Happy Anniversary...

Today is our 2nd Wedding Anniversary...gosh, time flies! I can't believe it has been two years since we spent the day at Fair Weather Farms with all of our friends and family. That day was such a magical one and a day that I will never forget. I waited and waited on finding the right man...and boy did I find him! Not only is he the best husband ever (yes, Ever!) but he is my best friend...the one I go to first in joy and pain. I never imagined this type of relationship...I am so blessed! Now as I look at our son...born just two weeks ago...I am in awe of our love! We have fallen in love with this amazing child and even more in love with each other. I feel like such a family now...and don't think I could be any happier! There are many, many things that I love about Lee Copeland but here are some of my favorites.

He is calm...such a calming force in the emotional storm of Danielle. (haha!) He loves my family unconditionally and wholly. He still opens my car door every time we go somewhere. He double checks everything when we leave...iron unplugged, doors locked, etc. (annoying but cute!) He stands up for me whether with work, friends or family. He changes dirty diapers without complaining. He cleans...he cleans!! He takes pride in EVERYTHING he does. He sings silly songs to me. He actually likes to cuddle. (we won't tell the guys that!) He loves animals...such a personality thing to me...don't understand people who don't like animals. He is an extremely hard worker. He loves and enjoys my friends. He is a good friend to his friends. He understands my craziness and loves me regardless. He is my biggest supporter and champion. He tries to cook...he is learning! (Did I mention that he cleans?) He is incredibly intelligent. He is polite to everyone. (this was one of the first things I noticed about him) He puts others first in situations. He is not a yeller or one who likes to argue. He lets me cry at silly things and giggles with me. He makes me laugh everyday. He is so modest...very cute! He loves my friend's kids...just ask Sloane! He makes time for me and for Eli even when he is tired and had a long day. He smells and tastes my food...yes, I am one of those people! He believes that I can do anything. He is excited to see me, the dogs, and now Eli every day when he gets home from work...even when he is covered in dirt or extremely tired. He sees the positive in all situations. He lets me vent and actually listens and cares. He loves, loves, loves his son and it is so amazing to watch their relationship. Above all, he loves me unconditionally and with everything he's got. I am one lucky, lucky girl and I thank God each day for Lee. I love you babe!!

Special Times...

So I haven't been the best of keeping up to date on the blog...kinda got my hands full! :) Here are some things that have taken place in the past week of Eli being home:

Uncle Cass and Auntie Melin came to cook us a scrumptious meal last Saturday...they spent the whole day with us since they live an hour away and can't drop by as much. We had a blast!!

We took Eli and the pups on their first walk....went very well! Eli slept the entire time and we of course being new parents worried about him getting cold and every little bump. Surprise, surprise he made it! haha

Uncle Luke, Aunt Missy and Cheyenne came by on Friday night to visit. Uncle Luke is IN LOVE with Eli...comes by a couple times a week to check on him. So cute!

Mom and Dad finally brought the dogs (Winston and Roscoe) back on Friday night....they are adjusting pretty well. They sleep in their beds and have only gotten into the trash one time...we will see how things go! (NEVER thought I would ever say that!)

If you don't know...my dad is a little over the moon about his new grandson. My mom stayed with us the entire first week that Eli was home (CAN I SAY GODSEND!!!!!) and my dad would come by every night just to see Eli and tell him goodnight. It is the cutest thing you have ever seen!!

Aunt Jilly came by and brought us some yummy dinner too....the best were the cookies and all the kisses Eli got! Thanks Jill, Shannon and Erin!

My grandparents all met Eli....he is one lucky, lucky guy!

And of course...Daddy loving on Eli! This picture makes my heart melt...Lee is so in love with his son. It is an amazing thing to watch! Thank you Lord for my husband and this sweet, sweet child!

First Bath

Eli had his first bath on Tuesday...we had to call in reinforcements! He was peeling really bad (like a snake losing his skin) and I didn't know what to do. Beka brought us yummy dinner (Chicken and Dumplins) and took over...THANKFULLY! She got him all settled in the sink with a towel and she and I gave him his first bath. Daddy missed it but we got pictures so he could see....

