Daddy's Birthday

We celebrated Daddy's birthday with yummy ice cream from Coldstone. Cooper LOVED it! He is definitely a daddy's boy and a lot like his daddy. I am so glad they have such a great bond annnnnddd a little jealous. I love my boys!

My Little Batman

If you didn't already know, being Batman is exhausting. No worries though, a nap and he'll be fully of crime-fighting energy again!

Quotes That Are Helping Me Through This Trial

{President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, All is Well}
"In our time—when so much of what we desire is so easily within our reach—it is tempting to turn aside or give up whenever the road ahead seems a little bumpy or when the slope tends to rise so steeply before us. In those moments, it might inspire us to reflect on those men, women, and children who did not allow sickness, hardship, pain, and even death to deter them from their chosen path.... The pioneers knew that the things around them did not determine their happiness, but the things within most certainly did. And with that spirit they found happiness in every circumstance and in every trial—even in those trials that reached down and troubled the deep waters of their very souls. 

The pioneers were not supermen and superwomen. They were just like you and me. How often did they wonder if they could go on? They must have asked themselves over and again, “Can I do what I have been asked to do?”

But they pressed on. In faith, one step at a time, they pressed on. They trusted in God and His divine and merciful plan. And they left a legacy that will inspire and strengthen generations to come."


{Richard G. Scott}
"I have never complained because I know it was His will. I have never asked why but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience. I believe that is a good way to face the unpleasant things in our lives, not complaining but thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties.We can do the best we can, but the final outcome is up to Him. We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives."


{Dieter F. Uchdorft}

"Choose to be grateful, no matter what."

{Mosiah 24:15}
“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

"If you are on the right path, it will always be uphill. The Lord is anxious to lead us to the safety of higher ground." {President Henry B. Eyring}

If for a while the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been with the best people who ever lived." {Elder Jeffery R. Holland}

There have also been many Ensign talks I've read. I want to keep track of the things that have provided me with comfort here so I can refer back to them.

Pregnancy at 26 Weeks

I have decided that I don't like being pregnant. It isn't easy on my body and the amount of worry this time around drives me crazy. I have decided my pregnancies are anything but "normal."

• I get progesterone shots every week starting at 16 weeks to help decrease my chances of preterm labor.
• I am Rh Negative so I have to have my blood drawn and a special shot taken at 28 weeks and again after baby is born to prevent my body from fighting the baby off as a foreign object and so it doesn't figure future babies we may have.
• I have to have ultrasounds regularly to check my cervical length to check for preterm labor and incompetent cervix.
• First child came 3 months early, this child is going to be born with a heart defect.
• I can't have cute baby pictures taken of my babies when born or take them home to show off to the world.
• I have to have c-sections to have babies.

I am sure I could think of more if I thought long enough. Nevertheless, it is what it is. I LOVE feeling baby move and I love seeing my belly grow, but that's about it. I have tailbone pain from about month three and it only gets worse and worse. Rolling over at night is painful. So, some currents of my pregnancy:

• Baby moving lots! Feeling him at bottom left of stomach and top right by my ribs so he's getting big.
• I waddle like a duck due to my tailbone pain.
• Stretchmarks are showing up more and more. Something difficult for me since I didn't get with Cooper, but also because I am already self conscious about my body. Trying to embrace the change! Just grateful I can have kids.
• Cravings: Carrot cake and Sonic ice water, lots of ice!
• Weight: Gained 10 pounds since my first appointment. I weight more than I have ever weighed. I am hoping it comes off easily because I was already overweight.
• Symptoms: Indigestion in the middle of the night, tailbone pain, very frequent visits to the bathroom, need for daily naps, lack of energy during the day.
• What I miss: being able to do things! I just have no energy or strength.
• What I'm looking forward to: only 10-11 more weeks and no more shots! I also get to meet my adorable baby! 
• Emotions: Most days I'm doing well. I have my moments of uncertainty and weakness. I am trying to stay positive. Very grateful for priesthood blessings.
• Cervix: Doctor says no signs of an incompetent cervix.

I know after our little one gets here that life is going to be hectic and emotional. I am excited to get the ball rolling though. The waiting is very hard since there is nothing we can do right now. And the pain and discomfort I am ready to be done with. So, 10-11 more weeks to go. Praying this little one stays in there that long. So far, it's looking good!

I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life. It has brought me much comfort over the past few weeks. I love being a member of this church.

These Two!

Chris was letting me have some time to myself one night. He gave Cooper a bath and then a snack. They were in the kitchen and I could tell that Cooper had thrown something on the floor (which isn't a surprise lately). Chris yells "Mom, we need your assistance." I make my way up the stairs saying, "What did Cooper do?" Chris says, "It's what WE did." I get to the top of the stairs and can't help but laugh. They were both looking at me like, "Sorry, Mom" with big smiles. They looked so guilty, it was adorable! So, what happened? Cooper went to smack his cup of milk (which didn't have a lid off of it) off of the table. Chris caught it. Well, he sat it back down within arms reach of Cooper still! Cooper swatted it and covered Chris is milk. Chris' first reaction? To throw the remaining milk in Cooper's face. They were both laughing. Cooper's face was covered in peanut butter and milk drops. It was hilarious! I love my boys! Even when they make messes.

Baby Updates

We went for another ultrasound a few days ago and baby is looking good. He is growing great and we were happy to hear that compared to most HLHS diagnosed babies, his left artery is bigger than most. Usually you can barely see it, but they can see his pretty well. That's great. It doesn't seem to mean anything except that his heart isn't having to work near as hard as it may otherwise be. We were just happy to get good news.

Choc-kat

Cooper really likes chocolate. We had a doctor's appointment to get to and this is what I came down to. He had his cup out saying "choc-kat milk." I couldn't help but grab the camera and take a few pictures.

Getting Big!

Feeding the Ducks

We love to go feed the ducks. We do it a couple times a month for family home evening or a little outing. Cooper loves it! I sat down on the bench with the bread and all the ducks came out of the water right to us. Cooper loved it!

Our Little Reader

Cooper is like his Uncle Brandon. He LOVES to read. Every night he goes to bed with a book and a flashlight. We end up going in when he falls asleep and his book is across his, his flashlight on, and he is sound asleep. It's so cute.

4th of July

We went to The Child Family's house for fireworks again this year. Sadly, Cooper HATED the fireworks. They scared him. So, we took turns being in the house with him as he watched a movie and took turns going out to see the fireworks. We had a delicious dinner and has "smorritos" as a dessert. They are "burrito" smores make with a tortilla, bananas, marshmallows, chocolate, etc. So good!

Lagoondocks

We woke up this morning and told Cooper we were going to Lagoon. He kept saying "No. Boondocks. Fire. Golf." He is hilarious! We decided to say we were going to "Lagoondocks." Well, we finally arrived and we had a blast! It was hot, but still enjoyable. We rode the carousel, the train and saw the animals, the roller coaster, the jeeps, and the bumper cars. There were many he didn't want to ride. I loved seeing his smiling face. He LOVED the jeeps and when he saw the bumper cars he went crazy! He was jumping up and down and couldn't wait to get in one! We had a wonderful time. I love little moments like this with Cooper.  I love watching him learn and find things he likes.