One Year

It was May 30, 2011. A little before 7 am when I got the text from my mom. "Pray for KK - headed to hospital. Having contractions". My heart stopped for a second, but thinking it was just braxton hicks or something, I didn't worry to much right then. Not long after, I got another text. "Pray hard, Karen is in labor and they are trying to stop it."
I jumped up and got ready to head up to the hospital. At that point I started to get worried and continually said a prayer. She was only 24 weeks along....
I remember everything about that day. From the second I got to the hospital to the second I left. I remember where I was when I got another text that said "COME QUICK" from my mom. Karen's water had just broke and we all got the news that Cooper would make his appearance into the world that day - three and a half months early. I remember every phone call I made. Every face I saw there that day.
I remember being in Karen's room with several friends and family. We were all talking, thinking of names (ALL the names we came up with...) and all of a sudden the monitor tracking Cooper's heartbeat went silent. Everyone in the room froze as the nurse ran in and tried to find it again. She kindly asked us all to step out of the room. Not 10 minutes after that we heard the news that Cooper was here...and he was breathing! That was the first miracle. A baby born at 24 weeks. 16 weeks early. He was breathing and alive! It was a very happy time, but also very scary.
I remember standing out in the hallway outside of her room... Just waiting to hear what was happening. Then all of a sudden...just like in the movies, Cooper was wheeled out in his incubator. There were at least 6 doctors and nurses around him. There was a lot of talking and yelling, and people pumping and directing... They went by as fast as they could to get him into the NICU. We could not even see him in there because he was so small.
I remember seeing him for the first time. About 2 am the next morning. It was amazing. It was incredible.... He was such a tiny little thing. So fragile, his skin was red, and almost see through. He would have fit in the palm of your hand. At 1 pound and 5 ounces, he was a miracle of God. The journey had only begun.... but you know the story. {and if you don't...start HERE}...
There were ups and downs, but with your prayers, support, the fabulous nurses and doctors and the simple miracle that our amazing God performed... Cooper Grayson is turning ONE today. He is healthy, happy...crawling and doing amazing!
Happy First Birthday, Cooper Grayson. You are LOVED!

Long Time...

My sister kindly reminded me yesterday that my last post was in DECEMBER!
SO, with that I felt the need to update you all on Coop. Many many apologies for the lack of updates. Life has taken over and been busy for all.

Anyway... Cooper is doing just great! He is 16 pounds and almost 10 months old. I can not believe he is about to turn ONE!!!

As a preemie, he is behind on all of his milestones. He does not do what a 10 month old would normally do... but based on his due date (September) he is pretty much right on que.
He is rolling all over the place and wants to crawl really bad. You can tell that he is trying but just cant quite figure it out yet. He holds his head up like a pro and is REALLLLLLY close to sitting up.
He LOVES to smile and laugh. (especially for his favorite aunt) and he is just so darn cute. His birthday in May will be just amazing. It'll be something else to celebrate this little Boy's amazing miracle life! (He's gonna have a fireman birthday party)

Here is a picture timeline for ya, since I've missed SO much!

 Cooper Day ONE

Coop, 2 Months Old.

 Cooper, 5 Months

 Cooper, 6 months

 Coop, 8 Months

Cooper, 9 months

Cooper today. Because he looked really cute. :-)

Giggles...

GOOD NEWS!

Remember Cooper's long time friend and neighbor, Baby M? Well.... SHE WENT HOME YESTERDAY!!! After 6 1/2 months in the NICU (some spent at Cooks), several surgeries and lots of prayers, M is home with her family... and they could not be happier!!!

Coop is doing great too! A little under the weather with a cold, but cute as can be!!!

Happy 6 Months Cooper!

Coop just wanted to say hello!! He's 6 months old now!!!!

HERE I AM!

Hi guys! Did you think I forgot about you? I haven't I promise. As cute as Coop is... he is kind of boring. (no offense, K&J) :-) He doesn't do much..... BUT AGAIN, he is darn cute!

He is still doing really well at home. They are trying to get all of his formula worked out. He is having a few problems..."digesting"... but nothing to really worry about right now.

We have not got a weight for him in a while, but I'm sure he is tipping 11 pounds by now!!

Karen is going back to work next week after her 6 week maternity leave, (YES! It has already been 6 weeks....) So prayers for her that she gets through that ok. I'm lucky enough to get to keep Coop while she is working!!!!

Here are a few recent pictures of the cutie....

5 MONTHS OLD!

So, technically tomorrow is Cooper's 5 month birthday.... but I was at my computer and thought about writing a post... so I did it!

