The Pratt's

Crazy boy

2012-02-10T20:34:00.000-05:00

Cooper set this up himself.

He is wild I tell you.

He loves to jump off of things. Which is exactly why I always climb up to the top of the big kid playset at the park. Cause I'm afraid he might jump out of one of the openings.

Anyway,

here is his homemade set-up.

Jump off the tractor headfirst onto the pillow.

And a smile afterwards!

This is him waiting for me to tell him it's okay to do it again.

Okay, who am I kidding. He is doing it again no matter what I say.

Calling all his buddies telling them what he is up to.

Poor Jack wonders when Cooper is just going to relax so he can get some rest.

He is freshly shaved from here.

Helps the dog hair from taking over our little home, but makes him look kinds sickly if you ask me. He loves it though.

There is alot going on around these parts. Parades started to "roll" big time today. St. Charles is all set up for Carnival season. 10 days of this!! You think I can survive?? See where it says Napoleon on the map?? We live there. One street over. So the madness is just beginning!!!

Next weekend thru next Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) will be crazy!! Everything shuts down on Monday and Tuesday of next week to celebrate carnival season and Mardi Gras. We are going to get into the spirit, hopefully, so I will keep you posted!!

Could be our first and last Mardi Gras in Uptown right in the middle of it all. We are (cross our fingers) trying to by a house in Madisonville!! (A small, quaint river town of about 10,000 people). Close enough to Nola, but nice and quiet.

I'll keep you posted on that :).

Friendship

2012-01-31T20:35:00.000-05:00

I have been so fortunate my entire life to have such great friends. Friends you talk to everyday and some you don't. Friends that understand different aspects of your life because they have experienced it. I've found friends in all different places and stages in my life.
Here is a good example of friendship:

Friendship has never been more important to me since, now, I am a mom. Especially since I am a stay-at-home mom.

I cried on the phone many times to my bestie back home about not finding friends in New Orleans. About feeling isolated in my home. About not knowing ANYONE. I mean, Andrew is awesome...but I need good girlfriends like peanut butter needs jelly.

So this brings me to all of these pictures. They are from a party at my friend Musi's home. She and her family are wonderful. Have you seen Modern Family? She is Gloria thru and thru.

It was a NOLA mommas party. That's our mom's club that we made up!! You see, I've met so many awesome stay-at-home moms here. And we all kinda met up at the same time so it wasn't like I was entering into a group that already had a bond. Each of us have our own story. How we "got in" to the club. Who we met that said...hey, I want you to meet my friend so and so. And you should be a NOLA momma!!

All our kiddos are about the same age, too!! Its so perfect! There are six of us...so far. We do "thirsty-thursdays" once a month (minus the kiddos of course). We work out together. We have playdates at our homes. We swim together with the kiddos. We do gymnastics together. We have parties at each other's homes.

Most importantly, we talk. About being a mom. About all the challenges it brings. About all the responsibility it brings. About potty training, snotty noses, sales on kids clothes, cool toys or games, snacks, and everything in-between.

Having these girls (who come from all over the world!!) has really made my transition here so much easier. I thought I would have too much time on my hands. Turns out....I have no time because I am always doing something!! Coop loves it too, because he is around other kids his age almost everyday.

So, thank you NOLA Mommas. (all of which are not pictured) May we all be friends forever.

Gymnastics day Wednesday

2012-01-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

Wednesday is gymnastics day for Cooper. He has been going for about a month now and is loving it!! He gets so excited everytime we arrive in the parking lot and does not want to leave when it is over.

Since we started, I have noticed some improvements in Cooper. He is learning to wait his turn (he actually did this today!)

He is learning to follow directions.

He is learning to jump (which he can now do) and has better balance.

He loves the trampoline, the balance beam, and anything he can tumble on. The good thing about the gym - everything is padded. It's hard to get hurt even if you fall.

We have made many new friends...both Coop and I...so its always good to get out and talk to other moms while Coop is releasing some energy.

It's already up to 60 degrees here. When Coop wakes up, we are headed to the park with Jack...gonna go by Whole Foods to pick up a chicken (they are on sale on Wednesdays) and head to the gym with daddy!!

Whew I'm gonna be tired tonight!!

See y'all later!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and other

2012-01-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

I hope y'all had a great Christmas....we sure did! My parents drove down from Knoxville and spent a week with us in 'Nawlins. I think we are all still recovering from all the fun stuff we did while they were here (more on that later).

Cooper loves his new tools he got from Avery for Christmas.

They go perfect with this workbench ~~daddy~~ Santa built for him. Isn't it cute?

Santa brought mommy a gift card to Anthropolgie and a night out by herself!! All you moms out there know what I mean!!

We spent this morning at the Parenting Center just down the road. Basically, its a giant playroom (indoor and outdoor) where kids can play and mommies can chat. Every city needs one of these. I swear, if I ever move back to Knoxville, I'm starting one. Membership is $100 bucks a year. And totally worth every penny. We go there at least once a week....sometimes more. They also have free apple juice and graham crackers for the kiddos.

I have met some great moms there that I now can call "friend". They have made my transition to NOLA so much easier.

I hope to blog more in this new year.....I know, I know. I say that every year.

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for our little family!!!

ps- andrew is going to the sugar bowl game tonight at the dome!!! he got free tickets from someone he played golf with the other day!! whoop whoop!!

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:27:00.000-05:00

Cooper is obsessed with Santa this year. We show him Ipad apps, pictures, videos, etc. all of Santa. He gets super excited, shy, and a little confused when he sees Santa in pictures.

Seeing Santa in person is a different story.

He is terrified of him. He only enjoys looking at him from a distance.

We were lucky enough to go to brunch with Santa at English Turn last weekend.

Look, momma and dada, there he is!!!

Cooper would only eat grapes for brunch. That's it. Each one of those grapes cost us about $2.

But he loved them.

Cooper is also obsessed with balloons. Here he is with Andrew.

They also had train rides, which was really cute. Cooper loves to go choo-choo!

Our family....one of the few shots of the three of us together.

And here's the evidence that Coop only likes Santa from a distance.

Can you see his tonsils??

I can.

Some stay it's torture to do this to your kids.

I think its essential to have a picture of your baby with Santa every year.

ps- this Santa was such a dud. he didn't move or talk. i'm pretty sure he was hungover.

Changes and back in time

2011-12-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

Well, we have finally settled into our little home in NOLA. It has taken some adjusting, but I think we are there. So many things have been happening since our move, so I will have to slowly update you on what is going on.
It is my goal to update this more...especially about our new adventures in 'Nawlins.

The night before we left Knoxville was...Halloween!! We were so lucky to spend this last night with my parents and all our friends and neighbors. All the kids in the neighborhood looked so cute dressed up.

Cooper's best buddy in the neighborhood, Mason (I mean, Woody):

We really miss seeing you everyday!!

Kisses for Mason

our dog mows our yard, too!

Coop's big brother and partner in crime, Jackson. boy, I miss this guy. he made my days better...everyday!!

our first stop, at Mrs. Marilyn's house

drew and reese

ayden....another buddy of cooper. and a bigger buddy of jack

pretty girls

sweet pressley

one last hurrah and mrs. barb's house...mason leading the way!!

Cooper's dog costume he borrowed from his buddy/BFF Mason...aka Woody (whom he misses very much and claps when he sees his picture) fit perfect and he looked so cute!!!

I have so much more to post about!! Hopefully I'll get caught up before Coop's 2nd birthday!!

Our new old house

2011-10-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

We finally found a house in NOLA! Real-estate is....let's say....very different there. Things come and go so fast. And it's expensive!! Andrew and I drove around alot calling about different places we saw that we liked. Responses included.. $450,000....$629,000....etc. etc. etc. So, to say the least, we are happy with our little rental for now.

Our new old house has lots of charm! It must be at least 100 years old. There are huge glass doorknobs, a fireplace in every room (5 total!!), huge 9 foot windows, 12 foot + ceilings (the things are high!), and updated kitchen and 2 full baths (which, believe it or not, is rare in New Orleans and in old homes), original hardwoods throughout the entire house. Its on a really cute street within walking distance to the park, streetcar, library, etc. We are only a few blocks from the Mardi Gras route which is exciting!! (No...not in the Quarter...the family friendly Mardi Gras in Uptown!) Tulane is only a few minutes away. We are living right in the heart of Uptown New Orleans. I mean...we practically live in the same neighborhood as Drew Brees. Haha!

Believe it or not, we found our new home on craigslist! Technology these days...I'll tell you what.

Please excuse these pictures...they aren't so good. And its been "staged". I promise this isn't our stuff!!

Last day

2011-10-10T09:55:00.000-04:00

my last day at work is kinda sad

but it's time to move on

looking forward and not looking back

happy monday y'all

Adventures with PawPaw

2011-09-13T19:33:00.000-04:00

So, my dad has an Iphone.

And my dad loves to take Cooper places.

Here's the evidence:

Checkin' out the fountains at Market Square

A little too young...at the arcade

Doggie like Jack

"Which one of these toys is PawPaw gonna buy me now?"

Swinging...one of my favorite things to do!

I love tractors!!!

At the firehall...a little nervous...check out the hands

Out on the farm!! My favorite place to be!

