Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

2 Months!

Coop is 2 months old, and he is sleeping through the night!  He weighed 10 lbs 2 oz and was 23 in long at his 2 month check up.

At 5 weeks he really surprised me and rolled over (from stomach to back).  At first I thought it was just a fluke and probably wouldn't do it again, but he proved me wrong!  I can hardly keep him on his tummy during tummy time!  He has really started smiling and talking lately, and he has the sweetest smile I've ever seen.  He is wearing size 1 diapers and has outgrown all of his newborn clothes.  He mainly wears a 3M in most of his clothes.

We are in a great routine.  He is a great sleeper, but still puts up a fight when he starts getting sleepy.  I have a feeling he will be like this for the rest of his life!  He is still sleeping in the pack n play, but tonight we are going to try to put him in his crib...we shall see how that goes!

Pictures!

My in-laws gave me the best birthday present this year - pictures of sweet baby Cooper!!  The extremely talented Tricia Butts came and took some fabulous pictures of our little man.  I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out.

One Month

I'm a little behind, but Cooper is one month old!  He is growing so fast.  He weighs 9 lbs 1 oz.  He is out growing his newborn clothes and wearing more 0-3 month sizes.  His little legs are getting long.  I think he is going to have long skinny legs like his Granddaddy.  Everyday he looks more and more like his Daddy!

Coop has started cooing and is now more alert.  He loves to play on his activity mat, and I've caught a few smiles from the sweet boy!  I cannot get a picture of  a smile yet.  He is starting to like bath time more, but hates his diaper being changed or his clothes being changed.  The boy is like his Momma and doesn't like to be cold!

He sleeps great at night!  Napping during the day is a little more difficult.  He fights going to sleep so bad during the day.  He does not like sleeping in his crib and for now I've given up on trying to get him to sleep in it.  At night he sleeps in the bassinet  on the Pack n Play and he loves it!  He is now on a 3 hour feeding schedule, and we are getting into a nice eat/play/sleep routine.

My heart melts when I look at him, and I'm in awe of the miracle that God has blessed us with.

Cooper Meets the Cousins

Sister came to visit Cooper, and she brought her 3 kiddos to meet their new cousin!  Baby S was born 5 weeks before Cooper and the size difference is unbelievable!  

It's hard to believe my parents now have four grandchildren!

I'm so glad that Coop has cousins close in age.  I foresee lots of fun in their future!  

Speaking of new cousins, Cooper will be welcoming a new cousin in May!  Aunt A and Uncle T are expecting!  

And for those of you wondering what Wheeler thinks of Cooper, she is a big fan!

(Can you tell who dressed Cooper in this pic?!)

He has arrived!

Cooper Bradford arrived on 10/12/11, and we think he is pretty great!  

6lbs and 11 oz, 19.5 in.

Thank you God for blessing us with the most precious little boy.  He is truly a miracle!

More Showers!

I have the most amazing friends!  They hosted the cutest baby shower for me this past weekend.

The shower was so much fun!  Everyone voted on whether Baby was a boy or girl.  Girl won, we'll find out if they were right pretty soon!   All the guests filled out cards and wrote down their wishes for Baby.  It has been so much fun to go through and see what everyone wrote.  It will be neat to show Baby the cards one day and let him/her read what everyone wrote.

Check out the awesome diaper cake.  M and E did such a fantastic job on it!  If they ever get tired of being a vet, I know just the career for them :)

Yum, I love shower food.  It was all sooo good!

I am so thankful for all these women and have been so blessed by their friendship!

4D

We finally got to see Baby's face in 4D!

Now the question is, if that is a girl face or boy face??

An Update from Wheeler

Hey Blogland!  It's me, Wheeler.  I just wanted to update ya'll on what has been going on at my house lately.  There seems to be a lot of changes and things keep moving around.  My parents even made me wear this silly shirt around and took pictures of me.  I don't think too highly of wearing t-shirts...

I'm really getting concerned about mom and dad.  They seem to be so busy these days, and they haven't taken me to the pond in several days.  Hello, I think their priorities are out of whack.

I keep overhearing my parents talk about how it's time for me to realize that I'm a dog, gasp!  They must have me confused with some of those dogs in the neighborhood, because I feel certain that a "dog" would not sleep in the bed every night with her parents.

Lots of strange things have been appearing lately.  For example, this thing.

What is that?  I'm a little skeptical...

I know something is going on around here, I just can't put my paw on it yet...

Labor Day Weekend

Labor day weekend was my last opportunity to travel until the real "Labor Day."  The Dr. thinks I need to stick close to the hospital after 34 weeks, which I'm 34 weeks today!  6 more weeks to go!!   I know this time will fly by, but I'm so ready to meet Baby I can hardly stand it.

