Just some pics...

Here are some pictures of the girls that I have taken throughout the week...I can't believe how big they are!!! Hope you enjoy!

"Ansley is going to take a shower?"

Last Sunday Corrine, Trish, and Sarah blessed us with a shower for Ansley and what fun we had! I did have to laugh at the fact that Ansley was only 5 and 1/2 weeks old when I recalled that Mayce who was almost 8 months when we had her shower. Everything was absolutely perfect! The food was fabulous and the presents were wonderful but most important was the fact that we were surrounding by amazing individuals who we are so thankful to have in our lives.

We love you all!!!

Mayce, Jasmine, and Chance all had a great time as well, although the girls did have a hard time grasping the concept of a "Baby Shower."

Before we left for the shower Mayce came out of her room and, holding both hands in the air, informed me "This is the deal! Girls go to baby showers and boys go to play ball." You can tell her daddy was making it clear where he belonged. Then on the way to Corrine's she asked me if Ansley could stand (???) when I told her no she proceeded to ask "Well then who is going to stand up with Ansley in the shower?" Hee hee!! You have to love three year old minds!!!

Whistle While You Work...

Wow!! What a week! As most of you already know I returned to work on Tuesday and was a wee (ok a WHOLE LOT) stressed about going back. Fortunately, God once again showed His amazing grace and things went far better than I ever could have hoped for. The kids were thrilled to have me back and my 7th and 8th graders even asked for their homework packets?!?!?! It would be a lie to say that I didn't struggle and I did have a rough day on Wednesday but I know that the Lord provided me with this unbelievable opportunity and He will continue to supply all I need.

The girls did great and except for one hiccup (there was a minor miscommunication which led to Mayce being left at school) things went off without a hitch. The worst part of the whole ordeal was that the incident occured on Tuesday when I was already feeling guilty about going back to work. Thank the Lord for good friends, as Trish and Candy stepped right in and kept her until my mom and Buck could get to her!!!

Ansley is six and a half weeks old and changing every day! Although she hasn't saved all her new tricks for the weekend it has been fun for my mom and Janet to be able to witness some of these "firsts." It is such a blessing to know that she is with people who truly love and care for her. She is smiling more and more and has started to coo at anything with eyes. She is still a sweet, sweet baby and we are enjoying every minute with her.Mayce had an awesome week and even said three verses at AWANAS!! Her memory amazes (and frightens) me as not only does she remember her verses but also everything else you have EVER told her.
Buck had a basketball game last night which was held in the gym of one of the old churches in town. Mayce, inquisitive as always had asked where we were going and when we told her it was an old church the wheels in her mind immediately started turning. You see we have told her that she is only allowed to have gum in church (meaning church services) however, once she heard the word church she quickly asked if she could have a piece of gum. When I told her no she looked straight at me and said "But Mom this is a church." I guess from now on we are going to have to be a bit more specific...

Silly Girl!!

Lately we have been trying to keep Ansley up in the evenings so that she will sleep longer throughout the night. Tonight I asked Buck to wake her up and this is what happened!

Needless to say she could have cared less and would go straight back to sleep no matter what we tried. Oh well I guess I'll be up more than I had hoped tonight!

Be Mine Valentine...

Sorry its been a while but I have been trying to enjoy my last week at home to the best of my ability. I head back on Tuesday and although I am still not raring to go I am looking forward to spending time with the kids.

Ansley had her one month appointment with Dr. Paul on Tuesday and she weighed 8lbs 9.6oz and was 21.5inches long!!!! We were so excited and Dr. Paul said that she looked great. She is a little below average for weight and a little above average for height so he laughingly stated that if she stayed that way for the rest of her life that she would be in good shape!

Mayce is doing great although she has been fighting back a cough. She had Valentine's Day parties on Wednesday and Thursday which she helped me bake heart lollipop cookies. Of course there were pink ones for the girls and red ones for the boys! The cookies were quite the hit I guess and with the exception of trying to bake a batch without the oven on they were pretty easy to make.