Seeing a horse for the first time

Me and PawPaw

Whhoooaaa!! A real tractor!!

Riding thru the woods

Changes and a new adventure!

2011-09-11T19:26:00.000-04:00

It's been too long since I have written on here! I haven't even had a chance to put up beach pictures - and that was in July. Every night a lay in bed and think of all the blog posts I should be doing, but I'm not. I guess real life gets in the way sometimes.

Here is a quick rundown:

Change #1 - Andrew is a HEAD coach!!

Tulane University came calling right when Andrew got back from a week in Scotland in mid-August. It all happened so fast!! They flew us down there...wined and dined us...and we said YES! It's a great opportunity for him to advance his coaching career at such a young age. Tulane is know for women's golf and the campus is absolutely beautiful! Makes UT look way to commercialized!! He is already moved down and enjoying living on campus (like a college kid- lol) until we join him sometime this year (or early next). We have to sell our home here (any takers?) and take care of a few things - primarily finding somewhere to live down there. I never thought I'd leave Knoxville...especially for NOLA, but I am excited to see what this new chapter brings. Everything happens for a reason...

Here is their logo...I need some green!!

Change #2 - I got my back/leg fixed....sort of

Anyone who is close to me knows I've been having severe leg pain for about 6 months now. The unbearable kind. The kind that makes you cringe. Well, turns out, I've had a bulging disc (a big bulge the doc said). So I went in for surgery 2 weeks ago. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but I am starting to feel better each day. I go to PT twice a week to "stretch it out" and get my lower back stronger. We really, really, really wanna sibling for Coop, so in about 6 months I'll get released to start trying!! So excited about that :)

Change #3

My mom has moved in with me for about 6 weeks cause I can't pick up Cooper (see #2). It's working out great...I really don't know what I'd do without her here. She has helped me in more ways than one. Cooper loves his Nana and doesn't even bat an eye at me anymore!

Change #4

Cooper is growing up so fast. I'm gonna dedicate an entire blog post to this, but he is learning and changing everyday! It's amazing! I love this age!!

I'll leave you with this picture from PawPaw's Iphone...on the farm today...

On our way

2011-08-10T19:20:00.000-04:00

Cooper did exceptionally well on our ride to Hilton Head.

We split it up into two days so we could visit McCormick, SC...home of Ms. Jane Fairburn.

"I'm so happy you finally turned me around. Now I can see all the cars, trucks, trees and (in McCormick) deer!"

Daddy drove most of the way. Oops! Caught red-handed with your phone.

You see, Jane and Andrew go way back.

To like 2004.

Andrew used to play this game called golf for a living (that means for money!) Wherever that week's tournament was, he would try to get housing (some nice person would let a golfer come stay with them for the week.) Along the way, Andrew (and me) met some wonderful people. Some we still keep in contact with.
Enter Jane.
She's just lovely. Her smile is lovely. Her house is lovely. And, most importantly, her heart is lovely.
We hadn't seen her since our wedding, so we wanted to swing (haha- get it??) by for a quick visit. She had never met Cooper and totally laid out the red carpet for us. She even borrowed a crib for Cooper!! (See lovely heart comment above).

Here she is:

She has...get this...16 (I think that's right) grandchildren!

Looking forward to many more years of friendship to come!!

Best Daddy

2011-07-22T20:31:00.002-04:00

Cooper has the best Daddy.
Hands down.
Andrew loves to build stuff. Especially things for Cooper. (He can't wait til Coop's old enough to help).

He worked on this sandbox project for ~~days~~ weeks (he told me it would take 2 days. well...that was 2 weeks ago and we finally got the last of the extra sand out of our driveway).

He mapped out a plan.

Dug up some grass.

Slaved in the hot sun.

With a little help

To make it perfect.

Father-son LOVE.

And I couldn't resist putting these cute dirty legs on here:

Well, I believe Cooper definitely has the biggest (11'x11') and probably one of the best sandboxes around.

Here it is: work in progress:

He thought Cooper needed a little step so he could get in and out.

And a bench all the way around...so he could take a break

Oh, and did I mention, it is the the most expensive sandbox ever build for a 15 month old?? Well, let's see...when you add up the cost to fix 2 irrigation lines that were hit and a windshield that was busted in the process of getting wood from Lowe's...it got pretty expensive. And the sand was free!

But Cooper LOVES it.

And that makes it worth it, right?

He also loved the sand pile in our driveway which is now gone...amen...I'm OCD and that thing was driving me crazy!

But he enjoyed it while it was there:

Every morning is started in the sandbox.

And almost every evening ends in the sandbox.

He wrote Cooper a message after he got it finished one night, so when he woke up and went out the next morning he could read it. (I think Andrew was hoping Coop was learning to read in his sleep).

I thought it was sweet!

(says: Daddy loves you Cooper).

13. 14. 15.

2011-07-19T19:40:00.000-04:00

Whew! Where have the last 3 months gone?? I remember thinking...I need to do a 13 month post. Then a 14 month. Now a 15th month!!! So, I'm multi-tasking. Yep. It's what I Mom's do best!

Coop has changed so much in the past 3 months. Here's a glimpse:

His personality is really starting to shine. He's my little explorer. Curious, friendly, and go-go-go from the time he gets up in the morning!!
Loves to dig, climb, jump, tackle, and ..yep...bite.
Says new words all the time. Bye-bye, Jack, night-night, ball, Jackson (our neighbor) and many many more!
Loves to play and jump on our bed.
Shakes his head no when you ask him anything. (example: Cooper, do you want to go to Toys R Us and pick out any toy? ...Cooper is shaking is head no!!)
Claps at himself all the time.
Also claps when he hears music or when we sing to him.
Probably weighs about 21 lbs. Very small....big head...big feet, too!
Takes 1 mid-morning nap....but goes to bed around 6pm and sleeps til 7am!
Has a nice little tan line on his back/behind from the beach!
Throws fits when he doesn't get his way!! Yep...I think we're gettin' a preview of the two's!

Kiss from Nana on his cheek! 13 months old!

14 months old - Fourth of July - Headed to the pool

14 months...with his buddy Jackson

Almost 15 months...almost

Check this out for more on our fun Fourth!! So glad Andrea's blogging keeps me motivated!!

Next up: beach trip!

Updates...

2011-07-18T13:34:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. I'm been a terrible blogger lately. But I promise...updates to come! I'll just have to leave you with this for now:

Cooper's face the first time he felt the ocean:

My big 3-0

2011-06-12T15:58:00.000-04:00

I wasn't dreading turning 30 as much as people probably assume. I'm not a big birthday person anyways, so I wanted it to be real low-key. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not like attention!

Andrew was nice enough to get up with Cooper and let me lay in bed and relax after 7am! He was downstairs banging all around (I was wondering what in the heck was going on down there). Well, then he brought me a stack of chocolate-chip pancakes and blueberries! Yum!

My sweet neighbors, Jackson (who is Jack's BFF) and Carter rang the doorbell holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers, sweet card and gift. What a surprise!!

How cute is this?

Then, my co-worker friend, Skip and his wife, Sandy stopped by to bring me some balloons (which have lasted all week and Cooper has loved them!) I was at my favorite shop partaking in some alone time and retail therapy, so I missed them!

Andrew had asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday - I told him I would love a night out (just the two of us). I had an idea all week he was up to something, but did a very good job hiding it. With the help of my bestie, he planned for everyone to be here before me. I was totally trying to spot cars in the parking lot that I recognized on our way in, but didn't find any. I thought when the waitress picked up 2 menus I was in the clear. Then I was greeted to a GIANT "surprise" when we walked out on the balcony! I'm ended up being really happy to have all my friends there...I just hate the unexpected.

Here's my friend Michelle and my bro, Bart:

The newly engaged Sean and Carol:

Me and the hubs

Monica and Terry, Erin and Tim and ...check out that view!

The bestie who helped ~~scheme~~ plan.

My day, from start of finish, was perfect!!

(Did I mention I got to get a haircut, too?)

Our park mornings...our pool evenings

2011-06-11T12:28:00.000-04:00

Almost every morning around 8am we find ourselves here:

We stroll down to the park (we're lucky to have one in our neighborhood) in our red wagon...dog in tow. Cooper can't wait to get out to explore.

One of my favorite parts about this new morning ritual...besides spending time with my boys...is this huge, old oak. It's simply beautiful.

Jack comes too, of course.

Cooper loves to stomp around...

dig in the dirt...

climb in everything...

and most of all, Cooper loves, loves, loves this swing.

Sometimes, we spend our evenings here:

Just hanging out with our neighbors, friends, and each other at the pool.

Cooper and his best buddy Mason.

Cooper's not a big fan of staying in one place at a time, but this baby pool contains him pretty well.

Last night, on our way back, we turned on the sprinklers so Coop could play for a few more minutes before bedtime.

He's not quite sure what to think about them. He's asking Andrew for "help".

So that's how our days work around here. So thankful to be off in the summer.

Summer is getting in the way

2011-06-08T07:40:00.000-04:00

of my blogging!!

