Valentine's Day 2013

Valentine's Day was filled with lots of fun! Kyle woke up to a breakfast of heart pancakes secretly packed into his work bag. (I'm pretty proud that mission was a success) For lunch Coop & I headed downtown to be with Kyle. After a few failed restaurant attempts we ended up at the GP Cafe in Kyle's building. It didn't disappoint! Kyle & I split a cheeseburger & a turkey bacon wrap. Yum! Coop had a heart shaped PB&J. 

After lunch we went to visit some of Kyle's coworkers. It took Coop a few minutes to warm up to everyone but after a couple of cookies he had a great time. :) We also brought some Vday cookies to share with the office. (Shout out to Erin for always leading each holiday cookie making session) Cooper didn't want to leave but we finally headed out just before 2.

For dinner we had quesadillas. Nothing too special but the night before we had ham, egg, & cheese biscuits. I made the biscuits heart shaped. :) One way to Kyle's heart-Biscuits!

Kyle then presented me with a 2 pound bag of hot tamales & a card. I'm pretty sure I'll have heartburn for the next month! I love them! Cooper colored on some hearts that I cut out. We listed some of the things he loved about Dad on them. "Thanks for always sneaking me cookies" "I love when we go on walks together" "Thanks for always convincing Mom to let me watch TV" etc

We had a great Vday. Cooper got a cute card from his MeMa that has a 'ruff ruff' on it. Also when my dad & aunt came to visit for the wknd they brought some yummy treats!

Ham Egg & Cheese Biscuit

Biscuit Love!

The Pancakes before & after :)

Yummy cookies

Having fun at work with Daddy.

Some of the Vday loot.

Proud Moments of the Day

#1 A friend commented that Cooper was growing into his large head. Aka he's actually gotten a bit taller. Yes!

Cooper spotted another friend & her daughter during Sacrament Meeting (church) & immediately ran to them. After coming back to tell us he saw Sarah & Mary he then ran back to play more. #2 Cooper loves & knows our friends.

#3 & #4 After church I went to pick Coop up from the nursery. As we walked out one of the Nursery leaders commented on how great of a talker Cooper is. I thanked her & said my farewell. Cooper proceeded to repeat what I said 'thank you! See you later! Bye bye!'

Later that afternoon we went back to church to attend a baptism. At one pint we watched a slide show of pictures of Kaity (girl getting baptized). One popped up of Kaity at Disney w Mickey. Through the silence you hear 'MICKEY!!' #5 Yep, that was Coop. #6 He also decided to sing 'Wheels on the Bus' during the confirmation. Singing 'beep beep beep all through the TOWN!' Slightly embarrassed at his timing but proud he loves to sing.

#7 & #8 Letting Cooper eat whatever he wanted during the Superbowl shindig & letting him stay up & play with friends until 11. Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm the model of an amazing Mom... Ha!

These are just a few of the many times I'm proud of Cooper but maybe not so proud of his timing or my parenting skills. Well, such is life. :)

MLK Wknd 2013

Oh how I LOVE long weekends! It's so nice to have Kyle home an extra day & I know Cooper loves having more time to be silly with his Daddy.

Kyle took a half day on Friday so we jumped in the car & went to Moms. Before we left we turned Coop's car seat around to forward facing. We left at nap time. Cooper was SO excited about his new view that he chatted & jabbered for about half an hour before falling asleep. It was too cute.

We got to Mom's safely & enjoyed our time. We ate way too much food (fried rice, bbq ribs, ice cream, biscuits, candy, etc). Mom watched Coop while Kyle & I went to Pages on Pine. Not sure if I've mentioned it before but it's this AMAZING book store. All the books are donated (most coming from the county libraries) & all proceeds go back to the libraries. We've stuck gold quite a few times. We make sure we stop by when we're in town.

Mom also watched Coop so Kyle & I could go out on a date. We didn't know what we wanted to do so we just ended up going to dinner at a yummy BBQ joint. We both got ribs. Yum! Cooper had a great time playing in MeMa's yard & all the parks we explored. 

Sunday after church we drove home. That night we went to the Malan's to celebrate Jared's Birthday. Erin rocked out some waffles & fried chicken as well as a German Chocolate Cake.  (She's quite skilled in the kitchen) We had a fun time with the Malans & the Carrons!

Monday was a semi lazy day. After getting groceries in the morning, we came home & all took naps. Once nap time was over we snacked & headed out to another park. I like to call it "Toy Graveyard Park." The surrounding neighborhood families bring their used (but still working) yard toys & leave them for everyone to enjoy. Cooper had such a fun time.

What a fun weekend! So grateful for Kyle's extra time off, for the nice winter weather, the parks that Coop is able to enjoy grass & get his wiggles out, for Mom being close by, for a date with my baby daddy, for great friends, & MORE!

