It's Just a #... Right?

Hooray for me - I turned 30 on Monday. I feel like I should have some earth-shattering words of wisdom to share! At least that's what I thought about people this age when I was a kid, or a teenager, or even in my early 20s, that they had it all together and knew everything (and were SOOO old). Now I know the truth, that even at 30 you are still just doing your best, learning something new each day, and not feeling like your age reflects who you are.

I DON'T FEEL OLD.

I do feel like I have more confidence than I did in my 20s, I'm not self-conscious about my looks or what others think about me... which is why I told Randy we had to find a karaoke bar so I could sing my heart out to celebrate. And, being the good sport that he is, that's just what we did. Here is Regan, Heather D., Heather C., me, Katie & Jen at the karaoke bar:

I think the best part of the night was when Randy and Jon sang "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot. Or maybe when some random guy hopped on stage to help (unsolicited) Randy sing "Low Places". So for all of you who missed it, we'll have to go again as soon as I feel up to getting out after the baby arrives.

I figured out how to do video on my new camera - Randy taught Cooper how to say "happy birthday, mommy".

Making the Cut

I finally DID IT!

When my sweet mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer last year I, like I'm sure everyone else in the family, felt helpless as to what I could do for her. When she underwent chemo and lost her hair she bought the COOLEST wig to wear. Through the whole orderal she has been the positive one and has had the best attitude, teaching us all how to cope with hardship. I'm happy to say she is doing well and just the other day was able to ditch the wig. I've been growing my hair to donate it in her honor and FINALLY made the cut this week. I ended up donating a little over 10 inches.

Here are a few pics to enjoy and Bonnie - this cut is for you:

My new do (and 35 week pregnant belly):

If you're thinking of cutting your hair, it only takes 8 inches to make a donation through Pantene Beautiful Lengths (click on link to find out more) and could mean SO MUCH to someone in need of a wig.

LOVE YOU, BONNIE! I couldn't have asked for a better 2nd mom.

Happy Anniversary

It has been 8 years TODAY - I can't believe it either, honey! Through our bachelors degrees, your medical school, one move across the state, one move across the country, 1/2 a residency program, the birth of our sweet little boy, the impending arrival of our baby girl, LOTS of fights and LOTS of kisses, I love you more today than ever, even more than the first time I spotted you in your football pants.

Trauma is Over

Randy is DONE with his 2 months of trauma rotation. Cooper and I are jumping for JOY!

Actually, it was MUCH better than I thought it was going to be. He LOVED having Jaren Riley as his senior and said it made all the difference. So even when he worked late, he came home in a good mood. Jessi, I hope you survived too!

Randy is planning on taking full advantage of his research rotation by spending a little more time relaxing.

It's so nice to have him around by the late afternoon. He installed a new kitchen faucet for me yesterday but of COURSE Cooper had to help (see below) and we're putting hardwood flooring in the kitchen/dining room at the end of this week.

Is this what it will be like when he's done with residency and has "normal" hours!?! I could get use to it.

On another note, Cooper started climbing out of his crib last week... great. So now I leave the side down because I'm afraid he'll hurt himself JUMPING out at night. I'm not ready for him to be in a BIG BOY bed yet, especially since we already have an extra crib when the baby comes.

And speaking of baby... I'm 34 weeks along tomorrow - YEA! Moving right along. My NST this week showed that I'm already having contracting (I though she just kept pushing down HARD) which doesn't surprise my doc but I'm hoping it does NOT last 6 more weeks. I'll remember to snap a pic of my belly in the next day or two, it's spectacularly huge. Any stories on how long until you had a baby after starting contractions? I want to hear it, with Cooper I didn't have ANY until 2 days before delivery and they were pretty intense. These are kind of wimpy.

Here's a cute pic of Coop loving his lemon (that's right, I said lemon). Love to all!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A big kiss and hug from us to YOU!

xoxoxoxo

Equal Treatment

I had another appt. with my wonderful doc this week - they're all running together these days. More tests but all is looking good. After he examined me and measured my belly, listened to the heartbeat, etc. he left the room to go and order some labs. Randy and I didn't notice for a minute but Cooper climbed up on the table, layed back, and pulled his shirt up. He just looked at us until we realized what he was doing. Randy said, "do you want me to check your baby now?" and he said "yes". So, laying VERY still - which is NOT like him at all - he patiently waited for Randy to measure HIS baby and listen to the heartbeat. We were both laughing SO HARD that when the nurse came in she didn't quite know what to think - I LOVE my little boy!

And I KNOW you've all been feeling SORRY for those of us in Iowa because of how COLD it has been, but this past weekend it got up into the 40s!! Instead of -40. The snow which had not melted since December began to disappear - of course there were a ton of WET opportunities and we let Cooper take full advantage of them. This pic is in our backyard and by the time we brought Coop in the house he was DRENCHED from splashing and wading through water.

Randy even pulled out his little car and pushed him around.

I know to some of you this doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you've been stuck in your house or running from the car into the store for months because it's soooo cold the moisture in your nose freezes - you will understand that this was a HEAVENLY day.

I think getting back on a swing was the best part of all :)

random January

Hi all - I have an update that our BABY GIRL is doing GREAT! She's 3 lbs. today with all fingers, toes, working organs, etc. I couldn't be happier. I'm measuring big but after another ultrasound the cause is isolated to the 2nd baby and not additional complications.
Despite my intense desire to work off the pounds I am packing, I am vigilantly WALKING on the treadmill and taking it easy. Thanks to EVERYONE for your words of encouragement and comfort. I can't tell you how great of an asset all my friends and family have been. Here's a little belly progress...

And on to some random shots of January...

Cooper started "music time with Nancy" which I thought he would LOVE because he can't get enough music/singing/dancing. Turns out he is as shy as his Dad when it comes to "performing" in front of large crowds. Only when offered instruments or streamers did he leave the comfort of Mommy's lap.

And, yes, it is COLD in Iowa. But that doesn't mean we can't BUNDLE up and sled outside for 5-10 minutes at a time. Seriously, that's long enough because Coop can't handle more than that outside. We bought a little sled for him and decided to SHOW him how it worked.

We sled down a TINY hill in front of our house and into the pond. Randy decided to push Cooper and I down but when we reached the bottom the snow was SO deep that we had to lay there until Randy came and carried us BOTH back up.

Here's another random shot of my big helper in the kitchen. It makes me think of the pictures where you circle all the items that don't belong:

And finally... we went to a U of Iowa Gymnastics Meet last weekend. Cooper chased the mascot around - thinking he was sooo cool - and watched all the routines until he couldn't handle any more excitement and passed out.

Hope you're all doing well and staying WARM.