I'm back!!!
It's been so very long since I have updated this blog. In fact, I had forgotten about it. (Three babies will do that to you.)
Since I last updated, our family has really grown. We are now a party of 5. Also, I have taken a sabbatical from teaching to stay with my Tinies. Our adventures together are so abundant. If one thing is true with a 3 year old, a 2 year old, and a 9-month old, we are never bored at our house.
I guess this post will be a general update. I am planning on posting once a week, but I can't make any guarantees. ;)
Austin and I are coming up on our 6 year wedding anniversary. We dated so long before our wedding that it really feels more like 10. Some days it feels even longer, if you know what I mean. ;). Seriously though, I am very thankful for him. This life is not exactly what we imagined, but it is exactly what it is supposed to be. I love to watch him with our children. There is something so magical about watching the man you love love your babies. :)
Austin is the science lab teacher at an elementary school. He sees every kid in the school. He is great at his job. He knows a little about everything and a lot about some things and loves to share what he knows. The kids love him, and I love to hear students and parents brag on him. He just finished coaching his 12th year of middle school football. He says he isn't going to do it again in the fall, but only time will tell. ;)
I became a stay-at-home-mom this year, and I am soaking up every moment. I am thankful to have this opportunity, but it has not been all rainbows an unicorns. We went from having two salaries to just my husband's. We have learned to eat in a lot, not impulse buy, look for sales, and be extremely thankful for hand me downs. :). We are also adjusting to Mommy being with the Tinies ALL THE TIME.  Don't get me wrong, I adore them, and I love seeing all their cute antics and developmental milestones. However, I also get every sleepless night (and napless day), every meltdown, and every scary moment. (Please tell me I am not the only one with kids who are literally little walking accidents waiting to happen!) The kids are also starting to get separation anxiety, especially M and EJ. I hope they are just going through phases. Most of the time the good outweighs the bad. ;) We are all learning in the process.
Cece is 3 and is getting more curious about her world every day. She asks so many questions, and she wants to know more about everything. She is a great big sister, most of the time. She has quite a bossy streak though. I'm thinking that she will be some type of leader when she grows up because she is already working on those leadership skills. She is our happy go lucky girl, and I thank God for her every day.
EJ is something else! She just turned 2. She is quite possibly the happiest child I have ever met, but she can also throw a tantrum worthy of a medal! Her Daddy calls her "the Bear." You really never know what side of her personality you will get. E is smart as a whip, but in a different way than C. C, at her age, knew letters, shapes, and colors. E shows no interest in those. (Every color is blue to her.) However, she can sing any song she has ever heard, and she can build all sorts of things with blocks. I can't wait to see what all this little one accomplishes. I thank God for her daily.
Mighty M is our newest addition. He's our little miracle man. I had an IUD placed the January after EJ was born, and we found out in May that he was on his way.  We sure were shocked, but I can't even remember what life was like without him now. He is 9 months old. He has the sweetest temperament.  He sits up and rolls around very well. He isn't crawling yet, and he doesn't have any teeth. He still likes to wake Mommy up at night for at least one feeding. I thank God for our surprise every single day.

Sorry this post was a little lengthy and somewhat boring. I promise there will be more exciting posts to come. :)

C25K...again!

Today was a bizarre day for weather where we live.  Normally it is cold in February - we must wear jackets at least.  However, today at recess we were talking about how unseasonably warm it was.  Most of my students took their jackets off.  I thought to myself what a wonderful day it would be for a run. 
Let me back-track a little.  About three years ago, I started the Couch to 5K program with two of my closest friends.  I WAS NOT A RUNNER! In fact, in high school I chose to play tennis because that was the one sport that you didn't have to "run".  I mean you do run, but while you are playing it is fun, so you don't realize you are running.  All the other sports you had to run as part of the practice.  Running just was not something I enjoyed doing, and distance running was out of the question!

Anyway, my friends and I wanted to get in better shape, so we decided to train in the evenings after work using C25K. I had never heard of the program before.  It is a way to ease yourself into running.  It's a 9-week program that alternates walking and running for 3 days a week.  Eventually you begin running more than walking, and soon you run the entire 5K.

At first I thought, there is no way I am going to be able to do this.  I don't like running, and I am not sure if I will even be physically able to run. (I was born with a birth defect - I have no joint in my ankle where you do.  Doctors told me I would never run.) I'm not going to lie.  It was hard.  I wanted to quit at times, but I pushed myself every day, and every day I was able to run a little farther than the day before.  By the end of the program I was running 5K!  I loved it! I'm still not a long distance runner.  The only way I will ever run more than 5K is if I see Matthew McConaughey at the other end of the beach. ;)

Shortly after I began running, I got pregnant, and I quit all heavy physical activity for fear that it would harm the baby.  I ate right, did very little exercising, and still we lost that baby. (But you all know about that, and if not, it is in another blog. :))

I didn't run for a while, but then I remembered how much I loved it.  So I started running a little.  Not much though because at this point it was getting to be a hot summer in the south.  Soon we found out I was pregnant with the most precious little girl to ever live!  Once again I gave up running.