Cooper experienced his first official "time out" right before our trip. I don't
think he got the memo that he wasn't suppose to be having fun...

All turned around & ready to ride!

Big Slide with Daddy

January 2013

January has been a fun month so far! Cooper & I made an overnight trip to see my mom (MeMa). We attended the Cook Family Reunion while we were there. Cooper had a BLAST with Mama, Papa, Aunt Granny Jo, Sundi, Maci, Austin, & more! I was pleasantly surprised at all the fun he had. Gotta love family! Cooper really loves Mama. When he saw her he ran up to her & wanted her to pick him up. Next he had her read him a whole host of books. Then it was train time & they played with his trains. Mama is pint size (like less than 5 feet tall) so I know Cooper loves having someone special close to his size. :)

Cooper didn't sleep well the night we were at mom's so at some point he ended up in my twin size bed with me! It was a bit stressful making sure he didn't roll off but at the same time so sweet watching my little boy sleep. He was beyond cute!

I can't get enough of this pic!

After I got out of bed I brought in all the pillows.

We've been able to enjoy some milder weather so that means park time! Here's Cooper & Kyle having fun last weekend.

'Toot Toot!'

Throwing sticks in the lake.

Also this month Cooper turned 20 months (what the heck?!) & I gave him a little hair cut. He's gotten into the groove of 11am church (even if kyle & i haven't) & is still enjoying nursery. Cooper continues to amaze us with all he learns & how well he speaks (well at least we understand him). I love that Cooper is learning names of family & friends. We keep pictures on the fridge so I can quiz him. Here's more pictures from our month!

Watching for Daddy to get off the train after work.

My silly boy!
(disregard the bag for goodwill in the back!)

He loves to color!
(Tongue out due to concentrating, he is his father's son!)

One last story. We have a picture of Jesus in Cooper's room (pictured below). Every morning when I go to get him out of the crib, he points to the pictures & says 'Jesus.' I love that he recognizes Jesus. Recently he started looking at the picture & saying what sounds like 'Jesus? Daddy?' For a week I thought he was getting confused, not sure if the bearded man in the picture is Dad or Jesus. (Kyle has rocked a beard for 3 months now) Now it sounds more like Cooper is saying 'Jesus, bye bye!' So maybe he never was confused, just wanted to say goodbye to Jesus before he left the room? I mean I'm half asleep when I get him out so I can't be certain but either way it's pretty cute.

Twenty Thirteen

Kyle & I had quite the exciting night ringing in the new year! We cooked homemade pizza that I was unable to taste due to a cold but imagined it was the BEST ever. After we put Cooper to bed we read some then Kyle fell asleep. I was determined to stay up to watch the ball drop. The NYE specials on TV were pretty terrible so I just kept busy until it was close to twelve. Around 11:50 I shook Kyle awake in case he was interested in a NY kiss...not so much.

I watched & counted down to 2013 & then I went to bed.

Pretty awesome night huh? It wasn't worth staying up so late but oh well. :)

On New Years Day Kyle & I started de-junking the condo. It was refreshing to get rid of so much unnecessary stuff & especially organize our spare closet. (it was quite the monstrosity) 4 huge garbage bags later we were tired & it was nap time so we took full advantage.

Later that evening we headed over to our friends house, the Mitchells, for a traditional NY dinner. We brought the black eyed peas, rolls, & apple pie. The Mitchells provided the collards, ham, & mac n cheese. Put all that together & we had quite the feast. I again didn't get to taste much BUT I made sure I had my fair share of peas & collards. Health & Wealth Yall!

We had a great time with them. It's always so fun to watch Cooper play with Luke & Mary. He loves those kids.

Here's to another year with these two knuckleheads!

Christmas 2012

We went to Hartsville for Christmas. It was great to be able to spend time with so much family even with the crazy schedules & sickness.

On Thursday night we opened a couple of gifts with Marc & Pat. They are always so generous & especially at Christmas time. Kyle & I were able to get new iphones as gifts from M & P. Cooper got a fun little people garage with a little ramp he wheel his cars & trains down from Grandma & Poppa. He also got a pillow pet from his cousin & a train & car from his Grandma Great. He loves all of them! It's fun watching him enjoy his new toys.

Friday Kyle worked from home all day. Cooper & I enjoyed our trip to Big Lots & then just laid around. I knew Coop wasn't feeling well but didn't know the extent of his illness. Late that afternoon we went to Florence to finish up some last minute shopping.

