br />
<br />
This guy? He stole our hearts. He is absolutely the perfect little bookend to complete our family. I got my best gift of 2014 in November. <br />
<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/perfectlyimperfectlife/16480308357/player/" width="800" height="534" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-44076847633435371862015-02-18T15:08:00.000-05:002015-02-24T15:09:07.208-05:003 months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DP5WebYJ0Mkt04dYJTEkjdcj1O_yU6NN6uQ6zzomNOn9s24CODcDPBlOJ0Nb6wGQpgXPlyGdL9DirgGG1RFG-fA1O8ldw6Z5vQZxNFrmfo2RxLYfDK14AOscZYCyux7LjNPOdGr8qA/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DP5WebYJ0Mkt04dYJTEkjdcj1O_yU6NN6uQ6zzomNOn9s24CODcDPBlOJ0Nb6wGQpgXPlyGdL9DirgGG1RFG-fA1O8ldw6Z5vQZxNFrmfo2RxLYfDK14AOscZYCyux7LjNPOdGr8qA/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Oh Coop a loop these months are flying by.<br />
<br />
You are just such a joy to us sweet boy. We are far more tired than we ever imagined we would be but you are beyond worth it. You are just the best little guy.<br />
<br />
You are currently in 3-6 and some 6 month clothes. You can still wear 3 month but they are pretty tight. You are in size 1 diapers but just until we finish the ones we have. You are probably around 14 or so pounds. I should weigh and measure you. Put that on my to do list.<br />
<br />
So what are you up to at 3 months little one?<br />
<br />
-You are constantly blowing spit bubbles. Constantly. Your shirts are covered in drool and as much as I hate them, bibs have become a necessary evil. You are a drooling machine.<br />
<br />
-You are just so smiley and so happy. Still not a ton of giggles but you do get really excited and make a very happy "cooing" noise. It's just as adorable as giggles. You love to play "where's Cooper?" and you loved to be "scared". Boo is your favorite word currently. You also love when we sing you the "Cooper the Pooper" song. Yes, it's an original.<br />
<br />
-You are really starting to grab and hold onto things. You love the little giraffe rattle which we try to keep with you in your carseat. <br />
<br />
-You are VERY obvious about being hungry and tired. When you're tired, you start to rub against our chest/shoulders. When you start getting like that it's time to put you down. You put yourself to sleep. You do not want to be rocked when you're that tired (this only happens at night. You want nothing to do with being put down during the day).<br />
<br />
-You are obsessed with your hands. They are always in your mouth!<br />
<br />
-You are hands down a Mama's boy. I get the best smiles from you and when I start talking you start looking around frantically until you lay eyes on me. If you can hear me but aren't touching me, you will pull yourself in the direction of my voice. I not so secretly love it. I hope you are always this way.<br />
<br />
-You do not like to be put down. You'll hang out for a little while not attached to a person but it does not last long. You are just a people person. That's what I'm calling it anyway...<br />
<br />
-You are still 50/50 breastmilk and formula. I'm so over pumping but you aren't showing any lack of interest in nursing when we're together so I'm bound and determined to let you lead. I know this will be over before I know it so even though my supply sucks and I'm over carting a pump all over the Carolinas, I'm in it for the long haul. You tell me little buddy.<br />
<br />
-Your sleeping still leaves much to be desired. You are a terrible napper. You may have a good day where you get a couple of good naps but then you'll go days with the longest nap being 25 minutes. It can be maddening. You go to bed about 8 ish but are usually up around 2 am. Some days it will take you a couple of hours to get back to sleep which means my day starts at 2 am for good. I do not like those days. Most nights you nurse at 2 and then go back to sleep til 4 or 5. I can handle those days a bit better. You're pretty random. We've attempted "sleep training" but you really want nothing to do with it. Your sister was so easy that I couldn't understand why everyone didn't sleep train. Now I know. Some kids are just not going to have it.<br />
<br />
All in all I don't mind your not sleeping. Don't get me wrong, you can start sleeping better any time now, but I'm slowly adjusting to the sucky sleep and I know you will eventually sleep so... I'm trying to hang in there. You've kind of got me wrapped though. This could be why you get away with everything.<br />
<br />
You are such a joy Cooper. You really are. Everyone remarks on what a good baby you are. And while you're pretty high maintenance (need warm bottles, warm wipes, to be held ALL THE TIME), I wouldn't trade you for the world. I know not every baby is as easy as your sister was. You're just keeping us on our toes. We should thank you.<br />
<br />
We love you more than the world Coop. You're our favorite little buddy.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-88810906062248161032015-02-09T22:22:00.000-05:002015-02-09T22:22:26.771-05:00my girl.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1ZCORAQinN35xs3SFEW2O0Rxa_UB6JhseumzpHv6sdqBOQViVjLlf8gXHx64WcBEn0Xgfnys_i_GLYzLZclQtBzk9kgh-m7kS6fjS87Vqs8sMVNSobhukU-LZvmrMGo4p48waR_Khg/s1600/IMG_2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1ZCORAQinN35xs3SFEW2O0Rxa_UB6JhseumzpHv6sdqBOQViVjLlf8gXHx64WcBEn0Xgfnys_i_GLYzLZclQtBzk9kgh-m7kS6fjS87Vqs8sMVNSobhukU-LZvmrMGo4p48waR_Khg/s400/IMG_2686.JPG" /></a></div>Oh this girl.<br />
<br />
I love my child. Dearly. But to say she and I, no, she and EVERYBODY and having a time, would be putting it mildly.<br />
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I honestly have to brag on her for a second though. This girl? she is the <i>best</i> big sister ever. No seriously. EVER.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s3pVRWksPlE6mmOYieXOkr1irXVZLpEzIFYQIHsboSprSAEmB83qCjem1tixI-hTA6WIr0Do7ZtpdKEc8FMYWYax_7JVGacanGRWiwqDNqhBJ3YuCo9IN6x2A_W7EMth3iA0xhzt-g/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s3pVRWksPlE6mmOYieXOkr1irXVZLpEzIFYQIHsboSprSAEmB83qCjem1tixI-hTA6WIr0Do7ZtpdKEc8FMYWYax_7JVGacanGRWiwqDNqhBJ3YuCo9IN6x2A_W7EMth3iA0xhzt-g/s400/IMG_2687.JPG" /></a></div>She is always quick to help out. You can ask her to go get something and she's on it before you finish the sentence. Even if she just made a trip upstairs, she'll go right back up there if it's for something her little brother needs. She loves to hold him, feed him, change his diaper (only wet ones!), and pick out his socks each morning to match his outfit.<br />
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I haven't had any of the "can't take a shower" problems, because I can. I can leave C with her for a few minutes (on his mat or something) and she will watch him like a hawk. She'll come get me the second he makes a peep and she knows better than to ever pick him up.<br />
