Year One

Today is a very special day, it's the one year birthday of my favorite twins! I just couldn't go without a special blog post in honor of these wonderful little ladies, especially since I can't be at their party! Right now I am actually flying over some midwest state but the flight attendant handed out free wi-fi trial cards so I get to blog mid-air. Futuristic eh?

Anyway, I can honestly whole-heartedly say that this past year has been one of the best in my entire life, largely in part to these girls and their parents. I first met them the night of Thursday January 22nd. At that time I had no idea the relationship I was to develop with Lindsey Chase and Ashton Elise. I will never forget how small and fragile looking they were. Born premature and just barely getting to know their new environment. I was overwhelmed with the realization that just a short time before, these were children who were waiting and playing together in heaven. Two little girls chosen to join Shane and Truly, and I was lucky enough to spend time caring for them and getting to know them.



**I know this post may be long and unimportant to some, but for my memory's sake I really wanted to write some of this down so I don't forget and so the girls will know.

That first night I spent with Ashton. I remember getting the rundown on warming up breastmilk, how to wrap them so they'd feel safe and secure, which drops to give who etc. I think I stayed awake that whole night just staring at Ashton, anxious to make sure she was comfortable and that I was doing everything correctly. She slept and ate and slept and ate, diaper change, and then slept and ate some more. I instantly felt a bond developing between me and the twins as I spent that first night just watching them with their new parents. It was such a peaceful night for me. The weight of Ashton's little sleeping body on my chest was a feeling that I just got addicted to.

After that night I kept telling Truly how I wanted to come back whenever they needed me. Luckily for me they took me up on my offer. From then on, rarely has a week gone by that I haven't spent time with the girls. They have brought me incredible amounts of joy, and as cliche as it sounds they have taught me so much. They are so loving and forgiving. Anyone who has been around them recognizes their special little spirits. Shane and Truly went through so much to get these girls and after all the scares and complications, for them to come into this world so perfect, it's undeniable to me that they are choice spirits.


Now, before this turns into a novel, Just a few things I want to remember about my first year with Lindsey and Ashton.

Ashton--
You were the first one I spent the night taking care of. You went easy on me and loved me quickly. You are such a smart baby, I feel like you caught on to things so fast. I'll never forget when you put your hands up on both sides of your bottle like you wanted to hold it even though you weren't strong enough yet. Uncle Matt says you like him the best because you always give him sweet smiles and you don't mind hanging out on his lap while he makes funny faces. One of the funniest moments during my time as your 'night nurse' was when you were asleep face down on my chest after finishing your bottle. I had burped you but didn't think you got out everything that was there. I started to doze off and then you lifted up your little head, eyes closed, and burped in my face. I had to try and not laugh hysterically for fear of waking you up. Your mom said to me once that she felt like you were sensitive to the moods of those around you and I completely agree. I think you know when someone needs a little extra love and you give it freely. A quality I'm sure others will always recognize in you.

Lindsey--
Our bond started about a month and a half in. You needed a little more one-on-one time than your sister, which I was excited to give. I spent the majority of my nights with you, trying to find the 'sweet spot' that would make you comfortable. I walked probably 20+ miles worth of laps around the kitchen during those nights trying to soothe you. I remember your dad warning me that you were very independent. I found out quickly how true that is. Sometimes it sure was a struggle, but worth it. Hearing you breathe on my chest and feeling your tiny hands squeeze my finger or pull at my shirt made those nights very tender memories for me. Whenever you started to cry, not once not ever was I frustrated. I sincerely wanted to make it better and would try anything to do so. You were funny too. I remember putting you on the changing table (when that was the sweet spot) and I could have entire conversations with you. I'd ask a question and you'd answer back with perfect timing. It could go on and on and I thought it was hilarious. I don't doubt that you'll always be very independent, going one step ahead, leading the rest.

Matt and I love you SO much and we always will.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Football=Surgery

Basically this is a cautionary tale. Not for guys that play intramural football, but for girls who were raised constantly hearing the phrase "walk it off" or "just put some rubbing alcohol on it and it will be fine" (dad).
My wonderful sports enthusiast husband plays sports any chance he gets. This fall he was playing on an intramural football team, as usual.





