Many Changes

There are so many changes going on in the Pattengill's lives this year.  Many have been hard but for the best.  This year Cooper started 3rd grade at Cooper Elementary in the Bentonville School District.  This transition has not been smooth by any stretch of the imagination.  Not knowing the school and how things work has been challenging.  Just getting him signed up to ride the bus to school was a week long process.  We all three attended back to school night and were very impressed.  Cooper has two teachers...Mrs. Hallwachs teaches Literacy and Social Studies while Mr. Stinespring teaches Math and Science.  Cooper really likes both his teachers.  Making friends and adjusting to the changes has been difficult for him.  The first week was miserable.  Probably more for me than him.  I did not realize how much I would miss him.  I've had him with me for 3 years.  I would sometimes catch myself talking to him in the car on the way to or from school and then realizing he wasn't there.  He seems to be doing much better now.  He's been in school for over 2 weeks and is making friends.  He goes to the Boys and Girls Club after school everyday.  Some days are good, some are not so good.  Everyday is a new day with him which is one thing I love about his personality.  He is brave and positive in almost all situations.  And he loves school. 

Our summer was pretty low key this year.  We did a lot of family things on the weekends.  Willie worked for APAC as an intern for his second summer.  They kept him pretty busy on top of a summer course he took.  He's such a wonderful husband and father.  He works so hard for his family.  It was nice to stay home and relax through the month of July and beginning of August.  This pregnancy has not been the easiest but it will be worth it in the end.  I'm thankful my job allows me to have a portion of the summer off.  It couldn't have come at a better time.

 In this picture I am 27 weeks pregnant.  I feel HUGE!  The worst part is when someone asks when I'm due and I tell them November 15th.  Many people's reactions have been "wow" or my favorite..."bless your heart."  We all know what that means.  He's definately a Pattengill.  He has really started to move around a lot but I think the biggest change is that he's getting so big that he's running out of room.  You can see my belly move now which is fun but sometimes painful.  I've been feeling much better and I'm really enjoying this last trimester.  I think getting my anemia under control has really made a difference.  I just wish I could sleep for longer than 2 hours at a time every night.  The acid reflux has been a pain too.  As I'm sitting here typing right now, he has the hiccups,  which feels like a heartbeat in your stomach.  It's kind of weird but good.  It's amazing how much you forget in 8 years. 
  

Razorback football has officially begun.  Anyone who knows us knows our fall Saturdays revolve around soccer and the HOGS!  We love having friends over for the games.  We eat, laugh, and yell at the television.  Coop got a new jersey this year and was extremely pumped about wearing it for the first game.  We still can't get him to play football, but at least he roots for the Razorbacks now.

Our family is growing and so are we.  While there have been many tears...mostly hormone induced...I wouldn't change anything for the world.  This past weekend we registered at a few stores for Finnley.  It was challenging because I feel like we're starting all over again.  So much has changed in 8 years.  Willie has begun his last semester of college and will be a college graduate as on December of this year.  I'm so excited for him!  He's worked so hard and is ready for the rewards.  In addition, he's coaching Cooper's soccer team this year.  Cooper is super excited about having his Dad by his side.  I know this experience will be awesome for all of us.  Willie is amazing with kids and I can't wait to see him on the field with the boys.

My Heart, My Hormones

There is a Japanese Proverb that states: Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.  You would think after nine years of marriage, being a mom for eight years, and teaching for four years, I wouldn't fear having another baby.  But that is the reality of my thoughts right now.  With hormones raging and too much time to "think," I find myself wondering...how will I do it all?  Will I be able to work and raise this child at the same time?  Will I be able to still be a good teacher, wife, and mom to Cooper?  

Then, I read this blog post... http://mosaicofmoms.com/?p=1633 .  This post is simple and addresses how God is in control and knows what's best for you.  I've always been a pretty patient person and have lived by the saying..."it's all in God's timing."  I connected to this post in a different way.  The author, Kerri Young, uses this scripture,  “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.  It was at that moment I realized that this is what the Lord wants for me and as long as I lean on him, everything will be fine.  