Fast forward to now.  I am tired of complaining about my post-baby body, but doing nothing to get back to where I was before.  Granted, I never looked like Heidi Klum, nor do I think I ever will, but I certainly won't get any closer eating ice cream and watching television.  I simply want to feel confident in my own skin again. 

After my run today I came in the house and told Austin I remember how much I loved running, and I realize how much I have missed it.  Hopefully I will continue on this journey to a better me, and I am hoping that the weather won't get to cold for me to continue getting off the couch. :)

Rainy Days Won't Get Me Down

In case you haven't heard, it has rained a little here, and by a little I mean virtually non-stop for almost 2 weeks. Yeah. We were supposed to get a really fabulous snow storm today, but I think it got lost on the way here.

The weather has really messed with our school schedule. We have had 3 2-hour delays, and we left early today. Even though it's really been a train-wreck for my lesson plans, I have really enjoyed getting to spend so much extra time with Catherine. Snuggling and playing in the mornings instead of having to rush is so nice! I think next week will be really hard on all of us.

We haven't really done a whole lot the past week. My kids at school are nuts because they have been trapped inside forever, and Catherine is beginning to forget what outside is. We have been able to do a couple of neat things though.

We went to some of my students' basketball game on Saturday. I always enjoy seeing them outside of school. It's always funny though, especially when they see Mr. Cope without a suit. I'm pretty sure they like seeing him more than me. ;)
My goal is to see each student play at least once, more if we can. Catherine loved watching the balls bounce and hearing the buzzer, but her favorite was people watching - she is her mother's daughter. I wish I had taken a few pictures while I was there, but I didn't think about it until we left.

We also got to spend some time with Mimi and Papa this week. It was on Catherine's 11 month birthday no less! (It is so hard to believe in less than a month we will have a one year old. Where did the time go?)
Austin went for wings with some if his family on Wednesday, so Cece and I went for spaghetti. This was Catherine's first experience with actual spaghetti - not baby food - and she, pardon the pun, ate it up! It was all the way up to her elbows by the time we were through!

I'm really looking forward to the long weekend. I can't wait to sneak some extra snuggle time with both my loves, because there's never such a thing as too much snuggling.

Reading a little on a rainy day.  We were talking about her upcoming birthday party. :)

Happy 11 months precious angel!

Why haven't I had this meal before?!

On the Other Side of the World

Teachers' views of current technology vary greatly depending on who you ask.  Some are fearful of it, while others welcome the new gadgets with open arms. I was lucky enough to go to school during a time when the technology being used right now was being introduced, so I was trained on it, but I know a time is coming when there will be new technology that will be unfamiliar to me and my colleagues that graduated with me. 
Regardless of your skill level, technology is scary in many ways, but it is also wonderful in many ways. This blog is about one way it has changed our lives forever.

When Austin's brother Terry was in high school, his family hosted a foreign exchange student from Russia named Daniil. He became part of their family.  I have heard so many Daniil stories, and, though I've never met him, I feel like we are old friends.

Austin was in 8th grade at the time, so it has been a quite a while. Austin and Daniil have sent a few e-mails over the years, and they have kept in contact that way. Technology wow # 1 - e-mail. I can type a letter, press send, and you can be reading it before I get up from the computer - even if you are on the other side of the world. That is amazing!

Next came the Facebook movement. Let's face it, FB has changed our lives. We upload where we are, what we are doing, pictures of ourselves and our families, you name it! Some people can't sneeze without letting the world know about, or in my case, my kid can't move without me telling you. (Step 1 - I just admitted I have a problem.)  We are able to see Daniil, his wife Vera, and their baby through pictures all the way from Russia, and they keep up with all of Austin's family. Thank you Facebook.

Finally, another amazing technological feat - Skype. Austin has spent the past couple of weeks talking almost daily to Daniil. I have been able to meet his wife, and we have seen his beautiful baby girl. Russia is literally on the other side of the world, yet we are able to see each other daily for FREE. What a blessing!

Austin misses Daniil very much, and he has told me that since we started dating. Technology has brought his friend from across the world into our home at the click of a mouse. For all the scary things that can come from it, bringing old friends back together is magical. :)

Girls' Night Out

When you become a mommy, you get a whole new appreciation for the rare girls' nights that you do get, and you treasure your friends just a little bit more. (Love you ladies!) However, tonight was a different outing.

