Fellow Bloggers.....

To all my faithful readers of this blog---I know you are few and far between, but I want to say thanks for caring and keeping tabs on me and the fam. You make blogging so much more fun to do. I love reading your comments...I think that is really what I look forward to.

I wanted to let all 4 (ok, I know there is more that look, but not many comment) of you I wanted to let you know we are in hurry and pack and crazy mode right now. This week is moving week, next week is moving in week, and the week after is set up computer.

In other words, I have no idea when I will be able to post. It is hard for me to stay away--so I will probably end up doing it alot more than I originally think. But, for now, this is to let you know that don't give up and not come back. We will return soon...just need to focus on packing and everything right now. As soon as we are all set up with my inlaws I am sure I will have a lot to say (knowing me I will post tonight or tomorrow anyway).

I am sorry I won't be checking out your blogs for a while. I will return soon though. We love you all fam and friends. Keep us in your prayers during this crazy time in our lives.

"Momma, Don't Leave Me!"

There are probably a million words I could use to describe my day yesterday, but the two I am going with is--CHALLENGING!!! and GRATEFUL!

I am not sure if Andrea is sick, teething, or what, but she would not let me leave her. By leave her, I mean put her down for a second. Sometimes she gets a little fussy if I am not in the room with her, but yesterday she screamed like mad if I wasn't holding her. At first, I didn't do anything about it, ( I should also note that she is at that stage where she puts anything and everything in her mouth, so can't ever be left alone in a room for a second) but as the day went on I realized she needed comfort somehow. When I looked into her tear filled eyes as I walked in another room and see her saying to me "Momma, please don't leave me. I need you" my heart melts and I run to my little babe to comfort her.

This did not make showering and doing my hair easy ( which I rarely do, but really wanted to for some reason yesterday). When this all began I was upset and frustrated. As the day went on, I found joy in it. I loved the fact that Andy knows her mom and needs her.

I just held her and thanked heaven for this beautiful gift that I have been blessed to take care of and be in my life. I have never felt anything like this before. Someone needs me to survive. What a powerful feeling! What a great emotional sensation.

I thought about momma's day around the corner and this one being my first. All I really want is to hold my baby in my arms, have my husband by my side, and just feel of their love. I am so grateful to be a momma. I never knew if my body would let that happen. I feel so blessed and overjoyed to have part in raising one of Heavenly Father's choicest little angels.

I have been sent these little cartoons like ten times, so I thought I would finally make an effort and post them here. The first time I was sent them was from an old friend who loved how I freak out about everything with my baby. I am still learning so much...but here are some helpers:

50 Random nothings...

Not that any of you want to know this..some of you may already know some of this list, but I think a bit will be a surprise in a way...
50 crazy little random things about me:

1. I was born and raised in West Jordan Utah.
2. BYU is the only college I applied to---that's right, it was BYU or bust!!!
3. I am the oldest of 7 kids, but my siblings don't know that.
4. I have been declared my dad's favorite child.
5. I have been declared my mom's second favorite child (ok, maybe not the second fav. but definitely NOT the fav)
6. I have a thing for dimples---me, my hubby and my little angel Andy all have them.
7. I have a huge obsession with American Idol---especially our little David Archuletta.
8. I met my husband in a testimony meeting---where I knew right away that we would date---not get married but date.
9. Music is a passion for me, everything about it...It inspires and uplifts me in ways that nothing else can.
10. The middle stone in my wedding ring is a sapphire--the one I got from my grandma when she died. It is my favorite color, and is so very very special to me.
11. Being a teacher is one of my favorite things. It is my absolute favorite calling to have, and I feel we can be teachers every day.
12. While at college, I worked at Homestyle Cooken', Scoreboard Grill, Subway, Tomassito's, and BYU bookstore. Ps...I am not a fan of fast food working, but I sure have a new appreciation for the entire process.
13. My first job (besides being a baby sitter) was at Classic Roller Skating. I worked the food and the roller skate checkout.
14. I served my mission Spanish speaking in the best city ever---CHICAGO.
15. I truly am one of those people, and almost everyone can testify to this--that looks better with makeup on me.
16. I hate doing my hair.
17. I hate clothes.
18. I worked at Dippen Dots for a period in my life.
19. I was one of those "Lagoon" junkies that met a boyfriend at Lagoon.
20. My first date was with a close friend on my 16th bday.
21. I have made a temple trip on my bday every year since I was 12, including my mission (somehow that worked out). I missed last year since my baby was just getting out of the hospital.
22. I love series of books...ie. Harry Potter, Children of the Promise, Twilight. They are my little obsessions.
23. Pirates of the Caribbean was the first DVD I owned.
24. In my dating years, I had gone out with over 200 different men.
25. When I first applied for college, there was no internet. I had to do everything on the phone. THAT IS RIGHT. You could not register on line until my 3rd year of college. I was waiting to get through for a couple of hours with my dad.
26. I don't remember the last time I called my husband by his name---he is usually babe or sweetie to me.
27. I never wanted to buy a cell phone---I think people don't connect face to face like they use to. I was 26 when I bought my first cell.
28. I made the cut for the BYU ballroom dance team, but couldn't be in it because I wanted to be in Women's Chorus.
29. I bought my first car at the age of 25. That is right, I walked through college my whole experience...amazing how that kept my weight down and amazing how lazy you get when you have a car.
30. I quit women's chorus for a football game.
31. I have had my heart broken more than 5 times.
32. I sluffed school to go to seminary in highschool---I loved it so much!
33. I am one of the oldest people in my ward, yet there are people with 3-4 kids in my ward....YOWSER! The funny thing is, I don't think anyone knows that, so I just let the cat out of the bag!
34. My husband and I broke up 3 or so times before we made it official---but we always remained best friends...
35. People think I am better at the piano than I really am...It is just because I get really into it that I fake them out.
36. Jon Schmidt is one of my all time favorite people. His music is inspiring, soothing, and amazing. It was my first date with my husband. I also have a pic with him.
37. I consider myself an expert on heartache.
38. I have had diabetes for over 21 years.
39. There were about 5 men that re-entered or entered my life just before my mission and wanted to marry me.
40. There is something about being on a stage and taking on a different character for me. I love it so much and have had several opportunities to do it in my life. My husband and I reunited at a stage performance of the Easter Pageant.
41. I like going to the movies. I wish it weren't so expensive so I could go alot more.
42. I love popcorn dipped in tuna fish with plenty of Miracle Whip.
43. I can't really cook at all. I just heat things up.
44. I went through about 16 different majors before I decided that Sociology combined alot of my interests.
45. I have lived in Utah most of my life and have still never been skiing.
46. I broke my wrist on a 4 wheeling accident.
47. I get sick very easy, and once I am sick, I am out for a very long time.
48. I gained 60 pounds during my pregnancy...and still have yet to lose that weight.
49. I was first named Andrea when I was a baby, but my parents changed their minds. Andy Bev is our little Andrea that was suppose to be.
50. I bought my own punching bag in college, and got pretty good at it.
50 plus1. I use to be a champion clogger.
50 plus2. My momma and I rode in the greyhound from Oregon to Utah and back--that was the adventure of a lifetime.!!!

That is just the beginning of the craziness that is Jamie Probert Cook. I will have to do another one of these another time.....there were things my hubby found out as well...

4 Days in 1

I am so proud of myself! I don't remember the last time I said that. Today, I really feel was one of my most productive days ---I AM EXHAUSTED!!!!

Things I did:

1. Laundry---this included 3 trips to the car, because we had so much and Andy was in my arms the entire time!!! I still have a whole other load left.



2. Changed our forwarding address with everyone who needs it. This is more work than I realized. It takes a lot of thought for one to come up with all of the people and places who need to know where you will be living ( this doesn't count fam and friends).

3. Took apart our lamp, and bathroom bin and packed it. I was debating whether to take them apart or not...in the end I think we need more space for other things. This took quite some time as Andy was fussy the whole time.

4. Packed up half of our decorations, most of our books, and other various items. Don't get me wrong, there is still soooo much more to do---but I made a small dent that I feel good about.


5. Made dinner. On a normal given day this is a feat in and of itself. Grant it, I just put a frozen meal in the oven, but I still made the effort which has been hard lately.

6. Bought groceries. This was more getting things for Andy than real groceries--we still need some, but I got a few necessities.


7. Gave Andy a bath. This is a "mommy" thing...but has turned into HUGE projects lately as Andrea really does not like baths for some reason---she is terrified of it. So, this takes a whole lot more soothing than usual.

8. Made a post!!!


I hate to admit that just one of these items usually overwhelms me---I am sorry, just being honest. I am not one of those momma's like my sis who has a spotless house, dishes done and dinner ready every day. I just get so worn out so much more easy after I had a baby. I wish I didn't, but I do---and I try so hard. It is ok that I didn't actually FOLD the laundry, and I have more dishes to do and my house is a mess....I did something.

I have to give myself props because if I don't I will get so overwhelmed with the coming weeks. I have learned I have to stop comparing myself to everyone else and what they can do as well. I really am not a fan of moving, so I am going to take it one day at a time!!! Here is to me doing 4 days worth of things in one...not sure if I can do it again!!

