Cooper's First Trip to Waco

Since David and I started dating, we've enjoyed watching the Baylor OU Football Game together.  The first few years we watched it on TV and the last 3 years we've gone to the game in person.  When we first started going to the game, we had talked about making it an annual tradition.  We thought it would be fun because then we'd each get to see our team in person every year and at least once every other year we'd get to go back to our college campuses.  The first 2 games we went to were pretty "stressful"-- a lot was on the line for both teams and it's a little weird to be a visitor in a stadium and not even be able to cheer with the person you came with!  So we had talked about not going and how much more fun it is when we are cheering for the same team... but every year we've ended up there again and we really do end up having a lot of fun together.

So we'd talked about the tradition continuing when we had kids and how fun it would be to take them back to our college campuses and everything.  And then we had Cooper.  And then game was scheduled for September instead of November (like it has been for the last several years) and so we kind of put the thought aside.  But after Cooper did really well at the Rangers game, we started discussing it again.  And we decided it would be fun to try-- and if we had to leave early that wouldn't be a problem.  And Baylor has been playing so badly this year that 1. We could just root for everyone and not worry about the outcome since we knew what was going to happen and 2. Tickets were the cheapest they'd ever been.  So we snagged some tickets and a parking pass and made our way to Waco Saturday.

We had some discussion about which team to dress him for.  I have some friends whose teams play each other who dress their babies for the home team--which is a fine rule.  Luckily we had a pretty great outfit for him to support both teams for the game (pictures coming further down), but since it was also Cooper's first time to Baylor's campus we dressed him in Baylor gear so we could get some good pictures of him.

And good pictures we got.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  This boy.  His hat, his jeans, his Baylor shirt.  I just love him so. 

 Picture of me with my boy and Judge Baylor

 My guys :)

Most mamas know the difficulty of getting a good picture of a baby.  So this is one of several that David took of this pose... but oh my word how adorable is this guy?

After an hour or so walking around campus, we headed back to our car.  Luckily we'd gotten a parking pass in one of the parking garages that is on the edge of campus close to the stadium.  So it was a perfect spot for spending time on campus and time at the game.  We cooled off for a little bit in the car's AC.  And then it was time to change Cooper into his gameday attire:

 My sister-in-law, Aja had given me this onesie (along with other Baylor and OU gear) at my shower and it was perfect for going to the game!  We also took along both his Baylor and OU hats and his Baylor and OU pacifiers, so he was supporting both teams well.

 My OU boys.  The hats fit him a little better now than when he was a newborn.  They're still big on him but they were perfect for keeping the sun off his head.

 5:30 kickoff ended up being pretty perfect.  Our seats were only in the sun before the game started and were shaded by kickoff.  And it was not so late that the whole game was past Cooper's bedtime.  He took a little nap while we waited for the game to start and woke up right before the National Anthem.  We snagged a few pictures and then he and I spent the 1st quarter of the game in the Mother and Baby room.  I am so thankful that the stadium has this--it was nice to not have to worry too much about bottles and nursing.  He ate and we cooled off and played with a few other babies and then we headed back out to enjoy the game.

When we came back out OU was about to score again bringing the score to 28-7.  Little did we know how crazy the game was going to get.  We had all intentions of leaving early if Cooper needed to, but I don't know that we could have left early once things got exciting.  Who would have ever thought the game would be as close as it was?  It ended up being a fun game for both of us--I was proud that Baylor did so well even if it brought them their 4th loss, and of course David was happy that OU pulled off a win.

And our little good luck charm did so well.  He took a nap around 8:00 and then woke up happy.  He enjoyed watching all the sites around him and was content in the carrier throughout the game.  When we got back to the car he was pretty worn out and out of sorts, so I sat with him on the drive home and he eventually fell asleep.  It was a fun day with our little family of 3!

And just for fun, here's a look back at 4 years of Baylor/OU Football together

What's Up Wednesday

Linking up with Mix and Match Mama for What's Up Wednesday!

