"the hooper dance"

I have been trying to hold off announcing, but it is getting harder to hide. We found out a few weeks ago that we would be expecting our 3rd child. We have been excited but it was still early and I wanted to wait for my first appointment before telling too many people. We went for our first appointment this last Monday January 5th. When we started the sonogram, I was so emotional and excited. We started asking questions but the sonogram technician remained quiet. At one point one of us said "Is everything ok?" She replied "The doctor will have to discuss this with you." Both of us, but mostly Chris, knew something was wrong. I tried to be optimistic for the next 24 hours before I met with the doctor, but that was hard. I met with the doctor the next day and our biggest fear was confirmed. She told me the sonogram technician saw a mild thickening on the back of the baby's neck which could indicate a number of chromosomal abnormalities. I did a blood test in the office that day, which I will get the results for in 2 weeks. The next day I went to see a specialist for high risk pregnancies. She had even worse news for us. The thickening was larger than the original sonogram technician realized. She gave us very little hope. Our baby has some sort of birth defect which could be a number of abnormalities. She said things like "might not make it to delivery," "could only live two days," and "less than 20% chance of being normal." She does not look for this situation to correct itself. We have been through a variety of emotions the last 48 hours. We are scared, mad, confused, hopeful, sad, and positive. It just depends on the hour. I am 11 weeks right now and all I can do it wait. I have to wait for test results, wait to do more tests, and wait to see if the pregnancy continues. This has been the absolute worst week of my life. Chris and I are trying to remain strong and positive. Right now, I need love and support. I am struggling to remain hopeful. I am sharing this news because we will need your support, love, and prayers. I will share more when I am able. I just ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.

2013 was great for the Hooper Family! This was our first full year back home in Arlington. It has been a great blessing to be close to our family. Mom is able to help with the kids and Dad is able to help with house and car repairs. That may not seem like much, but it is huge for us. One of my goals this year is to keep up better with my blog. I really enjoy looking back on the things we do as a family. I also like seeing the kids explore new things and take on new adventures. I stay so busy that I have not made this a priority the previous 2 years. So I'm giving a recap of some things we did last year and going forward I will update more frequently.

Chris and I went on his team building company cruise in February. This is our 6th trip (I think) with the company. We always have a good time and we have connected with great people along the way. We also took a family vacation to Hot Springs Arkansas, went to several Rangers games including the Tie Breaker Game against the Rays in September, and the Food Truck Festival at the Ballpark. We went to the State Fair in October and spent several family game nights together with my parents, Joey and Katie, and our kids. These are some of the things that stand out.

I ran in 3 half marathons this year including Cowtown, Dallas Rock'n'Roll Half, and the Jalapeno Half. I recorded my best time to date at Cowtown finishing in 2:19. My mom and I went to visit my best friend, Heather, in New York in May. It was mom's first time in New York and we had a blast. It was an exhausting trip but I cannot wait to visit her again. I celebrated 1 year at my job in August and was promoted to Assistant Director, from Enrollment Coordinator, in November. This is a position I have been working towards for the last several years so it was a great accomplishment for me.

Chris started to run this year, which I love! He did a couple of 5K's and will continue building on his running this year. Some changes were made in his company this year that yielded great results for his motivation and income. It was great year at work for Chris. He also picked up a new hobby, woodworking. He made cabinets, an art easel, a towel rack, and countless other small items. He was able to play golf with friends more frequently this year and even took me to play on his birthday. He went on this Annual Boys Trip in November to see LSU play at Death Valley. He looks forward to this trip with his close friends each year. They go to see some important game at some important stadium each year.

Cameron had his kindergarten field trip to a farm in Arlington in the spring. He had an awesome kindergarten teacher. I was his room mom so I got to know his class and teacher really well. In the fall he started 1st grade and continued playing baseball. He learned to ride this bike with no training wheels this year and is doing great in school. His teacher told me she has to constantly challenge him because he is ahead of the 1st great level and easily gets board. He loves all sports, especially baseball. During the summer, baseball is all he wanted to do and watch. He watches Quick Pitch on the MLB channel in the morning before school. He knows more able baseball than Chris and I and that is saying a lot! He also learned to tie his shoes this summer.

Calleigh did a cheer leading and hip hop dance class this summer and loved it! She loves to dance and play dress up. She gives her brother a run for his money too! They play really well together for the most part, but have their fair share of "fights." She also started private kindergarten in the fall and is doing really well with her reading and writing. I can already tell she will be a dedicated student. She loves school. She is working on riding her bike without training wheels and is getting very close. She loves to run with mommy and wants to go with me every time I go. She also picks her own clothes out for school. It is a rare day she lets me pick them out and if I do, we usually argue about it. She matches most of the time and sometimes I let her go without matching. I am teaching her from an early age to be independent and trust her judgement. (not that she really needs help in that area)

Hope you enjoy catching up with the Hooper Family!