Harbibaby Blog

One Year

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz

Height: 28 1/2 Inches

Clothing Size: 6-9 months. It amazes me that these clothes actually fit him.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 3 - 4 snaps undone in the middle, highest rise.

Feeding: Nurses 8ish times a day. Three of which are over night.

Sleep: This past month has been crazy. I believe we were away more then we were home. Despite it all he slept pretty good. Lots of sleeping in our bed while away, but overall really good. Takes two solid nap a day, usually about an hour ish.

Milestones: Crawling, pulling up on things and cruising. Kid is everywhere! Also perfected the straw cup.

Loves: Food, standing and playing with all things that aren't toys.

Dislikes: Not being given food, not being able to move, getting things taken away from him.

BLWing: Up to three meals a day. He's gotten really good with the pincher grasp so we're giving him much smaller pieces of things now. With that I feel like he's eating so much more now. He loves grapes, eggs, shrimp, chicken, hot dogs and well, pretty much everything we give him. He'll drink water and prune juice though a straw with no problem.

New Adventures: July was crazy! We had two week-long vacations. We went to St. George Island with our friend's family, then to Virginia Beach with my side of the family. In Virginia Beach Cooper got to meet tons of family members including his Great-Grandma. With our trip to Virginia Beach Cooper also experienced his first very long road trip. We did the bulk of our travels at night and he did great.

11 Months and on the Move

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 02:27:00 +0000

Weight: 14 1/4 lbs

Height: TBA

Clothing Size: Just moved to 6-9 months. He started growing out of the length of the 3-6 month ones.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 3 - 4 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: Nursing great. Probably 8-10 times a day with 2-3 feedings during the night. Nurses great before naps and sleeping.

Sleep: Huge improvements! We've got him back to sleeping in his crib and going back down very easily after each MOTN feeding. Also, right at the end of the month we started with naps in his crib. He takes 1-2 naps a day. One around 9:30-10ish and another around 2ish. Usually 45-1 hour each. Getting more and more consistent each day. Such an improvement over last month. I don't know what to do with myself with all this time.

Milestones: Scooting! This kid can get around now. Better and better each day. He's also pulling up really good on this from as seated position.

Loves: The remote control, playing with the dog crate, flip flops and eating.

Dislikes: Waiting to be fed food, getting things taken away from him, usually things listed above that don't make good toys, and diaper changes.

BLWing: I'm really trying for two meals a day. He's been doing really well and has really loved everything we've given him. Favorites include hot dogs, broccoli, and shrimp.

New Adventures: First father's day, blueberry picking, plane ride to my cousin's wedding in Maryland. First wedding which included his wardrobe of a suit. Also has mastered the cheese ball smile (which I love!)

10 Months - Double Digits

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:56:00 +0000

Weight: 13 1/2 lbs

Height: TBA

Clothing Size: Still 3-6 months. Will probably be in them for a little while.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 2 - 3 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: No longer supplementing!!!!! We're just straight nursing and it's amazing. I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. We we went for his 9 month appointment his Dr. was happy with his weight gain and said we could be done. I've stopped OCD tracking how many times he nurses a day and am just feeding on demand.

Sleep: Our sleep regression continues. At night he wakes up about every 2 hours and usually ends up in bed with us. We've broken our good sleeper. During the day he takes 2-3 naps still mostly in the sling.

Milestones: Things are really starting to pick up. He's mastered sitting, only falls over here and there. He's learned how to clap his hand and will sometimes do it on demand. He's also mastered spinning in a circle on his belly.

Loves: Rolling, clapping his hands, music, wooden blocks, the pool and beach sand.

Dislikes: Sleeping in his crib, being left alone, long car rides and the ocean.

BLWing: He's eating 1-2 solids a day. He has loved pretty much everything we've given him. There are too many foods to list that he's tried. At this point he's had most of the high allergy foods with no issues. We've tried the sippy cup with water with not much luck. We'll keep trying though.

New Adventures: First professional sporting end, THE PLAYERS. Trip to Disney where we stayed in a hotel for a few days. First trip to the beach and first swim in the pool, both his kiddy pool at home at the big pool at Disney. We celebrated my first Mother's Day and also his first Memorial Day. Also, Cooper took his first boat ride at Disney, then got to experience a day on a sail boat. The sail boat was a first for the whole family. It was very exciting.

9 Months Old - My Little Wiggle Worm

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:19:00 +0000

Weight: 13ish lbs - still gaining - which is great.

Height: TBA

Clothing Size: Still 3-6 months. Will probably be in them for a little while.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 2 - 3 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: 8ish times a day. Supplementing 5-7 oz a day of pumped milk with some extra fat (coconut oil) in it. Eats twice a night.

Sleep: For the past two weeks we've had a bit of some sleep regression. He's waking a ton at night, pretty much every 2 hours, and then having a hard time going back down. As for days he's still taking 2-3 nap, usually on me.

Milestones: Just in the past week he has gotten then hang of sitting. Each day he can go longer and longer on his own. Also, he's learned how to blow raspberries and it's so funny. Also, he reaches for food and toys so good now.

Loves: Rolling - everywhere. I can't leave him on a blanket and expect to find him on in the same place. He's also starting to love his Jumperoo. Beyond that, his new favorite thing is FOOD! This kid loves his meal times. He gets annoyed if we don't give him food right away.

Dislikes: Not sleeping on me and getting his jammies on. I think that's about it. He's pretty happy these days.

BLWing: He's tried so many things this past month, it's been amazing to watch. The first few days he gagged a few times, but since that, wow, he's really gotten the hang of it. There has not been a thing that we've given him that he hasn't liked. He's tried a ton of veggies, fruits, meats, eggs and bread. His favorites have been pancakes, meat, summer squash and eggs. It has been so amazing to watch him learn and catch on.

New Adventures: First plane ride and a whole week away from home. We went to Philly to visit my Dad and it was awesome. Cooper did great on the plane and slept on both plane rides. He also got his second cold while we were there. First time in a high chair out at a restaurant as well as first time in a shopping cart at the store. Visited Dad's co-workers at work for Bring your Child to Work Day. Also, we participated in our first March for Babies walk for the March of Dimes. He's also spouted a ton on hair this month. Looks like we'll have a little blond guy.