HOW IS COOPER DOING?? You may ask... {because I have failed to update on a weekly basis like I said I would}

Well, Cooper is doing fantastic. K&J are so excited to have him home and everyone is adjusting very well!! Cooper doesn't like to sleep... I mean he is awake from 7 am till 10 pm... He will occasionally take a cat nap, but otherwise he is up! For the most part he is a pretty happy boy, and likes to eat! I think at his last check up appointment he weighed 10 and a half pounds!

He is such a sweet boy! And absolutely LOVES to be cuddled! Karen and Cooper are pretty much stuck inside for the winter... He is more susceptible to getting colds, flu and GERMS in general... so they are supposed to stay in for the most part.

When K goes back to work, Coop will be staying with his {favorite} aunt!

A Few pictures for you!!

EVEN though they didn't take the title, The TEXAS RANGERS are and will always be champs in Coop's book!

Coop at 1 day {or maybe even just a few hours...}

And if you missed it.... Check out Coop's pictures from his photo shoot HERE!! He's darn tootin' cute!

Sneak Peek

Check out these fabulous pictures taken by Erin Blinn. She did a fantastic job capturing sweet Cooper! Enjoy!

Miracles

It is hard to describe a miracle in a blog post... I'll certainly try my best, but trying to put into words the miracle that God has performed with Cooper is something all the words in my brain couldn't construe to anyone.

I remember May 30th like it was yesterday. I remember so many things so vividly - feelings, words, texts....expressions.... And I was just an onlooker.

From the first text that morning to when I left the hospital at 2 am - I remember everything, and it is something that will be sketched in my brain for the rest of my life. It was an experience that brought so much emotion, love and Gods power to me. One that I thought I would never experience but has shown me - and so many people so much.

I remember sitting in the hospital room waiting on Cooper to come into the world. Hearing Dr. E talk to K&J (and family) about what could happen. The chances of survival and the chances of complications. He absolutely did not sugar coat anything. Stated the flat out worst things that could happen - and gave some hope that Cooper would come out breathing, and they could quickly get him intubated.

When Cooper was born at 1 pound 5 ounces he fit in the palm of the doctors hand. Such a tiny thing, yet already a miracle.

As his story was told - it was becoming obvious that God was in charge. It was obvious that after only a short time of Karen going into labor... hundreds of people were already praying - people all over the world. It was obvious that in some way, this little miracle was going to impact so many people.

His story really is amazing. From being so tiny, so helpless, having a 40 to 50 % chance of survival... to being this amazing 9 pound chunky beautiful baby boy - It is OBVIOUS who was in charge here.
Even his doctor, Dr. B said ... "you would have never thought just by looking at him that he was a 1 pound baby. He is a perfectly healthy baby boy" ....

He is home. No monitors, and no wires. Just perfect. He is doing great, adjusting to his new home and mom and dad are loving every minute of it!!!

Blessings do come in disguise, and God's plan and his blessings... is just that...

HIS.

Thank you... to each and everyone of you that prayed for him. Your prayers have done so much for Cooper and his mom and dad. There are not enough words to say thank you. Those that don't even know K&J, those that do.....the nurses...doctors (all wonderful people)... Words, hugs, and thanks will never be enough.

This isn't the end, it's only the beginning - and I'll continue to update on Coop's story!!!

A few pictures of his homecoming and at home!

                                                                  Just leaving the hospital!

On his way HOME!

First bath at home!!

Meeting his cousin for the very first time!



Guess What....

I have thought about what I was going to write in this post... I thought, I'd make a nice emotional post... or make it short and sweet..... but I'm so excited I am just going to blurt it out....

After 123 days in the NICU....

COOPER IS COMING HOME TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And we couldn't be more thankful for your prayers and support.

Now, the real fun begins!

4 Months Old!

WOW-ZA! Can you believe it has been 4 months? I probably say this with every monthly post... but in a way it seems like tie has creeped by... but it also seems like "WOW! 4 months, ALREADY??!"

Anyhow, Cooper is still chillin' with his peeps at the NICU. No official word on when he will be home, but we are really hoping it will be within the week.- Looks promising!

He is 9 pounds 4 ounces and 20.5 inches long.... To recap, 4 months ago he was 1 pound 5 ounces and 12 inches long. THAT is amazing!

Will update as things develop! PRAYERS for a homecoming!

Cooper @ 1 day old

1 Month Old 

 2 Months Old

 3 Months Old

 Cooper @ 4 months old!

117 Days.

Today marks the 117th day of Coop in this world. 117 days of Cooper being in the NICU and 117 days of visiting the NICU.

I keep holding off to post a blog in hopes that I could post "He's HOME!" update... BUT that hasn't happened... YET.

