19 months

What a smiley! This is one of the only smile-for-the-camera pictures I have lately of him - my mom took it. What a talented photographer, Nawny! (sp? - We don't know how to spell their names yet.)

Here are a couple of funny videos of last weekend at my parents' for Mother's Day. We had such a blast, and I know Luke, George and cousin Derek had a great time putting the playscape together on Saturday - ha. Thanks guys! (And Poppy, for the purchase.)

Playing in the rain with Poppy.
Talking on the phone to who knows. It seems to be very funny, and involves Aunt Rachel.

He's talking like crazy now, and in complete sentences. He still gets frustrated sometimes and likes to hit people and scream, but we're working on that. Otherwise, he's a lot of fun. We're looking forward to summertime!

Here are some pics:

A never-ending love affair with waffles.

One of his first words, and still his favorite thing to eat.

This video cracks me up. So fun to chat with in the morning. WAY more happy than mommy usually is in the a.m.

Update

Hey everyone. It's been an unbelievably crazy couple of weeks at our house, what with nutzo work schedules, the always stressful dinnertime, and Cooper quickly becoming his own stubborn little person. Just like his momma.

Cooper has started to speak in sentences, which is really great for understanding what he wants, instead of piercing screams. He throws those in every once in a while though, no worries. His favorite sentences as of late are:

"Birds are outside" when he hears the birds chirping.
"____ is SOOOO funny!" The blank could be Elmo, Mommy, Joey, Phoebe, Truck ...
"Almost home!"
I promise, tonight he said, "When's Daddy coming home?" It was freaky.
"Joey's gets snack"
"Thank you for _____" during prayers at night, he thanks God for his paci mostly.

And more. He's awesome.

Subject change. I bought the new Alison Krauss CD - A Hundred Miles or More. It's a mix of songs she hasn't released, and a few she has. Honestly, I've never listened to a more heartfelt, haunting, beautiful, depressing, and amazing bunch of songs. You have to be in the right mood to listen to it, or you will sob yourself to death. She has a young son, so a lot of her music is about giving her son to God, stories about mothers and sons, etc. A song called "Jacob's Dream" talks about two brothers in the 1800s getting lost in the woods, and being found dead by their parents days later, in so many much more beautiful words. It is truly heartbreaking, but addictingly wonderful. I always recommend any Alison Krauss music, and I'm not sure this is her best, but I love it. Check it out.

Hope everyone has a great night. I'll post pics soon.

18 months and going strong

Just to mention - Cooper turned 18 months old on Monday. Where did the time go, and how did he grow into such an awesome kid?

Hair cut number one

He was SO good! Granted, he was in a big yellow car with Elmo playing and a banana sucker in his mouth, but the kid next to him was acting like the world was on fire. Didn't phase Cooper!

Happy Late Easter

Hope everyone had a happy, and warm Easter. It snowed like crazy all day Saturday in Ft. Worth - so weird. But, Cooper seemed to love it! Needless to say, we had a great time with family this past week and weekend, got tons of candy and food, and Cooper hunted Easter eggs for real this year!

More pictures to come, of the Ft. Worth Zoo, and Easter festivities!

Cooper's surrogate brother

Cooper stays with my cousin's wife Kelley three days a week while I'm at work. It's a great situation because a. she's awesome and loves my son like her own, and b. Cooper has a great friend who is only one month older than him (Hayden) to hang around all of the time.

But, the tides turned Saturday night when Hayden came to stay with US while his parents went out on a well-deserved date night. It was hilarious watching them on Cooper's turf instead of Hayden's. Cooper ran around trying to show off, which Hayden mostly stood there in awe. After a while, he warmed up and started playing. it was a riot.

Here's a video of just about the funniest part of the night. Hayden has no idea there's a step there has he reaches for the camera.

"Ice, Ice Baby"

Yes, it's true. We were the oldest people there, but Luke and I went on vacation to South Padre Island this past weekend, sans Cooper. It was a total blast.