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She has a heart of gold. If she accidentally does anything that might make him upset, it breaks her little heart. She climbed in my lap the other day only to sit on his leg and you would have thought her dog just died. She was so worried about him. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiBjQGPB9jDAf-d4HXk8KJUcNM0KeIZohep-eTLQjyRE_VzpxpTm2z4efnDkQql5b6WySahMbqDVqlsg0IFwG2NUPmBQGKsEHPqyMPXYIWCl4A0UXlbgng5aGsskCMxFZZS7p3R7vLA/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiBjQGPB9jDAf-d4HXk8KJUcNM0KeIZohep-eTLQjyRE_VzpxpTm2z4efnDkQql5b6WySahMbqDVqlsg0IFwG2NUPmBQGKsEHPqyMPXYIWCl4A0UXlbgng5aGsskCMxFZZS7p3R7vLA/s400/IMG_2689.JPG" /></a></div>That is not to say that we aren't having our fair share of jealousy issues.<br />
<br />
She gets a little upset every day as packages of spring clothes roll in for Cooper and less for her. She doesn't get that he has ZERO spring clothes while she already has last years. Try explaining that to a kid that hasn't had anyone else for her shopaholic Mom to buy for the last four years. It's real fun.<br />
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And the sleep issues? Oh the sleep issues.<br />
<br />
For months now, E has gotten up every single night and ended up in our bed. Well, up until a couple of weeks ago when we had to get strict about the consequences if she kept it up. Let's put it this way, there was not a soul in this house getting a good night's sleep and it was not because of the newborn. <br />
<br />
She decided she hated being upstairs by herself even though she's been upstairs by herself since we moved here. She then decided that she didn't have anyone up there watching her and that was not okay. She said they were "all dead" (aka, dolls). I'm telling y'all, it was bad.<br />
<br />
She's not a good bed partner or we may have allowed it but it had to stop. So we finally laid down the law on that and she's managed to stay upstairs every night for the last week or so. Hallelujah amen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eCtN_CQP46W4KszB_Dfmr6N4AZ80BFzGIdit2hGav11Oa0STx_cqrUoPU3-RNFKkd0ix-C0NUEtiE37n-Hhw2v3S5esXkstY48Rq6oeva0LwoeGFJDTEsBAmvsnysa1yW_2k34KkdA/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eCtN_CQP46W4KszB_Dfmr6N4AZ80BFzGIdit2hGav11Oa0STx_cqrUoPU3-RNFKkd0ix-C0NUEtiE37n-Hhw2v3S5esXkstY48Rq6oeva0LwoeGFJDTEsBAmvsnysa1yW_2k34KkdA/s400/IMG_2690.JPG" /></a></div>She's been taking a nap at school most days and that's because she's not sleeping well at home. Her teachers are loving this latest development. Her parents not so much.<br />
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She's also been having a lot of issues with tantrums. We've managed to get pretty lucky in this department as she's never been a big foot stomper or someone who throws herself around. Until now.<br />
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Now I know all of this has got to be a regression of sorts from all the change. I know that. But it doesn't make it any easier.<br />
<br />
And I'm sure a lot of it is our fault. She's always been so independent and so grown up that I think sometimes we forget that she's just FOUR YEARS OLD. No kidding, sometimes I have to check myself when I find me asking tasks of her that an eight year old might not do. I think in a way we've forced her to grow up a lot and maybe she's just not having it.<br />
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The thing about Ella though, is that she thrives on tasks. She thrives on being able to help out. To be a leader in her surroundings. She's bossy though and lately she's having such a hard time keeping it in check. And that mouth of hers.... I could go on for days about that but I won't. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb1mgS6wkoyEU471Rap76uFVGMgcXvMoUlI7ZeeVvo3UKN32qMwthgtzhkutsvROFwIiPRHCSKB6R338FKQc6TsxwzVE6QY2z2W3TEvRGGLwAj-Bzwtms4Wq-tYC-CQRV69P8lVpwsQ/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb1mgS6wkoyEU471Rap76uFVGMgcXvMoUlI7ZeeVvo3UKN32qMwthgtzhkutsvROFwIiPRHCSKB6R338FKQc6TsxwzVE6QY2z2W3TEvRGGLwAj-Bzwtms4Wq-tYC-CQRV69P8lVpwsQ/s400/IMG_2693.JPG" /></a></div>So that's where we are at with E. We're struggling a bit but I know we'll get through it. The attitude, the sass; they're all qualities of my girl that make her her. And she's awesome. We just have to keep working to guide those qualities into something useful. Something positive.<br />
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And maybe tire her out daily so she'll sleep good at night. That would be awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvMQA9lDm5bdUIZf6FhyZj8oFWEnl7huzBh43aKmCRqcbquuYi_0M2gDX2UQCKEW0_DbfC3ucHXNAG2qW5ASVknKTCk72HJidMBSGxuoJtvP8mrqTawvc9Z0pmf24xj_8U_KRib1P7Q/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvMQA9lDm5bdUIZf6FhyZj8oFWEnl7huzBh43aKmCRqcbquuYi_0M2gDX2UQCKEW0_DbfC3ucHXNAG2qW5ASVknKTCk72HJidMBSGxuoJtvP8mrqTawvc9Z0pmf24xj_8U_KRib1P7Q/s400/IMG_2694.JPG" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-76526442961224221372015-01-18T21:20:00.000-05:002015-01-24T21:20:30.815-05:002 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMehX2AGl8fQSHF8a9Bb-VrfkXX9VFd8QGQCOZfJ1XKMxIVz2RjG1DI8HFNQTIKtRMy7GwbU4VPudHLFHjb_l-0GWgcXe1g8UORBaL1SZBxdxbVmB99sYiURyxRaynl_FInpl7SV57KQ/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMehX2AGl8fQSHF8a9Bb-VrfkXX9VFd8QGQCOZfJ1XKMxIVz2RjG1DI8HFNQTIKtRMy7GwbU4VPudHLFHjb_l-0GWgcXe1g8UORBaL1SZBxdxbVmB99sYiURyxRaynl_FInpl7SV57KQ/s400/IMG_2719.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It's cruel how fast time goes. You need to slow this growing up thing down. You hear me?<br />
<br />
Coop you are two months old. You are weighing in at 12 pounds 6 ounces (I know right?!) and 23 inches long. You are solidly in - and 3 month clothes. Even your newborn pants are too short now. You have gotten long!<br />
<br />
You are a smiley little guy. It may have taken you a while to start giving us those smiles but at 7 weeks it just kind of clicked with you and you've been smiling ever since. We can't get enough. It's the cutest little thing ever. <br />
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You've also laughed out loud once on January 12th. Just once though and it was at something your sister was doing. You haven't done it since though.<br />
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You've also rolled over once from tummy to back. You were bound and determined you weren't going to do tummy time! You do tolerate tummy time sometimes, but you definitely don't love it.<br />
