Happy 1st Birthday Coopa!!

Coop Man is 11 months!!!!

I can't believe he is almost one!!! eeekkk!!

Stats: I have no idea!! 

Eating: He seems to be nursing more here lately, we survived a 5 day growth spurt of a lot of nursing and super long naps. But average nurses 7 times, waking up once at night. He has kind of backed off with food here lately, thinking it's the 4 new teeth that are coming in and he battled a cold for two weeks. But he loves yogurt, pancakes, noodles, apples, rice, bananas, pears, applesauce, spaghetti. Still not taking a sippy....haven't really been pushing it. Coop started biting and even went on a nursing strike for a couple of days...survived that too!! He is pulling my hair now with nursing...the fun!!! It's all worth it though. 

Clothing: Moving more into 24 moths...we are kinda inbetween and size 4 diapers. Diaper changes have become a wrestling match. 

Sleeping: He takes two naps a day. Sleeps about 10 hours at night. I hate when we have to leave the house because it messes him up. Sundays are so very hard. I end up in the halls at church with a screaming baby. 

Things I want to remember this month: 

You survived your first turkey day with 27 family members. 

You are the fastest crawler. 

You are pulling up everywhere. 

You get into all of Owen's toys and he hates it. 

You love to go upside down and be thrown in the air. 

You love dancing and love mommy singing to you...you sing along. 

You love to follow mommy around saying mama mamamamamam. You are pretty obsessed with me and have to be everywhere I am. We are so in the clingy stage. I try leaving you with daddy but I always get a call saying he needs you. I secretly love it. 

You are starting to love toys.

You love the Christmas tree and try to take down ornaments.

You love the vacuum. 

You still really love our dog, duke. You crawl to the door and just smile so big when duke comes to the door.

You call Owen baba. 

You love to throw all your food on the floor. You let us know when you are done eating...you start hitting the food. 

You love being around people and just take it all in.

You make little messes where ever you go...favorite places the kitchen and knocking the dvds down. 

You laugh and smile all the time. 

We love you sweet boy. 

can't wait to celebrate your birthday this weekend...yes a little early. 

Coop Man is 10 months!!

weight: 24 lbs

height: 30 inches 

Eating: He nurses about 6-7 times a day. He is eating three meals a day. He loves yogurt, apples, cheese, sweet potato fries, mango, and yogurt puffs. We are trying to do more table foods. He tired ice cream for the first time, he makes the funniest face the first time, but then keeps asking for more. I'm letting him get sips of milk and lemonade sometimes. He loves drinking from a cup. I bought him a sippy to maybe help with transition but he has no idea. My goal is 18 months, but I'm hoping he likes cows milk. 

Clothing: a mix of 18 months and 24 months and size 4 diapers. 

Sleeping: It has greatly approved since his leg is getting better. He is sleeping through the night most nights, maybe waking up for an early feeding around 5 or 6. He does naps great when we are at home, but if we go out it's all messed up. But he does two naps usually around 1-2 hours. He is going to bed around 8-9 and sleeping till 7ish. 

Things to remember this month:

He is magic. He made his cast fall off twice. I was putting him in his carseat and was going to shut the door and saw his blue cast in the parking lot. I freaked...I didn't even see it happen. We went to dr and they did x-ray...it was healing great but needed another week. So we put a red cast on. The next day I nursed him and put him on the floor to go the bathroom and I walked back in and he had cast in his hand. Coop was doing well not crying and getting up on all foor. So we decided to just go with the flow and he's been doing great. 

Coop has become super clingy. He has to be everywhere Mommy is and doesn't like for me to get out of  his sight. 

Cooper is crawling!! It's awesome but he makes little messes wherever he goes. He follows Mommy from one room to the next. He loves going to our room to play with all the computer cords. He also loves to go to Owen's room to play with the toys. Owen will build a wall around the toys he is playing with.

Owen really is loving his brother right now. He will want Cooper to play with him and call him his best friend. Coop loves his brother too....Owen gets the biggest smiles. 

Cooper is getting his top two teeth and he loves biting on his hand. 

He can open drawers.

He can sit and play with toys for awhile. He loves to play with balls. 

He can pull up on his knees.

Cooper we love you so much!! 

I can't believe just two months!!

Happy 9 Months Coop!

Weight: Over 23lbs

Eating: He nurses every two-three hours during the day and here one time really early in the morning. He is eating two meals a day...I need to add that third one in....I'm the lazy mom this second time around. He loves apple, pumpkin, yogurt, cheese, and mashed  potatoes...and rolls!!

