2 Week Check-Up and His First "Real" Bath

Jax was two weeks old yesterday! Wow, I can't believe it. He had his two week check-up with his pediatrician. I was most interested to see what his weight was, so that we could be sure he was gaining. I'm happy to report that he has gotten back to his birth weight of 7 lb. 14 oz. Yay for the little guy! Everything else looked great as well; he's a happy, healthy boy.

So, I took my camera with me to the dr. visit, so I could get a pic of his first appt. It was in the top of the diaper bag, and the bag was on the table thing. Well, the dr. went to move the bag, and MY CAMERA FELL ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR. MY $2000 CAMERA. I almost had a heart attack. I kid you not. I couldn't breathe. Anyway, I think the baby is ok. It seems to be working fine, and I didn't see any issues with the lens (Thank you GOD!). Wow, that was stressful.

We also gave baby Jax his first real bath last night. He has had sponge baths, but we had to wait for his cord to fall off to give him a real bath. So, he did pretty good. Payton was already in bed, but she just had to watch! It was so cute! Here are some pics from our day.






And a really funny story -- Last Saturday, Payton wanted to mow with Daddy. She loves to sit on the mower with him while he mows. So, she got on with him, but was getting really sleepy, so Jeff got a blanket and set it on the platform of the mower. Well, before he knew it, she had fallen asleep. It was so funny.

Introducing Jaxson Cooper

I told you he was beautiful....

He's Here!!!!

My beautiful, perfect, baby boy made his grand entrance on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:11 am. He weighed in at 7 lb. 14.3 oz. Just 2 oz. bigger than Payton was. He has perfectly beautiful skin, and lovely blonde hair. A lot of people are saying he looks like his Daddy!

My c-section went perfectly. I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am, and it was scheduled for 7:30. They had a heck of a time getting my IV in, and I have several bruises to show for it. Once my doctor got here, they rolled me back to the OR around 7:50 am. From there, I went in and got my Spinal Block. That was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. I was pretty nervous about the c-section. I'm not sure why, I've had one before. I think I just had too much time to think about it. Anyway, my dr. is great, and it went really quickly and really well.

When I first saw him, he took my breath away. He is just so beautiful and perfect, and I couldn't wait to get my arms around him. They wrapped him up and set him on me. It was perfect. Once he was cleaned up, and I was sewn up, he rode with me back to my room. I was so happy that I got to hold him and nurse him right away. This hospital has really changed in the four years since I had Payton. I didn't have to wait two hours to hold my baby, and I got to nurse right away. Everyone here has been really wonderful. All the nurses are so nice and helpful, and they are really proponents of breastfeeding. I am also proud to say that Jax is a great little nurser! I'm so happy he's been doing so well.

About 1.5 hours ago he was circumcised. He was so upset when he came back. He was really screaming loudly. I could get him calmed down, then he would scream again. I felt so bad for him I started crying. It kills me to see him upset. Anyway, he is sleepng now, and hopefully will feel ok when he wakes up. I hope that he will nurse too. They say that they sleep a lot after the procdure, and often won't want to nurse. So, we will see how he does when he wakes.

Well, I think it's time for me to take a nap. I'm pretty tired. I'll leave you with one good pic of Jax. I hope to get more uploaded soon!

Tomorrow is the big day!

Yep, that's right. Today is my last day to be pregnant. Right now, Jax is moving around like crazy. I really can't wait to meet this precious little guy! This time tomorrow, I'll be a Mommy to two, and have a sweet baby to feed, cuddle, and love. I am thrilled! I will admit, however, I'm a little nervous. I will be going in early tomorrow morning for a scheduled c-section. I keep hearing how much easier it is the second time around, so I am banking on that.

I think I'm just about ready. I've been doing laundry today, and packing my suitcase. I ran to Target, (well, I didn't actually run) to buy a robe. The one I have is way too big and hot. I found a nice, light, blue terry robe. I also went and bought a baby book. I had looked before at Target, but didn't find one. I got one today at the Paper Lion, and it's really cute. I want my visitors to be able to sign his book. So, anyway, I am getting there. I hope I don't forget anything I just can't live without. I'm sure I'll take makeup and all that jazz again, but who knows if I will use it. I didn't when Payton was born.