8 Months (A Month Late)

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 05 May 2013 02:48:00 +0000

Weight: 12.5 lbs - finally gaining!

Height: TBA

Clothing Size: Moved up to 3-6 months. Some sleeps are still a little long, and some onsies fit just right.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 2 - 3 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: 8ish times a day. Supplementing 7-10 oz a day of pumped milk with some extra fat (coconut oil) in it. Eats twice a night.

Sleep: Still sleeping great - except we need to wake up 2 times a night. Some nights he wakes on his own, some not. 2-3 naps a day, generally on me. I've given up trying to get him to nap elsewhere. Too much work for such little sleep. He'll sleep and hour plus on me, so I'll take it.

Milestones: Ditched the swaddle (woohoo!!) and started eating solid foods - Baby Led Weaning style. First food was a green bean. He just kinda played with it. A few days later we gave him some banana and I think that's the first actually food he's swallowed. So far he's had green beans, pineapple, banana, pork chop, orange slices and applesauce. Also, he's learned how to scoot on his back. It's really funny to watch.

Loves: His thumb, naked time, baths, being worn in the ring sling, singing songs at My Gym and back scooting.

Dislikes: Not sleeping on me and getting his jammies on. I think that's about it. He's pretty happy these days.

New Adventures: Went on a road trip with me to Orlando to hang out with my Mom for a few days, a trip to Ikea, first St. Patricks Day and Easter and real food. Cooper also got his first cold this month, resulting in his first sick visit. Also, though, he got his last Synagis shot and officially survived his first RSV and Flu season. Also, first time playing at a playground and swinging in a swing.

7 Months Old - My Tiny Little Man

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 02:51:00 +0000

Weight: 11 lbs, 3 oz - with a diaper on. Weight gain is still an issue. I want to write a whole post on this whole topic, so more to come.

Height: 24.5 Inces

Clothing Size: Still 0-3 months, but I'm bored with these clothes so I'm packing them up and moving on. Some will be too big but who cares.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 2 - 3 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: He's nursing 8-10 times a day. I basically feed him whenever he seems hungry since I'm trying to bulk him up. We've started waking him at night to get in more feeds so he's eating 1-2 times a night.

Sleep: Well he would sleep 12 hours at night if we would let him, but we can't. But we wake him up and he goes right back down with no issues. Naps are still hard to come by. We packed up the swing this month so the crib, car seat or on me are our napping locations. I've gotten into the habit of him sleeping a lot in the sling, but honestly I really don't care. I love the snuggles and he sleeps so good on me. I'll take what I can get.

Milestones: Two big things happened this month: first, both arm are out of the swaddle and secondly he rolled back to belly. We kept waking up in the morning to both arms out of the swaddle so we figured we would just go with it. He did great, then two days later, during naked time, he rolled over. He's getting better and better each day getting the hang of rolling. It's so fun to watch.

Loves: His thumb, naked time, baths, being worn in the ring sling, music and hanging out in his high chair.

Dislikes: Being hungry, taking long naps in his crib and not being held or payed attention to. Notice tummy time is no longer on the list. Not that he's figured out the whole rolling thing he rolls right off the belly. Take that tummy time.

New Adventures: This month we joined My Gym, a children's gym. We went to a trial class and had a great time. We go to 1-2 classes a week and he loves the singing and the dancing. Also, at the end of the month we went down to West Palm Beach and Cooper got to meet his cousins and Aunts and Uncles. It was a great time.

A half a year - Cooper Man 6 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:32:00 +0000

Weight: He's 10 lbs 13 oz. Almost to 11 lbs. Still the same weight as last month. I'm a little worried that he didn't gain anything this month. We're seeing his Dr. in a week so we'll see what they say then.

Height: TBD

Clothing Size: He's wearing 0-3 months exclusively. Still wearing 0-3 months. Some brands are getting short on him though. I think he 3-6 month onsies would fit, but not sleepers. The cloth diapers bulk him up some.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 2 - 3 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: He's been nursing 6-7 times per day. I think we had some hind/foremilk imbalance issues for most of the month - hence the no weight gain. I think I've got that worked out now though. He usually takes both sides at each feeding and is overall eating real good.

Sleep: Right after the first of the month he randomly just started sleeping 11-12 hours per night. It was really amazing. Maybe once a week he'll get up once or so. Sometimes he wakes up before 7 am and we treat that as a middle of the night situation so we put him right back down again. His nap have gotten a lot less shorter now that's he's sleeping better at night. For a few weeks we would only nap on me. Now I'm getting him to take naps in the stroller or in the swing again, but still much shorter. I was getting worried that he wasn't getting enough sleep during the day so I started really tracking things, but he was consistently getting 15ish hours per day. So right on target. He's currently sleeping with one arm out of the swaddle. We tried one night with both and it was awful. We'll try again maybe in this next month.

Milestones: His big thing this month has been finding his thumb. He's officially a thumb sucker and will hardly take the paci anymore. His head control is really really great and he been practicing sitting much more. I like to sit in his high chair and Bumbo. I put him on the floor the other day he he sat with the Boppy around him for like 1 second. I'm looking forward to getting him to sit up. Also, he's so close to rolling back to belly. Just needs to get his big ole head over. Also, he's gotten really good at holding things.

Loves: His thumb, naked time, baths, being worn in the ring sling, his football o-ball and being outside.

Dislikes: Tummy time, the 6 o'clock hour each night, taking long naps not being held and being unswaddled.

New Adventures: Another trip to Orlando to stay at Monie and Grandpa's, lot so walks with some new mommy friends, playing in his jumperoo for the first time, breakfast in his high chair with Mommy each morning, first bubble bath and lunch dates with friends.

Cooper Man - 5 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:59:00 +0000

Weight: He's 10 lbs 13 oz. Almost to 11 lbs.

