PDG4

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that you are 4 years old. You're such an amazing kid, Dane.

You say "Chill up" instead of "Chill out".
You have memorized the names of more sea creatures than I could ever hope to, or would ever want to. ;)
You pray for us at every meal, and instead of saying the little prayer we taught you, you like to add "my family will be". You took that from I'll love you forever: "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." Sometimes people look up like they didn't understand what you said, but we know. And it makes us melt every time.
You share with Coop about 70% of the time, and the other 30% I am screaming down the hallway to LEAVE YOUR BROTHER ALONE.
You dance to fun music, you memorize movie quotes like a boss, you're a friend to everyone, and you already ask all the time, "Does that show God's love."
I don't know how we got so lucky, but man, did we ever hit the kid lottery with you, bud.

Happy 4th Birthday!

Special Birthday morning breakfast: donuts!!

Going to his very first movie theater experience: Minions.

He could pick any where for lunch... and he chose McDonald's. 

Super Cooper Turns 1!

One year ago today you entered the world with a bang! You didn't want to wait for your scheduled delivery, you broke mama's water and chose your own birthday. That was our first indication of your rough, tough (sometimes brute), determined little personality. Your big brother took to calling you Coopie and it has stuck! But it seems like such a silly nickname for a boy as big and tough as you! An early crawler and walker, there is no stopping you when you put your mind to something. We love to watch you play-- you copy Dane's movements and stick with something until you've mastered it. You laugh when you're being disciplined (Lord, help us!). We call you a hurricane because you leave a wake wherever you go! Yet, you are the most tender, loving child I have ever seen. You cover us in big, wet kisses and sweet hugs all the time, usually when we're least expecting them. You love to be snuggled and you maul your brother with big, adoring bear hug/wrestling take down moves (It's all out of love, we think). Your warm, toothy, cheesy grin melts my heart. Your easy going temperament is the calm to Dane's wild. It's hard to upset you and your face shows sheer joy almost all the time. We pray over you daily that you grow strong in God's word and love Him all the days of your life. With your determination and big heart, you're going to do amazing things for the Kingdom, kid. We are so very blessed to watch you grow. We love you to the moon and back, Cooper Scott Gooden Baby (another Dane nickname)! Happy 1st Birthday! 

On The Day You Were Born...

For you, my sweet Cooper. To always remember your birth day and the wonderful, blessed day that it was. 

What they say about women nesting before going into labor is true! At least it was for me. In preparation for your scheduled arrival on Monday (2/3), I was cleaning and getting the house in order. I put the finishing touches on your nursery and we had maternity/family pictures taken by our friend Lindsay on Thursday afternoon. I even mentioned to her and daddy that I was having contractions during our session.

On Friday, I cleaned like a mad woman. :) If there was a surface in this house that could be scrubbed, it was scrubbed. Daddy came home at lunch and that's when I had the first contraction that actually hurt a little bit.  I stopped in the hallway and caught my breath. Daddy asked if he should go pack a bag and I told him no. I thought it had just caught me off guard.  I took a shower and watched an episode of Nashville while Dane napped, waiting on Papa and Granna to get here. Thankfully Papa and Granna had already made plans to be here for the shower Ms. Cali and Ms. Jaynee were throwing for us that evening. I met Papa and Granna in the driveway when they got here. I hugged Granna and cried. I couldn't explain it then, but I was just so relieved she was here.

They had picked up Sonny's BBQ for supper. We ate together and then Granna and I got ready to go to Ms. Cali's. The shower was so perfect. It had a storybook theme: very hungry caterpillar fruit tray, goodnight moon sandwiches, etc. Those girls are so thoughtful! Gran and Aunt Meagan were there, and momma’s friends Elisha, Christah, CJ, and Hollie. You got lots of diapers and a few sweet outfits and other necessities. I had contractions off and on but thought they were Braxton Hicks and nothing to worry about.

We got home about 10:30pm and headed to bed. Daddy and I talked until about 11pm and then went to sleep. A contraction woke me up about midnight. I got up and went to the restroom and fell right back to sleep. Another woke me at 1am and then again at 2am. I was laying there thinking it was odd that they hurt enough to wake me, when Granna brought Dane to me. He had woken up crying for mommy. :) I snuggled him up, downloaded a contraction timer app on my phone and started watching contractions.