Saturday was a bit of a blur. Cooper was feeling worse & the cold & cough medicine I was giving him wasn't doing the trick. We did go visit with my grandparents as well as do some grocery shopping. Saturday night I went out to dinner with my dear friend, Caye. It was just what I needed!! I could've stayed for hours talking & listening to the hilarious stories. One of these days I hope she writes a book & that we live closer. :)

Sunday morning was a bit scary. We got up early with Cooper & took him to Morphis Pediatric Group (the same group I went to growing up). We found out Coop had a double ear infection & what we think (doctor didn't confirm) was croup. Poor Coop. He'd never been this sick before or even an ear ache. So we started him on a 2 day steriod, a 10 day antibiotic, & breathing treatments. Fortunately, with some trial & error, we figured out how to get Coop to take & keep the medicine down. I'm bummed we missed church, especially on Christmas Sunday but I am so deeply grateful for the help & knowledge of medical professionals! That afternoon Kyle went to Jen's to enjoy a delicious Ensign/Greenburg dinner. Then that evening we headed to Florence to have dinner with Dee & Leslie. It was great to see their place & have a little family gathering. Mom joined us & we had a yummy dinner by Leslie!

Monday was Christmas Eve. Kyle & I were busy cooking & getting everything ready for the Ellison Christmas Party that afternoon. Cooper was still pretty sick but we didn't want to miss all the family, food, & festivities. Kyle & I took turns passing Cooper back & forth. Cooper is pretty shy so add that to being sick & in a small house with 30 not so well known to him family members.... he was a little overwhelmed. I probably sound like a terrible parent for taking him but I want him to have all the time he can with Mama & Papa & the traditions they have created. Speaking of which, we did have the youngest ones re create the nativity scene. Cooper was given a robe & a cane, he wouldn't wear a sheet on his head so he's just wearing his own hat. Cooper ended up being a shepherd/wiseman/donkey. haha He lasted for about 30 seconds. I loved seeing so many of my cousins. It's crazy to think how grown up we all are!

After Mama & Papa's Cooper, Kyle, & I went & met up with Karl, Onna, Jen, Scott, & their kids. Kyle thought we should go caroling to some of the elderly in the ward so we all came up with a list & off we went. Cooper stayed in the car & watched a movie while we got out each time to sing. It was such a sweet experience & I know it brought so much joy. We definitely have to continue this tradition.

Dad came over Christmas Eve night. He brought over Cooper's gifts which were a radio flyer wagon, some tractors, & a USC zip up hoodie. Cooper got the hook up! We are so grateful for the gifts & I know Coop can't wait for us to put the wagon together. After Dad left, Kyle & I watched the Muppets Christmas Carol, put our slippers in the hall, set up Santa for Coop, then went to bed.

Tuesday was Christmas Day! Hooray! Cooper loved the Thomas train he found in his slippers. He also enjoyed the other toys he got from Santa but was really more interested in eating (we were so glad he was getting his appetite back). Kyle & I opened some gifts & surprised each other with little gifts. Then we went to Mama & Papa's for breakfast. After breakfast we opened more gifts from Mom then headed to Karl & Onna's to visit with them. That afternoon we went over to the Peavy's to have the Tallon Family Christmas Dinner. I had a fun time with my cousins, aunts, & uncles! The food was fabulous as well! That evening we went over to the Greenburgs to visit & play games. What a full but fun day!

Wednesday we cleaned, packed, & headed back to ATL. Now for the pictures! :)

 

the Nutcracker

Mom, Cooper, & I scooted down to Florida the weekend after Bryant & Jilli's wedding. My niece, Avery, was Clara in the St Augustine production on the Nutcracker so we couldn't miss her performance. We had a great visit even if it was hectic & we had some sickness amongst us. It was so fun to watch Cooper play & laugh with his cousins, especially with Drake. We love those kids!

I was able to watch the Nutcracker twice & I was entranced both times. I hadn't seen Avery as a ballerina before & now she's on point. I couldn't help but get teary eyed every time she hit the stage. I was bursting with love & pride for her. (I'm not an emotion Aunt am I?! ha) Avery did outstanding & I wished I could've watched her 100 more times. Special thanks to Keaton & Mom for watching Coop for me.

Here are some pics from our visit.

Schroder

Avery as Clara

Me, Mom, Minnette, & Avery

Thanksgiving 2012

We left on the 21st (my bday) to head to Maggie Valley, NC for an Ensign Thanksgiving. Pat found a great house to rent on the side of a mountain. It had a great view! On our way to MV we stopped to see a Waterfall. It was quite a windy road to get there but it was such a beautiful sight to see! Kyle walked behind the waterfall while Coop & I tried to stay warm. I'm so glad Kyle finds these little adventures for us!

Our time in MV went by way too fast! Here are some of the highlights I can remember. (I was in & out of a food comma so forgive me if I don't remember it all)

-Good chats with great family

-Appetizer Battle (we should all swap those recipes huh?)