Height: 23 Inches

Clothing Size: He's wearing 0-3 months exclusively. Over the past month it's been fun to see him fill out the length of his sleepers.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers - 1 - 2 snaps undone in the middle.

Feeding: Nurses about 7 times a day. Takes both sides during the day and then only one side over night.

Sleep: We've consistently been getting one good 6-8 hour stretch for most of the month. It's been really great. We've only had a few nights with issues, but over all he's been real great. He usually gets up two times during the night and goes right back down after eating. He had one 10 hour stretch, in his swing, one night after a major melt down while out. He takes his naps in his swing and usually takes 2 - 3 good naps a day. Overall, we've got nothing to complain about.

Milestones: Hold head up great, awesome eye following. He rolled from belly to back a few times, which I have yet to get on camera. He's also found his hands this month and loves to chew on them. We've been living in drool central since.

Loves: Naked time, sitting up on the couch or in your lap, christmas lights, snuggling with burp rags.

Dislikes: Waiting to be fed, tummy time, being overtired.

New Adventures: Visiting Santa for the first time, first christmas, first New Years, first overnight trip - 2 nights at Marmee & Pop's, 2-week lockdown because of a delay in his Synagis shot and meeting 3 more of his great grand parents.

Cooper: 4 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Weight: I'm pretty sure he's around 10 lbs now. We're going to the doctor this week so we'll get an official weight. I'll come back and update then.

Height: Not sure. TBD

Clothing Size: I packed away all of his newborn clothes pretty much the day he turned 4 months. 0-3 months are a little big, especially the length in PJs, but everything else seems to be good.

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers have been going great - not a single issue. Leaving 1-2 snaps unbuttoned on the width settings.

Feeding: Nursing like a champ! We have not had a single issue this month. I was dealing with some thrush issues, but thats finally gone. He's become a much more efficient nurser and is done in 10-15 minutes. He usually nurses 6-7 times a day going about 3 hours in between each feeding.

Sleep: Bedtime routine is getting much better. Some nights we have trouble getting him down for that first stretch, but after that, we're golden. He'll usually sleep one 4 hour stretch, then from there up every three hours. However, now he goes right back down after eating, so it's not bad at all. Daytime naps have gotten much better too. He usually take 2 really good naps during the day, then a few other catnaps. He'll be up playing for sometime, then get fussy, which usually mean's he's tired.

Milestones: Lots of smiles, lots of coos and talking. It's so much fun! He's gotten really good with his head control. He does really well holding his head up when in the carrier. He has much more fluid and controlled motions when doing tummy time and such. He's eye control is so good too. You can watch him move his eyes to follow your finger and such.

Loves: Naked time - the kid gets so excited and kicks and has so much fun. Also love ceiling fans and playing boily oily oily with Dad. He also loves his swing as that's where he takes all his naps. Swaddling is also a favorite! He's also really loving sitting up and looking at things.

Dislikes: Waiting to be fed, tummy time, being overtired.

New Adventures: Going to vote, first road time to Tallahassee for his Dad's show, Thanksgiving, sitting in his high chair for the first time, picking out his first Christmas tree.

Nicknames: Cooper Man

Poppy Seed to Pumpkin | Pregnancy Photo Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 04:02:00 +0000

Tonight I finished my Pregnancy Photo Journal featuring all of my belly pictures. I'm very proud of how it turned out and am looking forward for it to arrive.

Click here to view this photo book larger

The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

Cooper Man: 3 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Weight: About 8 1/4 lbs. He was 7 lbs 7 oz two weeks ago. I've done the bathroom scale trick and it showed 8lbs one days and 8 1/2 a few days later so I'm splitting the difference.

Height: Tried to measure at home and he was around 21 inches.

Clothing Size: Still newborn size but they are starting to get tight. I'm doing a last run though of all his clothes before I start with the 0-3 month ones.

Diaper Size: One day I got bored and decided to try out his Bumgenius one size diapers to see if they fit. Low and behold they did - with no leaks. So he's officially wearing them. We are loving them and have really had no issues.

Feeding: About 2 days after his 2-month birthday we officially ditched the nipple shield. There's been no looking back since, and it's been amazing! In the beginning of the month he was still taking one bottle a day, but after a few weeks I just got so sick of dealing with it that we switched 100% to nursing. Since then he's had maybe three bottles just when I've gone out and about. So much less spit up and overall a more happy baby. It's been great. He nurses about every 2-3 hours for about 20 minutes at a time. We've had a few days where he's done some clutter feeding, but over all, it's been pretty easy.

Sleep: About three weeks ago we started a more structured bedtime routine, and that's really helped things. Every night around 8:30/9 we do bath, jammies, swaddle, boob then bed. Sometimes he'll need rocked, sometimes not. He'll then usually sleep a 4-5 hour stretch then wake up every 3 hours from then on. During the day he takes about 2-3 naps anywhere from an hour to three. So overall, he's doing pretty good.

Lazy Bum day in our house

Milestones: After many a months of waiting we finally got a smile from the little man. I cried, it was so amazing. He's starting to give us more and more each day. It's great. We've also gotten a few Coo's from him, which is so freaking cute. Looking forward to more of those.

Garrett finally got a smile on camera

Loves: He spends most of his days in the swing, so I'll say he likes that. He's started to really like the bath, just not the getting out part. Also, as much as I hate to admit it, the kid loves his paci. Helps him go to sleep, so I don't mind. Also, loves car rides - usually passes right out.

Dislikes: Still dislikes getting his diaper changes. Also, getting out of the bath. He also dislikes being hungry! The kid will scream until he get's his boob

New Adventures: This month's big thing is he's met and been held by every single of his grandparents - all eight of them! He also celebrated his first major holiday - Halloween.

Card I made to send out to family

One of his costumes

Family trip to the pumpkin patch

Nicknames: Cooper Man, Mr. Fussy Pants - or Pants for short.

Products we Love: Swing, swaddlers, cloth diapers and his paci.

