Weekend in McCall

Last weekend we went up to McCall and spent time with my parents and Brent's parents. It was a nice to get a way and see some pretty sites. Although I have to say the drive up was so twisty and I totally forgot how twisty it was and so I had a little breakdown as I am still very emotional (dang hormones) and didn't want anything to happen to any of us on such a crazy road. Thank goodness I have such a good husband who is so patient, understanding, and can turn me crying into laughing like that.
In McCall we were able to go to the little beach and take some nice walks and eat some good food. It was nice spending time with family and Carter enjoyed his time so much. He definately is growing and talking more. My little boy is getting so BIG! It seems like just yesterday that I had him. I look at Brooklyn and realize how fast this time goes by.
We enjoyed our time with Jim and Helen! It was nice to have them here for the week. They helped out so much!!! So thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Carter is adjusting much better this week. He loves Brooklyn and loves to touch her. He also lets me know when he needs some attention by telling me that the baby needs to go "nigh, nigh, in bed". Brooklyn is so good and sleeps so much that this makes it nice. Then when I get her settled and come to play with Carter he asks "baby????, C'mon" taking my hand to go get her. Silly boy. Last night Brent had a work party and so we all went and Brent took Carter out to the car and he looked at the carseat and said "baby, baby" making sure Brent wouldn't forget her.
A shout out to Maddux who just turned 4 years old.....wow I can't believe it!!! Happy birthday. Good luck to Sonia and Ryan in running the 1/2 marathon at Disneyland. I'll be thinking of you!
I better get going as I have tons to do. Love to all!!!

BROOKLYN RAE COPPIETERS

We are so happy to say that we now are a family of four. This little baby decided to come early Sunday morning Aug. 19th. I was having contractions pretty much all day Saturday, I just needed them to get harder. My parents came Friday and Brent's parents got in town Saturday evening. So I was really praying that nature would take it's course and I'd really go into labor. We all stayed up talking and then decided to go to bed. I didn't really want to go to bed as most of my good contractions stop once I would sleep. I realized that I did need sleep and rest for the days to come so once we all got into bed and adjusted.....I was all propped up on my pillows, pillows between my legs and all set for sleep. Still having contractions and as soon as Brent pulled out his book to do some light night reading, well my contractions immediately got hard and soon became 3 to 5 minutes apart. Soon of course the tears came as i realized these are what it takes to get this baby here. I had an overwhelming feeling of leaving my baby and him waking up feeling abandoned. At that point the hormones kicked in I completely lost all sense of logic and told Brent that we'd just not have the baby that night and stay there. Brent being so good said no, let's just take Carter with us. Hearing him say that made no sense and I got it together. We gave Carter some benedryl.....and put him in our bed and off we were to the hospital.
I was extremely nervous as we drove there thinking that this really couldn't be happening...all my prayers answered and things were working out perfectly. I didn't want to get my hopes up and be sent home. But oh the pain. When we got there the nurse checked me and I was at a 3 1/2 to 4 and she wanted to make sure I was dialating so she said instead of having you walk lets jacuzzi it up and let you relax and let your body do the work. I thought that for sure the contractions would stop once I relaxed and then be sent home with no baby......but much to my amazement the jacuzzi totally took my contraction pain down and I dialated. I couldn't believe the nurse when she said you're a way good 5 and lets book you and get you jacuzzi-ing more. I thought she's being so nice. So I decided since I was completely relaxed and doing good with the pain lets just keep the meds away for now and not hinder anything. I kept dialating and by the time I hit 7 I was starting to think maybe I needed the epideral.....not sure if I actually wanted to feel the baby come out. With tons of encouragement as I was doing great with the contractions I fully decided not to get anything. Brent called and woke up my parents in the motel and had the come as I wanted them there for the birth, for me and for Brent. They made it there and from then everything progressed and I'll spare you all the gory details......
Brooklyn weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. (length exact as Carter). She just like Carter was a miconium baby so she had to be suctioned.....let me say that's the worst when you can feel everything and have to wait to push as you have half the baby out. But extremely vital as they have to suction her before she takes a breath. A little stressful at first as we had to have the respitory team there and get the dr. there before she came. It all happened so fast! Needless to say we are so glad that is over and we are all doing great.
I came home from the hospital on Monday and seriously feel so good. Carter loves the baby and is so happy to see her. He is a little clingy of mom and dad and wants us and Brooklyn all right there together. He hasn't ever gotten mad at her or wanted me to put her down he loves to us all together. Thanks to Jim and Helen for being here and being such great help!!! Thanks mom and dad for being there for the birth and being my saving grace during some stressful moments!!! I seriously have so much love for the savior and for the gospel. It all makes so much sense and I know that without my Heavenly Father I would have not made it through. We do have a higher power helping us along the way whether we know it or not. I feel so blessed to have two healthy wonderful kids and a great husband who is such a great father and takes care of me so well! I better go before I start bawling as hormones run high. Love to all and I hope everyone is doing well.

