Updates on the O man!!

I've neglected in the past several posts to report on Owen's therapy sessions.  This week he also had 2 doctor's appointments to report on...so here goes a nice full post all about the little amazing man in my life.

Therapy...
On this front Owen could not be doing better.  I love learning new things each week to try with him and watching him flourish with his communication skills.  Owen is now putting together 2 and 3 word sentences.  He also uses lots of words to communicate that he wants, needs or notices something.  His speech has actually exploded so much for me that I can't even remember all the amazing things he'll say in a day.

Some of my favorite new phrases and speech:
**Thomas the Train is Tom Tom and all trains are choo choos!
**He loves to watch the movie Bambi.  He asks for Bambi all the time.
**Free Willy is another current favorite...he calls this movie Willwee.  And any time there is an Orca whale in his presence (he has a whale bath toy and puppet), it's a Willwee.
**Today in the car as we were leaving the driveway I got 1...2...3...Blast Off!!  And then 1...2...3 GOOOO!!!
**He can sign and use the word for Go in lots of fun ways!
**He likes to pat his legs like they do on Little Einsteins and say pat pat pat....GO!
**He loves to use the word jump and push me around the circle in our house saying Jump Jump Jump!
**His baby brother is CooCoo, Coop or CooKer.
**But most importantly, Owen will mimic most if not every sound you make.  It's amazing how much communication we are hearing out of him now!  It's been all about teaching him the power of communicating...and for Owen it's made all the difference!!

Preschool...
I recently sent in Owen's form to pre-register him for preschool at our church.  He would not be attending until next fall, but we are hopeful he'll be all set for starting preschool with his peers at the same preschool I attended nearly 25 years ago!  It's crazy for me to think that this time next year, we will have celebrated Cooper's 1st birthday and Owen will be nearly half way to 4 years old.

Wow...I think I might get a little bit emotional...

Okay...I'm composed and we're moving on!

Doctor's Visit #1
On Monday of this week he had his 2 and a half year checkup!  That is right....2 1/2!!!  The check up went great.  We got some recommendation for potty training guidance for when the time comes. We also found out he is still 85 - 90th percentile for his age in weight and height.  He weighs in at 34 pounds and was 36 1/2 inches tall.  He's our healthy little bruiser.  Because he is old enough now, he was able to get the flu mist instead of a shot this year.  Much less of a debacle than a shot would be...that was great!  We left with instructions to come back at 3 years of age and a Sponge Bob Sticker for the road!

Doctor's Visit #2
Remember this post?  Well this Wednesday was our follow-up exam. This time I was so much less apprehensive.  I had a sense of calm about returning to this office. I think mostly because we knew what to expect...and Owen is older now so it was easier to help him understand a bit of what was happening.  This time we saw the same doctors and they did similar tests. The biggest difference was that Owen mostly enjoyed the flashy lighted sticks and movies they played.  He was also calmed by me and Jer.  The worst part of our visit was his dilation and compared to last time, it was a piece of cake!  The news from this visit though, was not the same as last time.  In fact, we learned some things that very much surprised me.  First the good news.  Owen will not be needing glasses.  What near-sightedness they saw last time has since corrected itself. YAY!  He has however, official developed intermittent isotropy.  He has moderate issues in his left and mild issues in his right that have worsened since last September.   The doctor said that instead of his muscles figuring out what to do they have actually gotten less responsive to their cueing and he's having more trouble getting them to focus than before.   He recommended Owen have the corrective surgery to fix the problem now, and asked that we return in 6 weeks to have another set of measurements completed. Following that appointment, we will schedule the surgery.

We discussed some details of the surgery.  I am sure we will have more to share following our appointment in November.  However, for now, this is what we know.  During the procedure, Owen will have to be put under by a pediatric anesthesiologist for at least half an hour.  It is outpatient surgery though, and we will get to take him home that evening with no restrictions.  So basically if you going to have to have a procedure done, it's the kind you want because it's fast and it just so happens to be incision, bandage and pain free for Owen.   We also learned there is an 80% chance that he will not have to have any follow-on procedures done to make further corrections.  I'm going to cross my fingers he makes it into that 80%!

I'm pretty sure any time this crosses my mind between now and when it's over, this Momma is going to be a ball of nerves.  But I will be praying.  And I also will be rationalizing with myself that it is the right thing to do for our little boy and his future vision.  Also reminding myself that its simple and luckily its a pretty easy fix.  While I'd prefer him to not have to have a procedure done...at least this isn't something more serious. So we are blessed for that fact.

