What's Karen thinking?

Karen sent me this for the blog... Today, September 16th is Cooper's actual due date... Here's how Karen feels.

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Today was my due date. There are a lot of different things going through my head, so much that I can’t even separate one from another. There’s also a flood of emotion as I realize that we should have a brand new little, perfect baby. But instead we have a perfect, big 3 month old. Today Cooper is 3 months 2 ½ weeks old and weighs over 8lb. That may not seem like a lot for a 3 month old, but considering where he started, it’s such a big change. As much as we’ve gone through these past 3 ½ months, I wouldn’t change or give them up for anything. God’s timing is perfect and he knew what he was doing when we were all so scared for Cooper to come so early. Cooper is truly one of God’s little miracles and has touched so many lives; and I pray that he continues to do just that.
Being at the hospital with Cooper has just become our way of life. Since May 30, we have known no different. It’s been a long road and we’ve been tired and maybe have had to change some plans, but there’s nothing I love more than sitting with him. I think back to the first time we got to touch him or the first time he wore clothes, or I look back at pictures from when he was not even 2 lbs, and I had no idea what we had coming. I can’t say we’ve loved every minute of it, but I still wouldn’t give up those things.
Cooper has been a fighter since day 1. And still is. We’ve been so blessed with his progress. Being in the NICU and around the other babies that have come and gone (or come and stayed) we’ve seen a lot of things and not all of them have been as fortunate as we have. And it’s all because of our Faith and the prayers and support we’ve gotten. Some of these babies don’t have anyone, but Cooper has truly been raised by an army of God.

On a side note – please continue to pray for a speedy recovery for Baby M. Her surgery went well and they aren’t expecting any complications. Pray also for her parents. They aren’t able to hold her for a few days during recovery and that will probably be the hardest part.

Good Day!

I am just about in tears of excitement and joy as I type this!! Cooper is such a trooper and he is a champ at breathing. He is doing so good!! They actually put him on a nasal cannula {A nasal cannula is a thin, plastic tube that delivers oxygen directly into the nose through two small prongs. It’s used in adult and pediatric patients alike as a type of respiratory support}. He is currently at 27% oxygen, but they just put it on so it will slowly be lowered to 21%. HOW GREAT does he look??!!

I have to say, I have been in Colorado and have not seen him in about 11 days.... I'm going through Cooper withdrawals...

He is currently 3 pounds 15.5 ounces and 15.25 inches long. {that 3 inches gained since birth!}

He is also managing his own body temperature. They have the lid to his isolete up, and he is in clothes and swaddled. He seems to be hot natured, so he is not having any troubles staying warm!

Praise God for all of this good news.

Keep praying for continued improvement in breathing and growth and that he is a champ at the nasal cannula! Pray for continued steps towards a homecoming. - Feeding out of bottle, no apnea's or bradycardias, good breathing and growth, digestion.... so many hurdles to go over before going home!

Keep J&K in prayers too. Good news is great, but it is also very easy to get tired and feel like you are on a never ending roller coaster. Pray for their spirits, and they still need plenty of rest.

HAPPY 4th and BLOOD DRIVE!

I'm such a slacker! I apologize for my lack of updates the past few days...

Happy 4th of July! I o hope everyone has had a great 4th weekend.

Cooper's first July 4th has been good. The little chunk weighed in at 2 pounds and 10.3 ounces... He s gaining weight like a champ. And you can really tell. He is starting to noticeable look bigger.

Everything else is about the same. His breathing is slowly improving. Some days will be good, some not so much. He's a snotty little fellow... so when his breathing starts to go downhill, they clear out his nose and throat/mouth and that usually does the trick. - Really, when they clear his nose...it is like they are cleaning the nose of a 3 year old.... There is a lot of snot in his tiny little nose. A LOT! He also has a little bit of reflux, so it all gets caught in his throat and troubles his breathing.
His oxygen levels are improving as well... We'll get there, slowly but surely.

Here is Coop this morning!!!

THE BLOOD DRIVE IS THIS WEDNESDAY!!!! YAY! Have you signed up yet???
The details: This Wednesday, July 6th.  from 11 am - 7 pm. Locate at First Baptist Church in Burleson. Carter will have their bus in the parking lot.
You o not have to have an appointment to come, and it does not matter your blood type.
ALSO< everyone who gives blood gets free BLUEBELL ice cream! (Who can pass up free ice cream???)

Questions? Call me at 817-781-3459 :-)

Lastly, We have a little something for sale. K&J had originally planned to attend the All Star game next week in AZ. Cooper had other plans for them... SO We have 6 All Star Game tickets for sale. All star game is July 12 in Phoenix Also includes tickets to: FanFest July 9 Legends and Celebrity Softball Game July 10 All star Futures Game July 10 Home Run Derby July 11, 6 available in section 305. Can be sol all together or separate. Email Karen at jkchandler77@yahoo.com if you or someone you know is interested. Airfare and Hotel is not included.

Thats it folks, keep praying for Cooper, Karen, Jason and the blood rive on Wednesday!!

HAPPY 4TH!!!