The Copeland Family

Snow Memories Blizzard 2010

2010-02-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

Friday Night Adventure

2009-07-26T05:18:00.001-07:00

Brasstown Bald

2009-07-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

4,784 feet above sea level is the highest point in Georgia called Brasstown Bald. The climate here is more akin to Massachusette's climate than Georgia's. The highest recorded temperature year round is 84-degrees. The lowest temp recorded is -27-degrees.

From the peak you can see mountain peaks from 4 different states.

Tweet Tweet Ms Anna

2009-07-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

Anna looks out the life size bird house at the fairie houses of Sleepy Hollow.

The Hobbit Hole

2009-07-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Front Porch Sittin

2009-07-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

The kids explore the fairie houses of Sleepy Hollow. Note the attention to detail on these handcrafted houses. This is on Highway 76 just south of Hiawassee.

Fairie Houses of Sleepy Hollow

2009-07-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Among the places we visited while in Hiawassee was "the fairie houses of Sleepy Hollow." Here Aaron and I sit outside the porch of one hobbit hole. It looks just like one of the housese from Tolkien's writings.

Hiawasee Travel Log

2009-07-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the most of the day touring some of the north Georgia mountains. Beginning at the Lollipop Store in Hiawassee, the kids loaded up on candy of all sorts.

We left the Lollipop Store for a place that creates fantasy fairy houses. I was with the girls, ok? While it sounds "chick-ish," the houses were quite interesting. The craftmanship was impeccable. I'll post some pics a little later.

We left the fairy houses and went to a place called "Pappy's Riverwalk." Lots of shops and mountain nick nacks. Anna even had an opportunity to feed the gigantic carp from the deck overlooking a mountain stream. These fish were gi-normous. We speculated that none of them could live in the wild anymore since they were so used to being fed from the deck.

We went to a restaurant there at Pappy's. I ordered a BBQ sandwich. Expecting authentic BBQ, I got something that was straight out of the can. Aaron (we call him Mr. $10.99) ordered the most expensive 10-piece wing dinner he could find with hot wing sauce. He had acid reflux the rest of the day.

After our exciting venture into Pappy-ville, we went to Georgia's highest point, Brasstown Bald. (pics to come soon). Towering at 4,784 feet, the temperature there was in the low 70's. Brasstown Bald affords visitors an opportunity to see 4 states. You can hardly make out which mountain is which but the serenity was worth the price of admission ($4) + a ($3) shuttle ride up the steep slope.

Back to the cabin after a full day for steak and baked potatoes on the grill.

I'll post some pictures soon so come back to see.

Hiawassee, GA Mountain Retreat Video

2009-07-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is the life!

The Hiawasee Cabin

2009-07-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a view of the cabin from down at the pool. Notice the waterfalls. At the top of the falls is a hot tub.

Geronimo!

2009-07-15T13:43:00.001-07:00

The pool at the cabin in Hiawasee is a terraced pool. It begins at the top with a hot tub which spills over into a picturesque waterfall that finally empties into the pool as you seen in this picture.

Here Aaron cannonballs his way into the swimming hole.

Baby Alex Hanging Out

2009-07-15T05:59:00.001-07:00

John Hood pictured here hanging out with Baby Alex. This is the front porch of the "cabin." It's more like a mansion.

A View From a Hill

2009-07-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the balcony at the cabin in Hiawassee. As you can see below, there is a swimming pool and a pool house. In the distance is a lake overshadowed by a majestic mountain.

Angie and I are sleeping in a queen size bed in a loft complete with its own bathroom. Anna is on a pull out sofa outside our room, Aaron is sleeping somewhere downstairs (I hear there's like another house downstairs), and Alex is sleeping with us.

Today, we'll try some hiking, some swimming and general exploring.

This is home for the next couple of days.

Alex First Swim

2009-07-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Alex went swimming in his inflatable floatie. Watch for his expression.

When All Communications Fail ...