Eli didn't love it...maybe he will learn to enjoy bath time! We got him all washed off and smothered him in some vaseline...the peeling is almost gone now! :)

Thanks Auntie Bek!!

Great Day!!

So today has been fantastic...my dearest and bestest friend Mary came this morning to rescue me from sleepless nights and new mom syndrome! She was just what I needed (she usually always is!)...she loved on my little man which of course I love and she gave me the best gift EVER! Not only did she get me lunch at Chick-fil-a and put Eli in his crib for his first nap not in my arms (have I mentioned that I am IN LOVE with him and he usually naps in my arms or right beside me?!)...BUT she let me borrow her car and DRIVE to Blockbuster! I know this may seem like something small but when you haven't been allowed near a car since last Wednesday it is a HUGE deal! I love to drive...I love the freedom...I love the wind in my hair...I just love it! I was only gone about 15 minutes but it was amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!


Here is a pic of Eli taking his first nap in his crib...





Also big news....We are now nursing like CHAMPS! It has taken us 10 days but finally we have figured out the dance as Beka calls it. :)

Amazing love...

I cannot believe it has been a week already...time sure does fly! Eli was a week old today...what a big day huh? :) I don't want him to get any bigger or any older...is that wrong? I just am so in love with him right now at this size. He loves me unconditionally and is so attached to me right now. I will say that I do love that he loves his momma so...oh little boys!

Be on the lookout for lots of Eli posts...going to finally get around to getting the labor story down and some of my favorite memories of our long weekend at Piedmont Hospital. I have so many people to thank...girls (you know who you are) thanks for being my support! I could never have made it without each of you...and my AWESOME, INCREDIBLE husband. Have I told you all how much I love him? He was such a calm and loving rock for me during the entire process. What a man!

Here are some of my favorite things so far about Eli:

• Little wrinkles above his forehead
• Reddish brown hair...who would have thought!
• His super gorgeous lips
• Little cleft chin
• His big ole feet
• Tree frog legs and toes
• The way he curls his toes as tight as he can get them when he eats.
• Sweet breath...oh my!
• He recognizes me when I sing "You Are My Sunshine" to him...it will quiet him in a second.
• He loves his hands up by his face at all times.
• He sleeps!!! (4 to 4 1/2 hours at a time all day/night long - such a good baby!)
  

I just got these pictures back (My uncle Doug took them for me!) and I wanted to share. It is hard to believe this was just 4 weeks ago...so much as changed!!

James Eli Copeland

Quick blog...so tired...but ELATED! Eli is the most awesome, beautiful, cool thing Lee and I have ever seen. The birth was amazing (even though it took 2 1/2 days) but we couldn't have asked for anything better. I will update more later but here are some pictures...thanks for all the love and support!

James Eli Copeland

September 13, 2008

7:30pm

6 lbs 19.5 in

The Eli Watch Continues....

All right, gang. (This is Melin blogging right now). We're back. We're in business. Things are moving. Flowing. You know what I mean...

OK, so we have broken water. We have epidurals in the body. We have pitocen flowing in the system. And when I write, "WE", I mean, Danielle, of course. We're not all giving birth today. She's a champ, though, she's feeling pretty good and smiley and is still giving off that Danielle Glow (TM).

She's resting now, Leebo is giving her sweet kisses on her knees or hands. We're just in waiting mode, but it is GOING to happen today. So, that's the update - at some point, today, Eli is a'comin'. We will be keeping everyone posted by phone, email, and blog, of course.

Mary, also known as the Rock Star Baby Birthing Assistant, was up here bright and early, ready to provide whatever was needed. Even if that meant stompin' on some spiders in the line of duty. To recap: Mammoth spotlights above the bed, and within one of these gargantuan spotlights was a spider, enjoying the view of little Danielle reclining on her bed. Lee couldn't stand that Mr. Spider was watching, and he wanted to open the globe and kill that spider dead where he lay. Not a Charlotte's Web fan, that Leebo. So, he climbed up there, and informed Mary that she was backup, and to be ready. Mary, not such a fan of spiders, was thinking, "I'm here to provide birthing expertise, not exterminator services, but OK."

