I put Cooper’s handprint on one side…
and Tess’ handprint and footprint on the other.
I won’t get the mug for a few more days, but I love how it turned out.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Color Me Cute
Steve, Jackie, and I took Cooper and Tess to Color Me Mine to paint a mug for me. After Cooper was born, I went and painted a mug with his footprints and I wanted to do something similar before going back to work. Jackie brought her camera to document the process.
I put Cooper’s handprint on one side…
and Tess’ handprint and footprint on the other.
I won’t get the mug for a few more days, but I love how it turned out.
I put Cooper’s handprint on one side…
and Tess’ handprint and footprint on the other.
I won’t get the mug for a few more days, but I love how it turned out.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Another Lesson Learned…
I have been in awe at watching Cooper change. He will always be my baby, but he is now becoming a big boy. I have mentioned in past posts that they work on self-help skills at daycare and we have seen him wanting to take a more active role at home. He wants to help or try to do things himself. It is hard to imagine he is ready for some tasks, but if it is something he wants to do, he is persistent and we let him try. For the last couple of weeks he has helped set the table. I get nervous with not wanting him to drop something that will break, but most of our dished are pretty durable. I am amazed to see how he must watch us and knows where things go. He will also take his dirty clothes to the hamper… and occasionally the garbage can. But he tries.
Every day it seems like he wants to try something new. Now he helps feed Cierra. He carries both scoops of food to her bowl. Not all of it makes it into the bowl, but he tries. Last night we took him to Target to buy snow pants for school… if he didn’t have them he would have to stay inside while his friends go out. Taking two kids shopping at this stage has required two carts, but last night we tried the ones with the cart attached to a toddler seat. Cooper climbed up and sat like a big boy.
For the last couple of weeks he has fought sitting in a high chair, especially when we are out to eat. And forget a booster seat, too. If we are sitting at a booth he does great sitting on his knees. Last night he refused to sit in his high chair at home for dinner so we tried to just let him sit at the table on a chair. He probably did better than he has done for several weeks. This morning he did it again only this time he wanted a bowl like ours and a regular spoon. I have to remember that he sits at a little table at daycare for breakfast #2 (he eats breakfast #1 with us) and lunch, so why would he want to sit in a high chair at home??? Forget the sippy cup, too. He wants a regular glass. Thankfully, we have some sturdy corned beef jars that look like our juice glasses… and he hasn’t figured it out yet. He does well with small amounts of liquids. The other night when I was clearing the table he helped me carry dishes to the sink.
I’m sure some of you would say that the “newness” will wear off… and it probably will for some things. But for now I will watch in amazement as my little boy becomes more independent. Lesson learned: Letting Cooper help often averts a potential temper tantrum, gives Cooper something to do, and helps him learn that he is an important member of our family.
Every day it seems like he wants to try something new. Now he helps feed Cierra. He carries both scoops of food to her bowl. Not all of it makes it into the bowl, but he tries. Last night we took him to Target to buy snow pants for school… if he didn’t have them he would have to stay inside while his friends go out. Taking two kids shopping at this stage has required two carts, but last night we tried the ones with the cart attached to a toddler seat. Cooper climbed up and sat like a big boy.
For the last couple of weeks he has fought sitting in a high chair, especially when we are out to eat. And forget a booster seat, too. If we are sitting at a booth he does great sitting on his knees. Last night he refused to sit in his high chair at home for dinner so we tried to just let him sit at the table on a chair. He probably did better than he has done for several weeks. This morning he did it again only this time he wanted a bowl like ours and a regular spoon. I have to remember that he sits at a little table at daycare for breakfast #2 (he eats breakfast #1 with us) and lunch, so why would he want to sit in a high chair at home??? Forget the sippy cup, too. He wants a regular glass. Thankfully, we have some sturdy corned beef jars that look like our juice glasses… and he hasn’t figured it out yet. He does well with small amounts of liquids. The other night when I was clearing the table he helped me carry dishes to the sink.