There is certainly talk of Cooper going home! Soon. No set date yet - and if he has brady's it could set him back more.... But there is talk, and THAT is always a good sign! Yesterday was day 5 for his last brady... and he had one in his swing. SO, the Dr. has said he wanted to keep an eye on him over the weekend, and they'll talk Monday.

Coop has already passed his car seat test, an so now all he needs is the A-OK to head home.

Cooper is still doing great. 9 pounds 2 ounces!
Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of Coop's nursery soon.

PRAYER REQUEST:

Prayers for his homecoming are VERY MUCH appreciated, needed, wanted...

K&J - patience and understanding while they wait for that AMAZING and much awaited day to arrive!

Cooper's overall health when he comes home. Flu season is approaching, and we just want Coop to be happy and healthy when he gets home!

Late Night Update...

Seriously ya'll it's past 9:30... This girl is tired and usually in bed by now... At least on school nights!

Here's the deal... Coop is the man! I mean, really...he is. He's been breathing on his own for well over a week...maybe even two... He's got ALL of his feeding down now, all from a bottle! {GREAT NEWS!}.. I mean he is almost NINE POUNDS NOW! {WOW-ZA} and he is just plain ready to be home...

BUT.... {there's ALWAYS a but...}

He keeps having brady's - {a drop in his heart rate....see glossary, here...} He has to go 5 days without having any A's and B's {apneas and brady's}. If he has one, his 5 days has to start over again.
He's ready to go home, but he seems to want to stick to the NICU a few more days... {maybe it's the fantastic nurses}

Pray for this little guy to get that heart rate under control and maintain it - like the trooper he is!

PRAYER REQUEST:

Of course as mentioned above pray for Cooper and his HR. Pray BIG that the next 5-6-7-8-9------- days he doesn't have any drops and he is home ASAP!

KEEP K&J in your prayers for continued patience, comfort and His love. They can't wait to get this little guy home.

Baby M is recovering well from her surgery. Keep her and her family in your prayers as she continues to recover and they get her back on a schedule - and settled into her new NICU room.

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.

___________________________________________________________

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.

Prayers for Baby M.

A quick request to keep Coops friend, M in your prayers. She was having breathing problems a couple of days ago and is back on the vent. It looks like she might have to have a trachea placed because of narrowing in her airway.
If this happens, she will have surgery to have the trachea in, and will be moved to Cooks where she will have around the clock care, and her own private room. Once she is able to take bottles she will go home with the trachea in place.

Say lots of prayers for her and her family that God will work miracles for her and her airway will widen for easy breathing and she can go home soon!

Can't say this enough, but THANK YOU for your continued prayer. PLEASE KEEP them coming!

DAY 102.

I have to put the day in the title because I am running out of catchy phrases to use.... But can you believe that it has been over 100 days? I remember baby Cooper's BIRTHday like it was yesterday. Everything from the very first text message at 7 in the morning to leaving the hospital at 2 AM the next morning. It was a day I don't think I'll ever forget.

As for an update on Coop... he is still doing great! He has reached 8 pounds and has been breathing TOTALLY on his on for the past 3 days!

He is currently taking 2 bottles a day... when that gets up to ALL bottles, sweet Cooper will be ready to go home! His nursery is almost ready for him! {although, I'm sure he'll be sleeping in mom and dads room for a while!}.

OH! And if you're not a "fan" of Cooper's on facebook...
"Swallow test went really well. He didn't aspirate any of it. They are feeding him now with a slow flow nipple and they thickened the milk. He's tired from the test so it's going slow, but it's going. They will start with 3 times a day and go from there. "

A FEW PICS for your viewing pleasure...

PRAYERS REQUEST:

PRAY BIG that Cooper will catch on to the bottles QUICKLY! As soon as he does this, HE GETS TO GO HOME!!!

Pray that J&K continue to have patience while they are waiting to take Coop home, and that they are well rested each day.

Day 98.

Again, I'm sorry for the lack of post... If at any time you all feel like I am neglecting the blog feel free to email me at katyanne@sbcglobal.net and say "GET TO IT!" - I won't be offended... I promise.

Well, Cooper the Trooper is doing great! He is so very close to going home, yet still has one huge hurdle to get over.

They have not been feeding him from a bottle lately so they could give him more time to grow and mature. Tomorrow at 2:30 they will be doing a swallow test. They will feed him under an X-Ray and this will show if he is swallowing or aspirating the milk. We want him to be swallowing, of course.

If the test does not go as well as hoped, the option of a G-button will arise. A g-button {or a gastric feeding tube or button}  is a tube inserted through a small incision in the abdomen into the stomach and is used for long-term nutrition.... This is an option that J&K would rather not do... Of course they want Coop to be able to eat, drink and be happy.... THIS IS A HUGE PRAYER REQUEST!