From 2:30-3:30am they were 8-10min apart. At 3:30am I got up to charge my phone, get some water, and call the hospital. I told the nurse that I had a c-section scheduled for Monday but was having regular contractions. She asked if they were making me uncomfortable and I said, "Well, I can't sleep!" She said I could come in and get checked by a doctor, but if I wasn't in labor they'd send me home. The hospital is 45 minutes away and I knew I couldn't be in labor (ha!), so rather than wake anyone I sat on the couch timing contractions. I decided I'd wake Granna at 6am, if they were still regular. By 4:30am, they were about 7 minutes apart and I was uncomfortable. I thought I might get some relief in the bath tub, so I tried to sneak into my room. Dane, who hadn't been sleeping well all night, popped up and said "Mommy!" I told him to go back to sleep and decided I'd just use the restroom and climb back in bed. Dane followed me to the potty. I picked him and carried him back to our bed. I put him down and climbed into bed myself...and my water broke! I breathed a big sigh, which was more like a cry because all of sudden I was scared! I really was in labor! Daddy said, "Momma, are you OK?" and before I could finish saying "I think my water broke" he was out of the bed and had one foot in his jeans. :) He woke up Granna, Papa got Dane, I put on dry clothes and then we were out the door! Daddy forgot his wallet and everything! We really should have packed beforehand!

Daddy did 100mph (no kidding) to get to the hospital. We got there in about 20min and by this time my contractions were about 5 minutes apart and hurt! They got me settled in pre-op and we waited on the doctor to come in. We were right between calls so we had to wait for a the doctor who was coming on call next. From the time we got there until you were born was about two hours, but it felt like forever! I don’t know how girls labor without medicine! Those contractions HURT and I knew I had a spinal block coming my way soon! 

The hospital couldn't get in touch with my doctor, Dr. Crosslin, so you were delivered by another doctor. Papa even called one of his doctor friends to call the hospital and get Crosslin's personal cell phone number! Dr. Priddle came in to meet us and talk to us. He was so kind and put us at ease. The nurses rolled me into the surgery room while daddy waited outside. They did my spinal block--which hurt this time! It didn't hurt with Dane, but I had sharp pains in that spot for a while after he was born. This time no pain afterwards, but man did I feel it go in!

Daddy came in and the surgery began! After a few minutes, Dr. Priddle asked if daddy wanted a picture, so he stood up and got a picture of you being born! The doctor held up your sweet, squishy face over the curtain so I could see you! The curtain with Dane's birth was a lot higher and the doctor didn't hold you up for me to see. Dr. Priddle left the cord long for daddy to cut, so daddy went over to the little place they had prepped for you, cut your cord and took lots of pictures. Then he wrapped you up and brought you over to me. You were so sweet- all slimy and new! I loved everything about that moment. Daddy went with you to the nursery while they finished my surgery. Just about 20 minutes later we were together in recovery where I got to nurse you and snuggle you. We didn't want you to have a bath (mommy wanted to keep the vernix on and see you all gooey and smell your sweet newborn head), but the nurse didn't listen when Daddy told her no bath. Honestly though, that was our only complaint about your entrance into the world, so I'll take it.

Papa and Granna arrived shortly after with Dane! Daddy brought him in and we got to be together as a family of four for the first time! I got to hold you as they rolled me to my room. It was all so wonderful. Dane's birth day wasn't at all like we had planned, even though it was scheduled. Your birth was a healing experience for me- getting to labor, seeing you as soon as you were born, daddy cutting your cord, holding you so soon and nursing right away was so special. Even if we didn't have pictures and video, I'd remember every moment because they mean so much to me. Even now, six weeks later, I'm still crying thinking about that perfect day. 

You were so wanted and you are so loved, Cooper Scott. You complete our family and fill a void we didn't even realize we had. As I held your sweet 9lb 7oz frame, it felt like you had always been in our family. You were always meant to be with us. We prayed over you before you were born. And we continue to pray that you hide God’s Word in your heart and come to know Him at an early age. Before you were born, I found a sign that reads “someday I will change the world”. I stood in the aisle at Hobby Lobby and cried like a baby. It was the most perfect sentiment to have hanging in your room. Beyond a doubt we know the Lord will use you to do BIG things in His Kingdom and for His people.

You are the calm to Dane’s wild. Not only do you look like your daddy, you act like him too. Sweet and gentle, unless you’re hungry or tired. :) We are so blessed to parent you and watch you grow. Our hearts are full and so is our bed—we’ve all been sleeping together since you arrived. Big brother doesn’t want to miss any of the action, apparently.

Welcome to the world, Cooper Scott. We love you to the moon and back.

To my 18month old

Perry Dane,

How on earth are you already 18 months old? Everyone we know is having babies and it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago we were sitting in that hospital bed counting all of your fingers and toes and relishing every inch of you.