Thanks for reading and sharing in this parenting journey with me and Jer.  Life sure keeps you on your toes!

Smart Cookin'!!

Somewhere awhile ago I read on a blog or a website, that a smart thing to do with leftover soup broth was to pour off any leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze!  You could easily grab out however many cubes you need and thaw for an individual bowl of soup. Smart right??

Well last week I made a huge batch of my chicken and homemade dumplings...and I'm proud to say, I gave this a try!

I made a nice big batch of the soup AND while I was making the mess of dumplings (think dark blue counters with flour and dough everywhere!!) I went ahead and made a double batch of dumplings.  After portioning out my soup into some containers, I heated my left over broth back to boiling and cooked my extra dumplings.  After cooking them, I strained them off and put them in a bowl to cool.  I wrote the date on a freezer safe bag and spooned the dumplings/noodles into a freezer bag.  Perfect to thaw out for later!

Then once my broth cooled down a bit, I poured it into our ice cube trays and left it in the freezer to cool.  Out of 5 ice cube trays I got 2 gallon freezer bags to save for later!  Not to shabby...and I hope to get better and better with this as I cook all these yummy winter foods.  They are perfect for saving and freezing!

Words for my boys - The Heart of Life

I heard this song while slow dancing in the living room with Mr. Cooper.  He was blissfully sleepy and cuddled in my arms.  And the words fit so perfectly for the  moment I was sharing with him.  Looking at this baby in my arms.  All of his life ahead of him.  My wish for my children above all else is to know love and see life for all it's possibilities.  I especially love the line about "No it won't all go the way it should...but I know the heart of life is good." How true a statement.

Owen and Cooper,  if you are one day looking back at things on this blog...or things I've said to you.  Maybe you're pouring over some scrapbook...or a card I left you...or of life is just tough for you at the moment...I hope you come across these words. I could pick no more perfect words to send you into the world with.  There is nothing truer about the way I view life. Thank you for being the heart of my life. Momma

"The Heart Of Life"

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears
And listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know, it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then, circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good
I know it's good 

Obsessed!!

Some might call my latest time spent on the Internet obsessed...others might just call it smart web-surfing.

My husband calls it "GET OFF THE LAPTOP!!"

I call it pure genius :)

If you haven't hopped on over to Pinterest...DO IT NOW!!!  I strongly recommend if you spend much time on the net looking up recipes or crafts or clothes or frankly anything, you can Pin It to your page and have it to inspire you later!!  I can't help but feel inspired to craft, scrapbook, take pictures, cook...you get the idea.  It's just flat out cool!

I owe a thank you to two ladies (Steff and April) in my life for getting me started.  Now there is just no going back.  If you have time, go to my page and check out my boards.  You won't be sorry.

Happy Pinning :)

The many smiling faces of Mr. C!

Just my typical morning...

Little stirs and rustles come from the tiny bassinets in our bedroom.  It's my cue.  Morning begins.  Wondrous smells of coffee waft through the air and promise to help me pry my eyes open far enough to see.  It's 5am.  I make a bottle and then crack open the curtains.  When morning light starts peeking it's way through, I'm ready to see it shining.  After gathering up the necessities...a boppy, a burp cloth, a bottle...I settle in.  Cooper usually sleeps through most of this bottle, so I pop on the TV to keep me a little company.  Cooper quietly begins to snack on his first bottle of the day and we sit snuggled in the down comforter on the couch.  Only the TV light shining on us.  An ounce down and we burp.  Another ounce down and his eyes close back again, usually for good this time.  We may struggle here and there for another ounce and a burp or two.  Or he may be completely uninterested.  After a wipe of his sweet little lips and a few forehead kisses, I change his diaper and settle him into his swing.  By now the sun is up. If the house is still quiet, I can snuggle back in on the couch and snag an hour or more of sleep. Sometimes though, another country heard from wanders his way to see me.  I'm greeted by curly headed toddler with sleepy eyes. He smiles a crooked smile and says, "hi guys!!"  His enthusiastic voice does not match the bewildered sleepy look in his eyes though.  I usually scoop him up onto the couch.  We snuggle under the covers until he's ready to get moving.  It won't be long and I'll be up again to make a cup of milk and grab his breakfast for him.  Soon the TV will be turned to Mickey Mouse and I'll hear the Disney Junior theme song being sung from the living room.  Soon my peaceful, quiet time will be replaced with noisy, boisterous play.  Cooper will wake and need another bottle. Owen will sing, dance and play.

Before I know it, morning will turn to lunch time turn to dinner time and then bedtime.  Time flies these days!   So that peaceful quiet each day?  I soak it up.  It is fleeting.  It is amazing.  It's the beginning of another day...and it's my favorite time of day because it holds the promise of good things to come.  It's a chance to start fresh and make each day new.  It's just a typical morning and I'm so glad for them. Each and every day.

Thankful Thursday...

So overdue for one of these. And since I'm so far behind...I'm just going to start with the last week or two that come to mind.  I really need to get back into this habit!!

Having two perfectly healthy little boys to love on
My hubby
My best friend's encouraging text messages on long days
Cooper's little smile
Emailing with Hannah
Starbucks breakfast blend coffee
Brothers and Sisters on Netflix
A girls night out with my bestie - Bread Co conversations and massages...the perfect recipe for two worn out Mommas!
That Pioneer Woman has a new show on Food Network
Making chili for the first time this fall
Making chicken pot pie for the first time this fall
That fall came...because if you asked me if in the middle of our 19+ days over 100, I would have said fall was NEVER coming
A nice, long, rainy day...finally!!
Owen's great big hugs and kisses
Watching Owen do his bedtime routine, willingly and happily...such a relief
That Jeremy and I have mastered figuring out the best way to help each other get sleep when we need it.
That though I miss falling into my bed for a wonderfully full, uninterrupted night's sleep, I know one day I'll look back with sadness that this time in our lives is over.  I try to remember that at 2:30am when a sleepy toddler wanders into bed with us.
For new jeans, a fall jacket and a couple tops that make my wardrobe all fresh and lively!
For Cookie Factory visits and relax time with my best friend
For a promising fun couple of weekends ahead.
That my Grandma is strong...and survived a hospital visit and seems to be doing well.
For Owen's therapy and feeling like it has made a tremendous difference in his communication with us!
Pinterest and my new found love for it!
For getting back to this habit.
Spending a day organizing somethings around the house last week...feels so nice to be caught up.
Mr. Cooper smiles and coos...we get more and more every day
My husbands big warm hugs at the end of the day
Owen's love for peanut butter crackers
The way Owen says peez...when he wants something
Our Macbook
My perfectly imperfect life and all the wonderful things that encompass learning to be a mother of two...the good days, the bad days and everything in between.

Wordless Wednesday

It's not a glamorous job...

But what's the saying?? Someone has to do it?

Well in my house I'm so blessed it is me.  That doesn't mean that I don't feel like a total scrub in my jeans and t-shirt with my headband to hold back my untamed, un-flatironed hair which so happens to be in a pony tail for day number I won't mention, in a row!

Regardless...Wednesday evening I was feeling as though I hadn't accomplished much.  At the end of the day the coffee pot was still dirty...laundry wasn't completely caught up...I hadn't showered.  We hadn't left the house at all, all day.  Heaven forbid I even start on my real to-do list (closet swapping for fall/maternity swap out, thank you cards, photo downloading, blog posts that need written, you get the idea!) But then I started going down my list of things I did during the day.  And I guess though it didn't feel like much that night when I was looking around my messier than usual house...I really had done a lot!!  And maybe...just maybe...that's the case most days lately and I'm not giving myself enough credit.

Wednesday...I accomplished the following:

Poopy diapers changed - 2

Total diapers changed - 8

Sucked out snotty/clogged up noses - A LOT

Sprayed saline into said clogged snotty nose...at least 4 or 5 times so far (remember the day isn't over)

Crackers vacuumed:  1.  I watched Owen lick the salt off a Ritz cracker...put it on my floor in front of the entertainment center and stomp on it with both feet. Then lay down and put the couch pillows on it and pick up some of the pieces and lick them too.  Don't worry.  We honor the 5 second rule if it falls on the floor of our living room ;)

Lunch made: 1

Bottles Fed:  4

Beds made: 3 (Owen's twice, ours once)

Trash emptied:  1 bag

Dishwashers emptied:  1

Loads of dishes:  2

Toys picked up:  Too many to count

Animals fed:  2

Laundry done:  1 load

Episodes of Brothers and Sisters watched (at 5am feeding time): 2

Cooper smiles I've gotten:  a whole bunch

Owen Kisses: Too many too count

Owen Thank You's:  a bunch

Alphabet puzzles attempted:  1

Husbands kissed: 1 very handsome one if I do say so myself

Blog posts written: 1 and a start on a few others

Moments where I thought I might lose my mind:  Today, only maybe once or twice.  As the days go on, I'm adjusting to the chaos that is two little ones in one house and this number goes down!!

