baby month 4: time for sweaters

The weather has finally dipped down enough for Cooper to wear a beautiful hoodie that was handmade especially for him.

baby month 4: Cooper's first Christmas tree

baby month 4: shots, round 2

Cooper was slightly more prepared for his second round of immunizations. Although, he wasn't looking forward to it. The pain didn't last too long, and he was in dream land in no time!

baby week 16: happy kiddo

This little guy won't stop smiling! He laughs, giggles and smiles all the time!

baby week 16: good grip

We don't know if it is on purpose, but Cooper is starting to grab things!

baby week 16: shark attack

It was Cooper's first trip to Ikea, and look what happens..

baby week 15: some days yes, some days no.

It was a 'no' day.

baby week 15: happy guy!

Cooper has been smiling so much lately. Seems like everything we say makes him giggle!

baby week 15: go ravens!

It's Sunday fun-day, and this week, Cooper is rooting for the Ravens...the jersey fit!

baby week 14: orange

{Cooper in his Syracuse onesie}

baby week 14: pics of cooper!

Here's some pictures of Cooper from that past few weeks.

{good morning!}

{camera phone pics}

{camera phone pics 2}

baby week 11: growing and growing

This little guy is growing like a weed! While sorting through Cooper's clothes, I tried a new t-shirt on him (size 6mos.), and it fit!

{Save Our Trees Please t-shirt from Garage}

baby week 11: play mat, play time 2

Cooper spent a little more time on his play mat this morning. He definitely seems interested in the lights, sounds, and the giraffe! I can't wait for him to start grabbing for all the toys.

{Cooper on his rainforest play mat}

baby week 11: smiling

Cooper has been smiling a whole lot lately. He's giggled a couple times too! Can't wait to get one of those on camera.

baby week 10: shots!

Cooper had his shots today and he did not like them one bit! He has been laying in his mom's arms for the last 6 hours. He cries when he wakes up until Sophia calms him back to sleep. Poor guy, we're hoping he feels better tomorrow.

{Cooper got one shot in his left left and two in the right!}

baby week 10: he's a good sleeper

Cooper hasn't wanted to nap in his crib for several weeks now. Something happened today. I set him down in his crib and as soon as his head hit the sheet, he was asleep!

baby week 10: gracie, the protector

Crazy weather blew through Gilbert the other day. We had hail the size of golf balls! Gracie was outside right when it rolled in and was horrified. She quickly came in and laid by Cooper's feet. I think she was watching out for her little brother. Cooper didn't wake up until the storm passed. He found it relaxing.

{Gracie watching out for her brother}


{holy hail storm!}

baby week 10: expert head-lifter

Cooper is an expert at holding his head up!!

baby week 9: guess who's 2 months old

Cooper is! He was supposed to have his 2 month pediatrician visit tomorrow, but its been postponed until next week. This may be a good thing...we have a little bit more time to get him prepared for all those shots!

baby week 9: play mat, play time

Cooper had a fun time on his rainforest play mat today. Lights, colors, and shapes are coming into focus, and it certainly seems like he's enjoying himself!

baby week 8: tummy time a success!

Cooper spent a little bit of the afternoon on his tummy. Look what happened!

baby week 7: rolling over

Cooper had a little tummy time this morning and wasn't thrilled about it. He rolled over, twice!

baby week 6: tummy time

Cooper has been enjoying a bit of tummy time each morning. Usually he works those neck muscles. Today, it put him right to sleep.

baby week 4: so funny!

Cooper was taking a little nap with his Aunt Kate today. He started making sounds we never heard before! It's absolutely hilarious and adorable!

baby week 4: big smile!

We finally caught one of Cooper's big smiles on camera!

baby week 4: our first outing

We made our first recreational outing this morning as a trio! Destination...Whole Foods. Having not left the house for the past 3 weeks (besides 2 pediatrician visits), this was a very exciting trip. We tested out the infant carrier on a shopping cart and slowly made our way through the store. Who knew a grocery store could be so much fun!?!

baby week 4: video monitor

While Cooper's napping in his crib, we try to get some house work done, but are constantly peeking our heads in to the nursery to make sure the little guy is alright. Grandma and Grandpa Reilly got us the Levana BABYVIEW20 Video Monitor and it is awesome! We're able to hear and see what baby is doing from anywhere in our house and yard.

