God's plans are not our own

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

I guess I can no longer ignore the elephant in the room. I have been for over a month now but we are down to the wire, less than 48 hours and this lovely couple will be gone.

Okay, so I guess gone is the wrong word. Bowling Green is only 2 hours away, but it's still feel like it's gone.

I don't really know what to say. I mean this is something we have all been praying for but as we all know God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we think. Sometimes it's a no, sometimes it's a yes, and sometimes it's a "I wasn't expecting that".

Gretchen, I know this is a great opportunity for you and Paul! I can't put into words how much I am going to miss you. Miss our playdates, Diet Cokes from McDonald's, girl's night, The Pie Kitchen! I am so thankful we have become so close over the past couple of years.

Like I said above, I have been praying for a blessing like this for you two. But, God's plans are not our own. He will see you through this just as He has seen you through the past couple of years.

Firehouse Tour

We made out again today. Our church play group toured the firehouse again this morning. We did it last year, you can click here to read about it and see how much my baby boy has grown. Cooper was all about driving the firetruck this year. Those that know him can you believe he even allowed someone else to put him up there? I would love a front view of this smile.

The tour was pretty much the same as last year. The big difference is they asked the fireman doing the demonstration of his gear to put it on in front of the kids so they wouldn't get scared.

And of course it ended with fireman hats.

Insert lots of tears next. I have no idea what happened. The lady giving the tour mentioned something about Halloween and before I know it Cooper is wanting to have Halloween right now in the firehouse. He just couldn't understand it wasn't Halloween yet. Poor guy. He wanted to be held after that, keep in mind he is about 17 lbs over my weight limit I am allowed to pick up. Here I thought taking a baby would be trouble. Nope, that one just slept.

Hi ho hi ho (it's off to work you go)

It was off to work yesterday for Steve. I was a little anxious at first, I didn't do so well when he went back after I had Cooper. I struggled those first few weeks but I'm happy to say I have a whole new attitude this time around. Of course, our so called "low maintenance" baby through a curve ball at us last night. He has been having some screaming fits before going to sleep, which I totally understand, babies need to get their energy out somehow. And the longer and louder the fit, the better he seems to rest at night. Not last night. He was up from 3:00 to 5:15 and 5:45 to 6:30. I got about 90 minutes of sleep past 3 am. I was not going to let that stop me today. I had planned on waiting another day to get out and drive (for the first time in almost 3 weeks) but desperate times call for desperate measures. First stop.... McDonald's for a sweet tea. I do not drink coffee so this is my jolt, although I hate to think of all the empty calories. After McDonald's it was off to Target. Having two kids may be a good thing for me. I had Cooper in the front of the cart and Cameron's car seat inside the cart. There wasn't much room to put my purchases, may help me stick to my list.

We did get a Halloween project to work on after lunch, but first we needed a quick self-portrait.

Then it was off to take a picture of this wild and crazy guy.

Cooper liked our project. I do too... Halloween window thingies/gel stickers/I don't know what they are called.

Then it was off to some light reading before bed. Cooper is telling Cameron all about his book of trucks.

Oh and huge shout out to my UPS delivery man. THANK YOU for NOT ringing the doorbell, me and my two sleeping children greatly appreciate it.

Oh My Soul

My guys disappeared on me tonight. I went looking for them and this is what I found. Please disregard the chair in the closet, it's only temporary.

Cooper, Cooper....

what are we going to do with you.

My little (well big guy now) is starting to get so comical. He is getting into pretend play and I love it. He takes the throw blanket from our couch and pretends it's a water hose. He likes to pretend he is playing in a band, pretends to be animals, a monster, camping out on his bedroom floor. The list is never ending. Some of other cute things this week...

While watching Dave Crowder videos on youtube with Steve, he pointed out the man singing was not Kenny (our worship leader at church). He also said the Dave Crowder likes him.

Last night he mentioned he was thirsty so Steve told him to go get his drink out of the fridge and to get him one too. Next thing we hear him start to grunt, he brings Steve a 2-liter of Sierra Mist. We both lost it on that one, I was in tears.

He is still saying "I miss you, mommy" It's the cutest thing ever!

I can't remember the exact context but he was laying next to Cameron and said something along the lines of "mommy is getting it". It was so cute because he grasped that I am his and Cameron's mommy.

