(Written Saturday)
Today I was struck with the-Oh my goodness it's almost fall feeling. There has been a scrumptious pumpkin pie candle filling the air with a sweet home baked aroma. The candle may be to blame for all the overwhelming thoughts of holiday crafts, Indian corn, trying out new recipes for sweet treats, and the tender sound of leaves crunching under my toddler's feet.
I'm anxious for the season to start, looking forward to sharing the traditions that come during the holiday season with my little guy-and starting a few new traditions of our own.
Here's a little somethin' somethin' from Labor Day weekend:
Coop's eyes amaze me sometimes..
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This morning someone decided to wake up before the sun once again, just as he did last Saturday. So, Northridge Park is becoming our new weekend hang out spot. It's actually quite nice getting to see the beautiful sun slowly peek above the treetops.
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That hint of fall in the air I mentioned earlier-oh man did I feel it today. Although we have been reaching scorching temperatures lately, the late summer almost mid-fall breeze feels refreshing. It allows for the leaves to loosen and float gracefully to the ground. Once again feeding my fall addiction.
Here water fountain, have a "Cwaak-ugh"
Maybe it's all the trips to the park we've been making, but Coop has mastered using the "big kids" play set all on his own. It took every ounce of trust in me to face the fact that my son is now a toddler, one who doesn't need me for every little thing. With that being said, I let him run free to see what he would do alone in the playground. The trust I gave him allowed me to discover that he can not only climb to the top on his own, run across the bridge, and use the slide without a helping hand (even the big swirly one.)
Coop and I were lucky enough to have a surprise meet up with Joel at the park. Last night we got our first clear, intentional dad and daddy out of Coop. Let me tell you, that boy made his daddy's day.
There is a train that runs on the outskirts of town. Each time we see hear the first whistle Cooper jumps and shouts, "oooh ooh" then pants to imitate chug-a-chug-a-chug-a choo choo. Oh, my sweet boy loves him some trains..and cars..and anything else with a wheel on it. Yesterday he even hollered out a deafening vroom vroom at Hometown Buffet. A car passing by you might think? Nope, the kid was referring to the wheelchair and walker at the booth next to us. Gotta love him!
The Boy's watching the train go by...
Cooper just heard the train whistle blow and this is his reaction:
I guess it's a tad bit mushy, but I can't get over how amazing it is to be a parent. Everyday I'm blown away with how rewarding it is to see growth and development out of a little being who once fit in the cradle of my arm. God is so gracious to give me such a special gift. I would not change our story or experience for anything. Coop was born with a cleft, which left a scar, but everyday I look at that scar and remember what all we've been through together. My life is amazing.
Why buy toys when sticks are just as cool?
This is a face only a mother could love.
Should I take this as what Coop thinks of me? I'd like to think so. This is what he brought to me right before we left the park:
