Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
A lot can happen in a month...
I was reminded that one month ago our world came CRASHING down around us. For years we had been preparing ourselves for the expansion of our family...But what could have prepared us to receive that phone call..."Really?!" And the clock started. We hung up the phone with the agency and began frantically making phone calls and plans...24 hours later we were in Texas.
We journeyed through Texas and embraced this adoption story as best possible. But all the while we felt as if we were simply on a wild ride of babysitting. We traveled home with this little bundle of kissable cheeks and called him our Son. But little did we know...
Yes, I was reminded today that one month ago we got that phone call. And in one month, everything I thought I knew and prepared for has been redefined, re-imagined, reduced to one simple video. (see below)
(isn't it amazing how this has become our world!...all in one month)
We journeyed through Texas and embraced this adoption story as best possible. But all the while we felt as if we were simply on a wild ride of babysitting. We traveled home with this little bundle of kissable cheeks and called him our Son. But little did we know...
Yes, I was reminded today that one month ago we got that phone call. And in one month, everything I thought I knew and prepared for has been redefined, re-imagined, reduced to one simple video. (see below)
(isn't it amazing how this has become our world!...all in one month)
Our newest present...
Uncle Geoff and Aunt Sarah arrived Wednesday night with a bounty of gifts. While you are not supposed to have favorites, I do. It all began a week ago...Benj was renamed...McFUSSY. The kid has the most difficult time settling down for the evening. The concept is not difficult...You have an evening meal, get a clean diaper, rock and snuggle till you fall asleep...done.
One would think.
However Benjamin tends to miss the last step...I am not saying our little boy is "slow" or is defiant...I believe he just has a hard time following directions. Thankfully, I was educated according to Pythagoras [A2 + B2 = C2]...and so I know that my little boy will soon understand...A(bottle) + B(dry diaper) = C(sleep). But I will wait only a little while longer for him to make these connections before I get impatient.
Thankfully Uncle Geoff and Aunt Sarah were one step ahead of Mom and Dad here...They have a trick. It isn't bribery, or even discipline...It is a bouncy seat with a vibrating butt button...WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THAT?! How ingenious?! Yes of course...When he is crabby and resembling his new nickname (McFussy) we simply put him in this most glorious, beautiful creation of FisherPrice. All I can say is, THANK YOU!
One would think.
However Benjamin tends to miss the last step...I am not saying our little boy is "slow" or is defiant...I believe he just has a hard time following directions. Thankfully, I was educated according to Pythagoras [A2 + B2 = C2]...and so I know that my little boy will soon understand...A(bottle) + B(dry diaper) = C(sleep). But I will wait only a little while longer for him to make these connections before I get impatient.
Thankfully Uncle Geoff and Aunt Sarah were one step ahead of Mom and Dad here...They have a trick. It isn't bribery, or even discipline...It is a bouncy seat with a vibrating butt button...WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THAT?! How ingenious?! Yes of course...When he is crabby and resembling his new nickname (McFussy) we simply put him in this most glorious, beautiful creation of FisherPrice. All I can say is, THANK YOU!
Snuggling in the Snuggie
I was hesitant to post these images because once people saw that the Coopers own a Snuggie, I would fall to the criticism and mockery of people just like me (the hypocrites who scoff at Snuggies, while secretly celebrating their presence in our living room life). So I will rise up and "take one for the team".
"Hello. My name is Ryan and I have a Snuggie".
In full disclosure I might as well speak the truth from the roof tops...We the Coopers have 2 Snuggies. (I could hide behind the facts and pass off the truth by saying they were given to us as presents...but I will simply embrace my personal joy and take a stand for all Snuggie lovers. I am on your team.)
(may I also take this opportunity to say that while Sunni and I possess and use our Snuggie blankets...Melvin does not and will never own a Snuggie for dogs. That is just wrong. I mean seriously! ...he is welcomed to use ours)
"Hello. My name is Ryan and I have a Snuggie".
