Evan will be 4 months in 5 days! Where does the time go?? Life with baby has been much more manageable. Evan has been going to bed every night around 7pm for the last two months. I hope this doesn't change! Naps are still a work in progress, but we're getting there!

Let's see what you're up to little guy!

You are:
*Probably between 14-15 lbs and over 23 inches long
*Eating 5-6 oz. of milk/formula 5 times a day
*Sleeping in your crib about 10-12 hours a night
*Reaching for things while on your back
*Reaching for your toes while lying down
*Wearing 3-6 month clothing
*Rolling from tummy to back (but not very consistently)
*VERY vocal! We hear lots of babbling, ooh's and ahh's, and gaaahhs
*Laughing and smiling at strangers and people who make funny faces at you!


We love you sweet boy and thank you so much for all the happiness you have brought to your Daddy and I. We are soaking up every second and trying to hold every moment of watching you grow close to our hearts. We thank God for you every day!

Good-bye 2010, Hello 2011! 2010 has been a great year. It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago, we packed up our stuff and trekked out to CO to start a new life. Along with owning a home and having a baby, we've officially entered the next chapter in life.  In 2011, I'll continue to juggle time management with working from home (the company I used to work for in CA re-hired me as a contractor) and being a stay-at-home mom. I'll also be training for the Ft. Collins Half Marathon...we'll see how far I'll get with this. Ha! I'll also be witnessing when Evan reaches milestones...by this time next year, my 'lil boy will be running around on his two stubby legs. :)

 

Feed, burp, change diaper, sleep, rinse and repeat.  

This is what motherhood looks like the first few months. Everyone says it's hard work. Everyone tells you that you won't be able to get much sleep, but there is really no way to prepare for it until it happens.  Motherhood is not easy, but it has been so rewarding. Evan is eating like a champ and growing like crazy.  We went in for his 1-month check-up and he's gained 2 lbs and 14 oz! Unfortunately,  my lil pumpkin seems to be super gassy after each feeding which leads to no sleep for baby or mom. O_o We tried putting gas drops in his formula today and it worked like a charm! He was able to go down peacefully this afternoon. 

Score! 

Why, hello lil' pumpkin! 

Long story short, my water broke at 9pm. I was admitted to the hospital around 10pm and those cRaZy contractions started not too long after.  2 hours later I was at 9cm and begging for the epidural. Epidural was administered and a few minutes later I was in heaven.  By 12:30am I was fully dilated and ready to push.  Pushing sucked.  After a few hours and no progress, the doc came in and helped Evan out with forceps. Um yeah, I'm so glad I had that epidural!  At 4:08am on Oct. 9, Evan Micah Cooper was born measuring 6lbs 1 oz, 19 inches long.

Recovery was tough the first few days, but it's been manageable thanks to pain meds and ice. Life at home with the baby has been one of the biggest learning curves ever.  I think we've been pretty lucky considering that he's not a fussy baby and only cries when he's hungry or gassy.  He just started smiling this week (not sure if they're due to gas or if it's a real smile) and it's so darn cute!! I have yet to catch his smile on camera.  

I'm thankful that Jeff took care of all the diapers and bottles in the beginning so all I had to do was focus on breastfeeding.  I'm thankful that my mom came for 2 weeks and fed us, showed me how to burp Evan and put him down for a good nights sleep.  I thank God every day for giving us such a healthy son and giving me strength so I can finally hold him in my arms.

I'm so sad that September is almost over. Where did this month go?! Jeff and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary on Thursday. It was super low key and wonderful. We ate at the Canyon Chop House in Old Town. I wish I had a camera so I could of taken pictures of the food! It was fabulous. All the ingredients used are locally grown and fresh. This place even managed to make onion rings and mashed potatoes look fancy on a plate. ;) It's a great place for celebrating special occasions.

It's beginning to feel more like Autumn here. The leaves are starting to change color -- mostly golds and yellows. It's really beautiful this time of year.  We drove to the Rocky Mt. National Park with our friends, the Millers, on Saturday to see the elk bugling. It was a spectacular sight. I don't know why they call it bugling because it doesn't sound like a bugle at all. It sounded more like a high-pitched whistle. 

I'll be 38 weeks along this week...I can't believe it. They say that the last month feels really long, but I feel that it's going by too fast! Only 2 more weeks until my due date! 

How Far Along: 38 weeks
 

Total Weight Gain :  I've lost count...

Maternity Clothes: Same 'ol maternity clothes that still fit.  I LOVE my gaucho pants...they've been a life saver.

Stretch Marks: none!

Best Moment this Week :  Celebrating our anniversary, going to RMNP, and getting THIS for my bday!

 

 

Movement :  Lots of stretching and hiccuping

 

Food Cravings : None

Labor Signs :  None other than BH contractions. 

Belly Button Innie or Outtie : Innie :)

What are You Looking Forward to this Week :  Possibly finding a way to feel more comfortable? hahaha.  I honestly don't know if there is anything else to look forward to other than having this little guy come out.  I'm so swollen, tired, and cranky.  I'm so over feeling like a turtle on its back when I have to get up to pee every night.  :P

One of the things I really miss about California are the farmer's markets. We have farmer's markets here but the variety of produce are pretty slim year round. HOWEVER, I have to say that CO peaches are probably the best peaches I have ever tasted (Sorry, CA). I was also pleasantly surprised by a vegetable stand that sold pretty much every veggie needed. They also let you stuff a plastic bag full of whatever veggies you wanted for just $7! Score! 

We're in the first week of September and the weather has been wonderful. I'm can't wait for Autumn to arrive. I'm so ready for pumpkin pies,  colorful leaves, and the crisp, cool air.

As you can see from the comparison pic, the baby has grown a lot! Only 5 more weeks left!

How Far Along: 35 weeks
 

Total Weight Gain : A lot...

Maternity Clothes: Whatever I can find that still fits. Bottoms are all maternity and I'm scrounging for tops that aren't too short. I can't wait for the weather to cool so that I can just throw on some sweats and a baggy sweatshirt!

Stretch Marks: none, but I noticed some bursted blood vessels on the left side of my belly. :-/

Best Moment this Week :  I've had a burst of energy -- enough to go walking 3-4 times this week!

Movement :  Lots of rolling around and hiccuping. 

Food Cravings : Not so much this week.

Labor Signs :  Braxon Hicks are getting much more intense. Every time I contract, I can feel my uterus pushing against my rib cage and down near my pelvic area.  It makes it hard to breathe. It's quite uncomfortable.

Belly Button Innie or Outtie : Innie :)

What are You Looking Forward to this Week : The weather cooling... :) I'm getting tired of these 90-degree days!