Halloween prep pictures

Paige, Ryan & Piper posing by our pumpkins.  Cooper was too busy running up and down the sidewalk to sit still.  So the three that cooperated took a really great picture. 

Paige and Ryan went to a 4-H meeting this afternoon.  They carved pumpkins and Paige made a ghost for us.  Its super cute and due to our lack of trees in the front yard, he will hang out in the living room for a while. 

Cooper trying to figure out if he could be helpful.  He couldn't do much, but the pumpkins were almsot as big as he was!

Paige and her pumpkin we carved.  She did all the tracing and Mom assisted with the small cutting areas.

October recap

So its been a lonely month on the blog.  I had thought my new laptop would make it easier to post.  I realized the other day that I have barely taken any pictures this month even.  Apparently we are just too busy :)

So here is a brief recap--Cooper was diagnosed with his 3rd ear infection in 3 months.  Not very fun, but I caught this one bit earlier than the others and fortunately he likes lemon amoxicillian and takes it like a champ.  However, this has been a month of no sleep as he is still not sleeping consistantly and we are still up in the middle of the night.  He is getting to be a big boy in every other way--about 22 pounds, running everywhere with a smile on his face most of the time, chasing his sister, trying to eat with his fork and spoon when he can, babbling non stop.  He loves the kitties at daycare, is learning more about Piper and how to be friends, is always into something and moving something around.  I have realized that people who have cabinet safety latches, etc. are parents of BOYS.  I never installed a safety anything (other than an outlet plug) with Paige.   She didn't care about pulling the contents of every cabinet, drawer, or shelf out.  I have even gave Cooper his own drawer in the kitchen so he can cook with me and use the toys I put in there instead of him trying to lift my 12 inch skillet and dragging it around the house.  He is into mimicing grown ups--he vacuums, dusts, cooks, combs his hair, etc.  Overall, the word to describe his activity is busy. 

Paige is doing well.  She is thriving in school and we had a very good conference a week or two ago.  She is in the routine now and we have a schedule that works and keeps everyone pretty happy.  She is learning so much as a kindergartener that  its completely amazing me--she is reading, and loves to learn anything else she can about words or letters.  You can't keep paper and pens out of her hands as she is always writing or drawing something.  She really enjoys art class at school and music.  The songs are sung quite loudly and off key; but she has fun.  She is a pretty busy little thing with school 4 days a week and Sunday school and now 4-H meetings on Sundays too.  She and her Dad are doing that; and she's had quite a bit of fun the last few weeks going. 

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