Now we're obsessively watching the monitor!

baby week 4: getting some fresh air

We took advantage of the nice weather yesterday and took Cooper out for his first walk around the neighborhood. He loves his stroller!

baby week 3: the boys

Cooper taking a little nap with his dad.

baby week 3: i see you

While reading "Yummy Yucky" to Cooper, I caught the little guy looking right at me! We had a staring contest...he won.

baby week 3: settling in

Our little peanut has been home for just about three weeks now. Its been an absolute dream to finally have him with us. We are completely mesmerized by his sweet & funny faces. He has us both wrapped around his tiny, tiny fingers.

Cooper had his two week visit to the pediatrician today. He's gained a whopping 1 pound 2 ounces and he's grown an inch!

baby week 2: first pediatrician visit

Cooper had his first pediatrician visit! He was just an ounce short of his birth weight at 7 days old and his little cone head shrank down. He now measures a length of 20.25 inches. He's a healthy baby boy!

{Cooper loves getting his hair washed!}

baby week 1: he's early!!

Our little peanut, Cooper Smith Flocken, has finally arrived (1 week and 5 days early)!!! Born August 3, 2010 at 5:10pm; weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces; 21 1/2" long.

week 38: baby's still cooking

Just less than two weeks until little Baby Flocken arrives! I've been teetering back and forth as to whether he'll be slightly early, late or right on time. I guess we'll see!

week 37: soothing sounds & light

Baby received a couple new toys this weekend from Grandma & Grandpa Reilly that promote rest & relaxation.

Sleep Sheep...produces 4 soothing sounds from Mother’s calming heartbeat to the gentle sounds of nature, sounds of ocean waves, spring showers, and harmonious whale songs that create a tranquil environment ideal for helping baby fall asleep.

Twilight Turtle...projects a complete starry night sky with 8 major constellations onto the walls and ceiling of baby's nursery. Three soothing color options help to create magical, tranquil environments that are ideal for helping baby ease into a restful sleep.

Both of these toys run on a timer!

{Sleep Sheep & Twilight Turtle by CloudB}

week 37: watermelon

This week I'm considered full-term and baby is the size of a watermelon!!!

{How big is baby?, Watermelon image from The Bump}

week 36: 1 month to go!

4 weeks and counting until baby arrives (unless he decides to show up early...or late). So, I thought that reaching the 9 month mark meant I was in the clear from all the strange quirks that happen while you're prego. Definitely not. I have been recently blessed with swelling (the heat has not helped), back & hip aches, and stretchmarks! Slightly unfortunate, but completely worth it.

week 34: ugh.

I'm pregnant and I look pregnant. But, apparently I look so pregnant that people (strangers) are asking if I'm due tomorrow. Funny when you think about it, but not so funny when when its happening. My answer is, "No. I'm due in August." The immediate response is now, "Are you having twins?!"

Ugh.

week 33: 3D ultrasound

We had our last ultrasound yesterday and got a little glimpse of what baby will look like. He was sleeping and seemed slightly annoyed when the ultrasound tech tried to wake him up. So funny!

week 33: getting organized

Getting our little house organized for baby has been an ongoing project and a lot of work. Its so great to come across a product that makes organizing a little easier.

I was walking through Ikea yesterday and came across the Komplement Storage Box Set. A set of 6 fabric boxes that fit perfectly into our Malm dresser/changing table drawer. We used each box to separate baby's clothes by size and style. I thought I would relish in this moment of organization...I'm certain this won't last for long!

week 33: baby bedding

Baby's crib has finally come together. We purchased the Colgate Classica I Foam Mattress. Its an extra firm mattress that fit's snug in our Ikea crib. We covered the mattress with a waterproof mattress pad (to protect from any surprise leaks). We picked up Mrs. Meyer's Baby Blossom Laundry Detergent (a pure and gentle cleanser perfect for our little one) and finally washed our Land of Nod Natural-Born Organic Crib Set.