In full disclosure I might as well speak the truth from the roof tops...We the Coopers have 2 Snuggies. (I could hide behind the facts and pass off the truth by saying they were given to us as presents...but I will simply embrace my personal joy and take a stand for all Snuggie lovers. I am on your team.)
(may I also take this opportunity to say that while Sunni and I possess and use our Snuggie blankets...Melvin does not and will never own a Snuggie for dogs. That is just wrong. I mean seriously! ...he is welcomed to use ours)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Team Grandpa!!!
It was no surprise that Grandpa Johnson was excited (understatement) to spend some time with his new grandson...Plans already being made for future outings (hence the pole and tackle box).
Friday, March 12, 2010
MTV's CRIBS- Starring Ben and "Beau"
Check out their spacious "Crib". With all the latest and greatest of amenities. They can host one heck of a slumber party, and the view from their place is spectacular. One quick glance and you have a full panorama of the changing table, window, and one NICE bumper pad. But don't be too envious folks...Ben and Beau do want to thank the many fans they have who have helped them achieve such status.
Tummy Time
Tummy Time at the Cooper household. While you may be impressed by the head strength of Ben...You might also consider the journey it takes Daddy to go from his lofty heights of 6'3" down to meet Benj face to face during Tummy Time. (Perhaps another adoption training course could be "Tummy Time for Adoptive Parents" or "Just because the top of your head is high in the air does not imply that the world below is void of life or activity". [just a helpful suggestion adoption agencies ]
Thursday, March 11, 2010
More Playtime
bright eyes
play with the toys God gave you...fingers, mmmm
"Mom? Dad? Did you know that there is something hovering over my head?"
Kissable Cheeks
Ben's Playground...Formerly our living room.
Play Time on Ben's new mat
Ben ignoring Melvin
Playtime or nose picking...both
Yep, he is THAT cute!
getting bored with playtime
But still adorable
Embracing the "RED" blood in all of us...
(yes, we are aware of the size of luggage located below our eyes...thanks for reminding us)
Apologies/Update
It has been ages (7 days) since we lasted posted pics or vids of our little cherub. Please forgive us. In our defense...we are the parents of a 5 week old. (enough said)
Here is a quick update:
1) Ryan had his first day of "daddy day care". This occurred last Tuesday as Sunni was away from the house from 8am to 5pm. Reflections of this beautiful/bonding father/son day...(Ryan is still trying to seek rest from that "enjoyable" day. Much to his disappoinment, Ben was quite fussy away from his Mommy and the only thing that calmed him down...His mother walking through the door around 5pm.
2) Ryan had his first full day back at work last Thursday. When he arrived home, he was greeted by an exhausted wife and fussy baby boy. Much to his vindication Ben settled down quickly. "Mom" took a long nap. Perhaps a good bottle of wine was actually invented by a young, first-time parent.
3) Baby Shower! Last Sunday our church family threw us a wonderful Baby Shower. Embracing the theme of this blog and the many children's books the "Tell Me a Story" theme was illustrated with food, decorations, handcrafted gifts and who could forget the Dr Seuss "Cat in the Hat" cupcakes (you guessed it...the red and white swirled top hat was a mountain of frosting...inducing a diabetic coma to all...it was wonderful).
4) Ben- additional Dr's Apt., more blood drawn...tears (Ben cried too).
5) Grandpa and Grandma Johnson arrived with a bounty of presents, hugs and kisses...After some time, the presence of Benjamin's parents was also acknowledged.
6) Daddy and Mommy of Ben are tired. For you parents out there...you know. For those who are not parents...imagine the sleep deprivation tactics of the government seeking special intelligence from enemy lines...and you are almost there.
7)
Distance from Stromsburg, NE to Lockport, IL=572 miles
Hours from Stromsburg to Lockport= 9 hrs. 30 mins.
Having Grandpa and Grandma take the 3 a.m. feeding...priceless!
8) Repeat #6...On the positive side of things...I hear you get used to it...Not that it goes away just that your body learns to embrace the deprivation as "normal"
...So Here's to a "new" normal!
