Only 1 Month Until the Big 1!

I've wanted to be a little more attentive in keeping account of Cooper's monthly accomplishments, but have fallen short of that goal. Given my best effort, I decided I'll start a new beginning now.

• Cooper is now in the 14th percentile for weight, and 47th for height, 19.8 lbs & 29 inches
• He wears 6-9 month clothing. I can't wait until summer when it doesn't matter if his size makes his clothing high waters or not. Shorts will be a blessing!
• Recognition seems to be a breeze for our little one. He knows what "Num Nums" means, ball, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Dog, Cat, bye-bye, ni-night, clap, and ni-night.
• Wild is an understatement when it comes to describing Cooper's personality. He is rambunctious, loving, funny as all get out, and extremely curious. He likes to test his limits and truly has no fear. If we catch him doing something wrong he starts shaking his head and pointing his finger before we can even say "No!" If you need a dose of sass, Coop will surely meet your needs! Cooper is a Momma's boy 100%, I am used as a jungle gym the majority of the day and he always seeks comfort when he's not feeling his best. 
• Ever heard of a bottomless pit? Well, that describes eating habits...
• Never have I seen a baby dance as much as Cooper. He is a dancing machine! It'll be dead silent (I mean you could hear the crickets silent) and Coop will Drop it Like it's Hot.

Model Pose....

• We've got a cruiser on our hands, he can walk all around the house as long as there is something to hold on to. Standing alone is a recent activity Coop is finally achieving. Only if he doesn't realize he's actually standing by himself. He has to be distracted, or be holding something in his hands-pair of socks, remote, lovey.....

Cooper's Lovey Dog-Dog

• The wise words of Cooper: ( in dire need of translation) "Gog Gog" is Dog Dog, "Ka Ka" is Kitty Cat, "Baw" is Ball, and of course there's "Momma."

Coop's "Baw"

Sportin' the Napout Onsie

Anyway, we're scheduled for palate surgery next Tuesday, and are painstakingly wishing it could just be behind us already. If the previous hospital stay is any indication of how it play out this time, I'd just like to press fast forward at least a week...Please

I know he is in good hands, and God will watch over all of us during this agonizing time. Thoughts and prayers are always welcomed :) Next week I'll post with details of the surgery.  Thank you all for following our story.

Finally!! A picture of him standing!

..Flashlight Fun..

Cooper was entertaining Caster while I was making dinner. I heard his belly laugh, peeked around the corner, to find this:

Caster is deaf and doesn't notice the loud squeals being expelled from that cute little monster. Our dog is fascinated by shadows on the walls made by candle flicker, cars driving by, and any reflective object. He will chase laser lights for hours straight without stopping. We have a very unique dog to say the least, but we love him dearly. He was our first "baby."

Break-it-down!

Cooper doing his two most favorite things, dancing and playing on the wood stove. 

(There's a bungee cord to prevent the door from flying open.)

Special...

I'd like to take a moment to recognize my family and all they do for me. With Cooper's upcoming surgery on the 29th, my family decided to give me special "Lainie Days" throughout the month, since I'd be spending my birthday in recovery with my sweet boy. I really shouldn't of put it past them to do something so thoughtful. I just didn't expect all the thought that was put into each event. My itinerary for the month:

*First, a shopping trip with the mother and Coop man. I am so lucky to have a son that actually enjoys shopping. I'm sure he'll grow out of that soon enough though....

*Next, a trip to the hair salon for some much-needed primping. Then, a nice night out on the town for some well deserved adult time with great friends, good food, and drinks.

*I then will enjoy a girls day with a pleasant picnic at our beautiful local park, followed by some frozen yogurt, and a stroll through downtown. Accompanied by my sister-in-laws, my niece, and mother.

*Then games are added to the mix. I will be going bowling for the first time in YEARS while friends watch the kiddos.

*Finally, we'll have a marvelous family day at the zoo, gazing at exotic animals, striking landscaping,  and of course kid-watching for the babies. The babies seem to be absolutely fascinated by watching older children, it's like they are watching them with admiration of all the cool things the older kids are capable of.

With that, the end of the month will be concluded with a pretty heavy surgery, and weeks of recovery following. I can only express my gratitude by returning the love that is given to me, and being there for my family as much as they're always there for me. Thank you family, I love you all!

##### I will leave you with a couple pictures of my little troublemaker's mischief......

Cooper found the fire pokers.......soot and all.

Apparently Cooper thought this was quite a comfy bed, and chose to lay there for almost

 5 minutes just like this.