I’m sure some of you would say that the “newness” will wear off… and it probably will for some things. But for now I will watch in amazement as my little boy becomes more independent. Lesson learned: Letting Cooper help often averts a potential temper tantrum, gives Cooper something to do, and helps him learn that he is an important member of our family.
Monday, October 5, 2009
At the pumpkin patch
Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch with the Gatzke family. Amaya and Cooper had a blast... the adults did, too! My Steve turned into a kid again and enjoyed going down the slides with Cooper. At the end the kids picked out pumpkins. Here are a few pictures from the day... Enjoy!!!
Mommy's pumpkins
Finding the perfect pumpkin
Climbing and playing...
Jan, Steve, & Amaya
Mommy's pumpkins
Finding the perfect pumpkin
Climbing and playing...
Cooper and Amaya playing in the tubes...
Daddy playing in the tubes, too
Going down the slide with Daddy... that was a long slide!
"Where are you, Cooper?"
Daddy playing in the tubes, too
Going down the slide with Daddy... that was a long slide!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
And to all a good night…
Just a note... this says 9/24, ... which is when I started it, but it is really Monday, 9/28.
Yes, I am about a month behind. But back by popular demand… or request, a post! I must say life is incredible! The days are full, but amazing.
You may be wondering about the post title. Cooper has slept in his toddler bed all night for several nights!!! I’ve slept in our bed, and Tess has slept for about four hours straight each night in the bassinet. For the last seven weeks Cooper has started out in his bed and then about 12:30 has ended up in our bed with Steve. Tess and I have slept in the living room since coming home. With getting up every few hours, I figured it would be easier to hang out in the living room. I hate to say I have to watch TV to stay awake while nursing and even then I have fallen asleep several times. Tess also spent the first few weeks not wanting to be put down… at all… and I slept with her in my arms. I was too afraid to put her in bed with us… occupational fear. Too many babies have been smothered by their parents or bedding. Last week we decided to try moving into our room and it worked! Our bed is so much better than the couch. I’m still sleep deprived, but I feel pretty good! Hopefully more good nights to come!
I can’t believe how fast the last seven weeks have gone. We are starting to figure things out and I’m becoming braver and better at doing things. I can get in showers without Tess screaming before I am done. I get my teeth brushed before noon. I’m really getting really good at taking her out. Jackie and I have met for lunch a few times and Tess has been wonderful while we are out.
We have had a few more visitors this last month. My parents came back for a few days at the beginning of the month. It was great to have them here. Tess cuddles into Papa and goes right to sleep. Papa loves cuddling with her, too. Mom and I were able to do a bit of shopping. My Aunt Debbie and Uncle Gary came to see us for Labor Day weekend. We really enjoyed their company and Debbie loved holding Tess. Our friends Jan and Steve came over on Labor Day and brought us a wonderful meal! It was so fun to get Amaya and Cooper together again. They could still pass as twins.
Cooper is doing great at daycare. He continues to work on self-help skills with hand washing being the focus right now… with H1N1 we are trying to frequently get him to wash his hands. He is learning about farm animals this month and the signs for some animals. Last week they did the Chicken Dance. Our baby is approaching two and with that has come the start of the Terrible Two’s. I keep reminding myself that this is a developmental milestone and Cooper is developing independence. But as a parent this is tough. He knows what he wants and doesn’t want and doesn’t hesitate to let us know he isn’t happy. The tough part is there are things Cooper wants, but that he can’t have. We are also struggling with consequences. Cooper will give something he is eating to Cierra (he likes to share), she eats it, and then he wants it back. He doesn’t understand that when it it’s gone it’s gone… and don’t feed the puppy. There are moments when Cooper is whining, Tess is crying, and Cierra is just being obnoxious and I wonder if we will survive parenting, but in those moments of pure contentment by the three, there is nothing more beautiful as a parent.
Yesterday morning Cooper set the table for breakfast. Steve gave him two bowls and spoons and he put them in the right spots on the table. He also got the juice glasses on the table. He tried to put the cereal on the table, too. After his bath yesterday, he took his dirty clothes to his hamper. He is so proud of his accomplishments. I’m so proud of him, too. I’d love to see him always be so eager to help. My baby is growing up.
