Landon Cooper is here

Landon Cooper arrived on January 24 at 8:15 am after 4 hours 45 minutes of labor.

I woke up at 1:30 in the morning with irregular, mild contractions. I called Elizabeth (my doula) and talked to her for about 30 minutes. She said that I could just be dehydrated, so I should drink some water and take a bath. After the bath the contractions were further apart, so I got into bed to read for a bit before going to sleep. As soon as I started to read the contractions became overwhelming. I woke up Brian and told him it was time. I called Elizabeth back and then called the Burkes so they could come get Hunter.

We left the house at around 4:20 and arrived at the hospital at 4:45. Elizabeth has already checked us into the hospital, so I walked upstairs to my waiting room and nurses. They did a check at 5:15 and I was already 6-7 cm! Because my water was still intact the rest of labor was much more manageable and a slower pace than that with Hunter. My water FINALLY broke at 7:30 and within a short amount of time I felt the urge to push. Then the doctor wanted to do a final check before giving me permission to push, but I couldn't wait and started pushing on my own....I was on all fours which the doctors do not encourage. I pushed 4 times and I heard Elizabeth say "he's crowning". Then they ask me to push harder and they catch him! That was it! Landon Cooper had made his beautiful entrance. He was 7 lbs 4 ozs, 21.25 inches. That's more than a pound bigger and 2 inches longer than Hunter was! And I still did it without drugs...not even a Tylenol.

He is quite different from Hunter. They look like brothers, but they don't look like twins. Landon's hair is curly and his face is just slightly different. He is VERY calm and rarely cries (knock on wood). He nurses very well and for hours at a time. My milk hasn't come in yet, so I think he'll nurse less once it is here.

Hunter had SO much fun with the Burkes. We got a great report that he slept through the night and was on his best behavior with them. He loved being with Keagan - and was EXHAUSTED when he came home tonight. That was a good thing because I am also pretty tired. The Burkes are the best friends we could want and we so appreciate them watching Hunter for us. It was hard to be away from him for the night, but he had so much fun and I was so busy that it was probably a good thing.

Hunter has tried to hold Landon 3 times now and he kisses him on the head as much as I will let him. He seems to have a protective "brother" instinct, which is so cute. I'm excited to watch their relationship develop, although I'm sure there will be ups and downs. Brian is staying home with me this week to help adjust to having 2 babies. Thank God for Brian. He is the cutest baby daddy ever.

Little feet


Beautiful boy

Less than 3 minutes oldGetting measured

Daddy and Landon

Mommy and Landon

I passed!!!!

Today I had my qualifying exams for my Ph.D. program.  Basically, I have been dreading this day since I found out about it during my first year of graduate school.  I don't do well when people are watching me.  The experience of having 5 professors ask you questions about papers that you've written is so scary to me. I realize that this is scary for all people, but I think it was particularly scary for me.

So, I wasn't nervous as of yesterday.  Last night I didn't sleep well because I kept going over my presentation in my head.  This morning I waivered between being nervous and not being nervous.  By about 9:30 am a calm came over me and I just realized that I would either a.) pass or b.) fail.

At 10:30 I was ready to go.  My fifth committee member arrived and I was kicked out of the room so that they could discuss my papers.  Then I was invivted back and defended the first paper.  I was only asked 2 questions, but I got the impression that most of my committee members were happy with the paper.  I was kicked out again so they could discuss me and then came back to defend the dissertation proposal.  That was VERY easy.  The questions that were asked of me were reasonable and straightforward.  I felt very good about my performance.  By the time they kicked me out again I felt relatively calm.

So they invited me back into the room at exactly 12:30, 2 hours after we began.  They told me that I passed.  I just have to meet with one of the committee members about my qualifying paper and ways to improve it, but I do not have to do any re-writes.  My advisor then suggested I relax until the baby comes.  I could not have asked for it to go better.  I felt SO good about the whole process - it was not worth the amount of stress I have had over it for the past 4.5 years.

Now, on to the dissertation.  But first, I'm reading a few books for pleasure and enjoying the company of Hunter.  Then I'll enjoy the company of Landon.  Then I'll finish the dissertation.  Goal: Spring 2011 - Dr. Mom.

10 years...Happy New Year!

So, I was reflecting on where I was 10 years ago and where I am today and it makes me laugh.  Let me share with you some really interesting facts about myself:

10 years ago I:
-was a senior in high school
-thought I'd never fall in love again after a rough breakup with my high school boyfriend
-felt alone even though I was surrounded by friends all day at school
-spent all my spare time with my parents - not for lack of other options, but just because I thought they were cool.
-took my family for granted because they'd ALWAYS be there
-would have done anything for my friends
-never looked at price tags
-went shopping every weekend
-wouldn't even THINK of shopping off the sale rack (so last season)
-went out to dinner every night
-couldn't wait to go to college to escape all my "rules"
-missed my brother tremendously (he was at college)
- thought that I would be a business person when I grew up and I'd own lots of Starbucks and they would pay me rent and give me free coffee.  I'd also have my Ph.D. and do therapy with children.
- couldn't wait to grow up and be on my own

Today I:
- I shop at Target and Costco and am NEVER ashamed to tell people that my clothes are from one of these two places
-Still wear some of my clothes from high school (yes, yes, I'm the same size when I'm not pregnant)
- Feel like my life is very full despite the fact that I am alone with my son most days
- Think family is the MOST important thing on Earth and would never take it for granted
- Consider going out to eat "work" because of the baby and would prefer PB & J or grilled cheese at home
- Spend all my spare time with my husband - see I did find love again (true love this time).
- Would still do anything for my friends
- Won't buy anything if it isn't on sale
- Am still in school, but it's just not a top priority
- Could NEVER imagine doing therapy with children OR being a businessperson
- Miss all the "rules" because it meant someone else was looking out for my best interests - instead of the reality that I am in charge of myself (yikes!)
- Look back at the fun times I had in high school and wonder why I was in such a hurry to leave

It's funny because I liked who I was then, but I like who I am more now.  I've been through a ton in these 10 years, more than most people my age, but it's been a beautiful 10 years.  When I think of who I've become, I feel proud of who I am because I made it through everything.  Of course, I wouldn't have made it through without the support of those around me, so thank you very much for accompanying me on this wonderful journey.  I love my life and I love that all of you are a part of it. 

I am especially appreciative for Brian, who has taught me so much about life and love.  He has been with me for 8.5 years and is the best husband anyone could want.  I could never want to wake up with anyone else.  I am also especially appreciative of Hunter, who has reminded me what patience are and who has taught me how to love in a way I never knew possible. 

Here's to another fabulous, beautiful and happy 10 years.  Happy New Year!