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You are a pro at straightening and standing on those little legs of yours when we hold you up. You still prefer to be facing out when being held and sitting facing out. You just like to see the world.<br />
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You have such good head control. You just seem so big already!<br />
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You are doing much better with your sleeping. You still aren't a great schedule per se but you've started sleeping around 5-6 hours straight, sometimes seven, most nights so I'll take it. You still have a few nights where you wake at about 2:30 but you just nurse for about 15-20 minutes and then you are right back to sleep. I prefer the mornings you sleep til about 4. Just saying...<br />
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You still aren't a great napper. I'm not super strict with you. Maybe I should be, but you aren't unhappy and you aren't screaming so... we shall see. Maybe next month I'll crack down more. Right now? well you can do no wrong.<br />
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You are definitely a Mama's boy. You much prefer me to anyone else. I secretly love this. Though it would be nice to have more than 10 minutes to get things done. I need my arms buddy!<br />
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You still have the most calm, laid back demeanor. You cry when hungry and when tired. As soon as you start whining that you're tired, we stick a paci in your mouth, swaddle you up, and you are out in minutes. You are really good at putting yourself to sleep as well. I kind of miss having to rock you to sleep but I am glad you can self soothe.<br />
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Cooper you've rocked our worlds in the best possible way. It's only been two months but it feels like you were always a part of us. We love you little buddy.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-88651418258117583242015-01-12T20:54:00.000-05:002015-01-12T20:54:11.829-05:00the last few weeks...So somehow my maternity leave is already over. I literally blinked and 6 weeks were gone. I had all these big plans on what I would get done while I was on "break". Ask me how many I got dome. That's right; zero. But I really don't care. Because I spent my break cuddling a baby. A baby that is already 8 weeks old. I don't even know how that happened.<br />
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I keep swearing I'm going to blog more. Blog his everyday like I did with Ella. But I have to be honest, life is <i>busy</i> right now. There's work, church, play, dogs, cat, kids; someone always needs something. And this blog comes last. It kind of has too. But I do really want to have a record for him like I do for Ella. So I'm going to try. <br />
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My maternity leave flew by. Coop and I spent a lot of time watching Netflix and cuddling. It was all kinds of awesome. We celebrated Thanksgiving and then Christmas and before I knew it, his first month was up. <br />
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There wasn't a lot of time for crazy postpartum hormones. With so many people here, it was hard to just sit around and cry. I did sneak away a few times for a good cry, but overall, the whole postpartum thing was much better this time around. I felt good. Even the crazy nights with him were good. I was tired, but I felt good.<br />
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With a four year old sister, there wasn't a lot of time to sit around and do nothing. When she was home, we were busy. So C got dragged to all kinds of Christmas activities. We did Christmasville and Santa visits and ice-skating. We traveled down to Florence and met C's other grandparents and introduced C to one of my best friends. We left C with a sitter for a night while Ella was at a lock in at school and Mr. P and I got a little date night to enjoy dinner and Christmas shopping.<br />
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It flew by. I hope to blog more about Christmas soon. It was so fun. E is at such a fun age and C is just a doll. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaNBfpn9-wquqwuBKh_lY2eWjwWgjzteenaFUlrw6vUdXnwiP_pm4-p_tTfa5uw-KBwcGgKdJGdYg3cRFKiJanMkkNJYEW5rq2vK7_Vrg4PyWKoWVlmEWwFVNgkD-v-7MAbrtmbE7XQ/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaNBfpn9-wquqwuBKh_lY2eWjwWgjzteenaFUlrw6vUdXnwiP_pm4-p_tTfa5uw-KBwcGgKdJGdYg3cRFKiJanMkkNJYEW5rq2vK7_Vrg4PyWKoWVlmEWwFVNgkD-v-7MAbrtmbE7XQ/s400/IMG_2335.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FgPvqnnuj6YgFvgNnHy0EgX0I4fKToagSsrvXEHBvHRS821VMnxbGqm2GoDVs2ZefflOiyQNZB0fpGtzxPXiSCCfX94zB-WV3O-Dmtwfjvr7pvOsd5NzYfa0ZDpyWnUmS9M4nOAJVQ/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FgPvqnnuj6YgFvgNnHy0EgX0I4fKToagSsrvXEHBvHRS821VMnxbGqm2GoDVs2ZefflOiyQNZB0fpGtzxPXiSCCfX94zB-WV3O-Dmtwfjvr7pvOsd5NzYfa0ZDpyWnUmS9M4nOAJVQ/s400/IMG_2353.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Cooper is the sweetest baby ever. He was sucking at sleeping, but even that's gotten better the last few nights. I'll talk more about him in his two month post, which somehow is right around the corner. This time around has been so different from E. I don't know why but this baby has me wrapped. I was a schedule nazi with Ella, but with C, I'm letting him do things on his own time. The thought his crying it out breaks my heart and I haven't been able to do it at all. Fortunately he hasn't had too as he's figuring things out pretty well on his own.<br />
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I'm so in love with this baby. So in love. I pretty much think the sun and moon rises because of him. I knew I would love him but I couldn't even fathom a love like this. I guess it's true; there really is something special about a Mom and her son. He stole my heart.<br />
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Ella has been a rockstar but she honestly deserves her own post full of all the brags. Let's just say that Coop definitely lucked up in the big sister department. He got the best one ever. <br />
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So that's where we are. We're trying to figure things out and navigate our new normal. Life is good. It's really good. <br />
Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-33114839394171723182015-01-02T16:32:00.002-05:002015-01-02T16:32:53.919-05:00it's only a season....You'll sleep again one day..<br />
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This is the mantra I'm repeating to myself over and over these days. I am tired.<br />