I promised myself since I am now fully done with work 'til August 8th, I was gonna blog more. Well...there is something little, cute, spunky, wild, and sweet gettin' in my darn way!! Seriously, people. I've got some pictures I just can't find time to take my camera out of my purse and put them on here!!

So, Nana emailed me some pictures she took of Coop from this week when she came over. He is -gasp- 13 months old now!! (Missed that post, too. Looking like I'll be combining some in the near future).

Here they are...in all their glory. Already on my computer...so I didn't have to do much work.

BTW - I turned the big 3-0 Saturday. Looking forward to spending this decade as a momma. (post on that to come too!!! haha)

Sharing at it's finest

Trying to get my little booger to eat

How can you not love this face?

See that cut on his chin?? Fell on a tonka truck in our neighbors sandbox. All boy I tell ya. All boy. Cried for...oh...10 seconds...went right on playing.

Pool Party

2011-05-29T08:56:00.000-04:00

Nana brought this over:

So we filled it up!

Cooper loved it! His favorite part was climbing in and out, in and out.

And trying to figure out where that water was coming from?

Maybe from here...

Oops! This yard is a little uneven.

Must have...

2011-05-20T15:23:00.000-04:00

Have you see this on Etsy???

Its from The Laughing Girafee.

I'm just dying to buy it for Cooper. How cute would he look with his blonde hair and blue eyes?

The problem: the price!!

Can you ask for something for your kid for your birthday??

Hodgepodge and I follow...

2011-05-20T15:17:00.000-04:00

this blog everyday. She updates most days during the week and I'm always wondering what she is going to post next! I do not know her at all...which may seem weird...but I love love love to read other's blogs. I must have stumbled upon her blog at some point and just kept reading. You should check it out here. She is me in 30 years (retired, grandkids, travel, and fun fun fun!) Haha!

I also love to read several blogs that are written by my former students....great girls that have an awesome outlook on life. You should check out Taylor's and Jayna's!

Speaking of life...did you see this on O? If you didn't, you should check it out. Get your Kleenex out, yall!

Me and my bestie are gonna watch the final O together. With wine. Sooooo excited!!

Graduation tonight...then all day with my sweet Coop tomorrow!!

Pool opens next weekend!!!

Pumped up for summertime in East Tennessee!

12.

2011-05-15T20:52:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe my baby is ONE. It would be fitting that I'm a month behind on this post. I should of written this a while ago...but things get in the way (i.e. changing diapers, throwing fits, educating the youth of the world, playing in the dirt, cleaning up the food he has thrown across the room, and dang-in... JUST PURE EXHAUSTION). I'm pretty much a month behind on everything!

Cooper is growing like a weed...he comes up with a new "something" everyday. For example, today he decided it was sooo funny to put his head between his legs to look at me!! Hilarious!! Wish I had a picture but my camera batteries are dead.

Cooper likes to talk and point at everything. Yesterday, Andrew and I took him over to the zoo. He called every animal "Jack" and would point and beat on the glass. He LOVED it!

Coop's a wild man! He is into EVERYTHING, not scared of ANYTHING. Aka - typical boy. He loves the outdoors, dirt, cords, water, jack's food, climbing into the shower with mommy and eating soap!! Nonetheless, whomever is watching him is on the move!! No relaxing with Cooper. He is GO GO GO!

Coop man is also my little dare-devil. He will try just about anything...including jumping off of the bench that Andrew built for him. (More to come on that later...). He thinks that is sooo funny too!!

Jack is still his buddy. He loves to crawl all over Jack, pull his ears, and pretty much torture him. Jack doesn't seem to mind.

His light blond hair is coming in and he has a better tan than me!! So glad he doesn't have fair skin and will be burned.

Words at this point: mama, dada, jack, ball, night-night, bye bye (and he waves!)

Coop was still pretty small at his 1 year check up with Dr. Greg. Andrew took him, so I didn't get the low-down, but he is still around the 20% for height and weight (only weighs just over 19 lbs.) and 90% for head!! That big brain is still growing!!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from this 12th month of his life...courtesy of Nana who picks up my slack and takes tons of pictures with her new camera!!

Coop's first year in pictures

2011-05-10T19:11:00.000-04:00

Birthday

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months

The decor

2011-05-09T20:53:00.000-04:00

Nope, I'm not done talking about Coop's party. I'm a ~~lot~~ little behind on my blogging. There is plenty more to come. Here are a few pictures of the decorations. We went with a golf theme for obvious reasons. Plus it was Master's weekend.

News and Notes

2011-04-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

Several things are on my mind this morning...

Of course this:

Andrew's response when I turned the TV on at 6 am this morning...."You've got to be kidding me".
Of course I had to watch. Live.

This is also on my mind:

Downtown Knoxville

Devestation from the storms on April 27, 2011. Tuscaloosa got hit hard. They closed the University of Alabama. No finals. No graduation. Told the kids to leave. Get out. Go home. That's how bad it is down there. Crazy, huh?

I follow this blog. She is one of my favorite's to read. Her children live in Birmingham.

We woke Cooper up and hunkered down in the hall bathroom. He thought it was fun. We didn't.

My brother's car and house were damaged. He lives near Island Home...near downtown. Hail the size of baseballs at his house.

Pray. Just pray.

Hippity, Hoppity

2011-04-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

On your mark....get set....go!

What is it I am suppose to be doing exactly?

I've got to get my game face on Daddy!

With a little help from you, I can do it!

Still looking...

Found one!

Wonder what's inside?

I think I'll put it in my basket Nana got me.

Getting it back out of my basket

I love Easter eggs!

I know Andrew's eyes are closed...but look at Coop...he looks too cute for me not to include this picture!

Zoo friends

2011-04-22T13:39:00.000-04:00

Coop's first zoo trip:

Was a success...kind of...

He had fun hanging with his buds

Seeing Rosie:

Seeing Mr. Gorilla man

Up close

And a little too personal (notice Cooper's face)

But we made new friends (meet Sadie)

And played with old ones, too.

Nana's Photography

2011-04-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

Nana got a new camera. Yesterday she took something like 82 pictures. I haven't taken 82 pictures since Coop was born! Here are a few of her best:

Record Keeping

2011-04-19T13:06:00.000-04:00

I wanted to write down some things that Cooper has been doing so I don't forget:

1. Yesterday, Andrew had a morning meeting. Cooper was eating breakfast in his highchair and I asked him where Dada was. He looked around...really looking for him...and said "bye-bye".
2. Cooper now understands things I ask of him. I'll say, come on, let's go upstairs...and here he comes. I asked him to get me something (anything) in the other room and bring it to mommy. He brought be a pair of his pajamas.
3. A few weeks ago, it was bedtime. Andrew said, "night-night". I said "night-night". Then Cooper said it!! It was hilarious!

More to come, I'm sure!

In pictures

2011-04-17T13:31:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Cooper!

2011-04-15T17:36:00.000-04:00

Last year, at this very moment, I had know you for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

I now feel like I've know you my whole life.

Today as I reflect over these past 12 months, I know God made you perfect for me and your Daddy.

The wait...for you...was worth it.

Motherhood has changed me in so many ways...too many to name. All for the better.

Happy birthday to my sweet little boy.

The eve

2011-04-14T18:28:00.000-04:00

Seems so crazy to me that one year ago today , I was 39 weeks pregnant! Andrew came home from work and I told him I thought I might have been having a few contractions throughout the day, but didn't know for "sure". We were so ~~scared~~ excited for Coop to come, but were still 6 days away from the "due" date.

So we decided to stain the deck furniture. Yep, we're weird like that. But first, it needed to be pressure-washed. So we did that for a couple of hours from around 7:30 on. It was hard for me to work in long spurts because I was so huge, so Andrew did most of the work and I mainly watched.

I also decided that it would be a good idea to pack our bags for the hospital. I had been putting it off since I didn't have hardly anything on the "list". (You know - the ones you find online when you google "hospital bag for baby" or something like that). I honestly packed more things for Cooper than myself. Tons of stuff. It was kind of ridiculous.

Well around 9:30 after all the furniture had been washed, but not stained (we were going to do that "tomorrow"), we started timing the contractions. They were pretty sporatic, so we decided to go to bed. Around 12 I woke up, went to the bathroom, had a contraction, and told Andrew to call. This was it. I now knew what they mean when they said, "you'll know".

To make a long story short, we had a tax baby. And he brought us a nice little return this year, I might add!

Its pretty amazing how it all works isn't it?

From This:

to this:

in just one year!

Par-Tee Post on hold. Sunday-Monday fun instead!

2011-04-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

I'm waiting to post the official Par-Tee pictures after I get all the pictures. I was lucky enough to have my brother's girlfriend/photog/media specialist take tons of pictures and pretty much follow Coop around during his party. I've seen a few and am so EXCITED to see the rest. So more on that later.

I did, however, want to post a few from the last two (what feels like) summer days in Tennessee. The weather was down-right hot on Sunday. Andrew's been home, which has been GREAT, and he took Coop to the neighbors to play in the "pool" on Sunday afternoon.

Today was my day off, so me and Bub (that's what I call Cooper) got to spend some quality time together outdoors. Miss Avery came to play and so did Mason (too bad Coop missed him cause he was asleep) but Jack enjoyed it!

I'm ready to go Daddy!

This feels a little different than the bath!