You are a most independent child. You have learned to voice your opinion (loudly!) when it is different from momma and daddy's. You love watching Despicable Me, Rio and you also like Cars and Monsters, Inc. But "pickapick" (Despicable) and "eeeoooo" (Rio) are your favorites. :) You know so many different signs, too! You can tell us when you want momma or daddy, when you want to eat, drink milk, or go see the horses. :) Sometimes we think you make up your own signs because you know that moving your hands in a certain way will get you things! You can say:
ma-ma
da-da
papa
anna (Granna)
Dess (Jess)
B (Brynn)
I-an (Ryan)
Chess (Chase)
Ettie (Elphie)
horse
nack (snack)
do! (go!)
and you're really good at telling Ettie "nah,nah,nah!" which means "no, no no!" because she's usually trying to take your food!

We love you so very much sweet boy. You grow and change everyday. And every single day we grow more prouder of you. We aren't allowed to begin eating until we pray-- by your command. You will put your fork down and fold your hands together-- and it melts our hearts every time. I continue to pray that you love the Lord and His people and you hide His word in your heart.

We wouldn't mind a bit if you stopped growing! Love you sweet boy!

letter to my one year old

Perry Dane--

I don't even know to where to begin. How on earth are you already a year old?
It doesn't seem like a year has past since your daddy and I got up early on the morning you born to getting ready to go the hospital. I can still remember how anxious and excited I was to meet you. I remember feeling your soft skin, counting your sweet fingers and toes, staring into your perfect eyes and being completely overwhelmed by the love I felt for the tiny 8lb 10.5oz human in my arms. Last night as I nursed you to sleep in our hotel room in St. Louis I prayed a prayer of thankfulness for this wonderful year... and, ok, I cried a little because it was the last time I would nurse my baby, because today you officially become a toddler!

This year, you were the ring bearer in your Auntie Brynn's wedding, you've been to Charleston, SC; Phoenix, AZ; San Antonio, TX; Jupiter, FL; Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO; and a few other places. You took your first plane ride(s), you swam in the ocean, you played with your great-great-grandmother, you had your first bleeding boo-boo and you've filled our hearts with more than love than we can possibly ever express to you. 

On your first birthday you are able to crawl, cruise around the furniture, feed yourself pretty well, drink from a sippy cup, and jabber everything but "mama" (turkey!). You sleep in your own bed at night, but sometimes wake up for middle-of-the-night snuggle and occassionally end up in our bed before the sun rises. You have FOUR teeth and #5 just broke through! You aren't walking yet but we still believe it will be ANY day! Uncle Jess and Aunt Meagan sure hope it's before their wedding in September so you can carry the rings down the aisle!

Today we will celebrate your birthday at your first St. Louis Cardinals game. They are playing the Dodgers-- your Papa Perry's favorite team. And since you share his name and birthday, it was only fitting that you see his favorite team play your favorite team on such a special day.

You are the most exhausting thing we've ever done, kid. We worry about you and the decisions we make for your life. We also pray over you like you can't imagine. In fact, your mama has been known to fall on her knees beside your bed and pray for God's protection over you as you sleep and for His anointing over your whole life. Your name means "traveling church official" and we pray you use that charming personality and heart-warming smile to bring God glory and have mega Kingdom impact. 

Saying we love you to the moon and back just isn't far enough. We pray you never doubt the depth of our love for you. 

Happy, Happy FIRST Birthday, Daner. We love you!
Love,
Mama and Daddy

edible

It's really hard to resist just gobbling him up.

splish splash

all these toys and the hose is our favorite thing to play with! ;)

water up the nose!

i could eat him up. i love this kid.

all growed up (10 months)

 Perry Dane,

You just might have grown faster this month than all the other months combined! You can move pretty quickly, as long as there is a piece of furniture for you to lean on. You move easily around the coffee table and ottoman and go back and forth from the couch to coffee table babbling as you go. You can say "dadada" and "yayaya" and in the last few days you've add "vavava". Momma is STILL wondering when you're going to add "mamama" to the mix! You give big, sloppy wet kisses and love on people by laying your sweet little head against their shoulder. You love to share your food with the puppies and have mastered the pincer grasp so you can easily pick up food and feed yourself. 

This month you spent your first night away from mommy and daddy at your Gooden Grandparents'. When we went to pick you up the next morning you gave us hugs and then wanted to go right back to your Gran! While it broke momma and daddy's hearts a bit, we were glad that you weren't scarred for life because we'd left you for the night... that made us look forward to doing it again! In just about ten days, you'll spend TWO NIGHTS away from us while we head to Florida to help the Prather Family move back to Kentucky. Papa J and Granna Pruitt are coming to your house to take care of you and the puppies. You're going to have so much fun!

After spending your first night away from us, you then spent your first Sunday church service in the nursery. Like, the WHOLE service!! We anxiously watched the big screens in the auditorium waiting for your number to show up, which means you need to be picked up. Towards the end of service Daddy leaned over and said, "He grew up this weekend." Boy, was he right. How did it happen so quickly? We've been watching you this whole time but it seems like you change in the blink of an eye.

