...Oliver Jason Cooper...

June 23rd, 2014.

6:40 AM

Last picture as a family of two, on our way to the hospital!

6:50 AM

Arrived at American Fork Hospital.

6:55 AM

Jason and I met with my mama. Ready to head up to labor and delivery!

7:45 AM

We were scheduled to come in and have a version done because our little guy had flipped to breech position. (A version is the procedure performed to turn the baby back to the head down position.) Somehow our acrobat had flipped a second time and was once again in the head down position ready to go! I was induced in order to avoid him becoming breech again and getting the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. 

I am SO grateful Heavenly Father heard our prayers and helped the baby return to the head down position. We were told that versions are less likely to work during first time pregnancies due to the uterus being too tight and also less likely to work the further along you are because of the baby's size (I was 39 weeks 2 days along). If baby was unable to be moved to head down we would have had to do a c-section, and I was extremely nervous about that!

Prayer is real.

9:00 AM

Keeping an eye on baby's heart rate.

4:30 PM

Been hanging out all day. Family has been in and out, being such a huge support to us!

6:30 PM

Literally took naps and slept through contractions throughout the day. Thank you epidural!

7:39 PM

Nurse says I am fully dilated now and am ready to push, we just need to wait for the doctor to come.

8:14 PM

Oliver Jason Cooper came in to the world.

7 pounds 10 ounces.

19 inches long.

I was very fortunate and only had to push for about five or so minutes.

9:43 PM

Finally, I get to eat food!!

We are so happy and so blessed to have Oliver in our family. We are so grateful for his health and the joy he brings to everyone around him, especially us! 

We love you SO MUCH Oliver!!

...37 week update...

Well, for starters, I graduated from school a few weeks ago! I am SO excited to be done with school, but I will definitely miss my Paul Mitchell family. I developed relationships with some amazing people, and I am so grateful!

(Clocking out for the last time!)

Now that I am done with school and Jason is on summer break from the nursing program, we have been preparing for baby! It has been a little weird for me to be home all the time, I still tend to think I am supposed to be waking up early to be to school. I have had a few times where I suddenly thought "Oh shoot! I probably have clients and I didn't call in to school to let them know I won't be in!" It has been nice though because walking (which really has turned in to waddling at this point) is not as easy as it once was! 

My sweet mama threw me a baby shower last week, which was really fun! We just did an open house so people could come and go as they wanted. We have been given some really awesome gifts, both from people who could and could not make it, and we are super grateful! I don't know what we would do without the love and support from our family and friends. Thank you to everyone who has been there for us! Here are just a few pictures from the shower :)

 (Me, my sister in law Tiffanie, and my mother in law Chris)

 (Yes, I am starting to swell up a little..but hey, whatever. P.S. Yes I always wear these pants..they are the most comfortable pair I own right now, so they continue to be thrown in to the washer and worn repeatedly.)

 (My second mom's from growing up, along with my actual mom!)

 (My Blackhurst family)

 (The feet and bum had cute little froggies on them!)

 (Not sure what I was doing in this pic, but my wonderful aunts and grandma got us a car seat/stroller combo that I am motioning toward!)

(My mom was pretty tired by the end of the night!)

(My awesome mom and I)

(Jas and I)

WEEKS?: 37

WEIGHT GAINED?: At my appointment two weeks ago I had gained one pound putting me at 137, then at my appointment yesterday I lost a couple pounds putting me at 135. I was a little concerned but my doctor said it's totally fine. 

STRETCH MARKS?: Oh yeah! I have them for sure. I'm not at all surprised because my stomach literally just keeps growing outward! I am short and have a short torso so it's no surprise.

BELLY BUTTON, IN OR OUT?: It's safe to say it is definitely out at this point.

HAPPY OR MOODY?: Really happy!!! A lot in shock, but seriously excited to get this little boy here.

MISS ANYTHING?: Not always feeling like I'm going to pass out! Baby has dropped but it's still a tight fit in there!

