Happy 30th Birthday- 2 years late!

With the 30th birthday posts going around about Heather and me I thought I would go back two years and revisit Karen's 30th birthday. Sorry Karen, but I had to, it's a good topic and none of us had blogs back then. While Karen was in Africa saving the world back in the summer of 2007, Heather & I got together with Kristen (Karen's sister) and starting planning a little party. So it wasn't a little party, more like 70 people party, that's still little.. right? It is Karen, how can you not love her? Between the three of us we were able to contact friends from high school, college, work, family, etc. Some of the highlights were her family from Bowling Green and two college roommates from Cincinnati and Columbus, OH. We booked the party room at Tuckers restaurant in New Albany and all was set. Now it was up to Kristen to get her there. The plan was for Kristen to take her out to eat for her birthday, story goes that Kristen told her they needed to stop by Tuckers to give something to a co-worker. I don't think it could have went down better, somehow it managed to stay a surprise, at least I think it did. Karen isn't a good liar, sorry but you aren't, and she looked genuinely surprised. It was an awesome night and it couldn't have happened to a better person. Karen, I hope this night showed you what a beautiful person you are. You're an awesome friend and I'm so blessed our path crossed the way they did 8 years ago, thank you for your friendship and for knowing me so well that a quiet morning out of the house is the best birthday present I could ever ask for, even if it did end up with a ride in a police car :)
The big moment... I think it took her a few minutes to sink in.

Opening gifts

Awww... aren't they sweet. Jonathon had guard this weekend and made a special trip back up here just to be with Karen and her friends.

Karen and her college roomies Carrie and Nora.

The birthday girl and two pregnant chicks.

Touch a Truck

Is it just me or does it take forever to upload pictures on here? Saturday morning we took Cooper to Touch a Truck at Clarksville's town hall. They also had a community yard sale but we were too busy climbing in cars and trucks. It was a good time, I'm pretty sure next year will be a blast, once he knows and really understands what is going on. Steve's parent's also met us over there so that was an added bonus for Cooper.
First stop... the fire truck. He didn't get in the boat but paused for a picture with Papaw.

By the time we made it over to the balloon they had already taken it down, so this was as close we got.

We don't want to get him in the habit of getting in police cars but I guess it is cute.

Buddy Bat was also there, Cooper was curious but only from a distance.

He wasn't a huge fan of the school bus, although he does think Papaw gets on the bus. We watch the kids down the street get on the school bus in the mornings and he thinks since Papaw goes to school (he subs for Clarksville) then Papaw is on the bus too.

This bridge was his favorite, he didn't want to get off.

We got another fire truck.

He also liked the UPS truck, I think because he had a lot of room to move and he liked the sound when he ran inside.

This was also a favorite, he liked blowing the horn.

Good times, good memories and good pictures.... what a great way to spend Saturday morning.

As a side note, I met Heather & Karen for lunch afterwards, Karen took Heather out for her 30th birthday and invited me to lunch since this happened before my lunch. Lucky for us, no car wrecks this time and we all enjoyed our birthday lunch. Thanks again Karen!!!

Doctor's Kit

The Doctor's Kit is now my new favorite must have toy. Cooper struggles each time we go to the doctor, he doesn't like people poking at him anyway but when it comes to check his ears, oh boy watch out. It doesn't help the fact that he has to have them checked all the time... well visits, sick visits, ENT follow up visit... it's exhausting each time I leave the office. At our last visit the pediatrician suggested we buy a doctor's kit so I got right on it. So far he has loved it, he plays with everyday and we take turns being the doctor. We look at his ears... Check his blood pressure and listen to his heart. It came with a few other things as well along with a pager that is too cute.

The real test came on Thursday... is this really helping? He had a fever on and off for 3 days so we took him in Thursday evening. He was an angel... he let the doctor listen to his chest, I held him and he just looked at her in the corner of his eye... like I've got my eye on you lady. Then came the ears, he sat on my lap and didn't fidget at all, he was great when she checked his throat and swabbed for strep. I was amazed. Good news as well, they didn't find anything wrong, ears look great and fever has went away. It must have been viral or maybe his teeth. But now I don't dread doctor visits.

