Cooper's Week of Milestones

You have a smile that lights up the room, Cooper!  What a precious baby you are...and you're growing up so fast.  This past week has been phenomenal for you.  First, you began sitting up, independently, from a laying down position.  Then, you began pushing up on your hands and knees and rocking forward and back.  You were trying to figure out how to crawl and I knew you were just days away.  Today, you did it!  You scooted in your belly on the hardwood floor all the way from the dining room to the kitchen and back again.  Your brother, Cade, was encouraging you the whole time.  Murphy's Law, Mommy was out grocery shopping when you did it, but Daddy thankfully caught it on video.  Finally, I noticed yesterday that you had a sharp edge in your mouth.  I still can't see it, but you cut your first tooth- bottom right (your perspective).  What an amazing week this has been!

Carter eats chicken!

Oh, sweet Carter.  I just can't believe the changes in you during these past two weeks.  You have blossomed into a boy who is willing to try new foods that you have been afraid to eat for the past five years.  You began with eating crunchy, baby carrots last week.  Now, you eat 5 baby carrots with lunch and dinner every day.  Then, you tried mashed potatoes, applesauce, guacamole and the dreaded....chicken!  And after each new food, you exclaimed, "Not bad!"  We are so very proud of you, Carter!  You are growing up so quickly!  Above is a picture of you after your first bite...ever...of chicken. This picture was taken on March 17, 2012- Saint Patrick's Day.

On Carter's 5th Birthday...

Happy birthday, Carter!  Today, our sweet angel is 5 years old!  How is it possible that 5 years have passed so quickly?  Look at that sweet face!  You were one day old in this photo.  On your birthday, Carter, I always reflect on your birth, so here's the story.

Meemaw and Peepaw were here with us- they planned to stay with Cade while we were in the hospital having you.  The night before your birth, we had our traditional pre-baby dinner at Ted's Montana Grill.  On Wednesday morning, Daddy and I woke up with the most surreal feeling- we were about to have a baby!  Because our C-section was planned, we had the most relaxing morning.  We had to be at SkyRidge Medical Center at 11am for check in and I remember the drive vividly.  After the somewhat traumatic circumstances around Cade's birth, the experience with you was simply unbelievable to us.  We were calm, relaxed and most notably, I was not in any pain at all.  I wasn't in labor.  Apparently you were very happy staying in for a bit longer, but March 12 would be your day.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were escorted to a prep room just outside the operating room.  I put on a hospital gown and the nurses started my IV (It was tricky to get a vein, so they had to put the line in my right arm.  This turned out to be uncomfortable, as I am right handed and thus poked myself every time I bent my right arm.)  A few minutes before 1pm, Dr. Levy came in and said, "I finished lunch a little early.  What do you say we go have a baby now?"  And so we did.  I walked myself down to the operating room, hopped up onto the operating table and held the nurse's hand while my spinal was administered.  Daddy wasn't allowed into the operating room until the spinal was complete, so I was a bit scared without him.  Thankfully, the anesthesiologist was talented and Daddy was quickly by my side.  The procedure went smoothly and at 1:28pm on Wednesday, March 12, 2007, you were born!  We have the most beautiful picture of you as Dr. Levy pulled you out, but unfortunately I can't find a digital copy of it.  Dr. Levy is holding you up and because of the way the operating room lights shone, you looked like an angel with a halo above your head.  This is where you got the nickname, Angel.  You weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz.  Perfect!

We stayed in the hospital for 4 days.  During that time, you had many visitors including Meemaw and Peepaw, Cade, Uncle Mike and Aunt Erika, Peggy Masek, Yantze Mountain and Kelly Haanen (Mommy's friends and co-workers), and Doug and Amy Albright (neighbors).  We also had a lot of time to bond.  We snuggled for hours and we marveled at how perfect you were.  We couldn't have been happier to have you with us!

From the first time I saw you, I felt that you were an old soul.  Your calmness reminded me of my Grandpa Brylinski (Meemaw's daddy).  Throughout your first 5 years, I have continued to feel my Grandpa's presence in you.  You're sweet, funny, quiet, thoughtful, present, highly intelligent, God loving- all like Grandpa B.  You even resemble him physically with your light hair and blue eyes.  The likeness is simply amazing!

Being given the opportunity to be your Mom and help you grow has been the most beautiful blessing.   Daddy and I are so very proud of you, Carter, and we look forward to seeing what you choose to do with your life.  We are certain that it'll be something special- just like you!  We love you, baby boy.  XOXO

Reflections 3.4.12

Cade is becoming such a big boy- Kindergarten is great for him! He's a leader, a hard worker and a really good friend. He has such a warm heart and often demonstrates his love through kind words ("Mommy, you're the best cake maker.") and actions ("Mommy, can I squish your feet for you?").  I couldn't be more proud of him! 

Carter has come into his own this year in Pre-K. Everyone loves him and he is given much responsibility in his class by his teachers because he's such a good listener and isn't shy at all (He often is asked to lead his class in prayer before snack). He's sharp as a tack too! I admire his desire to learn- geography, astronomy, math and reading are among his interests these days.  What a special boy he is!


Cooper is 7 months old now and he's truly the happiest baby. He smiles at everyone...and I mean EVERYONE. He is so clearly an extrovert- he won't even rest when we're running errands because there's too much to see and take in. I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with him and experience his entire babyhood. What a gift!