Goodbye Three, Hello Four!

Cooper's Story, written by Caden...

It all began that last miserable week for Mommy (see blog post below for more details). Since Mommy could hardly walk anymore, thanks to my brother pushing on her pelvic bone, Mommy elected for an induction on Father's Day. Why Father's Day??? Her doctor was on call, bonus! On Saturday night, Grammy took me to her house since my parents had to get up and check into the hospital at 6:45 a.m. That evening, Mommy felt "icky" in her words and felt cramps come and go. When the morning came, she realized while showering that the contractions were approx. 12 minutes apart and she started to think of those crazy women who delivered in cars because they had to finish up "just one more thing" around the house. Mommy told Daddy to "get in the car." Daddy of course, leaped into action, drove like a crazy, and by the time Mommy checked in (30 minutes prior to the induction), her contractions were 8 minutes apart! They checked her in as a regular maternity patient.

My parents checked in at 6:15 a.m. on Father's Day and Mommy was put on the monitor. The baby was doing well to start with, but as the contractions grew stronger, his heartbeat would slow way down during the contraction time and then speed up as the contraction resided. This worried Mommy and Daddy but the medical staff assured them that everything was OK. To help Mom dilate faster and to attempt to get our little peanut out ASAP, they gave Mommy a "whiff" of Pitosin. This really cranked up the pain, so before you know it (5 cm dilated) Mommy was in a panic to get an epidural. She had horrible back labor, just like what she had with me. It took the anesthesiologist 3 times to get the epidural in... first time hit a vein, second time catheter would not go into her back, third time a charm, thank GOD!

This is Mommy after the epidural. Before this, I am sure the picture would have been blurry since her head was about spinning around thanks to the pain of the contractions and epidural nightmare. Mommy's labor progressed nicely from here and her labor time was approx. 6 hours in length (from thinning of cervix/dilation to baby's arrival). She pushed for about an hour, and out popped the thing that made Mommy's belly so big. My baby brother, Cooper James, finally arrived at 5:35 p.m. on Father's Day Sunday, June 20th.

Dr. Emmerich delivered Cooper and she did an awesome job. Mommy really liked Dr. Emmerich's knowledge, care, and calm demeanor throughout the pregnancy!

Welcome Cooper! Upon his arrival, the doctor had to cut off the umbilical cord from his neck and all was well from there. They think b/c of the strong contractions, the cord became compressed off and on during the labor. Luckily, no damage was done and he was screaming loud within a few seconds!

Daddy rushed over to the warming table where Cooper lay dazed and confused. The first thing he reported to Mommy while playing paparazzi was, "HE LOOKS JUST LIKE CADEN!" This picture is proof to that! Although Cooper was a full 1 1/2 pounds heavier and 2 inches longer, we have the same features...dark hair, dimpled chin, long fingers and feet. So, I consider him lucky :)

Cooper's weight was officially 6 pounds, 2 ounces and he was 19.5 inches long. A little string bean if you ask me. Mommy was shocked since she was sure she was having a BIG baby. She was totally OK with having a little and healthy boy.

Mommy finally got to hold Cooper after he was checked over, she was "repaired" and all systems a "go." It was an overwhelming and emotional experience for all. To explain the food in front of Mommy... the kitchen was about to close and Mommy hadn't eaten for 24 hours, so they brought her food and insisted she ate ASAP to replenish her marathon of a workout.

Daddy and Mommy wanted to have special time as our new family of four. Daddy brought me in to meet Cooper and we instantly bonded. Cooper calms to my voice and I love talking to him and giving my brother hugs/kisses/pats, at least for now.

As part of our special time together, nurse Becky, Daddy and I gave Cooper a quick bath before the rest of our visitors came in the room. I was a bit hesitant looking at him and responded, "LOUD" when he burst into tears.

This is Mommy's favorite picture of us boys, gazing at each other. Our expressions say, "Hi Buddy, nice to meet you!"
We spent a few more minutes of quiet, family time together. Mommy says she is so happy to have three boys to love for the rest of her life.

Mommy always loves to point out what a good diaper changer Daddy is. He does the honor of changing the first diaper and also the first poopy one. He is the master of quick changes and Mommy appreciates his help.

For the two days that my parents were in the hospital, Grandma (Mommy's Mom) stayed at our house to take care of me and Liberty. Each day we went to cuddle Cooper and my parents. Grandma spoiled me with strawberry picking, new toys, fun time outside, and more. Thanks Grandma for all that you did for me and us!

Mommy enjoyed the time to recover from the delivery and the time to bond with Cooper. She missed me terribly, of course, but says that Cooper gets the short end of the stick; he will hardly ever have just Mommy time, like I had. Here she is telling Cooper that although she is wearing a Brewers t-shirt, she is truly a Twins fan. She just wanted to clarify that.

Cooper gave me a gift, which I am wearing in the picture above. He gave me this shirt and a baby boy doll to care for too. Quite honestly, I would rather care for Cooper than my doll right now. That includes trying to give him his nuk, help with baths, and comment on how many times he needs milk or is "LOUD!" I gave Cooper a little gift too. I gave him a little brother onesie and a Happy Birthday bear.