Massage Appointment made for Friday - 2 (one for me and one for my bestie) It helps with the moments when I think I might lose my mind ;)

Dinner made: 1...and I even managed to make a quick homemade mac and cheese.  It was so yummy!!

Baths given:  2

Stories read:  3

Night night kisses:  3.  One from each of the boys in my house.

Ahh the sound of a day's accomplishments...helps to remember these when it's been a long day!!

Reflections - 6 weeks in

 (photograph courtesy of Steph's Photography)

I thought it might be appropriate to sit down...while I have a spare moment...and jot down some thoughts about life six weeks into parenting two.

It's different.  It's busy.  It's kinda...well...crazy.  There is a lot less time where I can get someone settled with this that or the other, without turning around to take care of this that or the other from the other someone.  It could be because Cooper requires feedings every 2 to 4 hours. Or diaper changes even more frequently. It could be that Owen is 2 and seems to have a knack for getting into crazy things.  Or it could just be life with 2 in general.  Somedays I think I am getting the hang of it.  Some days...I have no idea what day it is, when I took my last shower and I'm jotting down times when Cooper ate b/c I swear it felt like it was only an hour ago that he was screaming at me for more food!  There are also days where I literally will look at clock at 2pm and realize that I haven't eaten.  Oops!  That's one way to help loose the left over baby weight!!

But all in all?  It isn't as insane as I expected.  I feel a TON more sure of myself than I thought I would.  I know what to do with both kids.  It's just a matter of feeling like I can accomplish needs for both successfully.  I also am not intending to pretend I did or do any of this alone.  My hubby is a hands on Dad and jumps in to help with and participate in every part of parenting the boys.  And since Jer went back to work, during the days I'm here alone, I've gotten sodas, lunch and sanity checks from my Mom nearly everyday.  My Grandma has also stopped by several times just to sit with Cooper so I could hop in the shower and relax.  I owe them a few more people a big fat thank you because I'm sure without the help...I would have done lost my mind!

In the past 6 weeks I've also had lots of time to contemplate life with two boys...and how much fun it's gonna be when Cooper gets to being a little more mobile.  I already melt because I've seen Cooper give Owen a few smiles when Owen has talked to him or attempted to play with him.  I can't imagine what it'll be like when they actually constructively play together...have their first wrestling match...beg me to let them do some hair-brained scheme that boys come up with when they are young.  We have so much wonderful memory making to be done. We get to raise best friends for life.  And these 6 weeks have just been the beginning.  I can't wait to see what a wonderful full life with Owen and Cooper means for us.  And pray we can make sure in return we can give them the same full wonderful childhood they deserve!!

My 6 Week Check-up

Seems as though the Linley's have a lot of appointments lately!  This Monday was my 6 week post-partum checkup.  Six weeks have flown by in an instant.

The appointment was a great success. Dr. Talsky informed me that I had done great.  I healed nicely.  My scar would finish up its final healing/smoothing out by 3 months.  Essentially everything went perfectly!

I'm blessed!!

And now I can finally pick up my big boy and hold him when he cries.  Put him on his changer after bath time.  Give him a bath for that matter.  Though I'm thankful that the past 6 weeks were nice, calm and relaxing for me...I'm excited to get back to being able to put Owen in the car and go somewhere.  I know taking two kids anywhere...especially a baby Cooper's age...will present its own challenges.  However, I'm excited none-the-less!

Thank God for good health and good news for our family :)

Labor Day Partay!!

This Labor Day we had the wonderful opportunity to host a great big Linley gathering at our house!!  We had a house full of family all day complete with a bounce house and lots of delicious food. Though the prep for the get together was kinda crazy...I wouldn't trade the time for anything!!  I do wish I had taken more/better pictures and hope I can steal some from Holly, April or Stacey ;)

Thanks everyone for the wonderful celebration :)  We had a great time and hope we can do it again next year!!

Cooper's One Month Checkup

After Cooper's One Month checkup with Dr. Hill, we learned:

Weight:  10 lb. 1 oz.
Length: 21 inches
Head Circumference: 38.1cm

He is 50% for weight, 10 - 25% for height and 25 - 50% for head size.