2009-07-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen license tags that say "amateur radio"? You may have wondered what amateur radio is all about. This video gives you a quick glimpse into an emergency preparedness drill that "hams" all over the USA participate in on the last weekend in June.

When all communications fail ... ham radio gets through.

FDR Camping Trip

2009-06-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Watch a quick review here of our camping trip to FDR State Park, May 29-31, 2009. This will always be remembered as a very special camping trip not only because of the beauty of the outdoors we experienced but also because this was the very last time we visited with dad before his sudden tragic death.

I will always remember that dad came with mom on Saturday afternoon. He showed Aaron how to sharpen an axe, helped Aaron build a fire, held his grandson, Alex and loved on his granddaughter, Anna.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman so I consider it a privelege that we were able to spend our last time together in a place we both enjoyed.

Miss you dad. I will continue the Copeland family camping tradition. That's a promise!

Granny Cope's 95th Surprise Birthday Party

2009-06-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

My sister, Becky Copeland Russell, pulled off a surprise birthday party this past weekend for Grandma Eunice English Copeland's 95th birthday.

Grandma was so surprised. In fact, my nephew, Jay Russell, said not only did she have tears in her eyes but he said her ears turned red which was automatic that granny was very happy.

Thanks to all her friends and family who came and made her 95th birthday so special.

Mom Retires After 33.333 Years of Teaching

2009-05-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

Updated Baby Alex Video

2009-05-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted an updated video of Baby Alex on the blog. Here is his sweet self making baby noises and bouncing in his baby seat.

Enjoy!

Praise for Coweta Fayette EMC

2009-04-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

I would like to publicly acknowledge the Coweta Fayette EMC work crews that came to my house to restore power after a tree fell across their lines knocking out power to the majority of the neighborhood.

The workmen were courteous and displayed integrity and purpose in their jobs.

So many times we like to complain when the power is off but this time I wanted to send KUDOS to those Coweta Fayette EMC employees working in the Smokey Acres subdivision on Monday.

You guys are GREAT! Tony Sinclair should be proud to have you working alongside him.

Thanks guys!

Mike Copeland
Homeowner
Smokey Acres Subdivision
Newnan, GA

Power Lines Ripped from Home

2009-04-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

When the pine fell, it ripped power from our home.

Utility Pole Snaps

2009-04-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Notice the utility pole snapped in half by the falling pine. Power is out to Copee House as well as a large portion of the neighborhood.

Work Crews Clear Tree

2009-04-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Coweta Fayette EMC linemen work to clear the tree that fell with chain saws.

High Winds = Tree Downed @ Copee House

2009-04-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

High winds caused an aged pine tree to fall across our yard, the street, and into the neighbor's yard knocking down power lines in the process.

Angie says that one of the utility poles broke in two like a tooth pick as the beast of a tree blundered to the ground.

Coweta County Fire is insuring the safety of the neighborhood until Coweta Fayette EMC can restore power.

Coloring the Easter Eggs

2009-04-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Copeland Family Easter

2009-04-12T18:37:00.001-07:00

Aaron Drives

2009-04-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

While one of our sons is learning to smile, the other is learning to drive. It's been a few months since Aaron got his learner's permit. He's driving like a pro. He's very cautious and considerate of other drivers. I have no problem having him chaffeuring me around town.

Paw Paw Entertains Alex

2009-04-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks since I updated the family blog so let's go. Here is a very recent picture of Alex laughing at his Paw Paw (Vic Tanner). Alex's personality is developing every day. He's our little guy.

Alex Laughs On Camera

2009-03-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Angie records Alex's first laughter in this short video. Also congratulations go out to our good friends Michael and Jeanette Kessler on the birth of their son on March 16th, Evan Michael Kessler. Watch for updates on their blog here.

Snow in Newnan

2009-03-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we had about 3 inches of snow that fell in Newnan, GA. Aaron and Anna make the most of it by building a very interesting looking snowman or woman (not sure which) and having some pretty fierce snowball fights.