NO BABY YET!!!

Well I was hoping that the next time I posted it would be pictures of our new little bundle........but she's being extremely difficult as I've been having tons of contractions but nothing happens!!! The doctor was surprised to see me yesterday and said he didn't think I'd make it through the weekend.....dr's- please please they get my hopes up by saying these things and then when nothing happens I am even more devasted! Especially the saying that "oh, wow, the head is RIGHT there and you won't have a long labor at all....That's what my other dr. said with Carter and sure the head is RIGHT there but goodness if you're that positive just break my water and send me over to labor and delivery! Anyway as you can tell I'm just a little flustered. My dr. did schedule an induction for Wednesday morning if I make it till then--in my dr.'s words. Of course I'm all ancy and when people ask when is your due date of course it's actually not until the 28th but hey, when you are this big and uncomfortable a date is just a date and it seems as though my body tells me now should be the time. I'm dilating and things are all ready to go down there...trying not to give to much info.
So anyway on to more exciting things. Last night I was having contractions and lots of pain in my back and so we decided to go to the fair with our friends Russell and Collette. Where better to go and walk and eat lots of grease filled yummy food! We took the kids to see all the little animals and Carter loved the little goats. We bought some grain to feed them and of course Carter thought they'd bite him, and was completely amazed at the fact that they lick your hand to get the food. He laughed and squiled and got a little scared. So he went for their tails instead and wanted to pet only the "baby ones". There was a BIG cow and you could comb it, so Brent took him over to see this cow and at first he was in awe, then when it started "MOO-ing" at him he got a little freaked. Brent insisted he take the brush and try it and as he got closer the cow let out another big "MOO" and made carter turn and get the heck out of there. Quite fun to see kids faces light up when they see all these animals.
We enjoyed our fair food of corn on the cob, elephant ears(my favorite), corn dogs, and of course the famous Idaho ice-cream potato. I should have taken a picture of this as it really does look like a potato for all you non idahoans who have no clue what I'm talking about.
Anyway, I am still having contractions this morning and they are getting more and more painful so I must get off of here and do something. Love to all!

This last weekend we went to Twin for the last time before I have this baby. We had a lot of fun and even got to take Carter to the drive-in movie. He's never been to one and he was in awe. We went with my 2 brothers and their families and my parents and Carter couldn't get enough of all of them. He kept talking to my nieces Tiana and Andrea telling them all about the stars and the moon and pointing to the big screen, then he'd climb in our car and see that there was a big bed in the back and he thought it was great. I tried and tried to get him to sleep but it just wasn't happening and so he cuddled up with my mom and little did he know once he got so cumfy he couldn't fight it any longer and he was out!
We were able to drive past the temple sight in Twin and the temple is absolutely beautiful. This time we took some pictures. It's amazing to see the progress and how everything comes together. I can already feel the spirit so strongly just by driving around the temple. It really is such a peaceful place.
A shout out to Jim whose birthday was on the first and a shout out to my mom whose birthday is tomorrow. Love you guys lots and hope your birthday is/was great!!!
I am missing going to Sun Valley with my whole family this weekend. Everyone is going to the ice-show and all you can eat buffet that is absolutely amazing food......due to the fact that I am almost 37 weeks and having some contractions it's best that I stay here. I know that because I'm staying the baby won't come, but if I were to go, with my luck I'd have it. That's just the way the cookie crumbles. So to my family.... have fun and eat lots of shrimp for me and lots of chocolate covered strawberries and white cake.
Carter is keeping us laughing. He's become a little parrot and copies everything we say. He's starting to sing lots of songs too, like his ABC's, church songs, and of course ELMO. It's so fun when I sing he actually sings the words with me. So being that he's able to talk more and express himself, he never stops talking and along with good nice things to say he also has some attitude! His immagination has really started to come out and it is so funny. He entertains me all day long. Carter is still quite interested in the potty. He's always late though, he says wet, wet and then runs to the bathroom taking off his diaper or he poops and says stinky, stinky and goes to the potty wanting to sit on it. One day he'll get it.
Anyway, I better go and get things done around here. I hope everyone is doing well and having a great summer. Take care to all and please everyone pray that I can have this baby sometime soon!!! Love to all