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There is so much I want to catch up on. So much I want to blog. Cooper's First Christmas, Ella and Cooper meeting for the first time, what we're up to these days... But that requires time. And two hands. Neither of which I have very often these days.<br />
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The first couple of weeks with C were <i>amazing</i>. I was tired, of course, but the every three hours was working for us and even when he was awake, he was so darn pleasant that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I remarked on more than one occasion how different this was than with Ella. With her, the nights were full of screaming and tears from both of us and the exhaustion couple with that was more than I could take. I can't tell you how many times I ran to B and handed him her with the words <i>"I can't take it anymore!"</i>.<br />
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Cooper has been so different. I haven't felt that. I haven't woken B up any as I've been handling the nights pretty well. He was napping pretty decent during the day as well so I was able to occasionally get some rest.<br />
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The last week or so has completely changed. I don't believe you can "spoil" a newborn, but this one certainly acts like it. He is only happy when held and his sleeping has gone to pot. I've tried to start following some sort of schedule lately and I'm pretty sure I can actually hear him laughing at me when I try to make him do something on my timetable. He's been staying up til midnight these days even pushing it to 1 am last night only to wake up again at 4 and stay awake for two hours.<br />
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He's still not crying in the night; as long as you hold him. When you put him down? all bets are off and I'm just not to the crying it out stage yet. I may be my own worst enemy but.... <br />
<br />
My girl is being awesome. She is far and away the best big sister EVER. She's so helpful and lights up when given the opportunity to hold or feed her brother. She's had a few more tantrums than usual but even that is calming down as she gets a bit more used to him. I do feel like she gets the shaft a lot because C does take a lot of my time, but she's rolling with it. Currently she's singing along to <i>"Part of Your World"</i> from the Little Mermaid and giving me five seconds of peace and quiet while Cooper takes what is sure to be a ten minute nap.<br />
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Life is different with two. I feel like sometimes I can barely keep my head up as I juggle work (yes, I worked through my maternity leave which is up on Monday), Ella, Cooper, B, and the house. I'll let you guess which of those are getting the short end of the stick. I did spend a good deal of my maternity just cuddling my boy which I am so glad of, but I'm still beyond devastated that that time is over.<br />
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I don't even know what I'm saying. And now Cooper is awake again. Called it. His naps suck.<br />
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I'll leave you with this; my boys first smile caught on camera at 6 1/2 weeks. He better be glad he's so darn cute. And that I know this is just a season and we will get through this.. <br />
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I'll sleep eventually.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCIC6bWJnra5bPwi3b9aDmpygQ0pp2dbeZLoEL3PvPzSdlHvCYqxrcAsYjUTxhpgfTsfIuof5CAdUgID8Khf0Dnyt-s-mPRhzTA5Egxkt3CPxAwJrrNfXNVGeZkqkggdGqteZTmNXHw/s1600/coop+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCIC6bWJnra5bPwi3b9aDmpygQ0pp2dbeZLoEL3PvPzSdlHvCYqxrcAsYjUTxhpgfTsfIuof5CAdUgID8Khf0Dnyt-s-mPRhzTA5Egxkt3CPxAwJrrNfXNVGeZkqkggdGqteZTmNXHw/s640/coop+smile.jpg" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-78776043689315875942014-12-19T10:01:00.000-05:002015-01-02T18:31:08.630-05:001 month.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNpvFhODVXKv85V5qxtK605S-5Pqh8grqIW8SRR9OajCs9HEmz0ThUfE349_yloZRuQfx28MQ_WcQhXZvQXqH9HPofwPbll5yw8d0JRFeEEfFKPSLes8QfYpADezojrVrkBFLA00z2Q/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNpvFhODVXKv85V5qxtK605S-5Pqh8grqIW8SRR9OajCs9HEmz0ThUfE349_yloZRuQfx28MQ_WcQhXZvQXqH9HPofwPbll5yw8d0JRFeEEfFKPSLes8QfYpADezojrVrkBFLA00z2Q/s400/IMG_2442.JPG" /></a></div>Sweet boy, you are one month old! I cannot even wrap my head around that fact. Fastest month ever.<br />
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You are such a good baby. You're one of those babies that trick people into having many, many more because you are so enjoyable. You just have the best disposition. <br />
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You prefer to be held to anything else. You want to sleep being held, eat being held, you just want to snuggle. Truthfully, usually I let you do just that. Because I also really, really like to snuggle you. It's pretty much my current favorite past time.<br />
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You don't really like your swing which was your sister's favorite so that's different. You'll go in it for about ten minutes or so and then you're ready to be picked up again. Sometimes you're pretty cool to just hang out on your back and look around and you'll even tolerate tummy time. Like I said, best disposition.<br />
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You currently sleep in the rock-n-play in our room and I don't see that changing any time soon. I love you being that close. You nap on your belly in our room. We were struggling with nap time but I let you lay on your belly and it was a game changer. You only get to do this at naptime while we are awake though.<br />
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You are a champion nurser. You have never had a problem latching or anything. In fact my supply issues have really bummed me out because I've felt like I'm letting you down. That's getting better though. You are still currently nursing and taking a bottle afterwards. I've tried to get my supply up but it's not going anywhere. This works for us right now though.<br />
<br />
You had a hard time in the first couple of weeks. We battled supply issues and you lost a good bit of weight, getting down to 6 pounds 15 ounces, so we have been supplementing with formula after every feeding. I've been trying to get my supply up, but no big change there unfortunately. Oh well, supplementing works for us right now. We'll see what happens next. I learned from your sister that there is no sense beating myself up over this. You're getting both. You're good.<br />
<br />
