Dear my Birthday Bruh,
5 years ago
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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. :)
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. :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, December 31, 2010
It's Official............Maternity Leave has Begun!!!
Yay!! I do not plan to return to work until May 2nd!
I know I sometimes gripe about my job. The long hours, busy season, unexpected projects/issues, taking work home, etc. can really wear on you. But when it's not 'busy season', I'm able to manage my part-time/flex-time schedule pretty well. Public accounting provides a little bit more flexibility than your typical Corporate America job. I'm not stuck to a strict 8-5 schedule; actually, I'm rarely there by 8am. :) So, being pregnant is easier to manage at KPMG than a typical industry job. When I was throwing up non-stop for the first several months, I was able to work from home alot when I wasn't feeling well. And taking time off for the many Dr. appointments didn't necessarily require me to use PTO, as I was able to make it up later on.
Then there's the time off allowed for post-partum recovery. I know that I am blessed when it comes to this topic. First of all, I get to take off 4 weeks prior to my due date. I don't know many people that have that luxury. Then once I deliver, I'll get about 8 weeks paid time-off (due to c-section) and then an additional 2 weeks of 'bonus' parental time-off through the firm. Then you tack on additional time from my 5 weeks of vacation, and that's alot of time off! I plan on returning back to work the first week of May, when Chase is around 3 months old. With Austin, due to the timing of his birth and busy season, I took off nearly 5 months. It was a little more than I could handle.
Hopefully over the next 3 weeks before Chase arrives, I can relax, keep my blood pressure in control, and rest-up for the many sleepless nights ahead. :)
I know I sometimes gripe about my job. The long hours, busy season, unexpected projects/issues, taking work home, etc. can really wear on you. But when it's not 'busy season', I'm able to manage my part-time/flex-time schedule pretty well. Public accounting provides a little bit more flexibility than your typical Corporate America job. I'm not stuck to a strict 8-5 schedule; actually, I'm rarely there by 8am. :) So, being pregnant is easier to manage at KPMG than a typical industry job. When I was throwing up non-stop for the first several months, I was able to work from home alot when I wasn't feeling well. And taking time off for the many Dr. appointments didn't necessarily require me to use PTO, as I was able to make it up later on.
Then there's the time off allowed for post-partum recovery. I know that I am blessed when it comes to this topic. First of all, I get to take off 4 weeks prior to my due date. I don't know many people that have that luxury. Then once I deliver, I'll get about 8 weeks paid time-off (due to c-section) and then an additional 2 weeks of 'bonus' parental time-off through the firm. Then you tack on additional time from my 5 weeks of vacation, and that's alot of time off! I plan on returning back to work the first week of May, when Chase is around 3 months old. With Austin, due to the timing of his birth and busy season, I took off nearly 5 months. It was a little more than I could handle.
Hopefully over the next 3 weeks before Chase arrives, I can relax, keep my blood pressure in control, and rest-up for the many sleepless nights ahead. :)
What's Your Resolution?
Another New Year is upon us. Time to make those resolutions that so many of us make and then don't follow through with. My goal this year is to stick to it though!
1. I know that losing weight is the #1 resolution that people make every year. But after I have Chase, I really want to start working out and taking better care of myself. I know I've only gained about 15 lbs. this pregnancy, but I could have stood to lose a few before I got pregnant again. I know I'm going to have my hands full with a toddler and a newborn, but I really want to start making time to take care of myself. It will be easy to manage while I'm on maternity leave. I plan on taking Chase for long walks around the neighborhood in his stroller. And hopefully I can start taking advantage of the 'gym' that Jordan has built upstairs. (I can see Jordan rolling his eyes as he reads this, as I've pledged to start working out again many times.)
2. With a toddler and a newborn, my life is going to soon become very hectic. I tend to possess some OCD tendencies when it comes to cleaning, being organized, and wanting things done just how I want them. But I know that I will have to start to let things go. The house is not always going to be in order. And Austin will probably act out here and there with Chase's new arrival. But I'm really going to try to just let things go and not get all worked up. For some reason, I think this resolution will be harder to achieve than #1 above. Yikes!
I'm not going to commit to any more than these two right now, as I know that these will both be difficult to actually be successful at. But I really think that 2011 can be the year that I actually do it. Maybe it's the crazy pregnancy hormones talking, though. :)
1. I know that losing weight is the #1 resolution that people make every year. But after I have Chase, I really want to start working out and taking better care of myself. I know I've only gained about 15 lbs. this pregnancy, but I could have stood to lose a few before I got pregnant again. I know I'm going to have my hands full with a toddler and a newborn, but I really want to start making time to take care of myself. It will be easy to manage while I'm on maternity leave. I plan on taking Chase for long walks around the neighborhood in his stroller. And hopefully I can start taking advantage of the 'gym' that Jordan has built upstairs. (I can see Jordan rolling his eyes as he reads this, as I've pledged to start working out again many times.)
2. With a toddler and a newborn, my life is going to soon become very hectic. I tend to possess some OCD tendencies when it comes to cleaning, being organized, and wanting things done just how I want them. But I know that I will have to start to let things go. The house is not always going to be in order. And Austin will probably act out here and there with Chase's new arrival. But I'm really going to try to just let things go and not get all worked up. For some reason, I think this resolution will be harder to achieve than #1 above. Yikes!
I'm not going to commit to any more than these two right now, as I know that these will both be difficult to actually be successful at. But I really think that 2011 can be the year that I actually do it. Maybe it's the crazy pregnancy hormones talking, though. :)
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