Bathtime For Alex

2009-03-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Alex is a little more than 2 months old now. You can see how he has grown so much in this video. Tonight he had a bath compliments of the mommy (Angie).

Look Ma No Training Wheels

2009-02-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

Be sure to click the arrow up button and watch in "HQ."

Hanging Out With Little A-man

2009-02-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

Alex just went for his second pediatrician's appointment. Vitals are 9 lbs 11oz, 22 3/4 inches long. Somehow time seems to fly. Alex is now 5+ weeks old. It seems like yesterday that we were all in anticipation of his arrival.

Who do you think he looks like? Is it more Angie or Mike? Your thoughts are always welcome.

Anna Makes A Homemade Apple Pie

2009-02-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

Anna Loves Her Little Brother

2009-02-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Anna serves as special guardian for Alex. It's almost like the only way you get to Alex is if you go through Anna. Very protective. And such a huge help to Angie.

Let's Burp the Little Guy

2009-02-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

Showing Alex How It's Done

2009-02-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Anna Feeds Baby Alex

2009-02-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

Anna has wanted to feed Alex ever since he was born. Angie is breastfeeding so that has kept Ms. Anna out of the loop. Recently Angie began pumping and Anna got her chance. This is the first time Anna fed Alex.

She looks like a natural, doesn't she?

Great Grandma Cope Holds Her Little Alex

2009-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

My 94-year-old grandmother, Eunice Copeland, recently had an opportunity to meet her new great grandson. Grandma can hardly see and has difficulty hearing but this was a moment that as she put it, "made my day."

Alex was having a bit of a fuss but that's ok too.

Daddy Time

2009-01-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Baby Alex Gets A Bath

2009-01-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Here at Copee House, Baby Alex bath time is family time.

Anna Helped Too

2009-01-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

Aaron Helps Bathe Alex

2009-01-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

I Got the Call

2009-01-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

Pictured here is a very special place. It's the chapel at Camp Fortson, site of the Atlanta South Walk to Emmaus Weekends.

I got the call the other day to work the March walk. This time I'll be serving in the agape shack.

I have seen more men encounter the tangible love of Jesus Christ on these weekends than perhaps anywhere else.

Please pray for the team and the pilgrims who are scheduled to journey on the Walk to Emmaus.

A Bundle of Joy

2009-01-21T18:38:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of Tori Silva Photography)

It's hard to believe that Alexander Brice Copeland has been with us over a week now. He sleeps alot, eats alot, and poops alot. After all, isn't this the age for all of those things?

Our church family as well as relatives have been so very helpful.

I have never eaten so much good food delivered to us almost every night. You see the church asked for volunteers to bring us "dinner agape" and we have had a different dish almost every night.

Thank you New Life Christian Fellowship. You are truly a blessing to this family.

My mother-in-law, Mary Ann Tanner, has been AWESOME! She comes over while I go to work to watch over recovering Angie.

She's cooked.

She's cleaned.

She's done laundry.

And today, she went grocery shopping for us.

Thanks mom. You are the ABSOLUTE BEST!

My parents went to Fayetteville, GA and bought us boxes and boxes of diapers. You have no idea what a blessing that is to us. Thanks mom and dad.

I am so amazed at the love that has been sacrifically poured out on Alex and our whole family.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Everyone has truly taught me so many lessons about servanthood. I am thankful for my schooling. I have some great teachers who surrond me.

Until next time ...

Note For the Tooth Fairy

2009-01-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

After we got home from the movie theatre, Anna made this special note for the Tooth Fairy. Notice that dollars or coins are acceptable but both are preferable.

Anna Loses Another Tooth

2009-01-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

It happened moments before cousin Abby, Anna and I entered the movie theatre to see "Bedtime Stories." I ordered the popcorn and the drinks. The girls went to the ladies room. When they returned, there was a space missing in Ms. Anna's mouth. Fortunately, Anna maintained control of the tooth at all times so that she could deposit the tooth in the tooth fairy box when we returned home.

