The one where we sing again..

As you know it was Coopers Birthday yesterday. We just couldn't end the day with out singing "Happy Birthday" to Cooper and let him eat his own cake. Well, in this case, we got a mini cookie cake, perfect for a one year old. So we sang happy birthday and let him dig in.... we got some pretty cute pics. I mean he doesn't take a bad picture. Basically he ate all the icing off for mommy and daddy and we ate the yummy chocolate chip cookie.

Happy Birthday to you

"What the heck is that??"

YUMMY

"I just can't get enough!"

Story time

CHEESE

Josh is "out of town" this week. I say that loosely because he is less than an hour away. He is at their annual national sales meeting, so I am playing single mommy again. We are having fun! Cooper practically ran to me when I picked him up today and had the cutest little squeal!! He had pizza that first time today... pretty amazing since he only has 6 teeth. I wish I was there for that. I am sure there will be many many more pizza nights though in this house! Cooper goes for his one year check up tomorrow. So hopefully he isn't too cranky after the shots. It just kills me when the nurses give him the shots and he cries. Don't you just hate to see your kid in pain? I think more teeth are coming in. He has been walking around with the dish towel hanging out of his mouth... it is too cute and too funny! I will have to get a picture next time he does it!

I forgot to mention, I went to the bank last week and they gave me my first lollipop because I had a kid!! How awesome is that? I remember every time I went to the bank with my mom, I would always get one.... for some reason those always tasted the best. So I think it's cool that the banks still give them out. Cooper sucked the whole thing while I shopped in Target. He is such a good little shopper, even better with a lollipop. I hope I didn't start a trend!!

LOVE

The one where my little boy turns ONE...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COOPER!!

Happy 1st Birthday to my favorite little man Cooper! It is hard to believe that one year ago today I woke up not feeling well on our moving day. I called the doctor to verify that what I was feeling almost 5 weeks early before my due date was normal. They had me go in, just to be certain everything was okay with me and the baby. So my dad took me to the hospital so Josh could coordinate the move with our awesome friends that all helped. No way in 100 years that Josh, me or my dad thought I would be having Cooper that day. As we drove to the hopsital the what I thought was cramps, started getting worse and worse... In the back of my mind I am thinking, I can't be having contractions now....

So we get to the hopsital and Dad drops me off at the front. I can barely stand up from the pain and the fact that I have been throwing up all morning, I am slightly weak. They ladies at the front get me a wheel chair and dads wheels me back to the labor area, drops me off and is asked to wait in the waiting room. The first few nurses that come in don't really tell me anything, they just get me hooked on IV's to monitor the baby. Another nurse comes in checks me out and tells me that I am in labor and that the baby's head is down (which is good!!). Since I am early, they give me a round of some medicine to try and stop the labor. At this point I am freaking out. Josh isn't there. I don't have my cell phone (What am I supposed to do without my cell phone??)  and my dad is in the waiting room. My  blood pressure is probably soaring. I kindly ask the nurse to find my dad, the one in the UCF sweathirt that I bought him for Christmas a few years back. So Dad comes in. I ask him to call Josh and tell him we are going to have the baby today. My dad is very calm (at least it seemed that way to me). He calls Josh, who also seems collected. He is with a few of my girlfriends who calm him down and tell him that labor typically is long, so we had some time. After 45 minutes of trying to stop the labor, it was unsuccessful. The on call doctor comes in and checks me out and tells me that it isn't the babies head, it is his BUTT. What does that mean I said?!?! (everything you learn in child birthing class, goes right out the window) It means we are going to do an emergency C section at 12:00pm, you might want to get your husband here. If I wasn't freaking out before, I am now. The doctor tells me that last thing to develop in the baby is their lungs and that there is a chance they are fully developed.... AHHHHH,what?!?! Where is JOSH!!! Then they start asking me for my pediatrician information..... I am crying even more because I don't have that yet. He isn't supposed to be here until December 9th!! Josh gets to the hospital pretty quickly since he was at our old apartment around the corner. He always has a way of calming me down.... well he and that epidural. Josh is at the hopsital about 30 mins before we are headed back to the labor and delivery room.

Right after the epidural :)

The C section was pretty quick. Josh got to watch everything, me not so much, they put up a sheet in front of my face.The pressure was pretty intense. But a few minutes later, Cooper came out screaming. So it seemed like his lungs were OK!! Josh got to see him first and all he could say was he was beautiful!! I didn't get to actually seem him until he was cleaned and measure. The little guy was 6lbs 4 oz. That is the size of a normal baby. We all think the doctors got my due date wrong. There wasn't anything wrong with him. He was perfect and so healthy!! It is funny, because I would always say to my mom, I hope he comes Thanksgiving weekend, so all the family would be here. Well he listened on the coming out early part!! My mom was already in route to Atlanta and my dad was already here to help us move. Josh's mom, brother and cousin were able to come up late Saturday night. It all worked out!