Staying busy

So Carter is keeping me running. He has recently become quite interested with the potty. He has learned how to take off his diaper and so he goes and sits on the potty many times throughout the day. He has yet to do anything on there but he loves sitting there and pushes and pushes trying so hard and then of course he has to wipe. And then get off and say bye, bye as he flushes the toliet. Yesterday he pooped in his diaper and then went to the potty trying to pry off his diaper to get on. A little late but oh well. I really am not into potty training. I've never done this and am trying to get ready for a baby rather than start a whole new process for Carter. But hey if he's interested I'll just play into it and let him sit on there. It's probably just a phase and the moment I push for him to do it then it'll back fire so I'm not actually going to push for this quite yet, just let him explore his interests and let him sit on there and pretend.
I've been having some contractions that actually hurt......I guess it's preparing me for the real deal. The moment these things get painful I start to panic thinking holy cow I really am not ready for this and how did I ever make it through having Carter. Hopefully I can be as lucky as my friend Collette and only have a 3 hour labour.....I highly doubt it but hey wishful thinking never hurts. Other than having contractions and getting huge I actually feel pretty good. We are all anxiously awaiting the day when this baby will arrive. I washed all the baby stuff like car seat, bassinet, bouncy seat, clothes and Carter was so excited!!!! I don't know if he actually understands but the whole time he was saying baby baby. Oh shh... shhh.. and the clothes he even holds up and says in this high pitched voice "oh coot, coot" (cute). What have I done to him. He keeps us laughing and on our toes.


Carter thinking he can play the piano so well.



Swinging with Brent and he's got his little beeny baby that he loves to play with and pretend.

Sprinkler Time

Yesterday was quite the hot day but Carter so badly wanted to go out and play. We have an apple tree that needs some major pruning so it doesn't produce nice plump apples instead it drops tons of little ones and they start to rot, so that was my job to pick up the apples. Carter helped for a while and had fun making baskets in my bag and pretending to eat the apples scaring me to death as they are pretty gross. He thought it was funny. Once Carter saw that I turned on the sprinkler he wouldn't stay out of it. He loved running through and getting drinks and then decided to put his head in. He loved getting his head wet and running after me trying to get me wet too. Brent got home in time to help me finish up the apples and then took carter for a barrell ride. He loved it! Any time Brent would stop he'd yell "ride, ride"!
Brent and I are staying busy. I'm staying HUGE and getting bigger as we speak. I just pray that I can go a couple weeks early!!! But I'm not getting my hopes up, with Carter I had it totally set in my mind that I was going to go 2 weeks early and after I was 38 weeks I hated life!!! So I'm not getting my hopes up. There's so many things going on the end of August that it would really work out PERFECT if I could go early, that's the one great thing about babies......they'll come on their own time. Anyway, for now I'll just try to enjoy being huge!!! Love to all and I hope everyone is doing great!!!