Anna says while waiting for the snacks at the counter, she felt like a tooth was coming out so Abby and Anna rushed to the ladies room to check. She knew that it was a tooth coming out. She was right.

Rock-A-Bye Alex

2009-01-17T19:57:00.001-08:00

Angie rocks Baby Alexander to sleep in the glide rocker. He is such a good baby.

Alexander's First Bath

2009-01-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a tradition that lives on with each birth. Grandma Tanner (aka Gaya) always has the honors of giving our children their first bath when they are home from the hospital.

Here "Gaya" does her thing just as she did with Anna and Aaron.

Birthday Boy Aaron With the Kitty

2009-01-16T18:24:00.000-08:00

The kitty has been banned to the back porch with the homecoming of Baby Alexander. Here Aaron gives the kitty a little lovin'. Bailey the cat thinks that Aaron is purrrrrfect.

By the way, Aaron just turned 15 and has his learner's permit. He drove home from school a couple of days ago. Tomorrow we practice parking in the school parking lot.

Gaya's Special Time of Day

2009-01-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

Paw Paw Still Has the Touch

2009-01-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Paw Paw Getting Baby Alexander Time

2009-01-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-01-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

You have never seen a big sister that watches after her little brother like Ms. Anna. She constantly is concerned about Alex's pacifier among other things. She wants to make sure his diaper is dry and she watches after mommy to make sure she is healing nicely.

Anna says that she is Alex's guardian person.

John Stirzaker Pays A Visit

2009-01-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

My good friend, John Stirzaker, drove down from Marietta, GA to see brand new baby Alex. Here "Stirzi," as he is affectionately known, still has the touch even after 14 years.

You see baby Alex was squallin' before Uncle Stirzi got ahold of him.

Notice the calm demeanor that Alex has in Uncle Stirzi's arms.

Stirzi and I work together at 104.7 the Fish.

One of My Favorites

2009-01-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this picture. I know, I'm gloating a little but what can you expect from a brand new daddy?

Copee in Scrubs

2009-01-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

I scrubbed in for the c-section. Of course I stayed near Angie's head until the doctor said, "Dad, you might want to look now." I saw little Alex come out of the womb into the world.

What an amazing miracle of God.

Did I Mention I Was a Very Proud Papa?

2009-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Angie's Sister With Alexander

2009-01-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

Adrienne Tanner Rigney lovin' on her new nephew.

Daddy Suited Up For Delivery

2009-01-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

Because Little Alex was born c-section, I had to wear a sterile covering into the OR. What you cannot see are some very comfortable (need I say sylish) blue booties.

Here is my sister, Becky Copeland Russell.

The Entire Family Looks Into the Nursery

2009-01-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my sister, Becky Copeland Russell, for some really awesome pictures. While I was busy being new dad, my sister was capturing all the moments with her new digital camera.

My First Little Guy is Not So Little Anymore

2009-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Aaron was 5 years old when Angie and I married. He was my first little guy. Here at 15 years old, he congratulates his Copee. He's a great kid.

Anna almost cannot contain her excitement.

How big was he?

2009-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

I stepped out of the nursery after the c-section to let the family know that little Alexander was 8 lbs 1 oz, 20 1/2 inches. Notice Anna's reaction. She's excited about being a big sister for the first time.

Interesting note ... several weeks ago, Anna says, "Daddy I'm nervous." I asked her why she was nervous. She replied, "I've never been a big sister before."

Anna will make the best big sister ever. And her brother Aaron will use the baby to pick up chicks.

Mimi Holds Alexander

2009-01-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

My mother, Dianne Copeland, filling the role of grandma nicely.

Behold a Child is Born

2009-01-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

Baby Alexander Footprints

2009-01-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Grandparents

2009-01-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

Dianne Copeland, Darrell Copeland, Vic Tanner, Mary Ann Tanner.

Proud grandparents of Alexander Brice Copeland

Aunt B

2009-01-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my sister, Becky Copeland Russell.

Not to be confused with Aunt B on the Andy Griffith Show.

