Happy Holidays

Well, 2008 is coming to an end and what a year it's been. Six days into 2008 I found out I was pregnant, and here we are, almost in 2009 with a 3 1/2 month old precious little boy. I remember this time last year I was praying so strongly that I would get pregnant, trying to understand God's timing and put my own plan aside. I knew God would give us this gift when we were ready, but I had no idea how amazing and wonderful this journey would be...and I'm only three months in! 2008 has been so wonderful--full of joy, excitement, blessings, and of course a few nerves about being a mom. I'm looking forward to seeing my little angel grow in 2009!

Cooper had a great first Christmas, and we got to spend lots of time with friends and family. He really liked pulling the paper off of his presents, but I keep thinking about next year. I'm sure the paper will come flying off faster than we will be able catch it! Cooper even got to spend time with both Great Grandmothers over the holiday! Philip's grandmother lives in town and we got together with the Lamb crew for a BBQ dinner one night. And, my sweet 91 year old grandmother came down from Tennessee to spend time with us, and she just loved meeting Cooper--her seventh Great Grandchild! If Cooper only knew how precious and special that time was with such wonderful women.

With my grandmother (my dad's mom, Mary). Four generations!

With Philip's grandmother (his dad's mom, Betty).
Look what Santa left for me under the tree!



Our family on Christmas.
Look at these cute little slippers that my grandmother gave Cooper! Ho Ho Ho!
Cooper is really trying to roll over these days. He can roll from his tummy to his back, but it's a little more difficult rolling from him back to his tummy, but he sure is trying! He knows how to throw his body to one side and start to process. But then it's his shoulder that he can't quite figure out how to move. He'll be rolling in no time, I'm sure!


"Darn it. I didn't make it."

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Happy, happy New Year!

Three Months!

Cooper is three months old today, and what a morning we had!  We awoke to a completely snow-covered neighborhood!  Yep, snow.  It was too cold for us to go outside, but we sat by the window and watched Philip and Drake run around.  I couldn't tell who was more excited about the snow--Philip or the dog?  In the picture below, you can see Cooper in the window!

It's been so great to see Cooper's growth and new tricks on a daily basis.  Cooper has officially found his happy voice and is cooing at us all the time now.  I've heard him talking to his little toy lion, to the lights, to the tv, and to the little animals hanging from his mobile.  He's discovered his hands, too, and is getting more and more control over them.  I love watching him figure out how they work.  We have these little plastic colorful rings that he has really taken to.  Once he gets ahold of them, there's no letting go--he sleeps with them, he eats with them, he even gets his diaper changed while holding them!  And just this morning, I saw him reaching up for a little monkey hanging down from his activity mat!  He reached up, grabbed ahold of the monkey's leg, and started pulling and shaking it.  Such fun progress! 

I have enjoyed every minute at home with Cooper and it is really starting to hit me that I'll be back to work soon.  I've been so lucky to have such a long maternity leave, and I'm thankful that I've been able to spend such wonderful time with Cooper.  Luckily his daycare is just around the corner from work, so I can go check on him during lunch.  Still, it's going to be pretty tough. 

Here are some pics we took while enjoying the 80 degree weather over the weekend.  Only in Texas could I have pictures of snow and sunshine within in the last 48 hours.

My little angel.

I love everything about this picture--the look on Philip's face, the look on Cooper's face, Cooper's hands, even Cooper's cute little dimple thighs!

Recent Cute Pics

Just want to share some cute pictures...

As my cousin Brian said, "He is a prize-winning baby." I couldn't agree more.

Cooper with his friend Caden, who is one day older than Cooper.  I love how Caden is sitting in this pic!

Crazy curly hair!

Love this big smile!

Practicing sitting up in his Bumbo chair.

Thanksgiving

Cooper's first Thanksgiving was great! We headed to Austin to spend several days with family, then went to our friend's ranch for a little hunting and relaxation. (Just in case you are wondering, Philip did the hunting, I did the relaxing.)

Cooper was a huge hit in Austin. In fact, I only saw him when it was time for him to eat. Other than that, he was entertained (and entertaining) cousins, aunts, and uncles. He did pretty well for the long car ride. You should have seen our car! I think I packed everything in my house, plus the dog! No really, we had the dog with us! It's amazing the gear you have to take for a baby--car seat, stroller, clothes, pack-n-play, bouncy seat, extra clothes (you never know how many changes we might have to make in a day), blankets, diapers, travel bath...wow! Then Philip had all of his hunting gear and we had to make room for Drake! I should have taken a picture!

We have so much to be thankful for this year--an amazing little boy, wonderful family, good health, steady jobs. We are truly blessed!

I love this picture! Cooper had been laying against Philip's chest and when he sat up, his hair stood straight out! Love the look on Cooper's face--apparently he knew his hair made us laugh.


Cooper was a big hit with all of his cousins, but little Cameron and Whitney seemed to be by his side at all times!



Cousins admiring the youngest of the bunch. Look how Cameron has her arm around the boys--too cute!




Cameron and Whit playing with Cooper again!

This is the only picture of Cooper from the ranch. He was exhausted from all the traveling!

Entertainment

As a new parent, I'm amazed at what we do to calm a baby. I can honestly say, I've never sang or swayed so much in my life...this coming from the girl who wishes her life was a musical. Who knew you could walk, sway, rock, bounce, and swing so many different ways? Sometimes I feel like I'm getting an ab and leg workout from all the different ways I move. Philip and I have our own unique ways of calming Cooper. I tend to end up in hysterics when it's Philip's turn. I always knew Philip was entertaining, but I didn't know he had so many hidden voice talents! Recently, Philip has taken to talking to Cooper like Darth Vader, "Cooper, I am your father..." Ha! It always works, too. Cooper is crying one minute, hears Darth Vader, and quiets down. It's amazing! Philip also has this funny walk/lunge/bounce thing he does around the house. If Cooper only knew how funny Philip looked, he would not only stop crying, he would join me in laughter!

Cooper had his two-month check up at the doctor this week. He had to get three shots--ouch! I wish I could say he did fine, but that would be a complete lie. He hated those shots and let out a scream like I hadn't heard before. It broke my heart. Luckily my mom was with me, so she not only helped to clam him down, but also helped calm me down! One a happy note, though, Cooper is "thriving" according to the doctor! He weighs...drum roll...12.5 pounds and has grown two inches! We don't see the doctor again until he is four months, just in time for another round of shots. Mom, I hope you are available!

Here is Cooper at two weeks old!

And here he is at two months old! What a growing boy!

Happy Day Outside

Cooper and I went to the Dallas Arboretum earlier this week and had the absolute best time. The weather was gorgeous--perfect day to be outside! I found this great open grassy area and laid a blanket down for Cooper. The minute I put him down, he started smiling and didn't stop! He kicked his legs, wiggled his toes, and smiled from ear to ear! I went a little camera happy, but couldn't help it--he was being such a great model. I love watching him look around and really taking in his surroundings.

In deep thought.




I love how he kicked up his little legs in this one.


My favorite pic!


Just enjoying the sunshine!