He called Cameron pumpkin yesterday, I guess he has heard us call him that too.

1 week (plus 3 days)

I wanted to do a post Wednesday about our first week home but time totally got away from me. Not for sure how that happened. So far everything has gone smoothly. I couldn't have asked for anything better as far as the transition goes for Cooper. As you can tell he loves his little brother. I haven't seen any jealousy.... yet. It helps that I still put him to bed and nap each day.

Cameron is doing well at night. Last night I think we went 3 1/2 hours between each feeding. He does grunt in his sleep, he is sound asleep but it's hard on Steve & myself to sleep through it. We are keeping him in our room for now, I will most likely move him somewhere around 4-6 weeks of age. Steve moved the rocking chair from the nursery to our closet yesterday. It's a little comical trying to get my shoes since they are behind the chair.

Having two kids my day goes by so fast that it's almost impossible to feel tired. We have been lucky that so far Cameron is taking great naps mid-day so we have been able to nap while Cooper is napping too. The real test comes Monday when Steve goes back to work. I'm anxious but also looking forward to doing it all on my own. It's so true how people say it doesn't take long to forget how life was like with only one. The doctor that assisted my doctor during surgery told me that 1 to 2 kids is easier than 0 to 1. I couldn't agree more. I am so much more relaxed with Cameron. It's hard to believe he will be two weeks Monday. He is back up to his birth weight so no more doctor's visits until his 1 month check up.

Watch out for accidents

Steve changed Cameron's diaper last night and settled down on the couch for some cuddle time. Not even 30 minutes later this is what happened. Watch out for those boys, they will get ya every time.

Picnic Breakfast

We had a picnic breakfast this morning. We stopped by Jeff's Bakery, got some donuts and headed over to Bob Hedge park for some playtime. I'm going to go off topic here, if you haven't tried Jeff's Bakery, you must do so. Their donuts are awesome, especially their chocolate icing. My in-laws are creatures of habit and have always gotten the same thing for Christmas morning. After tasting Jeff's Bakery, they switched bakeries for Christmas morning. They are that good.

Okay, back to the park. Steve took Cooper last week but I wasn't up to it. I am feeling so much better, barely any pain at all. It was great to get out and spend some time with my boys and the weather was awesome. Cooper enjoyed a little swing time with Daddy.

Some play time with Mommy.

This is where they go and sit to cool down if they get too hot. When we first got to the park Cooper told us it was his favorite place and this park doesn't have fish (Speed Park).

This guy was a little troublemaker, let me tell ya. This was him the whole time.

A few randoms

Just a couple of randoms from this week.

Some cuddle time this morning. A rare photo with open eyes.

It's a bird, it's a plane

No, it's just Super Coop! Cooper wanted to dress a super hero while watching Super Why this morning. This was the result.

Hospital Pics

Cameron's hospital pics are up and posted. Click here if you want to check them out.

Craft Time

Cooper did #2 in the potty today so he got something out of his treat bag. He picked a wooden train that you paint and glue together. We got it at Micheal's for 79 cents. He worked on that thing for a good 45 minutes. He is so detailed when he paints. He only got about halfway done because he was taking his time so much. It's probably why it says ages 5 and up. He loves crafty things, he is left handed so that doesn't really surprise us too much.

Just having some fun

While I was taking a shower yesterday Steve got out the camera for some fun pics. I love the second one, little guy has been a snoozer lately so it's nice to have a good open eye picture. We have started calling him eyeballs because we rarely see them.

Finally!

A good pic of me and my boys!

I apologize

In an effort to keep up my blog I have been neglecting other's blogs. When I do read other blogs I am usually in a hurry and don't always have time to comment. I'm sorry! I promise I will catch back up one day, I'm not ignoring you guys.

Go IU!

Someone was ready for the game today.