Cooper Man: 2 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:09:00 +0000

Weight: 6 lbs, 14.7 oz

Height: 20.25 inches

Clothing Size: Newborn size, Carter's mostly. I've put him in one 0-3 month outfit because I was getting bored with his other FSU clothes and he was swimming in it.

0-3 Months clothes are a little big.

Diaper Size: We're officially a cloth diaper family! I switched him over a few days after his 1-month birthday. We started by wearing premie size prefolds and covers, and while they say they fit up to 8 lbs, I just switched him over the newborn sized ones last week. Now we're using newborn size prefolds and various kinds of covers. Mostly Thirsties one size ones.

First cloth diaper

Feeding: Over the past month we've gotten him down to only one bottle a day! So now he nurses all feedings except one 2.5 oz bottle that Garrett gives him each night. At one point we were giving him a 3 oz bottle but he was spitting up a bunch of it, so last week I took him to my hospital's women's center to do a weighed feeding. During that nursing session he took 2 oz so that's why I backed down on the amount in his nightly bottle. While he still spits up some it's not near as much as before. Also, he's still using the shield but he's sooo close to being done with it. I've gotten him to nurse bare breast about 2/3rs of the time.

Sleep: About two weeks ago we transitioned him out of the pack n play to his crib. He's doing pretty well in there. We've had a few nights were he just wouldn't go down so I held him in rocker or put him in his swing. He still wakes up ever 3 hours or so, but he's had a few longer stretches. We're getting there.

Milestones: Making it to his due date, thus no longer being negative age. Also, he does really good at lifting up his head during tummy time. I feel a smile coming real soon. Can't wait.

Tummy Time

Loves: His swing, he spends the majority of his day in it. Also he likes being propped up in the Boppy on the couch with me. Also, really likes being worn in my carrier. He often helps me do chores around the house.

Helping cleaning the house

Dislikes: Still dislikes getting his diaper changed for the most part. He's getting better at baths too. Less screaming then before.

New Adventures: First walk in his stroller, first time going to see one of his Dad's shows. Also, went to his first restaurant where he slept the whole time. Also, I survived my first night alone with Cooper when Garrett went to an FSU game. It was exhausting, but we survived.

First Stroller Ride

Going to see Dad's show

Nicknames: Cooper Man, Stinker, Mr. Fussy Pants

Products we Love: Swing, carrier and cloth diapers!

40 Weeks - My Due Date

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Tuesday was my due date. October 2nd, the day I had been counting down to since January. But instead of waiting around for labor to maybe start, I was sitting at home snuggling with my wonderful 2-month-old son.

And honestly, I can't even imagine what it would have been like to be pregnant. So much had changed in my life in the past two months. Any while yes, I would have given ANYTHING to have had Cooper gone to term, I'm quite content to have a 2-month-old. This is how it is, it's our story.

From the moment my Doctor told me that I was going to have a baby on August 2nd I accepted it. There was no turning back. Despite all my planning, this was really the plan. And while I'm not a super religious person, I trusted that someone knew what they were doing, and all was going to be fine.

The day I was discharged from the hospital after having him, the nurse who wheeled me down to the car said that everyone in L&D was talking about my positive attitude. Saying that they wished other NICU mom's had the same attitude. I took this as a huge compliment, because we were trying so hard to to be positive. From day one of NICU life I tried so hard to embrace it. This was our story and no amount of crying or being upset was going to change that.

I was actually excited to get myself on a schedule. I remember having butterflies in my stomach just like the first day of school. But yes, I had hard times. Some nights I just didn't want to put him back in his Isolette. Some nights I cried on my drive home. Some nights it was hard. Just last week I broke down as I was packing up my maternity clothes. I should have still be wearing them.

But then, I walked into Cooper's room and just looked at him. He was here, fine and oh so cute. And honestly, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I knew no other way.

So as Tuesday came and went I was generally happy. Why? Because instead of having a screaming newborn that I didn't know how to care for I had a 2-month-old that I could snuggle with and love on. While still tiny, he's perfect.

For the most part I've accepted my truncated pregnancy. I do look forward to getting pregnant again so I can, God willing, make it longer than 31 weeks. I want to see if my belly button pops out. I want to anxiously sit at home and wonder when I'll go into labor. I want it all.

So here's my final picture of my little belly project. My little pumpkin. We made it.

Cooper's Music & Guitar Themed Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I dreamed of working on a nursery from almost the moment I found out I was pregnant. The room that is now Cooper's nursery was my least favorite room in our house, so I was beyond excited to be able to give it a makeover. Now, it's my favorite room in the house.

Here is my original plan, and I have to say, I think it came pretty close. Doesn't scream BABY!! and really showcases Garrett and I's personality. Hopefully as Cooper grows he'll love it as well. This kid better like music.

Without further ado, Cooper's Music & Guitar Themed Nursery:

Many of Garrett and I's favorite bands. Each one of these albums has some significance to our relationship.

Source List:
Crib - IKEA Sundvik Crib
Rug - Rugs USA Chevron Light Blue Rug
Dresser - IKEA Malm
Chair - IKEA Ektorp Jennylund Chair, made into rocker with this tutorial
Ottoman - IKEA Sandby Footstool
Wardrobe (not pictured) - IKEA Brimnes
Bookcase - IKEA Expedit
Dog Tail Hooks - IKEA Bastis Hook
Album frames - 12x12 Frames
Fabric - Remix Celebration Collection, Fabric.com, Michael Miller Groovy Guitar in Gray, Navy Curtain Panels - Twin flat sheets
Guitar Pick Mobile - handmade by me with picks, two drum sticks and leftover guitar strings
Florida Print - Free Printable from The Vintage Lemon
Little Rocking Chair - from my Mother-in-Law, was hers as a kid
Music Bear - From Build a Bear, I gave it to Garrett on our 1-year dating anniversary 11 years ago

Sewing Tutorials:
Fitted Sheets
Bumpers - pattern in this bumper batting
Changing Pad Cover
Guitar Pillow
Aplique Pillows
Envelope Pillows
Crib Skirt
Blanket

I think that covers it all. Please, let me if you have any questions about anything.