Cooper made his first modeling debut. There was a sibling class at the hospital and Cooper was the demo for it. The kids all loved him and had to be told by the nurse not to touch him at least a million times. They are all eager for their little brothers and sisters to arrive soon too.

Cooper had everything check out well during the two day stay, but on his last day, they noticed his eyes were looking a bit yellow. Instead of discharging my family before noon, as planned, my parents and Cooper stayed at the hospital all day. Cooper did a little sunbathing under the bilirubin lights and by 8:00 that evening, his bilirubin level was down, so they discharged my parents and Cooper, YEAH!

My parents are so grateful that they didn't need to do the bili-mat at home, like they had to do with me. As part of the treatment, Cooper needed two supplement feeding from a bottle (Mommy nurses), so Daddy was happy to help out with that one.

Visitors: We mostly had just family for the few days in the hospital. We look forward to having friends/playdates and more family visit in the weeks ahead!
Grandma and Grandpa Jamie came to the hospital right away when Mommy called them to say she was in labor. Grandma walked with Mommy in the hallways while Mommy continued to progress with her contractions. What a Mom! Grandpa Jamie and Daddy were able to visit, read the newspaper and attempt to take their mind off of things.

Grammy Lois brought me to the hospital on Sunday, since I spent the night at her house the evening before. Grammy thinks that Cooper looks a lot like me too. Thanks Grammy for watching me on this very busy day, especially all of the fun trips on the "al-li-lator" (aka elevator).

Papa and Grandma Sharon made the drive over and were anxious to meet our little bundle of joy.

Uncle Jimmy and Karri were at a friend's cabin only 2 hours away, so they were pumped to be able to swing in on their way back home.

Auntie Stef came over after dropping Lexi off at Brownie camp. Lexi was so bummed that she missed Cooper's arrival but she will be coming soon to visit. Auntie brought my cousin Sam and we all had a sleepover at my house that night. We had a blast!

Mommy's teaching partner, Heather, came to cuddle Cooper. She brought some great gifts and a really cool computer activated bug for me to play with! Thanks Heather!

Jenny, our daycare "Mama" came to hold her next little guy. She won't have Cooper until he is about 4 months old, unless Mommy brings him from time to time while she sets up the classroom. Jenny loves babies, so I am certain she will be happy to help out.

Uncle Matt and soon to be Aunt Jill came to the house once Cooper was home. They are Cooper's Godparents and we look forward to spending time together with them over the 4th!

Cooper was all bundled up and ready for home. It was 9:15 before all discharge instructions were discussed and the hospital room packed up. It was time for the trip home.
Liberty was uber excited to meet Cooper (kidding). I am sure she was wondering why my parents were doing this to her again. Luckily, she is not doing excessive panting, like she did when I arrived home. So far, Liberty has been a good dog and she seems to like our busy home.

Settling in at home... Cooper enjoys bath time in his mini tub. He rarely cries at all and I think he is trying to prove that he is an easier baby than I was.

Cooper is a tricky size right now for clothing... he is too long for preemie clothes and too little for NB clothes. Luckily, we have up to 7 lb. clothing from GAP and Gymboree from when I was just a peanut too. We have to change him about 4 times a day thanks to all the pooping. He sure is a stinker.

Sorry about the sideways picture... Cooper sleeps in a bassinet that Grandpa Chris (Daddy's Dad who passed away 7 years ago) made for the boys when they were all babies. It is a special bed that is in amazing shape. I have enjoyed rocking the empty bassinet these past few months. Since Cooper has been home, Daddy has drilled two bolts into the side so that I can stop giving Cooper whiplash.

Since my parents arrived home so late at night from the hospital, I didn't see Cooper until the next morning. Daddy took his bassinet down from the stand (this is prior to his drilling episode), so that I could have an up-close encounter of my brother. I was so excited to see him at our house!

People have warned Mommy that I might regress into my old ways once baby comes. Since I am not quite potty trained yet (I go once a day before bathtime and that is all I am offering for now), my parents did not think I would regress much. The only thing I have done, is attempt to climb into the Moses basket and crib and suck on Cooper's pacifiers. I only test the pacifiers out for a few seconds before I cram them into Cooper's mouth. My parents have said, "careful" and "gentle" a billion times this week.

When I wake up, I always look for Cooper. Lucky dog, gets to sleep with my parents every night! He is the first thing I want to hug and kiss in the morning. I am attempting to be a good little boy for my parents and brother.

Here are the boys... rocking out together. I don't think Cooper is having as much fun as we are.

Cooper had his one week visit with the pediatrician. The nurse checked his weight and amazingly, he is already 5 ounces above his birth weight! He is 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. We don't think he grew an inch in a week, but rather they stretched him out good at this appointment. Cooper does not have jaundice anymore, he does not need supplemental feedings, and he is healthy. We couldn't ask for anything more.

We are enjoying our time together and look forward to having you meet our little Cooper too. We are so blessed and thankful for Cooper. He truly completes our family (well, maybe not complete yet... maybe another one way down the road????) Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone and we look forward to updating the blog every week to two weeks with the latest. Thanks for checking in :)