Saturday was a very special day in our family...opening day of Dove Season.  We traveled to NA on Friday night to prepare for the annual dove hunt.  This year was the first time in 25 years that a dove was not killed on opening day.  This isn't because attempts were not made to kill a dove, they certainly were.  I was told it was the hot weather that kept the doves away, but I'm wondering if it was due to poor shooters ;)  They just needed me out there to show them how it's done, haha!

After the dove hunt we had a little photo shoot to get some maternity pics.  I've been wanting some professional pics made, but I've run out of time.  I think these turned out to be pretty good with our point and shoot.

On Sunday we returned to MS and did a little nursery preparation.  I've started washing everything for Baby.  There is so much to wash!  Sunday night we watched Rango.  FYI - it was not the cute children's movie I thought it would be.  I would not recommend letting a young child watch it.  On Monday I got a text from Christy asking if we wanted to meet her and Brandon for Lunch N Bowl.  Lunch N Bowl is exactly what it sounds like - you eat lunch at the bowling alley and then bowl.  You get 2 games of bowling and lunch for around $8 per person.  Not a bad deal!  We had so much fun with Christy and Brandon.  This was the first time I've had to wear shoes that laced up, and they proved to be a little tricky to get on my very swollen feet.  Thankfully, we had a shoe salesman in our presence that offered to help me out!    

Thanks Brandon!  (Shameless Plug - Christy and Brandon are the owners of B. Davis Shoes. Everyone should go check out their awesome store).

For those of you concerned that I went bowling at 34 weeks pregnant, I was very careful.  I used the lightest ball they had (5lbs), and there was not a lot of effort put into throwing the ball down the alley at a lightning pace.  There was one time the ball actually stopped as it reached the pins...it was very impressive (and humorous).  

  

Baby Showers!

The Husband and I have been so blessed recently.  Our hometowns have showered us with the most amazing gifts for Baby H.  The baby showers have been so much fun, and we have been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.

Shower in LA

How cute are these cookies?!

Miss H enjoyed helping me open presents!

Shower in NA

We had lots of good helpers to open presents!

Getting Ready for Baby!

The last trimester has begun!  Eleven more weeks to go and I'm so ready to meet Baby!  A few weeks ago the wonderful in-laws came and helped The Husband with preparing the nursery (I just sat around and gave orders, ha).  They got so much done!

The Husband and Pops built this amazing rocking horse for Baby!  I'm so proud of it, and I know Baby is going to treasure it.

The crib is put together, and I guess I should've ironed the fitted sheet before I put it on the mattress...

We found this dresser at an antique store in Decatur.  It is going to double as the changing table.

There is still work to be done, but we've made a lot of progress!

Happy Anniversary

Three years ago today I was doing this.

A lot has changed in 3 years.  Instead of walking down the aisle we are preparing for our lives to be forever changed again.

It's has been a great 3 years.  Happy Anniversary Husband!  

No Fizz Fourth

This year for the 4th of July we went to LA to visit my parents.  When we arrived my dad announced that this year we were have a "no fizz fourth,"  which means no stress.  Dad decided that he would do ALL the cooking all weekend so mom wouldn't get stressed about meals.  We had burgers, BBQ chicken, and dry rub ribs - the food was all delish!  Pretty sure I packed on a few extra pounds!

For entertainment we did a lot of swimming.  Our nephew, G, loves loves loves to swim.  He was actually in the pool during Easter with blue lips and chattering teeth but told us all that he wasn't cold, ha!  G has turned into quite the little fish.  He can tread water, jump off the diving board, swim across the deep end, and use a snorkel.  Now our niece, H, is a different story.  She just likes to sit on the steps on let her Barbies go swimming.

On Saturday night we watched fireworks.  G loved them, H not so much.

Sunday night we went on a family fishing trip!

While the rest of the clan was fishing Sister and I had photo shoot.  Since this will more than likely be the only time we are pregnant at the same time, I wanted some good pictures of us and our pregnant bellies.

May 23

On May 23rd I woke up thinking I had the stomach virus or maybe food poisoning.  I called my doctor's office and asked to speak with a nurse.  Nurse told me to come on in just to make sure everything was okay.  I knew it would be, and I kind of felt like I was overreacting.  Went in at 1:00.  My doctor decided to do an ultrasound because I had been having a lot of cramping, but I just thought it was round ligament pain.  I could see baby wiggling around in there he/she looked great!  Then my doctor did a sigh...and started to explain that my cervix was incompetent and I would need surgery that night.  What?!  What does that mean?  I haven't read the "Complicated Pregnancy" chapter in What to Expect While Expecting yet.

Basically, it means that my cervix was starting to shorten, and at almost 19 weeks that is not a good thing.  If not caught it would have resulted in a second trimester miscarriage.  You can read more about it here.  I had surgery at 6:00 that night to stitch my cervix closed to keep it from opening prematurely.  The stitches will be taken out at 37 weeks and anytime after that Baby can come.