What we're eating this week

We had breakfast for dinner with our Community Group Sunday night, so we ate leftovers of that.  Our dinners are a random assortment of things that we already have in stock--last night we used up some grilled chicken in burrito bowls.  Tonight is garlic butter shrimp and some vegetables.  Tomorrow I'm planning to make some BBQ chicken in the crockpot--hopefully it will last us a few meals as sandwiches and maybe some quesadillas.  I also got to have lunch at McAlister's today with Erin and #themcculloughtwins ;)

What I'm reminiscing about

Between my post yesterday and our trip to Waco over the weekend, I've been reminiscing about college days. It was fun taking Cooper around Baylor's campus.  It seems like not long ago that we were taking this picture of the 07 bench, and now here we are 10 years later. 

What I'm loving

The fact that Cooper can sit up!  It's been a game changer--I can put him in a sitting position and he will stay that way for a long time.  He is so happy sitting up and now he can sit in high chairs at restaurants and carts at the store!

What we've been up to

Introducing Cooper to the world of College Football!  We've been enjoying watching the games on the weekends and we all had fun going to Baylor OU game this past weekend {more details to come!}

What I'm dreading

Allergy and Cold season.  Cooper and I were both sick a few weeks ago--either with allergies or a mild cold.  And I am not looking forward to all of the illnesses to come!

What I'm working on

I bought a pack of plain onesies so I can work on some appliques and Heat Transfer Vinyl designs for our little guy!

What I'm excited about

ALL THE FALL THINGS.  Pumpkin Patches, Halloween, The State Fair, Leaves, Cooler weather.  I love it all.

What I'm watching/reading

I've recently gotten into Jane the Virgin on Netflix--I started watching it before Cooper was born but then took a break.  I just picked back up last week and am enjoying it so far.

What I'm listening to

Same old Podcasts as I've been listening to for the last several months!

What I'm wearing

I saw this dress at Walmart recently and I loved it.  I wear it on my shoulders instead of off the shoulder but it is so comfortable and it has pockets!  I figure it's good now and will be good with leggings if it ever cools down.  So I bought it in a few colors!

What I'm doing this weekend

No big plans.  We will probably continue our tradition of breakfast taco Saturdays and watch some college football.  Sunday is church and our small group.

What I'm looking forward to next month

In addition to all the Fall things, Cooper and I are going with my mom and my aunts to The Pioneer Woman's Mercantile in October.  I'm looking forward to a fun trip with them!

What else is new

Not much--just watching Cooper change and grow!

Bonus Question: What TV show are you most excited about this Fall?

We just love it!

And that's what's up this Wednesday!

Reverse Bucket List

Momfessionals, one of the blogs that I follow, hosts a regular Show and Tell Tuesday with different themes and today's topic is a Reverse Bucket List.  I've thought about writing something like this for a long time, so I thought it would be fun to link up with her and think through some things that I've already done in my life.  {Just a warning, this turned into a pretty long post!  Once I started reflecting I couldn't stop}

Getting Married

Marrying this guy is definitely top of the list.  I've always dreamed of getting married and though at times it was hard to wait for it to happen, I am so grateful for the way God brought David and I together at the right time.  Life with this man of mine is so much better than I ever could have imagined and he is so much more than I ever could have planned for myself.

Becoming a Mom

This boy has very quickly stolen my heart.  I've always wanted to be a mom.  It was really all I ever thought about and dreamed about.  And this guy is my dream come true.  My days with him are the very best.  Watching him grow and learn new things is so much fun.  

Being a Foster Parent

This was really my first taste of being a mom.  Even though it was a hard season, being a foster parent was something I had thought about, prayed about and planned for for a long time.  It was something that I always saw as being a part of my life somehow.  And I am grateful for the opportunity we had to be foster parents to our 2 kids.  I learned so much about myself and God in that time.  And it's something I definitely still have a heart for. 

