A Tribute to My Babies' Daddy

I'm not one to plaster my love for Jordan all over my blog or Facebook. In fact, I think it's a little awkward and immature when grown adults post love quotes or 'electronic PDA' all over each other's Facebook walls. What are we in, middle school? However, I will take this one opportunity to thank Jordan and express some gratitude. :)

I know that I am truly blessed to have Jordan in my life. We have a great time together, whether we're finishing off a $7 bottle of wine at 2am on the couch, enjoying a concert at local bar, or just reminiscing through old pictures. And I am most thankful for the father that he is to our kids. Since having Austin, our relationship was taken to a new level, and with the recent addition of Chase, it's just gotten even stronger. I know that not all 'baby daddies' are like this and there is a wide spectrum of 'fatherhood'. There are those that abandon there children and pretty much have no part in their lives, which I am all too familiar with. Then there are those that are still in their lives, living as a family, but have a more hands-off approach and let the mother do most of the care taking. Then there are guys like Jordan.

He is so helpful with the boys. For instance, yesterday I went to a friend's baby shower, took Chase with me, and left him with Austin. When I returned home a few hours later, he had finished up the laundry, washed all the baby bottles, and taken Austin for a haircut. Score! He's pretty self-sufficient when it comes to taking care of them, even a newborn. I don't have to worry at all about leaving the kids with him; he can handle it. :) And he's been incredible during the recovery from the c-section as well, making sure that I take it easy and not do too much.

I'm just honestly thankful for having such an amazing husband and father to my children. I really have nothing to compare him to. My own father was pretty useless and wrote me and my sister off pretty early on. Then I've had three step-fathers. It kind of amazes me that I don't have 'daddy issues' with the lack of a father figure in my life. (Well, I like to think that I don't have any issues anyways.)

Well, that's all I've got for now. Jordan, enjoy this post; you won't get another one. Love, Love!

Chase's Due Date!

Well, today was Chase's due date. I can't believe that he has already been in our lives for over 3 weeks now. January 7th seems so far back when we had him. This morning, I weighed him in, and he was 8lbs. 3 oz. I wonder if he would have been this size, or bigger, if we had actually made it to my due date. As today approached, I felt a little bit of guilt, wondering if there was anything I could have done differently from him having to make his entrance at 36w5d. Since my blood pressure was high, I knew that I needed to stay off my feet as much as possible and rest. I wasn't exactly the best at following that advice, but even when I did, my blood pressure was still high. So, I guess it was just inevitable that he was going to have to come early like his big brother did. I'm just so thankful that even at over 3 weeks early, he was still a healthy weight and didn't have any medical problems and his lungs were strong.

We've definitely had to get used to having a smaller baby. A co-worker said that I actually get to experience having a 'newborn' since Chase wasn't quite the chunk that Austin was. When we first brought Chase home, most of his newborn clothes swallowed him up and he frequently leaked out of his diapers because they were a little big. But here we are, 3 weeks later, and he is gaining weight like a mad man! He has still been a great baby, sleeping 3-4 hours and taking in more and more formula each day. And I think that with the second child, you are more relaxed and don't get worked up too much over things. I remember when we had Austin, I constantly stared at the video monitor checking on him and would jump at every cry and whimper. Now, if I hear Chase crying, I still go in there almost immediately, but it's because I don't want him to wake up Austin. :)

Bottom line............I'm in love, with all 3 of my boys and I wouldn't have my life any other way! :)

First Field Trip!

Today, Chase and I took our first field trip out of the house by ourselves. And boy, was I excited. It was pretty much the first time I was behind the wheel in three weeks! I had a short list of errands we needed to run. After packing the diaper bag, loading the stroller, and getting him ready, I quickly remembered how much work it was to get out of the house with a newborn. :) But off we went! We stopped at Stride Rite, Express, Babies R' Us, Blockbuster, and then finally Target. Conveniently, it was time for him to eat when we were at Babies R' Us, so we made ourselves comfy on one of their display gliders for 15 minutes and it worked out perfectly. After all, I did spend a nice amount while there, so it's the least they could do. :) He behaved quite well all day while we were out and slept the majority of the time. It's hard to believe that today was the day we had originally scheduled our c-section for today, and he's actually already been with us for 2 1/2 weeks. Time has already been going by so fast!

We've got lunch with Daddy tomorrow and then lunch with some of Mommy's work friends later this week. While I'm excited to get out of the house, I'm trying to be cognizant of the fact the RSV and the flu seem to going around with several people we know. I don't want my little peanut getting sick on me already.