HOT DAYS

We are experiencing some high temps here in Southern Alberta! Yesterday was 38C which is close to around 100F. With no airconditioning it really is making this pregnancy way more uncomfortable than I could have imagined!!! I get that closter phobic feeling because I can't escape the heat no matter what I do, and I get that sudden urge to just strip down to my bare nothings but of course I spare everyone the sight and suck it up. But I do have to say even though I'm quite uncomfortable it has been so nice to see family and now that Carter is getting a little more used to it here it's been fun seeing the kids play together and have lots of fun. We had lots of fun at the parade and Carter was so amazed at all the things to see. It was so nice to see everyone and visit!!! On Tuesday we went up to Waterton and had fun up there chasing after kids who wanted to hike up some big hills. Walking around and eating ice cream were also a highlight for us. Carter has absolutely loved his little cousin Berkley who is about 7 months older than him but they got along so well, giving eachother hugs and talking in their own little language. He also loves following around his older cousins and trying to keep up with them.
We've definately got in our fixing for the famous "Chinese Food" yum yum. Unfortunately I'm pregnant and greesy fried food just doesn't help out with the heartburn I was up all night but I guess you could say it was worth it.... it really is so GOOD, and the ginger beef was perfect! Jim introduced me to a great trick for some serious heartburn. A glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda and it really does work for at least some time.
To everyone who is in the states I hope you guys had a great 4th of July! Well I better get going love to all.

AIRPLANES

Carter and I made the long trek up North. Brent took us to the airport and got a special pass to take us to the gate. It was nice to have him help me right up to the end but it threw Carter for a loop he cried and screamed when we left him at the gate. Carter for the past couple months has been obsessed with airplanes so once we walked on he was very excited and kept saying air-panes air-panes and making flying noises. Once we started taking off he was fine with going fast but as soon as he saw that we were lifting off the ground he flipped out saying "I fall, I fall" and then the tears came for his dad. On our second flight he was very excited and did much better for the take off, he sat in his own seat until we started lifting off the ground and then cuddled right into me and slept for the whole flight.....NICE! We then of course had to go through customs once we got to Calgary I happened to be so lucky to get an overly tired, unhappy lady who was drilling me with questions about when I was due and where the father was and what exactly I was doing up here. She then sent me to the immigration office. (getting me completely worried) Thank goodness I got a nicer gentleman who informed me that my status in Canada was permanent resident and after so many days I would need to make a decision if I was going to come back to Canada or not. So all in all NO BIG DEAL. I then had to get 2 big heavy suitcases off the belt and figure out exactly how to juggle Carter, 2 suitcases a stroller and our 2 carry-on bags to get out of customs and find our way to Helen. What a great sight I'm sure it was as I am HUGE (no lie), but we made it and we're here safe and sound. Carter is even now way obsessed with airplanes and never stops talking about them.
Carter has had a little of a tough time adjusting to so many new faces and places and figuring out what he can play with and can't. Another little heart-breaking story about Carter and his daddy.......
Carter has been missing his daddy and wanting him so bad. Well he thought his wishes came true on Friday night when Bryce and Lyndsi showed up. He was so excited to hear Bryce and see him saying "da da, da da"! Bryce held him and he could tell there was a difference but not quite sure so just continued to think he was his dad. But so hard on a little boy seeing "his DAD" hold, tickle and play with another little boy and walk past him. That night putting him to bed he screamed bloody murder thinking his dad was out there but not laying down with us. Bryce was nice enough to come and read a book with him but didn't do the trick. Many times I'd catch Carter running after Bryce calling "Da Da" but he'd only come to disappointment when he'd never get to him or get his attention. So needless to say Carter and I were so happy to see Brent this morning!
We are enjoying not so extremely hot days and thank goodness it hasn't been too hot otherwise I seriously would melt with no airconditioning. We are quite excited to go to the parade tomorrow and have lots of yummy food (thanks to Helen). We are having fun visiting with family and nieces and nephews. I'll post more pics of the parade and cousins tomorrow. Love to all, and to Sonia, Ryan and boys and Jurnee................WE MISS YOU!!! I MISS YOU, and we love you!!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

We are trying out all the flavors of ice cream while trying to make baby headbands