Another Proud Moment

2009-01-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

Whatch You Talkin' Bout Daddy?

2009-01-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

That's what it look liked he was thinking.

There's No Place Like Mommy

2009-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

All Our Children

2009-01-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

From 15-year-old newly licensed to drive (learner's permit) Aaron, to 7-year-old Anna, to brand new Alexander Brice, here are the joys of Mike and Angie's life.

Being the Big Sister

2009-01-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

She's waited a long time but now Anna gets to be a big sister. I think she can handle the job.

Eyes Wide Open

2009-01-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

Angie and Alexander Brice

2009-01-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

Alexander Brice With Angie

2009-01-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Our Little Miracle

2009-01-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

A Proud Papa

2009-01-12T12:07:00.001-08:00

Daddy gets to spend some quality time with little Alexander.

Baby Copee Officially Has A Name

2009-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

After much deliberation, let me introduce you to Alexander Brice Copeland. From this picture, you can tell that he was getting a little upset that we had not given him a name yet.

Welcome to the world little Alexander. Love, mom, dad, Aaron and Anna

More Baby Copee Pics

2009-01-12T04:24:00.001-08:00

Who do you think he looks like? Mike or Angie?

Notice the head full of hair.

Hours Old Baby Copee

2009-01-12T04:22:00.000-08:00

Up close and personal. Here is our 8 lb gift from God.

Baby Copee Is Here!!

2009-01-12T00:09:00.001-08:00

Baby Copee (name to be determined soon) is here!

Born: 1/12/09 @ 12:28 am
8 lbs 1 oz
20 1/2 inches

When we arrived at the hospital, we quickly found out that our baby guy had turned around in the womb and was breach. That automatically triggered a C-section delivery.

It was not what we expected but the health of Angie and the Baby Copee was top priority.

Angie is recovering well.

The baby seems no worse for the wear.

Obviously, Angie will have a little longer recovery time because of the C-section but she will do just fine.

More to come soon.

Week 39 Pregnancy Update Video

2009-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

This is Angie's third birth. Both of the other children came two-weeks early. This little guy is taking his own sweet time. Click on the video above for a quick update from Angie.

It's Any Moment Now

2009-01-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Here Angie is nesting again. The baby has dropped even further today. Angie said every bit of our little guy in now below her belly button. Contractions are coming anywhere between 7-10 minutes apart. The last one lasted 1:10. The midwife said yesterday that it was a matter of days before we greet our son. It might just be tonight.

We'll keep you posted.

Week 38 Pregnancy Update

2009-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I have officially made it to week 38. Whodathunk? When I walk, there is an exaggerated waddle going on right now. I feel heavier too, like I am toting a canonball.

Things are moving right along now. Any day now we will be sending out an "all call" to the horde of mother (and father) hens who are watching over me to journey en masse to the hospital for what is sure to be a most memorable arrival. Can't wait for God to tell us what this child's name is, since we cannot reach consensus on our own.

Right now we are getting ready to leave for a walk around the block. We will follow our walk by a dinner of eggplant laced heavily with oregano and basil. Those are the next two items on our list of safe home labor-induction suggestions. We will see how this goes. So far spicy food isn't doing anything for the contractions, but it sure is tasty.

Castor Oil has been named as well, but we WON'T be trying that one. Castor Oil gives you diarrhea and vomiting. The question is this, "If you have diarrhea/vomiting badly enough to wonder if you are going to die, and labor makes you think the same thing, why would you want to combine them both at the same time?????"

Will keep everyone posted. Hopefully it will be sooner than next week!!

Anna Goes Ice Skating

2009-01-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

We still await the arrival of Baby Copee. There are signs that labor might not be too far away.

Meanwhile, Anna and I strapped on our ice skates and went skating today at Ashley Park in Newnan, GA.

We had a blast even though neither one of us is any good. Watch the events as they unfolded in the quick video above.

