Real Love

Not like it's a rare occasion, but I'm having trouble sleeping tonight. I can't help but think how fast the year has gone by. Just this month I came to the realization that my baby will be turning two in just four months. Truthfully, it saddens me to know that the last bit of baby-hood stage is close to its demise. I've been looking back at old photos and I can vividly remember every feeling and emotion. It was hard being a first time mom to a cleft baby, some days it was downright exhausting. But really,  when I think about having another child I don't have fear. I pray at night letting God know that if he hands me another cleft baby, I can handle it. In fact I'd almost be satisfied with it knowing the bond I developed with Cooper through our whole experience. It's all I know. Of course I would love another child regardless if he/she had special needs or was considered perfectly intact. I'm just so thankful for the humbling experience. I never thought I could love my child so immensely, but each day seeing him grow into a little kid is so gratifying.  Here's a poem I came across on my BabyCenter board that really struck a chord in me:

Special child 

You weren’t like other children,

And God was well aware,

You’d need a caring family,

With love enough to share.

... And so He sent you to us,

And much to our surprise,

You haven’t been a challenge,

But a blessing in disguise.

Your winning smiles and laughter,

The pleasures you impart,

Far outweigh your special needs,

And melt the coldest heart.

We’re proud that we’ve been chosen,

To help you learn and grow,

The joy that you have brought us,

Is more than you can know.

A precious gift from Heaven,

A treasure from above,

A child who’s taught us many things,

But most of all- “Real Love"

So true!

Okay, they may be cousins but this is too cute!

The past few weeks Cooper has become such a chatter-box and overall just a funny character to be around. He's continuing  the tradition of,  "I love you thiiiis much!" This is where we spread our arms as far as we can and hit the wall on "accident" then say "Ow!" He thinks it is hilarious, as did I when I was little, as well as my mother when she was little.

Spiderman beanie Joel's Aunt made for Coop 

Over Christmas, Cooper acquired a gazillion matchbox cars. (Literally, a gazillion.) He is also a proud owner to not one but two drumsets, a train table, a Cozy Coupe, and of course a remote control car.

After putting Coop down tonight, I sat on the couch, flipped on the tv and said to Joel, "I miss him already." Crazy I know. Normally I put him down and consider it mommy time. Tonight though I think he knew I missed him, because an hour after I put him down he woke up crying my name. Let me tell you, this never happens. The boy likes his sleep, so waking up during the night is extremely rare. By the time I got to him he was fast asleep. I got to spy on my sleeping boy. Once again, never happens. That is until Joel came in and woke him. Then it was mommy to the rescue! Coop knows me well and I think he just knew I needed one last dose of lovins' before bed. 

It's hard watching Cooper grow out of his baby-hood, but I know there's so much brightness in our future. So many things to look forward to; maybe even a sibling or two. Who knows? This phase has passed and all I can do is look back on the last couple years and love all that we've been through. Good and bad.

Surprise! I have another cousin kissing picture. Good blackmail for when they are teenagers. Muah ha ha. Happy New Year Everyone!

♥ Grew Three Sizes That Day

Wow is this month flying by?! Of course, it is to be expected with all the Christmas parties and special events, and shopping. Oh the shopping..We kicked off this month with a stroll in Downtown. This was the first I've been to and really it was quite exciting.  Before I had Cooper, I worked as an instructor to disabled adults for two years in  a facility Downtown so it was a treat to go and visit some old coworkers and show off my little man. I'm sure they enjoyed the surprise since I haven't been in contact with them since Coop was a few months old.

I was blown away with how many people came out for this event. The streets were packed nearly shoulder to shoulder and the whimsical sound of Christmas music was played by local bands on three stages throughout the streets. Cooper loved looking at all the displays and the tree cutting booth in particular. (They had candy canes and balloons/) 

Although past his bedtime, Cooper was donned in a festive sleeper and snuggled up tight with his blanket soaking up every ounce of holiday cheer.

This is what I love soaking up. My boys and their love for one another.

Who knew a kid really could bring so much happiness into one's life? Sometimes I feel like The Grinch, like I can literally feel my heart grow 3 sizes some days.

Here Cooper mutilated a beautiful Christmas tree sugar cookie we made, then decided to give his "twin" a big 'ol  sweet smooch.

I have to share some pics of Joel and his siblings. 8 Years we've been together and I can't say I've ever seen pictures of just the kids. So, with the joy I have in taking photos I promptly managed to get everyone together to make a timeless gift for Joel's parents for Christmas. I hope they enjoy!

Michael, Erica, and Joel

Erica's son Aaron Jr. and Coop

That's all for tonight but I'll be back soon for some Cooper updates. 20 month stats to come!

This Season's Even Greater with a Child!

So lately I've caught the holiday bug. I'm sitting here listening to Pandora, Christmas Style.  I've always enjoyed the holidays, but man, it is so much better with a special someone to share them with. It's a way to relive my childhood. I get to be a child vicariously through Cooper. This is all new to him. A clean slate if you will. I can't explain what an awesome feeling it is to know that I hold the keys to my child's imagination of future Christmas'. I can instill that wholesome Christmas spirit for him to look forward to each year; Dreaming  of Santa on the rooftop, and half-eaten cookies and milk sitting by the fireplace. The sky's the limit really.

Thanksgiving Decor

Just some of the yummy appetizers

Grandpa Mike and Cousin Aaron

Attempt to get a family pic before saying grace...I think we're missing a few...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not only focusing on the imaginary side of Christmas, I want him to know the whole story of our Lord. I want him to know how our Savior was born, and would one day save us for our sins. I grew up kinda knowing the story...but really, it was just a story at that time. Coop will know better, and hopefully have a much greater respect than I did.

Grandpa Derek

I  tend to get really mushy around the holidays, maybe it's all the sappy Christmas movies or family gatherings.   Christmas wasn't always the happiest time for me in the past, but in the last few years it's kind of grown on me. Not only is it new for my son, it's also kind of new for me. I have my own family to create new traditions and that somehow seems to heal all the wounds. So, Thank You Cooper James.

Oh boy, little man is sure learning how to obey with the Christmas tree set up. There's a whole new meaning to, "No honey, don't touch Momma's pretties."

This is one of the first ornaments Joel and I had together. We received it as a present from our apartment manager so many years ago. Thanks Jessica.

Yay, all the citrus is ready to eat! Coop and I have been feasting on mandarins and oranges freshly picked from our backyard :) So awesome!

Christmas books from my childhood. Coop now enjoys The Snowman Postman.

The greatest gift I've ever received! My handsome little man.

Seriously, I have to thank God for everything in my life. I now have that relationship that I've always dreamed of with Him. He's made all the happiness in my life and I couldn't be more grateful. Think about it, He gives the best presents ever.

Enjoying a beautiful Fall day at the park by our house. So glad cousin was able to make it. 

 

There are many action shots I have of these two throwing leaves up in the air. Seriously, it fills my heart with joy. Blurriness and all...

This was Kristen throwing a tantrum...she just needed a break from all the fun!

Happy Holidays Y'all!