Cooper Marshall is 5 months!!

Sorry I've been missing out on the monthly updates...but we were taking care of Daddy!! :)

Cooper Marshall Thornton is 5 months! I can't believe it!! :)

Stats:

Weight: Around 19 1/2 lbs

Length: 27 inches

Schedule: umm...nope still not there!! We've been home for 3 1/2 weeks, we are just going with the flow, but we will get there. It's a lot more difficult when you add a toddler and a daddy to the mix! :)

Eating: He still loves his mommy's milk. He nurses about 8 times a day, sometimes more. Sometimes it's 15 mintues and other times an hour!! Whenever he wants it, he gets some milk! :) We haven't started solids yet, waiting till 6 months!! 

Sleeping: Naps, still or a hit or miss! It likes to wake up when I put him down, but it's getting a little better. This kid loves life, that's what Chris says!! Night he is doing pretty well. He usually goes to bed around 8ish or 9ish. He's waking once or twice at night. Except for last night he kept rolling over and playing. :) Love when they learn something new! 

Clothing: We are almost out of 9 months, and moving up into 12 months. Yup, he is healthy! Everyone let's us know what a little chunk he is! :) I love him though. He is wearing size 3 diapers, probably for awhile! 

Things I want to remember:

He hands down loves his brother! Owen can get him to laugh and smile. We don't understand why...because Owen can be a little toot sometimes. Owen loves to sit on him and shake him around. But Cooper still loves his big brother.

Cooper has the rolling down...all over the place. He is getting stuck by the couch. He hardly ever stays on his back anymore. Last night he was rolling in his sleep waking up every hour.

Cooper is almost always happy, unless he wants some milk.

He loves to chew on his fingers and reach for his toys.

Cooper loves bath time and kicking his legs and splashing water everywhere.

He loves to talk and make growling noises!! 

I love going to get him in the morning, he is all smiles.

He can hold on to toys now!

I love this age! :)

Cooper, 

You are the coolest! I'm so happy you are here. I am so in love with you!!

Mommy! :)

6 weeks

Our life change six weeks ago. I went to give Chris a sponge bath and I noticed that his ankles were smaller. He was having more bowl movements and just getting weaker. We both knew something had to change. He was not getting better at home. I remember making the calls to get us back to Houston. Dr Bailey agreed with me and a new plan had to take place.

I followed the ambulance down to Houston, really scared, not knowing what was going to happen. The hospital wasn't even prepared for us coming. The Dr hadn't sent orders over. We sat in the hallway of an emergency room with our 5 week old baby for over two hours to finally be put in a er room for an hour...waiting for Chris' dr. Chris' blood pressure was really low and heart beat high. We were both scared. We were finally taken up to a room...that was going to have another patient with us. I remember going to take to the nurses station to get my husband moved because he had a low immune system and we had our newborn there. They couldn't believe I had a newborn here and how could I bring a baby to a hosptial. I told them I didn't have a choice and that my husband was sick. I cried. Chris got moved to a single room that night.

That evening I met Dr. Bailey. I was not impressed. He wouldn't listen to a word Chris and I said. He didn't believe that Chris was going the bathroom more on tpn, that doesn't happen. He didn't believe us when we said Chris was bedridden. He belittled everything I said and I couldn't believe I was trusting this man with my husband's life. I was so scared. I left Chris that evening terrified of what was about to happen. I just had to trust this man who wouldn't listen to us.

The plan went forth...Chris was going to continue on tpn, eat as much as he could, start working with physical therapy, and start antibotics. He was running fevers and having chills. He had low blood pressure and high heart rate.

The weeks went on...we weren't ever really getting along with Dr. Bailey's team. They made me feel insecure and that I didn't know what was going on with my husband. I was the one who had been taking care of him and fighting for everything to happen. They didn't want to listen to a word I had to say. I felt small for the first time in this fight. I had been doing everything I could to help chris and to get him better.

Chris was having pain in his back a couple of weeks before we came to Houston...he thought he had pulled a muscle. But really he had fluids in his lung and an infection. Chris had to have surgery to insert three tubes on his side...this came out of nowhere. One day they say there was no infection and the next he is having surgery. No one prepared us for how things where going to be after and Chris' body reacted crazy and he spent a week in ICU and then had to go back a week later because they stirred things up causing high heart rate. He had an allergic reaction to one of the antbiotics causing him to turn bright red and itch everywhere. I hate antibiotics!! Finally he got over the lung infection but then he started to have tremors and shaking....another reaction to a breathing treatment. Nothing is ever easy.