I Don't Want to Forget

Bubbles are no longer bubbles, they are called pop pops.

Silly Boy

I was putting away some clothes in Cooper's closest and he just had to get out his Bouncy Seat, the one has hasn't used in over a year. I couldn't resist a photo op, too bad I couldn't grab the video camera. After I got him out he kept climbing back in and tried to strap himself in.

Fun Filled Saturday

We had a fun filled Saturday around here. It started off with a road trip, okay really it was only to the zoo but when you see the pics it seems like a road trip. Tracey, Gretchen and myself along with our kids all rode in Tracey's van and then met up with Jill and her two kids. That is three adults, four kids, three strollers and enough packed lunches to feed all of us. Tracey & Gretchen sat up front followed by Levi & Pierce in the middle.... Then me, Cooper & Hope in the back. I barely fit!

The weather was awesome, I was a little cold at first. We had a few sprinkles but nothing major, the crowds were low too, probably because of the fair. After the zoo we all headed home for nap time, but Tracey and I had to wake our kids up at 4:15... 3 hours naps are my favorite. Then it was time for girls night. We started off at Puerto Vallarta (spelling??) for dinner, it was also Jill's birthday but we didn't make her wear the sombrero. Next was a movie, Post Grad, it had some cute laugh out loud moment then we ended the night at the Pie Kitchen. Good Times, already looking forward to October.

This is the only other picture I took of the day. It was of the warthog at the zoo, funny story here. A couple of weeks ago Steve found a groundhog in our backyard. He told some people at work about it and this guy goes home and tells his wife we had a warthog in our yard. A day or two later he clears it up and tells his wife, not it was just a groundhog, they look them both up on the computer and realize, yeah that makes a little more sense. Can you imagine finding this thing in our backyard?

Proud Moment

Cooper & I just got back from the bank where he got a sucker. I should have waited to give him his sucker once we got home cause I knew I had to take it away from him in the car so he wouldn't choke himself but of course silly me went ahead and gave it to him in the bank. So of course he started crying as soon as I took it away. I tried to explain once we get home you can have it back but you can't whine about it. Guess what... he didn't whine and as soon as we pulled in the driveway he asked for his sucker. I could cry right now.... he listened!!!! I'm so proud!

Visit with Allie

Yesterday Cooper & I headed out to visit my friend Sharon and her daughter Allie. I don't really know why we don't get together more often, Sharon lives in Georgetown but really isn't that far. We had a good time catching up and watching the kids play. Although we aren't as close as we once were in college, once we do get together it's like nothing has changed. Cooper is exactly 10 months older than Allie which now makes Allie older than Cooper was when she was born, does that make sense? It just seems like yesterday and it's hard to believe she has gotten so big. She was walking all over the place yesterday, Sharon said it was just this week she started taking a few steps, I think she walked the whole living room a few times. I'm sure next month when she has her birthday party she will be a full blown walker. I think Cooper had fun because he is usually the youngest and smallest kid when we have play dates so he got to be the big boy this time. I like to joke that she is his girlfriend, they both have amazing blue eyes... can you imagine the grand kids? Okay, I'm getting way ahead of myself here. Here are some pictures from the day, thanks for having us over and feeding us. Can't wait to see you guys next month. LOVE YOU!!!
Isn't he handsome?
See, I told you they were destined, they are already holding hands. It was too cute, Allie let me hold her so Cooper went and grabbed Sharon's hand to take her somewhere. Where, I don't know since he doesn't know his way around her house, it's just something he does.

He is trying to give her either a hug or kiss here.

And here they are playing... they make a cute couple!

Good Time with Good Friends

This evening we gathered at the Reid's house with Bushes. It was a good time with food friends and of course good food. The kids played and the adults chatted, the men watched Man vs Wild and we all watched a little preseason football. I LOVE FOOTBALL SEASON!!!! 4-more weeks. Okay, back to the story. Eric grilled out chicken and hot dogs and we had corn on the cob, mac and cheese, pasta salad, chips, and of course brownies. We tried to play outside with with the kids, but boy it was hot out there. Even the baby pool water was hot. Thanks to the Reids for having us over and letting us mess up your house. We love you guys!!!
Levi, Hope and Cooper in the baby pool. Of course just like at home in the bathtub, my son will not sit down. It's probably been at least 4 months since he has sat down in the tub.
These two need to get a room.

