Cooper Mitchell Hone

We are so excited for our new little guy to join our family.  As most of you know, we had our baby on July 29th at 9:27pm.  We went in to be induced at 8:30am and after several hours with no changes, there was talk about sending us home to try again the next day.  We were feeling rather disappointed when out of nowhere the most intense contractions started and we were quickly on our way to having a baby.  Unfortunately, a rather inexperienced anaesthesiologist tech attempted to give me my epidural.  She struggled a few times with the needle - blaming it on my short stature.  We found out later that she had stuck the needle too far and pierced the spinal column and I was leaking spinal fluid.  This resulted in an incredibly painful headache that I blamed on lack of sleep and a crappy hospital bed but ultimately found out was a spinal headache and the pressure of my brain resting on my spinal column instead of floating.  The majority heal themselves after a few days but I was one of the unlucky 10% who didn't and was back in the hospital that Monday to get a blood patch which was an insane experience itself.  8 hours in the hospital, blood squirting everywhere, going through the maze of the hospital on a gurney.  It was crazy.  And ended with me not being able to bend or lift anything for 10 days.  Thankfully, both my Mom and Marc have been able to help me out, and my sister, Michelle has come out to see us as well.

But back to having our baby - Cooper Mitchell Hone was born on Thursday, July 29th weighing in at 8 lbs and 20 inches long.  He had a full head of black hair and looked just like his siblings when they were born.  It was wonderful to see the kids reactions.  They brought balloons for the baby and were all so eager to hold him.  They still are thrilled every time he grasps one of their fingers and Addison loves to shout every time Cooper does anything - "He opened his eyes Mommy!"  "He moved his hand Mommy!"

Thus far, Cooper has been an amazing, fantastic baby.  He sleeps great and is a natural eater - he is making life rather easy for us.  Fingers crossed and knock on wood it lasts.  Hopefully he won't have reflux like his siblings and will continue to amaze us.

Here are some pictures of us preparing to have Cooper and after he was born.

Addison's favorite thing became my belly.  She loved to kiss it - rub it as she fell asleep etc.

Then the boys had to get in on the belly kissing action.

Waiting at the hospital and wondering if this baby was ever going to come.  I was very excited when the kids came to visit.  The boys got sucked in to watching a show but Addie was happy to spend some snuggle time with Mommy.  And then Cooper was born!!!

The nurse said had she left just a little more cord on it would have been 8 lbs exactly.  I said we would just say 8 lbs to make it easier and the doctor said that in all actuality it would be 8 lbs.  But Marc has insisted on putting 7 lbs 15.6 oz on every document!

Nana and Cooper

Grandpa Tony and Cooper

We are delighted beyond belief at what an incredible baby Cooper has been and what fabulous brothers and sister Coleman, Campbell and Addison have been.  We are truly blessed.