OK, so, here is my last pregnant girl picture. Just so you know, my ankles and feet are really swollen, and I am just puffy all over. So, I really don't like pictures of me, but I also feel it's important to document this special time in my life. So, no laughing!

A good time to start blogging again....

Well, here we are, March 30, 2008. A lot of time has past since my last entry, and definitely a lot of things have changed. My beautiful girl turned FOUR years old about a month ago, Jeff and I will celebrate our TEN year anniversary in less than a
month, we had a pool put in (finally), and in two days, I will be giving birth to a precious, most-anticipated, oft prayed for Baby Boy! I told you a lot has been happening!

I want to be able to share our lives with our friends and loved ones, so I am going to give another go to this blogging thing. I wasn't that great about it the first time, but maybe this time I can keep my act together!! :-)

So, we'll start with some updated pictures. I'm sure some of you would like to laugh at my hugeness, so I guess I'll allow you to. I also have some pretty cute Easter pic's of Miss P. Who knows what else I'll throw in there.

Payton in her Easter dress


Cousins! Emma, Jada, Payton


I like the Easter Bunny this year!

Ugh!

That game last night was so freakin' frustrating! Geez, get your heads out of your butts guys!

GO COWBOYS!!!

Beat the Giants!!!

Cruise Pictures

Finally....here they are!

http://sweetpphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/2041318

Happy Birthday Justin

OK, so I should have posted this last Thursday -- Happy 13th Birthday Justin!

You are growing up to be such a strong, independent, young man! You are so caring and compassionate. We are lucky to have you in our lives. We love you!

We had a get-together to celebrate Justin's 13th B-day. I was too busy visiting, playing volleyball and getting food ready to take many pictures; but I did get one of him blowing out his candles! I really didn't feel good yesterday. I had a sore throat and headache. I was so ready to go to bed by the time everyone left last night. We had a great time though. Thanks to all our family and friends who helped us celebrate. Justin was glad you were here.

Whew...

I can breathe a sigh of relief. I just delivered all of the preschool pictures that I took. I only have one left to deliver because she is out sick today; and about 4 more checks to collect. All in all I think it went really well, and everyone was pleased with their pictures. I think they turned out really cute, and I should get some additional work out of it. Yeah!

A special thanks goes out to my good buddy Christine for all her help. She even had blisters on her knee's to prove she worked hard (at least that what she says they are from!)

So, now to the next task.

Sweet Baby Jada

As promised, here are pictures of my sweet, brand new baby niece, Jada Grace.

The Land of the Living

I know some of you are wondering if we are still alive over here. We are, and a lot has been happening. Here's a quick run-down.

We just returned from a wonderful 7-Day Western Caribbean cruise. We went to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay, Jamaica. All three places were beautiful, but I just seem to have some connection with Mexico. It was beautiful, and we had such a good time!! It seems like all we did on the cruise was eat. I swear, I gained 6 lbs. Yuck!! But man, was that food good!

My photography stuff is going well. I took pictures of the kids at P's preschool just before we went on vacation. I sent the proofs out to all the parents and got a really good response. I also have several Christmas sessions lined up. Santa, I hope you are listening because I have a long Christmas list this year!

P is back in MDO. She seems to be having a good time. It's great for me to have the two days a week to get stuff done, and make all my work appointments. Things are OK on that front as well.

I have a brand new niece!!!! Jada Grace is here, and we are so excited. She was born on Oct. 8, and weighed in at 8 lb., 10 oz. She has a head full of dark hair, and looks just like her big sister Emma looked when she was born. Welcome to the world Jada! When I have some more time, I will post some pictures of her.

That's it for now; gotta get back to work. I'll post more soon!

So how long can I stretch this out?

As you know by now, my 30th bday was yesterday. I have had a great "birthday week". I had the party last Friday, then on Tuesday my Dad took me to dinner. Last night I had class, and Brooks brought me balloons, and tonight, Jeff is taking me to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse! I mean, what a week, huh? I also ordered my bday present today - from Jeff. A new lens, a filter, some reflectors, a new SD card, and a softbox! Woo hoo!! I'm really excited, can you tell?