This pregnancy has not been an easy one.  As of right now, I'm 22 weeks and 4 days along.  My first 14 weeks were filled with every pregnancy symptom you could imagine: acne, stomach pains, morning, noon, and night sickness, fatigue, dizziness, and the list goes on.  During my 15th week I started bleeding.  This scare was beyond words.  We had an ultrasound and the doctor determined I probably had a tear and it eventually healed on its own.  During weeks 20-21 I had bronchitis.  I do not wish this on anyone.  It was viral so I had to let it take it's course.  It lasted for over 2 weeks.  I also found out I'm anemic so iron pills were prescribed.  What do I have to show for all this physical pain...a BABY!  That's the best part!  I will get to hold my precious miracle sometime in November.  This makes it all worth it!

If you look closely, you can see the heartbeat:)     

Life is so strange.  For so many years we have longed for another child but have always been happy with our little family.  Now God has blessed us with another miracle.  While life has changed in many ways for us already...some expected, some unexpected...we remain faithful that God is in control.  The biggest change I've seen is in my miracle #1, Cooper.  My eight year old boy has embraced his new brother and the many changes that have occurred.  For years he has asked for a little brother or sister and we've assured him that someday his dream would come true.  He has become a better student in school.  His teacher told me she has seen such a positive change in him and that he works really hard to make good choices now.  He helps me with everything: cleaning, lifting, grocery shopping, etc.  Sometimes I find him doing things around the house without being told.  We were at an auction the other day and a woman told Willie she wished all boys were as well behaved and respectful as him.  This made Mom and Dad really proud.

   

Cooper got to feel Finn kick last Friday night.  He giggled and laughed and it was such a joy to hear and feel my boys bonding.  Cooper often kisses and hugs Finn, or should I say Finny as Cooper calls him.  He talks to him and likes to wake him up.  I never could have imagined this process would be so fun and emotional. 

Cooper was so excited about getting his room ready for Finn.  Within weeks of getting Finn's furniture, Cooper was ready to move him in.  We were so blessed to find this changing table, crib, and mattress at a garage sale for only $75.  Can you believe it!?!

I knew I had to have a glider just like I did with Cooper.  Willie and I have been scouting out estate sales and auctions looking for a good one.  When we came across this one at an auction I told Willie I had to have it.  We ended up paying $50 for it!  Thank you honey:)

Soon I will have three boys to love.  No matter how I feel, these boys are always there to make me smile and laugh.  God has given me such an amazing family already. 

Come on Finn!  Hurry up and get here so we can play with you!

Mr. Smarty Pants

Willie passed his FE Exam...as if any of us doubted him.

Congrats Honey!!!!!

Our Miracle #2

Wow...we've been on an exciting ride for the last few months.

On March 6th, I decided to use my last pregnancy test in the cabinet.  Willie and I had been trying since around November but knew our little miracle would come in God's timing.  Funny Story: So I took the pregnancy test in the wee hours of the morning while Willie was getting ready to walk out the door.  (Sidenote: My sister had just moved in with us.)  When the digital screen read "Pregnant" my mouth dropped.  I couldn't believe it.  I took it into the kitchen where Willie was and held it in front of his face.  He was speechless.  (I know...he's never speechless.)  Then the words, "What do you want me to do?" came out of his mouth.  In my mind I was thinking "what?"  Then he realized it was ME that was pregnant and not my sister.  For some reason he thought I found the test in the trashcan and found out my sister was pregnant.  SO FUNNY!!!!!  Anyways, we took another test a few days later and yes...I was still pregnant.  On March 19th, we went to the doctor's office and confirmed it.