Buying a House

Buying a house kid of got lost in the shuffle of the other dreams I had--but I am so glad that we bought this house when we did.  We frequently talk about all of its imperfections, but I'm thankful for where we live.  And I'm thankful for this house that we get to call ours and we get to build our family in.

Going to Hawaii

 I don't have any pictures of this trip, but it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.  My family went when I was in High School and it was so fun exploring the beaches and the mountains.  There is so much beauty in Hawaii and I'm so thankful I got to go.

Graduating College

Going to Baylor was a dream of mine and I am so thankful for my time there.  I grew so much there and learned so much.  I made lifelong friends.  I found a major that I enjoyed.  I lived "on my own" for the first time.  And I graduated with honors in 3 years--such a big accomplishment for me.

Finding a job in my field and staying there for 8 years

Remember how I said that I always dreamed of being a mom?  So much so that I had trouble picking a major or a career because all I really wanted was to have babies and stay home with them.  I am so glad that God had better plans for  me than I had for myself.  My time at ECI was such a time of growth for me.  I made some amazing friends and learned so much about working in the real world.  I also learned so much from the families I worked with and it gave me perspectives and passions that I may not ever have had were it not for my time working with babies with special needs.  I am so grateful for my time there and all that I learned.  And for a job that I stayed with for so long!

Traveling to Boston

I have traveled to lots of fun big cities--Chicago, New York, DC--but for some reason I had always dreamed of seeing Boston.  Our trip to the Northeast was such a great experience!

Maintaining Friendships for over a Decade

I've had various groups of friends over the years and they come and go with different seasons of life.  I am so grateful to have made some friendships that have endured for over a decade now.  I met both Nicki and Erin my Freshman year at Baylor.  And I am beyond thankful that I still get to do life with both of them (whether in person or over the phone).  I am so blessed by friends who have known me for so long and continue to love me well.

Going on a Cruise

I had always wanted to try out a cruise and had so much fun on the one we did a few years ago!  I'm not sure it's my favorite way to vacation, but I'm glad I did it once.

Getting a Dog

We begged for a dog when we were growing up.  We actually had a dog who died when I was 3 and my parents didn't want to get another one, despite all of our pleas.  So when I got my first grown up job and apartment, a dog was one of the first things I wanted.   I had 3.5 years with sweet (and crazy) Allie and I've had 6 years with Lily.  Both of them have brought so much fun, snuggles, and laughter into my life!

Baking with my Kitchenaid Mixer

I've always really loved to bake.  So getting a Kitchenaid mixer a few years ago was really a dream come true.  And I love all the things I can make with it.

Going on a Hiking Trip

This was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  And even though I didn't get to peak the Mountain, I'm thankful for the experience of a backpacking trip in the mountains and the friends who were beside me through it all.

Going on Mission Trips in other Countries

The opportunities to visit other countries and support the missionaries there has had a big impact on me.  In college, I spent a week in Venezuela doing neighborhood children's ministry.  And a few years ago I traveled to Nicaragua to work with One by One.  Both experiences have been eye opening and I'm grateful for those times.

Volunteering with the Youth Group

I had some wonderful role models who worked with my youth group when I was in High School, so I am grateful that I had the opportunity to give back by serving the youth group at the church I grew up at for a few years.  I learned so much and laughed so much during my time with them and I love watching all that they are doing in the world now as most of them are in college and beyond.

Making International Friends

 This is one thing that I never would have thought to put on a bucket list, but it has been one of the most life changing things for me.  When I first signed up for an International Friendship Partner 6 years ago, I had no idea what that would look like.  It has shaped so many of my friendships, my ministries, my Friday nights, and my marriage.  I am thankful that David and I were able to serve together in ICF for the first few years of our marriage.  These friends pictures here are all still a huge part of our lives--even the one who has moved back to China, but still checks on us and Cooper frequently.  They have opened my eyes to a whole different world and I am so thankful for these friends.  I signed up to minister to them, but have learned so much by living life alongside them.