My date tonight was the most amazing gal I know. She's my very best friend, and the person who knows every single one of my secrets (mainly because I don't have to worry about her repeating them) - Little Miss Catherine!

Austin spent Tuesday night and tonight judging senior projects at Ridgeland, which is something we both enjoyed doing B.C. (before Catherine), but now that we get so little time with her during the week, I don't like to miss out on any. I don't think senior Annaliese would have enjoyed a hyper baby in the room while I was trying to present to a group of strangers, so I think it's best if we sit them out.  Tuesday evening we went to my parents' house so my dad could get a Catherine fix, but tonight it was just us girls.

We started the night by going to visit my Nanny. Catherine hadn't napped all afternoon, so the 15 minute nap she got on the way was just a tease. She was welcomed by my Nanny's bird squaking - she doesn't like birds. Needless to say we are calling a mulligan on that visit.

We then went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner. This was a big deal because we have never eaten out without her daddy before. We had so much fun! My good little eater ate chicken salad, I had a sandwich, and we split a cup of fruit. She also just happened to be the best behaved kid in the place. She did scream at me once, but she was out of food, and I didn't realize it. Don't come between that girl and her meals. ;)

When we left, we stopped at K-Mart to pick up a couple of things. We ended up in the toy aisle dancing to a Mickey Mouse singing the Hot Dog song 12 times. Yes, we are the reason that the batteries never work once the toy is home. My husband says it is funny how much even the music you listen to when you are a parent changes. I may or may not have enjoyed that Mickey just as much as she did.

It may not have been up to society's standards of a GNO, but it was a pretty good one for these girls. As Catherine gets older I can't wait to see what other adventures we get to experience together.

Welcome 2013

One of my resolutions this year was to be a better blogger, so far I'm already behind.

2012 was a huge year for us.  We had a baby. Sweet Catherine was just the start to that wonderful year, and most of the amazing things that happened in 2012 stem from her. She went from being a newborn that slept, ate, and pooped, to being a sweet little girl with a fabulous personality.

I won't put all if the cool things she did last year in this post, mainly because I don't have room. However, by the end of 2012 Catherine could crawl (quickly and dangerously at times), eat by herself (although she REFUSES to hold her own bottle to this day), pull up on anything, stand by herself for very long time frames, read books (She points to the words as we read, and she points by herself when she does her independent reading.) and say a complete sentence ("There she is!") She amazes us every day.  She even chose to use January 2, 2013 to take her first steps. Our child wasted no time in making the start to our year spectacular. :)

Catherine wasn't the only one who had a big year. Austin and I celebrated 3 wonderful years of marriage. We dated for such a long time that in reality we have almost been together for a decade, but this man still sweeps me off my feet all the time. Whether it is by all the meals he makes for us, surprises he keeps up his sleeves, sweet gestures, or the way he is such a great father - I fall a little more in love every day.

I also had a major life changing moment (other than becoming someone's mom of course). I went from my comfort zone of teaching kindergarten to teaching first grade. Thankfully I got to keep my fabulous class (give or take a few wonderful kids). When everyone says that first grade is the hardest to teach they are not kidding! Though here are many challenges, I could not ask for better team mates, students, or parents.

I still struggle daily about being a working mom. It is so difficult to want to be with her all the time, but my husband and I have had many conversations about it. If we want to give Catherine the kind of lifestyle we want to give her, we both have to work. Now don't get me wrong, she has the BEST babysitter ever, my mom. Mom works with her on various skills, they read books, and, most importantly, Catherine knows she is loved, and her mommy knows she's being taken care of very well. All of that being said, I love my job and the kids I teach very much, but I would still like to be the one that gets to spend the day learning through Catherine's eyes. :)

Sorry this post was long. There was a lot to say to start the year off. Thank you for taking interest in our journey. I can't wait to see what the rest of 2013 has in store for us!

The Power of Prayer

With everything that has been going on the news surrounding Ridgeland's football team and coach, I have been thinking a great deal about prayer, and how vital it is to all of us.

I have really been anxious the past couple of weeks because school is going to be back in swing soon. It's not that I don't miss my school friends because I do. I also miss my school babies. However, I do not want to have to leave my baby. I know I am lucky because my mom is keeping her, but I would much rather spend every day with her. I have already broken down several times, and I've spent so much time just watching her. I have maybe been away from her a total of 8 hours in the past 3 months, so I know the next few weeks will not be easy!

