Food Blog

Even though this blog was created to share info about Cooper I think I will occasionally use it to post recipes. The last few times I've entertained I've been asked for recipes so why not just put them up here??? I will be online later to blog about Cooper's baptism and his 6 month bday (today!!!) but I will also attempt to post the following yummy treats (sorry no pictures).

Jezebel Sauce
Cupcake Frosting
Pasta Salad
Stutgart Cheese
Potato Salad

Separation

Two nights ago I laid in bed by myself (CW is on nights in the CCU) and thought about medical marriages and the struggles that are all part of the package. The particular struggle that was on my mind that night was how friends come and go from your life as they move on to fellowships, private practices or faculty positions at other hospitals in other states. If they don't go seeking more training or an exciting opportunity in a new place, they will often return to their homes or closer to family because they are simply tired of feeling displaced and alienated from loved ones.

Even though these moves onward and upward make perfect sense it contributes to a reality that is constantly changing. My landscape is markedly different from year to year. And those years run from July to June not the January to December calendar that was my reality pre-CW. I practically hold my breath whenever anyone starts talking about interviews because that is the first step to leaving.

Speaking of leaving, tonight I will get on a plane and head to another state without my husband, dogs or child. This will be my first time away from Cooper overnight and right now I'm kind of melancholy about it. Of course, it's for a very good cause... Dana's Bachelorette Weekend!!!! I know once I start heading to the airport with the best friends a girl could have I will be fine. But kissing my baby goodbye this morning was hard... very hard.

Cooper is in good hands with Christopher's parents and I know all is well at 7444. I'm going to party it up and then spend all night Sunday lovin' on my babies... all of them.

April was... busy

April came and went like a flash like many months and included many exciting events. Our dear friends Nick and Meg (of nursery stripes glory) got married and bought a house. I turned 31. Cooper celebrated his first Easter. Cooper also got his first ear infection. A very busy month indeed...

We are all excited about May and the adventures is will bring. I am now the current President of the VHA which is CRAZY. It will be a busy year, but worth every minute for this group I love so much. Even though we have had a change in leadership at VUMC, I'm hopeful that the new administration will love and support this great group of spouses! Also, this month I will take my first trip away from home (and my Coopies) but Christopher's parents will be here to assist in his care. Other than that we will be planning for June's fun including Dana's Couples Shower, Cooper's Baptism, and Dana's wedding.

Below are some pictures. This weekend I will post Cooper's 5 month pics and updates.

This is Cooper with his Lovie. It's a blanket with a bunny head and arms attached to it. This was a gift from his Grandmama Wells for Easter. It's silk on the inside and he loves to cuddle with it when he's sleepy as you can see. He rubs it against his face and just drifts off. So cute... I stole the name Lovie from my friend Angela... but it's the perfect name because you can tell he loves it.

Cooper's first experience with rice cereal. He makes a funny face when it's put in his mouth, but after he swallows he kicks his legs like crazy as if he wants more. Who knows...

It's Grrrrreat!

My little lion after a bath.

Mommy and her lion cub.

Cooper's First Easter

Despite my son's grumpy expression in the picture above and his total ambivalence towards his Easter Basket in the other picture, we had a fantastic Easter.

We got up early to partake in the 7 am service at our church. I thought this would be the least crowded and shortest service which are both important when you have a 4 month old in attendance. It went great. The Bishop led the service which was a treat and Cooper behaved very well. He must have known he looked great in his new bubble. He received many compliments from church goers and got blessed by the Bishop at communion. It made his Mommy teary-eyed. Something about the words "May the blessing of God Almighty, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you now and always."

After service we headed to Noshville to dine with Nick and Meg who closed on their first home yesterday and are getting married in Hawaii a week from today!!!! Cooper again did very well and fell asleep after Mommy changed him. Our first public bathroom diaper change was successful and didn't freak me out at all which was a big personal victory :)

After a yummy breakfast we headed home to play and then to Nanny and Pop Pop's for Easter supper and April birthday celebrations. Cooper got lots of love and fell fast asleep in Aunt Crystal's arms as she rocked him on the front porch.

A Happy Bunny Day indeed!

Random Pics

Cooper finally likes his bouncy seat. Yay!

Cooper loves his teething ring.

One of Cooper's 3 Month Pictures.

Cooper at 4 months

Cooper turned 4 months old on Tuesday and went for his well-baby checkup today. He is in fact a well baby per Dr. Long and is growing like a weed. He weighs 16 pounds, 10 ounces (80th percentile) and is 26.50 inches long (91st percentile). His head circumference is also right on track. He even showed off for Dr. Long and rolled from his stomach to his back three times while on the examining table. I assume this is the first time he's done that, although who knows what Miss Lynne gets him to do at daycare.

We go back at 6 months for more shots! Dr. Long wants us to start rice cereal and in two weeks start Stage 1 fruits. We are going with prunes first in hopes of helping him with his constipation issue. Many exciting changes on the horizon!!!!

Tomorrow Cooper is getting his Easter picture made at our photographer's and then Sunday is his first Easter!!! I know he is going to look so handsome in his new bubble. After church we are meeting Nick and Meg for breakfast and then having dinner at Nanny and Pop Pop's and celebrating not only Easter but the April birthdays (Crystal, Grayson and me)!

Easter pics coming soon...

At four months Cooper...

... is grabbing at and playing with anything he can get his hands on.

... still loves pulling Mommy's hair.

... is babbling all the time, especially when he wakes up.

... is still pretty constipated on a regular basis (poor thing).

... rolls all over the place.

... laughs hysterically when Christopher makes him dance.

... ends up at the other end of his crib by morning.

... loves to lay in his tub (sans water) and watch Mommy make dinner.

... is still the best thing that ever happened to us.

Happy Easter little man. Can't wait to see what the Easter Bunny brings you.

Two Days Down, Two To Go

If I said it was a busy week, I'd be underestimating the amount of stuff I have had and still have to do.

However, I had a blast at my VHA board meeting... we all laughed and talked about important and crazy things while eating yummy cake from Zoe's Kitchen and stuffing Easter Eggs with candy for the Easter Egg Hunt. Matters of the Heart last night was also wonderful (and very emotional). Ms. Cheap from The Tennessean gave a great talk about tips and tricks to save money. Note to self: email her about consignment store in Hendersonville. I was lucky enough to sit by her during dinner and found out she goes to our church! She and her husband go to the 7 am service... that's why I wasn't aware she was a member. A few tears were shed when The Jacobsons spoke since we all knew it would be there last MOH. Please pray that the VHA is blessed with a new mentor/sponsor that is half as great as this amazing couple.

Today is yard sale/bake sale set-up which means tomorrow is the Annual VHA Yard Sale & Bake Sale benefiting Jade Pasley Fund and Gilda's Club. After dragging Cooper out at 5 am, I'm hoping we will get a nap in before Jane and Dana come over for dinner (Dad is on call and will miss all this fun). Sunday will be a day of rest and HOPEFULLY posting more pics and some old videos of Cooper Baby. So stay tuned...

Tune in next week for... Cooper's 4 Month Birthday, Cooper's 4 Month doctor's appointment (stats included), and Cooper's First Easter!!!!