And I'm happy to report that Austin's seems to have made a full recovery from his ear infection and cold. As part of the recovery process, he has become slightly addicted the grape-scented Boogie Wipes. :)

Two-Week Check-up

Jordan and I took Chase to his 2-week check-up this morning. He weighed in at 6lbs. 12oz. (gaining almost a pound since a week ago) and measured 19 1/2" long. We were so glad to hear that he is growing so fast! He truly has been a great baby. He eats every 3-4 hours and pretty much sleeps the rest of the time. We've kinda gotten into a routine this week since Jordan went back to work.

I'm excited about being cleared to drive again next week, so I can get out of the house a little. And I'm finally starting to feel alot better as far as the physical recovery goes from the surgery. Big thanks to my hubby for picking up the slack while I've been recovering these past two weeks.

On a side note, Austin has an ear infection and a cold, so we've been trying to keep him away from Chase as much as possible. And I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a little bit of an earache, so I'm sure it's just a matter of days before I start feeling lousy. :(

It's Been 9 Years and I Didn't Expect This!

9 years ago today, Jordan and I had our first date. Needless to say, as a sophomore in college, having just joined a sorority, and working and going to school full-time, I was not looking for anything serious. We met through a mutual friend (who I initially had a crush on, nonetheless) and it was lust at first sight. Yep, I said it. I thought that guy with the goatee, sporting the Boston Red Socks cap was a hottie. And he drove a big white Chevrolet truck with mud tires. What more could a girl want?! Nevermind the fact that he was currently on a 'sabbatical' from his job, rarely attended his college classes, and was a little 'damaged' from his recent bad break-up. That didn't matter to me; I was just looking to hang out and have a good time.

We had hung out a time or two at the local bar in town. Yes, we were underage; but that didn't matter one bit in Commerce. I think maybe he was impressed by my drinking beer straight from the pitcher back then. Oh, how times have changed! :) For our first date, Jordan made me chocolate chip cookies and had them delivered to the sorority house waiting for me with a stuffed animal when I got home from work. (I was currently working in a bakery and was always bringing others treats, but nobody ever made me sweets.) It was a great gesture. Then he took me to Olive Garden and to a movie. I know; big spender. :) We had a great time, and the next day I went to work and told my co-workers that I was going to marry this guy. Of course, they all looked at me like I was crazy. Granted, we had our ups and downs over the next few months dealing with his ex, but we weathered through and he put a ring on my finger 8 months later on a beach before the spring semester started back. We were married the following summer.

Now here we are in 2011, and just welcomed our second son. Who would have thought this is where we would be?! Happy dating anniversary, Satchmo! Love Love!

Recap: Week One at Home

Chase is 1 week old today! Really?! I guess it just doesn't seem possible, since he's technically still supposed to be in utero for another two weeks. After being discharged from the hospital on Monday, we headed home to get settled into some sort of routine. Nevermind the fact that a snow storm hit the Dallas area on Monday, causing terrible roads and school/work closures, including Austin's daycare. But big thanks to Uncle LoLo for watching him on Monday for us and taking him to Chuck E. Cheese for some fun. :) But the three of us manged to navigate our way home for the 10-minute ride and got the car unloaded.I had high hopes for our first night at home, just judging by how Chase behaved while we were still in the hospital. And he didn't disappoint. :) Jordan and I took turns on the night shifts, and pretty much had to wake him up for each feeding. He would just eat and then go back to sleep. Ahhhh, a little too easy. Every time I watch an episode of 'Bringing Home Baby' on TLC, it seems like the parents are up every hour or so with a screaming newborn. Is that for real? I'm sure some of you mothers out there are cussing me and my sleep-loving children. :)Chase is definitely a cuddler and likes to be swaddled, unlike Austin. And we spend lots of time in the recliner with him sleeping on my chest; it's his favorite sleep position. :) But we also make sure he sleeps in his own bed at night, so he gets used to it. Thank goodness for video monitors; you gotta love technology! :) We've given him a sponge bath a couple of times, since he's still got his umbilical cord stump and circumcision ring. He's not a fan of the bath yet, but we'll work on it. We also took him to his first pediatrician appointment for a bilirubin check (for jaundice) and a weight check since being discharged from the hospital. His jaundice levels were better, and he's lost a little bit of weight since birth, weighing in at 5lbs. 15oz. The doc expects that he'll be at, or past, his initial birth weight by his two-week checkup this next week. So, we're taking every opportunity to fatten this boy up. :) Austin is slowly warming up to Chase being around. He likes to bring him his paci and try to shove it (not always so gently) in his mouth. Then if Chase fusses, he tells me that I need to change Chase's diaper. He also likes to tap Chase on the forehead and tell me that he needs kisses. He's not ready to be the one to give him kisses, but he makes sure that Mommy or Daddy do it. Finally last night, he asked to hold Chase for the first time. It melted my heart!