I love brooms/swiffers/sticks.

I also love dirt!

Look at me...walking so good!

Two of my three boys

Miss Avery and Coop in their Mercedes

Trying to live up to the hype

2011-04-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

First birthdays are a BIG deal. I want Cooper's to be, too. I know he won't remember it. But I will. Are there any other mom's out there that feel the pressure? The pressure to make the first birthday perfect. The pressure to make sure you get lots of good pictures that will most certalinly be used in a wedding slideshow. The pressure you feel to make sure everyone's having a good time. Pressure (or sadness) that your baby is turning 1...and turning into a toddler right before your very eyes.

I feel all these things as I scramble around town...running errands (which means going to Hobby Lobby for the 7th time in a few weeks), cleaning, stressing, organizing, blah, blah, blah.

Well, the BIG day is tomorrow. (The official BIG day is another week away, so I have my baby for a few more days.)

Par-TEE pictures to come.

Dreams...

2011-04-01T13:19:00.000-04:00

It is my dream one day for Andrew and I to live in an old southern farmhouse.

With a screened-in porch.

On many many acres.

With larger than life oaks.

Filled with laughter of children.

And a pond for Jack.

And a tire swing for the kids.

Where you wouldn't have to worry about your kids crossing the street. Because there would be no cars for miles.

Your days would be filled with frying something up in the kitchen. And making lemonade. Swimming in the pond. Rocking a baby.

Nights would be spent playing board games, not watching TV.

We'd grown old here. Our grandkids could some stay in the summertime. We'd churn ice cream and play in the sprinklers.

Dreaming....one day this will be truth.

Constant Reminder.

2011-03-30T13:24:00.000-04:00

The lilypie ticker is a constant reminder for me these days.

That my little man is growing up.

Walking.

Talking.

Playing independently.

Only a few short weeks and he'll be 1.

A whole year has gone by.

Motherhood is cruel in some ways.

But most of all it is a magical experience you could not imagine until you live in it.

A glimpse of our big boy at 11 and 1/2 months old!

Sunny Days

2011-03-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

Went to the course today....just for a quick photo shoot.

Check out my Footjoys from the Gianniny's!

Putting lesson from the best!

One day, I'm sure I'll just be dropping off and picking up.

11.

2011-03-19T19:34:00.000-04:00

Eleven months have come gone

Next will be a year.

I can hardly believe it.

You make me tired.

You make me worry.

You make me crazy (sometimes)!

But most of all you make me the happiest I've ever been.

You make the grass greener.

You make the birds chirp louder.

And the sun shine brighter.

I feel like the luckiest mom in the world to call you mine.

I love you more than you will ever know.

Are you talking about me Mommy?

What's Cooper up to these days?

Trying to walk! Has 5 or 6 steps before the falls.
Squeezes his face really tight and smiles as big as he can with squinty eyes when he thinks something is funny.
Loves to crawl on, over, or beside Jack. He goes back and forth over him all day long.
He also loves Jack's bed and will crawl to it and lay his head down in it. Hilarious!
Likes the outdoors and will finally crawl on the driveway. Doesn't like the feeling of grass too much though.
Likes to try to pick my moles off my skin! (gross I know, but pretty funny when they don't move and he is wondering why?
Will talk your ear off...have no idea what he is saying except dada. I'm pretty sure he calls me "dada" too.
Loves to climb. Thinking of a toy that I can get him that he can just climb all over. (any suggestions)
Has more and more hair. Lots of hair on the right side (he needs it cut! haha). Still light brown/blonde.
He is the happiest baby most of the time (except when those little white things are arriving)
Has 4 new top teeth. The two middle top teeth are very far apart like mommies were when she was little!
Very, extremely, overly curious and into everything!
Does not like his carseart! Think he can make it another year facing backwards?
Still pretty little for his age. Guessing he weighs around 20lbs. Has the shortest little legs ever. They are the cutest!
Some 3-6 month clothes still fit him, but some 12 month stuff fits him too...go figure.
Loves to give everyone kisses...even Jack.
The funniest thing about Cooper is that he laughs all day long with me, Andrew, and Nana, but is very serious with strangers. Stares them down and will not smile at them at all.

And, of course, what every mom and dad say after they have a child, "What did we do with our life before you?".

Sharing at it's finest

Meal Planning 101

2011-03-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

I know all moms are looking for new recipies to make. I think it would be nice if we shared a few on here since we all read each other's blogs. If you see something you like, just send me a fb message and I will send you the recipie. Don't know if I can remember all the recipies off the top of my head right now! HaHa!

Since Andrew's on WW and has lost 25+ pounds already, I've been trying to make things that he can eat as well. So here we go (I'll start with today) -

Tuesday - chicken casserole (very easy) with roasted red potatoes and broccoli
Wednesday - going to try out my BFFs recipie for her great-grandmother's meatloaf! looking forward to this. will serve with mashed potatoes
Thursday - Chicken wraps with grilled onions (very easy, healthy, and yummy)
Friday - Since I got all that pasta for free and some cooking cream cheese (the new stuff) for 50 cents, I think I'll make the chicken pasta recipie on the container. I'll let you know how this turns out!
Saturday - Delicious chicken (my grandmother's recipie). Roasted red potatoes and corn.
Sunday - going to try out the Pioneer lady's yogurt chicken

Another thing I try to do is if I make a casserole/pasta/ or anything that can freeze easily, I try to cook 1/2 and freeze 1/2. That makes for a little easier time later in the week (or the next week). I highly recommend doing this!!

Looking foward to seeing all of yours!

Thanks Jane for the inspiration.

Bonanza!!!

2011-03-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

Couponing has become one of my favorite things to do. Crazy I know! You search, print, clip, download, organize, list, organize some more, print some more, etc. etc. It takes FOREVER to get ready to go to the store. But nothing beats the feeling of seeing the register go from $226 to $150.00 (that's 76 bucks folks)! Think of what you can do with all the extra money!

When grocery shopping, I've been trying really hard to not buy anything that isn't on sale. I mean, why pay full price? I use to be terrible and would just buy whatever. Now that I can see actual savings I can hardly believe I use to waste money like that. Oh yeah- and I don't buy stuff just because I have a coupon. I only buy stuff we actually use.

For example, this morning at Kroger, I got 6 boxes of pasta (the kind I already buy) for FREE!! And saved 34% off my total bill. My goal is to save 50% one day. I'm hoping with a little luck I can accomplish this feat!

If your into couponing, there are 2 really great sites out there. My neighbor, Kat, has this site. She does a great job and is even going to have a coupon workshop in our neighborhood this weekend! I'm super pumped to learn all the ends and outs (I think I know everything, but I know I don't). You've probably seen Coupon Katie in Live at Five at Four. Her site had a database of all sorts of coupons, which I really love. Its easy to use. This is where I discovered Target had coupons on their website. For those you who don't know, you can pair a Target coupon with a maufacturer's coupon and get a ton of savings. And I LOVE me some Target!

So, join me and SAVE money.

Just cause Jane wants me to (haha) I'll so some meal planning later.

My little stinker just woke up.

Next week

2011-03-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

Looking forward to spending ALL next week with these two:

Oh the joys of teaching.

Like Father, Like Son

2011-03-01T19:25:00.000-05:00

Cooper has discovered these:

We can't wait to show Daddy when he gets home!

Score!

2011-02-25T19:51:00.000-05:00

Erin and I headed over to the Picky Chick Consignment Sale yesterday and ended up leaving with some good deals! She faired better than me (her eye for a deal is better than mine!) and even wound up getting Avery 2 Lily Pulitzer tops for $10.

That's $5 each folks!

Those tops retail for $48.

I would know. I looked it up!

Then she promised me if I ever have a girl to pass them down. Score!

I picked up Cooper the cutest Fourth of July outfit...and since our neighborhood goes ALL OUT with a parade and shrimp boil it was worth the $20.

Brand spanking new with the tags still on!

It will look perfect with Jack's flag bandana and red collar!

I also got him another jon-jon for $4 bucks and the cutest new fishing shorts for $10.

The shorts were my splurge.

If only I could get my little man better we could have a fashion show.

Changes

2011-02-23T08:38:00.000-05:00

Cooper is changing so fast these days! In the last week, he has said, "dada" "mama" "jack", and has learned how to wave. Well, his wave is sticking his arm straight out. He has been giving kisses and high fives for a while. We are still working on the clapping!

He took one step the other day, but fell down. One step at 10 months old might lead to an early walker??

He also loves to take blocks off his tower and then put them back on! He used to be scared of the blocks and would cry when they fell. Now he thinks it hilarioius!

He is cutting some teeth up top (finally) but I feel so bad for him. He's drooling like crazy and has been chewing on his thumb. I've been doing to standard motrin, but that's about it.

He loves to eat anything himself, so we've been trying to come up with foods he can pick up and eat on his own...enter suggestions here please!

Cooper loves to look out the window so I'll leave you with this:

Ten.