You sleep so soundly at night, usually 11 hours or more. In the last two weeks you're even putting yourself to sleep in your bed with your favorite blankie. Momma nurses you until you're very sleepy and then you snuggle in and do the rest yourself. It's exciting to see, but also a little sad for momma because I can see you beginning to wean yourself. You still nurse a lot throughout the day but you LOVE to eat solid food too. We have yet to find anything you really don't like. Bread, crackers and tortillas seem to be some of your favorites. You also love yogurt and scrambled eggs and lots of different fruits and vegetables, especially watermelon, strawberries, bananas, sweet potatoes and squash. 

Your momma is afraid of a lot of things, but for some reason I never worried about you smothering on your crib bumper. Probably because you didn't move until around 7 months and didn't roll over until you were nearly 9 months. I took it out last week because I was afraid you were going to start using it as leverage to pull yourself up in your crib. You are so very smart and will work at something until you figure out how it fits into something else or how you can take it apart. The night I took out the bumper you got your chubby thigh stuck through the rail and I awoke to your panicked cry on the monitor at 2am... so we put the bumper back in and are hoping you learn how to pull your limbs back through the rails before we have to take it out again. 

You also received your first battle wound this month. The picture doesn't do it justice, but you fell out your wagon and scraped your nose and forehead on the concrete. For the record, the wagon wasn't moving, I had JUST put you in it and you leaned over to look at the tires on it. Thankfully I was standing right there and was able to grab your rolly little leg to keep the damage to your face at a minimum. Lesson learned: Dane can't ride in his wagon until he learns to SIT and keep all hands, arms and legs INSIDE the vehicle at all times. 

There is this wall decal I've seen on pinterest that reads: "boy; noise with dirt on it". That. Is. So. True. You can find a way to get dirty in the bathtub. Outside you want to dig in the sand, or dump water everywhere and splash in it. You get food ev.er.y.where when eating and we both end up wearing food most of the time. Some days I feel like a napkin! The louder you can be, the happier you are. Pounding things with your toy hammer, babbling at the top of your lungs, or singing/cooing until you fall asleep, I would not use the word quiet to describe you. :) Then again, you sit at home all day with the most talkative woman on the planet, so I guess I can't blame you for having something to say! 

You are loved to the moon and back...and back again! You complete our little family and your daddy and I are overwhelmed at how much we are able to love you. You bring joy to everyone who meets you. You're quite the entertainer, too, making faces and laughing at strangers in the grocery store and restaurants. When you were just a month old I read Jeremiah 1:5 for the first time. It says, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." I have prayed that this verse will be the verse that guides your life. Your Aunt Meagan made a beautiful frame for my birthday with this verse inscribed on it. So, I'm not the only one who sees how special  you are and believes that God will use--is using-- you to bring Him glory and make waves in His kingdom. 

I love you with all of my heart, precious boy. Now, seriously-- STOP growing! :)

Love,

Mommy and Daddy 

Pileup

I take so many photos of this sweet boy that they start piling up and forgot which ones I've sent to family. So, by dumping them here I know everyone gets to see them.

This big boy has the sweetest personality. He's starting giving kisses and hugs and, as you can imagine, that melts both of his parents into big heaping puddles. :)

Enjoy!

shutterbug

My parents got me a Canon Rebel for my birthday in March and I LOVE it. It helps having THE world's most photogenic baby living in your home too. :) 

I never got a baby book for Dane... and I'm about six years behind on my scrapbooking, so I post most of these pictures and stories to remember for him. So, privilege reader, indulge me while I brag on my boy. 

"Ooo, mama, that flash is bright!"

 That's better. :)

 Dane's new favorite way to play is standing up, leaning on something. He loves the coffee table... and anything you may have forgotten to put out of arm's reach. :)

 He wants to come to you but is still a little hesitant.

 Aaaand with that, this photoshoot is finished. Daddy turned on the Cards came and someone got distracted. :)

a teething baby's breakfast

Dane is eating less and less pureed baby food and wanting more and more "people food". :) He loves putting those two little teeth in action. With tooth #3 trying to break through, he enjoyed munching on his first whole strawberry. 

I earned another nomination in the Mom of the Year category with this teeth. I wish I didn't spend the whole first day he's teething wondering why in the WORLD he's so cranky. Just like the last time, it was late that afternoon before I noticed a little white line on his upper gums. Duh! That's why he's been a pill all day. Poor thing. 

The few days are the hardest. This time he seemed to get relief from munching on frozen washcloths and teething rings and cold fruit. I try to only give Tylenol if nothing else is working. We save it for right before bed so he can get good rest. The corner has finally come through the skin and he's feeling much better. 


I saw this on pinterest the other day and laughed out loud. Truer words have never been spoken.