Finally after getting tubes removed. Chris was starting to feel a little better. He started really doing well with therapy. He got a $100 dollar hair cut, got some color to his cheeks, and hubby was the best he had been in months. He was joking and even looking pretty hot!! I was so happy to see him doing so well. But then the real reason we where here was about to happen and I didn't want to see him bad again. I wanted to sneak him out and take him home. I wasn't ready for the pain, the recovery, and just seeing him in a recovery room again. We said prayer with each other the night before. We both were crying. I was putting all my trust in my Father in Heaven.

Surgery day came and I needed to be strong. Chris was calm and I was having freak outs. My husband is amazing and so strong. He is my best friend. I love him so much. I hate that he has to go through this and I wish I could do more for him. I walked with him down to get ready...all these people around us...hooking him up and asking questions. I just wanted to run away. My poor love. I didn't ever want this to come to this...They made us say good bye at a misletoe. We waited. I just wanted this to be a bad dream. Walking to see him afterwards...I didn't want to see. I didn't want to see him in pain anymore. Nothing prepares you for seeing your love one in so much pain and there was nothing I could do.

The days after are a blur. Chris was in a lot of pain. They didn't have any room in the ICU, so he was just in a recovery room with lots of people and a curtain around him. He had a great nurse watching over him and we even hugged saying good bye. Chris was able to be moved to a regular room after one day. Recovery has been so much better than I ever thought. Chris is in a lot of pain and it will take a long time to recover. We have a long road ahead and two more surgeries still. I trust my father in heaven.

So many prayers have been anwsered. We have been taken care of by our family and friends. Chris' body is healing. He is so strong. He is my love. I will help him everyday. I love him so much.

Cooper Marshall at 2 months!!

Happy 2 months Cooper Marshall! :)

Stats

Weight: about 14 1/2 lbs

Length: not sure

We will get to a Dr appointment eventually!

Schedule: Who needs a schedule...with spending half our week with Daddy in Houston and half the week at home, yup no schedule. I am such a schedule person!!! We just go with the flow and Cooper has been pretty amazing!!

Eating: This kid loves to eat! We still eat all day and night. I don't keep up with. I'm trying to just nurse on demand. He probably gets fed more though...especially at the hospital. Hang in there kid, life will get better and you will get a better mommy one day! Hopefully, soon!!

Sleeping: It's a rare thing for him to be awake in the middle of the night anymore. He is starting to be awake more during the day. Not really sure what counts for a nap. It's hard to get him to nap anywhere, but I had the same problem with his brother. But I just don't have time to just sit with him during naps.

Clothing: Little Man is in 3-6 months. Yup, he outgrew the 0-3 months pretty quick. He's our little chunk and everyone makes comments, who knew!!

Diapers: We have moved on up to size 2, they fit way better and can hold more...still pooping quite a bit. 

Things I want to remember:

You know who your Mommy is...and you will smile back at me all the time!! I freaking love it!! 

You love to watch your brother do anything.

You are starting to talk quite a bit, we love all your cute noises. Owen says you sound like a whale.

Owen loves to cover you with kisses, and say can we keep him? Owen has been a great big brother, but one time he was trying to get you quiet and put the boppy and a big cover on top of you. Then another time he dragged you across the floor by your arm. Owen says he wants you to grow big big big like daddy.

You are loved by all the nurses at the hospital and especially a lady that works in the cafeteria. She wants to put you on top of her food buggy and push you around all day.

Daddy loves having you at the hospital with him. You make daddy happy!!

You went to the zoo for the first time and had your first train ride!!

Cooper,

We love you so much!! We are so happy to have you!! I hope we can keep you!

Love, Mommy Daddy and Owen

Big Brother, Little Brother!

Owen was so excited to see his little brother when we got back from Houston. He kept giving him kisses and hugs. He would say, I missed you so much, Cooper. Can we keep him mommy, forever? Best friends, Cooper. It was so adorable!! Owen has been a rock star as a big brother. He wants to sing him songs when Cooper is crying. He always is willing to help giving him a bath, changing his clothes, or watching him when I'm busy doing something. He adores his little brother. I'm so thankful for the two of them. Best brother ever!!

 Cooper Marshall is 1 month today!!! :)

Stat: We go to the dr today!! But he's been gaining well and is a breastfeeding champ!

Schedule: There is no kind of schedule. There is too much going on to even think about that. Everyday is different with dr appointments and Chris...it's a little crazy! He's awake when he wants to be and napping when someone is holding him or sleeping by daddy.