Throughout that day and night I felt the power of God calming my spirit in a way I've never known.  I stayed remarkably calm, and I know God was right there beside me keeping my nerves under control!  I was by myself in the hospital because The Husband had left the day before for a 4 week externship in TX.  I wasn't alone for long though!  My great friend, Jessica, came and stayed with me (after I sent her to break into my house and pack me an overnight bag).  She kept me entertained until they wheeled me back.  Thank you Jessica!!!  My parents were waiting on me in the room when I got back!  I got to go home that night and not too long after being home my MIL arrived.  I think I had the family pretty worried!!  Mom, MIL and great friends have taken turns caring for me while The Husband has been away.  I was on bed rest for a week and now I'm restricted to doing desk work only and taking it easy until Baby arrives.  I'm now at risk for pre-term labor so taking it easy is the best thing I can do to avoid that.

We are so thankful that God saved our Baby! This is nothing short of a miracle - I was suppose to wait several more weeks until seeing my doctor again.

 "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10

If God had not made me sick, I would not have gone in and things would have ended differently.  We serve a mighty and powerful God who cares for us.

 "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22

The Husband is home now and my life is somewhat returning to normal!  Through all this I have known that Baby's life was saved for a reason.  I know things could have happened differently.  I will never take that for granted.  The Husband and I have adopted this verse to pray over Baby.

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God"  Colossians 1:9-10

18 Weeks

I'm so behind on my blogging, but here is the 18 weeks belly shot!

I'm actually 21 weeks now and a lot has happened between 18 & 21 weeks that I'll blog about later.  Baby is doing great, and I had an ultrasound Monday that showed Baby weighing almost 1 lb!  He or she is getting so big.  As for movement, Baby has been throwing punches all the time.  People talk about feeling a flutter when their baby moves, not me.  It feels like little punches all over my belly - it's the best feeling in the world!!  

He or She?

He or She, which will it be?

I thought it would be fun to see what ya'll thought Baby H will be!  I've added a poll to the right side of my blog.  Feel free to vote!

It's a...

Baby!!  On Friday I had my second ultrasound and if we had been a normal couple we would've found out if Baby was a  boy or girl.  We stayed strong and didn't find out!  Actually my doctor didn't even check "that area" so he doesn't know either.  Baby is doing great and is perfectly healthy, Praise the Lord!

Honestly, I've had a lot of anxiety about this ultrasound.  I've been letting fear and worry take over instead of giving it over to God.  I have a tendency to let my mind think up some crazy things!  As soon as I saw the baby on the monitor I just started thanking God for this miracle!  I know He is in control, but worry is something I have to battle with daily.  I looked up worry in the concordance of my Bible, and as I was reading the verses listed I noticed a common theme - most of the time that worry is mentioned the words "do not" are listed before it!  The Bible is very clear that I'm not to worry.

I'm in awe of this life forming inside of  me!  I have the best OB and he does his own ultrasounds and does 4D!  Baby wouldn't cooperate with for us to get some better 4D images, but we got to see his or her sweet face.

What a week!

Last week is a week I'm sure a lot of us will never forget.  Both of my home states suffered an extreme amount of damage from devastating tornadoes.  The damage is unbelievable.  I keep looking at pictures of MS/AL and it breaks my heart.  My prayers are with the families who have suffered during this terrible disaster.

I am also very thankful that we were spared.  It is only a miracle that our town was not hit.  Tornadoes hit north, south, east, and west of us.  Praise Him!

I've heard that The Weather Channel is predicting May to be the month of tornadoes.  If so, I wonder what they are calling April?  Last night I did purchase this and it makes me feel a little better about the future storms.

On a happier note.  Did you watch the Royal Wedding?  I sure did!  Actually, I've watched it a few times now!  I think Princess Kate is stunning!

A few of us got together for a Royal Brunch on Sunday (forgot to take pics).  We watched the wedding again and provided commentary and insight into the British Monarchy while we watched!

P.S. - I've decided that Americans need to bring hats back into fashion!

A Shrimp

I'm now 13 weeks prego!  Baby is the size of a medium size shrimp.

Recently I have found out that Mexican food and Baby do not like each other.  A few weeks ago The Husband and I went to our favorite Mexican establishment in town and as we were leaving I felt like something wasn't quite right.  I'm pretty sure my insides caught on fire!  I've never known heartburn like that and I never want to again.  In a frantic I made The Husband go buy the largest container of Smoothie flavored Tums available.  I don't think they even touched the heartburn.  I had to sleep sitting up for a few days before the pain completely subsided.  I learned my lesson though.  I'll be staying far away from spicy foods!

A few people have been asking me if I have a baby bump and the answer is yes.  Thankfully I already had a lot of dresses in my wardrobe or I wouldn't have anything to wear these days.  None of my pants fit anymore and I don't really like the Be Band thing.  I plan on stocking up on a lot of cotton dresses for the summer. Target here I come!

Every night I go to bed thinking how unbelievable this is.  I can't believe there is another life growing inside of me.  It is the best feeling in the world!