Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

You guys probably think I forgot Leah's birthday. We have been in Florida and boy are we tired! Wow! Between the heat & having a little one to take care of, we are wiped out. We went to Animal Kingdom, Disney World & Sea World. Leah was a peach through it all. I will have to post pictures when I get them off the camera. Oh, and maybe a video! I splurged on a video camera before we left!

Photo courtesy of John Marshall Photography

Baby Cooper

Usually, I try to keep my blog light hearted but it would seen wrong not to include an update on Cooper. Before he was born, Pete & Melissa knew he had two holes in his heart. The doctors seemed encouraging for the most part and all seemed well when he was born.

Shortly thereafter, Cooper turned blue. Some of the veins going to his heart weren't connected correctly. It was decided he needed to be flown to Dallas for surgery. Melissa had a C-Section and wasn't able to go with him, but luckily the procedure was put off for a day and she was able to make it to his hospital in time.

Can you imagine having your newborn leave for another hospital for surgery & not go with him? And poor Pete, to have to travel with him & see what he was going through.

He is doing as well as can be expected and hopefully will be home in the next few weeks. Cooper will need another surgery in 3-5 months to close the holes but for now Pete, Melissa and Alex are looking forward to taking him home.

I can't imagine the stress, fear, anxiety, sadness, worry and every other emotion they must be going through. Please keep their family in your thoughts.

Welcome Cooper James to the family!

I realize this does not relate to me, Joe or Leah but I have to share the news! My brother Pete, his wife Melissa, and their son Alex welcomed a fourth member to their family at 9:58 AM yesterday. He weighed in at 7lbs. 7oz, and is 20 3/4 inches long. Mother and baby are doing great!

The no-no's

Leah has a new "trick". She understands the word no but doesn't always listen. But when she sees something she isn't allowed to touch or play with she gives it the no-no's. She starts yelling no about 5 times & shaking her finger at it. It is really cute to watch. She also did this when Anna & Katie tried to play with her bus this weekend.

Joe & I felt bad about her new habit, so we've taught her to say yeah over & over, too. Hahaha.

First Haircut

The before shots:

Airborn long hair

The haircut:

Drivin' the Jeep.

Being the best baby you could ask for.

First pigtails!

Motivators

One of my biggest enjoyments is figuring Leah out, or seeing what is going on in that tiny head of hers. What is important to her, or what she likes best. When she was learning to crawl the remote was a big motivator. Last night I had her out in the yard & she was playing with the rocks. She was standing & had two in her hands - the perfect opportunity to see if she would take some steps. I held out my arms & she took about 3! She didn't want to put the rocks down. I love it. She is such a doll!

Blog Addict

While I was searching around on the internet for a birthday cake for Leah, I came across this blog. It is pretty funny, especially if you read the narrative.

Cake Wrecks