Fun Photos :)

Dave and I had the treat of eating breakfast out at Dunkin Donuts last week via gift card. Sarah didn't get any breakfast sandwich, but she did get our balls of wrapper. She held on to them until she went down for her nap more than an hour later.

We had fires this week. Sarah loved helping Dad get things going.

Did Dad dress me this morning? Is my onesie buttoned outside my pants? Yes :)

We had a long Sunday morning at church. Solution? Put her down on a toddler car table during the second service, before the potluck lunch.

Hairdrierphobia

Sarah has a new found fear of my hair drier. She often hangs out in the bedroom while I get ready in the bathroom, but never before has drying my hair been an issue. For the last week or so not only does her little lip turn down and her eyes moisten when I use the hair drier, even seeing in makes her scurry for someones knees. Being the mean mother that I am, I even tested this theory so that Dave could see. With both Sarah and Dave in the bathroom I opened the bottom drawer of our vanity and Sarah peeked in. She quickly turned away, started crawling up Dave's leg, and let out one of her good cries that starts long and silent. Theory proven.

I'm not sure how her fear began, but I am now a mom who has to schedule time to dry my hair. It is the little laughs that make this job so much fun!

First ultrasound

First, I would like to warn you that ultrasound pictures are included below. If you are not a fan of the in-utero shots, you might want to just know that everything looked normal and we are praising God!


For those of you who would like to know a little more, you're in the right place :) Our ultrasound tech was really good at her job. This meant that she showed us cool things and answered our questions, but at the same time, if something had been amiss, I don't think we would have known from her reaction. She was very professional.

Going into the ultrasound, I had to finish drinking 32 ounces of water 30 minutes before our appointment. Yep, I was about to burst. But ultrasounds depend on fluid for the signal to bounce around nicely. At this point there isn't a whole lot of fluid in the uterus, so the bladder has to make up the difference and helps lift the uterus away from nearby bones. Now you know :)

Unlike our first ultrasound with Sarah, this technician did an external in addition to the internal ultrasound. She was looking to present the ordering physician with a size and due date. To do this she measured the yolk sack, uterus, and crown rump length multiple ways to get good averages for each, then plugged each average into their formula and the computer said that our baby was due May 6, just one day after the doctor's estimated date. We will know for sure at the next appointment which number they will stick with, but my guess it that it will remain May 5. [Side note: The technician said she thinks that just measuring the crown rump length is most accurate (and the books agree) when the baby is big enough to measure, but the hospital requires them to use all three measurements.]

Now to the miracle of the ultrasound. We didn't hear the heart beat, but we could see it. Blood was moving all around! The baby was moving, be it real movement at this point or just floating, we weren't sure. We could clearly identify body parts, especially the hand! The technician inspected everything and told us things looked good and we haven't gotten a call from the doctor saying otherwise, so praise the Lord!

Here is our miracle...

We could see all appendages! The white spot on the lower belly is the umbilical cord.

We got the most awesome wave. The technician snapped this great picture, but nothing could do justice to seeing that hand go by the ultrasound wand.

PS- Sarah was with us and did alright, but she gets pretty freaked out when we go to the doctor. I should say really freaked out when she is at the doctor and fairly freaked out when a doctor goes to work on Dave or myself. So while the TV was fun to see, she wasn't so sure about me just hanging out on the table and resorted to eating lots of Cheerios. Maybe she will understand better at our next ultrasound :)

The White Mountains

Here's a sneak peak into our trip to the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire. The weather was beautiful for our 2 nights and full day among the peaks and foliage. We usually needed a light jacket in the morning, but by the time we got going, especially if we were hiking, we were more than ready to shed our outer layers.

One of the most interesting parts of our exploration was finding the Appalachian Trail (or AT as the pros would say). My brother, John Thomas, is preparing to hike the AT from south to north next spring/summer and will go straight through this area in June or July. From our little experience, it is going to be a beautiful trip!