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Holding our baby for the first time. Jason and I were talking the other day saying how crazy it is that he will literally have just come from heaven. How cool is that?? I'm also excited for our next doctors appointment to see the progression!

DILATION/EFFACEMENT?: As of yesterday I am about 1.5 centimeters dilated and 80% effaced. 

NAME?: Still Oliver :) Haven't decided on his middle name yet. Stay tuned!

... Summer Begins / 32 Week Update...

Well folks, Jason has finished his second semester in the Nursing Program at UVU and now gets a break for the summer before continuing on to the third! I am so proud of him and all his hard work and dedication in pursuing his career. Way to go Jas!! I will be beginning my summer "break" soon as well. I graduate next Friday! I am so thrilled to be finishing this chapter in my life and beginning a very new and exciting one.

I can't believe how fast time is flying by. Some days it feels like it is dragging on and that this baby will never really be here... but I know he will, and I know it's coming..quickly! He will be here by the end of next month! Assuming he doesn't decide to be fashionably late and come in July...cross your fingers. Really though, I have felt like he will come a little early if not right on time, we'll see!

Honesty time. I have been having moments where reality really settles in and I can't believe that Jason and I are going to be responsible for a small, precious baby. He is going to be our son. A small version of Jason and I. A part of our family. Forever.

WHAT?

I am so unbelievably happy, but I have to be real, I am starting to freak out! Not like, break down in a panic attack, or going in to some kind of depression; but just having the hardest time believing this is real. Can this be real? Am I really being blessed with the greatest gift anyone could ever be given? Did Heavenly Father really find me fit to give birth to and raise one of his greatest creations?

It's all just so incredible and wonderful and breathtaking.

Anyway. On to a little pregnancy update!

WEEKS?: 32 Weeks, 3 Days

WEIGHT GAINED?: I have officially gained 26 pounds. From what I hear 25 is a healthy weight gain in pregnancy. Considering how small I am (being 5 foot 1 and regularly around 110-115) I am worrying that I am beginning to pack on the pounds a little too much! Haha! I know I'll be gaining more each week, which means I'll probably end up gaining somewhere around 30-35 pounds by the end of this...whew...I'm learning to accept it.

SYMPTOMS?: Extreme fatigue, sore joints, body aching like crazy, braxton hicks all the time, and feeling hot always!

MOVEMENT?: This shouldn't even be a question anymore. He is my little wiggle worm and I love it.

FOOD CRAVINGS?: Nope

FOOD AVERSION?: Nope

SLEEP?: Huh?

STRETCH MARKS?: I've started to get little ones around my belly button, not bad though. Jason said they are my "tiger stripes", my "battle wounds" to remember how much I went through for this little guy. He says I still look so beautiful... love him.

BELLY BUTTON, IN OR OUT?: For some reason the bottom half of my belly button is still fighting against becoming an outie. The top half is poking out a bit and the bottom half is flat! Haha

HAPPY OR MOODY?: A good mix. I get pretty cranky when I'm exhausted and hungry...and right now that's all the time. I've been working on having a more positive attitude and remember to be happy and grateful, but I still have my moments! 

MISS ANYTHING?: Obviously I miss sleep! I am really being able to go jogging and playing tennis. It will be worth it though, I know! 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Meeting this little boy! I can't wait to use the clothes we have for him. I am mostly excited to see what features he has (who he gets what from).

NAME?: Alright, I give up on trying to keep it a surprise, because we have already told a ton of people. We are in love with the name Oliver right now. We are still in talks for his middle name. We will know when we see him if what we have felt is right, but as of now that is our plan.

...29 Week Update and School...

First, I wanted to start out by saying...

ONLY 5 WEEKS UNTIL I GRADUATE!!!

I am so so so excited!

Some day's it feels like my graduation day is forever away, mostly because of the pregnancy, but then I think about it and realize I have less than 200 hours of my 1600 hour experience left with Paul Mitchell the School Provo. 5 weeks? Really?? That's such a small amount of time!

