Favorites

My little baby is quickly turning into a little boy.  On one hand it's fun and exciting to see him growing and learning and changing so much.  He is a joy to observe as he discovers new things, adapts to his increased coordination, and learns to share his opinions with a confident VOICE that is growing ever louder by the day.
On the other hand, it's a bit melancholy to be approaching his first birthday.  The once teeny tiny fingers and toes are now chubby pudgy and busy as ever.  Those pure and helpless eyes are now frequently filled with innocent mischief and calculated cheer.  It all changed overnight, it seems.  And so it is sad to know that these adorable days too will transform into memories... all too quickly.
But alas, I will continue to live present in the moment, drinking it in before it is gone.

Cooper's Favorite Things (11 months old)

• Admiring himself in the mirror or any reflective surface... for long stretches of time (long for an 11 month old at least) 

• Grinding his two tiny bottom teeth against his four tiny top teeth
• Blowing bubbles and drinking his bath water
• The dishwasher!!! He absolutely LOVES the dishwasher.  If he hears me loading or unloading dishes, he will bee-line it from across the house just so he can play with the silverware and plates.

• Dancing with his shoulders whenever he hears music with a lively beat
• Avocados, strawberries, pineapple, bananas, Nilla Wafers, toast, and anything mommy's eating
• Gnawing on the TV remote and daddy's XBox controller (daddy's favorite!)        
• Ba-ba's (aka bottles)
• His cousin Boston, who he adores and thinks is SO funny!

• Water-- be it in the pool, the bath, the sink... or even... yes... the toilet.  Yuck! 

• Dropping his Binki over the side of his crib at nap time and then screaming until I come in and get it for him.  I think it's his way of postponing his nap and getting mommy to keep coming back in his room.  Little stinker!  Clever, but a stinker all the same.
• Opening the kitchen cupboards and pulling everything out

• Story time-- he especially loves the books with flaps that he can open.  He's a very interactive reader!
• Primary songs-- I first learned this when we were driving home and he was very upset.  Nothing worked to calm him down until I started singing "I Love To See The Temple".  Now it works like a charm every single time.  We've added a few other songs that have become favorites as well: "Families Can Be Together Forever" and "My Heavenly Father Loves Me".

I love my sweet Cooper James!!!

Mother's Best Day

The sun is just setting on a perfect day.

No, really.  I can see the sunset out my window right now and it's so pretty.  And it really was a perfect "1st Mother's Day".

It all starts with a marvelous husband.  (Let's be honest, that's what really makes this day different from every other day... at least when you're still mothering a baby, and not one old enough to talk and sing and write cute notes.)  That being said, however, it is because of my sweet little baby boy that I get to celebrate my own motherhood today.

Clint has made this day nothing short of perfection for me.  With him keeping all the dishes done, doing all the cooking, keeping Cooper busy and happy, giving me beautiful flowers, and letting me take a nice long nap... I am falling in love with motherhood all over again.  And look at this beautifully perfect meal...

I mean, we're not talking about Mac n' Cheese or Ramen noodles.  And this was only dinner.  Our lunch after church was german pancakes, a personal favorite of mine.  I'm one lucky gal... and not just because of the food.  When it comes to the boys in my life, I could ask for nothing more.

Clint and Cooper, thank you both for a perfect day!!!  I love you!