Willie wanted to shout it from the rooftops (which he did) and I wanted to remain quiet.  Recently I've become aware of how heartbreaking miscarriages can be and I did not want that to happen to me with so many people knowing.  I tend to be a very private person in some cases and this happens to be one of them.  I told Willie I didn't want anyone other than family and close friends to know until we heard the heartbeat.  Cooper was so excited however, it was not unusual for him to ask every other day, "Mom, are you really pregnant?"  despite my growing belly so early in pregnancy. 

The "Heartbeat Day" came so slowly.  Longest 8 weeks of my life!  But it did come.  I pulled Cooper out of school to go to the doctor's appointment with us.  This was very difficult for him because he had perfect attendance for the whole year, but hey....you only get to hear the heartbeat for the first time once:)  When the heartbeat (160 beats per minute) popped up smiles spread across the room.  However, I don't think anyone's smile was as big as Coop's.  It became very real to him...and to Mommy.

Now for the next question...Boy or Girl?

Well, I think it's easy to say that we want a healthy baby boy or girl. If I could chose...a girl. Even Coop wants a baby sister. So we'll see...

If I were to compare this pregnancy to Coop...totally different! Coop was a breeze. No morning sickness or anything. This time around...morning sickness all day but mostly in the evening, nauseousness all the time, indigestion, acid reflux, stomach aches, exhaustion, and the list goes on. It's been a tough few months but around 12-13 weeks it mostly subsided.

I call my babies miracles because that is what I truly believe they are.  I was told at the age of 20 it would be very difficult for me to ever get pregnant.  With female problems like PCOS, Endometriosis, and hormonal problems...the odds have always been stacked against me.  Except for the fact that with God...ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!  God has blessed us once again with an amazing miracle in our lives that we could never thank him enough for.  

I know...I know...

I have definately been neglecting my blog...for a very long time. 

Cooper is back to school...a big 2nd grader now and he's loving it!  His teacher is amazing and I've never had Cooper come home and tell me so much about what he's learning.  We got his first report card this last Thursday and he had 4 A's and 1 B.  We are so proud of him.  I looked at his Terra Nova Test scores from the end of first grade and he scored in the 99th percentile in reading!  Wow!  Mr. Smarty Pants!  He's playing soccer right now and of course loving it.  He's got a heck of a foot on him and he's huge compared to all the other boys.  He's a Pattengill.  He's still into Star Wars but has recently fallen in love with Angry Birds...just like the rest of the world.  His Grandma made him the most awesome Angry Bird pillow and he sleeps with it every night.  Friday night we went and saw the movie "Dolphin Tale" and loved it!  What an awesome family movie.  If you haven't seen it...go see it.  Cooper now watches Winter (the dolphin) on the internet through a web cam.  He loves animals so much.

Willie is in his senior year of college now.  He's loving his classes this semester.  For one they're more geared towards his degree (engineering) and two...less homework, which is always a plus!  He's hoping to graduate in December of 2012.  Not too far away!  Less homework means more golfing time.  Currently he golfs about 2 times a week.  When does this become an obsession?  That's okay...gives me more time to be crafty:)  This semester he got a scholarship from the actual U of A engineering department.  I'm so proud of how hard working my hubby is!  I don't know what I would do without him.

As for me, I'm back to work.  I have an amazing class this year.  They are the SWEETEST kids you will ever meet.  Everyday I come to work and they make me smile:)  Every year is so different.  New challenges keep my job very interesting.  The education system and new responsibilities every year make me wonder if I will be able to do this for the rest of my life.  Probably not.  I commend all those teachers out there who have done this job for so many years and still come back each year ready to do it all over again.  I hope that will be me as the years go on but you never know what God has in store for you.  I've also been pretty crafty lately.  Recently I fell in love with a website called pinterest.com and I'm addicted.  So many ideas and fun stuff to make.  Crafting makes me happy.  I also went on a girls trip to Tulsa about a week ago.  We had a great time.  We went out Friday night, stayed in a hotel, and then shopped till we dropped Saturday.  We arrived at home just in time to see the Razorback football game.  I love my girls!