About a month ago, after a particularly intense game, he was pretty banged up. Huge bloody scrapes on his forearms and knee (cue "just put some rubbing alcohol on it...") and he thought he sprained is finger pretty bad because it was swollen and he couldn't move it. I was the loving attentive wife...for about a week. But when I'd go to hold his hand and he'd switch because he said his finger hurt, I started giving him a hard time thinking a sprain couldn't hurt that bad. All in all I gave him a hard time for a good couple weeks and finally he decided to go to the doctor. That was this past Wednesday. Well he came home with this X-Ray, which basically made me realize I'm a total jerk.



He had a piece of bone completely broken of from his finger, stuck in a tendon and the top bone in his finger (accurate medical terms, I know) was broken pretty bad as well. Yikes. To sum up this already long story, we found out it was broken Wednesday, he had to have surgery Friday.

Pre-surgery Matt.


Post-surgery-totally-high-and-unaware-of-what-he-said-to-the-nurses Matt. .

To the nurse "Where is my shirt?"
Nurse," You are wearing the gown, but we had to unbutton one shoulder for the doctor to move your arm."
Matt:"You sure that's the only reason you were taking my clothes off?"

Nurse taking Matt's temperature: "Well, your temp. has cooled off a little, that's good."
Matt: "It's because I'm a vampire."

There were a few others but I'll save them for another time

Oh and he definitely does NOT remember flexing for this picture, nor does he remember the drive home from the hospital.


This whole event was obviously nothing too serious, but I have to say it was a weird experience for me. My mind wandered to some pretty bad places when I was sitting next to him while he was laying on the hospital bed. It made me realize-- I am very grateful for Matt Cook. Grateful that he makes me laugh all the time, grateful that he is smart and SO driven, grateful that I get to feel like a teenager girl cheering on my star athlete boyfriend when I watch him play sports, and then go home and be his wife, grateful for his dashing good looks and winning personality, grateful to know that he is mine and I am his forever.

Sorry to top this post off with that cheese but I just felt the need to think it, say it, write it. He'll be out for 4-6 weeks and has been 'Vicodin Matt' this weekend (I have video proof--but that is a post for another time) but has been handling everything like a champ.

Over the river and through the woods...

Thanksgiving in Washington was great this year. I haven't been home for Thanksgiving in 4 years since I usually have to work. I was really glad we were able to go, even though it's always a quick trip.

This first pic is of Chloe receiving an award that she didn't even know she was in the running for. I post it because it is just typical of my sister. She is pretty much above and beyond in her class. When the principal of the high school called our house at 6 pm to make sure she was going to be at the school board meeting at 6:30 to receive her award, she had no idea what he was talking about:) Basically she wins awards for just being awesome.



The rest of these pictures give a good feel of what our Thanksgiving post-meal environment looks like. We always play basketball in the morning, go home and finish any baking etc., get ready and head over to my grandparent's house for the big meal. I have a LOT of family and close family friends in my hometown and it's awesome to see everyone crammed around each other, laughing and eating all day. I wish I would've thought to take more pictures during the meal and baskteball...maybe next year.

Swappies

I'm a few days late in posting but I just had to say how happy I am for this dynamic duo. Hooray for hitting the 2 year mark:) SOOO many more to go!

Just a thought.

I think everyone has a song that has the power to just take them somewhere else, or ease their nerves. I have way too many to count. The past couple days I've been thinking about one in particular, 'Vienna' by Billy Joel. Somedays it just speaks to me, so I thought I'd share.

Just to document Halloween '09

First off, the cousins that never disappoint! Paul and Stuart as OG's straight outta Toppenish. Classic.

I went as the famous (in my family anyway) Granny Lott:)

Matt was a champ and wore adult footed p.j.'s (mainly for pictures) but I think they were a little uncomfortable ;)

Saturday evening we went to Murray to bust Grandma out of the rehab facility for some Halloween fun! Aunt Shelley was in town (behind the red mask!) and 'nerdy' Stacie met up with us. We had fun greeting trick'or'treaters and playing games. Grandma & Grandpa's house is known for having the full-size candy bars which makes for some pretty excited kids at your door!