Eating: This time around is so much better. I had a few weeks of hurting, but it's so much better. I'm thankful I didn't start pumping like I did with Owen. Cooper has a great latch and has been a great nurser from the beginning. I'm so thankful. Only problem is sometimes my letdown is a little too much, but he is getting better. He is pretty much nursing around the clock...sometimes every two hours...sometimes every hour. I'm trying to nurse by demand...and he is pretty demanding. 

Sleeping: He is getting somewhat better at night...the first few weeks he was awake more at night. He is starting to be awake more during the day...Owen is always happy when his eyes are open. Night times are rough...I get somewhat of a break with Mama here. He is sleeping with us on the couch. He makes a lot of noises at night and is not a very deep sleeper. 

Diapers: We are going through them like crazy. He is peeing all over the place and pooping almost every change!! Oh breastfeeding poop!! :)

Clothing: Newborn only lasted the first two weeks and he is in 0-3 months. 

Cooper Marshall, the things I want to remember about you...

I love when you smile or laugh in your sleep.

I'm really enjoying nursing this time around. It's our time together.

Owen is the best big brother and always gives you hugs and kisses and says how cute you are.

Daddy loves spending time with you...you love to nap with daddy. Daddy has also helped me a couple of times when you are crying and I'm trying to cook dinner and help your brother. Daddy will hold you and you stop crying. He loves you so much.

Memaw has pretty much lived with us since you were born. I'm so thankful for her help!! It's a hard time for your family, but it's going to get so much better.

You are a pretty easy baby, just all your funny noises at night.

You gained 12 oz your first week at home, and the next week a pound.  :)

Cooper,

We love you so much! I'm so thankful you are here!!

Love, Mommy

Mother to two!

This is one of my most favorite pictures ever!! I love this kid so much!! :)

I've pretty much had Mama around for the last two and half weeks. She would take Owen home on the weekends...and I could just snuggle with Cooper all weekend. The past few weeks have been kind of a blur. Cooper is an awesome baby but loves to nurse all day and night. I'm feeding on demand and that sometimes means every hour and at night it's about every two. I think I've gotten a few three hour stretches. But he is awesome! He's very chill and relaxed. I'm loving this newborn stage!

Owen loves being a brother. He's not jealous at all. Everyday he wants to hold him and wake him up. He always says how cute he is and how he wants to keep him. It's so much fun to watch. I can't wait to see them grow up together and play and be best friends. Owen says that a million times a day best friends...all of us...we are all family! He's so fun...but can be a mess.

Mama left us yesterday afternoon and we have survived as a family of four. I'm taking care of everyone, but we are making it!! Owen went to bed by 8, but got up around 2 and I told him to get in bed with daddy. This morning I heard a big thud and Owen had fallen out of the bed. But with a few snuggles..he was okay.

Cooper is napping right now. Owen is watching a movie. Chris is napping too!! I'm trying to get a couple things done!

One thing is for sure adding a baby to the mix makes more and more laundry!!!

Cooper's birth story

Saturday December 19th

 After getting Chris all set up for his tpn for the night. We prayed together and cried. I hated saying good-bye to him again. He had gotten home late Thursday night and we got to spend a couple of days together before having to say bye again. We talked about how we never really thought he wouldn't be at the birth of his son. My heart was breaking. I left to come to my parent's that night to spend time with my sisters. I left Chris with his mom. I hated leaving him.

Sunday December 20th

I stayed up with my sister till 2 in the morning, mostly talking about Chris. We got up early to attend church for Christmas Sunday. Everyone kept asking me how Chris was doing and excited about Cooper coming the next day. It was a beautiful day spent with my family. Owen was acting out the whole day and remember rocking him outside just crying because I knew it was some of our final moments of just him and me. It's been just us for three years and I just love him so much. I couldn't sleep that night and stayed up talking with Giner and Megan and taking a hot bath that night. My mind was in all different directions. I wanted so badly for my body to go into labor on it's own, but it wouldn't. I was scared of how inducing would be...but mostly my thoughts went to my husband. I didn't know if I could do it without him.

Monday December 21st

I got up early after tossing around and getting my snuggles with Owen. I woke him up and told him how Cooper was coming and that he would come see us in the hosptial. I talked about Cooper my whole pregnancy and I knew Owen was ready to be a big brother. I got up around 5:15 and made myself look presentable. That's one thing you can do with inducing. I was really getting excited. Today I was finally going to meet Cooper. I've waited for this moment for so long. Mama and Ally were getting ready, I'm so thankful for my support system. Ginger and Megan were going to help out with the kids. I'm so thankful to have such a strong and wonderful family. They have been my rock this whole time. Daddy was able to give me a blessing that morning...and I was ready. We did our best video taping the day so Chris could be a part of it. I called Chris on the way to the hospital...waking him up!! But I wanted him to be there for every moment.

