Running

I love running.  I love the endorphins a run can produce, as well as sore muscles and a clear mind.  I love how running can really take your mind off of something and help you feel like you're taking care of your body.  But I haven't run in 9 months.  Although I ran one of my best 5K's in years when I was 6 weeks pregnant with Cooper, I had to stop running when I was 8 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately the doctor put me on moderate bedrest because I started bleeding, but thankfully it stopped around week 12.  By then I hadn't run in 4 weeks, and I thought it would be too much on my body to get back into it. So I stuck with walking, swimming and lifting weights to stay in shape while I was pregnant.  I loved doing each of those things, but I really did miss running.  I was looking forward to getting back into it after Cooper was born.

That's why I was disappointed at my 6-week postpartum check up when my doctor told me I had a few more weeks to heal.  Running was going to be delayed.  Thankfully those few weeks have passed and I am finally feeling that my body is strong enough to start running. I've slowly eased back into it, but I am loving every step!  I've signed up for the Komen 5K Race in Charleston on October 15, but I'll likely be walking with my sister Jenny who will be 6 months preggo (Michael and her husband Josh will be running in it).  I plan to attack the Greensboro Gobbler 5K with only one goal to finish while running the entire time. 

Bottom line: I am ready to get this post-baby body back in shape!



(And a blog wouldn't be complete with a weekly picture of Cooper. Here he is at 2 months!)

Cousins, Aunts, Uncles Oh My!

Today Cooper turns 2 months old and I can hardly believe it!  I know I write this with every post, but time really does fly by.  It's so fun to watch Cooper grow literally before our eyes.  One of my favorite things is his smile and laughs.  They can make any tough day better. 

We've had the fun pleasure of hosting almost all of our family members over the past 2 months.  Most recently, our 2 brothers and their families have joined us in Charleston to meet Cooper!  A few weeks back, Chris, Melissa, Lucy, and Baby #2 traveled from Apex to spend time with us.  Lucy is currently obsessed with "baby" and loved on Cooper every moment she had!

They couldn't be brothers, could they?!

Sweet boy

Lucy wasn't feeling Cooper at this time.

And this weekend, we enjoyed a wonderful holiday weekend with my brother Joe and sister-in-law Kerry, with Baby #1 in tow (from NYC)!! We are so excited for their first bundle of joy to enter the world in January!! Over the weekend, Cooper made his first trip to the beach!  He's such a trooper- it was a hot one.

Not enjoying the ocean water, but we're hopeful he will in the future.

Playing with Uncle Joe, before he spit up on his head :)

 

 

Kerry and Baby Ruggieri at 19 weeks!

Beach Family!

Last week's photo...what a ham!

Daddy and Me

Michael is an incredibly involved new dad, especially with how young Cooper is.  He loves coming home to him, playing the guitar to him, running with him, putting him to bed, giving him baths, making him smile, and just playing with him.  And Cooper absolutely adores his daddy! It's such a joy for me to watch them together.  I've grabbed a few snapshots and videos of the two of them to share.  I can't wait to see this bond grow closer over the years!  Cooper is a lucky guy to have Michael as his Daddy.  Enjoy!

Caught on Camera

Cooper is smiling a lot more these days, but still probably not based off of things we do to make him smile. Although he loves when Michael plays with him. We caught this little smile accidentally one night. He is so darn cute!

5 Weeks

We had a last minute visit from Cooper's Nana and Pops this weekend! It was such a special treat.  Nana just couldn't go any longer without holding Cooper.  I wouldn't have been able to either!  This weekend, Cooper gets to meet his cousin, Lucy, and his uncle Chris and aunt Melissa!

Nana helped Cooper find his thumb!

He's such a little mover!

I've been trying to upload some videos, but I can't seem to get them to work.  Maybe eventually!

Happy 1 Month Birthday!

Today, our little Cooper turns 1 month old! It's hard to believe it's already been that long. I am ready for time to stop!  I've heard it gets worse the older they get.  Cooper is changing and growing everyday!  Below are just a few pictures. 

I love his face in this one!

On another note, I need to put a plug in for a cool website, www.TakeThemAMeal.com.  One of our friends here in Charleston had this set up for us once my Mom left...we've had a meal delivered to us by friends or coworkers every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 4 weeks.  What a blessing!  Please use this for your friends who need help with meals. It's so easy to use!

Take Ten

I can't believe tomorrow Cooper will be 4 weeks old.  How have 4 weeks already passed since he entered this world?  Time has really flown by.  Each day is filled with fun new "firsts", and I am so excited to see the many more Cooper will have in the coming weeks and months.  Although I don't like to think about it, I am going back to work in 2 weeks. Hopefully between Michael and I, we'll be able to keep this blog going weekly. 

Last week I struggled to get Cooper's 3 week photo, but then realized it would be fun to show the process of capturing the photo.  So, here are the many takes!