I feel guilty asking for prayer, especially after looking at my news feed on Facebook and seeing friends' loved ones passing away, an 8 month old being laid to rest, friends batting cancer, friends who desperately would like to be parents, and other more serious events that can really use prayer. Please know that so many prayers are going up surrounding these events. However, I also know that our God hears and answers all prayers. From the tiniest prayer to the most miraculous, He is there. I know that it is not always what we want to hear or even in the time period we want, but prayer is so very powerful! Of course in this case I would love for a giant check to show up in my mailbox that would enable me to stay home, but I know that is not going to happen. I am instead asking for you to pray with me to help keep my mind at ease about my baby during the work day. I also pray for my mom as she will have my baby and my precious nephew on a couple of days each week. Lastly, I pray for my school babies and their parents. I pray they know that I am going to love them and treat them the same way I treat Catherine. I now realize how difficult it is to leave your baby in someone else's hands - even if they are the most capable. :)

I thank you for your prayers, and know that you are thought of in mine. :)

6 Months!

It's hard to believe that 6 months ago I was laying in a hospital bed holding a newborn. Presently I am sitting in the kitchen floor watching my daughter run across the floor in her walker. She only stops long enough to sing and dance.

She has gone from crying and sleeping in those first few days to rolling over, sitting up, jabbering, and actually playing with us. My husband said the other day, "She is so much fun now!"

I have learned a lot these past six months. First, I don't need as much sleep as I once thought. I also like coffee now, which I didn't use to; now I can't get enough. I have learned a new form of love. I couldn't even imagine this love before. I have learned to put myself second. My every choice affects her, so my choices must be good.

I have also learned much more, but someone is ready to play with her mama.

I can't see what's in store for the next six months!

Zoo Atlanta

I meant to post this earlier in the week, but time gets away from me.

On Sunday we took Catherine to Zoo Atlanta.  I know, we just took her to the zoo, but she really seems to enjoy it.  Also, we went for free courtesy of the Georgia library system. We checked out the family pass from the library, watched the DVD, and got to go to the zoo for free.  You can't beat that!

We were lucky because we went with my dearest friend Magan.  I don't get to spend nearly as much time with her as I would like, so I think Mommy may have had more fun than Catherine.  I don't know though, because I think Catherine loves Magan just as much as her mommy does. :)

We planned on a morning zoo trip, but life with an infant is hardly ever planned at the Copes'.  We finally got to Atlanta around lunch time, fed Catherine, fed ourselves, and made it to the zoo that afternoon.  Catherine was such a trooper the whole time!

I am pretty sure her favorite animals were the gorillas and the pandas, mainly because she could actually see them, and I would easily say the panda was her favorite. 

The part she really liked was being able to sit up so tall in her stroller.  She has officially moved from supported sitter to sitter in Gerber language.  Between sitting up in the stroller and being carried by Daddy, Magan, or myself, I would say her day was a success.

Magan and Catherine the meerkats!

BFFS!

Family photo op

My favorite picture from the trip!

The trip home was not as much fun as the rest of the trip.  Catherine missed her afternoon nap because we were at the zoo.  Silly Mommy thought that meant she would sleep all the way home.  Oh no.  She was tired, she couldn't see us, she was hot in her carseat - all of these things make for a grumpy baby. I know next time she needs to make sure she gets all her naps on time before we take a 2 hour ride home. :)

Zoo with Friends

On Wednesday we went on another great adventure. We went to the zoo with some of our friends. I was a little nervous that she wouldn't enjoy it, but she really seemed to like looking at the animals.
She really seemed to like watching the little monkeys. She did not like the birds though. They would squawk loudly, and at one point it scared her so badly she cried. Mean bird!
The part she loved the best though I believe was the carousel. She smiled the whole time! It was so cute!
I may just be a proud mama, but I am very impressed with Catherine's behavior and temperment. Every time we go some where people compliment her. She's just our happy little girl. :)

Cousin Visit with Nanny and Opening Ceremonies!

It's Friday. :)
The week is almost through.  It's unbelievable how quickly a week goes by during the summer.  


Today was especially fun for our family.  My Nanny, sister, and I met at my Aunt Tammy's house. It was really fun. We had toast, soup, and chocolate cobbler, and we just got to visit. I really enjoy getting to spend time with family.  I hope that Catherine and Blake grow up to enjoy spending time together. I posted some pictures that my Aunt Tammy took while we were there below. 

