Prepping for Cooper's Arrival

When it comes to being prepared, I'd say I'm a pro. I mean, I don't leave the house to run any errand without a list! However, getting ready for a baby has to be the most exhausting task I've ever experienced. Making a thorough registry was a challenge. I even asked a friend who recently had a baby to send me a list of top priority items to add to my registry. I cleaned the baby clothes, blankets, and burp cloths in special detergent. Aaron and I were taking turns every week to buy diapers and wipes. Researching cribs, car seats, strollers and bassinets was confusing and time consuming. I had arrangements to go to the local Fire Station to get the car seat checked. We didn't even get to the pediatrician or childcare search during my pregnancy!


However tiring all this was, it was also very exciting and enjoyable. At 34 weeks pregnant, MiMi and Aaron helped paint Cooper's room. We left the standard creamy beige on the walls and painted 12 inch wide "Oatmeal" stripes to match his crib bedding. My mom did all the taping (thanks Mom) and Aaron and I did the painting. We were fortunate to get it done in one day!

Aaron and I also bought a dresser and gave it a new coat of paint. It took weeks to sand, repaint and add the blue details. We also painted an old oak bookshelf white for Cooper's toys and decorations.

Aaron ordered custom painted wooden letters to hang in his room too. I know it wasn't completely necessary, but I was so thankful to have completed Cooper's nursery before his arrival.

Showers for Cooper

Cooper and I are so lucky! At just shy of 32 weeks pregnant, my colleagues at West arranged a baby shower for me. There was good food, delicious cake, great company and lots of useful gifts. One gift in particular that I was really excited about was the Angelcare Monitor that my Foreign Language peeps chipped in to get. It's a sensored pad that lays flat under the mattress which detects the baby's micromovements. If it doesn't detect any movement for 20 seconds, it alerts the parents. Even though Cooper is sleeping next to us in the bassinet for a while, it will still give me peace of mind; well, at least enough to get some quality sleep.


Then, two days later, my best friend Patsy hosted another baby shower at my house. We chatted with friends and family and played games which involved smelling melted chocolates from diapers. It was really cute and fun! Cooper got a Bumbo (thanks Natalie) and a Baby Einstein exersaucer (thanks Patsy and Greg). We also got a convertible carseat, Diaper Genie, a Baby Bjorn, newborn announcements and MiMi got Cooper's bedding.


Both showers were really special and the Van Weys are so blessed to have such thoughful friends and family. We love you!