Cooper Man: 1 Month

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Since Cooper man's two-month birthday is next week I figured I needed to catch up and get his one-month update written. Words can't explain how happy I was to be able to take the below picture at home! We're so lucky.

One-Month Old | September 2, 2012

Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz on Friday, which was two days before his one-month birthday.

Height: 19 inches

One of my favorite pictures of him to day.

Clothing Size: Preemie size, but they are starting to get tight. We only have a few more weeks left in them (woohoo!).

Diaper Size: Either preemie or newborn. We came home from the hospital with a mixture of the two sizes and both fit just fine. Working on using them up before we switch to our cloth diapers.

Feeding: He was discharged from the hospital with instructions to nurse every other feeding and then to take a bottle of 50 mls for the rest. His pediatrician told us we could wean down to only two bottles a day, which is beyond exciting.

Sleep: Since being home Cooper's been sleeping in a Pack N' Play in our room. Since he's still technically negative age, he's still really a sleepy newborn. For the most part he's only awake to eat and get his diaper changed. Since we're still working on him gaining weight we're doing our best to stick to his NICU schedule, which was eating every three hours.

Milestones: So many, but the must exciting is COMING HOME!!!! I'll document the rest of his weekly NICU milestones in some upcoming posts.

Protective big brother

Loves: Snuggling with his parents (kangaroo care) and sleeping in his swing. Likes to be sung to, I think. Also, I'm pretty sure he love just being home.

Dislikes: Getting his diaper changed, not eating immediately upon waking up and getting his temperature taken.

New Adventures: Leaving the NICU, going on his first car ride, meeting his animal brothers, swinging in his swing, watching his first FSU game (they won!), so many things.

Watching his first FSU game

Nicknames: Cooper Man, Little Man, Burrito Man (when being swaddled), Mini Cooper, MC (short for Mini Cooper)

Products we Love: We could not have made it though his first month with out my breast pump. I was chained to that thing every 2-3 hours during first month. Very glad to be breaking up with it now that he's home, but it will always be known as our most important baby gear item during his first month. Second to that would be the Milk Maid iPhone App. This app was awesome at helping me track my sessions as well as keep inventory of all my milk. The nurses in the NICU kept making fun of me for being so OCD with my stash.

Cooper's Birth Story - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:28:00 +0000

Playing catch up? Here's part one and part two of Cooper's Birth Story.

Every emotion was going through my head as Garrett drove me to the hospital. No wrong turns this time and we parked on the right floor. He got his redemption.

As we walked up to L&D the contractions were hurting - a few even stopped me in my tracks. When we got up to the check in desk I just burst into tears. The nurses assured me they would take good care of me and things were good because I had gotten the steroid shots.

I was still terrified.

No triage room this time - they admitted me right away. By the time I was settled in it was right around 6:30 am and the nurses shift change was about to happen. The first nurse asked me some questions to get me registered. She asked when the last time I had ate and I told her on the way - knowing that they wouldn't let me eat once I got there. She laughed at me because I chose a yogurt.

Garrett started to inform our families what was going on and told them he would let them know if it was go time.

Even before my doctor came in to talk with me we knew things were more serious this time - they were asking lots more questions and making us sign lot of papers. I couldn't handle it though the pain so Garrett took over.

At 7 am we got a new nurse, and to our surprise, it was our favorite nurse from my stay earlier in the week. As soon as Noreen walked in we breathed a sigh of relief. We knew we were in good hands.

Finally my Doctor came in around 7:30/7:45. I was so happy about the Doctor on call. Since my OB practice had multiple Doctors, one who I never met, I was beyond happy to see one of the women Doctors from the practice. She went to check me and then very calmly said, you're having a baby today. I was 5/6 cm's dilated and 100% effaced. There was no turning back now. She then asked me if I wanted an epidural, which I agreed to.

Once she left the room Garrett just looked at me and said - August 2nd, that's a good Birthday!

After that he went into hyperdrive. He was on communication duty, calling and texting all of our family to tell them this was it.

Contractions continued pretty steady until the anesthesiologist came in. I was so happy to see him walk in because I wanted the pain to stop so I could process what was going on. The epi didn't hurt too bad and within 5 minutes I felt amazing. That was at 8:15.

After the epi was in my Doctor came in again to check me - I was 8/9 cm's then. I really couldn't believe it.

From here things slowed down a bit. I was able to relax, help Garrett set up the camera and chat with my friend. It was nice. I was glad I had that time to process it all.

At one point I was feeling some pain so the anesthesiologist have me a magic button to push when I needed more. That was amazing! Garrett was so concerned at one point that it was tricking me that he ran out to talk to the doctor to make sure it was all set.

I believe it was around 11:30/12 that my doctor came in and broke my water. At that point I was so close, I believe I was like 9 1/2 at that time. Most of our parents were there at this point and my Mom came in to make sure all well.

I knew I was getting close when she left. The nurse checked me again and I had just a little bit left. I laid of my side for a bit to get that last little bit gone.

Then it was time. At 12:45 I started with a practice push. They could feel his head and said it was go time. Everyone got into position and I started pushing.

Garrett was holding my left leg when my doctor started explaining that she was going to have to do an episiotomy. At this point I was so proud of him for holding up like he was. He's a pretty squeamish kind of guy with some history of passing out. But this is where he lost it. I took one look at his face and knew he was going down.

Thankfully a nurse came in and grabbed his real quick. They gave him some smelling salts and sat with him in a chair in the corner. Thankfully he still had full view and I could see him.

After just a few more pushes Cooper Thomas came out screaming at 1:03pm. It was amazing because I had a perfect view of him and Garrett. Seeing Garrett's face as he came out is an image that will forever be ingrained in my mind. He was just so happy. It was amazing.

After his almost pass-out Garrett put his squeamishness aside and cut the cord. Then Cooper was weighed and wrapped up and brought over to me.

I had been setting myself up for the fact that I might not be able to hold him. Words can't express how happy I was that I was able to hold him. They had him wrapped up and on a heating pad, but he was here, alive, screaming, and all mine. I'll never forget looking into this eyes for the first time. It was truly amazing.

