One Month...

Wow, time sure flies by. Kyler turned 1 month old yesterday. This past month has been one of the happiest months for us in a long time. It is so funny how many people have commented to me that they are glad to see me smiling again. Kyler is such a good baby and we love him to pieces. Some things about him at one month include:

*He loves his binky
*He squeaks when he is eating
*He is very strong and can hold his head up pretty good
*He loves to cuddle
*He passes gas a lot
*He loves to lay on his stomach
*He weighs 9lbs. 5oz.

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from the past month.



Cuddling with mommy.

Dora can't be left out. She doesn't bother him, but she has to be right in the middle of everything.

Trying out his swing for the first time. He seemed to enjoy it.

1st pumpkin!

Dressed up in his Halloween costume.

Such a cute little face!!

Trying on dad's wig. So funny!!

Feeling Very Blessed...
Since bringing Kyler home, family and friends have thrown me several baby showers. I feel so humbled by how much everyone has done for us. We feel so loved and appreciate everyone love and support. I forgot to take my camera to some of the showers, but I remembered it last Saturday when Jason's mom, aunt, and cousins threw me a shower. It was such a fun day and Kyler got so many fun things. I don't think he will ever be able to wear all of the clothes that he has received.
My mother-in-law, Shirley, is so creative and spent so much time planning and making things for the shower. I loved how she wrapped this present. So cute!!

I didn't get a picture with everyone that planned the shower. My camera died half way through, but here is a picture of Shirley and I.

Look at how cute these little booties are that Shirley made to hold the mints and peanuts.

This isn't a very good picture, but my sister-in-law made this adorable cake and cupcakes. She is so talented. Thanks Rachael!!!

So this next picture is Jason putting one of the gifts to good use. Shirley put together a diaper changing tool belt for when Jason has to change Kyler's diapers. So when I got home I had Jason test it out. I think it is going to work great!! Kyler is looking up at his dad wondering what in the world he is doing.

We received so many things that it was hard to fit it all in the picture. Here is Kyler surrounded by all of the things that he received. He is one spoiled and loved little boy!! Thank you everyone!

Firsts...
Kyler is 3 weeks old today and time is flying by. He is growing and changing everyday. He weighs 8lbs and is 20 3/4 inches long. He is such a good baby and has brought such joy into our life's. We have had a very busy 3 weeks and life is finally starting to be some what normal. Sorry if you have called me and I haven't returned your call it's not because I don't want to talk, I have just been very busy.

So I want to share some of Kyler's firsts.
This was the first time that we got together with Zach, Michelle, and her family since the hospital. It was fun seeing them again and getting to know each other better.

Kyler's 1st bath. He wasn't to sure of it at first, but seemed to enjoy it once he was in the warm water.

I love it when his hair is wet. It has a little bit of curl in it. So Cute!!

1st time in the backyard. Last weekend it was too nice to stay inside so we bundled up and went outside to enjoy some fresh air and a BBQ.

1st time having professional pictures done. Nicole Nelson did them and I think she did an amazing job. She spent 3 1/2 hours with him making sure that she captured every precious aspect of him. I can't wait to see how they turned out.

1st family picture. On Sunday we had Jason's cousin Lacy do some family pictures for us. I was holding Kyler and all of a sudden I felt wet. It was the 1st time that he has peed on me. What a great spot to get peed on!!

1st time that Dora has dared to come even close to him and that was because Kyler was laying on the table were Dora usually sits to look out of the window.

1st time I have been able to actually see the floor in his bedroom. It was so fun organizing and putting all of his stuff away. It is so amazing how much stuff he already has.

I also had my 1st baby shower, and received so many fun things. My grandma, aunt, and sister-in-law threw it for me. I forgot to take pictures, but I wanted them to know how much I appreciated it.

And the last photo is a picture of Kyler's bedding. Today was the 1st day that I was actually able to go shopping without Jason sitting out in the car waiting for me. My mom tended Kyler while I went to Logan to pick up his bedding and a few other things. I love the colors of the bedding and I can't wait to start painting his room. More pictures to come when I finish it.

