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!)