He is perfectly proportioned and doing just perfectly :)

Owen and Momma Play Time!

Owen and I have been doing lots of morning-time play at our dining room table :)  He has begun to enjoy sitting in our chairs like a big boy.  He's so smart and careful (with a few exceptions).  He lets us know when he wants up and will also let us know he wants down.  During our play time we often pick a couple wooden puzzles.  We may also play with stickers and if he's in the mood, we color too!!

He loves nearly all wooden puzzles!  This one is a great one.  It allows us to work on his ABC's, the sounds they make, and identifying objects. We also work on taking turns and having O communicate with me about wanting to do more and letting me know when he's done!  When we are all done playing the puzzle, Owen helps me to put the puzzle pieces up and we sing a song his speech therapist taught us.  I think its a Barney original...but it goes, Clean up. Clean up. Everybody everywhere.  Clean up. Clean up.  Everybody do your share!  Owen enjoys singing along with me and helping me to put things away.

We also have had lots of fun with STICKERS!!!  You saw here what Owen likes to do with them :)  We also spend time naming colors, putting them in the book, on our faces and talking about the different trucks!

Owen - Momma loves our playtime very much :)  It's quiet and so sweet!  I love you my little buddy!

Happy One Month Coop!!

Today marks Cooper's one month birthday!

The saying time flies doesn't even cut it in this case.  Actually time flies is the understatement of the year.  How we have seen a month come and go is beyond me...but none the less...it has. Wow! Here's a few tidbits, some diaper pics and some miscellaneous stuff about Cooper and his first full month of life!!

This month Cooper:

**Is growing in some wonderfully fuzzy brown hair.  It sticks straight up depending on what side of his head he is laying on. Just this week the top of his head began to peel, but I'm crossing my fingers he keeps some of that beautiful fuzzy baby hair!  It's too cute!

**Has transitioned from newborn diapers to wearing size one diapers!

**Speaking of diapers, though Jeremy and I are pretty skilled diaper-ers, in Cooper's first several weeks, he managed to pee through at least 3 or 4 outfits a day.

**Yesterday was his first official day of no wetting through that I can remember since bringing him home!  Yay Cooper...keep up the good work buddy!!  :)

**Officially outgrew his first outfit.  It was a newborn sleeper...and the part that he outgrew was the length.  His skinny little upper body fit just fine...but his legs were much too long!

**Is smiling...a lot!  Yesterday I got my first smile that I knew he gave me just because I was talking to him.  It melted my heart.

**LOVES his new baths.  We are able to submerge him and his chair in the kitchen sink now.  He loves the warm water and has begun to talk to us during the entire process.

**Is opening his eyes wide, cooing and batting (very jerkily) at objects in front of him.  It's precious and  has happened so fast!

**Sleeping is pretty fabulous on most nights with him.  He isn't sleeping all night at this point, but I imagine another few weeks will bring us mostly well slept nights!  Right now, he will have an evening bottle between 9 and 11 after which he will sleep at least 4 hours...and he has been known to sleep 5 to 5.5 hours in one sweep!!  God love you for that Cooper.  Momma and Dadda can't tell you how great it is!!

**Took his first and second ride in the carrier with Momma.  We wandered the yard while Dadda and Owen played like maniacs!

**Took his first trip to the park

**Had his first park picnic.

**Took his second and third trip the park.

**Has given his Momma a wonderful first full month of maternity leave.  I already can't imagine leaving you all day 4 days a week.  UGH!!

**Eyes are beginning to turn blue.  Or so they appear to be anyway!  If you inherit the same eyes your brother did, there will be some broken hearts over those eyes.  I can guarantee it!

**Goes back to the doctor for his one month checkup on September 6.  I can't wait to see how much you've grown little man!!

Cooper,

This month has been nothing short of an amazing blur of bottles and sleepy snuggles.  Your Dadda and I have loved every second of this precious and fleeting time with you.  It's amazing to see how you're changing already.  We can't wait for all the fun we have in store for us!  More smiles, giggles and watching your little personality show us more and more about who you are going to be!!  Will you be rambunctious and full of energy like your big brother Owen?  Or will you be reserved and calm like...well...no one our family is at the moment?? Oh the things you are going to teach us little man!!  We're already on to month 2!  What wonderful world this is and what a blessing you are!

Love you always, Momma and Dadda