We got to the hospital and no one was in the waiting room, so we called and they told us to come to the 2nd floor. We got there and there was a huge sign saying it was closed due to construction. We got a good laugh but a little scared. We called the the number on the door and they were able to come get me. We got settled into our room...they just wanted to moniter and see what was going on. I got hooked up to the IV and the Dr. Mcmorries would be in sometime to check and break water.

The day flew by...every hour. I was calling Chris and keeping him updated. They started the pitocin and I started feeling contractions pretty much right away...but nothing too painful. My family was having a group chat the whole laboring...it kept us entertained and laughing. Laughing during contractions aren't fun. My brother kept sending clips of him singing!! I loved it. It was fun having the be a part of it all.

At around 8:30 Dr. McMorries came in and I was a stretched 4 and 80 % effaced and he broke my water...It just kept coming out and out!! I was able to feel everything this time, not with Owen. The contractions kept getting greater and I just wanted to keep at it to see how long I could handle it. My friend, Liz came. The contractions were getting worse and I could feel it!! Nothing like I had with Owen. I was in some serious pain. They hadn't come to check in over two hours. If I was on the phone with Chris the contractions seemed a little better, so I kept calling him. A nurse came in and said two other ladies were going to get epidurals, so I said I would go ahead and get mine too. So about an hour later and a million strong contractions later I was able to get mine. I was in serious pain and the contractions were about every minute and a half. It was some of the worse pain I had ever been in. They said they would check me after the epidural.

Everyone stayed in the room during the epidural and that's when Megan got there and was about to open the door....watch out!! The epidural was painful because I was having strong contractions during it. After the epidural started working, things were a lot better. I was still able to feel the contractions and my tummy would come to a high point with each one. It was insane. During Owen's labor my legs felt like 300 lbs and I couldn't feel anything!! I'm so thankful the epidural was perfect this time.

They came to check me and I was an 8!! Things were getting exciting, but I was feeling better and really just wanted to nap. Sooo finally about an hour and a half later they came to check again and I was a 10!! I was a bit surprised and asked if I could have 10 minutes to prepare myself...it was about 12:30 then. I couldn't believe it was almost time. I didn't feel ready...but I did all at the same time. I remember crying because I wanted Chris to be there. But I'm so thankful my Mama and Ally were there. I'm glad I didn't have to do it alone.

They came in about 20 minutes later and said bye to Megan and Liz. It was go time!! I'm so thankful that I could feel each contraction...and it was time to meet Cooper. I had two nurses who were helping letting me know when to push...During each contraction I would push three times. I was trying my hardest and they said Cooper had a lot of hair. Surprise...we were all bald!!

Dr. McMorries came in and he said it wasn't going to be long and to call him when it was time. I pushed for about 20 minutes and they called Dr. McMorries...Cooper was ready. I pushed and pushed hoping each time Cooper would be out.  Cooper was having a little bit of trouble coming out and his heartbeat would go down and oxygen levels. He was stuck in my pelvic bone and they had to use a suction to help get him out. I was unaware of all of this untill he was out. After 40 minutes of pushing Cooper Marshall was finally here. He was perfect and a head full of hair. They laid him right on my chest and I was able to hold him for a good hour. He was wide awake and just looking around. He weighed 7lbs 6.5 oz 20 1/2 inches long...at 1:40. He is so beautiful and I'm thankful that Chris was able to be a part of it all. Our little rainbow is here and we are so in love!!

Dear Cooper

Dear Cooper, 

I am your mommy.  I have prayed for you, hoped for you, tried for you, and now you are almost here. I’m so excited, but I’m scared too.  This pregnancy has been so easy, but life has been extremely hard. I’ve been running around taking care of your daddy and big brother, sometimes forgetting I’m pregnant all together. Now I have to step away and put all my focus on you. I pray that I can be the mommy you need

.

I can’t wait till Owen gets to hold you at the hospital the day you are born. He’s so excited for you. He loves to sing you songs and give you kisses. He already says you are his best friend, but he doesn’t really want to share his toys with you.

I can’t wait till we get home so Daddy can see his little boy. I know that you will give him the strength and fight to get through these next few months.  Daddy loves you so much. I can’t wait to see him play with his two boys. 

Little Cooper, this family needs you! I know that this is the exact time you are supposed to come.  We need a miracle and you little one are it. We love you so much and can’t wait for you to be here.

Love, Mommy