At your one month appointment you were back up to 9 pounds 6 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. You're in the 50th percentile for everything. You still have an umbilical hernia but we just have to watch that. Your sister had one too and it's closed up now. You also still have the heart murmur you were born with. We have an appointment on January 7th for an EKG. Your doctor is 99% sure it will be just a small murmur but since it hasn't closed up yet, she does want to double check things. <br />
<br />
You like to grip our fingers and have excellent head control for a one month old. You have found the fan and love to stare at it. You like to be facing out so you can check out the world. You aren't smiling at us yet, but you have found your voice and do coo at us sometimes. It's pretty much the cutest thing ever.<br />
<br />
You cry when you're hungry or gassy and that's about it. You HATE being naked so diaper changes, clothes changes, and baths are a nightmare right now. Hopefully you'll grow out of that soon. We went and bought you a wipe warmer which has helped diaper changes a bit, but not completely. <br />
<br />
You are still in newborn diapers and clothes but you wear some size 1 diapers. You won't be in newborn onesies for long though. You're built like your sister with that long torso and they are starting to look a bit muscle tee-ish. You may be in newborn pants forever though with your tiny little waist and short little legs. Blame your Dad for that ;)<br />
<br />
You are just the best little guy. I simply can't get enough. We love you Coop-a-loop. You were just what our family needed.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-43560690650005303932014-12-09T20:25:00.000-05:002014-12-09T20:25:50.564-05:00the birth story.It's been just three weeks since our sweet little guy entered this world and completed our little family.<br />
<br />
I'll admit it, by the end of my pregnancy, I was flat over it. I had in my head from the very beginning that I would be induced at 39 weeks. This was thanks to my doctor at the very beginning of my pregnancy telling me <i>"we won't let you go past 39 weeks"</i>. So yea. But then as I got to the end, things changed, and my doctor quit talking like that.<br />
<br />
Boo hiss.<br />
<br />
I quit my heparin shots at just shy of 37 weeks. With Ella, she showed a decrease in growth a week and a half after I stopped. With C, he was handling the lack of heparin like a champ. But it wasn't helping my nerves to go to every appointment and just be told to <i>"come back in a week unless you notice a decrease in movement".</i><br />
<br />
At 37 weeks we had a growth scan that said the little guy was around 7 1/2 pounds. We were told that we would do another growth scan at 39 weeks if he hadn't come yet. I'm pretty sure my head spun as I heard that the doctor was going to let me go past 39 weeks. Not okay.<br />
<br />
Now I know that it's best for the baby to stay in as long as possible. I get that. I do. And while I was very, very, VERY uncomfortable, I would have dealt with that until he was ready too. I know it's about him. But not being on meds was freaking me out and all I could see was how E dealt with the change and my biggest fear was that we would leave him in there too long and we would have a problem. A problem where we would have to do a c-section or something else quickly to get him out. <br />
<br />
Monday the 17th I had my 39 week appointment. I told both Mr. P and my Mom before I left that I wasn't coming out of there without a plan. I think they thought I was kidding. I was not.<br />
<br />
After being checked by the nurse, the doctor came in. He checked my cervix (still closed up like Fort Knox) and then I asked him what the plan was. He asked me if I wanted to be induced, and in typical fashion, I made a joke as an answer while he stared at me blindly. The next thing I knew he was stepping out of the room saying he had to make a call. So I sat there waiting. After a couple of minutes he poked his head back in to tell me that he was trying to get me in that night and did I have time to wait on him to make a couple of phone calls. <br />
<br />
Umm what?!<br />
<br />
A couple of minutes later I was leaving, but not with an appointment for the next, but instead with a registration paper stating that we were to be checked into the hospital that night. It was 10 am and I was officially starting to panic.<br />
<br />
I sent Mr. P a text letting him know what was going on and then I ran to Target so I could pack my hospital bag. I like the pressure of a deadline. After Target, I picked E up from school to spend the afternoon with her.<br />
<br />
No lie, I was a bit overwhelmed. I wondered what I would have done if I had known last night was Ella's last night as an only child. I feel like I missed a major moment there but it is what it is.<br />
<br />
After a couple of hours, it was time to go. We grabbed our bags, dropped E off at my best friend's house to go hang out for a bit, headed to Wal-mart for some last minute things and then headed to the hospital.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuGiL9xEBkqt9cyMgHtkTaZLR2kOUVHZnLwlqCh5wjOW8qW_c6xN0gdC9gcY2Wb1fO7DQQF_IscGBojKrIC8pNJEs8eNZFpn1ZOY2gmBGog_zvvxye8e092rW1N9DemOHOLs0noUZtQ/s1600/photo(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuGiL9xEBkqt9cyMgHtkTaZLR2kOUVHZnLwlqCh5wjOW8qW_c6xN0gdC9gcY2Wb1fO7DQQF_IscGBojKrIC8pNJEs8eNZFpn1ZOY2gmBGog_zvvxye8e092rW1N9DemOHOLs0noUZtQ/s400/photo(20).JPG" /></a></div>We quickly got registered and moved upstairs. After just a bit, they came up and gave me the first dose of Cryotec to get things going. I was so nervous by this point. My prayer was just that things would move faster than they did with Ella. I made sure to mention to multiple people how fast my labor went after they broke my water with her and they said they would probably do that first thing in the morning. Things were looking up.<br />
<br />
They came and brought me an Ambien which had the opposite effect it was supposed to on me and quickly had me wired. I could not sleep. I was awake at 10 pm when they gave me my next dose of the meds and then at 2 am they came in to tell me that my contractions were too close together to have that dose. Things were happening.<br />
<br />
In the morning, they came in about 5 to let me know I could go ahead and take a shower if I wanted too. They kept telling me that the things I had been feeling for weeks were contractions but so far they weren't strong enough to really do much. I couldn't believe I had been walking around for weeks with legit contractions. I thought they were Braxton Hicks. Who knew?<br />
<br />