Garrett was also able to hold him and we took a bunch of pictures. We were so lucky to be able to have that time considering the circumstances.

After about 20 minutes they had to take him back and take him to the NICU. I had to wait for my epi to wear off before we could go see him.

By that time I was all stitched up and good. My Doctor commented on how I was excellent at giving birth and commented how I needed to work on keeping the next one baking.

After I was cleaned up my nurse wheeled in some food, which was amazing. We visited with our family and Garrett showed them all pictures. We anxiously awaited for me to be able to get up.

Finally I convinced my nurse that I was ready she got me all set and in a wheelchair. Garrett took all of our stuff down to the room we would stay in for the next two nights, and then a nurse wheeled me into the NICU, the room I would be spending many-a-hours for the next four weeks.

There, I saw my son. The love of my life.

This is where Cooper's birth story ends and our NICU journey begins. More details to come.

Cooper Thomas

August 2, 2012

1:03pm

3 lbs, 9 oz - 16 Inches Long

Cooper's Birth Story - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:52:00 +0000

Playing catch up? Here's part one of Cooper's Birth Story.

Upon being discharged from the hospital Garrett's and I were in major get stuff done mode. We knew Cooper could decide to make his entrance any day now.

We got home, I parked myself on the couch and Garrett worked like a mad man. I felt pretty bad just sitting there, but it was doctor's orders. Thankfully the new IKEA catalog was waiting for me when I got home so I used that to pass some time.

I started dreaming of Garrett cleaning the house, lots of puppy snuggling and catching up on all those movies I never got around to see. I talked with my work and I planned to start working the following AM so I didn't go crazy having nothing to do.

That night we took my 31-week belly picture, and I was just so happy to get to do this again.

Garrett tired to entertain me by putting together out stroller which had arrived while we were at the hospital, he went grocery shopping and cleaned up. We went to bed with only one thing left on out to-do list, pack a hospital bag, which I was sure I wouldn't need for at least a few days.

We went to bed that night with my alarm set to wake me up every three hours to remind me to take my anti contractions pills, and felt pretty good.

3 am, my first alarm went off. Took my pill, got up to pee and went back to sleep. Felt good. No contractions.

Next alarm, 6 am, this time, not so much. My pants felt wet, I was cramping again. I got up to pee and the panty liner I was wearing was soaked. I called for Garrett and just sat there, crying. I knew, at this moment, that this was it.

Garrett immediately started packing that bag we never got around to. I got dressed, put in contacts and bushed me teeth, just as had done three days before. I called L&D and told them I was on my way.

I walked out into my living room, sat on the couch and hugged Doak. I knew that was the last time I was going to see him with a baby in my belly.

Then, we walked out the door. My 16 hours of home bed rest was over.

Cooper's Birth Story - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:07:00 +0000

Cooper's birth story starts on Sunday, July 29th. I spent the morning and afternoon at the beach with my best friend. It was wonderful. The weather was great and I felt so relaxed. We talked how we would come back the next weekend.

After an afternoon at the beach I came home to relax the rest of the weekend away. Garrett was playing a show that evening, so I parked myself on the couch and enjoyed some ice cream and TV, my usual pregnant routine. Sometime during that evening I started feeling some mild cramping. I wrote it off as some braxton hicks and maybe some dehydration from my afternoon at the beach. So I chugged some more water and put my feet up. At one point I sat on our bed an folded laundry and started looking at the clock. The cramps were coming every 15 minutes or so. I thought, these can't be contractions, so I continued to dismiss them.

When Garrett got home around 9pm I mention to him that I was feeling weird, but kept saying it was probably nothing. Things started hurting a little more, but I continued to dismiss them as anything and continued my lounging on the couch until we went to bed.

When we went to bed I was still having these cramps, but I managed after a bit of tossing and turning to sleep some. That was around midnight. After three hours of some light sleep I woke up to pee. I was still having these cramps and was starting to get worried. I chugged some more water and downloaded a contraction counting app on my phone. I was getting them about every 10 minutes and the lasted maybe three minutes or so.

Finally Garrett convinced me to call my Doctor. Five minutes later the on-call nurse called me and told me to head into L&D.

I freaked out.

Garrett was dressed before I even hung up the phone. I brushed my teeth, put in some contacts and we were out the door in under 10 minutes.

I tried my hardest to laugh and such in the car. I kept telling Garrett that we would walk in and they would tell me I was being a crazy first time pregnant lady, and that they would send me home. Garrett was so out of it that he forgot to make a turn to the hospital and parked the car on the wrong floor of the parking garage. Walking into the hospital we vowed that he would get a do-over.

Once I got up to L&D they checked me into a triage room, and here where things became a blur. First I was hooked up to a fetal and contraction monitor. Cooper's heart rate was great, which was a huge relief, and my cramps, yea, they were real contractions.

Next they hooked me up to an IV because they figured I was dehydrated, which I really didn't think was the case. I was checked by a nurse and I was 1cm dilated and 70% effaced.

Begin more freaking out.

Next they did a fetal fibronectin test to see my chances of chances of having a baby within the next 7 - 10 days. It came back negative.

Next I was given a shot of Terbutaline to try to stop the contractions since the IV fluids weren't working. Still nothing.

At this point we had been at the hospital for maybe two hours or so. Since they were having no luck stopping anything they decided to admit me. I was walked across the hall to a delivery room. I was still getting contractions and they were getting more and more painful.

Here things get even more blurry. I was in some pretty serious pain at this point and I had a ton of Doctors coming in and out. I'm unsure of the order of events but I know what did happen. I was put on a magnesium sulfate drip as another effort to stop contractions. The main goal at this point was to hold them off for 24+ hours so I could get steroid shots to help his lungs develop. After that I got my first steroid shot.

Next my Doctor came in and did a quick ultrasound to verify Mr. man was head down. He was indeed. She told me the the fetal fibronectin test was negative, but not to put too much hope into it. Next and ultrasound tech came in to do a more advanced ultra sound.