Happy Father's Day to you all out there!!! I love you dad and am so thankful for you!!! You are one amazing person who we look up to so much! Thanks for absolutely EVERYTHING!!! Happy Father's Day to Jim, we love you and miss you and can't wait to see you soon! Thanks for raising up Brent to be a great dad and such a hard worker! You know I become quite the emotional person when it comes to Father's Day! I always think about how influential Dad's are and how they play such a big part in our lives. I truly don't know how I ended up with being raised by such an amazing Father and then to marry into a family with another AMAZING father and now I am seeing first hand my husband grow into one! For all you Father's, honestly you are appreciated more than expressed and we wouldn't live without you!
We had a nice relaxing day. Unfortunately, Sonia, Ryan and the kids left around 12 and we jetted off to church to be in the nursery. I am so READY to be done in there! Then we came home and enjoyed a nice 3 1/2 hour nap all together! We all needed it since we stayed so busy on the weekend and Carter of course, couldn't sleep real well because he was so excited to have Jaxon and Maddux to play with. Every morning Carter would wake up, come out of the room looking for the boys saying "where'd day go?" Running through the house making sure they hadn't left yet and looking out the window to see that their car was still here.
We had a ton of fun with them this weekend! We went to the water park and Carter was so over-tired he hated the water and didn't want to be in it. So we finally got him to sleep and he slept the whole time while we went around to the wave pool and the slides. Jaxon is one brave cookie and went on all the slides he was big enough for. Ryan was able to talk Brent into going on the "BIG HALF PIPE" and being that they are two big guys they had one thrill of a ride!!!
On Saturday we went to Meridian Days (Dairy Days), which is like a little carnival fair type of thing. We actually let Carter go on some of the rides and he loved them! He went with Maddux and then screamed when we went to take him out. So he got some good rides in with Maddux. We enjoyed some nice "fair food".....funnel cake and mini doughnuts. We took the kids to the barn to find that most the animals had gone home except for some cows that weren't fenced in or anything and as we were walking by one big cow we almost got sprayed as it decided to go to the bathroom when we were right behind it. Quite a funny site.
We had Jana and Nate Jacob over for dinner Saturday night and had kabobs and tried out the new grill. It was so nice to get to see family and spend time together. Let the kids eat and play in the backyard and just kick back and visit. Having a big family you grow to enjoy chaos and now that everyone is gone it's a little too quiet and kind of lonely. It was a fast trip for Sonia and Ryan but it was so nice to be able to see them. Jurnee is so dang adorable! A perfect little girl. So dainty and even a little rollie-pollie. Carter absolutely adored her. He was so cute with her. I always got a little nervous as he would get so close and you never know exactly what is going through an 18 month old's little mind. But he did really well, even got her laughing really hard at one point. Thanks Sonia and Ryan for making the long drive and being great company. Too bad we didn't get any cards in. If only Ryan would've somehow become very ill and couldn't travel we could be playing cards right now......I guess we'll save it for next trip. Well I better get going, and play with Carter since his little entertainers are gone. Love to all.

LES MIS......

Before The Play


I couldn't take pictures...common courtesy. So these are taken at the very end (Finale)!



Carter in our motel looking out the window!