-King size bed

-Cooper falling down the carpeted stairs (yeah that was crazy scary)

-Kyle won the Guys Frolf Tournament

-MV has an awesome wooden park for adults & kids.

-Black Friday Shopping! (crazy lady in leopard print blanket, crazy lady trying to run over the people in Belk line, & then the crazy lady without a jacket with a towel wrapped around her head--that last one is me)

-Playing Celebrity & the Ladies dominating! woo hoo!

-Getting to hold baby Brighty (until a cold set in & my man voice took over)

-Cooper learned how to slide by himself & he loves it!

Here's a slideshow of all of our fun!

On our way home Kyle drove us up to the top on a mountain so we could climb the lookout tower & see out over NC & Tennessee. It was so high up & cold that there was snow on the ground! It was a breathtaking view but the wind was intense so we didn't stay long.

Grandma & Poppa Visit

The weekend before Thanksgiving Marc & Pat came for a visit. It was so great to have them both here for the whole weekend! We had so much fun! We went did our usual Costco run, ate at Chickfila, made yummy pizza, shopped til we dropped, hiked up Stone Mountain, played frisbee golf, & MORE! Cooper thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Grandma & Poppa & their ipads. :) Kyle & I were also able to go on a little date to the temple.

THE WIND!!

18 Months

I have an 18 month old. That's right, Cooper turned 18 months Nov 8th. I'm still processing it. Where has the time gone?!

Here are so fun facts about Cooper:

-Climbs onto the couch

-LOVES Trains 'toot toots,' Tractors 'ta-tor,' & Trucks

-Would only eat fruit all day, everyday if I let him, especially bananas 'nanas'

-12 teeth at the moment with more close to surfacing.

-Doesn't say "hi" much but is quick to wave & say 'bye bye'

-If you read him a book, yall are best friends & he expects you to read to him the remainder of the day.

-Says 25ish words & lots of animal sounds.

-"Sings" ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Clean Up, & other random tunes he makes up.

-Enjoys any toy, instrument that makes music.

-Folds his arms when it's time to pray & says Amen.

-Has fun during bath time until it's time to wash his hair...you'd think we were trying to kill him.

-Likes to watch PBS TV 'deet deet' (Cat in the Hat, Curious George, Super Why, Sesame Street)

-Has started to count. (well he makes a noise for each number but hasn't a clue what the number is)

-Knows 8 body parts.

-Favorite animal at the moment is a Tiger.

-Loves to give hugs & kisses to Mom & Dad.

-Has so much fun in Nursery at church. (Who wouldn't love to play, eat snacks, & spend time with friends?)

-Doesn't eat vegetables unless they are secretly hidden in things like smoothies, eggs, quesadillas, etc.

-Has a "yum" sound when food is good whether he's the one eating it or not & an "ooOooo" sounds when something looks neat or fun.

-First 'hair cut' was the night before he turned 18months. It was just a trim by me. No more curly 'duck tail.'


Cooper is 32 inches tall (25-50%) & 28 pounds (85-95%) with a head circumference 51cm (off the charts).

LOVED the train pics Daddy brought home
 from work. (He didn't see them until the
next morning)

Exercised his right to vote.

Checking out the Costco deals

A little Yoga

'Airplane!'

We love you Cooper! Some of my favorite moments with you are when I get 'loves.' (hugs & kisses) It is also so sweet to cuddle up, read books, & then hold you just before nap/bedtime. & it's ridiculously cute when you use your imagination to make, eat, & share food. (always reminds me of the lost boys dinner scene in Hook)

Fall Frenzy Part II

After our apple picking excursion we got some BBQ for lunch then we went pumpkin picking at Burt's Farm. This place was pretty packed too! I love seeing the HUGE pumpkins. One day we'll have a house, porch, & yard that I can decorate with these ridiculously big pumpkins.

We tried to take some cute pics with Coop & the pumpkins. It was a bit hard to do because of the amount of people & because Coop's nap was about 20 minutes long so he wasn't really feeling it at first. Once he saw a 4-wheeler & a few tractors then he was good to go. :) He did enjoy knocking on the pumpkins. It was cute. We let Coop pick out 3 little pumpkins before we left. 

We had a great day together. Being in the more mountainous region made Kyle & I want to go camping but knew it would be too cold for Coop. I loved watching all the leaves 'rain' down as we drove through the wooded areas. Cooper enjoyed watching Finding Nemo as we drove the 3ish hr round trip.

Thanks Kyle for planning our Fall Frenzy! 

Col Poole's BBQ

My little man. :)

Kyle hates it when I take pics of Coop
crying... idk why I do it but I do.

Knocking on the pumpkins.

Cooper's Big Green Tractor

Tiny Pumpkins!