Remnants of Spring Break travelers from universities around the country were there, but it was not as crowded as I thought it was going to be. Actually, if you like to people watch, SPI is the MECCA of people watching. A little sad to watch at times - really confused college kids (And when I say kids, I mean five years younger than me.) just wasted beyond all measure and falling all over themselves. Bless their hearts. Other than that, it was relaxing, fun and much needed.

I must say, the highlight of the trip was, you guessed it, the Vanilla Ice concert. Aside from the fact that most of the people at the concert were barely alive when "Ice, Ice Baby" came out, it was pretty entertaining to everyone around. He's got to be pushing 45 years old, but he still looks the same - big hat, baggy clothes, English that's too pronounced to be seriously considered a rapper, etc. It was hilarious.

Cooper stayed with his Granna and Grandad and had a great time. He didn't ask for us too much, and was a little confused when we came back and took him home, but when we got close to the house, he started saying "almost home!" just like mom. What a kid.

Here's a sprinkler pic and video from last week. He loves it when we water the yard.



A kinda cute picture of Coop with my blurry camera. I need to get another one, maybe for the birthday.



I know he got bigger over the weekend. It's weird how that happens. I think Luke and I got bigger too with all of the seafood eating. Mmmmm ...

Where have I been?

Here! At home!

Cooper turned 17 months last Friday, so things are just flying by. The potty thing is a nightly ritual now, so that's interesting. And, he's just cuter by the minute.

Last week, my parents came into town with the RV and stayed with Cooper for a few days while I worked. Cooper (and my parents) had a GREAT time. We ate a lot, hung out at the RV and our house, and Coop got some really cool gifts from Nawnee and Grandpa (I think that's what Cooper calls my mom, phonetically.) None of us wanted to see the grandparents go!

Just a nice pic of the Coop




Cool shirt Coop. "Why is it raining out here?"




"How do you drive this thing?"




"Is this what we do when it's raining outside?"




Here are a couple of long videos. This one is of my dad reading to Cooper. So cute.

Here's one of, you guessed it, Cooper on the phone. Like Grandpa.

Jackson (Jack) Paul Tenbush

Jackson Paul Tenbush was born late last night, March 6, at 8 pounds 2.5 ounces. Proud parents are Matt and Candi Tenbush. Congrats guys! Candi had a pretty long labor, but everyone is lookin' good. He's a cutie!

Just when we thought he couldn't be more genius ...

Tonight was like any other night. When Cooper got tired, (tonight it was around 7:00 p.m. - early bird) we went upstairs and got ready to have bathtime with Daddy. I usually get him undressed and ready to go while Luke draws the bath.

About a month ago I purchased an Elmo training potty at Sears. It was on sale, so I thought, why not? Elmo potty just sits in our bathroom staring at the people who use the normal potty, unused.

Until now.

Every night, Luke and I say to Cooper, right before he gets into the bath, "Wanna go potty?" He goes and sits on the Elmo potty, just sits there, and then goes to flush the normal toilet. Cute, right? (I know this super interesting to not very many people, but it was like the coming of the Lord, we were so excited.) Tonight, we did the same thing. And HE ACTUALLY PEED WHEN HE SAT DOWN! It was a hilarious yet unbelievable sight to us. He tinkled all over the bathroom floor, but he went where he was SUPPOSED TO. It was marvelous. Sixteen months old and already on his way. It might not ever happen again, but I had to take note that on this day, Cooper is one more step towards saving his parents diaper money.

More pics. We love our wagon.



I love to snack.



Is that cup actually taller than my head?

Here I am.

I have some Cooper pictures from the weekend in the Metroplex that I will post today. No worries.