Watched some scary movies, went to a haunted house, ate WAY too much candy. I'd say it was a successful Halloween.

This Month in Pictures...

Busy busy busy. October has flown by, and here's what we've been up to:

Bryson flew in for conference weekend and all the Cook siblings were reunited. Good looking family:)

We got to go the pumpkin patch with our favorite little ladies!! --See Truly's blog for pic's Mom:)
I'm just posting this picture because I'm so glad Matt snapped it. Lindsey lets me tickle her when she's sleepy and I love it when babies just snuggle with you. Nothing makes me happier than a sleepy hug or a snuggle from Ashton and Lindsey.
I flew home to Washington for Homecoming weekend to see my family. It was awesome to see my SENIOR little sister and cousin Luke host an assembly. Didn't I just graduate? Oh wait, that was almost 7 years ago. yikes.
Dad, Luke, Chloe, Me.
Mom, CJ, and I made a traditional trip to Schell's pumpkin patch. We used to go there all the time growing up. They have the best cornmaze, hayrides, and really good hot chocolate.
Friday night was the homecoming football game and the Wildcats didn't disappoint. They beat Ephrata 51-7, way better than when I was in high school. Mom and Dad on the sidelines:)
My BIGGER younger handsome brother. Sheesh! Something tells me he's nowhere near done growing. "Good guy CJ"
It was tradition, back in the day, to meet at my Aunt Lucy's house to get some delicious homemade popcorn before a football game. She was so sweet to do it when I was home. It was awesome to get the whole family back together, just like old times.

Mom, Lucy, Uncle Craig...or should I say Kraig? (it would take too long to explain!)
Chloe had a volleyball game Thursday, and did the Stauffer name proud. Then Saturday she had an all day tournament-- won a few games, lost a few but WOW. It's nuts to see your little sister all grown up, BEAUTIFUL, playing awesome, and helping her team come back by serving 8 solid serves in a row. (I'm just very proud )

That Saturday night was the homecoming dance. I know it's cheesy but I was thrilled to be around to help Chloe get ready. She looked stunning. She obviously didn't need any help, but she let me cause that's what big sisters like to do. Despite the fact that when I left for college, Chloe was in 4th or 5th grade and CJ was in 2nd, I feel so close to these two. I had such a blast just hanging out with them, and watching them in their high school activities. I'm just so proud of them, and can't wait to hang out again at Thanksgiving!!
It was SO good to be home for a weekend. It always reboots my system and gets me back on track. A lot of that is thanks to my great parents and relatives who are always so genuinely happy to see you. I love you all!

Matt had mid-terms (and job interviews!) so he couldn't come. He was definitely jealous, but when I got back I made sugar cookies so I think we're even.

A good scare.

It's no secret that I love Halloween. I love the decorations, making sugar cookies, dressing up, and especially the scary movies. I am a sucker for a good scare. Not a bloody gory slasher or a super satanic devil worshipping movie, but a classic good scary movie. The one's where you need to hold a pillow almost up to your eye level...just in case:) I'm getting to the point where I feel like I've seen almost all of the good ones. SO, I need some suggestions. Some GOOD suggestions please :) I'm posting a list of some of my favorites, but be warned. I can take a good scare.

In no particular order:

The Changeling (1980)

The Haunting (1963---way better than the remake)

House on Haunted Hill (1959--can you tell that I prefer originals?:) )

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the 50's version or the 70's version)

Se7en

Amityville Horror

El Orfanato

The Uninvited ( the original-- I haven't seen the new one)

Psycho

Carrie

Poltergeist

The Birds

1408

Secret Window

Sleepy Hollow

A Few of my all-time favorites that I watch year-round (definitely NO nightmares from watching these):

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Disney)

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein

Hocus Pocus

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

Let me know what you watch when you need a good spook!

A little late...

My one and only brother turned 15 this month and I've been meaning to give him a little tribute. 15 years old! It's weird when your youngest sibling has reached an age that you vividly remember.