Ansley will be staying my mom Mon, Wed, and Fri, and then with Janet (a friend from church) on Tues and Thurs. So Thursday we did a trial run and Ansley stayed at the Cotton's the whole day. Yes I cried before I dropped her off but they had a great day together and it gave Buck and I the opportunity to have lunch sans children. Janet and I were talking when I came to pick her up and I told her that Ansley was very close to smiling and low and behold Janet called her name and the little punk did it!! So she gave her first real smile to someone else (thats what I get for laughing Sarah) but at least I was there to see it!

Yesterday we all hung out until Buck went to work and then my mom came over to watch the girls while I ran to the school to try and reacquaint myself with some of my materials. The kids were thrilled to see me which was nice and I am feeling much better about going back. I know that the Lord provided me with this opportunity and He will see me through. After I got home Mayce and I got started on Buck's Valentines Day present. He isn't a big sweets fan but loves chocolate chip cookies so we thought that that would be the perfect gift. We also made a card with Mayce and Ansley's handprints. Mayce was so excited about it that I let her stay up until Buck got home so that she could give them to him.
Today has been wonderfully mellow and we are reveling in the time we have together. My mom came over and spoiled the girls but as she says "Grandchildren are a parents reward for not killing their own children!!"

Busy Weekend!!

It seems impossible but Ansley turned one month old on Saturday!! She has already changed so much, is now awake more throughout the day, and is starting to find her voice. I know that it is only a matter of time before she starts cooing in earnest and I can't wait! So far she doesn't seem to mind tummy time and is amazingly strong. Buck and I just stare in awe sometimes as she lifts her head and chest off the mattress and balances on her forearms. WHAT?!?!

Sunday was also a special day as Buck was ordained as a deacon. It has been a year since he was nominated and he has gone through training classes in addition to being mentored by an older member of the deacon body. And although a little leery in the beginning Buck and I both feel as though God is trying to grow us through this experience.

Sunday night he and two others went through their final interview and then they and their wives were issued the charge. It was a special time for both of us and we feel extremely blessed to be able to serve in this capacity. My favorite part of the evening was after Buck finished giving his testimony. Mayce, who was sitting in the sanctuary with Julia, looked up and without missing a beat said (loudly, mind you) "Good job Daddy!!"
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The countdown has begun and I now have seven days before I return to work. Although the task still seems daunting I know that when needed the strength will be supplied. Your continued prayers are so appreciated and can be felt whenever my thoughts begin to overwhelm reason.

Sweet Treats!!

So it's been another week in the Cooler household and as my time at home is winding down I find that I am overcome with numerous emotions.

The girls are doing great and Mayce has continued to be a huge help with Ansley. She is at times a bit rambunctious but that is to be expected and the only time I really struggle with it is when Ansley JUST fell asleep and Mayce starts yelling "Wake up, baby sister, WAKE UP!!." She seems to revel in her role as the big sister and especially enjoys the rewards. Cookies and ice cream are my latest bribes of choice. (Come on you know you would too!)

Ansley is growing and growing as she well should be seeing as she eats all the time. There for a while she was sleeping for in 4-3-4 pattern and if only I had been aware of how good I had it. Lately it has been every two and a half to three and I have to admit that I am struggling. Who would have thought that that extra hour would make such a difference but trust me it does. We see Dr. Paul next Tuesday so hopefully her weight will reflect my sleepless nights. (In a good way of course!)

My first day back to school is the 17th of February something I am having a hard time believing. I have no idea where the time has gone. I truly love my job but I also know that Ansley is only going to be little for a very short time. Likewise, Buck has been required to return to shift work which adds a whole different dynamic. Please just pray that I will be ready to go back when the time comes and that the logistics of the situation will work themselves out without complications. Lord willing the transition will be easier than I am anticipating and she will only do new things on the weekend!!