BYU Graduation 2008

It happened---it finally happened! CONGRATULATIONS STEVE ON YOUR GRADUATION! I am so proud! I made Steve do the entire works with walking and everything. This was all for me actually---I needed to be a part of it. There really is something special about graduating from BYU. There is a sweet and tender spirit about it. I, of course, was overcome with emotion. I think I cried the whole first ceremony. It really was a site to behold with over 6000 grads, 3/4 of them speaking a different language and half of them married (only at BYU). There is an amazing feeling being surrounded by those who hold up to an honor code and aren't afraid of what the world thinks of you.


They talked of service ALOT. Elder Bednar also spoke about "learning to love learning" and how it doesn't stop here at all...Boy, isn't that the truth. We still have about 100 years left. That is why I think Steve wasn't that into it at the beginning, but this was a part of his life---something he won't have again. I truly felt a wonderful spirit throughout the whole process.The best part was the second day. Andy had her own little cap and gown. She truly was a site as you can see. People stopped and wanted to take pics with her. I was loving it of course, as was Steve. I think that really made everything more fun for all of us.

For his own biology college (his degree is MOLECULAR BIOLOGY) Steve took Andy with him. She sat on his lap the whole time. When it came time to read names, Steve was still holding Andy and I was ready to grab her if needed. I wasn't sure what was going to happen. The greatest thing did happen---the announcer says " ANDREA COOK WITH HER FATHER STEPHEN LARRY COOK."
I about died! I couldn't believe they said her name. I loved every second of it. It is something we really won't forget. I am so proud of you Steve. Way to go---and now moving forward!!



The video on the top is Steve coming in with Andy for the processional. The one on the botton is him walking to have his name announced with ANDY...

All in all, it really was fun. His college had a little luncheon afterward. So great!!

An Ode to the 9 month checkup!!!

People who don't even know me can sense right away that I am a little bit of a sap. Andrea had her 9 month doctor appointment today, and before I get to how it turned out, I just want to say how it ended: WITH ME CRYING! (I should note that everything was just fine....)

That is right, I had to say goodbye to this doctor (Dr. Willmore) who truly has been so wonderful and helpful and just a great overall person. He has been there for a lot with our little family. He even went to school with my brother-in-law Johnnie. It just is rare when I have found a doctor that has gone the extra mile for me, and someone who has helped and gone above and beyond the call of duty. So, here's to Dr. Willmore--you will be missed, and we hope we can find someone as great as you and that Steve can be just as wonderful a doc someday( and I know he will be).

As for Andrea:

weight: 15 lbs. 14 oz.
Head: 44
Height:26 1/2 inches.

She is really "thin" for her age, but she always has been, considering how early she was. The doctor wasn't too worried. She just hasn't grown as much as we'd like, but not bad at all. The little "indent" in her chest is nothing of concern. In fact, I never really thought of it until now. It is just a small deformity that doesn't do anything---just like having a mark somewhere. Overall, Andy is doing pretty good---and she is getting as "personality" as ever. You gotta love that little gal.
Again, I am feeling really nostalgic this week. I haven't been going to school for a couple of years, and the doc appointments is the one connection I have had with school. It is all just a little crazy. Our first home together we will be leaving soon. I never thought I would be back at BYU, but I came. So, who knows. Somehow, though, I know this is it this time around. On to a very emotional week for me---I will have updates!!!

Singing Sunday!!!

I had the privilege of being able to sing during Relief Society today. On the mission, I learned a song from my hijita called "Dios Esta Aqui". I sang that with her almost every day. It was something that got us through the hard times, and something that always just helped to bring the spirit to me.

A really tender and sweet lullaby that singing with Steve has made even more tender. I love that it is something we share together.


I truly enjoy the opportunity to share my gifts with others. While I prefer harmony, not because I am scared or can't do a solo, but I think that is pure beauty there and talent---the talent to HARMONIZE ( I digress)....Anyway, it was still a very enjoyable and pleasant experience. I just was happy to be asked in the first place to do it.


I explained my connection with the song before I sang it, and I really feel the spirit of the song was portrayed. So, thanks for allowing me the opportunity, and maybe one day Steve and I will be singing together in sacrament.

Momma and daughta

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This little gal has not yet learned how to crawl. Rather, she "scootches" her way across the room. From what I hear it is only a matter of time before we move on to the crawling. YIKES!This little gal and her momma like to dress alike. It is rare that we have the same clothes, but when we do, we sure have some fun.

Did anyone notice my new haircut? It is so short, I am still not exactly sure how I feel about it. Andy loves to stick our her tongue lately, it is so cute and funny. We sure love our little angel!