Here is a quick update:
1) Ryan had his first day of "daddy day care". This occurred last Tuesday as Sunni was away from the house from 8am to 5pm. Reflections of this beautiful/bonding father/son day...(Ryan is still trying to seek rest from that "enjoyable" day. Much to his disappoinment, Ben was quite fussy away from his Mommy and the only thing that calmed him down...His mother walking through the door around 5pm.
2) Ryan had his first full day back at work last Thursday. When he arrived home, he was greeted by an exhausted wife and fussy baby boy. Much to his vindication Ben settled down quickly. "Mom" took a long nap. Perhaps a good bottle of wine was actually invented by a young, first-time parent.
3) Baby Shower! Last Sunday our church family threw us a wonderful Baby Shower. Embracing the theme of this blog and the many children's books the "Tell Me a Story" theme was illustrated with food, decorations, handcrafted gifts and who could forget the Dr Seuss "Cat in the Hat" cupcakes (you guessed it...the red and white swirled top hat was a mountain of frosting...inducing a diabetic coma to all...it was wonderful).
4) Ben- additional Dr's Apt., more blood drawn...tears (Ben cried too).
5) Grandpa and Grandma Johnson arrived with a bounty of presents, hugs and kisses...After some time, the presence of Benjamin's parents was also acknowledged.
6) Daddy and Mommy of Ben are tired. For you parents out there...you know. For those who are not parents...imagine the sleep deprivation tactics of the government seeking special intelligence from enemy lines...and you are almost there.
7)
Distance from Stromsburg, NE to Lockport, IL=572 miles
Hours from Stromsburg to Lockport= 9 hrs. 30 mins.
Having Grandpa and Grandma take the 3 a.m. feeding...priceless!
8) Repeat #6...On the positive side of things...I hear you get used to it...Not that it goes away just that your body learns to embrace the deprivation as "normal"
...So Here's to a "new" normal!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Stylin'
That's right ladies...I got me a sweet ride! It is fully loaded, late model, low mileage, stylin' ride. I'll pick you up and we'll go crusin' the strip. If you see me wheelin' by, holla out! I'll wave as I roll by.
OUCH!
Ben,
I'm sorry. I am so sorry that you were "tortured" for the sake of science and understanding. I wish we knew more about your history to better understand your future. However, know that this moment of blood sucking pain is just a point in time. You have your whole world to figure out who you will be and what you will leave as your legacy. Thankfully you are only 3 weeks old...and you got a great band-aid.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday March 1..."I surrender"
For such a short life, Ben sure has been through a lot. Not only has he been uprooted and moved across the country but he has been poked and prodded. Today was no exception...We went to see his new pediatrician (WE LOVE HER). She is down to earth and patient with our "first time parent" Obsessive Compulsive minds. Not only is she a keeper but the reception staff...they actually appear to show care and concern for you. (novel concept:) ). The kid friendly waiting room, inclusive of the real life Nemo aquirium is clean and oriented to those under 10. (I, Ryan, fit right in...Ben will grow into it).
After a good visit with the Dr. and much more explanation of the encrypted medical records we received at adoption, Ben was required to produce a hefty blood sample for testing and follow up to some of of the "unknowns" associated with little patient history...
Please remember that Ben is no a whopping 8lbs. 3 ozs. So the idea that this little boy can produce the desired 3 viles of blood was comical...until we realized they do not have the humor we do...they were serious. With a needle the size of a McDonald's straw (a slight exaggeration) they began "digging" (not an exaggeration) for a viable vien...Tears, Screams, Weeping and Wailing were heard by all in proximity...And Ben was loud too. Finally after giving up on one arm and moving to the next...the viles were filled (enough) and Ben was spent. Literally...He cried himself to sleep. Poor Guy.
After a good visit with the Dr. and much more explanation of the encrypted medical records we received at adoption, Ben was required to produce a hefty blood sample for testing and follow up to some of of the "unknowns" associated with little patient history...