As you can see in the below photo, that spider was capturing a lot of attention.

Lee was freezing, and although Danielle told him to bring slippers, Lee threw caution to the winds and did not pack any with him. Danielle was quite concerned about her hubby's tootsies, so she persuaded a nurse to track down some slippers. Here is Lee, toes warm, wearing his hospital brand ACTI slippers! Two thumbs up, all the way.
The happy couple below, getting ready for the big day. It's been a cute lovefest in here all morning. Aren't they adorable? They are both so calm and ready, it's awesome.

And here are the ladies. Ladies-in-Waiting, literally. We're just chilling out on the sofa, being quiet with the occasional giggles and grins of excitement. Between all of us at the hospital, waiting, and all of the messages and phone calls, Eli is one loved baby already.

So, stay tuned, folks. He'll be here before you know it!

WE HAVE AN UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Mary here)

The nurse just checked her, she's dialated to 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She and Lee are

OVER THE MOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Coming Today?

Hi my fellow bloggers....just me...the one trying to have a baby! :) It is almost 6am and we are getting ready to start the pitocin again. I got 6 hours of UNINTERRUPTED sleep last night...amazing when you are pregnant and even more amazing when you are in the hospital. I was so tired from yesterday's round of pitocin that they took me off the monitors for the night, didn't check my vitals while I slept and gave me Ambien. I slept like a ROCK STAR! I feel very rested this morning....my stomach and abs are a alittle sore from all the contractions I had yesterday...but overall I am positive. I know this process so I am not nervous going in to LDR today. They have me a bigger (and COLDER) room to be in this morning....everyone here has taken care of me so much. I always loved Piedmont...now there is no denying my love affair with the nursing staff, food, or my awesome, awesome doctor. (Dr. Archie Roberts) He is the most patient man on the planet and wants me to have the most perfect vaginal (sorry if TMI) delivery possible and isn't going to rush me or Eli and threaten us with a c section which we are trying to avoid at all costs.

We will still be updating today...hopefully, things will progress a little faster so you won't have to read about what magazines or TV shows we are watching. I am hoping for a messed up hair, no makeup, oh my goodness....she had that baby post...what do you think?? ;)

Much, much love to all of you for reading and sending your sweet comments. We have read each one and it makes our day that Eli (and us) are so loved and prayed for. Keep them coming!! Here are some pictures from yesterday too....talk to you soon!

Cass massaging my feet - BEST Brother and soon to be Uncle in the world!!!

Auntie Melin and Uncle Cass just waiting for Eli!

My dad telling me I had done a great job all day even if there was no baby! He is going to have to find another blue shirt to wear today in honor of Eli. :)

Oh well!

No baby today...unless he decides to come on his own tonight. I didn't progress at all today even with 6 1/2 hours of pitocin...Eli is just very happy being in my belly! Dr. Roberts took us off the pitocin a little while ago and we are going to try again tomorrow morning. We will start the updates again in the morning...please be praying that I get a good night's sleep tonight and that my spirit stays up. I am starting to get a little frustrated but trying to stay positive! :) Thanks to everyone who came by today and stayed FOREVER with no results - sorry! haha

Love you all and thanks for all the prayers!

More news...

well, there isn't much news. (mary here)

still getting pitocen - - waiting for some action. the doctor will check her cervix again in a little while if she's at a 3, they'll order her epidural and break her water and then, my friends we'll have some progress.

for now, lee is getting some food and danielle is resting. everyone else is in the waiting room and melinda and i are sitting on either side of danielle's bed having the most organic girl time. who'd even know we're in a hospital room??

loving our waiting game. . . :)

Update...

