We Have a Date!

Today my worries of whether Cooper met the proper weight requirements for surgery were completely diminished! He weighed 12lbs 10 oz 2 weeks ago and today he weighed in at 13lbs 5.4oz! So, November 16 he will have his lip and soft palate repaired. I was hoping the surgery would take place in October, but his surgeon (Dr. Senders @ U.C. Davis Children's Hospital) is booked until November. My husband and I will be celebrating our 7 year "original" anniversary in the Ronald McDonald House November 15 for Cooper's pre-op appointment. I know that will be a night to remember. I doubt I will get any sleep knowing my little baby will be getting surgery the following day. He's having more done at 6 months than mommy's ever had in her life! Just the thought of him having to be put down for a major surgery when I've never even broken a bone, let alone surgery! Thankfully I know GOD will be with us through the whole process which is something I have complete faith in.

We have many praying for us, even strangers we meet in the stores. It's always uplifting to run into those who have a positive outlook on our situation rather than gawking at us, or showing pity. Just the other day, a woman in $Tree just HAD to get a look at Coop, not yet seeing his cleft, and paused once she saw his face. Of course as many of you know, I gave the ROUTINE-He has a cleft lip...da di da da....She just smiled at me and said, " I just can't get over how beautiful his eyes are. God Bless you for taking the measures to repair his lip, I know he's getting the best care possible. You are a wonderful gift. God Bless you and you are in my prayers. Hopefully I'll run into you again to see that precious boy." Before I knew it she grabbed Coop by the head and KISSED him! Then she gripped my arm and kissed me! I can say that's the first time a stranger has ever been so close. But what a wonderful experience when on a day-to-day basis you get glares and ignorant people saying ignorant remarks. Thank You to all those who see what a great gift our "special" children are.

A First Today:


Cooper is one of those babies who HAS to be swaddled to go to bed. Tonight while reading to him, I looked over my book and noticed he was fast asleep! Yay! Daddy was just joking with me this evening about how great it would be if Coop fell asleep in his boppy on his own some day. Well, there you go Dad...that day has finally come!

Sad, Grumpy, Cranky Boy-Daddy Just Wanted to Play

Grumpy Cooper

So, before you think we are awful for posting this, let me explain. Daddy just got home from work and wanted to play with Coop. There was just one thing, Cooper skipped all 3 of his naps that day and was just MAD at the world, yet refused to go to sleep. He just screamed at anything we did. I know I'm not the only parent who thinks his/her child is absolutely adorable when throwing a little cry fest. At least when you know nothing serious is wrong, it is just that they are sooo upset over nothing, but it's still sooo huge to them. It's cute. Just look at my little one's lower lip and tell me that's not adorable! Keep in mind-The baby got lots of lovins after this :)

Tomorrow We Set the Date!.......Hopefully

Taking a break from taping

(Sneaky baby pulled off tegaderm while sleeping) :(

Cooper has his first appointment with the surgeon since he got his NAM in when he was 5 weeks old. I am quite anxious because Cooper is in the low percentile for his weight gain. He was born 6lbs 7.5oz, the last we weighed him was at 4 months where he tipped the scales at a whopping 12lbs 10oz. :/ His cousin who is almost 3 months younger was born 7lbs 12oz and is now over 10 lbs and just turned 2 mos Monday. I hope the doctor has good news for us, and we can make a set date to look forward to. The doctors say that it is common for the surgery to take place at 6mos when going through the entire NAM process. Without the NAM, they usually due surgery at 3mos as long as the baby meets weight requirements. At our last NAM adjustment, we found out Cooper's palate gap decreased from 12mm down to 2mm! It is almost touching! As far as weight though, we would still have a month to pack on the pounds before surgery if all goes as planned tomorrow. *Cross your fingers* We have been adding 1/2 tbsp of rice cereal to each 5oz bottle of formula in hopes of pushing the weight gain, but Cooper is just not gaining significantly. Maybe it is because he never stops moving! He was the same way in my belly-always rolling, kicking, PUNCHING, I think he knew his daddy's a MMA Fighter and he wanted to get a head start! I am grateful he is a healthy HAPPY baby and I think his weight is just fine. Lets hope the doctor does too!

Chillin' with "Dog Dog" Caster