Tess is growing amazingly fast. It feels like yesterday she was just coming home. She is more alert during the day (not that you can tell by these photos) and will now sit in her swing and sleep in the bassinet. I think she has been smiling for the last few weeks, even though I’m sure many would say it is a reflex… I’m still taking them as smiles. In the last few days she has started to make cooing noises. She gives me a look like she wants to say something. She is strong. She can hold her head up quite well. She also pushes with her legs against my legs and “stands” when she is resting on my chest. She is outgrowing newborn clothing, but 0-3’s are still a bit large, so dressing is a challenge. She is long, but not filling things out. She is now about 9lbs.
Cierra (not to be forgotten) has made some significant strides, too. She is almost 11 months old. With me being home, I have had her in the rest of the house with me. She has done great! She hasn’t touched Cooper’s toys or had potty accidents. We have even stated to let her have free run at night, too. She just curls up and sleeps all night. I am so proud of her. We still leave her in the kitchen when we are gone, but slowly I’m sure we can work on that, too. She is phenomenal with the kids. Even with some of the chewing she did on the house and the pull and jumping during walks, she is amazing with Cooper. He can pull and tug on her (we don’t encourage it and frequently remind him to be gentle). She lets him hug her all the time. Cierra sniffs Tess and is curious when she cries, but otherwise doesn’t bother her. I’ve said that Cooper and Cierra are much at the same level. Here is another example…
Miss Tess is awake, but I will try to get back to the computer sooner!
Yes, I am about a month behind. But back by popular demand… or request, a post! I must say life is incredible! The days are full, but amazing.
You may be wondering about the post title. Cooper has slept in his toddler bed all night for several nights!!! I’ve slept in our bed, and Tess has slept for about four hours straight each night in the bassinet. For the last seven weeks Cooper has started out in his bed and then about 12:30 has ended up in our bed with Steve. Tess and I have slept in the living room since coming home. With getting up every few hours, I figured it would be easier to hang out in the living room. I hate to say I have to watch TV to stay awake while nursing and even then I have fallen asleep several times. Tess also spent the first few weeks not wanting to be put down… at all… and I slept with her in my arms. I was too afraid to put her in bed with us… occupational fear. Too many babies have been smothered by their parents or bedding. Last week we decided to try moving into our room and it worked! Our bed is so much better than the couch. I’m still sleep deprived, but I feel pretty good! Hopefully more good nights to come!
I can’t believe how fast the last seven weeks have gone. We are starting to figure things out and I’m becoming braver and better at doing things. I can get in showers without Tess screaming before I am done. I get my teeth brushed before noon. I’m really getting really good at taking her out. Jackie and I have met for lunch a few times and Tess has been wonderful while we are out.
We have had a few more visitors this last month. My parents came back for a few days at the beginning of the month. It was great to have them here. Tess cuddles into Papa and goes right to sleep. Papa loves cuddling with her, too. Mom and I were able to do a bit of shopping. My Aunt Debbie and Uncle Gary came to see us for Labor Day weekend. We really enjoyed their company and Debbie loved holding Tess. Our friends Jan and Steve came over on Labor Day and brought us a wonderful meal! It was so fun to get Amaya and Cooper together again. They could still pass as twins.
Cooper is doing great at daycare. He continues to work on self-help skills with hand washing being the focus right now… with H1N1 we are trying to frequently get him to wash his hands. He is learning about farm animals this month and the signs for some animals. Last week they did the Chicken Dance. Our baby is approaching two and with that has come the start of the Terrible Two’s. I keep reminding myself that this is a developmental milestone and Cooper is developing independence. But as a parent this is tough. He knows what he wants and doesn’t want and doesn’t hesitate to let us know he isn’t happy. The tough part is there are things Cooper wants, but that he can’t have. We are also struggling with consequences. Cooper will give something he is eating to Cierra (he likes to share), she eats it, and then he wants it back. He doesn’t understand that when it it’s gone it’s gone… and don’t feed the puppy. There are moments when Cooper is whining, Tess is crying, and Cierra is just being obnoxious and I wonder if we will survive parenting, but in those moments of pure contentment by the three, there is nothing more beautiful as a parent.