Well, the cervadil didn't do much last night....still dialated 1cm but now 50% effaced. I did start having some contractions this morning around 3am but nothing too bad. I am now having contractions about every 10 minutes. They were supposed to induce me this morning around 7:30am but they are booked solid so they aren't starting until 11am. I am now having contractions every 9 to 10 minutes apart. Nothing too bad but we are hoping we are making progress so it is not such a long day for everyone!

Mary got here bright and early at 6:45am to be my "ROCK STAR" doula. Exactly what I needed...I am not nervous at all! Lee on the other hand is super excited and just a tad bit nervous. :) My parents are also here...Dad is proudly wearing a blue Polo shirt in honor of us having a boy! Isn't that cute?? Mom...aka Granny is sitting in her rocking chair with her glasses on the end of her nose reading the front cover wrapped in a shawl....waiting on the arrival of her grandson!!

We will keep you updated....stay tuned!

At the Hospital...One More Day!

This is so unreal....we really can't believe we are actually here! We got to Piedmont around 4pm to get settled in...we are in the antepartum unit and it is packed. They are actually sending people home or canceling their inductions if not medically necessary. Thankfully ours is medically necessary because of the protein they found yesterday. I would hate to get the news that I couldn't come in today...yikes! My blood pressure is good (kinda high for me but not bad) and my blood levels are fine. I have really liked my nurses so far....they are key to having a great experience I think!

Lee is freezing in here but I feel great! He thinks he should have brought a parka! haha We both had a great dinner and are just waiting until tomorrow morning. Currently I am dialated 1cm and 50% effaced and Eli's head is way down which is good news. Melin and Mary are going to help me update things tomorrow so stay tuned....hopefully we will have a baby soon!!

Love you all and thanks so much for the prayers!!

Now...2 More Days!!

The doctor called back and my blood work is not where they want it to be...we are going in tomorrow night to start the process (Cervadil) and then they will do the induction Friday morning. Please be praying for us as we are both so excited...yet so nervous! Especially me about the delivery....love you all and will post updates and pics soon!

8 More Days....

Well, I am 39 weeks today...can't even believe it myself!! We went to the doctor this morning and here is the latest update. I am still at 1 cm and about 20% to 30% effaced...no real change since last week. They did find some protein in my urine (Sorry if TMI) and my blood pressure was high for me. My doctor ordered some blood work and now we are waiting to hear today what it says....if there are any abnormalities in the blood work than I will probably be induced this weekend....if not than we are still on for a induction next week on the 18th. I will keep you posted...and update with a belly pic later today. :)

I also want to thank all my family and incredible girl friends who keep calling me, sending me messages and just checking in. Your words of encouragement and love are what gets me thru the days right now. I love each of you and couldn't have done this without you!! Gracious, I am super blessed!!

My Last Shower...

was with a group of family that means so much to me! Danielle (my aunt), Kristin (my cousin) and Meghan (my cousin's new wife) hosted a shower for me and Eli a couple weeks ago and it was fabulous! It was an intimate time spent with family and it was so nice to relax and enjoy each and every one of them there. Lee even came and hung out with Uncle Doug and the kids so he got to be a part of it too. Thanks to everyone for a great, great time!! Here are some pictures from the shower...unfortunately we lost a couple when a computer crashed so there are none of the hostesses or the table! :(

Eli's ducky bath towel from Kristin and Millie - so cute!

I got a ton of books from everyone which I loved!!! I can't wait to read them all to Eli when he gets here - well, actually I am reading them now to him. :)

Me and my Mema (my dad's mother) - she has prayed and prayed for this child. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I was her first grandchild and have always loved my time with her. She has loved me like no other and loves Eli already so much!! He is so lucky!

Lee reading some of the Richard Scarry (my favorite as a child) books that his mom and grandmother brought for Eli. He was a bit tired this day as he had been out all night the night before at his 10 year High School Reunion. Thankfully, I didn't have to go!

Me feeding Simpson - look at those blue eyes and smile. Can you say precious??

