Little Monkey

Happy Halloween!

Cooper the crouper

Yes, Cooper has croup, which is a major cough and sore throat. He's also got a fever and snotty nose, and I've been at home with him for the past two days. It would be really nice if he wasn't super sick and whiny. Poor guy. Sounds so sad and pitiful. I think he's getting better.

I never posted his 12 month appointment stats:

Weight: 23 lbs, 12 oz (50th percentile)
Height: 30 3/4 in (80th - tall boy)
Head: 18 1/2 in (75th)

All is well!

Also, I'm deciding on my next post. Apparently, it's either politics or Luke. :)

Lazy face

I was waiting for one of my friends to post a homecoming blog so I could steal their hard work and link to it. Here ya go - some good pics on Sara's blog of my friends and the little ones.

Now I'm asking you. What should I post about next? Music, baby stuff, current events? I'm trying to keep this thing from being too same ol' same ol'.

The birthday, day.

Cooper,

(Here's a video of Cooper walking today on his birthday. Please excuse Luke's St. Patty's Day shorts ...)

Today is your actual birthday. You are one year old. I know, you've already had a party, but today is the real day. I can't believe it's already been a year in the life of Cooper. Obviously, you've grown up a lot, both mentally and physically, and it's been a miracle to witness.





I couldn't ask for a better first year. We've been so blessed to be your parents, and will always feel this way, no matter what. I know there've been struggles this year - me getting used to all of your schedules, work, colds, your one ear infection (I know - poor, poor mommy), all of the feeding changes, the stress of your parents sometimes, and more. But, I feel like all of those crazy times are so miniscule compared to the awesome things we've experienced as your parents.



I don't really even know what to type as I sit here. There's too much. You're my baby boy. You always make me smile no matter what, and I equally love making you smile. Your infectious laugh is just too much. I'm a little worried that your favorite songs to bounce up and down to are Justin Timberlake songs, but hey, he's the jam. I love it all when it comes to Cooper Martin Hejl. Even when I'm exhausted and I wanna quit, it's impossible to think that way. You are a miracle from God, and I cannot imagine my life without you.

Keep being you. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, I'm off to print out pictures of about half of your life - that's how in to scrapbooking I am. Sorry! I'm the momma you got!

I love you,

Mom

Pah-TAY!

We've recovered. What a weekend! We hosted Cooper's first birthday party at our house with a few friends and family over hamburgers, hot dogs, and yes, an Elmo cake. He got some great gifts from everyone in the family, and we're glad all of you could be there! Thanks to Sara's Photo Card Cafe' for the invites - super cool.

We went to a pumpkin patch on up north on Friday morning. It was such a nice day. Only one pic of me and Coop - some nice old women couldn't figure out my camera.


















And the party (yes I, in fact, made the cake myself):



Before:



We lit the candle and sang, and he tried to put out the candle with his hand. Poor guy - this was the reaction. I think it just scared him.



Then, was the good part:





And of course, what mom and dad got him:



He's not one yet, but expect a reflective post when he is. How time flies!

Two of a kind

Here are my boys dressed up for church last Sunday:



And, Cooper will not look at the camera, or, my camera's really slow:



If that isn't enough, here's what I have to look forward to:



Here he is playing:



What a cute set of boys I have!