Clothing: 18 months and some 24 months and size 4 diapers

Sleeping: It's been a little crazy with his broken leg. It has taken him about a week to get use to cast...we had some crazy crazy nights. He will still wake up a couple times....but we are getting better. Hopefully after this is over, he will be back to sleeping all night. He is taking two naps. Still not on a good schedule...he has to go with the flow more. 

Things to remember this month:

He can go from crawling position to sitting. 

He is clapping!

He likes to click his tongue.

He rolled off the bed and fractured his femur bone in his right leg. It was a scary experience and I could've prevented it. I put him on the bed to get Owen a drink...I hate it!! The leg is healing and hopefully it will be off by ten month update. Cooper has been a real troop. He did awesome getting the cast on and waiting in er. 

He is really a happy baby and loves going places and meeting new people.

He went on his first beach trip!!

He said Mama and Dada and sounds like hi!!

He loves playing with toys...I put his basket full of toys and he will get all of the out.

He loves to be moving...everywhere. He was really close to crawling before the accident, so hopefully this won't hurt him too much. He is getting around pretty well with the cast. Fancy tricks. 

He loves being around his brother and daddy.

He loves Duke.

It's been so fun watching you grown and learn.  I love you Coop!!

Happy 8 Months, Coop!!

Weight: He was 22 1/2lbs at a little over 7 months...

Eating: He nurses about 6-7 times a day...and eats two meals. He's becoming an awesome eater. He loves apples the most and yogurt!

Clothing: He is wearing 18 months and size 4 diapers. (Real food poop is gross and diaper blow outs!!)

Sleeping: He sleeps 11 straight hours at night....sometimes but not often he will get up at 6 to nurse. He is doing better at naps...one long and one short. He goes to bed between 7ish-9ish. 

Things to remember this month:

He started waving!

He is scooting backwards and rolling everywhere. 

He laughs and laughs at his brother. 

He is the most easy going baby! :)

He smiles at everyone.

He rode in the grocery cart for the first time.

He loves playing with his basket of toys.

Daddy loves to tickle him.

He loves to be on his belly in the water and pretend he is swimming.

He can turn around in circles and get really high on his knees and do downward dog. He is so very close to crawling!! Just couple weeks. 

He loves his toes and chewing on his hand. 

He's the bestest! :) 

Happy 7 months, Cooper!!

Happy 7 months, Cooper Marshall!!

Eating: He still nurses every 2 to 3 hours during the day. (around 7 times) He is eating solids once a day around lunch, but moving to two times a day next week. So far apples is pretty much all he will open his mouth for...

Sleeping: He goes to bed around 9-10 every night and wakes up around 7-8. He is pretty much sleeping through the night every night. Hands in the air!! Owen was 18 months....well he still gets up. Cooper might nurse once but it's not till 5 or so. He takes two naps during the day...he is getting better. But he takes one really late nap.

Clothing: He is pretty much just wearing 18 months...big boy!! :)

Things to remember this month:

He finally started sitting for little periods of time...and he is doing really well now.

He can scoot backwards just really slowly. 

He is playing with toys. 

He loves loves his big brother. 

He loves to play in the dirt. 

He went to oklahoma with mommy and daddy!!

He loves his jumper and loves to jump.

He talks really loud!!

He loves to pull my hair when he nurses. 

He can turn in circles...slowly.

He is going up high on his hands and some on knees...causing him to go backwards. 

He went swimming for the first time. 

We sure love you Cooper! 

Happy 6 months Cooper Marshall! :)

Happy Half Birthday Cooper!!

Weight: 21 1/2 lbs

Over 90 percentile for everything!! :)

Eating: He is eating every 2 to 3 hours during the day, and maybe once at night.

We started solids a couple days before six months. He loves mommy's milk!

Sleep: He goes to sleep between 8:30-9:30 every night, maybe waking up once, and maybe sleeping thru the night. He wakes up between 7 and 8. 

Clothes; He is wearing 12 months and even some 18 months. He's a big boy. He's about Owen's size when he was a year old. He is wearing size 3 diapers, but maybe moving to 4 soon because he is having blow outs every day!!

Things I want to remember:

Owen makes you laugh the loudest by roaring at you.

You can pick up toys and pass them between your hands. 

You can sit for a couple of seconds and Owen says you look like a gorilla. 

You got your first shots and you were a champ. 

You giving everyone smiles, but love Mommy the most. 

You talk loud...especially at church.

Everyone talks to you!! :)

You love to go on walks.

You laugh really loud when we whisper in your ear. 

You love playing with your toes and chewing on your hands.

You love being with us at dinner sitting in your high chair, but not a fan of food yet. 

We love you so much, Cooper!!

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!!!