We are loving the fall weather and of course...Razorback football!  We haven't missed a game and love all the excitement each weekend.  The best part is having friends to share the fun memories with.  Every Saturday we have a soccer game and a Razorback game, fun, friends, and of course...food.  God has truly blessed us with an amazing circle of friends:)  Life doesn't get any better than this.

Turning 30

I turned 30 this year and had a wonderful birthday.  As most of you know, I share my birthday with my mom who turned 50 this year.  We spent a fun Saturday doing a photo shoot of our own and on Sunday we went out on Table Rock Lake on a boat.  We had a lot of fun!  I went cliff jumping for the first time and yes....I started to have an anxiety attack until I just jumped.  After the lake, we went to Cantina Loredo for a yummy birthday dinner.  It was an awesome birthday.  Here are some pictures from our photo shoot.

Congrats To My Hubby!!!

On Thursday, April 21st, Willie was initiated into Chi Epsilon, the National Civil Engineering Honor Society.  Since I know my husband will not brag about himself then I've decided to do it for him.  For those of you who are not familiar with Chi Epsilon it is the best of the best and by invitation only.  I've included the Chi Eplison Preamble so you can understand what the organization is all about.

Preamble

We, the students, faculty, and alumni of the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering at various colleges and universities, believing that a mark of distinction should be placed on the undergraduate who has upheld the honor of the department by high scholastic ability, and believing that a society with the broad principles of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability would be an incentive to greater achievements in the civil engineering profession, do adopt this constitution as a guiding instrument for this organization.

Willie was recognized at an engineering banquet as an initiate for Chi Epsilon.

This is the board he had to have completed by initiation.  The shape of the board was already cut out but he had to do the rest.  The design was very specific and so were the materials.  The process was insane but I think he did a great job! 

Just Me...

Today I thought I would post without any pictures, just the events in our lives and thoughts in my mind.

Today was a wonderful day.  Cooper had his first soccer practice for the season and it was refreshing.  Watching him work so hard and do his best makes me a very proud mom.  Willie and I enjoyed sitting in the fresh air watching our boy have so much fun.  These times come few and far between with Willie's college schedule.  Coach came up with some new games for the boys.  Our favorite game was when the boys were told to dribble their ball and try to kick the other teammates with their ball.  As our children got kicked in the back, side, and stomach the parents smiled and laughed.  No tears believe it or not!  The boys were having too much fun to realize coach was trying to get them to be less afraid of the ball:)

For those of you who don't know...Willie and I are officially growing old together.  Last week we went to have eye exams.  Neither of us hace had an eye exam since we were children and figured it was about time.  Willie has been struggling with consistent headaches and I have had trouble reading from a distance.  We had our eye exams and went ahead and did the eye dilation as well.  The dilation didn't bother me much but Willie was nearly blind.  Fortunately, we both have great eyes but need a small prescription to help our vision.  I am nearsighted and Willie is farsighted.  I guess we balance each other out.  (Story of our lives.)  Willie picked out some very handsome Ray Ban's and I opted for some fun Oakley's.  This was a very different experience for the both of us.  I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else:)

We officially planned Cooper's 7th birthday party today.  Last year we had so much fun at Fastlanes that Coop wanted to do the same.  We went in and he picked out his colors, pizza, and drinks.  Our boy is growing up so fast and I don't want to miss any of it.  I was offered a position on a district committee at work this week.  As it stands, I serve on several committees already, in addition to tutoring three days a week.  Needless to say, I barely have time to breath.  Since Cooper has decided to play soccer and baseball this spring, I had to turn the position down.  It was so hard.  One of the things I've struggled with is finding that balance between being a wife, a mom, and a teacher.  I love my family so much and I put my all into my career because of my passion for children.  I was flattered by the offer and it was difficult to turn down.  I know I made a good decision and I hope this is a step in the right direction for me to find that balance I need in my life.