Father-In-Law's 61st Birthday Party

2008-12-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

My father-in-law, Vic Tanner, celebrated his 61st birthday tonight. We joined him, along with Gaya (grandma for those who don't know) Mary Ann Tanner, Kevin and Adrienne Rigney, and of course, my wonderful family.

It's about 1:30 long so enjoy Vic's 61st party.

Happy Birthday Vic. We hope you have many, many more.

Week 37 Pregnancy Update

2008-12-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

We are a couple days late posting our weekly pregnancy blogpost because of Christmas. In this post, Angie talks about the lower back pain she's experiencing and how everybody is ready for "Baby Copee" to come into the world sooner rather than later.

A Copee Family Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T04:26:00.000-08:00

The Copeland Family celebrated yet another Christmas together with friends and family. The above video is a montage of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

It's hard to believe that Christmas 2008 has come and gone. Now the next gift we will receive will be our newborn son.

Christmas Now -- Anna Makes Cookies

2008-12-20T10:55:00.001-08:00

In my last post, I shared a video of my daughter, Anna, recorded Christmas 2003. Now, here she is helping Angie make Christmas cookies as a 7 1/2 year old.

My how time flies.

I plan on sharing a current Aaron video soon, so be sure to watch the blog for updates.

Getting a little Nostalgic -- Christmas 5 years ago

2008-12-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched Chevy Chase in the Christmas Classic, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?"

There's one scene where Chase is trapped in the attic where he finds some old home movies stashed away in a cardboard box. He strolls down memory lane watching all the great family Christmases he had as a little boy.

That's kind of the way I was when I discovered a way to convert old analog video tapes to digital. I'm going through piles of old video tape and discovered this gem.

In this short scene filmed exactly 5 years ago, my daughter, Anna, is only 2 1/2 years old.

Where does the time go?

She was toddling and as you can hear, just beginning to speak.

Like Chevy Chase I cried when I watched this old home movie clip.

Week 36 Pregnancy Update Video

2008-12-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

Here Angie gives a quick video update of what's going on during week 36 of the pregnancy. Please feel free to leave a comment below.

Waiting for the little guy.

Pregnancy: Week 35 Update

2008-12-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

Another week down, and we are all in a holding pattern on the homefront. Doc says if I make it to next week, then I am over the hump - anything after that point is considered a full-term pregnancy.

Nothing really new to report, just more of the same. Poor sleep, contractions, achy feet. I now release the emergency brake in the Expedition before I get in, because once I am sitting in the driver's seat I can't bend over to pull on the release lever.

My mother and sister Adrienne hosted a baby shower in my honor this weekend past at Mother's home. Anna and I attended and had a lovely time. It was wonderful seeing friends and family, and we received lots of nice gifts. Did I mention that the food was yummy, too?

I have become a nesting fool over the past two days. So much energy and don't know where to focus. Mother asked if I was washing windows yet? Forget the windows. I told Mike, when I start pricing rentals on a backhoe, that is the time to pack my hospital bag and get ready.

Other than a few odds and ends, the baby's room is finished. The nursery is decorated in a race car theme, primary colors, with the dominant color a fire-engine red. One of the gifts I received at my baby shower was a tiny red rocking chair that belonged to my father-in-law as a child. It goes so well with the colors in the nursery. A stuffed Dumbo is sitting in the chair, just waiting for someone to come play.

Hey it's me ... Anna

2008-12-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hi .... My name is Anna Copeland and here is one of my cats, Bailey. I have two cats that do not get along well. The other cat's name is Velvet.

I wanted to let everybody know a little about me. I am 7-years-old and I have just gotten a new nickname this week. People now call me "Annatastic."

I am homeschooled and in the second grade. Today, I learned about doubles plus one (a math problem). This is 3rd grade math that I'm doing in 2nd grade. Pretty cool, huh?

I'm getting ready to be a big sister. Mommy has a baby in her tummy right now and he will be born very soon. I am really excited about being a big sister. I can't wait to babysit my baby brother.

Tonight we are going to look at Christmas lights at a really cool place near Grantville, GA.