Yesterday morning Cooper set the table for breakfast. Steve gave him two bowls and spoons and he put them in the right spots on the table. He also got the juice glasses on the table. He tried to put the cereal on the table, too. After his bath yesterday, he took his dirty clothes to his hamper. He is so proud of his accomplishments. I’m so proud of him, too. I’d love to see him always be so eager to help. My baby is growing up.
Tess is growing amazingly fast. It feels like yesterday she was just coming home. She is more alert during the day (not that you can tell by these photos) and will now sit in her swing and sleep in the bassinet. I think she has been smiling for the last few weeks, even though I’m sure many would say it is a reflex… I’m still taking them as smiles. In the last few days she has started to make cooing noises. She gives me a look like she wants to say something. She is strong. She can hold her head up quite well. She also pushes with her legs against my legs and “stands” when she is resting on my chest. She is outgrowing newborn clothing, but 0-3’s are still a bit large, so dressing is a challenge. She is long, but not filling things out. She is now about 9lbs.
Cierra (not to be forgotten) has made some significant strides, too. She is almost 11 months old. With me being home, I have had her in the rest of the house with me. She has done great! She hasn’t touched Cooper’s toys or had potty accidents. We have even stated to let her have free run at night, too. She just curls up and sleeps all night. I am so proud of her. We still leave her in the kitchen when we are gone, but slowly I’m sure we can work on that, too. She is phenomenal with the kids. Even with some of the chewing she did on the house and the pull and jumping during walks, she is amazing with Cooper. He can pull and tug on her (we don’t encourage it and frequently remind him to be gentle). She lets him hug her all the time. Cierra sniffs Tess and is curious when she cries, but otherwise doesn’t bother her. I’ve said that Cooper and Cierra are much at the same level. Here is another example…
Miss Tess is awake, but I will try to get back to the computer sooner!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Angels among us
We are so blessed! God has put some truly wonderful people in our lives!
Yesterday was the first day I was home alone with Tess and Steve was back at work and Cooper was in daycare. Jackie so graciously blessed us with a wonderful dinner. Steve and I both really appreciated not having to try to figure something out.
Steve wasn’t feeling well last night and developed the chills and a 103.0 fever. While taking Cierra out, two of our neighbors stopped over and I shared that Steve was sick. When I got back in Cooper was really in a tough mood. He struggles with Monday evenings after being home for several days and the activity going back to daycare on Mondays. He can be on the crabby side and last night was no exception. It was worse since Daddy couldn’t play and keep him occupied. Mommy was busy nursing Tess and he needed attention. I was starting to feel overwhelmed while I was trying to get both kids ready for bed. Since I can’t lift anything heavier than Tess I was trying to change Cooper on the floor. He is going through a phase of not wanting to be changed and it was like trying to hog tie a pig to get him in pj’s. Meanwhile, Tess was in the crib screaming… breaking my heart. I got Cooper done and Tess started when I heard someone talking to Steve and he came in to ask if I needed help. Our neighbor Linda, from earlier in the evening, came back to see if she could help me get the kids to bed. God must have place on her heart that I was just about ready to meltdown. She finished getting Tess dressed for bed and snuggled with her and I was able to cuddle with Cooper on the couch. We read a couple of books and he was out. Linda stayed long enough for me to get a few other things done, too. I really appreciated her help and Steve was able to sleep. I really didn’t want him sharing whatever he has with the kids.
So like I said, we are incredibly blessed!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
+2 weeks…
I thought that since I have Tess sleeping, I’d share a quick update. We’ve been home two weeks… WOW!!!... Those two weeks have gone by incredibly fast! Steve’s mom was here last week and Steve and Cooper are home this week. We are doing well bonding as a family! I am back to where I was when Cooper was a newborn in trying to figure out how to do things. I struggle to get in a shower and brushing my teeth in a “timely” manner. Most days this week I haven’t even gotten to blow-dry my hair. Oh well. I’m sure in the next few weeks I’ll get into a routine. I’m healing well from the c-section and feeling really good. I walked around our “block” and it felt good to get out of the house. I’d really like to get out, but I’m not ready to take Tess out yet. We are out of diapers so I think we might tag along with Steve for a trip to Target.