But did anyone watch the Oscars? Overall, a little stale, but I love Ellen. The obvious highlight of the night was Jennifer Hudson winning the Oscar, and then performing with the rest of the Dreamgirls later on. Lemme tell ya what - that Jennifer Hudson blows away anyone who touches her. In my opinion, she TOTALLY blew away Beyonce and that other Dreamgirl. WHAT a VOICE! Extremely emotional, from the bottom of her soul. Unreal.

Also, an aside on Grey's. Meredith has now worked her way towards the top of the list for favorite Grey's character, still under Addison. Who's now at the bottom of the list? Izzie. How annoying was she?

More to come later.

Happy LUUUV day!

I can't figure out why my camera always takes fuzzy pictures lately. Anyone have any guesses? I think I need a new one ...

Cooper had his 15 month appointment today (a little late since he's 16 months on Friday), and here are the stats:

Height: 33.5' (90th per. - she says he's going to be taller than both of us, probably, because of my side of the family's height - crazy!)
Weight: 26 lbs., 11 ounces (70th per.)
Head: 49 cm (50th per.)

He had two shots, and cried for about 10 seconds. What a big boy! Now, he's out cold. He doesn't have to go back to the doctor (unless he's sick) until he's TWO!

Restoring my faith in music

I used to be a serious music fanatic. I kept up with the latest trends in music, listened to the stuff no one was listening to because I thought it was cool (usually it was), bought lots of CDs, and accepted all types of music knowing that somehow, some type of artistic talent was in there somewhere. It made me happy, and somehow connected me to another part of humanity in a weird way. Like another language.

In the past few years, I've let that love of all kinds of music go by the wayside. The way, way, WAYside. I download iTunes, I have an iPod, but I just don't have the time or money to be like I used to. It's started to make me a little sad that a part of myself is disappearing, but I've turned over a new, possibly expensive leaf.

Last night, I watched the Grammys.

What an amazing show. The performances were above par, and produced beautifully. I honestly loved the fact that a lot of the songs that were nominated were politically charged and thought provoking. It seems like it's been a long time since we've heard artists sing about what's happening in the world, and it's refreshing. The Dixie Chicks were crazy awesome in their performance, and the little trio/jump around thing with Corinne Bailey Rae, John Mayer and John Legend brought me to sobbing tears. John Legend is one of my absolute favorites, and everyone should hear "Ordinary People" and "Coming Home" as two of his best pieces. And, as always, Justin Timberlake had an awesome show of talent with "What Goes Around Comes Around." He's underrated.

Something else that's made me miss music is reading an awesome book recommended by my friend Claire called "John" by Cynthia Lennon. It's a can't-put-it-down account of Cynthia Lennon's experience with John Lennon - meeting him, marrying him, Beatlemania, the divorce, everything - and it unbelievably interesting. I recommend it for anyone who loves the Beatles, and hates Yoko.

Anyway, I'm back. I'll try and keep everyone posted as to my latest music discoveries as I go. Woo-hoo! Oh, and Cooper's good too.

I don't post much about TV shows

But, anyone out there ready for LOST tonight? Woo-hoo!

Also, Grey's is tomorrow, and I must admit, I was skeptical about this show for a long time. I don't really like Meredith as a lead character when George and Addison are SO much better as actors, etc., etc ... Until last week's episode, when she totally redeemed herself. That sad speech to her mother reacting about her being "ordinary" was phenomenal. Go Meredith, go.

FYI - Cooper's been sick with a fever and cold. He's MUCH better today. Fevers scare me so much. I'm glad he's back to his normal, fun-loving self.

Half of January

That's how long it's been since I've posted. I'm such a bad blogger! I've resolved to be better, but I've done that before, so no promises.

I have some pictures and video of the past few weeks, of course, mostly of Cooper. We've been to the Metroplex and to Oklahoma since my last post, and had a blast both places. I forgot to add previously that Luke had yet another trip to the emergency room for possible meningitis, but it was bronchitis and a sinus infection. Not cool, but at least it's not meningitis!

