Winter Begins!

That's what my calendar says this morning! And what a fun surprise we woke up to-SNOW!! Thankfully, we don't have far to drive everyday, so we don't mind this white blanket! We got an early Christmas present out-a new red shovel! It was supposed to be for Carver, but I think Cooper convinced him the old yellow one was cooler (so he could have the new one!). He's lucky "brother" is 21 months!!

Daycare checking in!

I kid you not! Daycare just sent me this picture with the caption:

"This is your child!"

Birthday Lunch Date!

Cooper & I were able to go on a birthday lunch date on his birthday. It was originally planned that he and I would play his new "Chutes and Ladders" game, but Carver ended up going along, so we just hung out. Cooper chose Burger King, so that's where we went! He enjoyed a burger and fries and some vanilla ice cream for dessert.

He told everyone there, "I'm 4 now!"

These are his 4-yr-old muscles!

Cheeeze! The "brothers"!

December 17, 2007

Last weekend marked Cooper's 4th birthday. Since I haven't been blogging for 4 years, I thought I would write some memories down about the day he was born (oh and try not to tear up!).

I honestly don't remember a lot, so hopefully there are more details written in his baby book. I do remember we went in to the hospital thinking it was "time", and got sent home. Later, Gma Teresa showed up to help me labor. She was a great coach! We finally went to the hospital when she thought I couldn't catch my breath between contractions (I was a major wuss!). I told mom "this sucks", which was a swear word at our house! I begged for the epidural when we got there. Joni raced across the state to make it for delivery and cut the umbilical cord when Cooper arrived at 7:11 on 12/17/07!

Cooper was a great baby from day one. He started sleeping through the night around 3 weeks-I couldn't have asked for much more! The last four years have been a blessing, and I thank God for giving me such a special little boy!

Gpa Tom at one of Cooper's birthday celebrations-showing off a new tractor & jammies.

The birthday boy with cake and LOTS of candles!

A new backpack! (He was this dramatic during the entire party!)



"I won't tell Santa..."



As many of you know, Cooper could LIVE in pajamas. He's got more pairs than a any child needs, but everyone knows he likes them, so he gets a lot as gifts. Cooper would wear pajamas all day, everyday, if I let him.

Last Saturday we celebrated his birthday. He wanted to wear pajamas. I said, "No, not for your party. How about we bring in your tote (with all the clothes that are either out of season or too big) and see if we can find something "new" for you to wear for your party?"

He agreed, but there he found LOTS of jammies. Believe me, he tried on nearly every pair in the 30 GALLON tote! One pair was actually size 4T, which I didn't realize were still in there. When he finally agreed on an outfit (which happens to be about the only other thing he'll wear besides pajamas-not something new at all), he said, "But, can I PLEASE wear jammies UNDER my clothes!?" I agreed to it. WHATEVER:)

After the birthday party, we were going to see Santa, and so when we got ready to head downtown, we were asking Cooper what he would tell Santa he wanted for Christmas. Jolene piped up and said, "Santa doesn't bring anything to kids wearing jammies!"

Cooper turned around so fast and said, "I WON'T TELL HIM!!"

That night at bedtime, I was asking Cooper about his conversation with Santa, and he said he asked for Hot Wheels cars. I asked him if Santa asked if he was naughty or nice. He said no. Then quickly said, "I didn't tell him I was wearing jammies!!"

Bedtime

Bedtime routine is sometimes hairy at our house. With the boys sharing a room, I still haven't nailed down the ideal scenario. I can't decide if putting them to bed at the same time is better or not. Sometimes Carver waits up-I think he falls asleep better when "brother" is in there. But sometimes, they just play then for up to an hour. Other times, he's sound asleep by the time Cooper comes in, and obviously this is perfect.

Last night, Carver waited up. I didn't realize this, so Cooper & I tiptoed in and by the time I got done praying with Cooper and tucking him in, I turned around and Carver was jumping up and down in his crib! I RE-tucked him in and told the boys "No talking!"

I hollared at them a few times through the door throughout the next half hour when I could here them singing, giggling, and jumping. It takes quite a bit for me to get mad...I usually just tell them to stop talking and tell them goodnight and I love you again.

Rob and I were listening through the wall when all of a sudden we heard a bang (like something hit the wall). He got up (Mr. Tough Guy) and went in there. I heard him say "Who did that?" Cooper said "Carver did it!" Rob said, "Carver, did you hit the wall?" Carver responds, "Cooper did it!" The next thing I hear is all three of them burst out laughing! Rob couldn't even contain himself. (I knew sending him in there was the wrong idea-he ends up playing or laughing with them every time!) He got as serious as possible, and told the boys again to go to bed. By the time he got out of their room, he bust out laughing again...he just said the boys' reactions were priceless!! (I bet it was another 20 minutes at least before they were both finally quiet!

Older, bigger, bossier...

It depends on the day at our house, but quite frequently there are comparisons, about who is older, bigger, bossier, etc.

Last night after Carver barked some orders, Cooper clarified, "YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS CARVER! MOMMY IS THE BOSS OF US AND I'M THE BOSS OF YOU!!"

Carver was quick to respond, "BOSS-Y!"

I just laugh and shake my head...

Just following a conversation with someone about how Cooper seems overly "mouthy" lately, he walks up behind me in the kitchen with his new flashlight and says, "I'M GONNA SHINE THIS IN YOUR EYES IF YOU DON'T GIVE ME A COOKIE!"

It caught me so off guard. I just laughed hysterically.