We also saw the former Old Man of the Mountain, poor New Hampshire's pride and joy. Since all we knew was that we were looking for a flat rock spot on the side of a mountain, we made lots of guesses as to which mountain was the former Old Man's residence. Most notably, an Asian lady asked Dave from the parking lot which mountain was "the" mountain. A bit hesitantly, Dave pointed to the one we were most recently speculating over and said, "I think it's that one. Yeah, right there." The lady then confirmed that Old Man had indeed fallen off and turned to tell her entire party, in another language, that this was it. They all took their pictures and went on their way. We, on the other hand, decided to follow a path. This path took us through the woods, around a lake, and to the real Old Man Memorial! Yep, a scrapbook somewhere is going to be forever duped. Granted, the true mountain didn't look much different from the first. Just make sure Dave has a little proof if he is naming a mountain :)

Another highlight was our stop at The Basin. From the uniquely formed whirlpool we hiked along a creek coming down the mountain that was littered with waterfalls. I think it was unanimously voted that hiking is most fun with a pretty view along the way. Somehow Mom and I didn't make it into any of the pictures...I think we just weren't quick enough to claim time holding Sarah!

 

Dave took several photos of this overlook and stitched them together to make this panorama.

 (For the record: pictures by Dave, written by Emily)

Cranberry Harvest

We had quite a bit of fun last week when Papa John and Grandmama came to visit. We took a great trip to New Hampshire, but today we're going to tell you about the Cranberry Harvest we saw on Sunday. Cranberries are one of those signature things about the Cape, and New England, so we had to go see a large cranberry farm just off-Cape when they opened the operation up to everyone. 

Sarah found a new mode of transportation

Once there, we took a big school bus up the hill to the bog.

A cranberry bog. Just like the commercials.

They gather the berries after they've flooded the bog and the berries have floated to the surface.

 

Then they send them up this belt, much like the grinder at Dad's mine.

It was much fun, even better to enjoy with family. These warm fall days are quickly coming to a close, so it was especially nice to enjoy the weather!

Happy 15 months!

Whew! Can it have already been three months since Sarah turned one? Her little personality is really starting to develop and we are even starting to see her exert her power of choice, for better or worse. While her little will does mean there are great teaching moments and usually discipline,  it also means we are getting to know her in an all new way. She is a real person!

Weight: 22lbs 13oz (50th percentile)
Height: 30.75in (60th percentile)
Head: 18.75in (90th percentile)
Diaper: size 4
Clothes: 18 months and growing, shoe size 4
 
Likes: music and dancing, making laps around the kitchen table, toys that make noise (we actually enjoy them too!), snuggles (for the first time in her life), asking for more, playing with big kids.

Dislikes: being told she can't type on the computer, doctors touching (or maybe even merely making eye contact with) her, and the paper on the seat at the doctor's office. 

Schedule: We are much more able to play her day by ear at this point. She usually still wakes up around 7:30, but depending on what time we put her down this can vary. During the day she continues to eat 3 meals of milk and food and finishes the day with a final drink of milk before bed. We are in a nap transition, so some days she gets two naps, sometimes just one. It is also quite contingent on when we are out for our weekly meetings. Certainly not the cut and dry schedule of her first year!

Eating time: Sarah continues to be a great eater. We have learned that in the morning she likes her milk warm while her toes are cold. At least one meal a day she eats a ton. During lunch today she ate a whole grilled cheese sandwich, a small bowl of applesauce, and english peas for as long as her little fingers could sign for more. It was a lot of food! She is still eating most of her normal things with pretty much any of our table foods that we are willing to share. While she isn't too picky, sometimes she likes variety and will say she is finished with one dish, then ask for more with the hopes of scoring something new. Clever :)

Talking: Sarah is saying something all the time, it just isn't normally anything we English speakers understand. Her latest word/sound is "hi." She says is all the time, sometimes even in context, and especially likes when we will whisper it back and forth with her. Other than that she isn't saying much. "Mama" and "Dada" are in her vocabulary, but I don't think she knows they are us. She has also be working on "dog" and says the same thing every time, but it doesn't sound like dog. The doctor said that she isn't technically behind at this point, but if she doesn't make some progress by the next visit they would recommend early intervention. Thankfully, she sees and hears just fine from what we can tell, so the doctor was optimistic that Sarah will be talking soon. 