I am so extremely glad I made the choice to finish school before the babe comes, I am so so thankful my wonderful husband encouraged me to, and I am blessed that he continues to be my biggest supporter and help me through every step of the way!

My experience at Paul Mitchell has been awesome! I am so proud to have found a career I love that has pushed me outside my comfort zone and made me a better and stronger person. I have had good and hard times, made amazing friends, and have created some of the best memories being there.

Now, on to my sweet baby love :)

WEEKS?: 29 weeks 2 days

WEIGHT GAINED?: Had an appointment today and.. drum roll please.. TWENTY ONE POUNDS. I have gained twenty one pounds so far in the pregnancy! Still shocking to see my weight increase so much in such a short amount of time, but knowing it's for my little one is the best feeling. My doctor said he is actually surprised that I have been able to get to such a healthy weight considering how "small" I am (is 5 feet 1 inch really that small??). He told me my weight, blood pressure, and baby are all looking extremely healthy, which makes me REALLY proud of myself!

SYMPTOMS?: Lack of sleep and comfort! Nothing new. Have a really hard time breathing because my uterus is crushing my lungs..no big deal! 

FOOD CRAVINGS/ AVERSIONS?: Still none. Appetite continues to increase.

SLEEP?: Non existent.

STRETCH MARKS?: Got a couple small ones on my chest, still none on my tummy that I can see!

BELLY BUTTON, IN OR OUT?: Half out, half flat. 

HAPPY OR MOODY?:  Agitated because of the lack of sleep, but still really happy for the most part!

NAME?: We have a name chosen, most everyone has heard it by now, BUT, we aren't making anything official until we see him. Pretty sure his name is set though :) (For those of you who haven't heard it, we'll try to keep it somewhat of a surprise for you!)


MISS ANYTHING?: Being able to crack my back (is that weird?). I miss it so much!

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Meeting this little guy in approximately 10 and a half weeks, and seeing my sweet sweet husband hold his son for the first time!

...27 Week Update...

WEEKS?: 27 weeks!

WEIGHT GAINED?: At my appointment a week and a half ago I had gained another 10 pounds, so that makes 14 overall! It was honestly kind of shocking at first when I saw my weight go up by 10 pounds on the scale after only a month..then I remembered that I have a growing baby and it's totally normal and healthy to be putting on that weight!

SYMPTOMS?: A lot of back pain and fatigue. I also got shin splints after jogging the other night. It's hard being in school having to carry my kit (which has all my tools and hair things for school) back and forth all the time and having to stand long periods of time doing clients hair. I absolutely love doing hair but once I finally sit down at the end of the day I become VERY aware of how sore and tired I am! 
I am extremely grateful I have not been sick though. I can handle being sore and tired..adding sickness on top of that would probably kill me.

MOVEMENT?: He is a super active little man! Sometimes it feels like he is running laps in my stomach. He loves to move around and kick me (especially while I am settling down and trying to relax..like right now, he just keeps kicking)! I seriously am in love with the feeling though. It makes me feel like we're "hanging out" when I feel him. I miss him when he is resting!

FOOD CRAVINGS/ AVERSIONS?: None of either! I definitely love to eat, food always sounds good, but I don't have any specific cravings and I don't have any aversions. I feel pretty pretty normal these days (minus how hungry I am all the time)!

SLEEP?: What is sleep? Haha, I get OK sleep, but I definitely do not get rest anymore. I am always tired and never comfortable enough to stay asleep for very long.

STRETCH MARKS?: None yet. At least not that I am aware of! I've heard you can get little stretch marks but not see them until after the baby is born and you aren't totally stretched out anymore.

BELLY BUTTON, IN OR OUT?: The top half of my belly button pokes out a little while the bottom half is fighting to stay flush with my stomach. It is really weird to see how it looks now compared to what it was once upon a time.

HAPPY OR MOODY?: Really happy! But I do find that I feel pretty agitated on the days I am feeling really really sore and tired. Who wouldn't be though?