Miss Tess loves to be held… by me and hasn’t given me much of a break. I’d estimate that she is held 22+ hours a day. This means I hold her while sleeping on the couch… maybe not the best idea, but what else do I do??? I prop the Boppy under her and my arm and then use a pillow behind me and another pillow under head on the arm of the couch. Little One does great at sleeping 3-4 hours at night. Now if we could just get her into the bassinet. She sleeps in it for about ten minutes, but that’s it. She’ll sleep in the Boppy fairly well, but I can’t leave her alone in it. I’m hoping we can transition into the bedroom in the next week or so.
Cooper loves his sister. He has been so gentle with her (just occasionally needing a reminder). The last couple of days he just giggles when she is looking at him. He is so loving that he gives her gentle hugs and kisses her head. I can’t wait until they can truly interact with each other. I hope they are always close.
Well naptime is over…
More later.
Miss Tess loves to be held… by me and hasn’t given me much of a break. I’d estimate that she is held 22+ hours a day. This means I hold her while sleeping on the couch… maybe not the best idea, but what else do I do??? I prop the Boppy under her and my arm and then use a pillow behind me and another pillow under head on the arm of the couch. Little One does great at sleeping 3-4 hours at night. Now if we could just get her into the bassinet. She sleeps in it for about ten minutes, but that’s it. She’ll sleep in the Boppy fairly well, but I can’t leave her alone in it. I’m hoping we can transition into the bedroom in the next week or so.
Cooper loves his sister. He has been so gentle with her (just occasionally needing a reminder). The last couple of days he just giggles when she is looking at him. He is so loving that he gives her gentle hugs and kisses her head. I can’t wait until they can truly interact with each other. I hope they are always close.
Well naptime is over…
More later.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
In joy and excitement… She’s here!
Introducing Tessa Grace Hull… 
She arrived Monday, August 10th at 10:30am. She weighed 7lbs 5 oz and was 20 inches long.
Last Monday, we arrived at the hospital at our scheduled 8:30 check-in time. Things seemed fairly quiet and we had about an hour and a half of just getting ready… filling out the social security information form, getting an IV, talking to OB and anesthesia, and what seemed like a lot of time just waiting. They thought we might even get started early, but I didn’t walk back to the OR until a little after 10am. In my last post a little over a week ago I was anxiously anticipating the arrival of our daughter. I was nervous about the OR, but I had been reassured by several people that a planned c-section usually goes very smoothly… and just about everyone that took care of us before going to the OR told us the same thing. Things don’t go quite as smoothly as we had hoped and there was probably more drama with Tess’ arrival than Cooper’s. After placing my spinal anesthesia my blood pressure significantly dropped and I stopped breathing and became unconscious. With fluids and medications, I came back fairly quickly, but they lost Tess’ heartbeat and they had to proceed with an emergency c-section. The first thing I remember when I became aware of my surrounds was them asking for the staff surgeon and said “We need to get the baby out now!” Steve was still in the pre-op/recovery area waiting to be brought in. They never did tell him what had happened, but told him that he needed to hurry or he was going to miss it. He thought they had just forgotten to get him. He made it in time to tape her birth. Our beautiful little girl arrived at 10:30. After a few minutes she was fine and demonstrating she has a great set of lungs. We have a healthy beautiful little girl. They did share that our silly little one was breech. I had ultrasounds the last four weeks and she was always head down and even the nurse checking us in thought she felt her head down, so the thought is she turned sometime in the OR before her delivery. We stayed in the hospital until Thursday.
She arrived Monday, August 10th at 10:30am. She weighed 7lbs 5 oz and was 20 inches long.