By this point I was still in pain and the mag drip was kicking in. The mag made me crazy warm and feel all fuzzy. Long story short, I was out of it.

The next ultrasound was to check his weight and such. The tech took a ton of measurements and said he was around 3 1/2 lbs. She then did an internal ultrasound and said my cervix was only 1 cm long. Not good.

Next the high risk pregnancy doctor came in to talk to me. I honestly don't remember a word he said. Then a Neonatologist came in from the NICU to talk to us about what we were in for should he come early. Again, everything was a blur. I just remember asking what would cause him to have to be moved to another hospital.

At this point it was just a waiting game. I couldn't eat anything because of the mag drip. I had a catheter in me and was still in pain. Garrett was freezing because I had the AC in the room bumped down to 60 degrees.

All during this day we had an amazing nurse who just kept telling me it was going to be alright. Cooper's heart rate was great, and hearing that sound in the room was so reassuring. The contractions were still coming, but they were slowing down and the pain was starting to subside.

At one point Garrett went home to get some clothes and stuff for us since it was apparent that we were going to be there sometime. While he was gone I was able to sleep, which was nice since I hand't gotten any sleep the night before. Thank God the Olympics were on because we would have gone crazy without that on TV to watch.

Finally I was able to get some "food," which was in the form for a nice liquid diet. I did manage to sleep though that night as my contractions were pretty much all but gone. I was down to having maybe one mild one once an hour.

The next day they started to wean me off the mag drip and just gave me two pills to keep the contractions from coming back. I got my second steroid shot and then they took me off the mag drip. My catheter and IV was taken out and I was clear to eat some real food. I tell you that meal was wonderful.

I started to feel normal again that afternoon and evening. Our friend brought us some food and we joked and started to lighten up some.

The next morning my Doctor came in and cleared me to go home. I was put on strict bedrest and was sent home on a prescription for Procardia to keep my contractions away.

We were feeling good. We made it. Cooper man was still baking. My only job at this point was to keep that bun in the oven. We were happy to make it to August and prayed we would make it to 34+ weeks.

Next up in our journey, my 16 hours of bedrest....

I Believe an Update is Needed....

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:21:00 +0000

So I've had a post sitting in my daft folder for 7 weeks now. The title was "31 weeks - a lesson in preterm labor." The post included just this picture:

I fully intended to write the full post the following morning.

Instead I woke up, went to this hospital, and this happened.

And well, since then, my life has been changed forever.

Cooper Thomas arrived August 2, 2012 at 31 weeks 2 day. He was born 1:03 pm weighing 3 lbs 9 oz and 16 inches long.

Cooper spent exactly four weeks in the NICU before coming home at exactly 5 lbs.

Life is great right now, and now that I'm pretty settled I going to pick this blog back up so I have a record of everything that's happened over the past month and a half.

So here's whats to come -

Cooper's birth story
Our NICU journey
1 month update
The detour side story
Cooper's Nursery

Sorry about the delay - now back (hopefully) to your regular scheduled baby blogness.

Who Does He Look Like?

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

After our 4D ultrasound this past week we've been trying to figure out who Mr. Cooper is going to look like. Coincidently I had just asked both of our moms for some baby pictures to hang in Cooper's room, so we have a few pictures to compare to.

For a refresher, here's Cooper's picture from Sunday:

And here are a few of Garrett and I as cute little babies.

Here's me:

And here's Garrett:

I think he can get either of our noses - they are both pretty button like. Buy maybe that's what all babies have. Neither of our noses, I feel like, look like that today, so maybe that's just a baby thing? For me it's Garrett's last picture - I think those cheeks are pretty freaking squishy looking - so I'm going with him.

I know it's so hard to tell, but it's just so fun to compare.

Only 9 1/2 more weeks (or less) 'till we find out (hopefully)!

What do you all think?

30 Weeks - Squishy Cheek Squash

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 01:29:00 +0000

How far along: 30 Weeks - only ten to go. Holy cow.

Size of baby: 3 to 3 1/2 lbs and about 15 1/2 inches long. He still has to about double his weight in the next 10 weeks. I can't believe there is anymore room in there to grow.

Loving this week: Water - I'm always thirsty. Especially late at night, which totally suck because then I pee all throughout the night.

Milestones: His skin is getting smoother and his brain is getting wrinklier. Evidently he's strong enough now to grasp a finger.

Gender: On Sunday we confirmed, yet again, that we still 100% have a boy.

How's the belly look: Getting bigger and bigger. Also, I can officially see a faint line nigra. Garrett could even see it once I pointed it out.

Movement: Lots of kicks and hiccups. Starting to get some rib kicks this week - and they hurt.

What I’m wearing: Shorts, tees and dresses. Jeans are pretty uncomfortable. Just too hot.

How’s sleep: Pretty good. Peeing 3-4 times a night. But beyond that sleeping pretty good.

Mood & energy: Taking a few naps here and there, which help. Noticing that I'm a little more tired these days.

What I’m cravings: Like I mentioned above - water. Before I go to bed, then first thing when I wake up. Love me some H2O.

What I’m missing: Still not having heartburn. I've had a few pretty bad days.

Any new symptoms: The rib kicks - I've got one rib on the right side that hurt pretty bad. I have a feeling it's going to get worse.

Best moment this week: On Sunday we the best treat ever. One of my good friend's mom owns a 4D Ultra Sound clinic. She was so nice to take time out of her Sunday to do a scan on me. We got to spend about 45 minutes looking at this handsome fellow:

Isn't he the cutest thing ever? My goodness - my heart melts every time I look at him. I can't wait to pinch his squishy little cheeks.

He was all snuggled up, head down (good boy) with this feet crossed right up on my right side. We saw him chewing on his umbilical cord and even sucking his thumb.

He was measuring a few days ahead, and was estimated at 3 lbs 5 oz. She said that if born on my EDD he would be about 8 lbs. His heartbeat was at 158. She said for a boy that was pretty high, so she expects us to have an active little one. Also, she was able to see a little patch of hair on the back of his head. Maybe the old wive's tail that heartburn = hair is true?