At 6 am they came in to get an IV started. It took two nurses and three sticks but eventually they got it going and they got the Pitocin going. It wasn't long at all before my doctor came in. I somehow managed to get the one doctor at the practice that I didn't really know because I had only seen once my whole pregnancy. I wasn't sure about things but she won me over quickly when she went ahead and broke my water at only 1 cm and a +2 station.<br />
<br />
After my water was broken, things progressed pretty quickly. I asked for my epidural pretty early because I don't do pain and the guy was in there in no time. Unfortunately, he stuck my first one in a vein so he had to pull that out and start a second one. It wasn't painful but it was pretty hard to sit that straight and that still while having so many contractions. Not fun.<br />
<br />
Things went so quickly after my epidural. My contractions were pretty consistent but everything was pretty manageable and I was so happy things were so different from E's delivery. Unfortunately they didn't stay that way.<br />
<br />
I started to feel this insane pain in my tailbone. It came out of nowhere and it came fast and fierce. Every single time I had a contraction, it felt like my spine was fixing to shatter. It was by far the most intense pain I ever felt. I quickly felt the intense need to push so the nurse came to check me only to find that I was at a ten but he was still at a +2 station. <br />
<br />
The pain was so bad that the anesthesiologist came back twice to up my epidural. It didn't touch it. I ended up with legs so numb that even after my delivery, the anesthesiologist was still in my room even going so far as to hold a leg up for me because he was so worried I would do something to cause nerve damage. It was the weirdest feeling ever. I could barely feel my contractions but it wasn't touching the pain in my tailbone and spine.<br />
<br />
The doctor came in to see what was going on and quickly determined his head was stuck on my tailbone and was hitting it every time I had a contraction. Her plan was to try and turn him during a contraction. By this point, the desire to push was so strong that I couldn't help but to push but every push brought that intense pain and made me back off. <br />
<br />
It was awful. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to push because the pain was psyching me out. I ended up with one nurse and B holding my legs, the doctor trying to turn him, and one nurse with a towel playing tug of war with me which was the only way I could think to push.<br />
<br />
Eventually his head was off my tailbone and he moved down but then his poor shoulder got stuck. He had somehow switched to face up from his appointment where he was in the perfect position and he was just in a bad position. I was struggling so hard. Everyone was doing their best to cheer me on and encourage me but I have never felt so defeated. I really, really didn't think he was every going to come out.<br />
<br />
The doctor ended up getting out the suction to help me. I could feel that he was right there but I could also tell by the faces looking back at me that it needed to happen quickly or we would be going another route. That I didn't want. So I gave it my all. I seriously thought my spine snapped as he finally came out and then things got super hazy.<br />
<br />
He didn't make a sound. I could see B checking on him and the doctor quickly assessing him, but I was out. I couldn't even focus. I just stared into space. Finally, he gasped and they handed him to me. He still hadn't cried but he quickly made himself at home on my chest and locked eyes with me. I was so spent I could barely get my hands on him.<br />
<br />
Fortunately it didn't take me long to come back. And it didn't take him long to perk up. He only got a 7 on his apgar and he had some serious bruising on his head, but he is absolute perfection. I ended up with a pretty fierce episiotomy but I didn't feel that at all thanks to the super, super numb legs. It wasn't long though, til my epidural wore off and I immediately felt better. Well, except for my tail bone. Pretty sure that thing is still bruised.<br />
<br />
But he's here. He's perfection. And he has been the best baby ever. We are so in love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-a5qB5Y4UyEijLP5KAhPwFv5PIJh2vOkQ3R5zfa-dQolsqYJxcfM3iC058b4sOSDJmSsusJcGU2WiIYqXYygbX3NdTHkPK4QytnIio84jsZynMQv4xyCYjxOtd_mt8eqPZJcojqcPg/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-a5qB5Y4UyEijLP5KAhPwFv5PIJh2vOkQ3R5zfa-dQolsqYJxcfM3iC058b4sOSDJmSsusJcGU2WiIYqXYygbX3NdTHkPK4QytnIio84jsZynMQv4xyCYjxOtd_mt8eqPZJcojqcPg/s400/IMG_1969.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt8PYkGXeI9sZGiJjqoMS-hDhawlxcqZwYFVOJWooo3oSG1MEtiqRNgPrsUvRmCtgSM4Gsjp0kbvKJkdFoKwGpCuIMUUtkqR60PUHTDienlq7NNN5q0IVepjd_cZpqXPVB2l2DSbRIQ/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt8PYkGXeI9sZGiJjqoMS-hDhawlxcqZwYFVOJWooo3oSG1MEtiqRNgPrsUvRmCtgSM4Gsjp0kbvKJkdFoKwGpCuIMUUtkqR60PUHTDienlq7NNN5q0IVepjd_cZpqXPVB2l2DSbRIQ/s400/IMG_2016.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp3E-14OQ6oXJ5cOEkv5ZYIBizzNW2dDtt4iP2KkCZ46TG8KrRXOhT5_oBmJnQwlR6sS4ZVBTNsQVeii9XH9w94y1aph0i32jCQiT5S7LcaEhO3H2ZX_QMBuOpBsyfgDS8umLJj7hBw/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp3E-14OQ6oXJ5cOEkv5ZYIBizzNW2dDtt4iP2KkCZ46TG8KrRXOhT5_oBmJnQwlR6sS4ZVBTNsQVeii9XH9w94y1aph0i32jCQiT5S7LcaEhO3H2ZX_QMBuOpBsyfgDS8umLJj7hBw/s400/IMG_1940.JPG" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-17575252468021790492014-11-27T21:01:00.001-05:002014-11-27T21:01:25.925-05:00thanksgiving 2014Thanksgiving again.<br />
<br />
This year, there is so, so much to be thankful for. <br />
<br />
This year, I woke up to my newest little buddy on one side and my sweet girl on the other. My husband was up cooking dinner for all the family we have in town. I was able to sleepily pull C into bed and nurse him quietly while his big sister got up to see what was going on in the rest of the house. We have spent a day surrounded by family, which can be overwhelming, but also kind of the point of the holiday.<br />
<br />
There is so much to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLf5GDlnCcek7WLWGBX9W7MLE4ud_wd7j8NQkARb-KEZRwiXm9aAjESMgLhT7tEZSE_S6LVm390vml_cMKoXQlg9yGasLoZrdco12q1uYYOfs6h2N7lNWenlp4Z2MyTQpiHynXmgYdA/s1600/turkeyday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLf5GDlnCcek7WLWGBX9W7MLE4ud_wd7j8NQkARb-KEZRwiXm9aAjESMgLhT7tEZSE_S6LVm390vml_cMKoXQlg9yGasLoZrdco12q1uYYOfs6h2N7lNWenlp4Z2MyTQpiHynXmgYdA/s640/turkeyday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I cannot believe I have two little ones this year. I am so glad that His plan is greater than ours and He never ceases to surprise us with how good it is. I'm so thankful for this second little miracle baby. Everything is just so, so good right now.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving y'all.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-75856316270488689042014-11-24T23:50:00.001-05:002014-11-24T23:50:26.071-05:0040 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnZgqQKfmg8sDJet5jg92ef5Sh5Cj_ozYFDXtAi4DzD_p1zq0fEL4SsUBr8MMaWJM2BmNe2ru6L0c1TffJVR3RsXmgVsjoN1OAbcgerrxoO6qfOUHzKsOkhvUeMiJn81CcB2vmwxhiQ/s1600/photo+1(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnZgqQKfmg8sDJet5jg92ef5Sh5Cj_ozYFDXtAi4DzD_p1zq0fEL4SsUBr8MMaWJM2BmNe2ru6L0c1TffJVR3RsXmgVsjoN1OAbcgerrxoO6qfOUHzKsOkhvUeMiJn81CcB2vmwxhiQ/s400/photo+1(18).JPG" /></a></div>That's right. He's here!!<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, November 18th, Cooper Smith joined, and completed, our little family. <br />