2011-02-18T19:40:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my little man is 10 months old! Cooper is the sweetest little boy ever...always happy and smiling. He's very curious and mischievous and loves to get into everything. Here's what he is doing now:

Babbles all the time...especially when he wakes up

Sleeps through the night most of the time

Still only has 2 bottom teeth that he has had for 3 months

Gets scared easily...hates the car wash

Can stand on his own for about 10 seconds before he falls down

Loves to climb into and onto everything

Has discovered the outdoors...loves the birds and airplanes that fly over

Will eat anything...especially loves mandarin oranges and peas

Is allergic to eggs!! Yikes!

Will climb over Jack to get to something...Jack doesn't mind

I swear he said "Jack" the other day. Will say Da and Ma sometimes

He is getting more and more hair...looks like light brown/blonde

Stat's at his nine month checkup:

17 lbs 14 oz - 15%

27.3 long - 15%

Large Head - 85%

He is still short, small, with a big head!

Help a friend out!

2011-02-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

A sweet family that we adore is adopting a baby boy from Ethiopia. Go here to buy a shirt to help in their fund-raising efforts. Every penny counts!

This is the design...how cute is that? Wouldn't you love to wear this around town!! I would!

Check out this, too and read about their journey!

Lately.

2011-02-13T16:44:00.001-05:00

We've been doing a lot of :

Smiling

Reading

Exploring

Climbing

Last week was a super busy week for me! DECA Regionals was on Thursday (my students did awesome! I'm so proud of them!) and my marketing class is opening a school store (so proud of htem too!)....thankfully my AWESOME mom pitched in to keep Cooper a few extra hours and also managed to do all my laundry and organize my pantry!! Crazy! Thanks Nana!

A couple of weekends ago, Grammy and Poppy came in to town to keep Cooper while we joined our neighbors (6 couples total) at an awesome cabin in the mountains. We even had our own movie theatre...I watched 3 movies in 1 day. For those who don't know me, I have a problem with sitting still, so 3 for me is a record! I probably haven't watched 3 movies in the last ~~year~~ 9 months!

Cooper will be 10 months old next week!! So hard to swallow. Our little baby now seems like a big boy. He is such a happy little dude..we love him so much!

Jail

2011-02-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

My mom sent me this picture with the caption and I thought it was funny!

Mommy,

If you let me out I promise not to take it out around the block again.

Love, Cooper

Embrace the Camera Thursday

2011-02-03T19:47:00.001-05:00

Wish I could take the credit, but the beautiful, talented Lindsay Jane took this picture. Every family should get their pictures done by her...she is AMAZING!

My little man is getting so BIG! (trying not to cry here people!)

Thanks to the sweet Jane for inspiring me to embrace the day!

Daily Chuckle

2011-01-28T09:42:00.000-05:00

I saw this post on another blog and had to share it. It's a must read for all moms (and dads) out there!
This made me laugh.

Thinking of Having Kids? Do this 11 step program first!
by Brenna Gray Foster on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 7:00am

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

This is all very tongue in cheek; anyone who is parent will say 'it's all worth it!' Share it with your friends, both those who do and don't have kids. I guarantee they'll get a chuckle out of it. Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

Embrace the Camera

2011-01-27T18:51:00.000-05:00

Me and my main man!

Caught in the act

2011-01-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

Here is the evidence:

He loves to pull everything out of any drawer, cabinet, basket, or shelf. If he's not suppose to have it, then he wants it.

Thanks to my momma for taking all these pictures. She loves to document his days for me while I'm working :).

Embrace the Camera

2011-01-21T09:51:00.001-05:00

My friend, Jane, is "embracing the camera" and I'm joining her. Techincally, you are suppose to do this on Thursday's, but I'm one day late (too tired to blog last night...plus American Idol was on! - how beautiful is Jenny from the Block!)

Too many pictures are taken without the "mom" in the photo. Mom is usually the one taking the picture. On Thursday's, take a picture of yourself with someone and put it on your blog!

Me and my bub before I was leaving for work

Emily started this idea:
Here are the rules in Emily's own words:

1. take a picture with you and your kids/spouse/family member/friend/whatever.
2. blog about that picture and include a link to our blog, or grab our button.
3. link your blog post up on mr. linky below.
4. visit the other embracers...give each other lots of compliments about how good we look with our greasy hair and sweatpants velour jogging suits on. cause yah, we need a little boost when it's been days since our last shower.
5. have fun!

275

2011-01-16T00:49:00.000-05:00

275 days you have been in our lives

and ohhhh how it has changed

you are a gift from god in every way possible

we love you more than words can say

looking forward to the next 9 months with you

here's what's up in your world:

you love to be on the move...sittin' still is not apart of your daily life (sounds like mama)
you love jack and are starting to play games with him each day
you love nana and get super excited when you see her...she loves you, too
kiwi has become a fan favorite - so has yogurt - but rice cereal is your #1 choice
no one can eat in front of you because you want whatever it is we have
you love to babble all day long. you haven't said a clear "mama" or "dada" but whoever "baba" is must be really happy
you wear size 6-9 month clothing
estimated weight about 17 lbs
only 2 bottom teeth so far
you can sleep soundly in your crib from 7 pm - 8 am with one feeding around 3 or 4 am
everything you're not suppose to have, you want
you are the cutest, happiest baby all the time. your smile melts many hearts

Laughing

2011-01-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Knees. And Love.

2011-01-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

For some reason you've decided to get up on your knees now to move! For 2 months you pulled yourself very efficiently to get to anything and everything you weren't suppose to have. But hey, I'm not complaining, because maybe now you won't get as dirty!

Ran to get you some new pj's (you've seem to have outgrown yours!) and walked in to this:

You're so frisky now, we can barely dress you.

Here you are showing Jack your golf ball...telling him one day how you'll be a great player!

Eating the golf ball:

Excitement

2011-01-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

I've got 3 new followers on my blog!! I get very excited when I see someone new added. However, I KNOW more people read this thing...hello mom and dad?? Where are you?

Cooper woke up this morning the same way he usually wakes up. Going "AAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW" as loud as he can! If you were at the neighbors house, you could probably hear him he's so loud!

We walked downstairs to look at the beautiful snow that will probably keep me trapped in the house on this Saturday. (Dang...I was gonna go to that estate sale with Erin).

We've had more snow in Coop's first year of life than I can ever remember in East Tennessee. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE the extra days off work, letting Jack play with the neighborhood kids, making snow cream like my momma used to do for us, and being lazy! But I'm officially over the cold and the snow.

I know, I know, it's only January, but I'm ready for summer.

I'm ready to pull Cooper to the pool in his new wagon.

I'm ready to get a tan.

I'm ready to actually be warm.

But for now, I will enjoy this sweet thing:

2011

2011-01-05T15:38:00.000-05:00

I hadn't thought of a New Year's resolution yet. (Who has time to actually think these days?) Then a sweet friend came over with her precious little baby girl Adeline (love that name!) and we started talking blogging. She has a blog and has vowed to start updating....her posts are usually pretty inspirational to me so I hope she continues.

I was telling her that I think of my blog as a scrapbook for Cooper and his own family to look at one day (when he's married and gives me lots of grandkids!). And then I got to thinking how I never blog. A few times a month in not enough to capture what's going on in his life.

So, my resolution is to blog TWICE a week. And to share with you stories from other blogs I find.

That's 104 blog entries I have a head of me...

And this is #1.

So follow me...there's a tab you can click on my blog if you want to be an official "follower". Lots of you tell me you read this, but I only have 4 followers!! Let's get that number up people!!

Hope I can come through with my resolution this year!

Christening, Christmas, and Cooper!

2010-12-27T14:39:00.000-05:00

Lots of stuff has been happening around the Pratt household...

This little guy turned 8 months old:

and is now pulling up on everything...and has a few bruises to show for it too!

Cooper was baptized last weekend at our church, Sacred Heart. Here he is with Deacon Jim (who also married Andrew and I) and his godparents Aunt Katie and Uncle Matt

At church on Christmas Eve...

Cooper's first Christmas was white:

And it snowed even more the next day and Cooper went outside with Jack and Daddy (Mommy is obviously the smart one.)

Jack enjoyed the snow most of all:

Cooper checking out his stocking on Christmas morning...

And all of his new toys from Santa

Andrew FELL ASLEEP during the Rountree/Pratt Christmas...we obviously had a little too much fun with that. Brother Bart made this bumper sticker for Andrew to represent his love for Ian Poulter:

If you can't read it...it says... "Ian Poulter is a douchebag...confirm'd" !!

If pictures had sound you would hear him snoring!

Giving thanks...Memphis style

2010-12-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

This is a long overdue post (hey...its only 12 days til Christmas, but who's counting), but since I consider this blog a scrapbook for Cooper to look at when he is older, I couldn't leave out his FIRST Thanksgiving! We traveled to Memphis to be with Andrew's family there. Jack made the trip a little hard...Cooper did great!! Next time, Jack might be spending the weekend with Nana and Milo!

Before the big feast!

Happy Cooper after the big feast!!

New Shots

2010-11-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

Lindsay, of Lindsay Jane Studios, took Coop's 6 month pics a couple of weeks ago. They turned out better then we could imagine! Check them out here!

Here's a preview:

Doesn't that sweet face make you want to look at the rest?

This free something is a good something.

2010-11-19T11:15:00.001-05:00

Top 10 8 reasons shutterfly is the best place to get holiday cards?