Running- Oh, how I miss you.  Last year I began running.  I enjoyed it so much.  It was my thirty minutes where I didn't have to be a wife, mom, or teacher.  I could just be me, but it became difficult in the heat so I had to stop.  I'm ready to start again...yet another obstacle stands in my way...tutoring.  Staying at school later than usual has really taken its tole on me.  Tutoring stops in two weeks so I'm planning on replacing that time with running.  I'm so excited.



  

Snow Days...Snow Days...Snow Days!!!!

We've officially had 9 snow days and tomorrow will make 10.  They're calling for more this week as well.  While others like to complain on Facebook about how they want to go back to work or they're bored, we're living it up.  We love snow!  It doesn't bother us that we have to go a few days longer at the end of the year.  This is quality time we get to enjoy together.  We stocked up on food the weekend before the "snowpocalypse" hit.  We ended up getting about 9 inches and then another 5 inches a few days later.  Cooper and I were both sick (he had an ear infection and I had a sinus infection) so we didn't get to enjoy the snow until the weekend.  Our days inside were spent watching a lot of Netflix downloaded through our Wii system.  I conveniently signed up for a free month so we were prepared with an endless amount of movies.  Cooper played a lot of video games, Willie did a lot of homework, and I played a lot of Sodoku (I'm slightly addicted).  

 Cooper and Daddy began building an igloo using 2 small toy tubs from Coop's room.  That was going to take too long so Daddy came up with a much quicker idea.  "Coop- you hold this board while I scoop and press snow up against it."  What can I say?  It worked!

 Snowball Fight!

 An American Fort

 Chester is confined to the bed of the truck.  He still to this day will not stick around so we can't let him loose.  He was not happy about the fact that Wesson could do whatever he wanted and he could not.  Wesson is great and always comes running when you call.  Chester is a stubborn old man.

 Cooper, Daddy, and Wesson tearing up the woods!

 A little sledding.

  And of course, a snow angel...made by a real angel.  Not!

Our New Nephew

We finally got to meet our new nephew, Harrison.  This is Willie's younger brother, Frank and his girlfriend's child.  He was born on January 3rd, 2011.  He is so precious and sweet.  Cooper loved every minute of it.  He wants a baby brother or sister so bad. 

 Proud Uncle Willie holding Harrison.

 Cousins

 Aunt Paulette and Harrison

 Cooper and Harrison playing.

Cooper helped Harrison open his Christmas presents. 

New Year's Eve

We spent New Year's Eve at the Lake with family and friends.  We had lots of fun as usual.  We brought our friends Taos and Candis along for the ride.  Unfortunately, Jake and Jaylene could not make it:(  We ate all night (as usual) and played some fun games.  Our game of choice was Loaded Questions.  If you've never played this game, it is so fun.  This game can reveal a lot about the people around you, or not, depending on who takes the game seriously.  It's kind of funny to watch the serious people squirm because they're the only ones at the table taking it seriously and everyone else is putting crazy, off the wall answers.  This night was a great start to a new year!  Another year with my family, my friends, my Cooper, and my Willie! 

 See Taos...Candis can cook!

 Papa and Mama

 Mama and Cooper: by the looks of his eyes, I think he's had way too much to eat!

 Papa and Cooper: and yet his eyes are still the same!

Eric flashing his gang signs...

 Me and my boy!

 Candis, Taos, and Cooper anxiously awaiting the countdown!

Our first picture for the year 2011!

Baby Time!

My mother-in-law and I planned a wonderful baby shower for Frankie's (Willie's youngest brother) girlfriend.  Harrison is due to come by the end of December.  Her theme for the baby's room is John Deere.  We had a country style shower with all the goodies!

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Grandma and Grandpa took the entire family to see the play "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" at the Casa Manana Theatre in Fort Worth, TX.  They bought him a shirt and he immediately put it on.  I'm not sure Cooper knew quite what to expect but was glued to the stage from the very beginning.  He clapped, smiled, and sang.  After the play, he got in line to meet Rudolf.  He got a picture taken with him and even got his autograph.  We had an awesome time!