Please remember that Ben is no a whopping 8lbs. 3 ozs. So the idea that this little boy can produce the desired 3 viles of blood was comical...until we realized they do not have the humor we do...they were serious. With a needle the size of a McDonald's straw (a slight exaggeration) they began "digging" (not an exaggeration) for a viable vien...Tears, Screams, Weeping and Wailing were heard by all in proximity...And Ben was loud too. Finally after giving up on one arm and moving to the next...the viles were filled (enough) and Ben was spent. Literally...He cried himself to sleep. Poor Guy.
Sunday Feb 28...Brothers Got'a Hug!
Dear Ben,
I promise to clean up after you eat. I promise to sniff you often. I promise to follow you wherever you go, whenever you go there. I promise to love you and lick you. I promise to protect you (except from the torment of Balloons....You're on your own with those vile things...they give me the willys). But most of all, I promise to remind you that Dad and Mom adopted me first.
Love you older brother,
Melvin
I promise to clean up after you eat. I promise to sniff you often. I promise to follow you wherever you go, whenever you go there. I promise to love you and lick you. I promise to protect you (except from the torment of Balloons....You're on your own with those vile things...they give me the willys). But most of all, I promise to remind you that Dad and Mom adopted me first.
Love you older brother,
Melvin
Saturday (Feb. 27)...Leavin' on a Jet Plane
CHAOS:
Chaos would easily define our Saturday. It began like any other pleasant day in Beaumont...We were gently ushered from our restful slumber by the sweet and angelic screams of a hungry and full-diapered cherub. It being Saturday (the originally intended day of our departure from TX) and not having heard back with the OK to leave the state we embraced frustration and bitterness at our plans and arrangements being thwarted. (I believe this is where someone at church would jump up and say, "In HIS time." To which I would politely agree and then secretly believe that my plan was in accordance of that of the Almighty's). Being the stubborn couple that we are (this time working in our favor) we made a last few phone calls. To our relief and excitement we ended the conversation with a new panic. It being 1:45 p.m. and our flight departed at 6:30 p.m...How does one pack up their home (from the previous week), belongings/bags, baby and the few items that a baby requires (sarcasm noted) in less than one hour (thus giving them time to drive to another city to the airport)? [I think this would be a good a time to discuss my personal beliefs on MIRACLES...] I can not explain the how...only the end result...we did it. We were on the road, having packed, cleaned, checked out and loaded up the rental car by 2:30 p.m. I drove fast. I will confess now, I sped. (Thankfully remembering to put Ben in the car...BOY, that would have been a wasted trip to Beaumont). It all happened so fast (the sequence of events, not my speeding...well, that too). The trip to Houston/the airport seemed to fly by. In no time we were rushing to clean out our rental car (grossly overcharged and unappreciated for not raising hell about it). For those who are visual in your thinking, you will love this next illustration. Imagine if you will a young couple who have now been parents for 5 days. They have successfully loaded up (with MANY trips) a vehicle. They are now unloading the vehicle...but given one time to do so, and get their luggage, baby and the "few" items that a baby needs to the airport shuttle. We got loaded on the shuttle for a our 5 minute breather only to tackle the same circus act moving from the shuttle to the ticketing counter. All this, while rushing to stay ahead of the clock and the impending doom of the airplane door closing as they run down the terminal. (a personal fear of mine).
Dear Inventor of the MOBY:
I must apologize for my previous cynicism and remarks at your marketing of an overpriced strip of fabric for monetary gain...We are indebted to you! Because of your ingenious "creation" we navigated through airport security and traversed the concourse with ease. In fact...all 120 passengers on our flight would like to thank you for a quiet and eventless flight.
Sincerely,
The Cooper (3)
We arrived at our gate to see that our flight was delayed an hour...hmmm...good thing we rushed. Oh well, at least we made it. We arrived in Chicago late at night with a tired and hungry boy (getting the theme of Ben's world?).