Jordan returns back to work on Monday, and I'm actually going to miss having him home with me. He has been a tremendous help this week, and I couldn't have done it without him. What can I say; I found a good baby daddy! :) I'm slowly recovering from the surgery. Yesterday was the first day that it didn't hurt like hell when I would stand up. And I'm down to only taking two doses of the Vicodin a day for the pain. They work well, but make Mommy sleepy. I had my post-op appointment at the OB's office yesterday, and he said my incision was healing quite nicely. He also confirmed that he did indeed remember to tie my tubes while we were in the operating room (I had a dream the other night that he didn't!). My blood pressure was still high at the appointment. He wants me to take it easy at home, but understands that is difficult with a newborn and toddler at home.

Well, that's all for week one!

They're Definitely Related!

Welcome to the World, Chase Cooper!

After much anticipation, our newest addition is finally here! The day before the c-section, Jordan and I relaxed at home, enjoyed a great hibachi lunch, and got the last-minute tasks completed around the house. I got about two hours sleep the night before we checked into the hospital, so I knew it was going to be a long day. Final weight gain for the pregnancy was 15 lbs., which I was pretty happy with. And one final belly shot for the books....... We had to check-in at the hospital at 5:30am, which was way too early for my liking, especially since I couldn't eat or drink anything since midnight. Got my gown on, IV started, and ready to go. Tick-tock, tick-tock, let's get this deal going! Finally at 7am, I walked back to the OR, leaving Jordan behind until I was ready on the operating table.I had an awesome anesthesiologist who talked to me through every step and kinda eased my fears about the giant needle going into my back. Thankfully, he got it on the first try, and before I knew it, I was numb all over and strapped to the table. Finally Jordan arrived in his scrubs gear and held my hand the rest of the time. And I was very thankful that I wasn't throwing up on the operating table like with Austin. After a few minutes of tugging and pulling, our boy was pulled from my belly. Welcome to the world, Chase Cooper! I immediately starting crying of course and was thrilled to hear his cries and how strong his lungs were.Chase was a little smaller than we had expected, weighing in at 6lbs. 4oz. and measuring 18in. long. But as long as he was healthy, we didn't mind! Jordan watched as the nurses got him all cleaned up, and the doctor tied my tubes and got me all closed up. After Jordan left the operating room, I don't really remember much. I may have actually drifted off to sleep for 20 minutes while they finished up on me. Before I knew it, I was wheeled back to recovery and reunited with Jordan and my sweet little Chase. And then the nausea hit, ugh. I couldn't be that lucky to get away without it. There's nothing worse than trying to throw up after your belly was just cut open. After getting sick a couple times, some Zofran, and then some Phenergan (my favorite!), the nausea subsided. But the meds definitely made me super-groggy and I could barely keep my eyes open the rest of the day.I don't really remember much from that first day, I was so out of it. Aunt Meow Meow brought Austin up that evening after daycare. He didn't really want too much to do with Chase then. He was more concerned with visiting with Mommy. :) Meow Meow watched him that evening at our house, and then spent the next night with Mawmaw and Pawpaw. When they brought him up on Sunday, he finally was willing to get a little closer to Chase. I know it's going to take some time to warm up to him and get over jealousy issues. But it sure was cute when he wanted to help Daddy feed him! We're getting discharged from the hospital today and finally get to go home and get settled in. Chase has been doing good as far as eating and sleeping go, so I'm hoping he'll be another good easy baby like Austin was. Funny enough, when the nursery nurse brought Chase back to us this morning, the night nurse had written a note to us about how good of a baby Chase was. Already a teacher's pet!Now, time to get home and try to establish some sort of routine. I'm still pretty sore and it's difficult to get around. I've got some good pain meds, but they make me a little sleepy. Luckily, Jordan is home with us the rest of the week, so it'll be nice to have him home to help out while I continue to recover.

I'm sure I'll have many more blog posts coming up documenting our transition home and watching Chase grow. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your prayers and well wishes!

A Letter to My First-Born:

To my Austin Jordan,

I write this on the eve of your little brother's birth. You have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow and how your life will be forever changed. I know you have some hints of what's going on. You like to go into Chase's room, drag out the baby bottles, play with the video monitor, and play in his crib. But do you really have a clue that we will be bringing home a baby? You will soon have to learn to share mommy. You have been my right-hand man, my little monkey, and constant companion over the past 26 months. I know they say that you love all your kids the same amount. But is that really true? For some reason, I feel like you and I will always share a special bond since you were my first-born. When you came into mine and Daddy's life on 11/13/08, our family dynamic was forever changed. We had anticipated your arrival for so long. Since we brought you home from the hospital, you have truly been the best baby/toddler a parent could ask for. A good sleeper, a good eater, and very independent. Granted, you have your moments when you throw a tantrum or refuse to do something, but then you flash that sweet smile or give me big ol' hug and my heart melts all over again.