Random note: This morning on Sesame Street, George from Grey's Anatomy was the letter "i" in a skit about the letter of the day. It was hilarious. Even Cooper sat still for it. Sorry, just had to add that. be on the lookout for a rerun of that skit.

So, pictures:

Cooper in his play gym. It's been so cold lately, we've only been able to play in it a couple of times. There's a couple of videos from that experience too. Click here, and then, here.





Us being silly. He's all, "Mom. Seriously." Short video of him smiling like he smiles now, with his bottom teeth.



Cooper and Chase at the Wattersons in Oklahoma. They had a blast in the bath, and running around without clothes on.





Cooper on "Ollie" at Luke's Grandmommie's in Oklahoma. All of her grandkids used to ride around on this thing, so it was great to see Cooper following in his daddy's footsteps. Or, riding in his daddy's footsteps. Whatever.



And apparently, this is how a tractor goes.

Him being cute and saying new words like, "Sup!"

Cabin fever

As Central Texas slowly comes out of its hibernation from the 2007 Scary Ice Storm That Crippled Everything, I'm proud to say that the Hejls are all still alive, and glad to be out of the house. We were held up for THREE DAYS, not going anywhere at all, and barely outside because of the freezing rain and ice. Imagine a 15 month-old in a house for three days - started to get just a little bored running around in circles. We all felt like the weather people on the news were talking directly to us, and that they were our friends as the days went on. We even sent them emails saying that they were doing a great job. I mean, bored!

Now, all is well. The ice is gone for the time being, and we're back to normal. FYI - Central Texas should stock up on the de-icing chemicals and sand that it ran out of on Tuesday. We're just not accustomed to this kind of weather! I'm ready for Spring!

Update: Cooper now says "glasses," "tractor," "no" (which is great), and "this, this" to ask what things are. It's getting easier and easier to talk to this kid!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

New year, new post!

We had such a relaxing Christmas, it's unreal. I don't really know where to start. What we did the most: Ate.

We spent the first part of Christmas with the Hejls here in Austin and went to the Trail of Lights, made sugar cookies, ate some great fajitas at the Hyatt downtown, went to see Happy Feet at the IMAX, and just hung out. Cooper got a John Deere tractor, and other fun stuff. Cousins Mason and Landon made it twice as fun for the Coop. They were all over the place!

Christmas Eve, we just hung out as a little family and watched some Christmas movies. It was SO nice to relax and hang out. Mostly we put together Cooper's new wagon. He LOVES it. Santa was the bomb this year, all around. That morning we packed up and went to the metroplex to see the Martin family for lunch and Christmas. We ate an awesome lunch, then went to my sister's house and had dessert while the guys played with the tennis ball shooter. Haha - it's an old school tradition on my side of the family with all of the cousins. Sometimes, it used to involve frogs. Anyway, it was lots of fun and great to hang out. We opened presents that night at my parents' and got some great stuff - everything we wanted and needed from everyone - some fridge magnets, a dump truck, more John Deere and an AWESOME play gym with a slide for outside from grandma and grandpa. Woo hoo! We stayed in DFW until Thursday. What a great, relaxing week!

Now, it's the new year. And yes, Luke and I just watched the ball drop, at home. We're cool! Two-thousand seven promises to be the greatest year yet, and I wish the best for everyone!

Here are some late pics from the holiday. Also, I have a crazy work week this week so please pray for me!

At the Trail of Lights





We're cool in our matching North Face jackets


Didn't like the boots, but they're cute, and used to be Luke's!


He loves the bubbles from Grandma and Grandpa


The most still he would stand in front of the tree on Christmas Eve


Opened all of his Santa presents in his new wagon, from Santa


The infamous tennis ball shooter. Old skool.

Congrats!

Leslie and James have a new baby girl - Cora James Mayo, born Dec. 21. I hope they post pictures soon! Congrats you guys, and to Kaitlyn too!