My Xmas List

Now that I'm a parent I usually think about things I want to buy for Cooper instead of things I want for myself. I admit to having an occasional fantasy about a red patent leather Louis Vuitton wallet or these boots, but for the most part I think about jon jons, developmental toys, etc. However, I know my mother will start asking me if there's anything special I want for Xmas any day now and I've come up with a few small things.



1. new John Mayer cd (out in late November)

2. new Norah Jones cd (this is really for CW and me)

3. Pioneer Woman's cookbook

4. pastry bags, tips, etc.

5. pedicure gift certificate

6. Nikon Coolpix camera (this isn't a small thing so if someone could tell my husband I'd be grateful)

10.24.09

Cooper joined me today for breakfast with the ladies (Aunt Jane and Aunt Dana) at our fave spot, Le Peep. He got to eat pancakes, throw things on the floor and get flirted with by lots of people not just our tablemates. He even got kissed on the head by a stranger and decided to meltdown while I was in the restroom. He enjoyed the adventure and was so tuckered out by all the fun that he slept for 3 hours once we got home.

10.23.09

We have four top teeth now. If he would hold still, I would photograph them :)

Also, I think we are going to have to start doing nightly baths. At this age he doesn't need a bath everyday but #1 he loves them and #2 he is worn out by then end of all that excitement. Makes for an easy bedtime routine.

10.22.09

After being out of commission due to an awful stomach bug last week, we are now officially back in the game. Christopher's on nights in the CCU, so things are exactly normal, but we are functioning.

Lately each day reveals something else I have to put up, hide, move to a higher shelf, etc. to keep it away from Cooper. Not only is he mobile, he's also tall and has long arms so he can get to a lot of stuff! I think we might have to be minimalists for the next year or so. Note to shelf: buy fence to go around Christmas tree.

10 Months Old

Look at that big green bean. So cute.

Cooper is growing and developing every day. He really is into finger foods now and calls everything Na Na except for Ma Ma and Da Da. He just met his Aunt Rebecca for the first time and was pretty smitten with her. And I think she liked him too :) He is loving his new nursery with all the foam mats he can crawl on, under and over. He still takes a morning nap but sometimes forgoes the afternoon siesta. However, if that happens he will fall asleep during dinner. He is taking about 6 bottles per day and eating about 5 jars of food plus some cereal or other finger foods. He wears size 4 diapers, 18-24 month clothes and is almost grown out of his size 5 shoes.

10.08.09

This blog could be titled a couple of different things... "A day in the life" or "Reason #1,804 why I Love Vanderbilt"... but it's easier just to call it 10/08/09.

Cooper had his first dose of the flu vaccine at his 9 month well-baby visit on 9/04/09. We scheduled an appointment for his second dose for this past Wednesday. However last Friday we got a call from our pediatrician's office saying they were out of the vaccine and we'd have to find it elsewhere. Great. Option 1 - go to Walgreens. Not so fast - they don't give flu shots to kids under 2 years old. Option 2 - go to Lentz Public Health Department. Not so fast - yuck.

Then I realized Vandy might have an alternative. Guess what? They do.

So last night Christopher got home at 4:30 pm (what??? really??? when the sun was still up???) and when Cooper and I arrived at 5 pm we headed down to the Franklin Vandy Walk-In clinic. We beat the traffic and arrived at 5:30 pm. Fifteen minutes later I was registering which involved signing an electronic keypad twice because Cooper was already in the system (having been born at VUMC). Great so far. Then a murse named Richard came into the lobby and walked us outside where he administered the shot right there to my baby who I was holding naturally and didn't even know what hit him. No tears. No wailing. No copay. I love Vandy.

Before we knew it we were off to the quaint and always lovely downtown Franklin for dinner at Mellow Mushroom. MM is one of Christopher's favorites, but I've never really liked it. However, last night I found the one thing I love and will order every time. Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Yum. Triple Yum.

After a scenic drive home with a sleeping baby in the backseat I thought this would end up being a perfect evening. It was only 8 pm, we had accomplished our mission, had a yummy dinner and Cooper was asleep. I would put him in his crib, get the house ready for the housekeeper and get to bed before 10pm. Cooper had other plans.

After being in the house for all of 30 seconds Cooper drenches me in vomit. The look on CW's face was a combo of "Holy ****" and "I'm so glad it wasn't me." He held the perfectly clean baby while I stripped down on the spot since I was close to the washing machine and then take Cooper upstairs to hopefully go back to bed. Again, he had other plans. We all got to bed before midnight which isn't too bad, but not the fantasy scenario I had earlier.

The good news... Cooper fell asleep mumbling Ma Ma. Ma Ma. Ma Ma. Ma Ma. I forgave him for the puke.

10.07.09

Cooper turned 10 months old today. A picture and an update will be posted later, but for now two little tidbits.

Tidbit #1

Cooper has THREE upper teeth coming in. At the same time. No wonder he's been so pleasant lately :)

Tidbit #2

I think this child is a lot like me. He may look like Christopher spit him out, but he has my personality. Yesterday was another shining example.

In an effort to take part in this fleeting fall season I scooped up Cooper, grabbed a blanket and we headed into the backyard to play with grass or leaves or anything that would take his mind off of the teeth that were making him fussy. He happily sat on the blanket, stood up against me or let me cradle him, but he was not interested in the world beyond the blanket. He briefly played with a big, crispy leaf I got for him, but he didn't really care. At one point he crawled to the edge of our blanket and slowly reached out for the grass. As soon as his fingers touched the prickly ends of the blades of grass he was done. After about 15 minutes we were back inside.

10.04.09

Having a blast with B&B (Becca & Brian). Big happenings of the weekend... Cooper picked a french fry up off of Rebecca's plate at lunch yesterday and proceeded to eat it. Such a copy cat. He ate jello today too, well cranberry congealed salad. In messier news he is also having his first bout of diarrhea. Lots of dirty outfits in the wash this weekend.

9.30.09

Cooper's favorite new game - crawl up to any piece of furniture in the family room. Lay on his belly and peer under said furniture. Reach under couch, table, chair and pull out a toy. Oftentimes it's a dog toy, but he doesn't seem to mind. And the dogs really appreciate his help :)