The crib is put together and ready for baby's arrival!

week 33: honeydew

This week, baby is the size of a honeydew (and will be for the next few weeks). Feels more like a bowling ball! Baby’s senses are continuing to improve, too. Apparently, when light peeks in through my stretched belly, his tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs. Time to start practicing our lullabies!

{How big is baby?, Honeydew image from The Bump}

week 32: baby's a mover

Baby's movement has been pretty amusing. He wiggles and squirms for me all day, but whenever I grab Pete to feel, he stops. Stubborn little fella!

When I first felt baby move, it was just as other mom's-to-be had described, like little flutters or bubbles. Now, that I'm moving into my eight month, the best way I can describe baby's movement...like having a cat in my stomach! He twists and turns, pokes and stretches, flips and rolls. Good thing we're on the same sleep schedule!

week 31: hiccups

Baby hiccups all the time! When the tiny little spasms first started, I wasn't quite sure what they were. Now I know that baby hiccups after I eat and sometimes when I make sudden moves. I did a little research and read several forums, and it looks as though hiccuping is a good sign of a strong breather and healthy baby!

week 31: nursery shaping up

The nursery is really coming together. The world map that we ordered is framed and hanging over a book & toy shelf. It looks great in baby's room!

{World Map, Black by These Are Things}

week 31: infant car seat

We've completed one of our homework assignments...an infant car seat, thanks to Grandpa & Grandma Reilly. We went with the Graco Snugride 35 Infant Car Seat. Its compatible with our BOB Revolution Stroller and has gotten fantastic safety ratings.

We installed the infant car seat adapter on the stroller and dropped the carseat right in. Next up, installing the car seat base in our car.

{Snugride 35 Infant Car Seat in Flint, by Graco}

week 29: nursery music

Nursery music that couldn't be any more hip! We were sent a couple cd's by Rockabye Baby!, Lullaby Renditions of the Beatles, Kanye West and John Mayer. The music is so cute and soothing.

We picked up an iPod dock for Baby's room and loaded all the music. Can't wait to add renditions from Guns & Roses and the Smashing Pumpkins to the nursery playlist!

{Rockabye Baby!}

week 29: stroller

We finally decided on the BOB Revolution Stroller, thanks to the recommendation of our friends Casey & Lesley (and the positive Consumer Reports ratings found by The Rev). Its out of the box and WE LOVE IT! We're going to install the infant car seat adapter and the car seat is on it's way. Can't wait to push little baby around in it!

{Revolution Stroller in Mesa Orange by BOB}

week 29: sqaush

This week, Baby is the size of a large squash (and will be around this size for the next couple weeks). His energy is surging and is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though they don’t coincide with my own. And, all five of of his little senses are functional!

{How big is baby?, Squash image from The Bump}

week 28: 'seeing' baby move

Pete and I were sitting on our patio and I felt Baby kicking away. I was staring at my belly and thought I saw my entire belly shift. I asked Pete to just watch for a minute. We both waited patiently, and all of a sudden it looked like a little groundhog was tunneling his way around my belly button! So weird, but completely entertaining.

week 28: hospital tour

Pete and I had a tour of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center over the weekend. We've heard wonderful things about the facility & it's staff these past few months. The tour did not disappoint.

The hospital is attractive and inviting (and very easy to get to!). It didn't have the cold, sterile feeling we were expecting. The employees were very friendly, the waiting areas were comfortable, the labor & recovery rooms were cozy, and the security is incredible!

We did, however, have a couple homework assignments before the big due date...1. purchase a car seat and make sure it is properly installed before delivery. 2. Choose our pediatrician for Baby Flocken. This is especially important for 'boys'.

Here are a few shots of Mercy Gilbert.

{Entrance, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center}

{Delivery Room, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center}

{Recovery Room & Nursery, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center}

{Chapel & Lobby, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center}