<br />
He was born at 12:49 pm after only 7 hours of active labor. He was 7 pounds 12 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long. Head circumference was 14 1/4 inches. He was almost the exact same size as his older sister and couldn't look more like her if he tried.<br />
<br />
He is absolute perfection and we are all head over heels in love. Birth story to come....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmBN_EAdAC4KRZJx_1I6WR3bpD9PPGKjdHCKJ-iq9y9nDFOqOGL-mzaZc8B_b1gBo4XcAZcLbCsFfCQtU6tab0d2XnL-IrHAavT-e7Tder0YSKVaWOGQt3yT4bMylZ4MdO_M6SArL6Q/s1600/photo+2(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmBN_EAdAC4KRZJx_1I6WR3bpD9PPGKjdHCKJ-iq9y9nDFOqOGL-mzaZc8B_b1gBo4XcAZcLbCsFfCQtU6tab0d2XnL-IrHAavT-e7Tder0YSKVaWOGQt3yT4bMylZ4MdO_M6SArL6Q/s400/photo+2(18).JPG" /></a></div>Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-64083165673325071162014-11-12T11:40:00.001-05:002014-11-12T11:40:33.922-05:0038 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPag75hV440296jl1TmfBG_RuBWwYq2Fc0umv1wWc3Cr0Tduc31nimuFHkJQsl6y61NNjkDu2rzHsJui57CWXeS5sV0aMn4UgbFzZpdxyFswWi8d09FZaOf7EkeJRle9sQpZrRRSZfA/s1600/photo(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPag75hV440296jl1TmfBG_RuBWwYq2Fc0umv1wWc3Cr0Tduc31nimuFHkJQsl6y61NNjkDu2rzHsJui57CWXeS5sV0aMn4UgbFzZpdxyFswWi8d09FZaOf7EkeJRle9sQpZrRRSZfA/s400/photo(19).JPG" /></a></div><br />
How Far Along? 38 weeks<br />
<br />
Total Weight Gained/Loss? enough. too much. whatever.<br />
<br />
Sleep: I'm actually sleeping a lot better. Still up about four times a night and still so, so tired. But when I'm asleep, I'm hard asleep.<br />
<br />
Best Moment of the Week: this is a tough one. <br />
<br />
Movement- still so much movement. And I'm pretty sure he's still trying to drill a hole through my pelvis. It hurts. Like for real.<br />
<br />
Food Craving- water. ice. that's about it. Cracker Barrel roast.<br />
<br />
Food aversions- all the things. nothing sounds good. nothing.<br />
<br />
Symptoms- I did something to my back this week. I was helping E get her winter clothes out and I'm not sure if I twisted funny or what, but my back is KILLING me. It's actually the worst back pain I can remember having. I had to go in to the doctor Monday to get looked at thanks to the back pain and cramps that felt a lot like my period starting. I got checked and things are happening, but my inner cervix (when did there become two?!?) is still closed up tight. So that stinks. And my back is still on fire. Boo hiss and all that jazz.<br />
<br />
Labor Signs- some off and on cramping. That's about it. I'm getting to the point where I'm pretty sure this kid is never coming.<br />
<br />
Belly Button- flat.<br />
<br />
What I miss- not hurting. My whole body hurts. So over this.<br />
<br />
What I'm looking forward to- having this baby. Let's go little man!!<br />
<br />
Big Sister Status- She seems to be getting excited. She talks about him a lot more. She is just the smartest little girl. She knows I've been in a lot of pain lately and she's so patient. She helps me so much. If I drop something, she's quick to pick it up and hand it back. Every time I say "ouch" or anything along those lines, I get a quick "you ok Mom?". Seriously. This kid, she is the best person ever.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-88808806866356313942014-10-27T21:57:00.000-04:002014-10-29T21:58:38.915-04:0036 weeks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm7e-fAqYuIGlv4JsDLH8-RrkfOClDDdn5dMuoNHP85QFN9wJQ_gfj2MZwH3E6OO3YmPb0YBR3c-pKND7xa188WjCpMFPyah7G_WF3ucrn_HmUML_bxIROI9B19lXIPamDCLxkES-uQ/s1600/36+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm7e-fAqYuIGlv4JsDLH8-RrkfOClDDdn5dMuoNHP85QFN9wJQ_gfj2MZwH3E6OO3YmPb0YBR3c-pKND7xa188WjCpMFPyah7G_WF3ucrn_HmUML_bxIROI9B19lXIPamDCLxkES-uQ/s400/36+weeks.jpg" /></a></div>How Far Along? 36 weeks<br />
<br />
Total Weight Gained/Loss? 34 pounds. ouch.<br />
<br />
Sleep? a little better. I stay tired but I've been having a little bit easier time getting to sleep these days. I still get up at least four or five times a night to use the restroom. That's a chore. <br />
<br />
Best Moment of the Week: it's been a decent week. I'm not sure what sticks out as the best though....<br />
<br />
Movement- Lots of rolls. There is a foot that is so far out my right side I don't know how any organs are still there. He's found my pelvis and I guess his head or something is there, and OMG the pain.<br />
<br />
Food Craving- water. Still. Nothing else really.<br />
<br />
Food aversions- everything. Still getting too full too quick and miserable. I've been getting nauseaus a lot lately too. There's been some pukage. Not fun.<br />
<br />
Symptoms- pelvic pain. Heartburn. These weird feelings of things being "off". Like everything is slightly off kilter and out of place. I keep getting these feelings of anxiety too. Not sure if these are pregnancy related but I am not a fan.<br />
<br />
Labor Signs- still Braxton-Hicks. Lots of them. <br />
<br />
Belly Button- flat.<br />
<br />
What I miss- my lady bits not hurting. The pain down there is out of control.<br />
<br />
What I'm looking forward to- an appointment where they tell me I'm making progress. Can I get that please?!?!?<br />
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Big Sister Status- Big Sister is getting ready. I've started talking to her a little bit about the hospital and me being gone for a couple of days. She's not a fan of that at all. She's been a bit clingy lately as well and ends up in our room most nights. I'm cool with that though. She won't be there forever and she does have a HUGE change heading her way. A few extra late night snuggles won't hurt.Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-87896970388012267852014-10-20T21:23:00.000-04:002014-10-20T21:23:35.246-04:0035 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_9uCoSXnMa8FkpdTEPMqSd36hkI8nLO8vtfvMAJsfdvZQszkcqmuA-kWJdzhKH5uWJxT8lYKUWiXH0nrqZtevbf3iooL-s2QXxOeVrX3MjU_q8jBwsneunWTA01BtTkuHo02rrY-2w/s1600/photo(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_9uCoSXnMa8FkpdTEPMqSd36hkI8nLO8vtfvMAJsfdvZQszkcqmuA-kWJdzhKH5uWJxT8lYKUWiXH0nrqZtevbf3iooL-s2QXxOeVrX3MjU_q8jBwsneunWTA01BtTkuHo02rrY-2w/s400/photo(18).JPG" /></a></div><br />