In other news, tonight is the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.  I love watching the Olympics.  I do find it kind of funny that we sit on our booties for two weeks cheering on people who have worked their booties off.  :)

Now that I'm a mom, the Olympics have a little bit of a different feeling behind it this year.  I constantly think about Catherine: how my decisions affect her, what her needs and wants are, and what she might be when she is older.  As I have been watching everyone get ready for the event, I can't help but wonder if Catherine will want to play sports.  I wonder what sports she will enjoy.  Yes, I will admit that I have pictured my daughter standing up on the podium for winning USA gold. I have pictured it several different times in fact, as I do not know what sport she will play.  I'm thinking either gymnastics or swimming because those are the sports I enjoy watching. (Don't lie, I know some of you are out there doing it, too.  If you weren't, you probably are now.  ;) )

Also, my husband and I started a friendly Olympic competition.  We both picked a country to cheer for during the Games.  We both have USA because it really wouldn't be fair if only one of us got to cheer for our own country.  Austin chose China because they tend to win a lot, and I picked Great Britain for the home advantage.  Of course we are both really cheering on team USA, but this will be a fun rivalry. :)

Well, I am about to go put my little athlete to bed.  She needs her rest to grow big and strong.  After that, I plan on sitting down with my husband to watch opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics (which technically has already happened, but they are going to air it tonight.)  I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

XOXO,
Annaliese

Mommies and babies

Catherine was watching Aunt Meg take a picture; Blake was watching tv. :)

 

 

 

 

Catherine and Nanny

Sleepsense

My heart is so full of gratitude for my friend Audrey.  I am guessing she already knows why. :)

As many of you know, we have been having an issue with Catherine taking naps during the day.  I could rock her for 30 minutes to make sure she is deep in REM sleep, but she would wake up as soon as I put her down.  If she did stay asleep, she was only sleeping for about 20 minutes.  That is not a long enough nap for my little active munchkin.

Audrey gave me a copy of Sleepsense by Dana Obleman.  At first I almost didn't want to read it all.  It is about getting your child to sleep through the night.  Well, Catherine is doing that.  Granted we have a routine: pjs, bottle, book, and then I rock her until she's asleep.  I think the routine is just as much for me as it is for her.  She told me to pay close attention to chapter 5; it is about a sleep schedule. 

I am very much against the cry-it-out-method.  Yes, I know many/most moms use it.  Yes, it probably was used on me.  However, I just cannot bear the thought of my 5 month old screaming alone in a semi-dark room.  Especially after she has spent her whole life being rocked to sleep.  I am a creature of habit, and even if she does favor Austin more than me, she acts a whole lot more like me.  That's an awfully big wrench to through at her. 

Well, this is where I loved the book.  Mrs. Obleman has a stay-in-the-room method.  I literally sat by Catherine's crib for 30 minutes and waited on her to fall asleep.   Yes, that is a long time, but it seemed like a much shorter time than listening to her scream for 5-10 minutes.  She fought it, and she fought hard, but she fell asleep on her own!  There were absolutely NO TEARS!  We still followed the same routine, but instead of rocking her I laid her down. 

After she fell asleep I just watched her and cried.  She is getting so big so quickly!  Granted I know this was the first night, and it may not be as successful every time.  My little girl can fall asleep on her own now though, without having to be put in the swing!  I couldn't be prouder of her.

Audrey you are a lifesaver, and to think that I almost didn't read it.  I guess the saying is true: You really can't judge a book by its cover.

XOXO,
Annaliese

Hooray for Daddy and Bittersweet Goodbye

This week has not been one of the most eventful weeks of the summer so far, but I do enjoy a peaceful break every now and then. :)

Thursday seems to be one of my favorite days of the week every week.  It is our library day.  Catherine probably doesn't get as much out of it as her mommy (especially considering this Thursday she slept in the car with Daddy while Mommy grabbed books quickly off the shelves), but I really do enjoy going in and letting her see all the books.  I don't want to force her to read, but I do want her to develop her own love of reading.  I can remember calling my mom in tears her first week of life: "She just cries every time I try to read to her!"  Mom said, "Give her time.  I don't think she will need and EIP (early intervention plan) any time soon." 5 months later, she reaches out to touch the pages and even helps me turn them on occasion (always going backward, of course). Considering the fact that my job includes teaching children how to read, I am glad my daughter is at least tolerating the numerous story times I subject her to each day. :)

On Friday, my husband went to see The Dark Knight with his brother and our oldest nephew.  Catherine and I of course did not go.  (I've noticed that you don't go to quite as many movies when you have a baby.)  A little boutique that I enjoy shopping at occasionally was having a clearance sale for their summer merchandise (which is the only time my teacher's salary can afford it).  I called my mom and asked her if she would go with me.  I ended up only getting a pair of squeek shoes for next Easter.  I hope they fit!  Mom and I really didn't love any of the clothing on sale, but she wanted to go to Cracker Barrel to look at clothes.  She ended up getting Catherine and Blake the cutest little sock monkey onesies!

The title of this post comes from Saturday.