Last Monday, we arrived at the hospital at our scheduled 8:30 check-in time. Things seemed fairly quiet and we had about an hour and a half of just getting ready… filling out the social security information form, getting an IV, talking to OB and anesthesia, and what seemed like a lot of time just waiting. They thought we might even get started early, but I didn’t walk back to the OR until a little after 10am. In my last post a little over a week ago I was anxiously anticipating the arrival of our daughter. I was nervous about the OR, but I had been reassured by several people that a planned c-section usually goes very smoothly… and just about everyone that took care of us before going to the OR told us the same thing. Things don’t go quite as smoothly as we had hoped and there was probably more drama with Tess’ arrival than Cooper’s. After placing my spinal anesthesia my blood pressure significantly dropped and I stopped breathing and became unconscious. With fluids and medications, I came back fairly quickly, but they lost Tess’ heartbeat and they had to proceed with an emergency c-section. The first thing I remember when I became aware of my surrounds was them asking for the staff surgeon and said “We need to get the baby out now!” Steve was still in the pre-op/recovery area waiting to be brought in. They never did tell him what had happened, but told him that he needed to hurry or he was going to miss it. He thought they had just forgotten to get him. He made it in time to tape her birth. Our beautiful little girl arrived at 10:30. After a few minutes she was fine and demonstrating she has a great set of lungs. We have a healthy beautiful little girl. They did share that our silly little one was breech. I had ultrasounds the last four weeks and she was always head down and even the nurse checking us in thought she felt her head down, so the thought is she turned sometime in the OR before her delivery. We stayed in the hospital until Thursday.
Getting ready to go home...
Our first family photo...
Tess is doing great. She has taken to nursing like she has done it her entire life… well I guess she has. I should say like a pro. No struggles with latching on. We initially were concerned about her being jaundiced, but the docs thought she was in a low to intermediate risk category and if it didn’t appear to be getting worse, she’d be fine and she is. Her weight dropped to 6lbs 13 oz at her doctor visit on Saturday so we had her checked again on Monday and she was up to 7lb. I will take her back on Friday just to be sure she is at her birth weight or above. She likes to eat and make wet and poopy diapers so we know things are moving through her.
I really appreciate my parents coming to take care of Cooper. He did really well with them. They brought him up to the hospital several times. So far he seems to like his sister. My parents were here until Saturday and my sister came Friday for the night. Steve’s mom came Saturday and his dad will come on Friday. Steve will be home with us next week. We are starting to get settled, but I’m sure it will take some time before we are in a routine. I’m taking 12 weeks of maternity leave so we have time to bond and figure things out.
My little one LOVES to be held and since I’m not good at one-handed typing I will close for now. I LOVE to snuggle, too!
Bear with us if the blog goes a few days without an update. I’ll post as soon as I can.
Life is beautiful!!!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
In anticipation…
Not much longer and our little one will be here! We will soon be a family of four. I can’t wait to meet her. With each passing hour I am a bit more excited… and maybe a little nervous. I have been reassured that we will be in good hands. I know we will. First, we are in God’s hands… it doesn’t get more perfect than that. Second, there are many skilled and wonderful hands at Mayo. My OB said she would have any of her colleagues operate on her and she said she really meant it. But, this is major surgery and I am just not a fan of pain. I know that this c-section will be different from Cooper’s. It will be controlled and not the mad rush to the OR we experienced with him. I still remember the tugging and pulling, my hands going numb, and just the environment of the OR. So yes, again, I am a bit nervous. However, I am focusing on what I will gain from going through it. My little girl will be in my arms by this time tomorrow!
With this anticipation comes a bit of sadness. These are the last few hours that only I get to sense when she is moving or has the hiccups. If this is my last pregnancy, it is the last time I will ever experience the growth of a child within me… a very precious experience that can’t ever be put into words. I love my baby belly! I won’t miss the backaches and some of the other aches and pains of the last few weeks, but I will miss being pregnant.
My mom and dad are on their way here now. It will be wonderful to know that Cooper is well taken care of and we can focus our attention on Tess. I will miss my little guy. The longest I have spent away from him has been one night. Mom and Dad will bring him up to meet his sister and spend time with us each day. But it will be hard to not be here to tuck him in bed or see the excitement on his face when I go to get him out of the crib in the morning. It is only for a few days and then we will be home as a family.
