H's second month

Ok world sorry for the tardiness, but here go.

Harrison turned two months on December 18th, time has really flown by.  Its amazing how completely the little guy has captivated our hearts.  Parenthood is definitely one of those things in life you have to experience to fully understand.  How everything revolves around the happiness of your child or the joy one feels when changing a diaper or not hesitating to grab nose boogies.  Things that outside the roles of mom and dad would seem odd.  

Harrison is getting bigger and more alert each day and really recognizes his mom & dad. (Mom more than Dad but I think thats because Mom is his food source)  Its pretty cool how when Harrison looks at one of us and smiles nothing else really matters.  But even more interesting than mom and dad are the lights and ceiling fans.  Harrison loves to look at them and its funny when he laughs and "talks" to the fans.  

Still his favorite place to sleep!

funny face ;)

my hair gets wild on one side

talkin to Daddy

We got photos taken by Emily Tate- she was wonderful, but of course H was not in the mood for modeling.  She captured some great shots, you can't even tell he wasn't happy. :)  She also took the one at the top of the blog and our Christmas card picture.  These are a few of our favorites...

His second month was pretty eventful.  He met lots of new faces and was loved on by many family members.  The Rubels came to visit the weekend before Thanksgiving.  We realized that lots of baby-proofing needs to be done in the near future.  The boys were so sweet, wanting to hold Harrison, touch his toes, and talk to him.  We ventured down to New Orleans for Thanksgiving.  It was our first trip with Harrison, and it was memorable!  We tried to leave on Monday evening, but turned around before we even reached the interstate.  He was so fussy and we were both tired, we figured it was safer to leave in the morning.  Harrison did not sleep well at all while we were down there, which made for two tired parents.  The time spent with family and friends was worth it though.  Harrison got to meet his great- grandmother, a very special time.  After New Orleans we went to see family in Seminary for a couple days.  This was more laid-back and he slept a little better!  

And we went to get our Christmas tree...

our reindeer...making bubbles :)

1 month old

I cannot believe that our baby boy is one month already!!  This month has been a whirlwind.  We are trying to enjoy every second (even when we're up at 3am) because we know this time will go by so fast.  We're surprised at how much he has changed and grown already.  Some of our favorite things are holding him, kissing him, when he sleeps at night, when he "smiles" in his sleep, all of the funny faces he makes, and when he looks right at us when we talk to him.  Harrison has been sleeping great this past week.  The first couple weeks were rough- he was wide awake at night!  I guess he's getting his days and nights figured out- hopefully!!  He sleeps great in his swaddlers- love those things!

"Smiling" in his sleep

First bath

 We didn't plan on giving him a paci until he was one month...but we didn't make it! haha

One month old!

Jermaine has been home since Harrison was born.  He has one more week off before he goes back to work.  I am so thankful that he was able to spend six weeks at home with us!!  It has been absolutely wonderful.  We will both miss him when he goes to work.  Jermaine has been such a supportive husband during this month of recovery, crazy hormones, emotions, nursing, and lack of sleep.  He's also been such a great dad.

Harrison's favorite way to sleep

We have been blessed with lots of visitors who have brought meals, cooked, cleaned, and most importantly- loved on Harrison!!  We have not had to cook a dinner in four and a half weeks- so wonderful!!!  My mom, dad, and sister stayed with us for his first few days.  Then Jermaine's mom came and stayed for a couple days.  It was great to have all of them here- especially so we could get some sleep!!  Some family and friends have come from out of town to meet Harrison.  Nan and the whole Ajamiseba crew came a couple weeks ago.  Erica & Taylor came last weekend- I needed some girl time!  We hung out in our pajamas all day and talked.  They also cooked lots of delicious food for us :)

Nan :)

Ajam Fam

Aunt Taylor

Aunt Erica

We love Harrison's pediatrician- Dr. Edwards.  He was so great with him when we went for his 2 week check up.  When he saw those big hands and feet he told Harrison that he has to remember "Dr. Joe Joe" when he makes it to the big leagues.  I thought that was too cute!  Harrison was up to 8 lbs and 12 oz at two weeks.

