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

38 weeks and 5 days!!!

I can't believe I'm almost to the end!!! This pregnancy has really flown by...I'm sitting her all alone...Chris in Houston and Owen sleeping. I'm 4 cm dilated...crazy! Every day something is going on, but nothing is stopping this baby. I've been running around taking care of everybody...and now it's almost time for Cooper to be here. ahhhh freaking out just a little. Last time I was so worried about delivery. I haven't really had time to think about it. But it's about to happen. I'm about to give birth!! I so wish that Chris could be there, but I'm thankful he will be at home and able to meet Cooper. I've been battling if I was ready for him to be here or not...I think he will bring so much love to this home. We've wanted him for so long!! I love this little one so much. There's just so much going on...I feel like I won't be able to be the mommy he needs. I hope that I can be super woman and be there for all this boys. It's going to be hard, but I really can't wait to meet him. I'm ready to see Owen be the best big brother. I can't wait to see Chris hold him...I think it will help him so much. I don't know how the next year will be, but I just have to do it. I know it will be hard...but with have this miracle coming really really soon. Cooper, we are so ready for you and love you so much!

Almost 38 weeks!

How far along? 37 weeks 4 days...getting close!!
Total weight gain: I have no idea! Probably close to 25lbs. I have not been weighing or paying attention at doctors. This pregnancy I haven't been walking and eating like a monster!!! Being pregnant during Christmas...is not the way to go!!
Dr Appt updates: Last week I was 3cm dilated and 50 % effaced...everything is going. He said my cervix is soft and probably in two weeks...which we are close to one now. I go tomorrow morning. Only 2 maybe more to go!! This pregnacy has been perfect!!
Sleep: I slept good last night. But most nights...I sleep on the love seat. Cooper is moving and I'm uncomfortable. My back hurts and I have to pee and I'm just big...but it's great right!! :) Owen has been waking up to sleep with me and there is no room!!
Best moment of the week: Just being with my family!!
Movement: It's getting unreal!! Owen loves when he can feels him and gets excited!!
Labor signs: None!!
Belly Button: It's being stretched in every which way!!!
Milestones: I've only been here once before and I'm so excited to meet our little boy!!

The bags are packed and carseat in the car!! Just have to do a few more things...but we be ready!!

Flashback....38 weeks with Owen!!!!

How far along? 38 weeks! Baby is about 19 inches long and 7lbs! It's the size of a pumpkin! I think it's time for him to come out! :)

Total weight gain/loss: I gained 1/2 a lbs this week...so according to dr I'm up to abt 13lbs.

Dr. Appointment Updates?I had an appt on Thursday. My blood pressure was borderline, so they want me to come in on Monday to check my blood pressure. Owen's hb was in the 140's. I'm dilated to about a 2 and the baby had dropped even more...I knew that!! It's hanging out in-between my legs. My co-worker had her appt before me, and she was rushed to L&D b/c her blood pressure was really high and swollen. She's now put on bed rest.

Next Appointment: It's on Thursday at 2:50!!

Maternity clothes? YES!!

Sleep:  Yes, I've been sleeping pretty good. Just having dreams about baby. Chris finally had a dream about Owen coming. I still wake up to go potty...and there's times where I'm just wide awake..but I'm sleeping pretty good.
Best moment this week: Knowing that I'm just a little bit closer to getting Owen here. A lot of people have had their babies this week. I'm totally scared of labor...but I'm ready!!

Movement: Yes...and they are lower and feel like he wants to come out. I'm been having like a sharp pain go down to the area sometimes...but I just read for week 38 that is normal. It's the baby's head hitting nerves that are down there...it's called the lighting bolt. 

Food cravings/aversions: Nothing really!
Labor Signs: I really have only had braxton hicks when I'm walking and haven't really ate yet. I'm ready for some....are to see the bloody show or even water breaking.
Belly Button in or out? Yeah, it's out!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting Mr. Owen!

Milestones: I'm two weeks away from meeting my son! CRAZY!! 

 

The bags are in the car....I have a feeling it's going to be this weekend! But watch I'll go a week over. 

 

 

I have one more week of work!!! YEAH!