Cooper has been fun of hugs today. I’m sure he senses something is happening, but he probably has no idea of WHAT is about to happen. In church during the praise music, he was cuddling so hard he brought tears to my eyes. He gives the best hugs. Just in case you are wondering, I am in absolute love with my little guy. He is so incredibly precious to me!!!
God is going to bless us with two… wow!
So for now I wait in eager anticipation of our daughter!!! Here is to a restful night, a calm morning, skilled and talented surgeon hands, and the amazing birth of Tessa Grace!
More tomorrow… I hope.
With this anticipation comes a bit of sadness. These are the last few hours that only I get to sense when she is moving or has the hiccups. If this is my last pregnancy, it is the last time I will ever experience the growth of a child within me… a very precious experience that can’t ever be put into words. I love my baby belly! I won’t miss the backaches and some of the other aches and pains of the last few weeks, but I will miss being pregnant.
My mom and dad are on their way here now. It will be wonderful to know that Cooper is well taken care of and we can focus our attention on Tess. I will miss my little guy. The longest I have spent away from him has been one night. Mom and Dad will bring him up to meet his sister and spend time with us each day. But it will be hard to not be here to tuck him in bed or see the excitement on his face when I go to get him out of the crib in the morning. It is only for a few days and then we will be home as a family.
Cooper has been fun of hugs today. I’m sure he senses something is happening, but he probably has no idea of WHAT is about to happen. In church during the praise music, he was cuddling so hard he brought tears to my eyes. He gives the best hugs. Just in case you are wondering, I am in absolute love with my little guy. He is so incredibly precious to me!!!
God is going to bless us with two… wow!
So for now I wait in eager anticipation of our daughter!!! Here is to a restful night, a calm morning, skilled and talented surgeon hands, and the amazing birth of Tessa Grace!
More tomorrow… I hope.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Happy 18 months old, Cooper!
Wow, 18 months ago tonight we were holding our precious newborn son. Now he is a toddler, my big boy. I have loved every stage with him. Of course each stage also has its moments, but the journey has been incredible. Cooper continues to change every day and fascinate me with what he can do. Over the weekend he bought me his shoes and said, “shoe’! No prompting, just said it. The other day I was getting him a cup of juice and I asked him if he wanted some and he said, “Juice”. Wow. His language is starting to pick up. On a related note… we took Cooper in for his ENT follow-up and hearing test and I was amazed to watch him during the test. He was hearing sounds that he didn’t hear six weeks ago before his tubes were placed. I am so glad I pushed to get them placed and not wait six weeks to see if the fluid would clear. He proved that he was an excellent candidate for them.
He is doing great at daycare. I love seeing him have fun with his friends on the playground. He is a different kid from a few weeks ago.
Cooper… aka Mr. Monkey, loves to climb. Nothing deters him from trying to climb. Cooper was trying to climb on the coffee table by pulling out the drawer and stepping up. Steve was quickly pushing the drawer back in before he could get his foot in it, but Cooper decided he’d try a different route. He went to the end of the table and pulled himself up. He has mastered the coffee table, the dining room table, and the wooden highchair. The kid needs a rope and a helmet. I’m a bit worried about what he’ll try with the swing set once it is put together. Kids!
Tonight we have a picnic at the daycare. It will be fun to watch Cooper play and get to meet other parents and get to know the teachers better.
He is doing great at daycare. I love seeing him have fun with his friends on the playground. He is a different kid from a few weeks ago.
Cooper… aka Mr. Monkey, loves to climb. Nothing deters him from trying to climb. Cooper was trying to climb on the coffee table by pulling out the drawer and stepping up. Steve was quickly pushing the drawer back in before he could get his foot in it, but Cooper decided he’d try a different route. He went to the end of the table and pulled himself up. He has mastered the coffee table, the dining room table, and the wooden highchair. The kid needs a rope and a helmet. I’m a bit worried about what he’ll try with the swing set once it is put together. Kids!