One year later, it still feels like it was yesterday. It feels like I just blinked and he isn't a baby anymore, he is a little boy. It is so hard to imagine our lives any different. We are so blessed each and everyday to have such a happy, health and good baby. Cooper you are our little handsome miracle and one of the best things that has ever happened to us!!! We love you!!! Happy Birthday!!

!

Our first family photo coming home from the hospital

 

 

Love

The one with the smile...

Coopers first week of daycare was a success. He as already learned to blow kisses, get along with kids and nap in a room with other things going on. That's a huge step (I think). And if you were wondering, even though you already know, Cooper eats everything! He had lots of new foods this week and ate it all... fruit loops, pancakes, french toast, biscuits, cookies, burritos etc.

Having the camera in the class is awesome! I am guilty of taking a peak at Cooper several times a day and each time I see the little guy I smile and sometimes laugh. He seems to do great, playing with the new toys and walking around the classroom. It is so cute to see him interacting with the other kids. The owner's husband of the daycare LOVES Cooper and has already wants to adopt him. LOL. Everyone thinks he is such a cutie and he is getting a good rap from the teachers as being SO Good. We will see if they still think that when he learns what the word NO actually means, but he does it any way. One of the BEST things about daycare (or any situation) is seeing Cooper get the biggest smile on his face and actually walk to me when I come in his class to pick him up. That is seriously one of the best feelings and the cutest things ever. Gotta love that big grin with 6 teeth!! It is truly the little things in life and for me it is starting with a smile :)


LOVE

The one with Cooper's big day (x2)

Can you believe ONE year has already flown by? As Josh put it the other day to me, our year roughly went by at about 70MPH since we were on the road ALL THE TIME headed to Florida. It is a wonder why we even moved year when we spend more time in Florida.

Anyway, we had a lot of the family up for the party Sunday. My parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, cousins along with Josh’s mom, grandpa, aunts and cousins. We had a fabulous turn out. Cooper was just darling. He loved all the attention (where do you think he gets that from) and loved all the presents. I think he was little overwhelmed with the gifts and didn’t know which toy to play with. Although he has taken a liking to the golf clubs. Don’t worry, they are plastic. So I wonder how long before Josh has Cooper out on the driving range? One of the questions one the daycare application was “What interest or hobbies do you want your child to become interested in”. Guess what one of our answers was??? GOLF!!! So maybe later in life we can have Kids R Kids to thank for Coopers fame. We let Cooper have at his cupcake all by his self. That seriously was the cutest thing ever. He loved it. That was the first time he had really eaten a cupcake. You could tell he was loving it by the way he was shoveling it in. AND trying to eat the wrapper. LOL He wasn’t as messy as I had hoped for…. I didn’t put enough icing on the cupcakes- so I smashed the cupcake in his face a little for some affect. Needless to say, when he was finished he definitely needed a bath.

 

So his other Big Day (x2) was Monday. He started his first day of school. Josh and I had to fight back the tears, we couldn’t look at each other when we dropped him off. It just seems like he is growing up too fast. This school has cameras in all the rooms. I am trying not to stalk him but I couldn't help but log in several times (Josh too). It is really cool to get to see what he is doing throughout the day. He was of course playing and walking all around. Too cute. This is a good move for him and us. I am excited to see all the new things he learns from the teachers and kids. He got a great report from his first day. She said he was like a pro at daycare, not once did he cry and just went with the flow. He ate all his food, played great with the other kids and only took a ONE hour nap. He was slightly worn out when we picked him up.... and you know what yesterday was right?? Halloween, so part 2 of his lil monster theme continued. Our neighbors had a party, so we got to meet alot of other folks on our street, eat some good food and of course, drink some beer!! Cooper got 2 pieces of candy from 2 houses and was worn out. We pulled him in the waggon which he loved, but the poor little guy just couldnt stay awake. Daycare wore him out!! He was fast asleep by 7:30.

The one where we prepare....