Finishing a Quilt (and other Homemade Presents)

I have always wanted to quilt, so finishing a quilt was a huge accomplishment for me!  I made this quilt for my friend Lara when she had her baby Watson a few years ago.  And I am so proud of it, even though it is far from perfect!  I've also loved learning to knit and sew and all of the fun homemade presents I've been able to give.

Teaching ESL

This is another thing I never planned to do, but it just felt right and I am so grateful for the experience.  Seeing these students work so hard to learn English so they can make a better life for their families was so inspiring.  This is one ministry that I hope to be able to get back to soon and I hope to be able to include Cooper in it as well!  It was amazing to see how God had placed so many things in my life to lead me to this.  My experience working with families, teaching preschool, and working International Students all combined into this one class.  So amazing.

I know there are a lot of other things that probably should be on this list, but this was what I could come up with during Coop's naptime today.  As I blogged last about The Church of the Small Things and all that I'm learning about the impact of small moments, I'm also very thankful for the big moments in my life that have gotten me to where I am today.  What an opportunity to see God's hand at work in my life over the years!

Church of the Small Things

I mentioned recently that I just finished reading an advanced copy of Melanie Shankle's new book and today is the day I get to share about it!

I found Melanie's Big Mama Blog several years ago and have enjoyed following her on various forms of social media as she shares about her life.  And I've enjoyed the books she's written before about motherhood, marriage, and friendship.  So when I heard that she was putting together a launch team for her new book I decided to apply.  I was able to get an advanced digital copy of the book and I soaked it all up!

At first I was curious what her new book would be about since she seemed to have covered the major parts of her life in her previous books.  The new book is about the small things in life and how they come together to form who we are.  So it touches on pieces of parenting, marriage, and friendship and also extends to relationships with her extended family, her life growing up, her pets, hair, home decor, and so much more.

With humor and heart, Melanie weaves together these stories and shares the lessons she has learned throughout her life from the people she encounters.  And she shows how it truly is the small moments that seem to have the biggest impact on our lives.  She talks about how we tend to focus on the big achievements and always look to the next big thing only to get there and realize that we want whatever is next.  It is not the big moments that truly satisfy or even remain in our minds, but it is the day in and day out faithfulness that shapes who we become.

Like I said in the beginning, I've loved all of Melanie's books, but this one seemed to come at just the right time for me.  As I've transitioned into life at home with Cooper, things look a lot different than I expected 5 months in.  I got over a lot of the shock of going from working full time to being home when we had the foster kids--and that was a hard adjustment (to put it extremely mildly).  So when we were preparing for Cooper, I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of how I would feel being home with him all day long.  But I am loving it.

Honestly, I'm loving it even more than I expected.  So I'm not doing a whole lot else right now.  I totally thought that by this Fall I would be ready to get involved in some activities--Bible Study, Volunteering with ESL, Play dates, Moms groups, etc.  But I've found that I just don't want to be as involved in things as I once was.  And I've felt really guilty about that.  I've felt that I need to be doing more.  That I have time, so I should be involved in so many things.  And while I do need to examine my motivations and make sure that I'm not shying away from activities out of fear ot laziness; I also need to remember that God has given me this precious boy to pour love into.

It's easy to look at my life right now and think that it doesn't really count for much because I'm not doing the big things.  Or even the small things that seem to have more significance than "just" being home with my baby.  So I was grateful for the reminder that "We are in God's will when we wake up with a willingness to go wherever he leads that day, to seek him in the ordinary, and to love and influence the people around us."  This book has a lot of take aways, but one of the biggest ones for me is that I don't want to miss the holiness of each moment because I am looking for something more significant.  God has me right here as Cooper's mom and David's wife and he is using this season for my good and (hopefully) his glory.  So I continue to submit all things--big and small-- to him and allow him to work in me through it all.  I don't want to look back on this season and realize I wished it away longing for the day that I could do something more significant.  I want to see the significance in the moments I have with my family and those around me.