Tonight we have a picnic at the daycare. It will be fun to watch Cooper play and get to meet other parents and get to know the teachers better.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wondering what is up in the Hull house???
Well, a lot of preparing and just getting last minute stuff done. I have just one more load of Tess’ stuff to wash after the one in the washer is done. I should go down and get a suitcase and get it packed. Steve put the car seat bases in the Jeep and van. I should also have him bring up the bassinet. I think we might be ready… well, she could come and we’d be okay.
I had a great appointment on Wednesday. I think part of it was that Dr. M had a medical student with her and she was praising me in front of the medical student about how well I have done compared some other moms they had seen that day. With the gestational diabetes I have gained about 11 pounds and she anticipates Tess to be about 6-6 ½ pounds when she is born. Of course, she could surprise us and be a little bigger, but she is measuring about 36 weeks instead of 38 weeks.
Tess snoozed through the first part of the non-stress test. In fact, she was making me and the nurse a bit nervous… probably the nurse more than me until the nurse told me what would happen next if she didn’t wake up and then I got really nervous. Her heart rate was really steady, but she was a sound asleep. The nurse was going to give her ten minutes to rest and then have me turn on my side or use a baby alarm to wake her up. If that didn’t work I would need a full ultrasound to watch for breathing and movement. If she still wasn’t reassuring them she was okay we would go to labor and delivery to be monitored and either be sent home or be delivered that afternoon. When she got to the delivery part is when I started to panic. But Tess woke up once I turned on my side and was very active. During the ultrasound to check fluid levels, she had her hands up so I couldn't see her face, oh well.
Cooper is doing great in the Toddler room and is enjoying playing with his new friends, especially on the playground! For the month of August they will have a zoo theme. They have some fun days planned according to their calendar.
Today we went to JC Penney to get Coopers 18 month pictures taken and had a family photo done at the same time. It used to be so much easier when he couldn’t walk. Today he was much more interested in the umbrella light and the camera cord than actually having his picture taken. The poor girl tried really hard. She got a few good shorts, but he was a difficult subject.
Enjoy…
Well, a lot of preparing and just getting last minute stuff done. I have just one more load of Tess’ stuff to wash after the one in the washer is done. I should go down and get a suitcase and get it packed. Steve put the car seat bases in the Jeep and van. I should also have him bring up the bassinet. I think we might be ready… well, she could come and we’d be okay.
I had a great appointment on Wednesday. I think part of it was that Dr. M had a medical student with her and she was praising me in front of the medical student about how well I have done compared some other moms they had seen that day. With the gestational diabetes I have gained about 11 pounds and she anticipates Tess to be about 6-6 ½ pounds when she is born. Of course, she could surprise us and be a little bigger, but she is measuring about 36 weeks instead of 38 weeks.
Tess snoozed through the first part of the non-stress test. In fact, she was making me and the nurse a bit nervous… probably the nurse more than me until the nurse told me what would happen next if she didn’t wake up and then I got really nervous. Her heart rate was really steady, but she was a sound asleep. The nurse was going to give her ten minutes to rest and then have me turn on my side or use a baby alarm to wake her up. If that didn’t work I would need a full ultrasound to watch for breathing and movement. If she still wasn’t reassuring them she was okay we would go to labor and delivery to be monitored and either be sent home or be delivered that afternoon. When she got to the delivery part is when I started to panic. But Tess woke up once I turned on my side and was very active. During the ultrasound to check fluid levels, she had her hands up so I couldn't see her face, oh well.
Cooper is doing great in the Toddler room and is enjoying playing with his new friends, especially on the playground! For the month of August they will have a zoo theme. They have some fun days planned according to their calendar.
Today we went to JC Penney to get Coopers 18 month pictures taken and had a family photo done at the same time. It used to be so much easier when he couldn’t walk. Today he was much more interested in the umbrella light and the camera cord than actually having his picture taken. The poor girl tried really hard. She got a few good shorts, but he was a difficult subject.
Enjoy…
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