This weekend turned out to be a great weekend! The drive to Utah was long and uncomfortable for me.....I think I did worse than Carter but once we got there we had a great time. The play was so good!!! The music and actors were GREAT! The theater that we were in was smaller than the last one and so it made it a little more cozy and there wasn't a bad seat in the theater. We were close to the back but felt like we were right there. I love Les Mis. it actually is quite a sad story but it is so uplifting and makes you realize that people change and to forgive and it's not up to us to judge someone else, just our job to love. And to love another is to see the face of God. So true!
I was a complete nervous wreck to leave Carter, but i did it. He cried and they'd distract him for a while and then he'd get sad again. But overall did really good for being left for almost 6 hours! He woke up when I got there and was very happy to see us and had to give us all loves and then was out. We then went to our motel to only have the long exciting night continue! We got into our room around 1 and of course Carter was awake and there happened to be a soccor team on our floor that was completely wasted and making the loudest noise! We finally called to complain and still nothing happened. Doors were banging, people yelling laughing running sounded like they were pounding on our door. My parents were in a room a few doors down and had the same loud disturbance and were calling. After 3 times of calling and it was now around 3:30-4:00 we heard a whole bunch of them so loud, so Brent got up to look out the peep hole to see most of them with their bags and them leaving. So we finally were able to get some rest around 4. Not to mention that we also had a couple right next to us who were "just married" or acting as if they were just married, and we could hear EVERYTHING very clear!!! I guess if you can't sleep and are awake in the middle of the night you got to make the best out of it and just join in with the noise......ha hah ha.
I was seriously so tired and Carter wakes up around 7:30 no matter what, so when 7:30 hit and Carter started waking up we were so EXHAUSTED! We turned on Cartoons and let him have some snacks while we rested a little longer. We finally got up and got ready to go checkout and complain. Long story short because our rooms were booked through expedia they can't really do anything about giving a refund and so for future reference not a good idea to book rooms through a 3rd party. Instead just call the reservations department of that motel and let them know of the discounted price online and usually they will meet that price.
Anyway, so with no sleep and all of us being so tired, we decided to get on the road. Carter went to sleep making it more of a relaxing trip home. But I think I did way worse than him. My feet and hands started swelling and I felt so weird!!! I now have the problem of swollen ankles, hands and face so I'm trying to drink as much water as possible and walk around and stretch. We had a nice memorial day relaxing at my parents and going to the cemetary.Thanks to everyone for making the weekend great! It was nice to see some family and spend time together!

I am oh so Craving Strawberries!!!

Well today I am just a little tired out. I actually attempted to mow our whole lawn today front and back. Anyone who's seen this lawn knows it's HUGE!!! Carter went down for a nap around noon and I hurried out there to start. He woke up when I was almost finished with the back yard (an hour and half later) and so he came out to watch me and then we ventured into the front yard.....he thought it was free run, what kid wouldn't? So i hurried as fast as I could but the grass was really long and heavy so it was taking a long time so I decided to take Carter in, turn on ELMO, and finish. That worked much better every time I had to bag the grass I just opened the door and pretty soon heard Carter saying, yelling "WHAT" WHAT? and then running to me to let me know he was fine. So I finished and came in decided I better start watering so I went back out and behind me Carter shut the door which happened to be on lock mode. So I went around back and that door was locked too...... WHat do I do. Looking in seeing Carter pulling out juicy fruit gum I tried getting his attention and he came over with handfulls of gum shoving it into his mouth. I realized at that point I couldn't teach him through the door how to unlock it so I tried Carter's window....locked. Then I went around front and tried our window....locked. Went back in back and tried the office room window and thanks to some answered prayer it was unlocked and being that we have nice new windows it was so easy to break in. The screen just slides right over and the window just slides right open. I grabbed a chair and climbed through. I realized just how un-limber I've become. Plus trying to climb into a window with this big stomach isn't so easy!!! But none the less I got in and was so thankful that the window was unlocked.
Now I am just relaxing a bit and wishing so bad that I had some chocolate covered strawberries. Brent got these amazingly delicious chocolate covered strawberries for me for our anniversary. I am just so wishing I had some more. Oh and since I haven't said what we did over our weekend let me fill you in. Brent completely surprised me with taking me out to the Anniversary Inn. My parents were coming to Boise and I just thought we were going to have a nice evening with them I went and rented movies and got stuff for strawberry shortcake (as you can tell I crave strawberries!) Well we went to eat together and then came home to have Brent telling me pack my bag we're leaving. The first time I've ever really left Carter and it was over night. Thank goodness he adores my parents and he was fine as long as he got to cuddle and snuggle and maul my mom all night long. Thanks mom and dad for making it possible to leave.
Anyway, this week Carter has been teething....which means ear infection and diahrrea! So we have been enjoying tons of laundry and tylenol! We leave tomorrow to go to Twin and then head to Utah for Les Mis. We are so excited and I am again extremely nervous to leave Carter with actual sitters. He'll have many of his cousins with him and two of my nieces are older and he adores them so hopefully it won't be to much of a shocker for him! Well before this post gets any longer I better run carter is shoving a book in my face to read! Love to all!