One final quote from the book that I really liked:
"We miss the holiness of this moment we're living right now.  There will never be another one like it.  And even if that makes you think 'THANK GOD, BECAUSE MY LIFE CURRENTLY STINKS,' there are still lessons to be learned, character to be built, and stories that will be told about where you are right now.  God takes all of it--the mundane and the ugly, the clean couch and the wine spills, the ordinary and the occasional extraordinary--and when we allow him to add his grace, his mercy, and his outrageous love, he adds a brushstroke there and some color here and so paints it all into one glorious work of art, one that only he can achieve through us where we are right in that moment-- in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our classrooms, in our communities and world.  No one else can live our story.  So maybe it's time to embrace all that is uniquely ours and realize that is exactly what makes it special."

I am so grateful for this book and all the ways it made me laugh and reminded me of God's love.  It comes out on October 3 and I've already pre-ordered my copy.  If you want to check it out, you can get more information at www.churchofthesmallthings.com  There are some preorder bonuses if you pre-order a copy.  I definitely enjoyed reading it and I know it is a book I will come back to and reread. 

Sewing Project: Teething Necklace

Now that Cooper is putting everything is his mouth, he is starting to enjoy teething toys like his Sophie the giraffe and a silicone teething ring.  He also really likes to chew on my hair and grab for my necklace.  So I thought he might like me to have a teething necklace--that way there is something easily accessible for him to suck on when I'm holding him, especially when he's in the Lillebaby.  

I had seen a tutorial for making your own teething necklace, so I decided to try it out.  I made one a few weeks ago and it was fairly simple.  When we were making plans to go to the Rangers game, I thought it would be fun to have one with us.  So I used the leftover Rangers fabric that I had from our suck pads to make a necklace.  I knew it was fairly simple, but I decided to time it to see just how long it took.  From start to finish, I made this one in about 35 minutes-- the longest/hardest part was turning the fabric tube right side out after you sew it.  I followed this tutorial and it was super easy--I did end up sewing the ribbon into the ends of the fabric to make it more secure.

And viola!

And here it is on me at the game:

Cooper does still seem to love the silicone material the best, so I may get a silicone pendant to put on these necklaces so he has a little something extra to chew on, but he liked this one just fine how it was too!

Cooper's First Rangers Game

Yesterday Cooper got to go to his first Rangers game!  Those who know David, know that the Texas Rangers are one of his very favorite things, so we have been trying to find a time to take Cooper to a game.  We thought a night game would be too hard for him, so we'd been on the lookout for an afternoon game.  Almost every afternoon game is on a Sunday and that is when our Community Group meets, so we weren't sure if we'd be able to make it work.  But this year Chase asked for Rangers tickets for his birthday, so my mom offered to get tickets for the whole family for an afternoon game, so we decided to jump on the chance to spend the afternoon with family at the ballpark!

Cooper was all ready for the game in his hat and noise cancelling headphones.  We had talked about buying headphones but kept putting it off.  So on Saturday we made a last minute trip to Buy Buy Baby to pick some up.  And we are really glad we did!  Our seats were in the All You Can Eat Homerun Porch so they would be guaranteed to be in the shade, which was so nice--but it meant the echo of the speakers was really loud for all of the announcements and music.  So we were glad we didn't have to worry about his little ears!  Cooper was pretty tired when we got to the game-- he had stayed awake the whole drive there talking to my mom and Aunt in the back seat, so he didn't get a nap.  After about 30 minutes at the game he crashed and took a good little nap in the Lillebaby.  Then he woke up and enjoyed the afternoon with us!

 He spent a lot of time in the Lillebaby hanging out with either David or me.  We got to put our Rangers suckpads to good use for the game!

 But we also took him out for part of the game and he sat in our laps or with Grandma--and even Uncle Jeremy got in on holding him for a while.

 Happy boy at the game!

 A Dream come true for this Rangers-loving daddy-- enjoying his son's first baseball game

We had a great afternoon with family.  It was beautiful weather and a lot of fun.  If the Rangers had pulled off a win it would have been perfect--but it was a great experience for Coop's first game!