I am so proud of my husband!  Yesterday was his last class for his Specialist degree!  After 25 years, he is officially done with school!  Austin, I could not be any prouder to be your wife.  You work so hard to provide for our family, and you love us unconditionally.  I am so thankful that God created our little family of 3 and made you the head of this household (yeah, we will let you think that ;) )! Catherine and I love you very much!

The bittersweet goodbye part is dedicated to our cousins, Chris and Jenni.  Jenni's family lives in Ohio, and Chris was offered a great job up there.  I know that we are going to miss Chris, Jenni, Kaylee, and E a lot, but I am so happy and proud for them.  I know that it will also be a blessing for Jenni to let her side of the family spend time with the babies.  I can't imagine what it would be like for Catherine to grow up far away from her Mimi, Poppa, and Aunt Meg. We wish them the absolute best!  (You guys better come back to visit though!) 

Ice Cream Sunday and Monday with Mimi

In an effort to be a better blog writer, I made a mid-year resolution to write more often. The posts may not be news worthy, but they will be our adventures. :)

Sunday afternoon was our first outing of the week. We woke up early around 5:15 and Catherine and I played, but we fell back asleep and over slept for church. That afternoon though we went to the Chattanooga Market with some sweet friends to taste ice cream. Catherine enjoyed bonding time with her favorite male babysitter, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with my friend and her precious family. :)

Monday I asked my mom if she would keep Catherine for a couple of hours while I got some stuff done around the house. This was a big step for me as I have incredible separation anxiety and can't stand to be in a different room than Catherine. I have to start doing this more often though because she is going to stay with Mimi when I have to go back to work.

She hadn't napped very well, and she didn't nap the whole time she was there. We really have to get some sort of routine with her naps or we are all going to go nuts. She did entertain her Mimi though. Mom said she rolled over, sat up, and learned the importance of having a cheerleader. (If you know my mom, I'm sure she cheered her on after every breath she took. ;). )

I am glad that she enjoyed her afternoon with Mimi. There is something unbelievably magical about being with my mama and my daughter. I'm glad I get to experience the special bond that we have.

Time Heals Wounds

I am not very good at keeping up with this blog.  I should be typing at least weekly about all of our adventures.  However, I guess I get so caught up in them that I forget to write about them. 
Mid-Years Resolution:  I will start writing at least bi-weekly about the adventures of the Copes. :)

This post is about a bigger part of the picture of our family.  I am going to go ahead and say there are some personal elements in this story, but it has been heavy on my heart the past few months.  I just needed to get it out.  It's also quite lengthy; if you wish to stop reading at this point I completely understand.

As I was falling asleep last night, I started thinking about how quickly time flies, and how things change in the blink of an eye.
This time a year ago Austin and I were just letting everyone in on the most amazing secret we had ever kept.  We were going to have a baby!  We kept the secret a little longer though because we had told the same secret once before.

Around Thanksgiving of 2010 we found out we were expecting.  I was so excited!  My dream has always been to be a teacher and a mommy, and my dreams were coming true!  We waited to tell people outside of our family because we wanted to wait until we reached the "safe zone".  I am a world-class champion worrier, so waiting seemed like a great idea.  Around Christmas time we shared the news with more of our friends and family.

There is nothing more exciting than getting ready for a baby.   From the moment we found out we were going to add a third to our family I began looking at bedding, clothes, and all the necessities that a baby needs.  The idea that 1/2 of me and 1/2 of Austin was growing inside of me was thrilling! 

Things changed a little in the beginning of January.  I felt a little off, and I also started to spot.  Several friends and family members said not to worry because some women spot all the way through their pregnancy.  Like I said, I'm a professional worrier.  I called the doctor on-call on Saturday, and he said it could be nothing, or I might be having a miscarriage.  He added that if I was having a miscarriage there was nothing we could do to stop it.  He put me on bed-rest the rest of the weekend.  Sunday was awful, and I can remember being at my parents' house sobbing because I knew something was wrong. 

I went to the doctor that Monday to check on things.  The ultrasound tech did not know that I was there because I was worried.  I remember her looking on the screen and saying to me, "That's weird. You haven't been spotting have you?" At that point I lost it because I knew what had happened.  The doctor took me back into his office and prayed with us and set up the hospital arrangements for a D&C.  That day was probably the hardest day of my life so far.  It's a very emotional concept to wake up one morning as someone's mommy and go to bed that night knowing that you no longer have that title.  The next few months were heartbreaking as our families went through this difficult time.  Gradually, things got a little easier, and it was no longer the only thing I thought about.  I would even venture to say that life got back to normal.

Now that I've gotten the sad part out, in comes Act 2. 