1. Easy - even my parents could do it!

2. Great designs

3. They have stationary paper - so it is not printed on that cheap photo paper stuff

4. The price is right!

5. They have other stuff besides cards...I plan on ordering some calendars from here and maybe some stuff for the grandparents for Christmas.

6. It's super easy to search for the right card for you.

7. It's super easy to upload your pictures on the site.

8. If you blog about it...they will give you 50 free cards!! How crazy is that?? Deal of the century! Better than Oprah's favorite things! (BTW - shutterfly should have been on Oprah's show!!)

I've already picked out my card. (I'm not tell you which one) Now I have to decide which picture to use. One of Cooper only? One of fam? One of Cooper and Jack? Cooper when he was born? Now? Decisions. Decisions.

Sharing.

2010-11-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Cooper is already learning how to share.

He shares his rubber duck with Jack.

Jack shares his bone, football, and Kong with Coop.

Coop loves to play with anything that is not a toy. (i.e. cords, vacuum cleaners, dog food, nasty dog water, anything that has been in Jack's mouth, dirty shoes, pumpkins, grass, etc.)

Cooper and Jack love to play together:

Showdown for the bone. Check out Jack's tongue.

Seven.

2010-11-15T19:55:00.003-05:00

Seven. Wow. I cannot describe how I feel about Cooper turning 7 months old. For some reason...this mark makes it seem like it is going by TOO fast. Six didn't feel like this. Seven feels so....old! Time goes by...FAST! I don't think you truly experience this until you are a parent.

At 7 months, Cooper is thriving. Here is what he is up to:

Has 2 bottom teeth (broke thru about a week and a half ago)
Probably weighs about 16 or 17 lbs.
Crawling...everywhere! He is fast! His favorite thing he is not suppose to have is Jack's water and food bowl.
Happy Happy baby! Smiling and laughing a lot!
Very mischievous and curious. His little personality is coming out.
Everything he touches goes in his mouth.
Loves it when his daddy plays with him.
Starting to cry when mommy walks away...oh no!
Loves to grab at Jack's paws and ears. Jack doesn't seem to mind.
Eats all types of baby food...makes a HUGE mess.
He's a bit of a wild buck sometimes. He is very active..usually wants to be down on the ground exploring.
He's a fighter...hard to put to sleep...but once he gives up...he's out!
Still a cat-napper..usually a few 30 minute naps a day if we are lucky!
Hates his clothes being changed.
Goes to bed around 7...sometimes will wake up a few times...sometimes not. Sometimes will wake up A LOT! Likes to wake us up at 5:30...rearing and ready to go! (see below)
He will wear you out! (tip: when Coop goes to sleep, you go to sleep!)

Pictures to come...my camera is in his room and I don't want to wake him.

See the last tip?? Goodnight! :)

I've been dreaming...

2010-11-07T19:02:00.004-05:00

Now that I've lost all my baby weight (plus), I've dreaming of these:

These are a tad bit out of my price range, so dreaming is all I'll be doing :)

Thoughts...

2010-11-07T18:23:00.002-05:00

Listening to my baby cry himself to sleep (I tried to get him to go to sleep, but he's a fighter), I decided to blog about all the random things in my head.

1. Daylight savings time is only good if you don't have kids and your husband is in town. Plus getting dark at 5 o'clock SUCKS!
2. Single mothers have the hardest job on the planet...including those moms who have hubbs that travel ALOT. You have it HARD!
3. A teething baby = no sleep.
4. Why doesn't mapquest start their directions on #5...I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood!
5. I spend way too much time on etsy and facebook. I need to take a break from those and get some stuff done!
6. How can one 6 month old have so much laundry?
7. How the hell are you suppose to fold a fitted sheet?

Well, my son is still crying...it's been 15 minutes since I put him in there...should I go get him?

Have a great week everyone!!

The cutest pumpkin on the block!

2010-11-01T20:07:00.003-04:00

Cooper had a big first Halloween weekend! It got kicked off Friday night with a kids party in the neighborhood. Cooper loved it so much he fell asleep at the party!

Saturday he was so tired from Friday, he slept from 7pm to 7am! Well...he did wake up a few times, but went right back to sleep.

We had a great time on Halloween day walking around with our neighbors and seeing all the kiddos get candy. There were tons of people in our neighborhood. We stayed up until almost 9 passing out candy. My last minute purchase of 300 dum dums at Kroger really saved the day. We were plum out at then end of the night...including what I had already bought!

Remember that LARGE head I was telling you about? Well...Coop's hat was tight! We didn't make him wear it long.

I was trying to get Jack to "stay" so I could get a good picture of him and Cooper. (see below) I was enticing him with a treat...check out that tongue! He could stand it! Cooper's can't quite sit up yet...so we resorted to below.

Mommy helping my little man sit up. He's not quite there yet! He can however...crawl all over...he's quick too!

T - E - double N - E - double S - double E

2010-11-01T19:57:00.004-04:00

Jen and Blake stopped by to see their little man!
Coop's first tailgate - success! (Except we lost)

Our neighbors (not our tailgate neighbors...our real neighbors!) Go SVF!
Aww...the fam!

1/2 a year

2010-10-26T20:01:00.008-04:00

Can you believe Coop is already 6 months old? I know every momma says this, but my little guy is getting so BIG! We fall more and more in love with him each and every day. His personality is starting to form...Cooper is very happy and loves to laugh. He is very determined and can now get to anything he wants with his "army crawl". (I think its abou ttime to baby proof!) He also gets very impatient sometimes (especially with food!) and cranky when he gets tired! Remind you of anyone?

We took a trip to see Dr. Greg yesterday and here are his stats:

15lbs 10 oz - 20th percentile

25.6 inches - 20th percentile

46.3 head circ. - 97th percentile! (his head houses his LARGE brain that will get him into Harvard one day)

Cooper is hitting all the marks and Dr. G said he couldn't ask for a more healthy baby...can I get a PRAISE THE LORD??!! We truly are blessed!

Here's Coop in his world:

Chillin' in a bucket

Chillin' with Mommy

His BFF Avery

His other BFF Mason

Learning how to feed himself

Visitors.

2010-10-12T10:23:00.002-04:00

Grammy and Poppy came to visit Cooper...he was very excited!

The life of Coop-man

2010-10-11T08:54:00.005-04:00

What Cooper is up to these days...

Helping Nana with the laundry

Napping on the couch after all that hard work

Eating his piggies!

Bonding with Jack (Jack looks HUGE in this picture)

Learning how to feed himself

Sucking on Sofie

Maneuvering around in baby Einstein

And doing lots of drooling.
Trying to get a tooth.
Trying to sit up on his own.
Talking and making all sorts of funny noises.
Picking and eating grass.
And waiting for Friday!

Six month post to come.

My wish...

2010-09-23T13:31:00.005-04:00

Driving down the road the other day, I heard the song by Rascal Flatts - "My Wish" on the radio. I have never really paid attention to the lyrics before, but for some reason started "really" listening to them. It almost brought tears to my eyes thinking about sweet little Cooper and I couldn't help but wish all of these things for him:

I hope you never look back, but you never forget
All the ones who love you and the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get

Oh, you'd find God's grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, more than anything

My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to.
That your dreams stay big and your worries stay small
And you never need to carry more than you can hold

I pray that I can raise a strong, God-loving man that will connect with, inspire, help and love people the way his daddy does.

This is really my 5 month post

2010-09-22T18:39:00.007-04:00

Cooper is 5 months old! Well, technically he is 5 months and a few weeks, but who's counting (ahheemm....I am!). I wanted to write down some of his "milestones" so when I actually get around to working on his baby book, I can reference the blog.

What Coop loves:

Eating his vegetables - carrots and sweet potatoes are your favorite. You don't like peas..at all! You also love fruit...no suprise there. You make a huge mess...we learned to just go with a diaper and a bib to avoid ruining any more clothes.

Laughing at Jack, pulling his ears, and poking him in the eye! He has definitely discovered his doggy and loves him very much. I think the feeling is mutual. Jack is just waiting for the day Cooper can run around with him. Jack is so sweet, too. He lets Coop mess with him and doesn't even bark or growl. He just lays there!

Rolling, flipping, and scooting around. You are a very determined mind and will find a way to get to what you want (usually the remote or my cell phone is tops on your list!)

Smiling! All the time - you're a HAPPY baby!

Laughing at Jackson! Boy- he can turn a frown upside down.

Looking at yourself in the mirror. (I wonder, do you know that's YOU?)

Being outside. I hope this continues into the future, because we're an outside kinda family!

Reaching up for Mommy when you are in your baby Einstein and want out. It really makes my heart MELT!

Your baby Einstein has become your favorite toy. You will play with it for a good 30 minutes at a time. You have learned to turn completely around in it!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Yes, I'm that mom that let's him watch TV. I'm not sure if he really knows what is going on and his attention span is about 10 minutes. But hey - it gives me time to make my breakfast and enjoy it!

Going anywhere...you love all the attention you get and looking around at all the new things you see especially the signs at Krogers. Sometimes you have that "scared" look on your face...it's priceless.

To stand and try to walk. Your legs are strong (so is your grip!). We might be using Jack's leash sooner than we though! ha ha!