One Week...
It has been 1 week since we brought Kyler home and we couldn't be happier. He is such a good baby and we love him sooo much!! At times it has been a little stressful and I'm glad things are starting to slow down a bit. A recap of what has happened the past week: Nonstop visitors, texts, and phone calls. 3 trips to the doctors office. Shopping for the essential items for a baby. Putting new carpet in the nursery. Washing and organizing all of the baby clothes people have given us. Going into school early in the mornings to prepare for the sub. Rescuing our cat Dora after going down in the heater vent. Getting only 4 hours of good sleep each night. And trying to read as many baby books as possible. (I sometimes feel clueless.) If any of you have any great advice or facts that I should know about, please feel free to share.

Things we have learned and love about Kyler are:
*He is a very happy baby. He really only cries when he is getting changed or is naked.
*He is a late owl and loves to sleep in in the mornings. (he's just like Jason)
*He pulls some of the cutest faces when you talk to him.
*He squeaks when he is upset and wanting to eat.
*He has very long fingers.
*He hates getting buckled into his car seat.
*He loves to cuddle.
*He is very ticklish
*He is a good eater.


Here are some pictures of our little monkey man. (seems like I have gotten a ton of outfits with monkeys on them. That must be the in thing right now.)
Washing his hair. That was 1 of the 3 things the nurse told us to do when we were checked out at the hospital. She was not very friendly or helpful.

Grandpa and aunt Kimberly checking him out.

Meeting his cousin Annie. They are going to have so much fun together when they get a little older. Annie is only 4 months. I can't believe how fast they grow.

Looks like he is getting ready to pray. Check out his long fingers. I think he will have to learn to play the piano.

Cuddling with mommy. (I love how that sounds.)

He is starting to be more alert. I love to sit and hold him when he is awake.

One last picture. Isn't that such a cute little face. We are so in love with him and feel so blessed to have him in our family. Five years of waiting for a child was so worth it. We love you little buddy!!!

Oh Boy...
I don't know where to even begin. The last 48 hours have been some of the most exciting and happy moments of my life. So to start our story let me back up about 2 weeks ago. Do you remember our post titled One Step Closer? Well 2 weeks ago our caseworker called us and said she had a birthmom that she felt like we were a good match for. We were so excited and couldn't believe that we were finally having a face to face meeting. As you recall things went great! Jason and I felt so good and had such an amazing connection with Michelle and her family. So we waited a day until our caseworker called us back with Michelle's decision. I was so excited and hopeful and had so much fun starting to plan what the nursery would look like and what I would need to get in such short notice. Well our caseworker called us on Tuesday night and told us that Michelle had decided to place with the other couple. We were heart broken and cried most of the night. I went to school the next day with red puffy eyes and my students kept asking what was wrong with my eyes. Well fast forward one week to Thursday. So I'm sitting at home enjoying my UEA break doing some scrapbooking when I get a call from our caseworker. I was nervous to answer it and wondered what she would be calling me for. She just wanted to check up on us and to see how we were doing. She has been an amazing lady to work with. So after I finished our conversation I went back to my scrapbooking. About 2 hours later she called back and I figured that she must have forgotten to tell us something so I wasn't as nervous to answer the phone call. Little did I know that it would be the call that would change our life forever. She asked me if I was ready to meet our son? I couldn't believe what I was hearing and it was hard for it to soak in. She told us that Michelle had decided to place with us and that we would be bringing our son home in the morning. I just sat there and bawled and couldn't believe what I was hearing. After I got of the phone with her I frantically called Jason. His phone was turned off because he was in a meeting so I just left him a message telling him that he was a daddy! After many more phone call and tears of joy we were able to meet our son for the first time Thursday night. I can't even begin to describe the joy and happiness that Jason and I feel, and what a special and spiritual experience the last 2 days have been. I guess the sign that I have sitting in my family room is true, "Miracles Happen to Those Who Believe" it truly has been a miracle and we feel sooo blessed. So let me introduce to you, Kyler Gary Cook.

He is so precious!!! We just can't get enough of him.

Here are our ANGELS!!! Zach & Michelle. I have so much respect and love for these two. Even though we haven't know each other for very long, we feel such a connection and can't wait to become great friends. Now you can see why Kyler is so adorable!!

After 4 1/2 long years of waiting to be a mommy, I finally have the most perfect & precious baby boy.

The proud daddy!! Jason is doing such an amazing job.

Kyler's first time going for a ride. Doesn't he look so adorable in this little outfit that Michelle picked out for him.

Kyler ready for his first night at home.

One last picture for the day. Don't worry there will be many more to come.

P.S. Any suggestions from all of you mothers out there on must have ideas for new babies.