First of Many

Yesterday was a day of firsts for little Cameron. His first pediatrician's appointment. Everything went great, Dr Howell said he was perfect, which I knew he was. He weighed 7 lbs 1 oz, so not too bad. He lost 12 oz, we go back Friday for a weight check. It was also his first trip to Target. I realized I didn't have many receiving blankets or footed newborn pajamas. One little guy likes to kick off his socks. It was also his first bath. He did well, didn't cry at all. Which is good because Cooper gets a little scared when Cameron cries. I loved washing his little head. He is such a good baby. For right now I am thankful Cooper came first and Cameron was second. Cooper was a little more high maintenance as a newborn. I'm not near as exhausted this time around which is good because I am in more pain from the c-section this time. It evens things out a bit. We tried to take pictures of the bath but he kept moving so this is the best one we got. Please disregard the pile of clothes in the background. No one reminded me how many outfits a newborn goes through in a day.

Miss you Mommy

Tonight I was putting a diaper on Cooper for bedtime and he looks up at me and smiles and says "I miss you Mommy".

Give me a few more days buddy and mommy will feel all better and be able to play again with you, I promise!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 6 yr Anniversary, Steve!

Thank you for being such an amazing husband and devoted father. There is nothing sweeter than looking over and seeing your husband watching football with your sleeping 5 day old son in his arms.

The Lord has blessed us with an amazing six years and I look forward to many, many more.

So Precious

Some pictures need no words.

Kids

I think I have heard it all.

Cooper saw me try to feed Cameron yesterday so he says "Mommy give Cameron her belly button"

Tonight he was watching again and Cameron was fighting it, we are having some latch problems, so Cooper says "Cameron don't like mommy's belly button".

I went into the bedroom to finish and I hear Steve trying to read a book to Cooper but he kept cracking up. Oh kids, they say the best things.

September 13, 2010

Whew.... what a day! I am so thankful for our joyous occasion and how well everything went. Thankful for the doctors, the nurses and everyone that took such great care of me and my family. Our day started at 6:00 am when we arrived up in labor & delivery. My pre-op room was the same as my post-op which also was right next door to the operating room. It was all so smooth. They immediately started prepping me and before I knew it, it was after 7:00 and the
anesthesiologist was coming to talk to me about the spinal block procedure. Then Dr Riely came in and I was being wheeled into surgery. This was when the real anxiety kicked in. I have never been so nervous in my entire life. I was shaking like a leaf and couldn't stop. However, I did have my wonderful nurse Rita who took great care of me and helped me to calm down. Once they started the spinal block procedure I was able to calm down. It was the strangest feeling. It takes effect instantly. I could fell the medicine go through my body and down my legs. I could feel a lot more and was more aware than when I had Cooper. I couldn't necessarly feel pain, but I could feel all the pressure and was alert enough to have full conversations with everyone in the room. The anesthesiologist talked me through some of it so I could tell exactly when they were about to pull him out. They had they radio on and Cameron as born during a Bon Jovi song. How appropriate! Cameron was brought into this world at 8:06 am. Steve & I were both shocked to hear his weight. Not that 7 lb 13 oz is big but he is bigger than Cooper was and was born 2 weeks earlier. He is also an inch longer.

He is such the sweetest little baby right now. He is so conent. Almost to a fault, it's been a little tricky to wake up him to eat lately. I am just thankful to be home with my family. I missed Cooper so much and he missed me too. He kept asking for me when he would wake up and cry if I wasn't there. Steve had an unexpected death in his family last Friday so it was hectic trying to figure out who was going to stay with me, who would stay with Cooper and who was going to the funeral home at what time. Steve ended up leaving the hospital early Tuesday morning and besides the visit from him and Cooper didn't come back till Wed morning. We were so relieved when my doctor gave me the okay to come on home. We are just busy settling in as a family of four. Here are a few random picture from the past couple of days.

Prepping for surgery. First picture... I know some of you just love fresh out of the womb pictures :) Getting my first look. Our first photo together.

He looks so chunky in this picture.

Getting my first up close and personal look.

The big brother! He didn't get a chance to see him until Tuesday evening. He is being so adorable with him. I think he is going to enjoy being a big brother.

One of the only times he had his eyes open during our hospital stay.

Going home, we are now a family of 4!

Cameron Scott

Just a quick picture of Cameron and the proud Daddy.

As soon as I get some time I will post a full update.

We're Home!

We are all home! Thankfully I was able to be released a day early. Once we get settled in I will post some pics.
Thanks for all the well wishes!

HE'S HERE!!!!

Just got a text and call from Jami!!!

Cameron Scott Lee, born 8:06 a.m. 7 lb, 13 oz., 21 inches!!!