He Pulled It Off!

This coming Wednesday is my birthday....the Big 3-0!! UGH! Anyway, I've been moping around for a couple of weeks about it. A combination of being sad about turning 30, and feeling sorry for myself thinking that he wasn't going to do anything for me. Well, he surprised the crap out of me Friday night by throwing me a party and getting all of my friends together at Mi Cocina. There were like 30 people there; friends and family. I had such a great time! I honestly had no clue that he was doing it. I'm so proud of him for actually planning something, getting all my friends there, and keeping it a surprise! He is such a wonderful hubby, and I love him so much!

The funny parts; I went to Austin on Thursday, and was set to fly back on Friday night. He was going to pick me up at the airport. Well, with all the hype going on, and tons of files, I decided to rent a car and drive back. Well, this threw him off a little. So, I got home a little early, and he was stalling me. He had told me that we were going to go to dinner with an old friend of his that was in town. It was either going to be Mi Cocina or Uncle Julio's. So, after like hanging out in a parking lot waiting to find out where we were going, he told me to just go to UJ, and get on the waiting list. So I go there by myself, have a margarita at the bar, and wait for them. Later he calls and says, oh, they are at Mi Cocina, and they already have a table. Well shit, I could've gone there an hour ago...why didn't they let him know??? So, I start heading to MC. He calls and tells me he runs out of gas in my car. Lovely...he has Payton with him too; so that made me mad. Anyway, all this to stall me so I don't get to MC too early; and it never even crossed my mind that he was planning this! Wasn't that sweet of him?

Oh, and my mom got me Cowboy tickets --- well, is getting me some. She said I could pick the game! Woo hoo!!

OK, Christine, here they are

My landscape pic's for class tomorrow night. I like them better in color, but BFGW prof wants them in b/w. What do you think?

Just some pictures I wanted to share..

A Fun Weekend

Is it already the work week? Ugh! I swear, the weekends are TOO SHORT and go by TOO FAST! We had a fun weekend (aside from hurting my back). Saturday night I went to a boudoir party (don't tell Jeff, it's a secret/surprise). I had an awesome time. I went in very nervous and self-conscious, and came out feeling like a hot, sexy mama, with a ton more self-esteem! I can't believe how much I enjoyed it. I cannot wait to see the pictures. We had an awesome photographer who made us feel so comfortable. I had never met her before that night, but I was so relaxed with her. She did an awesome job!

Yesterday, we went to Red River ATV to ride motorcycles with Chris and Traci. It was a very last minute thing, but we had a really good time, heat and all! It was weird, I didn't ride much, but when I did, my back didn't bother me! So weird, but like I said, it hurts in some positions, but not in others. Anyway, we had a good weekend. When we got home last night it was dark and smelled like rain. I think it poured all around us, but we didn't get a DROP! Ugh! We must not be living right! :-)

I still haven't taken my landscape pictures. I need to get on that...what to do???

What to do for a hurt back?

Saturday morning, after gymnastics, I was helping Payton go potty. When I stood up, WHAMMO, my lower back was in some serious pain! I could barely walk out of the bathroom. Well, I have been in pain all weekend, sometimes worse than others. In some positions it feels fine, then in others it's awful. For example, when I have been sitting, then stand up, it kills and is really hard to walk. I don't know what to do! If I go to a doctor, what kind of dr. should I go to? I don't think my GP could do anything about it. I have never been to a chiropractor, but the thought is crossing my mind. I don't know..but it freakin' hurts and I need some relief. Any advice? Any of you out there dealt with this before?

Yay! I got a good grade!

On my pictures, that is! My BFGW professor really liked them! I'm so excited.

Now, on to the next assignment -- landscapes. Anyone have any good suggestions? We have to do b/w landscapes, with our lens out as wide as it will go.

~~~~~~~~~
He made a slight modification to the b/w one, but I like it. Here you go. He said that all my pics were good for printing! Woo Hoo!

Pictures for Class

Well, I didn't get out and take pictures like I wanted to. I really wanted to find some unique "thing" or landscape, but for one reason or another, I didn't. So, I took some pictures of Payton (I know, big surprise)...and I hope the BFGW professor likes them.