We are 10 years apart, and I'll never forget when he was born. I was, at first, upset that my mom was having a boy. I thought we were supposed to be an all girl family since my cousins had all boys. I'm so glad I was wrong. As soon as I saw him in the hospital, I knew he was part mine.

I was already such a tom-boy and having a little brother gave me someone to play sports with, dig up worms, catch frogs, and play video games with. (My sisters were pretty goof with that stuff too*) He is such a great guy, and he sure isn't a kid anymore. I'm so grateful for him and for all the fun he brings to my life! Love you C.J!

Grandma, Mom, C.J.

This was Summer '08. He is now taller than me:)

Ungrateful lovers.

photos courtesy of photobucket users:)

Am I the only one who is NOT excited for Fall? Everywhere I turn, everyone I talk is so happy for Fall to arrive. Wasn't summer good to you? Didn't it let you stay outside late, swim, hike, play, vacation?

I absolutely hate letting go of summer. I hate that for the first time in months, it was cold when I walked out to my car yesterday morning. I hate seeing people in jackets and sweatshirts when it is still 75 degrees mid-day. I hate the brown fading from my shoulders.

I LOVE Summer, and it's still here for at least a week (weather-wise)! Relish it, love the sun, eat popsicles, listen to Tom Petty or the Beach Boys with the windows rolled down.

I love the holiday season, and I can't wait for Halloween, but all of you who are so eager for the leaves to change and the chill to set in need to remember how you feel January 2nd. There will still be at least 3 months of cold after January 2nd. Are you really that eager for 6-7 months of cold weather?

So please, until its only 60 degrees mid day, and the trees are all orange and red, and I see pumpkins on peoples doorsteps, no wishing Fall here earlier.

Because Fall brings Winter.

Stauffer-Cooks 1 BYU Intramurals 0

Matt, Nate, Tyler, Me, Stacie, and Megan are all on a co-ed basketball team through BYU intramurals and we had our first game tonight. I haven't played on a co-ed team since my sophomore year and it was so much fun (esp. since we won*).

However, I was so surprised at the poor sportsmanship of the other team. Nonstop complaining, cheap shots, rude comments etc. from the girls and guys on the team. Seriously, it's BYU intramurals--no recruiter is watching the game, you don't win any money, the rules are so skewed that even the refs are confused half the time so why in the world do people act like 4 year olds in time out?

My sister was stating the rules to a guy who was playing too close by saying, "guys can't guard girls," and he said back, "Someone should slap you in the mouth." WHAT!! I won't write what actions we took in retribution, but afterward she and I just laughed at how sad this guys life must be for him to feel that comment was necessary at a CO-ED INTRAMURAL GAME! He was married to the girl on the team that was complaining the whole time, so maybe I should feel bad for the guy. That's probably what he puts up with at home too. Regardless, what a loser.

I'm not sure why I'm even writing this, your mind goes to weird places when you can't sleep.

Anyway, OUR team had a good time. It's so fun to be able to play with your husband and siblings and win! Hopefully our next game isn't so heated...

Unbelievable

A win after taking the lead with three minutes left in the game! Sorry Sam, we wish you well.

I'll let you know how Matt's first night of drinking goes :)

Guys Trip

I think Matt & Ryan are feeling like this right about now.
They're meeting up with Mike in Texas to go to the BYU vs. OKLAHOMA game, and check out the new stadium.

I don't know what BYU's chances are, but I do know that Matt said if they win, and I quote, "I'm getting drunk. Just letting you know ahead of time, but I'm getting wasted." Well see:)

Meanwhile, I better find something exciting to do during my weekend alone so when he calls I don't sound too pathetic :)

Because it has been 2 years..

I want to recap a few of the wonderful memories I've had during my 2nd year of marriage to Mr. Cook.

Living on the East Coast

Kissing an 'Anchorman'

Celebrating the New Year

Jumping out of a PLANE together!

Spending adventurous days & romantic nights! on an island together

Conquering mountains

Exploring new places

Enjoying our sports-obsessions

And just hangin' out together.

When we were dating, it was so easy to have a good time together. Luckily, it still is. Marriage is tough, i'll be the first to admit that. But it helps when you're married to Matt Cook.