To pull my hair! (see grip comment) Ouch!

To babble in the morning when you wake up. Andrew and I just lay in bed and laugh hysterically at you.

To eat your feet!

Grabbing at anything and anyone you can get your hands on!

5 month stats:

Weight - approx. 14 lbs. (maybe more)

Height- not sure, but he is SHORT! All his shorts are pants and his pants...well...we need to get them hemmed or something!

Wears 3-6 month clothing

Eats about every 3 hours...formula, cereal, fruit and vegetables.

Sleeps good on most nights. Bedtime is between 8-9pm...wakes up around 7 or 8. Might wake up during the night, but nothing a pacy can't solve. Put it back in and right back to sleep! We are soon going to "teach" him how to put himself to sleep. When I get enough energy.

Happy 5 months!

2010-09-15T13:17:00.001-04:00

Future VOL in the making

2010-09-07T12:12:00.003-04:00

Cooper was born to be a VOL. His Daddy and Mommy are Vols. So is Gramps and Aunt Katie, and pretty much everyone else we know. Jack even roots for the Big Orange. I think one day he might even go to UT. That's if HE turns down Harvard, MIT, and Duke first...ya know, to stay close to home.

We decided a football game with 100,000 screaming fans, a loud band, and lots of sun, was not a good place to take a four month old. So he will have to wait until next season to see his first UT game.

We took a few shots in his UT hat before we headed out:

Four

2010-08-29T16:15:00.006-04:00

A lot has been happening around here since my last post. This little guy turned 4 months old...

Ain't he cute?

Cooper has been bonding with Jack...

and sleeping on his back...

and with his Daddy ...

Hanging with Gramps...

and spending afternoons with Nana while Mommy is at work.

He's very loved by Jack...

tasting his first cereal..."eww...what is this stuff?"

"umm..not so bad"

News around town...

2010-08-08T18:12:00.005-04:00

These past few weeks have been spent in the sweltering heat of a Tennessee summer...trying to stay inside and cooled off! It's a sauna out there! This is my last day before "go back to work week" begins! Yikes! I remember thinking in April how much time I am going to have with Coop before I have to go back...yet here it is!! I am very blessed though to have Nana care for Cooper while I will work 1/2 days at school. So I won't be gone from him for long! He simply is the love of my life! (along with his daddy, of course!)

Last weekend was spent in HOT-LANTA with my girlfriends!! I was sad to leave Coop, but we had an awesome time shopping, eating, and just catching up. It was nice to wake up to...nothing. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing Cooper in the morning, but all the moms out there know what I mean!

Andrew has been busy working on and tweaking his new product, The Perfect Putting Board, which should hit the market VERY soon! He has been "inventing" this training aid for about a year now and it is finally a finished product. He sold 50 yesterday! Woop Woop! For all your blog readers/golfers out there you can check out the website at http://theperfectputtingboard.com/ .

Cooper is continuing to grow and change each and every day. He will be 4 months old next week! I promise I'm gonna upload a video soon!

Mini vaca in the minivan with our mini Coop!

2010-07-26T14:21:00.005-04:00

This past weekend, Andrew, Cooper, Jack and I headed to Lake Lure for a much needed mini-vaca. We enjoyed visiting the town, hanging out on the lake, and simply relaxing. As you can imagine, Jack LOVED the dock and jumped off it about 100 times. He even followed Andrew around as he paddled in the canoe one early morning while me and Coop were sleeping. It was extremely hot, so most of our afternoons were spent inside...it was just too hot for Cooper to be anywhere else! We can't wait to visit again next summer when Cooper can enjoy the water more!

Dad and Cooper hanging out of the dock

Kisses for Coopy

Beautiful sunset one evening from our dock

He's a keeper

Can you guess which one is mine?

This great mexican restaurant had a nice patio and even let us bring Jack! As you can see, it was too hot for Coop-man and he just fell asleep!

Lake Lure is where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Here is Baby's Cabin

And Johnny's Cabin

And of course a few pics of Jack enjoying his time:

Seriously and too good to be true.

2010-07-13T09:31:00.011-04:00

It's hard for me to believe that Coop is 3 months old! I remember this time last year Andrew and I were trying hard to get pregnant and struggling with life's ups and downs. Coop is truly a gift from God and every time I look at his sweet face I can't help but think of the little miracle he is.

Here he is practicing catching a fly ball!

Hanging out in the tub...one of his favorite places.

He is continuing to grow and he still eats all day long - about every 2 hours. Thankfully, he has been sleeping through the night for a while now, so I guess he is just getting enough food during the day! I took him for his 2 month check-up and dreaded shots a couple of weeks ago. He let out the loudest scream I've ever heard when the nurse stuck him 3 times! He didn't like the oral shot either! Mom held it together and just kept thinking of the sweet tiny baby in the waiting room that was 5lbs and 11 weeks old! They had JUST left the hospital. Could you imagine having to leave your newborn at the hospital for 3 months?! Thinking of them definitely made it easier to watch Coopy get those shots! We are so blessed and thankful for a healthy baby.

Coop loves to talk and babble and especially loves it when his daddy comes home from work. His face lights up when he hears Andrew's voice in the afternoons. He's very active always wanting to try to stand up and even walk with a little help. Recently, he has started to grab at things and hold some toys. He is still trying to figure that out though!

Our summer nights can be spent walking around the neighborhood visiting with friends or going down to the pool. Yes, he LOVES the water and it wears him out...sometimes we even get him to go to sleep at 9 instead of 10. He is, by far, the youngest baby in the pool, but with his swim shirt and hat he is well protected from the sun. We figure when he is swimming in the 2030 Olympics, we can tell stories on NBC about how we put him in the pool when he was 2 months old!

Here's Coop with Jack's BFF Olivia

He has discovered his hands and will shove his entire fist in his mouth and then choke on it!! He hasn't discovered his feet or his other "thing" yet, but I'm sure he will soon!

Our Fourth of July firecracker!

His eyes are turning more and more blue everyday and his hair is lightening up. He still has the dark patch of hair on the back of his neck. Everyone always comments on his long fingers and toes. They are long to make up for his short legs he gets from mommy and daddy. All pants, shorts, shortalls, etc. are too long on him!

I'm dreading going back to work, but thankful I only have to teach 2 classes this next school year, so my mornings will be spent at home with Cooper. We are so lucky to have Nana come over to watch Cooper everyday and she assures me she LOVES it and wouldn't have it any other way.

We survived our first road trip to Memphis to visit Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Katie, and Uncle Matt. We even took Jack along for the ride. (I think he was harder to handle than Cooper.) Leaving at night is the only way to travel with a baby and a dog. Seriously. We found Memphis' hidden treasure (did anyone know Memphis could be cool?) - an awesome dog park for Jack that was about 100 acres and had 2 huge ponds. He loved it!

After having so many people tell me they actually read this thing, I'm trying to be a better picture taker and blogger...so more to come soon!

To Do List:

2010-07-09T16:38:00.004-04:00

Updating our blog has been on my to-do list for a while...and it keeps getting put on the backburner. Maybe if Coop liked his swing then I could update more :). Of course, when Andrew is on the computer, he falls asleep in it, but when I'm on, he cries. I promise to update soon...but here's a picture of our recent road trip to tide you all over:

My life...

2010-06-17T20:22:00.008-04:00

Hey guys! Cooper here. Mommy calls me Coopy and Daddy calls me Coop. Here's what's been going on in my life.

Gramps came over to visit and we had on the same shirt! Can you believe that?

I love my bathtime and am so happy to be clean! Mommy cleaned all the goo off my neck!

This is my daddy. We LOVE to kick mommy out of the bed in the morning to cuddle.

I love to play on my mat. I turned my head all the way around to watch the US Open on t.v.

Can you believe I'm 2 months old already??

3 years later...

2010-06-09T17:25:00.005-04:00

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Rolly Polly

2010-06-05T22:19:00.000-04:00

This little fella rolled over today! And I saw it with my own two Lasik enhanced, 20/20 vision, blue eyes! So much fun watching him grow up!

Leaving...

2010-06-05T22:12:00.001-04:00

Andrew and I decided to take a little get-away this past week to celebrate my birthday.
Coops only 7 weeks old.
We're talking Chattanooga, not Paris!
And only for 1 night.
Less than 24 hours was all I could handle.
And I cried.
But we got some "alone" time.
Andrew made fun of me.
We ate a a yummy restaurant.
We watched some golf.
We, I mean ME, counted down the minutes until I saw his sweet face again!

This is a picture of us before I left him for the first time!

Rub a dub dub

2010-06-02T09:40:00.000-04:00

Cooper loves his bathtime. Its so nice to stick him in the sink and let him soak for a while without hearing him scream! We tried the bathtub, but the sink seems to work better and its a lot easier since most of his "bath stuff" is in our diaper room (formerly known as the dining room). Check out these cute pics of our adorable, genius, best baby ever!! (Am I a proud Mamma or what?)

Our 6 week old teaser baby!