Lee holding Millie - doesn't he look like a natural? And of course she is just as precious...Simpson, Millie and Eli will be so close growing up. They were all born this year - wow, what a growing family we have!!

9 more days....

So I am going to try and blog each day (well, the night before) until Eli arrives...think this is such a special time! I am finishing up things here in the house...as most people would say I am nesting. I am also trying to finish up my work load since my last day before maternity leave is Friday. (unless Eli comes early) I am a little stressed and a lot emotional...I have been really clingy towards my mom and towards Lee. I think that could be normal but I am not ashamed if it isn't. I just don't want to be alone right now...feel like this huge thing could happen at any minute and the thought of being alone when it does...well, it is just plain scary!

Since I work from home I am alone all day long (the puppies are sweet but they don't actually count) so when Lee gets home I kinda attack him...poor guy! I have just become this way in the past couple weeks so don't feel too sorry for him! haha Anyway, today was a long day for him and he didn't get home until late and then he basically had to leave to go to his soccer game and won't be home until almost 11pm. What did I do? I had a "mini" meltdown...was cooking some dinner (roasted red potatoes w/ some stewed squash) and just cried and cried. I wanted my husband but he was playing soccer...I wanted my mom but she was making fig jam and too far away for a quick rendezvous...I wanted to call Mary but I decided not too since she has a family of her own and they were probably in the middle of dinner. So what did I do? I crawled on my couch and held my two pups and cried...Eli probably thinks his mom is crazy! Then all of a sudden my phone rings and guess who it is? Mary calling me...she needed to talk too and God just knew what we both needed. Isn't friendship grand?? Especially when God is a part of it and knows exactly what you both need at the exact moment you need it. We both got out what we needed to get out and laughed and just talked...I am better now! To me these two quotes summed up our conversation Mare...thank you!

To the soul, there is hardly anything more healing than friendship.
Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852)

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and the sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.
Kahlil Gibran (1883 - 1931), The Prophet

10 More Days...

***Turn my music off before playing this...Jonathan, Cass and Lee will be performing this in the delivery room for my entertainment. Melin, Mary and Jennifer will be performing various songs from Mama Mia!***

Girls Night and 90210

Okay...last one for the day I think! Have I bored you yet??


Last night we had a Girls Night/90210 Viewing Party at my house. Jill, Beka, Kelli and I all gathered in our comfy clothes and settled in for what we thought was going to be a night of Brenda and Kelly reminiscing. Lo and behold! We are old!!! We found ourselves loving the adults in the show and wishing it was all about them. Who cares about high school drama when you have Kelly and Brenda on the same show? AND a hot teacher and principal?? Needless to say, we found ourselves talking over the 90210 lingo (we did still all bob our heads and dance around when the music came on) and finally after an hour of cheesy torture we turned it off. We decided that we could have just as much fun catching up and talking about our lives...so much more interesting than the lives of those that live in Beverly Hills! :)


It was just what the doctor ordered for me...I wasn't feeling too great (the nausea has come back towards the end here) and these girls made me laugh and feel great! Some of the fun topics we talked about....

• Jill's perfect ponytail and hair all around



• Kelli's beautiful wash and go curly hair



• Beka's new blog...urging her to write!! We want to hear!



• Some birth stories...but not too many bad ones since I was covering my ears!



• All of their precious kids...Joseph, Presley, Bennett, Jack and Bodie...and little Eli on the way!



• Friends and what friendship really is



• Being there for each other



• Missing the other girls that weren't there



• Excitement over Eli finally getting here...and ways to make it happen sooner! (Thanks girls! Maybe they will work...)
  

We started around 7:30pm thinking it would be an early night...but of course it wasn't! They were walking out my door (on a school night no less) after midnight. God bless them because I really needed it...thank you all for coming and can't wait until we do it again!

Roscoe snuggling with Jill - he wasn't supposed to be on the couch but can you blame him for wanting to snuggle up to her! :)

Me eating my 3rd plate of pasta with cheese - yes!