Mentally AND Physically.... Our baby boy is turning one. I can't believe this year has gone by so fast. When I was in elementary school, I couldn't wait to be in high school and drive. When I was in high school I couldn't wait to be in college and independent. And when I was in college I couldn't wait to find my husband and best friend and have a baby When I finally got one, I got both, and I wouldn't have it any other way and it feels like life sped up. My parents always said I grew up too fast and I laughed, but now I know the true meaning...  Last year this time my mind was focused on Halloween, football games and eating beef! (yes, you read that right!)

It wasn't a week after Halloween that our life changed, for the better and it is hard to believe our little one has 6 teeth, walking almost running, off formula, off bottles, picking up food, saying momma, smiling, laughing, etc... So this is the week that I reflect and prepare. I will reflect on the road that brought me here and that I have taken with Cooper. Have I done everything I could?? I remember the first few weeks, I was going to the doctor every few days. Apparently that is protocol when they are "premies". I say premies loosely because there wasn't much that was premie about Cooper other than he was almost 5 weeks early. He was "healthy as a horse". I am sounding like my dad now!!! So anyway, Cooper kept losing weight and I thought I was doing everything the nurses said and everything right. Well I found out I wasn't feeding him enough. I tell you what, I haven't felt anything worse before that or sense then.... It was like I was starving the baby. I came home balling and there wasn't anything Josh could say to make me feel better. It was even days later after Cooper was gaining weight that I was STILL crying... motherhood is crazy, beautiful, amazing and scary and who is to say I am doing a good job??  I am sure I will be in a similar situation again. I am sure there will be times where I am not a "good" mom or where Cooper and I disagree. I won't ever be perfect... but I have learned a lot already and will continue through our lives.

I am sure my parents are still learning. Heck, now they have to learn to be grandparents!! But that should be easy right, their main job is to SPOIL!! I know my grandparents did their job.... and I am sure both my parents and grandparents are reading this thinking...HA! you have know idea how fast they grow!

Cheers to life and growing old ALL TOGETHER (and the throw back pic of Cooper, more to come this week)

TOUCHDOWN!

LOVE

The one where we do what we should have done....

We made a few big decisions this week.... Since our one year home owner warranty is coming up, we had the builder come fix a few things.  While his worker bees were here, we had a them come back and give us an estimate on adding stairs to the deck. We should have done it a year ago, but they nickle and dime you for everything for upgrades and need cash up front. So while we had or top upgrades picked out, stairs weren't one of them..... SO We are getting them on Tuesday!! Just in time for Coopers birthday and just in time for Thanksgiving! Which means we don't have to walk through the basement/ man cave in order to play cornhole or have a bonfire! Ok, so maybe I exaggerated a little when I said a few big decisions, because my second project is painting Cooper's room. I had all intentions of doing this last November before his due date in December.... and well, you know how that turned out. So while most mothers have their child's room cute, painted and decorated before their  child is born, I am doing all this for his first birthday!  I finished painting and sewed his curtrains... not to mention deep cleaned...

The curtains are orange, blue and green, perfect for a new gator fan.

Cooper is almost running. He is walking everywhere and really gaining speed. He is about ready to hang with the boys in the neighborhood. He is quiet a pro yet, thank goodness for that diaper, it adds a little cushion to the plop fall. Not only is he walking, but he is able to stand up on his own. That's right, no help from the couch, tables or whatever he can get his hands on although those methods are easier for him. I am thinking by next weekend he will have 6 teeth! He has another bottom one coming in, so that will make 4 down there. He is starting to use them too (mainly to bit me) but to chew his food. At first I thought he was trying to spit his food out, but he had me fooled. I can't wait for his birthday party next weekend!! He is such a big boy!

Our Nanny gave her 2 weeks this past Monday. I know it was a hard decision for her because it really does seem like she connects with Cooper. And I know Cooper looks forward to M,W, F because he has a Friend to play with, but she is moving on to a full time position. So we contemplated getting another Nanny, but ya know what? He will be one year old, his mind is fresh and eager to learn, he needs more interaction and more of a schedule, so we decided on day care. I have already toured the KidsRKids daycare. It seems great. I went into his classroom, met the teacher and the 4 other kids in the room, set Cooper down and he bolted for the other kids and toys. I think he forgot I was there. I even left the room to get a run down on the rest of the school and he did great. I think this will be a great move for him. Breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks are included in the tuition. So this is really going to work with our schedule. He will still be going M, W, F. He will still get mommy and daddy more than daycare.

Coop's new toy

Just like Daddy!

LOVE

The one where Coop is walking....

haha well, he is definitely getting there. Here is a video I took of him last night. We think after the recent face plants on the hard wood floors, he is using the sock as a mouth guard.... smart kid, uh?