Walking: This is a feat we are also conquering. She has been cruising the furniture for months, as well as walking with support on both hands. In the past couple of weeks she has gotten brave enough to walk holding only one of our hands (though she prefers to have a something, like a toy, to hold in her other hand). This still puts her a little behind the curve, but since she is making progress and has strong standing legs, the doctor said there shouldn't be anything to worry over and she should definitely be walking by her 18 month visit. And hopefully in the next month!

Teething: No new teeth lately. The doctor did point out that most 15 monthers have 4-6 more teeth at this age.

Croup: We were 8 days from not seeing the doctor between visits! Alas, Sarah acquired a nasty case of croup that sent us to the doctor early Columbus day morning. We now are proud owners of a humidifier and a full bag of tricks for opening a virally closed airway. They also gave us a prescription for steroids. Interestingly, at this visit she weighed 23lbs 1oz, with clothes on.

At today's appointment: This morning Sarah received her flu vaccine, along with MMR and chicken pox. We are keeping an eye out for a somewhat normal reaction to the chicken pox vaccine. This is also the visit that used to be linked to autism, but we were confident about going ahead with the vaccine. All in all, this visit gave us a lot to talk about with the doctor and she had some great advice as Sarah matures. At her direction, we are going to start using a fork and spoon and maybe get her something to push around.

Next appointment: Her 18 month well baby visit is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th.

Just being cute on the way to MS for an August wedding.

Doesn't she look ready for college? That is, other than her too short shorts!

At the beach while Dad is flying his kite.

Trying on Mom's shower cap. I see a costume in this cap's future...

Reading with Dad.

Sarah has been into her stuffed animals lately. Big Frog made the trip to MS with us in September and kept a very tired traveler happy.

Croupy baby on the way to New Hampshire mountains.

We affectionately call these her love bottoms. Look at those curls!

Big Baby Decisions

We spent a lot of time researching obstetricians and hospitals once we arrived in Osterville. Trying to match which doctor delivered at which hospital and who was on our insurance was quite the maze. Add to that talking to women with young children about the doctors and hospitals they did or did not love- it became an intense decision.

This is what we found:

• 3 hospitals in the area: Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis (at 20 minutes, closest with most route options), Falmouth Hospital (30-45 minutes depending on time of year, only one or maybe two routes), Jordan Hospital in Plymouth (about 40 minutes off Cape, high risk and natural child birth hospital)
• doctors: one midwife type natural medicine female doctor, one group including some women, everyone else male and small practice
• insurance options: most doctors were part of our insurance plan
• advice: most people say the traffic should be a major factor, many women liked the group practice with females

What we decided... drum roll...

(1) Cape Cod Hospital- It was closest and we were most familiar with the route options. They have midwives/laborist on staff who deliver babies during the day so they are always fresh, well rested, and full of creative labor advice.
(2) Cape Cod Hospital OBGYN- It has two male doctors (who I haven't met) and a female nurse practitioner. They are right on hospital grounds, so easy access to doctors during delivery.
(3) They are in our coverage, check!
(4) Some people love this practice, but I don't know that many people who have delivered here. The most recommended practice delivers at Falmouth Hospital.

6 week appointment: We saw a nurse at this initial appointment to talk history and get base weight and blood pressure readings. She was able to answer our many questions about the practice and hospital.

Blood work: This was done at an independent local lab.

8 week appointment: This appointment was scheduled when we ended up traveling to MS. It was rescheduled for 9wks 3days and I saw the nurse practitioner, Kate, and was very impressed. She was laid back, friendly, and informative. Best part, she said we get to do an early ultrasound for size and date!

Coming up:

Saturday, October 8, 11am ultrasound at the hospital
Monday, October 31, 10am 12 or 13 week appointment at Cape Cod Hospital OBGYN

14 minutes! And lots of options.

Look Who's Pouting Now!

Well, you may have read by now of how our honeymoon picture of St John, New Brunswsick is on the fifth page of a Google search, but perhaps this one is even more fun. On the first page of a Google search for "pouty face," look what we find:

Normally this would be at least moderately funny, but notice who she is next to! And our current commander-in-chief isn't far behind. Now that is some serious competition!

You May Be Wondering...

Q: How are you feeling?

