Cooper pictures

Well we are into October and I have forgotten to take pictures!  Its been a busy fall and I have these fun few of Cooper.  He's a busy little man and is now 13 months old--as of today he weighed just over 22 pounds and was diagnosed with his third ear infection since the middle of August.  I hope those stop coming our way anytime soon. 

 Cooper figured out that Piper loves to share his treats.  She even likes veggie straws.

 Mohawk after bath time. 

Today playing in Paige's extra car seat I tossed inside the living room door.  It may just live there as its been one of the few things in the last couple of cranky days that will occupy him.  He was cuddled up in it last night with his blankie and pacificier, just chilling.  He knows he's big stuff when he hangs out in there.

Sibling picture

"I love my brother"--Paige manhandled Cooper and drug him in front of the camera for me; and we got a good moment.  We just had professional pictures taken; but this one really makes me smile.

Beach babies

We FINALLY made it to the lake on Labor day weekend.  It was a beautiful day--and a perfect family day.  Lots of fun was had by all and I wish every weekend was full of summer fun like that.  I remember so many great childhood memories of mine at the lake; I hope to recreate that for our kids at some point.   Oh, and yes, that is a Cowboy in swim trunks.  Its like an eclipse--rare, blinding, and don't stare directly at it!!! 

What have we been up to. . .

I would like to voice my complaint that summer is here and its supposed to be fall. I have a guilt complex about sending my child to school when its 85 degrees out--who can concentrate when the nicest days of the year are happening now? Anyway, its been a busy month and we made it through the big birthday; Cooper got a new ear infection--the left ear this time; and have just been trying to make it through the days in one piece! School is taking quite a toll and we are working hard to create a good schedule; and more importantly, follow through with it. Its going to be a bit easier when the cooler weather comes and it gets dark before 8pm :) Newest update is I got a laptop this week; so hopefully I will get pictures online much faster and more frequently.

Cooper's 1st birthday

Thursday, September 1st was our Cooper's first birthday. I remember everything about the few days prior to his birth so well and its hard to believe one year has passed. I remember at our ultrasound being told we were having a boy. I saw the joy in Ryan's eyes as we found out--and I am not going to lie--I was a little scared. I know nothing about little boys. I know they are messy, loud, into things, always on the go and busier in general than litle girls. I have a beautiful little girl and felt comfortable with another girl. Well this little guy came along and I am so happy to have a little man in our house. He's everything I didn't expect--and I am so happy to be his Mom. Happy Birthday to our Cooper. We love you and are thankful you are in our lives.

Well, he is related to us as chocolate is the flavor of choice. . .and he dug in like a champ!

Cooper's big present from Mom, Dad, and Paige--a Cars ride on that makes all kinds of great noise. He can get off and on it by himself and thinks its great.


Birthday boy who loved all the balloons.

Cooper and his daddy--wonder where the blue eyes come from?!

Cooper's mini cake--just for him

Go away flu & germs

So, my goal for next week is to have a complete week at work without missing one whole day. Whay would I want that? Because its been impossible for the last few weeks for that to happen. Note, today is only Monday and I have attended work for a whopping 15 minutes before I headed home. It all started last weekend with Cooper's first ear infection, then Paige getting a fever/chills, then the fever/chills hit me midweek. We made it through the weekend, and then boom, Mom is out of the game again today. I feel like my desk is drowing in paperwork; as I am never there and when I am, I have been filling in for everyone else. Here is hoping for a productive week; both at home and work to getting all the little things accomplished. The one big goal; go eat lunch at school with Paige on Thursday or Friday. Thursday is milkshake day, definitely going on Thursday!

First day of kindergarten

Thursday, August 18, 2011 was Paige's first day of kindergarten. She did great and was ready to go. The biggest problem we had was Mom getting sick on Wed. and not sure if I'd be able to even move on Thursday! Everything turned out okay; and I took Paige to school rather than have her ride the bus. There were no tears by her or me; so I am calling it a victory! I picked her up at 3:15 and she had a great day. On Friday; she rode the bus and we are lucky its Grampa Rick who is our morning bus driver; so that helped immensely. This will be our first full week of school; and here is hoping for more smiles than scowls :)