Chaos would easily define our Saturday. It began like any other pleasant day in Beaumont...We were gently ushered from our restful slumber by the sweet and angelic screams of a hungry and full-diapered cherub. It being Saturday (the originally intended day of our departure from TX) and not having heard back with the OK to leave the state we embraced frustration and bitterness at our plans and arrangements being thwarted. (I believe this is where someone at church would jump up and say, "In HIS time." To which I would politely agree and then secretly believe that my plan was in accordance of that of the Almighty's). Being the stubborn couple that we are (this time working in our favor) we made a last few phone calls. To our relief and excitement we ended the conversation with a new panic. It being 1:45 p.m. and our flight departed at 6:30 p.m...How does one pack up their home (from the previous week), belongings/bags, baby and the few items that a baby requires (sarcasm noted) in less than one hour (thus giving them time to drive to another city to the airport)? [I think this would be a good a time to discuss my personal beliefs on MIRACLES...] I can not explain the how...only the end result...we did it. We were on the road, having packed, cleaned, checked out and loaded up the rental car by 2:30 p.m. I drove fast. I will confess now, I sped. (Thankfully remembering to put Ben in the car...BOY, that would have been a wasted trip to Beaumont). It all happened so fast (the sequence of events, not my speeding...well, that too). The trip to Houston/the airport seemed to fly by. In no time we were rushing to clean out our rental car (grossly overcharged and unappreciated for not raising hell about it). For those who are visual in your thinking, you will love this next illustration. Imagine if you will a young couple who have now been parents for 5 days. They have successfully loaded up (with MANY trips) a vehicle. They are now unloading the vehicle...but given one time to do so, and get their luggage, baby and the "few" items that a baby needs to the airport shuttle. We got loaded on the shuttle for a our 5 minute breather only to tackle the same circus act moving from the shuttle to the ticketing counter. All this, while rushing to stay ahead of the clock and the impending doom of the airplane door closing as they run down the terminal. (a personal fear of mine).
Dear Inventor of the MOBY:
I must apologize for my previous cynicism and remarks at your marketing of an overpriced strip of fabric for monetary gain...We are indebted to you! Because of your ingenious "creation" we navigated through airport security and traversed the concourse with ease. In fact...all 120 passengers on our flight would like to thank you for a quiet and eventless flight.
Sincerely,
The Cooper (3)
We arrived at our gate to see that our flight was delayed an hour...hmmm...good thing we rushed. Oh well, at least we made it. We arrived in Chicago late at night with a tired and hungry boy (getting the theme of Ben's world?).
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday (26)- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?!
For those who have been following along in the pages of the Cooper's world you will remember that upon our arrival in Beaumont, TX we were warmly embraced by our new Beaumont family at NewSong Covenant Church. Throughout our week of transition into parenthood (FYI there was no transition it was just
Oh, and I think the name of the monthly meal should be changed to "Guess Who is Coming for Dinner?" (you never quite know who will show up)
RECAP AND UPDATE
The highlights:
1) Saturday last minute phone call...we made our plane and landed in Illinois late.
2) Great time with friends/family on Sunday
3) MONDAY: Ben's doctors apt...getting blood drawn--Sunni and Ryan in a panic, Ben cried so hard he put himself to sleep on the examining table--Sunni and Ryan continued to panic
4) MONDAY (cont.) Sun and Ry took a tired, hungry little boy to finish up their registry at Target and Babies R Us...A parental lesson learned=DO NOT ATTEMPT AGAIN. ;)
Yes, it is true that we took a 3 day break from blogging...but as the story unfolds, you will understand.
(so keep reading and catch up)
1) Saturday last minute phone call...we made our plane and landed in Illinois late.
2) Great time with friends/family on Sunday
3) MONDAY: Ben's doctors apt...getting blood drawn--Sunni and Ryan in a panic, Ben cried so hard he put himself to sleep on the examining table--Sunni and Ryan continued to panic
4) MONDAY (cont.) Sun and Ry took a tired, hungry little boy to finish up their registry at Target and Babies R Us...A parental lesson learned=DO NOT ATTEMPT AGAIN. ;)
Yes, it is true that we took a 3 day break from blogging...but as the story unfolds, you will understand.
(so keep reading and catch up)
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