It really was just an amazing experience. So thankful. We got about 45 pictures from her along with a DVD of the whole experience. Any folks in Jacksonville make sure you check out A Stork's View. Debra, the woman that own the clinic is amazing!

4 Years....

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Today me and my baby's daddy celebrated four years of marriage, and all I can say is I'm one lucky girl.

Garrett's my rock, my best friend and my own personal comedian. He continues to make me laugh and smile every single day.

It started raining about 10 minutes before we walked down that aisle, but I didn't care. They say it's good luck anyways.

I'm pretty sure the old wives tale is right, because we've been lucky, we are lucky. We share a wonderful life together and I can't wait to take tackle this next adventure together.

So here's to our last anniversary not as parents. We celebrated with a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant followed by stretchy pants and couch time at home. Ahhh.... the life.

29 Weeks: A Cabbage Patch Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:35:00 +0000

How far along: 29 Weeks!

Size of baby: Cooper is just over 15 long and weighs 2 3/4 to 3 lbs. This week we're going with the size of a cabbage. I'm really starting to struggle with my little photo project - we'll see how this progresses over the next few weeks.

Loving this week: Tums, milk and cute baby things.

Milestones: He's still plumping up, gaining lots of fat in his soon the be chubby cheeks. Also, his bones are really starting to harden up.

Gender: Still have got a member of the pen15 club in there (little Wilfred reference for any watchers out there).

How's the belly look: I'm starting to feel huge. Bottom line. Scared because I still have 11 more weeks to go. So that stretch mark I thought I saw last week, yea, a figment of my imagination. Not there any more. I'm starting to be able to see a very faint line nigra, I'm curious to see how much darker it will get.

Movement: Kicks high up on the right side, hiccups down low. I've also been able to catch a few glimpses of him moving. It's always at the weirdest times.

What I’m wearing: Dresses and flip flop plus some shorts here and there. It's hot here in Florida.

How’s sleep: I finally have a comfortable position at night, so that helps. Thank God for my body pillow.

Mood & energy: I've noticed I'm more tired at the end of the day. A quick 30 minute nap usually does the trick.

What I’m cravings: Still milk - well really anything dairy. Yogurt, milk, ice cream, cheese stick - you name it.

What I’m missing: Not having heartburn. I don't like it one bit.

Any new symptoms: My feet are starting to hurt. If I'm on them too long they really hurt.

Best moment this week: My first shower this past weekend, it was really great. I'll do a whole separate post on that.

28 Weeks - Hello Heartburn

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:57:00 +0000

How far along: 28 Weeks!

Size of baby: Cooper is 15 long and weighs 2 1/2 lbs. Holy cow - little man is gaining some weight!

Loving this week: Tums and sewing - well being finished with it.

Milestones: He's packing on the fat this week and can blink his eyes - which have lashes now. As for me, I've hit the bi-weekly doctor appointment mark. Where has time done?

Gender: It's a bouncing baby boy!

How's the belly look: I feel like it gets bigger and tighter each day. My belly button is getting more and more shallow and I thought I found my first stretch mark this week - be then it was gone in the AM.

Movement: Kicks high up on the right side, hiccups down low.

What I’m wearing: Loving my dresses still. A few smaller maternity shirts are starting not to fit.

How’s sleep: I had a few rough nights this week because of heartburn. I had to sleep upright to help it subside. Beyond that, peeing two to three times each night. Missing sleeping on my belly.

Mood & energy: I've taken a few naps this week. Just maybe 30 min to an hour. They help give me some motivation to get things done at night.
What I’m cravings: Milk - a first ever for me. It helps with my heartburn at night.

What I’m missing: I really think not sleeping on my stomach is my biggest thing right now. I need to figure out some kind of pillow configuration to make that work.

Any new symptoms: Heartburn - it's nothing like the first trimester. It's so much worse.

Best moment this week: So many things. My mom came up this weekend and helped me finish all of the sewing for the nursery. So glad to have that all done. Also, while here, she bought us our car seat! Eeek! Today I played with it with a teddy bear to practice. My shower is on Saturday this weekend and I'm starting to get really excited.

27 Weeks - Hello 3rd Trimester

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 03:37:00 +0000

How far along: 27 Weeks!

Size of baby: This week Cooper is about 14 1/2 inches long and weighs 2 lbs. Holy cow! He's the size of a head of romaine lettuce. Oh, and for those following along each week, we're getting to the point where we're just winging it when it comes to our weekly produce. Some of the sizes I read online just seem off when I actually get to the store.

Loving this week: AC! My God it's been hot. I'm scared to see our electric bill next month.

Milestones: Cooper is practicing his breathing this week. I'm pretty sure I've started feeling some hiccups.

Gender: It's a bouncing baby boy!

Have you started to show yet: Yea, no going back on this now. Got a stranger comment yesterday which I was pretty excited about.

Movement: Lots of kicks and hiccups. He's really active after I eat.

What I’m wearing: Dresses and maternity shorts. It's hot out and these keep me cool. Thank goodness that I work in an office with a casual dress policy.

How’s sleep: Hit or miss. Some nights I sleep like a rock, others, like last night, I toss and turn. Still peeing two to three times a night, and I don't think that's going away any time soon.

Mood & energy: Good. Been cooking more dinners each night, which is great for our wallet. Also worked on prepping our cloth diapers this week.

What I’m cravings: Chocolate and Nutella. Can't get enough of either. Also, chewy candies like swedish fish and fruit snacks.

What I’m missing: Cooler weather. 100 degrees for 4 days straight (and not stopping soon) is not fun. Just thankful that our AC is going strong **knock on wood**.

Any new symptoms: Some slight swelling. Had a hard time getting on my wedding rings this weekend, but still managed. Also, I woke up on Saturday with some nice leakage on my shirt. And so it begins.

Best moment this week: Hitting the 3rd trimester today. I really can't believe in 3 shorts months Cooper will be here. Starting to get pretty excited.