Harrison's Arrival

Harrison Bryan Cooley was born on October 18 at 5:09pm.  We are filled with JOY!!

Consistent contractions started at 1:30am on Oct. 18th.  They were on and off all night long.  We finally called the doctor at 7:30am and got to the hospital around 9.  After being there for just a little while the nurse said, "It looks like you're going to have a baby today."  It took a minute for that to sink in!  It was quite a day- especially since we had not slept the night before.   Finally at 5:09 the doctor said, "You have a baby....BOY!"  One of the first things I noticed were his big hands and feet.  Both of our families were able to greet Harrison when Jermaine brought him out.

It's still hard to believe that we are parents.  We love our little boy more than we could imagine.  I think that has been the biggest surprise for me.  I've always heard people say that the love for your child is like no other, but I did not understand that until now.  I had an instant, intense love for this beautiful little boy the moment I saw him.

We are so thankful for friends and family who have come to meet Harrison and bring us meals.

About to go home

Meeting his cousins

Hangin' out with Daddy

Mommy loves to kiss you!

He loves his paci and the swaddler (straight jacket)

I am four weeks old today!

Before our little guy arrived I had two more showers.  The staff at school threw me a "Gift Card Shower".  It was great, and we were so thankful for all those gift cards.  My sweet classes also threw me a surprise shower!!  They got us a gift card to Baby Gap- can't wait to get Harrison something!!

We were able to celebrate Michael & Miriam's wedding last weekend.  My mom and sister were so sweet to come with us to watch Harrison.  The wedding was absolutely beautiful.  Miriam was gorgeous!!  I am so glad that we got to be there for that joyful occasion.  

Blessed

We have been so blessed lately!  We continue to be amazed at how the Lord is providing for us at this time through family and friends.  Recently, we have been given three more baby showers!  They were all wonderful and so thoughtful.  


The first one was in New Orleans, and given by my best friends, Ashley, Erica, & Taylor.  It was absolutely beautiful- of course!  Guests wore white and accessorized with pink or blue- their guess of Baby Cooley's gender!  Those girls are so creative.  It happened to be the weekend of Tropical Storm Lee, but thankfully lots of family and friends were able to make it.  I was especially thankful to have Nan there- who came in from Atlanta!!  

My mom & sister

Hostesses

Which shoes will GC wear?

The next shower was given by Jermaine's co-workers.  I thought it was so thoughtful (just because he's a guy)!  I was able to take a half-day at work and go to the shower.  They really went all out- lots and lots of food, cakes, decorations, etc.  Jermaine's boss has blessed us with all kinds of things...a stroller, car seat, and pack & play just to name a few!!!  


Our other shower was given by friends from church.  It was very nice as well.  They had a "Team Pink" and "Team Blue" table- too cute.  We have to represent both "sides" of course!  Our parents were able to make it up to Jackson for this shower.  We are so thankful for the great relationships we have made at our church.  I did not do a good job of taking pictures at this shower unfortunately!

Wreath for the hospital door- from Leah

Jermaine and our niece Madyson

Ronda- one of the hostesses

Jermaine's mom & aunt

We have been making lots of trips to Babies R Us lately (twice last weekend, in fact).  With all the gift cards we have been given we were able to get almost all of the necessities that we need for baby's arrival.  The nursery is still not finished- we just decided to wait to decorate and find bedding until baby gets here.  I don't want neutral- I want to go all boy or all girl!  Baby will be in a bassinet for a while anyway, so I'm not worried about the nursery- which is unusual for me.  Jermaine did recently re-do a dresser for the nursery.  He sanded it, stained it, and put new knobs on.  It's absolutely beautiful!  

Before 

After (it looks darker than it really is)

This pregnancy has made me even more thankful for such a wonderful husband.  He really is amazing.  I am beyond excited to see how wonderful he is as a father.  God has blessed me!!!


I am 36 weeks now.  Here are some old belly shots....

31 weeks

34 weeks