My paw paw and gaya are over to eat dinner with us. We are having some very good ham. And paw paw and gaya are going with us to see Christmas lights.

One more thing ... my cat in the picture had a little bit of a procedure at the vet's office. So my mom gave him some medicine to put him to sleep ... that is why he is asleep in the picture.

Happy Kisses. Love, Anna and Bailey (the cat). THE END.

Pregnancy: Week 34 Update

2008-12-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

Well, another week has gone by since our last update and Baby Boy Copeland is still baking in the oven, as you can see. December 15th is our "all's clear" date, so the closer we are to that goal the better off baby and I will be.

I feel good, though tired most of the time. Sleep is next to impossible at night. Poor Mike has to endure my restless tossing and turning. I can't make it through the day without taking a nap, and surely Mike is wishing he had the same opportunity.

In the meantime, Baby Boy is still showing impatience. Contractions are sometimes regular, sometimes not, but getting stronger. The worst so far was Thanksgiving, when I had to spend mealtime in bed with pains every 5 minutes. Two Advil and some R&R cured that. I was soon propped up on the couch, chatting with company and eating pumpkin pie (subsequently eating dessert first before my meal).

The nursery is coming along - still some cleaning, organizing and rearranging to do. I have been busy washing baby clothes and marveling over tiny little socks. I decided to make the diaper bag (which, ahem, hasn't been started yet) and a quilt for the crib (which is stretched out on a quilt frame in the living room). Unfortunately, the living room is also the location for the Copee Family Christmas Tree, which needs to go up sometime soon. This is a recipe for a logistical nightmare. Boy, am I glad I'm not the one in charge of decorating the house this year ;-)

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-11-29T11:15:00.001-08:00

It's all hands on deck in preparation for Baby Copee's arrival. We moved Anna's dresser drawers out of her room today. This dresser has the hardware on the back for the changing table. Look at all the stuff on Anna's bed. She has been the GREATEST!! She wants to help anyway she can. In the above photo, Anna is putting all the stuff back in her new dresser drawers. (the ones we swapped out of Aaron's room).

Constructing the Nursery II

2008-11-29T10:40:00.001-08:00

Here my friend, James Williams, gets handy with a screwdriver as we work together to build the crib for Baby Copee. If you build it, he will come. Well he's coming whether we build it or not so it would make sense for us to get busy like we have been doing today. As you may recall from a previous blogpost, the baby doctor thinks Baby Copee might be here even before the end of December.

Constructing The Nursery

2008-11-29T10:36:00.001-08:00

My friend, James Williams, gave up his rainy Saturday to come help me assemble the baby's crib. Thankfully, Angie was able to find the instructions because I would've hated to have to reverse engineer this thing. We are transforming Aaron's old room into the nursery. Lot's of movement going on at Copee House these days as we get ready for the new arrival.

Pregnancy: 33 Week Update

2008-11-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm having lots of contractions, and the baby has dropped considerably over the last 2 days. Doc says perhaps any day. If he comes tomorrow, she says he may be a little rare, but not expecting any complications. She would like to see him stay and bake at least another 2-3 weeks. In other words, we WON'T be making it to the Jan. 16th due date ;-)

Baby Copee is moving around quite a bit, or should I say wallowing, and having lengthy bouts of hiccups. I actually slept last night for the first time in a week. It felt so goooooooood!!

We have even less time than we thought, so we are in a mad rush to get the nursery assembled and everything ready!!!! Aaron has moved from his bedroom across the hall (which is now the nursery) to a new bedroom downstairs. It has been dubbed "The Man Cave". He is all excited. Our thanks to Pawpaw, the foreman!

Preparing for Baby Copee Arrival

2008-11-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

Here we are at 31 weeks. Anna can't wait to meet her new baby brother. In this picture, she points out where he is right now. Our church, New Life Christian Fellowship, poured our so much love upon us tonight at Baby Copee's baby shower. We are declaring in faith that this baby is destined for greatness in God. This is such a blessing for all of us.

Thank you for sharing in our joy.