How Far Along? 35 weeks<br />
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Total Weight Gained/Loss? will find out Thursday<br />
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Sleep? the insomnia is still fierce. I actually never had this with E so it's throwing me off a bit. And I'm up and down a lot these days for bathroom breaks which is basically like rolling over an elephant so.... sleep isn't so great.<br />
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Best Moment of the Week: his nursery is done! yay! Also, a woman at a consignment store asked me when I was due the other day and when I said "next month", she looked genuinely shocked and told me I did not look big enough to be due next month. I wanted to kiss her on the mouth. Love her forever now.<br />
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Movement- Movement is changing a lot. It's a lot of rolls. A lot of rolls. And they all seem to be on my bladder. It's so weird feeling. Also that foot/leg may come out of my right side. You can literally grab his leg. It's crazy. He sticks it so high up that I feel like my rib may crack (which at this point with E, I swore she did).<br />
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Food Craving- water. Lots of ice water. Other than that I'm over food.<br />
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Food aversions- everything. I get too full to quick which blows.<br />
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Symptoms- pelvic pain. He is just so LOW. The waddling is fierce. And funny. I mean I can laugh at me. That's fine.<br />
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Labor Signs- still Braxton-Hicks. Lots of them.<br />
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Belly Button- flat.<br />
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What I miss- being able to bend over and not walk like a duck.<br />
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What I'm looking forward to- him being here. Seeing him on the ultrasound again made me so excited just to lay eyes on him. To see who he looks like and to just hold him. I swear it's not going to be real til he gets here so it needs to happen!<br />
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Big Sister Status- We talk about him a bit more. She said she's sure he'll be as cool as she is tonight. We shall see...Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5613179780353478589.post-58139606764986694582014-10-14T19:41:00.002-04:002014-10-14T19:42:23.886-04:00thoughts on two..I'm nervous y'all. Like real nervous.<br />
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I've read enough blogs over the years to know I'm not alone in my thinking, but it doesn't really change things. You still think things like <i>"they just don't know how much I really love my daughter"</i> or crazy things like that.<br />
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Before I had BG, I was convinced that she wouldn't compare to how I felt for my dog. And while I realize how crazy that sounds now, pre-Mama me had nothing to compare too. She just knew that she really, really, REALLY loved her dog. That dog was my child. She could do no wrong. I loved her like my child because I didn't have any of my own. It was all I knew.<br />
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Then, I had Baby Girl. And Lacy became.. a dog.<br />
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I still loved her yes, but little things that I never noticed drove me nuts. Like how her nails tapped on the hard wood. Or how her hair got EVERYWHERE. Or how she would lick the baby's bottles and pacis driving me into a sterilization nightmare. And when she barked when I finally got the <i>Kid Who Never Slept</i> asleep?? RAGE. Like head spinning, Exorcism of Emily Rose, spinning.<br />
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Everyone told me it would happen. They told me the two would never compare. And I listened to them, but I didn't believe them. They clearly didn't love their dogs as much as I loved mine. That was the only explanation.<br />
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Now? Well there's a second kid coming. And while I am excited (there should be a disclaimer here that I am one of those people that get excited when the baby is here. Not really before.. I'm just wired that way), I am also terrified that this kid will never compare to BG.<br />
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Don't throw things. I'm allowed to be worried. I'm allowed to be nervous.<br />
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I'm not comparing them as two different people, I'm just saying BG takes up a HUGE chunk of my heart and it scares me to think of him coming and taking some of that.<br />
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I'm insane. But I'm not. I'm just saying it all out loud.<br />
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I know that the minute he gets here my heart is going to expand and stretch and make room for him that I didn't even know I had. That I didn't even realize it had the capability to do. But right now? Right now all I see is a huge change and we all know this girl is not a fun of the C word.<br />
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BG and I have had 4 1/2 years together. I'm not a stay at home Mom and I work a lot, but there have been long stretches of her life where I did stay home. And even working, we spend a lot of time just me and her. There are lots of trips taken just me and her. Lots of activities. Lots of bedtimes. Lots of meals and movies and shopping trips. She's been my faithful companion for 4 1/2 years. She's been my shopping buddy, my running buddy, my park buddy. The girl always down for a Target trip. She's my heart and soul in 4 foot form. And thinking of changing that dynamic scares me to death.<br />
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Honestly, I don't know how it's going to be with two kids. I've never had two. But I know that my relationship with E is special and deserves time put into it like I always have. I'm actually a bit excited at the challenge of making sure that both kiddos get special time one on one time. I look forward to getting to know this new babe. To see who he is. To see how he ticks.<br />
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But I'm still scared of how I'll feel with two. Less than six weeks til I know....Perfectly Imperfecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16128584550959614381noreply@blogger.com3