In GREAT NEWS... Cooper has been off of all forms of oxygen since 12 am this morning... {midnight}. He is going on almost 21 hours of breathing 100% BY HIMSELF! AMAZING!!!

SO... what I'm getting at is... he really needs to be able to eat, so he can go home!

He weighs 7 pounds 10.8 ounces...not so much fitting into those tiny preemie clothes anymore.

And of course, he gets cuter everyday!

A few pictures of the cutie pie...

 I mean, SERIOUSLY! He's cute.

 Sweet little family.

I didn't purposely cut my sister's face out of this picture..... I promise.

Baby M is doing great! She is on the CPAP and doing well! They are going to give her a little bit more time before they try to take her off of it. AS far as I know, she is eating well and disposing...well. :-) Keep the prayers for baby M coming!

PRAYER REQUEST:

A HUGE HUGE HUGE Prayer request tonight {and tomorrow} is that Coop passes his test with flying colors! I mean really... Pray that he swallows well and that all that yummy milk {well...to him, its yummy} goes strait to his big 'ol belly!

Keep K&J always in your prayers... As the days go on {98 days} they are getting anxious and are ready to take Coop home.

Happy 3 Months Big Guy!!!

 Here's we go.... Check out his amazing growth!!

Oh, and by the way, Cooper was off all oxygen for 7 whole hours yesterday! AMAZING! He will be wireless before long! Oh, and he's 6 pounds 14.1 ounces!

DAY 1 

 1 MONTH

 2 MONTHS

 3 MONTHS

And of course, Happy 3 months to Cooper's best friend, M!!

PRAYERS REQUEST:

KEEP PRAYING for Cooper's feeding to get better. They are not giving him a bottle right now, so pray that he is 100% READY when that time comes!

JUST PICTURES...

and a brief update... BUT FIRST, Pictures...

I love it when little baby butts are in the air!

Ahhhhhhh!

First time enjoying a swing!

Look at that cuteness!

SO SO much hair!

He's already a Mav's fan!

Lastly, remember this precious picture? The ice cream bowl hat...that was WAY too big...?

Well, the hat doesn't quite fit anymore....

As for an update... Coop's breathing is great! His oxygen is as low as it can go. The nurses try to take him completely off once or twice a day, but Coop doesn't like that much... So for now he is still on it...

His feedings have gotten a little hairy. They found that he aspirates his milk when drinking from a bottle. So they have halted the bottle feed for now. They think they will give him a couple of weeks to try and grow more and mature before trying the bottle again.

He weighs 6 pounds 13 ounces! Just about to big for those tiny preemie clothes.

And, he's still really cute, and loves his {favorite} aunt, Katy.

His friend, M got to move rooms! She is getting close to being Coopers neighbor again. I'm sure they miss each other... they've been together since birth! She is still gaining weight well and doing better with feedings and spit ups.

She still is on the vent, so prayers that she gets her breathing stronger.

PRAYER REQUEST:

Pray for Coops feedings. More ups and downs here... {they never seem to end} - he has to be able to drink and digest exclusively from a bottle. This is holding him back from going home. Pray big that when they try the bottle again, he he does it like a champ.

Keep K&J in your prayers. Its been almost 3 months of visiting Coop in the NICU on a daily basis {several times a day} - they are getting anxious to get their little guy home and they need prayers for patience and comfort.

Your prayers are so important right now to get Coop strong enough to go home!!! Keep them coming!

SWeet Cooper

Cooper is still just truckin' along.

He is currently (as of last night 6 pounds 6 ounces and breathing at 24%. Last night while Karen was holding him, his little nasal cannula was out of his nose almost the whole time... {which means he was breathing on his own!!} Pray that he can become "wireless" soon!

Looks like right now his biggest hurdle is eating. He seems to have a bit of reflux, and that is holding him back from eating well.

Sorry, just an update today, I promise to post pictures next time.

PRAYER REQUEST:

Update on Miss M... She's moved rooms! (great thing!) and they have already increased her food to 13 ML's! She's over 5 pounds and will soon move to a big girl crib!

She is still breathing on the vent, so say big prayers that she can get stronger breathing and that the doctors can figure out her breathing issues.

Pray for Coop and his feedings. This is one big thing holding him back from going home. He seems to be spitting up more the past few days, and so he really needs to get that under control.

Pray too for J&K. Both are working and that minimizes their time with sweet cooper. IT was 8:30 before Karen got to see Coop last night. I know this is hard for them.

Pray that Coop gets to come home soon! Karen's due date was September 16th, which s just about 3 weeks away..... Lets hope and pray that Coop gets to go home when he was supposed to!