Hope was having a good time with Steve.

Eric and Levi having a cute father/son moment.

Cooper was in the playroom being quiet, Gretchen looked in and he had taken all the books off the shelf... does he think he is at home?

Then he was trying to dump over the big bucket.

So I just realized the only picture I have of Pierce is the one with the books, sorry buddy! And Tracey wouldn't let me take hers... but they were both there. Maybe next time.

Too cute to pass up

Just a few shots before I put Cooper to bed tonight.

Adventures with Mamaw & Papaw

I hosted Bunco at my house this past Tuesday and rather try and keep Cooper out late we decided he could spend the night at Steve's parents house. I think it is his 4th time and each time has done great, so I had no reason to worry, right? Well it was going on 9:00 and we hadn't heard from them yet, they always call to let us know he did okay going to sleep. A few minutes later I get a phone call and it's Steve mom, Cooper will not go to sleep, every time they try and put him in the pack n' play he screams. The first time they let him cry for a while and each time they put him back down he was half asleep but woke right up screaming. At this time I'm ready to go get him, but Steve encourages them to try again. He has probably only slept in the pack n play a total of about 5 times so I can see why he won't do it. They call back about 10 minutes and later and same story, but this time she laid him in her bed and he is fast sleep. Cooper has NEVER slept in our bed so I can't imagine he will do this all night. Sometimes he will wake up early, 5:30/6:00 call out a few times and go back to sleep. I think if he is in bed with someone and wakes up that early then he will think it's play time. So Steve tells them to try again, I of course want to go pick him up. They call back 10 minutes later and same thing, fast asleep until the pack n' play and he woke up screaming. He is now back asleep in her bed again. She lets us know it's okay, she will sleep with him and it's no use coming to get him when he will wake back up. By this time my stomach is in knots, it takes me until about 11:00 to calm down. They call the next morning and he did great, woke up at 5:00 gave her a kiss and went back to sleep till 10 till 7:00. I got up early and was there before 8:00 to pick him up. I have to admit it was pretty darn cute seeing him in his pajamas greeting me at the door. I tried to pack the car up but he got scared and started clinging to me crying for me not to leave. This never happens when Mamaw & Papaw are around, so that makes me feel like he missed me just a little. We have never been out of town with him and we want to go to the Children's Museum in Indy for his birthday, so I'm already planning on him sleeping in the bed with us. I have to admit I think I'm looking forward to that.

Movie Night

We had our first ever movie night last night. I was so excited, nothing sounded better than laying on the floor with pillows and blankets and my two favorite people. I asked Cooper earlier in the day if he wanted to watch a movie about cars or fish and he made his fish face so Finding Nemo it was. It went pretty well during snacks then once they were gone Cooper wasn't interested any longer. I took out Nemo and put in Curious George and it was all better. I guess I learned movie night has to be cartoon night for a while. It was still fun, usually when we put on cartoons it's so we can get lunch or dinner made so it was nice to all relax together. He got a little wound up afterward, once I put him to bed I heard him talking to himself for almost 20 minutes. It's so fun to listen... momma, da-da, papaw, momma, scott.... the list goes on and on.
Cooper and Steve reading books while I prepared the snacks. The menu.... soft pretzels and cheese.

Me and Cooper enjoying some snacks... and Nemo.

Cooper actually interested in Nemo for a few minutes.

Look at that cheese.... he's my sweetie!

Homemade Play Dough

Things have been a little boring around here lately so I decided to spice things up a bit and make some homemade play dough. I though that Cooper would try and eat it anyway so why not make it eddible. Not so sure it was a great idea, yes it was eddible, but it was also very rich and sweet. Maybe regular play dough wouldn't have tasted so good. It was still fun and will work great in about 6 months or so.

Ingredients: 1 cup of dry milk, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of honey.
Mix it all together and play away.

Cooper was more interested in whatever was on the television.

Tasting the playdough... it was too sweet, even for me.

Here is the finished product.