A: Second to asking the projected due date, this is the question we receive most often.

I am thankful to say that for the most part I am doing alright. To be quite frank, I haven't thrown up yet, for which I am thankful. The yucky tummy started earlier this time, but hopefully this phase will also pass sooner. Thinking about or preparing food generally makes me repulsed by it, but most basic foods are easy to stomach. I have also been extra exhausted, but am thankful that Sarah still naps and I can take some time to rest if it's needed.

Dave says he feels great! :) 

Q: Are you showing yet? (Mostly from a younger audience :) )

A: I am gaining and/or showing weight much faster in this pregnancy. This is probably in part due to the fact that food is staying in my stomach, and I will gladly accept this weight!

Q: Do you prefer a boy or a girl? Are you going to find out?

A: We are happy to report that right now we are both quite unbiased, though this may change in the almost 3 months before we get to find out gender. A boy would be a fun, new adventure and a namesake. We know what to do with a girl and know that they are sweet as can be. A girl could also wear the adorable clothes I regrettably have to pack away as Sarah continues to grow. We definitely want to find out gender, and anything else we can about this little miracle!

Thanks for caring- we're hoping and praying for a nice big, healthy baby!

And then there were 4!

Psalm 127 

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 

¹Unless the LORD builds the house,
   those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
   the watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is in vain that you rise up early
   and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
   for he gives to his beloved sleep.

 ³Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
   are the children of one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
   who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
   when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

We do indeed consider ourselves quite blessed! We knew that this pregnancy was a possibility and were not nearly as surprised as we were when we found out about Sarah. It was surprising to discover that the "this is unbelievable" feeling that exists even when we were trying to have a baby. This was a perfect reminder that babies are miracles every time, when they are expected and unexpected. The Lord does a great and mysterious work in knitting a human together in the womb.

On Thursday, September 1, we decided it was time to take the pregnancy test. The directions said to wait something like two minutes for results, but it was within seconds that we had our answer. There was no doubt the hormones were already multiplying and doing their magical work! Of course, Sarah was the first person we told. She was totally excited about the responsibility of being a big sister :)

We then went on with our day like normal, keeping our little secret in tow. Dave brought home flowers before he went to work and I made celebration cookies with our cookie press. Early in the afternoon, Dave invited me out to an early celebration dinner at the Yarmouth House. It was delicious! We had the early bird special, which included dessert and coffee, which in turn made us feel super pampered.

We spent a good bit of time thinking about how we wanted to tell people about our 2nd little miracle. Since it wasn't such a surprise, we felt like the announcement could wait a couple of days. After a little research, we decided to make Sarah a T-shirt so that she could spread the good news. I picked out the supplies and our resident artist went to work. He did a great job!

We let the shirt dry overnight and skyped with our families the next day, Saturday. Sarah did a great job- they knew what was up right away!

Our 2nd little miracle is due May 5, 2012 (contingent on an upcoming ultrasound) and should be born at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, MA. Please be praying for a healthy pregnancy, healthy delivery, and a healthy little baby!

Willodene Poole Robertson

This week the Cook family took a trip down to Mississippi to say our farewells to Emily's grandmother, Willodene Poole Robertson. I was a part of this family for quite a while before I knew that was her name- every single person who set foot in her home called her, "Ma."

Though our reason for being there was sorrowful, the trip reminded me of everything I love about Emily's family: the closeness, the way they honor their elders, the laughter, and the bustling home. Perhaps the most enjoyable moment came just after the funeral, when everyone was invited to Ma's house for one large lunch. How sweet it was to see Ma's house bustling with life and laughter, with all ages of children and adults.

It was a sad, but fulfilling experience for us to see Ma honored and to be there for Emily's family. We're thankful we were able to be there!

Willodene, the mother of Emily Susan, the mother of Emily Elizabeth, the mother of Sarah Emily

Tomatoes!

This post was written on September 4th and has been waiting for the picture to be uploaded to the computer.

The tomatoes have (finally) really taken off. Many have been chewed on and some were thrown around by Irene, but enough have produced that we were able to give our first produce away. Yay! More than any other thus far, these tomatoes, our final fruit, are bringing much joy to our home.