June of 2011 we got the best news ever.  We were expecting again!  This time we kept our secret as long as we could, but then we decided that we would rather have prayers for Baby Cope.  Many of you followed all the exciting events leading up to our wonderful Catherine's birth.  Finally on February 16, God blessed us with this happy and healthy baby girl that everyone prayed for with us.  God knew His plan all along.  I can't even remember what life was like before her! I have had some pretty wonderful things happen in my life, but she is the creme that rises to the top!  Catherine is our pride and joy.  She is 1/2 me, 1/2 Austin, and 100% exuberance! She is the embodiment of good things do happen after bad events.  Had we not lost the first baby, there would be no Catherine, and the thought of no Catherine makes my heart ache!!!

I wrote all of this because I have had many people tell me about their own experiences with miscarriages since ours, but  I also have many friends and family members who have never experienced it, and I pray daily that they never have to. Before we lost the baby, I knew that miscarriages were upsetting, but I had no idea how incredibly devastating they are to the family.  Whether the person is 6 weeks, or even months into the pregnancy, that baby is their child, and no parent should have to go through that.  Baby's Mama and Daddy are already planning for his/her future, grandparents are already buying outfits and books, and friends are helping by picking out names.  Then, all of the sudden, you are thrown into this sorority that you never wanted to pledge for in the first place.  (Thank you Bethenny Frankel for the perfect analogy.)  However, time does heal wounds.  We were able to move past the tragedy of losing a baby and new life was brought into this world.

This blog was by no means to sound like a pity-party, even though it did sound like one as I proofread it, and I apologize for that.  I just wanted others out there to know the story. If this story gives someone out there just the slightest ounce of hope then it was worth writing.  I won't lie, it is going to hurt, a lot! But good things can and do happen.  Remember also, I am praying for you! :)

XOXO,
Annaliese

Rainy Family Field Trip

She is way too interested in the exhibit to stop for a photo!

Today we went on a family field trip. Austin had to go to the bank, and we originally were going to take Catherine to the park on the way. However, she fell asleep before we got there, so we just went on to the bank. As we were leaving, I remembered that I had a gift card to eat downtown that we got from some amazing friends when Catherine was born. I asked if he wanted to go since we were close. Neither of us was hungry yet, but we decided to head downtown.

On the way, I remembered once hearing that educators get in the Creative Discovery Museum for free. (It is true.) We decided to burn time there. Both of us realize that Catherine doesn't really appreciate the Museum yet, but it was fun to let her look around. She is a very nosey baby, and she loves to look at everything. She enjoyed just taking it all in. The only problem is our spontaneous trip fell right during nap time. She didn't get fussy, but she didn't seem to be as into the trip as she normally would be. We will definitely be taking another trip when she gets older.

After we left the museum, we went to eat - Catherine even ate at the restaurant. It's really nice that we are all on about the same schedule now. Eating was fine, but leaving was another story. We realized it was pouring rain! Spontaneous rain before Catherine was here was romantic; however, when you have a baby but don't have an umbrella it is not.  Luckily, she has a stroller that has shades coming from both sides. It eventually slowed down enough for us to walk the three blocks to the car. Catherine was dry as a bone, but we were drenched. We laughed because I carry a Mary Poppins diaper bag; it has everything we may ever need while we are out with her. However, I didn't have an umbrella. This round goes to the rain, but you better believe an umbrella will be in the bag tomorrow.
We had so much fun on our family outing. I feel so blessed to have my little family, and I am so thankful we are able to spend time together. I wonder what fun we will get into next!

Say that again Daddy?

Super Daddy explaining something to Catherine.

Pottery Fun

Today was quite an eventful day for Catherine and me.

Let me begin by saying my little princess has not been a good napper lately. She is a wonderful napper if I hold her, but her babysitter informed me that had to stop. When she does nap, she will wake up as soon as I lay her down, and when she does fall asleep she only stays that way for about 30 minutes. Trying to get her on a good schedule is summer goal #1.

Back to our adventure though...
She took a great nap this morning (granted I was holding her), which allowed me to meet some of my friends for a fun afternoon of painting pottery. Catherine and I painted her first ornament with the help of a dear friend who held my screaming baby and calmed her down after her mean mommy put paint on her feet. :)  We painted a red sphere and put her footprints on it in green. It says "Mistletoes 2012". I think it's going to be really cute.
After that we had a fun lunch, and Catherine and I were able to go to Target with one of our favorite people. :)

That was just the start though!  While I was at Target I noticed a Jenny Jumper. It said 4+ months. Well, we are literally days from 4 months, and I bought one at a consignment sale. When we got home I asked Austin to hang it up just for fun. Catherine loves it! She hops, spins, and chews (someone's teething I do believe) all by herself! I am so proud, but I can't help being a little sad as well.  My baby is growing up very quickly!