Jami sounded groggy, but good. She said Cameron is perfect!!! She'll give all the details later.

Gretchen

Pancake Saturday

Not only was today pancake Saturday, it was extra special pancake Saturday: Mickey Mouse chocolate chip pancakes. I'm pretty sure Cooper liked them. He kept asking for more powder (powdered sugar). I think I need to watch him now when I have the baby powder out, he may try to eat it.

I've lost the battle

I'm pretty sure I've lost the battle on the Colts vs Bears. At least I have another one to influence. We have a Bears Pro Shop catalog and after dinner Cooper was asking to see the bear book. He was looking at it and wanted to know the names of two different players. One of their names was Nick Roach and Steve told him that the tackles people. Later one we were outside playing and Cooper tackled Steve and said, "That's a lot like Nick Roach, daddy." What happened to Bob Sanders? Is he not good enough?

Movie Night

We had our last movie night as a family of three tonight. There was a special Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 50 minute episode on this week so we taped it, popped some popcorn, opened the windows and had a relaxed evening. I couldn't help but look next to me at the swing and think that next time we do this there will be four of us. It's bittersweet! I'm looking forward to the time I get to spend with my little guy this weekend.

My Nurse is still there!

One of things I remember most about the labor portion of having Cooper was my nurse. Her name was Rita and she was awesome, especially during the epidural. She was great at helping me relax. Today I went to Floyd for my pre-op lab work then I had to go up to labor & deliver for a patient interview. While signing all the paperwork I noticed the nurse's name was Rita. I can't remember what the Rita looked like from 3 years ago but this lady was in the same age range so I asked if she had worked there 3 years ago and she said yes. This can't be just a coincidence, it has to be the same one. So I told her the story and she it was probably her, made no mention of any other Rita. Here's the best part, she is working Monday morning. She didn't know if she would be on the nursery side or L&D side but she said I could request her and she would help assist with my spinal. This eases so much anxiety for me. I can't begin to express how great she was. It really made my day!

We have taught him well

38 Weeks

My last weekly update.
My last time walking into that office pregnant.
The last time (hopefully) I see the scale rise to that level.
The last week I can eat chocolate and it's okay to gain weight.
My last week of pregnancy.
WOW- I can't believe it's finally here.

I can't help but have a little bit of anxiety and I know it's only going to get worse over the next few days. Surgery, how is Cooper going to adjust, how are we going to adjust, how am I ever going to possibly love another person as much as I do Cooper. I know the last is a common worry among parents and I know it's not about sharing as much as it is about your love growing. I think we have prepared him as much as we possibly can. He know he is getting a little brother, he knows where Cameron's room is, and just today in the car he looked over at the car seat base beside him and said "hey look, it's Cameron's car seat". He likes to "love on my belly" so it is going to be a little sad when he can no longer do that, because Monday morning at approx 8:00, as he is waking up in the morning, he will officially be a big brother.

We are to report to the hospital around 6:00 am, surgery is scheduled at 7:30 and it takes around 1 hour from start to finish. Actually the quick part is getting the baby out, once she starts he will be out in about 15 minutes. I am about to become the mother of two boys!

I had a few questions today and they all were answered to my liking. I had to wear an oxygen mask with Cooper almost all day during labor because of his breathing. I asked about it today and yes I do have to wear it during surgery, mainly because blood pressure tends to drop after a spinal or epidural. However, I can speak with the anesthesiologist about removing it and unstrapping my arm so that I can touch and speak to Cameron before he is whisked away. Also, because I'm a big baby, I asked about the catheter. I've heard different things about scheduled c-sections, and they are not to put that in until I am numb. If they try I am to say, NO, Dr Riely says wait. I know I will not sleep a wink Sunday night but I am at peace with the situation. I've done it before, I can do it again. It's controlled, it's not too bad of a recovery, and let's look at the bright side I don't have to worry about peeing on myself every time I do a jumping jack.

It's been a long time

It's been a long time but look what Cooper had on this morning

I love the long pants and t-shirt. Don't get me wrong, dressing him in muscle t-shirts is just as adorable, but I love the fall weather. He got to wear it this morning while we were out playing. After lunch it was back to t-shirt and shorts. It was fun while it lasted.