I know you're going to be a great big brother. But I know it's going to take some adjustment on all of our parts. You, me, and Daddy will still have our special time and do things on our own. But I also need you to be patient, loving, and sweet to your new little brother. Chase will look up to you and you will surely show him the ropes in years to come. Once he comes home, our little family will be complete. I love you so much, little monkey.

Love Love,
Mommy

P.S. Your little brother has a gift waiting for you at the hospital, so maybe a little bribery will help you be nice to him. :)

Change of Plans: Eviction Notice Served!

I guess things never go as planned in a pregnancy, especially mine. I went to my weekly appointment this morning, with Jordan in tow; he wanted to make sure to get the truth about the bed rest situation and make sure I was being honest with the doc about my activity lately. :) My blood pressure was high again, and it was pretty high all weekend, even when I was just laying around with no activity. Then I was a little shocked when the doctor said, 'Well, we'll just do this deal on Friday then'. Holy crap! My jaw dropped and blood pressure probably went up at least 10-20 points. I knew he would be concerned, but I thought he would at least give me another week to monitor things. Dr. Sudela just didn't think we would gain too much by keeping him in there any longer, while my blood pressures were obviously getting worse. We'll be 36w5d when Chase gets here, and we had Austin at 36w6d. It's already a competition with these two boys! :)

After my appointment, we headed over to do one final sonogram to see Chase. They're estimating he's 6 1/2 lbs. right now. I'm hoping by Friday he's 7 lbs. So, it's looking like Austin will beat him at the birth weight. I just want him to be healthy and not have to go to the NICU or anything. We dealt with jaundice with Austin, and I hated seeing him under the bili lights all the time.

I still can't believe this time next week, we will probably be discharging from the hospital and be a family of 4! I thought I was in good shape and prepared for Chase's arrival, but I feel like I have a million things to get done before Friday morning. So, I'm making a list, checking it twice, and handing it off to Jordan (or someone else) to do my running-around.

Please keep us in your prayers on Friday that all goes well with the surgery and Chase is a healthy little boy! Check back for more updates!

2010: A Year in Review

I'm going to steal this blog post idea from a fellow blogger friend of mine. :) Let's recap the highlights of 2010 as we head into 2011, which I'm sure will bring many more great memories.

JANUARY - Kick-off to my very first busy season as a mother. It was a little rough, but we managed. When Austin came down with RSV, we rotated shifts in giving him his breathing treatments for a week. Poor little guy! It was so hard to see him so sick.

FEBRUARY - A big snow storm hit the Dallas area, causing a state of panic, and the closing of Mommy's office for a day and a half. Snow day, score! Although the weather forced the cancellation of our 'Parents Night Out' for Valentine's Day, we had fun playing in the snow anyways.
MARCH - After much anticipation, Austin finally began walking at 15 months old. He just got up one day and started doing it. It wasn't long before he was into EVERYTHING!
APRIL - Easter was alot more fun this year, since Austin was into hunting the eggs. I think he ended up participating in four hunts by the end of the weekend and was a pro!MAY - May was highly eventful month, so it's hard to capture it in one event/picture.
--Happy Mother's Day to me!! I had a great time at Austin's 'Muffins with Mom' breakfast at school. --Katrina finally graduated from college. We were so proud of her, but sad knowing she would soon be moving out after living with us for nearly 3 years. --At the end of the month, we found we were expecting again! While we were a little shocked that it didn't take any time at all this time, we were totally excited and blessed.
JUNE - While battling my 'all day sickness' due to the pregnancy, we took a family 7-day Caribbean cruise during the week of mine and Mom's birthdays. Our little man got his passport before the age of 2 and we were on our way to enjoying lots of sunshine and beaches!
JULY - Happy Birthday to Jordan (his last year in his 20's!) and Happy Anniversary to us! We celebrated 7 years together with a delicious dinner at a great restaurant and a stay at fancy hotel in Dallas.
AUGUST - It was a hot month inTexas and we took advantage of the pool, sprinklers, and outdoor faucets as much as possible!
SEPTEMBER - After much anticipation, we found out we were going to be adding another boy to our family, to be named Chase Cooper.
OCTOBER - In preparation for our new arrival, Jordan and I ventured down to our favorite getaway, Gruene, TX, for a 'baby-moon'. We had a great time, and Austin seemed to enjoy himself at Mamaw & Papaw's while we were gone.

NOVEMBER - Our boy turned 2!! We had a Handy Manny-themed party, enjoyed some cake, and got lots of gifts! It's crazy to think Austin has been in our lives for two years; I hardly remember my life before he was in it!
DECEMBER - The holidays are upon us again! We had a great time celebrating with family & friends. And posing for a picture to put on the Christmas card is always an adventure in itself! :) 2010 was a wonderful year and we look forward to seeing what 2011 has in store for us, starting with the arrival of a second child in just a matter of weeks!