We just back from a family walk, and we showed some friends Catherine jumping. It's hard to believe just 4 months ago she was in my tummy. I can't wait to see what she can do next!

Working mama

<Well, I have made it over the hump of my first week back. Let me tell you, I had respect for working mamas before, but now I have a tremendous amount. It is definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done.
Don't get me wrong, my baby is in great hands during the day, but they are not mine.
The first morning was the hardest. She was asleep when we dropped her off, so I really didn't get to tell her goodbye. The only thing I could think was she would wake up, and, for the first time, I wouldn't be there. I called several times during the day and visited on my planning. There was no need to worry. My baby was fine!
I am not going to say it has gotten easier because, truthfully, I don't think I will ever be comfortable leaving her. I am so afraid I am going to miss out on something. It is something I am sure every working mom struggles with, and I don't know if I will ever be ok with it.
I am lucky that I have a job that allows me to spend the summers with her.
This experience has also made me appreciate my students more though. I now know what parents are going through when they entrust the safety and welfare of their child with someone else. I loved my students before, but now I just adore them!
Hopefully this will get a little easier as time goes by.
All you working mamas out there pat yourselves on the back. I'm saying prayers for all of us!

Catherine's First Wedding

Today was a big day for my baby girl. She went to her first wedding!

Austin works with Special Occasions Catering, so he was working the wedding all day. Catherine and I spent our last morning alone before I go back to work just playing and eating. Then in the afternoon we went to spend a little time with my sister and darling nephew.

We got home from my sister's with just enough time for us to get dressed and her to eat. Then we were off to the wedding!

The wedding was of a close friend of mine. It was on his parents' property, and it was gorgeous! We got there as they were walking in. Catherine was very well behaved the whole time. She hardly made a peep during the whole ceremony.

The reception was in the barn and it was so lovely! The food was excellent! It was interrupted by a dirty diaper and a spitup induced costume change, but it was wonderful!

Catherine had a great time at her first wedding, and I enjoyed catching up with many friends. They were so good they even made my drinks and plate for me! Catherine and I are two lucky girls.

Best wishes to the happy couple! May you live happily ever after!

April 27, 2011

As I sit in my house holding my baby girl and looking out the window, I can't help but remember the events of last year.

The night before my dad told me there were going to be bad storms, and we needed to be careful. However, his nickname that one of my sister's friends gave him is "Tad the Weather Dad". He worries about storms, so I wasn't that concerned.

We went to school the next day, and it was business as usual. When the storm alarm went off, I assumed it was a precaution. Little did I know how serious it was. I felt awful because when we did storm drills I told my kids we will probably never need to do this. I mean tornadoes don't happen here. Needless to say I don't say that anymore. They dismissed the kids and sent us home. The worst was over, or so I thought.

Austin and I went home, and Aus took a nap. I didn't because I was still anxious. It started to storm again, and I woke Austin up because the sky looked green. He told me it was fine, but let's go to Ft. O to eat and see the weather because we didn't have power.

I'll never forget sitting at Applebee's when Laura Aldridge called and said a tornado is headed for our town, but I still didn't worry too badly because tornadoes don't happen where we live. Aus and I went to Walmart to wait out the storm. When we parked, we both were commenting on the lightening; it seemed to be nonstop.

They did a code black while we were in Walmart, and we had to stand in the middle of the store. After they cleared us, I got a text from a friend asking if we were ok. I said yes and kept shopping. I got two more texts quickly asking if we were ok, then the first friend wrote back that a tornado was on our road. I dropped everything I was holding and ran to Aus saying we had to leave then.

The whole way home I kept wondering if we still had a home. I sent a text to a neighbor asking if it was still standing, and she said we were blessed. When we got to our neighborhood, the police wouldn't let us in because of a gas leak. We went to my parents' house to wait out the rest of the storms and spent the night.

The next morning we came home and saw the devastation that was our neighborhood. God truly blessed us. Our home was fine. Our back porch was rearranged, but that was all the "damage" was had. Across the street had roof damage, the next house was missing a roof. The house three houses across the street was gone.

Throughout the next few weeks I was amazed at how our community helped each other. Our next door neighbors went from being neighbors to close friends. We delivered water during the day and "camped out" at night.

It's weird to think of how much has changed in this past year. I now appreciate every day a little more, especially now that Catherine is here. (A month after the storms we found out she would be here. Maybe I'm a little thankful for no power. ;) )

God brought the storm to teach us not to underestimate His power, but He also showed us the love we all have for Him and one another. Even in the midst of a storm He can calm.