MISS ANYTHING?: Not feeling winded after doing things that used to be so simple...like walking. I kind of miss sleep... but to be honest, I am mostly just super excited!! It may sound strange (and it could be the lack of rest and fatigue talking) but feeling the achy joints and muscles and waking up every 5 seconds because I'm uncomfortable makes me happy. Feeling all of that reminds me of the reason I feel that way..and he is a really good reason :)

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Each day I look forward to feeling my little guy moving around. Obviously I am mostly looking forward to meeting him and seeing his sweet little face. I feel like I already know his spirit a little bit. I feel really confident in the name we have picked out (as of now) and am just so happy he is going to be joining our little Cooper family!!

22 Week Update..It's a BOY!!

The pregnancy has been going really well lately! I have been really tired but overall my energy and health feels like it has improved tremendously. I actually started back at school a couple weeks ago. I am scheduled to finish in May, which will give me about a month (give or take, depending on when mini mister decides to join us) to just rest and prepare for our little guy to come.


I am so grateful for how life has been going these days. There are still struggles and trials that we have had to face, but recognizing how blessed we really are has helped make everything so worth it and has given Jason and I the confidence and positive attitudes we need to push on and find happiness in every moment.I feel so so so blessed. 

Jason has been so excited since finding out our little one is a boy. He was excited before, but I think knowing the gender has made everything a little more real for both of us! I find Jason talking about our baby more often and talking about our future as a family. It makes me that much more happy knowing how much he is looking forward to it. He keeps telling me that he can't wait to hold our little man...I love that! I can't wait to see him be a father.

We have two names in mind as of right now, but we aren't setting anything in stone just yet. We both agreed that we need to see him first to know for sure, but, I'll admit, I do call him one of the two names when I'm at home alone or with Jason. I fell in love with it even more after hearing its meaning. I just felt impressed that it fit our baby. Although, I do believe that whatever he is meant to be called will be revealed to us when he is finally here, whether it is what I feel it will be now or not! No matter what, I know I will be so in love with him, I already am!!

WEEKS?: Today I am 22 weeks and 2 days

WEIGHT GAINED?:  As of our 20 week appointment it showed that I have gained 4 pounds overall (5 if you include the pound I lost in the beginning of the pregnancy). I feel I have put on a little more though since then, which is great! Now that I'm feeling healthier, I'm sure my weight gain will start to increase.

SYMPTOMS?: Not so much anymore! Thank goodness!! Of course I feel tired most of the time, but I feel much healthier and more energetic than before.

MOVEMENT?: I feel him pretty frequently now, which I love! He tends to be more active in the morning, then again at night, but I still will feel him kick and move around throughout the day. Jason has felt him quite a few times now and even gets to see my stomach move sometimes. It's the coolest thing. I love having my little guy with me all the time. 

FOOD CRAVINGS/ AVERSIONS?: Not really. I find that if something sounds really good to me then I feel like I HAVE to have it, but it's not a specific food that I consistently crave, changes all the time! As for aversions, I am A OK in that area. I can eat pretty much anything now and don't have a problem with any distaste for any foods.

SLEEP?: I am getting much better sleep lately. My body is pretty much on a schedule now. We go to bed around 10:30-11 PM usually and, unless I have an alarm set to wake me up earlier, I wake up on my own around 8-8:30 AM. I do wake up at least once in the night to go to the bathroom, but sleeping has been a lot easier!

STRETCH MARKS?: No stretch marks yet. I have honestly been a little surprised that I haven't gotten them though because I have felt sooo stretched out.

BELLY BUTTON, IN OR OUT?: In

HAPPY OR MOODY?: So happy these days!! I am definitely enjoying life a lot more right now. As opposed to the first trimester I am loving the pregnancy now and am really happy overall in life.

MISS ANYTHING?: Nothing! I guess I do miss my little boy when I haven't noticed him kicking in a little while, but that usually only happens at school when I'm busy and my mind is preoccupied. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Finishing school so that I can take the last little bit of the pregnancy off and just enjoy relaxing (as much as you can relax at the end of pregnancy) and preparing for our mini to come! 

IT'S A....