2010-05-28T15:35:00.006-04:00

I can't believe Coop is 6 weeks old already! Time truly does fly by...especially when that time is spent taking care of a newborn. How do mom's with 2 kids do it?? Cooper went for his one month appointment a few weeks ago and he weighs a whopping 9 pounds!! Our boy is growing...he should be by the way he eats! Cooper is also sleeping great...usually from about 10:30 pm - 6 or 7 am straight! Not a peep! He sleeps in his crib, but we put his lamby seat in his crib...its the only thing that will get that boy to sleep good! I wish I could say it was my awesome parenting skills that got him to sleep through the night at 5 weeks old...but its not. He's just a teaser baby...teasing us into having another one!!

We've enjoyed the time with Cooper lately. He is starting to make eye contact and is very alert most of the day. He loves to play on his mat and Jack will lay right beside him and watch. We love it when he smiles and giggles (sort of). He loves to be outide and LOVES to go for walks in the stroller.

Here's a pic of him...it actually looks like he is holding the sign! (He is after all a genius!)

I've got my camera ready...

2010-05-28T11:45:00.004-04:00

I've been a big slacker about taking pictures. I've always been a big slacker about it. Example: Andrew and I went to Vegas and I didn't take one picture! I've vowed to change my ways...especially since Coop's arrival. Well, I FINALLY charged my battery and started snaping some photos last night. It's amazing how fast Cooper is growing and changing everyday! Here's some of my favorites (especially the one where he is trying to suck Andrew's nose...must of been hungry!)

Time flys...

2010-05-15T21:44:00.004-04:00

Dear Cooper,
You are one month old today! Before I know it, I will be saying you are one year old, then ten years old, then...well I don't want to even think about it! Where did the time go? It's scary, really. It seems like a few days ago we were bringing you home thinking, "How are we going to do this?". Those midnight and 3am feedings have become "normal" now! (Don't you know mommy and daddy are big sleepers!) You are more alert than ever and you love to be held and walked around the house. Anything that keeps you moving keeps you from crying (stroller, car ride, carrier, etc.) I've loved every minute being your mom so far and can't wait for the rest! I love you Coopy!!

Love,
Mom

Daddy reading you a story called "I love Daddy"

Just hanging out

2010-05-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of Coop and Jack hanging out last night. Jack's patiently waiting for the day when he can really play with Coop.

Amazing...continued

2010-05-11T09:43:00.005-04:00

To see more than you could ever want to see of baby Cooper, you can go to LindsayJane's website and enter in our code Sara Buff2010 (exactly like that with the space). They are beautiful pictures of Cooper that I will cherish forever (and a few cute ones of Jack, too!)

Amazing...

2010-05-06T20:41:00.003-04:00

A friend from high school, Lindsay Hinckley McCormick, who has amazing talent and a successful photography business came to take Cooper's newborn pics. Her website is lindsayjanestudios.com. I'm in love with them almost as much as I'm in love with Cooper. Here's a preview:

More to come...I promise!

Everybody has their labor story..

2010-05-04T20:14:00.009-04:00

Here's mine!

Timeline:

Wednesday, April 14
1 pm - Felt mild contractions, but nothing to scream about
5pm - Took Jack for a long walk with Andrew
7pm - Begin to get very anxious about Cooper's arrival...need something to do
7:30 pm - Pressure wash deck furniture
9pm - Start watching American Idol and timing contractions...6-7 minutes apart...thinking about Dr. Shirk telling me - "Don't call until they are 3-5 minutes apart for an hour!"
11pm - Decide I'm not in labor and go to sleep

Thursday, April 15
12:30 am - Wake up to another contraction and decide to wake Andrew up and start timing them again
12:45 am - Decide we better call the hospital... I'm in pain! They tell us to come in so they can check me out... I really hope I'm not in false labor... Cooper's due date is still 5 days away!
1:30 am - Arrive at hospital to find our instructor, Lynda, is our nurse..yeah!! And she tells me I'm dialated to 5cm!! (Now we're glad we came in!) Music to my ears...I can get my epidural now!
3am - Get my epidural...all is good now. Dr. Shirk comes in and tells us to relax and try to get some sleep...yeah right!

After my epidural...laboring away!

3am - 6am - They break my water and the next thing they tell me is I'm dialated to 10cm. Time to start pushing!!

James O. Shirk - my amazing doc!

6am onward - PUSHING, PUSHING, PUSHING!!!
6:48am - Cooper arrives looking EXACTLY like his daddy's baby picutre...they put him on my chest right after he is born and it's heaven on earth!

Andrew was a huge "coach" throughout helping me every step of the way...and watching everything (I hope he's not traumatized!).

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-04-28T13:55:00.003-04:00

Or not enough time to write a post Wednesday...
So a sweet picture of Cooper will have to do!

Where has the time gone?

2010-04-22T12:48:00.004-04:00

Dear Cooper,
You are 1 week old today!! We can't believe that you are getting so old! You have been a good baby so far, you just like to eat, eat, eat, and mommy can't keep up! We went back to Dr. Greg's office today and you don't even have to go back again for a weight check because you gained more than enough! We love to watch you make funny faces, but we also love to watch you sleep! Our world has changed, but it is totally worth it and will just keep getting better.

Your big brother Jack loves you just as much as we do. He loves to sniff you and give you kisses and is not bothered at all by your late night screaming. He just keeps on sleeping!

You look exactly like your daddy's baby picture and your hair is getting lighter each day. I bet you are going to look more and more like him!

We love you Cooper!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Speechless...

2010-04-20T18:26:00.002-04:00

I think this says it all:

Showing signs...

2010-04-13T15:59:00.002-04:00

Cooper is showing some signs that he might be coming sooner than later. I had my "show" this morning and lost my mucous plug...I won't go into details...and had to go back to the doctor again! (I just went yesterday and she said I wasn't dialated). Today, Dr. Shirk said I was dialated almost to 2 cm and my cervix was thinning. So I'm showing progress which is good. I've been having back contractions on and off today...more on than off...but nothing timeable. I'm been keeping myself busy being off of work...mainly going to the doctor and spending quality time with Jack. I'll keep everyone posted if there are more changes! Hopefully, Cooper will come this week!

The nursery...missing 1 thing...

2010-04-04T14:53:00.003-04:00

All our nursery is missing is our sweet baby boy! Hopefully he will be making his arrival soon! Here are some pictures of the (somewhat) finished product:

Check this outfit out that Jami got for Cooper...how adorable...we're crossing our fingers for a Master's baby!

16 days...

2010-04-03T09:32:00.002-04:00

In 16 days....(+ or - 10 days according to the doc)I will be a mommy! Andrew will be a daddy! I still have tons of stuff to do...Andrew needs to hurry home so we can get this ball rolling! I am sort of hoping it rains today so I am forced to stay inside and get some things done. The sunshine is just too alluring. Here's what's on my checklist:
1. Pack hospital bags
2. Put together Coopers's monitor, bouncy seat, and all the other contraptions that
go along with a new baby!
3. Get car cleaned and install car seat...in both cars! Scoot over Jack...there is a
new Pratt in town!
4. Figure out how to add Cooper to our health insurance and put the info in the
hospital bag (see #1).
5. Nest (I think this means...according to all my friends...that I am suppose to go
on some mad cleaning spree and scrub the toilet with a toothbrush.) This hasn't
happened yet.
6. Read up on my BabyWise...again.

I'm sure there are about a million other things I need to do (I'm thinking of them right now). Can't wait for my cute hubby to get home so he can help!

Showered with LOVE....4 times!

2010-03-27T19:17:00.016-04:00

It's official....Cooper now has more clothes than me and Andrew combined! After 4 amazing baby showers, we have more baby items that we could ever imagine! We are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family to help us get started on this new chapter. My friend Denise said, "What would you do if you didn't have showers?" Well, I have no idea!! We have received more than we could imagine, then some! Here are few highlights from the showers.

It all started in January in Memphis...

These are the sweet ladies in Maureen's bunko group that hosted a shower in January. It was a long drive, but totally worth it!

Beautiful Cake from Memphis Shower

Of course, Gordo would be the only male to show up for my shower at school!

Awesome Diaper cake...and real cake!! Thanks to Joanne, Glenda, Andrea, and Michelle for putting this together. All all my CHS friends who chipped in and got me the breast pump! Thank you!!

My mom's dear friend, Jo, hosted me a shower at her house. All my family and friends showed up and I received some wonderful gifts for Cooper! Look at all the gifts!

This is me with my cuz Jessica...I can't wait to show you what she made me...coming soon!

The hostesses with the mostest!

Mary, me, Avery, Erin, Brittany

My amazing friends that drove from all over the south to be there! I love you guys!

A closer look...

2010-03-23T14:39:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Andrew and I went for our 36 week ultrasound to make sure Cooper is facing the right direction (which he is!) and we got a sneak peak of what our little guy looks like! This is the first time we've seen him since 19 weeks...we chose not to pay for the 4D ultrasound...so we were very anxious! As you can see, his face is squashed up against my uterus because he is running out of room. We also spent a while trying to get him to move his hand out of the way (which he never did!). This is the best shot we got:

I think he looks like Andrew did when he was a baby. We'll know for sure in about 28 days... + or - 10 days according to the doc! Can't wait!!!

Morphed baby...

2010-03-18T18:03:00.004-04:00

Check out what Cooper will look like according to morphthing.com: